Paperback 398 pages ISBN 9781904959502 Author: George F Leal Cover design: Zoë Farmer Price £12.00 (price includes delivery worldwide) Publication date 2 April 2007

Synopsis

Isolated from mainland Europe, 1st century Ireland remained shrouded in mists of superstition and magic while the known world was swept up in the chaos called Christianity. Druids were the only holy men, practising Celtic rites honoring their Gods, the Tuatha de Danann. The ancient Celtic Irish myths were orally handed down over the years until 8th century monks recorded them in their beautifully written script. From this heroic literature arose the greatest and most enduring hero in Celtic history. He was known as Cu Chulain.

Champion of the Red Branch of Ulster, ward of King Conchobar mac Nessa, his prowess at arms, his beauty and his deeds were sung by every poet in Ireland. Whispers of the de Danann gods surrounded him like a mist off the moors. A true warrior, his love affairs with Aoife, the beautiful red haired warrior queen from Scotland and Emer, the lovely Irish girl he fought for and married, weave a tempestuous legend all their own.

Unmatched in arms, undefeated in battle, only one man dared challenge him, the one armed giant warrior Ruhn who had lost everything to the swords of Ulster when only a boy. Swearing vengeance, he became a mercenary for the sensual Queen Maeve and King Ailill of Connacht and his red handled axe earned him the name “The Scourge of the North”.

“Horses of the Sea”, set against the rich tapestry of Eire, tells the story of the rivalry between the provinces, the intrigues and plots to overthrow a king and the beautiful, proud women who fought beside the men they loved. The past holds a secret for both heroes that will ultimately decide their destiny.

Myth or legend, fable or truth, the stories spun here are rich with the savage splendor of Ireland as she emerged from the mists to become a country.

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