February 25, 2016

The Magic Cup by Andrew M. Greeley

Title:  The Magic Cup
Author:  Andrew M. Greeley
Pages:  285
Genre:  Historical Fantasy
Publisher:  TOR, 1979
Series:  Stand Alone

Synopsis:  In this novel of legendary Ireland, Andrew Greeley takes you back to a long-ago time of mists and magic, faith and love.  Here you will meet Cormac MacDermot, the young king destined to lead Ireland out of paganism to Christianity; his aged father, now on the throne; and the seductive witch-queen who holds the country in thrall.  Here also is the lovely slave girl Brigid.  As light-footed as an Irish pixie, she will help Cormac seek the magic cup that will confirm his right to be High King of Ireland.

Over mountain and river they will journey, beset by perils.  But when their enemies capture Brigid, and Cormac strives to save her, he will see that the little slave girl is a great deal more than she seems.

Review:  This book is a version of the Irish legend of the quest for the Holy Grail.  I honestly love historical fiction, especially from this time period, but this book was a bit of a disappointment.  It had plenty of realistic historical backdrop.  It just also seemed to drag on and on and on in some places.  The perils were many.......too many.  It got to the point where I wondered if the quest would ever end.

It was also a little like reading a torrid romance novel set in ancient Ireland.  Since I have very little patience for romance of any kind, this set my teeth on edge.  It was almost a bodice-ripper and almost a sweet love story, but didn't manage to really be either one.  It came across as just plain silly for the most part.

Rating:  3.5 / 10

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