“Fans of Mary Stewart’s historical fiction should welcome [this] fictionalized account of St. Patrick. . . . Hamilton has recreated this legendary character in a manner that permits the reader to understand Patrick as an ordinary man driven by a power that he can only reluctantly acknowledge and submit to. . . . An excellent portrayal of a time when magic was a normal occurrence and violence and upheaval were everywhere . . . Entertaining.” —The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio)

“A blend of legend, allegory and facts that form the story of a spirited Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland . . . The Celtic ambiance of 5th century Eire is well caught . . . and a colorful tapestry emerges for a saint about whom little is known historically.” —Publishers Weekly

“A spare outline of plot gives no concept of the richness of the textural fabric of this book. Along with the historical figures, [Hamilton] has interwoven the stories of such fictional characters as Licinius, the Briton warlord, the beautiful maiden Clodia, and the whore Morrighan. . . . If sheer love of subject were a guarantee of an author’s success, then Hamilton is a winner on that ground alone. . . . As a departure from the usual historical novel, The Lion and The Cross is unique.” —Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“An exciting adventure story about a rebellious, very human young man destined to become the revered Patron Saint of the Irish, this book is on the order of Mary Stewart’s Merlin novels The Crystal Cave and The Hollow Hills.” —Doubleday Catholic Book News