Wolf of Clontarf
Thomas J. Howley brings the Irish hero, Wolf the Quarrelsome, to life in the medieval Nordic saga, Wolf of Clontarf. The tale begins in a chaotic battle on the east coast of Ireland in 1006 AD but then reverts back seven years when Irish warriors find a blood-soaked, gangly boy who has just slain his Viking masters in Dublin. The High King of Ireland, Brian, calls the scar-faced boy Faolan—Wolf—and proclaims he is his foster son. King Brian arranges for Wolf to be educated by monks and to be trained with weapons by an older warrior. Epic tales from military history resonate with Wolf, and he envisions the Irish throwing the Vikings out of their country as the Spartans did with the Persians. Wolf’s story spans over fifteen years as he recruits a special force of warriors with varying skills and a young woman, Aoife, with a vast network of spies. Unlikely alliances with rival kings, Scots, and Norsemen forge the Irish army into a formidable force that overcomes the Vikings at the battle at Clontarf in 1014 AD.
Author Howley narrates the legendary tale from an omniscient point of view. Told in rich oral tradition, the story focuses on how Wolf forms his special operations based on his knowledge of historical military tactics. Landscapes on which battles are fought and weapons the warriors wield are meticulously described. The tale is action-packed but lean on Wolf’s character development and his relationship with Aoife and others in the story.
Wolf of Clontarf will appeal to readers who enjoy reading fast-paced Nordic tales with emphasis on historical background, battle strategy, and weaponry.
