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leemac027's review against another edition
4.0
The amount of research Edward Rutherfurd does for his books never ceases to amaze. The fine detail that covers hundreds of years makes these books so absorbing.
This first book in the Dublin saga is no exception with the story starting back in AD430 and ending just as the Reformation is kicking in. It is fascinating to watch the stories of these clans unfold over the centuries and see the characteristics of these ancestors being carried through to those who follow them. The flashing green eyes, the urge to fight, the loyalty to clan and the fiery tempers come through, generation after generation.
We are taken on an intricate ride through the establishment of Dublin (or Dyflin and then Dubh Linn as it has been known) with the rivalries against the High Kings, the domination of Brian Boru and the ever present threat (and sometimes ally) of England.
I think I developed a connection to the Ui Fergasa clan and the troubles of Fergus - the patriarch of the clan and someone who influenced his family down the ages.
Not wanting to give away too much of the plot but it is fascinating to see the battles and intrigues between the O'Neills, O'Tooles, Doyles, MacGowans and the Walshes over time. Add the swinging moods of Henry VIII and things become very interesting indeed.
I also found out the origin of the old phrase "beyond the Pale" of which I had no idea! But no giveaways here, you will have to read the book, and highly recommended it is.
This first book in the Dublin saga is no exception with the story starting back in AD430 and ending just as the Reformation is kicking in. It is fascinating to watch the stories of these clans unfold over the centuries and see the characteristics of these ancestors being carried through to those who follow them. The flashing green eyes, the urge to fight, the loyalty to clan and the fiery tempers come through, generation after generation.
We are taken on an intricate ride through the establishment of Dublin (or Dyflin and then Dubh Linn as it has been known) with the rivalries against the High Kings, the domination of Brian Boru and the ever present threat (and sometimes ally) of England.
I think I developed a connection to the Ui Fergasa clan and the troubles of Fergus - the patriarch of the clan and someone who influenced his family down the ages.
Not wanting to give away too much of the plot but it is fascinating to see the battles and intrigues between the O'Neills, O'Tooles, Doyles, MacGowans and the Walshes over time. Add the swinging moods of Henry VIII and things become very interesting indeed.
I also found out the origin of the old phrase "beyond the Pale" of which I had no idea! But no giveaways here, you will have to read the book, and highly recommended it is.
thereclamationproject's review
4.0
as always, this book was entertaining through 75% but then it just gets too long and becomes tedious
samkjones's review
3.0
This book was solid. But I'd only recommend it if you want to learn about the history of Ireland without having to read a dry textbook. The Princes of Ireland certainly isn't dry, but it does lack in character and plot development like you would expect of an epic work of historical fiction. Rutherfurd covers over 1,100 years of Irish history, all of it new to me and incredibly fun and interesting. But just when I was finally getting into the characters and their stories, a chapter or section would end and he'd jump forward 20 or 100 years. I understand why Rutherfurd did it that way, but I didn't love it.
bawright1987's review against another edition
3.0
Although I did really enjoy this book, I had hoped I would like it more. What's not to love: history, historic Irish hotties roaming around the beautiful island. But I just couldn't get into it. I feel like maybe I just had too many things going on and I couldn't really sit down and focus on the book. I still plan on reading the second book, hopefully I'm a little more engaged.
socorrobaptista's review against another edition
3.0
Narrativa longa, que muitas vezes me deixou confusa. Adoro romances históricos, mas prefiro aqueles com foco em um determinado tempo. Este aqui perpassa por muitos séculos, e muitas gerações, é difícil de acompanhar. De qualquer forma, me fez aprender muito sobre a história da Irlanda.
bcgg's review against another edition
3.0
I was going to rate this higher but the amount of negative roles for women in this book, I found it difficult to read. The amount of research is very impressive though so I do recommend it.
ladyofthelake68's review
3.0
Overall, this was a good book, although a bit difficult. The book takes place over 1100 years. Each chapter follows a different generation and their struggles during the time of the druids, the vikings, Irish high Kings and the English take-over. The book ends during the reign of King Henry VIII and the Catholic Irish forced to comply with the Protestant church. Because of this layout, there are a couple of chapters that I did not enjoy, and some that took me forever to read.
There are a few parts of the book that made me a bit uncomfortable. I hated how all the women (at least for the first few chapters) were portrayed as seductresses and all of the men were easily seduced. Most of the women were not very intelligent either. Perhaps this is okay though. Most of the characters felt like real people and were not the perfect versions that I thought they should be. People make mistakes, such is life. Nobody is perfect. I did like how each generation had similar elements to the last, but they were still different people with different goals and values.
The book is fictitious although there are some parts that are based on history. It is not for everyone, but I am personally glad I read it.
There are a few parts of the book that made me a bit uncomfortable. I hated how all the women (at least for the first few chapters) were portrayed as seductresses and all of the men were easily seduced. Most of the women were not very intelligent either. Perhaps this is okay though. Most of the characters felt like real people and were not the perfect versions that I thought they should be. People make mistakes, such is life. Nobody is perfect. I did like how each generation had similar elements to the last, but they were still different people with different goals and values.
The book is fictitious although there are some parts that are based on history. It is not for everyone, but I am personally glad I read it.
melanna's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A saga is right. Lots of research went into this one. Which I always appreciate about Rutherford’s books. Some parts were more captivating than others. And I had a bit of a hard time following some parts. It was good to learn about my history!