This is the last book of the a series. Lawhead has the ability to weave together a series, yet at the same time a reader can step into a series like this and still have an interesting read. I will have to read the other two books to get the full impact of the series, but a solid stand alone book.

Lawhead always takes us on a journey of discovery with his characters. Conor will do anything to save as many people as he can even when everything is against him he never gives up. The story is full of twists & turns. We see through their eyes their struggles & triumphs and we go along on a wonderful journey of discovery. A great end to the series. I was lucky enough to receive a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Conor mac Ardan is now clan chief of the Darini.

Tara's Hill has become a haven and refuge for all those who were made homeless by the barbarian Sc�lda.

A large fleet of the Sc�lda's Black Ships has now arrived and Conor joins Eirlandia's lords to defeat the monsters. He finds treachery in their midst...and a betrayal that is blood deep.

And so begins a final battle to win the soul of a nation.

This is the third book in the Eirlandia Series and while I have not read the first 2 books, my husband has. He filled me in on the details, so here we go.

Lawhead writes with descriptive imagery and such vivid details that sometimes it's hard to remember other books exist. I highly recommend that if you read it, you should read via Audiobook. It will immerse you into the story even more. If you are a lover of other Lawhead books, you will see connections to the other worlds he has created.

The thrilling conclusion to the Eirlandia trilogy we find Conor and his friends still striving for respect among the tribes of Eirlandia. The book begins with some of Conor's unsavory rivals accusing him of taking Tara hill and using it to establish his own Warband and kingship in an illegal gathering unsanctioned by the Brehon, the Druids who have ultimate authority over Eirlandia. Conor's brother is notified and arrives in time to straighten out the matter correctly and punish the perpetrators accordingly. On the way home Conor is met by one of the fairy kings with a proposition that he refuses but that brings to light some of the undercurrents going on in Eirlandia. The barbarian Scalda continue to attack, killing and burning villages as they move further into the land. Conor and the other kings must come together if they are to beat back the invaders. Can they overcome their differences for the good of all?
This is a very enjoyable series with excellent world-building and characterizations. The author involves to reader to the point that you are invested in the outcome for these characters.

First, you should know that this book does not stand alone. It is essential to the understanding of the story that you read books 1 and 2.

Stephen Lawhead is a well established author with a large collection of historical fiction works set in the ancient isles of Britain. He has also written fantasy and science fiction. This series incorporates the mythology of fantasy, drawing upon historical belief systems, and the realities of life in ancient Ireland. I personally think that the most challenging aspect of this book series was incorporating actual characters that were fairies and ancients gods/goddesses into the reality of a historically envisioned tale. I love fantasy, but this book often seemed to blur the lines between fantasy and history. Taking the entire tale as ancient myth and a certain way of seeing the world is what made it work for me.

As to the historical setting, the druids are perhaps a bit less dark in character in these novels than history informs us, but clan life and the war against the invaders was portrayed with all the violent historical aspects of reality.

The characters were well developed and their motivations believable. The books were complex, descriptive and difficult to put down. The bonds of friendship, the curiosity of seeking out truth and the honor of doing what is best for the sake of others are all strong themes within the work. I enjoyed the series from start to finish.

There was, however, a concluding section that I wish had been left out. Once the story is complete the author skips forward to St. Patrick and the coming of Christianity. What follows is a rather complicated pronouncement of prophesies. In reflecting upon this section it is clear that the author, through Patrick, is trying to explain that the Ireland that came before Christianity was part of the shaping of the people and that all that has brought us to the present moment can be honored as part of the greater story. And yet, I mentioned the lines between history and fantasy in this series seemed to blur at times. And Christianity is reality. The salvation of Jesus Christ isn’t built upon myths of the past. (Not to say that there isn’t some truth in mythology, you can read C.S. Lewis for more on that topic, but that the gospel is an entirely different way of seeing the world. It requires the re-ordering of our belief systems.) So I found this passage incongruous to the story as a whole and I wish the book would have ended without trying to justify the story within the context of Christianity.

That said, it is still an excellent story for lovers of history and fantasy alike.

After a somewhat lackluster 2nd book in the trilogy (I hadn't read the first), this title was much more satisfying. The ending was somewhat predictable, but the journey to get there was enjoyable. The connection with St. Patrick introduced at the end seemed tacked on; perhaps it would have made more sense if I'd read the first book. Primarily recommended for Lawhead fans, it will also appeal to fans of Celtic mythology.

It has been some years since I read a Stephen Lawhead novel., so I was excited to receive a free e-ARC to read this one (thanks Netgalley). Since this is the third book in a series, I read (skimmed) the first two for context. That turned out to be absolutely necessary. Standing alone, this book would probably leave the reader quite confused.

While I certainly enjoyed the story (mostly) and was curious about how the series ended, some of the battle descriptions were just too dense for me. I also found one of the big crises solved in this book to be a little odd/overblown (trying not to spoil too much). Finally, some of the ending seemed a little unnecessarily sad and grim to me.

But, for lovers of Ireland, this book would probably be quite enjoyable.

No one wants a great series to end! However, if it must have an end which, I suppose, all good things must, this is the right way to end it, in my opinion. Yes, there is some trouble and sorrow, because life has those things... But, it is so good! There are definitely some unexpected happenings in this story. Well, I could go on and on, but then you wouldn't have to buy the book and read it yourself, so I won't. 😁
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance e-book! This review is my own opinion. My hardcover copy came this past week, and it looks great!!