Hound

Book excerpt: In 50 BCE, Morrigan, the goddess of war, has become restless as a long-lasting peace settles over Ireland. Deciding the time of peace must end, she chooses Setanta, the nephew of the king of the north, to become her ward. After a young Setanta slays the demon-hound of Cullan, he becomes known as Cú Cullan—The Hound of Cullan. As Cú Cullan grows older, it is apparent that an extraordinary power lies within him . . . and a great darkness. When he chooses the quiet life of a farmer over the sword, Morrigan, angry at the betrayal, instigates an invasion of his homeland and Cú Cullan must challenge fate itself to keep the goddess at bay. This exciting, ancient tale is retold for a contemporary audience by master storytellers Paul J. Bolger (Cool World, The Land Before Time, The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists!), Barry Devlin (Horslips: The Táin, U2: Making of Rattle & Hum, A Man of No Importance), and Dee Cunniffe (The Paybacks, Redneck).