This book piqued my interest because my family is from Ferns, seat of the ancient Kings of Leinster. I did not know much about Aoife aside from her famous marriage to “Strongbow.” I enjoyed this “warrior princess” sort of take on Aoife- she is a very strong, determined character. The book is well-written and well-researched (as far as I can tell!). I’m always happy to read historical fiction set in under-represented times/places like the Irish Middle Ages, and the setting here is very vivid.

My only complaint was the pacing of the book- it seemed to get bogged down in certain points. But all in all, this a very good book I highly recommend. I look forward to the rest of the series.

As someone who studied abroad in Ireland in college, and comes from an Irish family, I was immediately interested in getting my hands on an Irish historical novel. Wow. This did not disappoint. Medieval Ireland? Sign me up for book two of the series. The research and care bleeds through the pages. The banter and dialogue were fantastic, the setting was beautiful, and I got a history lesson. Would recommend to historical fiction fans looking to branch out to other areas of the world, as I don’t often see this neck of the woods represented.

This novel is captivating, not just for its storyline but also for its rich historical details, such as the differences in women's rights between Ireland and England. It also delves into the contrasting structures and strategies of the Irish/Norse and Norman armies. These historical insights are seamlessly woven into the events unfolding in Ireland, Wales, and England. The book concludes with a bit of a cliffhanger, but since I plan to read the sequel, I didn’t mind. I highly recommend this richly detailed novel.

The story follows Aoife and her family, the MacMurroughs, as they flee their home in Ferns, Ireland, seeking safety and military aid from the English Normans. It felt like a natural continuation of the Gael Song series, which is set in late 10th/early 11th century Ireland, while this one takes place in the mid-12th century. The characters in "Aoife" are distant descendants of those from the Gael Song series, which was a delightful connection for fans like me. Historically, these events did happen, and I enjoyed diving into the rabbit hole of medieval Irish history.

Aoife is a fierce, loyal, and incredibly level-headed protagonist (though not when it comes to matters of the heart). Her interactions with other characters are engaging and set up the sequel nicely. I particularly enjoyed the dynamic between Aoife, her brother Donal, and her lover (whose name I won’t spoil). Their banter was entertaining and demonstrated mutual respect. There’s also a despicable character you’ll love to hate, but I’ll let readers discover who that is themselves.

One minor issue was the occasional random jumps in point of view. Sometimes the narrative shifted to the villain’s perspective or another character's, which, while providing a counterpoint to Aoife’s viewpoint, could be a bit jarring.

Overall, this novel is a must-read for fans of Irish history. It offers a unique perspective on the Norman invasion of Ireland, and FitzGerald does a fantastic job bringing Aoife to life.

The book delves into the English and Irish social structures of the 1100s, based on the true story of Aoife MacMurrough, princess of Leinster, and Richard de Clare, known as Strongbow, a Marcher lord out of favor with his king. Aoife’s father, defeated and forced from his kingdom, seeks Strongbow’s aid in exchange for Aoife’s hand in marriage and naming Strongbow as heir to the kingdom of Leinster. This book is the first in the saga of how these events unfolded.

The story vividly contrasts the battle styles and societal norms of the English and Irish. The English were superior in battle tactics, fighting on horseback and using armor, while the Irish were more advanced in their treatment of women under Brehon law, which required a woman’s consent for marriage.

"\Aoife of Leinster is set in 1166 and follows the daughter of an Irish king, MacMurrough, as she and her family flee their kingdom. During their escape, Aoife’s father drops one of her brothers, who is captured by the enemy. Her father, focused solely on regaining his kingdom, shows little care for his family. They seek aid in Wales, where Aoife’s marriage is arranged as part of a deal to reclaim their land. Under Irish law, Aoife chooses her husband, so she negotiates and agrees only after meeting him. Her father’s desperation leads him to ignore others' counsel.

Aoife is a resilient and well-written character, fighting with both heart and sword. The story is deeply rooted in history, filled with Irish language and customs. It’s an engaging and fairly easy read.

Book: AOIFE OF LEINSTER
Author: SEAN J. FITZGERALD
Series: The Hiberno-Norman Chronicles
Publisher: Coldwater Publishing House
Length: 312 Pages
Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars
Blog Rating: 5/5 Saltire Flags

Twelfth Century Ireland

This is a riveting, action packed, brilliant book. It centers on the Normans as some call it an invasion and others call it a conquest. As the Normans had been invited by the deposed King of Leinster Dermot /Diarmuit MacMurrough. It shows the extreme he went to regain his power again.

In this book it centers on his daughter Aoife MacMurrough, Princess of Leinster who is the rebellious child of the former King of Leinster. She is thrown into deception, fighting, war, politics and promised a marriage to a Richard de Clare, Norman warrior and all she must go through to require love, loyalty and freedom. Plus it shows how the Strongbow Normans try to help Aiofee gain power and rescue her younger brother who had been abducted and held under the most brutal conditions.

This is probably the first time I read a book by a man in many years. Probably since reading George R. R. Martin Game of Thrones novels. I absolutely love when historical facts are in books I read. As it gives me a learning experience plus it makes me research more. I am visiting Ireland next summer where my daughters and parents have been. I plan on researching this family too.

This book is mixed with fiction and historical facts which is absolutely brilliant and lovers of Ireland or Irish descent will find this novel absolutely fascinating! A book I highly recommend.

Disclaimer: I received an advance readers copy from the publisher. I voluntarily agreed to do a fair review and blog through netgalley. All thoughts, ideas and words are my own.

The intricacies of loyalty and power in early Ireland are all about the clans. Loyalty, according to the story's author, is built on the practice of hostage taking. By taking hostages, a king could bend a clan to his will. Aoife is the daughter of the king of Leinster. Aoife is promised in marriage to a Norman, Strongbow in exchange for the Norman's military help in regaining some land lost to other clans, as well as her younger brother, Eanna, who was taken hostage in an earlier clash of clans.

Sean Fitzgerald tells the tale of Aoife of Leinster and her relations with the Irish during the struggle for Ireland between the Irish and Normans.
Earl Gilbert named Strongbow led the Normans and marries Aoife to strengthen his claims. Treachery and misunderstanding added complexity to the situation. Henry II suspected Strongbow and Aoife's father the King of Leinster was a weak man who bent with the winds. Great historical novel.

I have not seen or read a lot of Irish historical books and was excited to begin a new series beginning around 1100. While the subject matter was very interesting, I never really felt anything about the main character, Aoife. She is 15 when the book begins and fairly mature for her age, but when she begins an affair with the cousin of her future husband, and kept it up for years, the book loses me. Did it really happen? I don't know. The book ends before her arranged marriage to Strongbow so unless we read future books we won't know!

The actual history is compelling and drove me to research further, which is, to me, the mark of a good historical fiction novel.

Thank you to NetGalley and Book Whisperers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

With a strong beginning full of action and pathos, this historical fiction novel based on an actual 10th century Irish noblewoman, Aoife MacMurrough is a tale of true to history events in a vividly described setting. Featuring a strong female protagonist who strives to forge her own place in a men's world, we follow the turbulent fortunes of her family's fall from power and struggle to regain control with the aid of Norman allies; an alliance forged by our heroines political marriage. With fascinating detail and intricate plot building, this novel is a well researched window into a time period and a really interesting historical figure I knew little about before starting the book; worth the read for that alone.
That being said, it often feels like the author wrote a paper on the political situation in Ireland and England during this time period, detailing the weapons and war tactics used by the different peoples and their implications; then fictionalized it, adding one dimensional internal dialogue for the main female character involving a lot of shaking and crying with some intermittent forbidden romance and illicit sex in hopes of attracting a wider (female) audience. I really wanted to like this book more, but couldn't get past poorly constructed dialogue and a main character who felt underdeveloped and unauthentic.
For those who want a romance novel feel interspersed with strong historical detail, this will be a fantastic read.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review

I wanted to like this book. I really, really did. I agree with the author that there’s not nearly enough Historical Fiction relating to Irish History and especially not on this important period. It should have been right up my alley too because Aoife was the mother of Isabel de Clere who married the famous William Marshal. Yeah: THAT William Marshall. I love me Medieval Historical Fiction usually.

However, … It wasn’t for me. I never really clicked the main character and although I can enjoy a book without liking the protagonist, this just wasn’t one of those times. I just didn’t get why Aoife was a pagan a time when Ireland had been solidly Christian for over 600 years. She keeps referring to Christianity as a “new” religion.

St Patrick, Aidan and Columba called- they wondered why you hadn’t heard of them. Joking aside, the Irish were Christian before the Normans, and that would have been a source of great pride to them. I don’t understand why this story kind of inverted that, as it served no narrative purpose for Aoife to be constantly going on about her earth goddess.

My final sort of niggle is that nothing really happens in this novel until literally 2/3 of the way through. Well, except Aoife having sex with future husband’s cousin. She loves and respects and admires Strongbow soooo much…. and yet she’s banging his cousin. Not just once either, their affair continues for YEARS. How does she seriously expect her future marriage to work out on that basis? I mean really does the woman have even one functioning braincell? Her whole justification is “well men and do it too so he won’t mind…also I am a strong, independent woman with rights!”

Like seriously, give me something. Give me some reason to root for or care about the protagonist. I literally couldn’t care less about Aoife by about halfway through the book. I need more than just “strong warrior woman” trope to make me care.
Give me genuine courage, conviction, compassion or something. Aoife is none of that. She comes off as by turns selfish, shallow, vapid and often disloyal and whiny. We’re told she fears for her brother still captive in Ireland, but she doesn’t really do much to help him. She’s more interested in **banging handsome lover in forest glade again**

Richard de Clare AKA Strongbow is a missed opportunity. His character barely features in most of the novel, and he’s not developed. He comes in early on, and it seems like he’s gonna be interesting but its like dangling a carrot. He disappears until the end whilst Aoife fawns over his younger cousin who is about as vapid and one-dimensional as her.

I received the ARC of Aoife of Leinster courtesy of Netgalley and the Book Whisperer. This novel focuses on medieval Irish history and the courage of the princess Aoife in facing her destiny as decided by her father, the ruler of Leinster. Well written, engaging, and compelling, this book explains the background of Irish and Welsh culture and customs, traditions, loyalty, and rulers. I learned so much!

"Aoife of Leinster" is my first delve into Irish history. Written by Sean J Fitzgerald, this is a truth based saga around historical figures Aoife MacMurrough, Princess of Leinster, and Richard de Clere, known as Strongbow, a Norman lord, whom will come to Aoife's families defence and will take her hand in marriage.

The MacMurroughs have to flee their stronghold of Ferns. Aoife's father is a loose cannon and seemingly unlinked by his enemies who easily overpower Ferns and force the family to sail around the south ofmIreland toward Walesand England.

I have read few books that look back so far in history...the 1100's. Some detail did bore me and I freely admit to skipping lines here and then. I really wanted to get to "the action" I guess. And the final part for this story is full of planning and executing of an invasion by Strongbows Normans to try and regain Aoifes seat of power and rescue her younger brother who was earlier kidnapped and has been held captive in cruel conditions, acting as the bait to force the loyal family return to Ireland.

Feeling the emotion, loyalty, sometimes confusion and fierce determination of Aoife, is a fascinating story telling. She is extremely wise beyond her years and is lucky to encounter strong men who are not afraid to listen and benefit from her input.

This was a fantastic Irish historical fiction obviously deeply researched and told with tender care. And the heart wrenching ending...which almost made me cry....leaves the way open for Aoife to return with revenge in her belly.

I do wonder how you pronounce Aoife's name.....probably very differently than I have been saying in my head.

Thanks to NetGalley, Sean J Fitzgerald and Book Whisperer for my copy.

This is exactly the type of book I love! Sean J Fitzgerald has written an historical fiction in the medieval period of Ireland that grabs you and propels you along as if you are part of the story. I felt as if I knew the characters well by the end and am looking forward to book 2 in this proposed series, The Hibernia-Norman Chronicles.
Thanks to #netgalley and the publisher, #coldwaterpublishinghouse for this ebook to read and review. All opinions are my own.

Loved this story of a courageous young woman with a mind of her own in 12th century Ireland. After her father Dermot Macmurrough, king of Leinster, is deposed by his enemies, Aoife and her family flees to the court of Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke (also known as Strongbow). A vassal of King Henry, he was planning to lead an invasion of ireland, and would help Aoife's father regain his crown, IF the king consented. The book is based on this historical event, and focuses on Aoife's role in it.

The character of Aoife is a breath of fresh air in a time when women were only meant to bear and raise children (at least in England). In Ireland things were a bit different under Brehon law that looked at women as partners. Aoife is promised to Strongbow in exchange for his help to her father. The book is a fascinating read; I'd never heard of Aoife before now. Its intended to be part of a trilogy, and it's cliffhanger ending will have you howling for more!

2.5 stars. The pacing of the story just didn’t keep me interested. It felt very bogged down because there’s a lot of history and politicking to be covered. I also found myself just…not caring for Aoife despite her being the main character and a fascinating real life person lost to the shadows of history. She felt very flat and two dimensional.

It’s an interesting piece of history that is overlooked (and it shouldn’t be) and perhaps the author was trying too hard to cram too much into this, the first of a series. A series I probably won’t be continuing.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free copy to review.

I love Medieval fiction which is built upon real historical events. I enjoyed reading about Irish history and how forward thinking their ways were compared to the traditions of Britain.
Fitzgerald did a good job with Aoife’s character and pluck. She is definitely a heroine who deserves some recognition, This was a short novel which is the first book with more to come, I wasn’t disappointed with the historical content and thought he did a great job of embellishing to create pace, structure and emotion.
Thanks Netgalley for the ARC.

In this historical fiction novel, Sean J Fitzgerald brings twelfth century Irish clan politics to life and couples it with twelfth century English politics and early expansion into Ireland. Following Aoife, Princess of Leinster, readers experience her losses -- of faith in her father, of her home and kingdom, of her younger brother Eanna -- and her challenges towards social conventions -- a romantic relationship outside marriage, a seat at the table talking politics and military strategy, and pushing back against her father and other men in her orbit. Aoife is a strong, passionate heroine with a wide knowledge of many things, a fiercely protective spirit, and a big heart, and she cannot be contained by twelfth-century societal norms. Fitzgerald weaves true historical figures and events into this novel as the background and the framework for Aoife’s exploits, and this adds a lot of conflict and tension to the novel. Fitzgerald’s characters are the star of the novel, Aoife more so as the protagonist, and the most important relationships involve Aoife or the characters’ thoughts about Aoife. In a strong historical fiction novel, readers get to explore medieval Ireland through the perspective of Aoife, exiled princess of Leinster, as she, her family, and her allies seek to reclaim her father’s kingdom.

I was expecting nonfiction.

What I got was a fantastic historical fiction read!

Aoife is the heroine we need today! Her life is hard, but the story is so moving. Breathtaking!

The author's first foray is to be applauded!

"My story is one of beyrayal, hatred, rage, revenge, and sorrow, but also one of love, passion, joy, and happiness."

3.5
Aoife is a good strong female character that balances between steadfastness and maternal action, However, towards the middle of the novel there was a lot of exposition dumping of Irish history that strayed from Aoife's voice and started feeling like a textbook. Other than that, I really enjoyed Aoife and the action.

This is a very interesting book set in the 1100s in Ireland/England. The author is super thorough in setting the scene and clearly he has researched the area and the times. The tale is full of battle scenes, intrigue and suspense, as well as a not-so-typical love story. Definitely a page-turner that keeps you riveted right until the end. Can’t wait for the next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

One of the most phenomenal openings to a story that I have read in quite awhile. The action immediately starts as the family of the deposed King of Leinster in Ireland flee for their life. They go to England to not just seek refuge but also help from the English Normans in order to get their land back.

The main character is Aoife, the daughter of the King. She is clearly intelligent and brave, but her unwavering dedication to save her younger brother is what kept me engaged with this book. The family dynamics, particularly between father and daughter, were nuanced and engaging, which added more depth to this novel.

This historical aspect was fascinating because it isn't a period of history that I am well versed in. So, I was able to learn a lot about some big political movements as well as parts of Irish culture at the time. I particularly did not know about the rights women had in Ireland, especially in comparison to women's rights in England at the time.

This is a great book for those interested in Irish history with subplots of politics, family, and some romance.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review