A Storm Upon Ulster

It was a different tale of The Hound, Cuculain, that first piqued my interest in the ancient legends of Ireland, but this version is very satisfying as well. The main characters, Cuculain, Fervus, and Maeve are more complex than one might expect for legends. Even Calatin, if his final speech is to be believed, has more depth to him than simply a lust for power.

My late mother-in-law was born in ireland and her hometown, Dundalk, is where Cuculain was said to have lived. My first visit to that area was magical, as I was able to visit places that were associated with these ancient tales of queens and hereoes. Books like this hold a special interest for me, and A Storm Upon Ulster did not disappoint.

I noted this as a flat retelling of "the Cattle Raid At Cooley". Well, Mr. Flint seems to have less of a narrative style than many of his countrymen. The story's here, but those who died deserve a better version.

Culeulain vs. Queen Maeave, her druid's view of non-heroic Ireland