Morrigan's Brood

Morrigan's Brood #1

by Heather Poinsett Dunbar, Christopher Dunbar, Khanada Taylor (Artist)

Eire is invaded by a race of blood-drinkers seeking an artifact they believe will restore them to power. Yet the Deargh Du, the protectors of Eire, are not prepared to defend the island. Only with the help of a Roman general from an earlier time can they hope to rise up against the invaders.

Genres: Fantasy, Vampires, Paranormal, Historical Fiction, Historical Fantasy, Science Fiction Fantasy, Irish Literature

336 pages, Paperback

First published December 21, 2009

Reviews

[Lisa Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a rousing start to a promising series of books.If you love vampires, and ancient history, this is the series for you.

Morrigan's Brood gives is a combination of the Celtic and the Greek vampires lines in the World Chris and Heather Dunbar has created.

The History and texture of the ancient worlds combined with Vampire mythology gives you a rich tapestry of characters, conflicts and characters that make you want to know more.

I can't wait for Crone of War, to see the next leg of the Character's journey.....

[Stephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marcus and Mandubratius are foes that are now immortal blood drinkers from two different lines. They both seek an artifact, that in the wrong hands, can tip the power scales to favor the more villainous. Marcus is a former Roman soldier who you could come to respect and Mandubratius is a Briton you'd come to loath. This book takes place in the time frame of hundreds of years. There are a lot of new people and mystical beings introduced along the way and I did find myself getting confused as to who was who and how they were relevant to the story. There is a lot happening and the story is told by many people and I found it to be overwhelming at times. The story felt a bit scattered at first but about halfway through the book was when I felt things started to come together and take off. Morrigan's Brood is definitely more of an adventure and is not a quick read. You can tell a lot of time and research went into making this book. Everything is very detailed. From the names and places right down to how the clothing is described and the food they eat. I really loved all the history and mythology involved and look forward to the next installment.

~Stephanie G

[Janet Blowers · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very exciting first chapter leads me to believe this will eventually be a great series. I will definately keep reading as they come out because the story really started picking up towards the end. It was a little slow thru the next few chapters when then spend a great deal of time on historical references and two mens lives in and around ancient Roman/Ceasar battles. However, all of the history of these two mens lives and battles are important to the plot and it is worth getting thru. I loved their accuarte knowledge of Druids! A good read all in all. Vampire lovers and history buffs alike will enjoy this one.

[Cathi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. Morrigan's Brood is about vampires. That word is actually never used--they're called blood drinkers. I enjoyed the story; it's different from other vampire books. There are several "lines" or families of blood drinkers, each started by a god or goddess. They each have different talents and weaknesses and they don't get along with each other.
The story starts at the time of Julius Caesar and spans over 500 years. Many of the centuries are skipped over completely. Although I did enjoy the story I didn't like the way it was written. I found it complex and confusing. Even with a glossary in the book I found it difficult to pronounce most of the names, which made the read difficult. Perhaps a reader more intelligent than I would not have the problems I did. Morrigan's Brood is the first of a series. Although I'm not sorry I read the book I don't really want to read the others.

[Alecia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recieved this book through the goodreads giveaway, my first one actually. Im going to keep my review short so i dont give away any spoilers. My first thought, with all of the introductions to the maps, characters, gods and goddesses, blood lines it reminded me of the depth a Tolkien novel would have.  Well written and extensive research done to bring a true depth to the story and characters. Amazing detail bring the cultures to life.  By the time I got  fourth chapter I began to wonder of the blood drinkers were going to make an appearance. I really like that the vampires are not the entire focus of the plot, while an integral factor in the story they are not the entire story-as some of the more common books out there today. It is a slow book, maybe better phrased a whole lot of story is covered, which made it a tad difficult to read but well worth the time. While I did enjoy it I have a feeling it would be better for someone into the fantasy style of say salvatore?

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The detail taken to lend the story a historically accurate feel gives credence to an otherwise fantastical tale of blood-drinkers from so many different cultures clashing over land and a lost prize. The characters are thoroughly enjoyable even when being ambitious and self-serving! A very enjoyable read.

[Zachary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recieved these book when i won Book 3 in a good reads contest. I have to say i really enjoyed this book and the story line. It is not like most blood drinking books. I also enjoy the history that weaved into it.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that you need to be prepared to sink your teeth into...Morrigan's Brood combines elements of dark fantasy, historical fiction, and vampire lore to tell a story of lines of blood-drinkers in mid 6th century Europe. On the first page inside the cover I noticed maps with keys. I like this as I can go back and refer to when needed as I'm reading. A reference like that is valuable for engaging me so I made note that I would be using those. The next page was a description of each of the lines of blood drinkers that would be within Morrigan's Brood. I read through each one noticing traits and powers. Then I read back over them wondering which one I thought would be the most advantageous to be a member of?...so within the first two pages I am engaged. Add Celtic myth that the book uses and I am further intrigued since I can trace my own family back to the 1200's to Gloucester, Glouchestershire. The book starts off fast with lots of action. A great play between 2 main characters, Marcus and Mandubratius sets the stage for events in later chapters. Epic battles are fought at land, sea and beach head with page turning subplots and counter attacks folded within each event. I like how the book is written in short scenes, which move quickly. There was no shortage of things to dig into and make note of as new characters and places were introduced and developed. As this occurs there are a few shocks that I didn't see coming but of course kept me turning pages wondering what would happen next. One of the characters I enjoyed that was introduced later in the book was Berti. He and Marcus make a good team and I enjoyed the way Berti's character handles himself being a mortal in the company of immortals. I won't say anymore than that but I enjoyed his character. Lots of action on through to the end where I was left wondering what the next book in the series will hold as the different immortal lines encounter each other where some would tip the scales and others would maintain the balance. Book 1 took less than 3 evenings to read...Can't wait to read book 2.

[Donna Parker · Rating 3 out of 5]

One consumes books for various reasons: pleasure, escape, knowledge, wisdom, laughter, fun, curiousity, distraction, hope, beauty, time-fillers, etc. I had difficulty figuring out which one this book was. I should have loved it. The whole supernatural element and such should have made it escapism and pleasure. I liked it, but I found it a trudging read at times and the characters lacked dimension, they stubbornly refused me entrance into their heads. I was pleased to have won this book from the Goodreads First Reads Program, but it had a hit and miss feel. Maybe the next book will open up a bit and let me in.

[Georgiann Hennelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about blood drinkers or Vampires from two different family lines. They each seek an artifact, that if in the wrong hands can tip the power scales to the more evil one,s. There are a lot of mystical beings and God's, Goddesses introduced along the way. The story starts in Julius Cesars time and spans 500 years. In the beginning of the book there are maps and a character guide which made it easier for me to follow along. I truly enjoyed the book.

[Jacqui · Rating 2 out of 5]

found it hard to get into as the first few chapters have lots of info some male readers would find interesting battles etc. the rest of the book was very god strong characters and the sequel is at the top of my to be read pile. But first grandchild born on 25th Nov and Christmas festivites means very little time for reading.

[M.R. Graham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A treasure-trove of heavy research infused with magic and myth. Written in a slightly more formal register than I usually like, but well done.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Neat concept but starts really slow. Gets much better at the end

[Christopher Dunbar]

Greetings Goodreaders!

I am Christopher Dunbar, one of the co-authors of Morrigan's Brood, and I wanted to provide a brief introduction to the first book in the Morrigan's Brood series.

The Morrigan's Brood Series

The Morrigan's Brood series combines elements of dark fantasy, historical fiction, and vampire lore to tell a story of lines of blood-drinkers, each derived from the gods and goddesses of cultures the world over, vying for control in the ancient world, influencing how history unfolds from the shadows.

Two books of the series have been released and are on Goodreads, but as a special treat, we have added some content from the next three novels in the series. We are also currently writing two more installments in the series. To view the first five novels of the series, click here or click on a cover below.


The book, Morrigan's Brood

The first novel begins the journey of the Deargh Du, a race of blood-drinkers derived from the Irish goddess Morrigan, with their creation during the Milesian's attempt to take Eire (Ireland) from the Tuatha De Dannan. Later in history, the Deargh Du must defend Eire from the Lamia, a Greco-Roman race of blood drinkers, who seek a long-lost artifact they believe will restore the might of Rome.

In the midst of this conflict among races of blood drinkers, Mandubratius, the self-proclaimed Chieftain of the Trinovantae, convinces Gaius Julius Caesar to invade Briton and help Mandubratius take the Chieftainship from his uncle in exchange for tin mining rights. Accompanying Caesar is general Marcus Galerius Primus Helveticus, the Praetor of Rome, who finds an instant dislike of their ally, Mandubratius. Both Marcus and Mandubratius soon become caught up in this conflict between blood-drinkers, which will continue for the next 600 years.

Conclusion

I would say that Morrigan's Brood is a character-driven adventure story set in a specific time and place in our history with the fantastical and mythological thrown in. It is not a classical vampire tale... the fact that these beings consume the life essences of mortals is only one aspect of these characters. We have striven to write a different kind of vampire tale that looks beyond what these characters are to instead highlight who they are, aside from being drinkers of blood.

I hope you have enjoyed this introduction, and that you will also find enjoyment in the free reads and other content about these books. If you decide to read any books of the Morrigan's Brood series, I would encourage you to post your thoughts about the work, good or bad. Thank you for sharing an interest in our works!

Cheers!

Christopher Dunbar

[Bianca Hofmann]

Reading this book was an exercise in patience. There was potential for depth, as shown in the research and sheer extent of the blood-drinking communities. It also held moments of comedic talent, and this was mostly what kept me holding on.

However, it also suffered from one-dimensional, emotionless characters, and Maél Muire had to be the worst culprit for this. We seem to be told to like this character for her compassion and 21st century open-mindedness over and over but she is just. so. boring.

I would gladly read a book just about Morrigan or Mandubratius or Berti or Mac Alpin (who has to be one of the best comedic characters I've come across - I would read the hell out of the adventures of Mac Alpin and his loyal servant Edward/Edwina/Edmund!) but Maél Mure was nothing more than a talking plot device.

There was even one scene where (and warning, spoilerish paraphrasing ahead) several characters had a conversation about another character's death. It went along the lines of:
"my son is dead."
"I am sorry. How did he die?"
"He was murdered. But the details were not important. You were betrothed. Did you kill him?"
"No, I did not."
"I believe you."

Sigh. At least there was no hissing in that scene.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have some mixed feelings about this. In some ways it was really great with complex characters and packed with historical nuances. There were of course some paranormal aspects but they blended almost seamlessly into the historical part of the book. I loved the idea of this book and loved the creative mixture of vampires and ancient history. But the flip side is this was fairly dry and in some parts a little boring. It shuffled between a huge host of characters that I at times had think where to place them. The other downfall of this book is even by the end I'm not sure I really liked any of these characters. For the first part of the book I wasn't even sure which character I was suppose to be rooting for and was hoping they would actually kill each other off.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slow to start, but a quarter of the way in BANG!
I loved this book, all of the vampire races made the story really unique and interesting.
I loved the contrast between Mandubratius and Marcus and the intertwining characters that i can't wait to lean more about.
I can't wait to start the next one!!!

[LM]

I'm excited to read these books! I love Fantasy books, especially when they have vampires in them! :) Just waiting for my copies to arrive in the mail!

[Csimplot Simplot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!

['stina]

Bought from author at Comicpalooza on June 25, 2013