From Publishers Weekly
This powerful partisan novel by the author of Druids recounts the aftermath of the last concerted attempt by Celtic nobility in Ireland to throw off English domination. When Elizabeth I sent her forces to the Catholic country to guard against attempts to retake the British Isles for Rome, her commanders used bribery and threats to coerce some nobles to swear fealty to the English throne. Others, led by Hugh O'Neill, held out during the Nine Years' War until the final defeat at the Battle of Kinsale in 1602. When this work opens a year later, a chieftain from the south, Donal Cam O'Sullivan of the now destroyed fortress town of Dunboy, has resorted to the desperate expedient of leading his people across a hostile Ireland to seek safety with loyal clans far to the north. A thousand civilians and soldiers set out but, harassed at every turn by those seeking the price on O'Sullivan's head and tormented by fierce winter weather and by hunger, only 34 men and one woman survive. This tale of courage, love, cruelty and treachery, one of the great legends of Ireland, receives vivid, evocative treatment here. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
Veteran novelist Llywelyn (Red Branch , Morrow, 1990) breathes life into historical facts, seducing readers into caring about the people and events she depicts. Her new novel takes place in 17th-century Ireland as Queen Elizabeth I of England seeks to obliterate 2000 years of Celtic tradition and religion. It begins on December 30, 1602, soon after the Battle of Kinsdale sounded the death knell for Irish independence. Fugitive nobleman Donal Cam O'Sullivan, the "prince" of the title, denounces the queen and seeks to march 1000 followers to safety across wintry, dangerous terrain. Death, desertion, and near constant fighting with the enemy, both English and Irish, reduce his band to a starving and exhausted group of 35 survivors, but a lively dose of Irish humor woven into the dialog keeps the novel from becoming a funeral march. Cinematic descriptions and a plentiful ensemble of romantic characters make this very good reading for loyal Llywelyn fans and new readers alike. Despite a few credibility problems, this belongs on every library's shelf. Previewed in Prepub Alert, LJ 1/92.- Marlene McCormack-Lee, Drain Branch Lib., Roseburg, Ore.Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Kirkus Reviews
The latest historical by Irish bard Llywelyn (Red Branch, Druids, etc.) kicks off in the winter of 1602-03. And a cruel winter it is, following the sad defeat of Gaelic nationals at the Battle of Kinsale. As Llywelyn makes clear, the Gaelic people of Ireland spent (and, some would say, are still spending) centuries in combat with aggressors like the Vikings and Normans. But this novel is a paean to the last chieftain, Donal Cam, The O'Sullivan, who tried to stand up to the British under Elizabeth I. In fact, the jig is already up by the time the story here begins, since it follows Donal Cam's disastrous flight across Munster, Connacht, and Leitrim after the British victory. His famished, ragtag group of a thousand refugees, camp followers, clansmen, and soldiers diminishes to almost nothing by the time they reach safe harbor at O'Rourke Castle, and along the way there are dribbles of soap opera as well, just to keep the human interest going. The chieftain's antique aunt and uncle snip at each other lovingly; a cavalry man who's had to give up his horse turns traitor; a young couple falls in love while keeping warm under a hide; and we learn exactly why Donal Cam joined the revolt against the English--apparently, his bastard son got skewered by an enemy soldier. All this and harquebuses, not to mention Gaelophilia. What's more, it's perfect if forced marches are your thing. -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.


Book Description
The history of Ireland is studded with tragedies, but none is more poignant, or more decisive, that the battle of Kinsale. There the Gaelic nobility who held sway over Ireland for two thousand years were finally and resolutely crushed by the English invaders. There would follow four hundred years of English domination.

The Last Prince is Donal Cam O'Sullivan, still determined after the battle not to surrender his homeland. He flees with his clan toward an inland stronghold, as the Gaelic nation is ripped apart not only by war but by the seed of betrayal planted by the English, whose powerful bribes turn brother against brother. The awesome saga of Donal Cam and his clan's winter journey is a powerful vision of honor and betrayal, pride and desperation. Morgan Llywelyn captures the heart of the Irish struggle to survive.



About the Author
Since 1980 Morgan Llywelyn has created an entire body of work chronicling the Celts and Ireland, from the earliest times to the present day. her critically acclaimed novels, both of history and of mythology, have been translated into many languages. She is an Irish citizen and lives in Dublin.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The history of Ireland is studded with tragedies, but none is more poignant, or more decisive, than the battle of Kinsale. There the Gaelic nobility who held sway over Ireland for two thousand years were finally and resolutely crushed by the English invaders. There would follow four hundred years of English domination.

The Last Prince is Donal Cam O'Sullivan, still determined after the battle not to surrender his homeland. He flees with his clan toward an inland stronghold, as the Gaelic nation is ripped apart not only by war but by the seeds of betrayal planted by the English, whose powerful bribes turn brother against brother. The awesome saga of Donal Cam and his clan's winter journey is a powerful vision of honor and betrayal, pride and desperation. Morgan Llywelyn captures the heart of the Irish struggle to survive.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

This powerful partisan novel by the author of Druids recounts the aftermath of the last concerted attempt by Celtic nobility in Ireland to throw off English domination. When Elizabeth I sent her forces to the Catholic country to guard against attempts to retake the British Isles for Rome, her commanders used bribery and threats to coerce some nobles to swear fealty to the English throne. Others, led by Hugh O'Neill, held out during the Nine Years' War until the final defeat at the Battle of Kinsale in 1602. When this work opens a year later, a chieftain from the south, Donal Cam O'Sullivan of the now destroyed fortress town of Dunboy, has resorted to the desperate expedient of leading his people across a hostile Ireland to seek safety with loyal clans far to the north. A thousand civilians and soldiers set out but, harassed at every turn by those seeking the price on O'Sullivan's head and tormented by fierce winter weather and by hunger, only 34 men and one woman survive. This tale of courage, love, cruelty and treachery, one of the great legends of Ireland, receives vivid, evocative treatment here. (May)

Library Journal