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The Lord of Ireland (The Fifth Knight Book 3) Kindle Edition

4.3 out of 5 stars 4,373 ratings

John is a prince without prospect of a crown. As the youngest son of Henry II, he has long borne the hated nickname ‘Lackland’. When warring tribes and an ambitious Anglo-Norman lord threaten Henry’s reign in Ireland, John believes his time has finally come. Henry is dispatching him there with a mighty force to impose order.

Yet it is a thwarted young man who arrives on the troubled isle. John has not been granted its kingship—he is merely the Lord of Ireland, destined never to escape his father’s shadow. Unknown to John, Henry has also sent his right-hand man, Sir Benedict Palmer, to root out the traitors he fears are working to steal the land from him.

But Palmer is horrified when John disregards Henry’s orders and embarks on a campaign of bloodshed that could destroy the kingdom. Now Palmer has to battle the increasingly powerful Lord of Ireland. Power, in John’s hands, is a murderous force—and he is only just beginning to wield it.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

‘The action is apace and the plot moves swiftly. As a stand-alone novel, this book more than holds its own. A great follow-up to the first two books in the series—and highly recommended.’ Historical Novels Review

The Lord of Ireland is definitely one historical adventure thriller that should be on your reading list.” Oh, for the Hook of a Book!

About the Author

E.M. Powell’s medieval thrillers, The Fifth Knight and The Blood of the Fifth Knight, have been #1 Amazon bestsellers. She reviews fiction and non-fiction for the Historical Novel Society, blogs for English Historical Fiction Authors and is a contributing editor to International Thriller Writers’ The Big Thrill magazine.

Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins, the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State, she lives in north-west England with her husband, daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog. Find out more by visiting www.empowell.com.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0157ZIUXQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas & Mercer (April 5, 2016)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 5, 2016
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.9 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 370 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 4,373 ratings

About the author

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E.M. Powell
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E.M. Powell’s historical thriller and medieval mystery Fifth Knight and Stanton & Barling novels have been #1 Amazon and Bild bestsellers. The third Stanton & Barling mystery, THE CANTERBURY MURDERS, will be released in November 2020. Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State), she lives in northwest England with her husband, daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog. She’s represented by Josh Getzler at HG Literary. Find out more by visiting her website www.empowell.com or follow her on Twitter @empowellauthor

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4,373 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical fiction book engaging and fast-paced, with compelling characters set against a realistic historical backdrop. The writing receives praise for its beauty, with one customer noting how the author vividly paints the story scenes. They appreciate the story quality, with one review highlighting how the theme runs through all three books, while another describes it as the most action-packed of the trilogy.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

50 customers mention "Enjoyment"50 positive0 negative

Customers find the book enjoyable, with one mentioning it's an excellent page-turner.

"...based on real people and real events make the story believable and very enjoyable. So far this series is five for five." Read more

"...The Lord of Ireland is a rousing , enjoyable tale, which as far as I can tell, is historically accurate, filled with sweeping descriptions of famous..." Read more

"...Great reading and the best cliffhangers." Read more

"...All in all, a great read – maybe with the one single objection: Prince John is so bad, so depraved, he hovers close to becoming a caricature...." Read more

47 customers mention "Historical fiction"42 positive5 negative

Customers enjoy the historical fiction elements of the book, describing it as an excellent suspenseful story with a face-paced narrative and realistic portrayal of events.

"...Some great characters based on real people and real events make the story believable and very enjoyable. So far this series is five for five." Read more

"...The Lord of Ireland is a rousing , enjoyable tale, which as far as I can tell, is historically accurate, filled with sweeping descriptions of famous..." Read more

"...He seems to be skilled in treachery and chaos. This exciting story of Theodosius and Benedict as they try to stay hidden gives undeniable..." Read more

"...have been good, but this final installment in the story of Benedict & Theodosia is stellar!..." Read more

23 customers mention "Character development"18 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly noting the compelling characters and their roles in the historical backdrop. One customer highlights the sympathetic protagonist, while another mentions the sweeping descriptions of famous historical figures.

"...Some great characters based on real people and real events make the story believable and very enjoyable. So far this series is five for five." Read more

"...as I can tell, is historically accurate, filled with sweeping descriptions of famous personages of history...." Read more

"...and geographical setting is beautifully presented, the protagonists are well-developed and as the story proceeds, it becomes increasingly difficult..." Read more

"What an interesting story . I loved the characters and the story line was great. I read the last one first, but will the other two in the series." Read more

15 customers mention "Story quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as riveting and marvelous, with one customer noting it's the most action-packed of the trilogy.

"Overall story is OK...." Read more

"The author has two engaging series set during the reign of King Henry II, beginning with the death of Archbishop Thomas a Becket...." Read more

"...She keeps a tight progression of adventures, building to an interesting end. Well worth the time to read." Read more

"Not a bad yarn....the first of this series was quite good also, the second was rubbish but this redeemed the saga." Read more

15 customers mention "Writing quality"15 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, describing it as beautiful, with one customer noting how the author vividly paints the scenes of the story.

"...The historical and geographical setting is beautifully presented, the protagonists are well-developed and as the story proceeds, it becomes..." Read more

"I like this presentation of John. I have read enough to know he had a reputation for abusing his subjects ...." Read more

"...on behalf of the king this book like the others in the series is well written with lots of twists and turns and great characters" Read more

"...I really enjoyed the action as it is detailed, excellent." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, describing it as fast-paced, with one customer noting there are no slow moments in the narrative.

"...There is not a slow moment in the narrative, which comes to an exciting climax, one in which neither Sir Benedict nor Theodosia flinch from..." Read more

"...The story is gripping, moves at a proper pace, not rushed." Read more

"...As always, a fast paced book full of suspenseful twists and turns on every page. The last chapter will knock the breath right out of you!..." Read more

"Really enjoyable read. Fast paced with some misdirection. Can't wait for the next book in the series." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2020
    The author creates another exciting story wrapped around historical fact. Benedict and Theodosia are sent to Ireland by King Henry to watch over his son John as he assumes the role of Lord of Ireland. Like all accounts of John, he show himself to be an arrogant, treacherous and largely incompetent ruler. Some great characters based on real people and real events make the story believable and very enjoyable. So far this series is five for five.
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2017
    The Lord of Ireland is the third volume in MS Polwell's telling of the adventures of Sir Benedict Palmer and his wife Theodosia in 12 th. Century England.
    In this book they are sent off to Ireland to keep an eye on King Henry II's son Prince John. Yes. The infamous Prince John of the Robin Hood tales and theMagna Charta. But that is yet to come.
    For now, John is a cruel, vain and boastful Prince ordered by the king to pacify the wild Irish and keep the peace. He does neither , bringing about further warfare.
    In the middle of all this are Sir Benedict andTheodosia. He is stalwart and courageous, and she is far from a fainting maiden loving a sheltered life. Together they face danger form the warlike Irish and the treacherous John.
    The Lord of Ireland is a rousing , enjoyable tale, which as far as I can tell, is historically accurate, filled with sweeping descriptions of famous personages of history.There is not a slow moment in the narrative, which comes to an exciting climax, one in which neither Sir Benedict nor Theodosia flinch from danger.
    Note: though this is the third book in a series,it is a stand alone and a new reader can read it with enjoyment, enjoyment which, I am sure, will send you looking for the preceding novels in the Kindle library.
    I know I am hoping for the next book in the series.
    6 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 14, 2020
    The stories of King Henry II's younger son are full of brutality and mayhem. This Lord of Ireland was exceptionally cruel. He seems to be skilled in treachery and chaos. This exciting story of Theodosius and Benedict as they try to stay hidden gives undeniable excitement to see how their plan works out. Our two heroes meet with other unforgettable characters and move to protect themselves from John but he is cunning and determined to rid himself of anyone that thwarts him and his quest of becoming King of Ireland. Great reading and the best cliffhangers.
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2016
    Norman Ireland is rarely the setting of a novel, so it was very refreshing to pick up a book firmly placed on the Emerald Isle and further enhanced by the sympathetic protagonist, Benedict Palmer, and his wife, Theodosia. These characters have a rich backstory as presented in previous books of the series, and it is probably of benefit to read them first to fully understand their motivations and reactions.
    In 1185, Henry II sent his son, John, to Ireland to pacify the natives – and ensure a certain Hugh de Lacy wasn’t growing too big for his boots. The young prince was accompanied by Gerald of Wales, and these three real-life characters form the base round which EM Powell’s well-constructed novel pivots. John is as disagreeable and inept as one would expect – gifted with cunning rather than intellect – Gerald of Wales is a delightful waste of space, more interested in his creature comforts and proving his prejudices versus the savage Irish, and Hugh de Lacy is enigmatic and silently powerful.
    Sir Benedict Palmer soon finds himself in quite the tight corner: his beloved wife’s well-being is threatened, and Palmer must take to desperate means to save Theodosia from an aggravated John and his determination to proclaim himself King, not Lord, of Ireland.
    The historical and geographical setting is beautifully presented, the protagonists are well-developed and as the story proceeds, it becomes increasingly difficult to put the book down. All in all, a great read – maybe with the one single objection: Prince John is so bad, so depraved, he hovers close to becoming a caricature. Surely the man had at least one redeeming feature? One moment of decency?
    4.5 stars
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2024
    All of EM Powell’s books have been good, but this final installment in the story of Benedict & Theodosia is stellar! The wild ride to escape & contain the evil of Prince John is nerve wracking! There is no limit to his depravity-he wants to burn Ireland & her people! It is up to Sir Benedict & Lady Theodosia, along with the Lord & Lady of Meath to stop him. But can they stay alive long enough to succeed?!
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2019
    Overall story is OK. One of the problems with this author as with many others, is that her heroes are idiots who consistently do foolish things which for some reason we're meant to accept and still regard them as characters we care about. Her mixing of fact and fiction is fine; her heroes are idiotic and somewhat unlikeable. A fine read for free, don't spend any real money on this one.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2023
    I loved Book 1 and 2, but this one was a real mail biter! More cunning, more strife, more romance in an unexpected way. I am invested in these characters and want to read more about them.

Top reviews from other countries

  • K Wesche
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gifted mind
    Reviewed in Australia on August 14, 2016
    Absolutely loved this trilogy. Wonderfully woven into an intriguing story of suspense, love and treachery.
    I recommend this book to those who love mystery, suspense with some historical history and settings that make it enjoyable
  • Dianne Ascroft
    5.0 out of 5 stars A Story That Lives and Breathes
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 25, 2016
    Since I read the first book in the series in 2012 I've been hooked on them. Like the previous novels, this book is a fast-paced historical thriller. It opens almost a decade after the second book, The Blood of the Fifth Knight, ended. The Palmers have settled on their own estate and are working hard to run it, glad to be free of the intrigues and dangers of Royal Court life that they have experienced in the past. Their children are almost grown and they have everything they want from life. So the summons Sir Benedict receives from King Henry II to accompany his son, Prince John, to Ireland on his campaign to quell the unrest there turns their lives on end. Built around Prince John’s first campaign in Ireland, a lesser-known chapter in his life, the plot is gripping and convincing. The author imagines details about people and events beyond the historical accounts to create scenes that are action-packed and fraught with political tensions and intrigues.
    But the heart of the Fifth Knight books is the characters. The author is adept at portraying the emotional and physical humanity of characters from an age that held values and beliefs vastly different from modern society, making it easy for readers to empathise with them. Sir Benedict is still the honourable knight readers have come to know, now challenged by the physical limitations aging imposes. His wife, Theodosia, is still courageous and fiercely loyal to her husband and her family. I particularly enjoyed the author’s humorous portrayal of the historical figure, the royal clerk, Gerald of Wales as rather snivelling and cowardly. Some other memorable characters include arrogant and lustful Prince John, intelligent and cunning Hugh de Lacy and his proud, valiant Irish wife.
    The author’s thorough knowledge of medieval life pulls everything together to vividly evoke for the reader the world in which the story is set. Although I’m not an avid fan of medieval fiction, EM Powell’s novels always draw me into the era. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and can recommend it to anyone who likes an exciting story, peopled by characters that seem to live and breathe.
    NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
  • Richard Osullivan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in Germany on April 5, 2017
    Couldn't put it down.

    If you like adventure mixed with history, this is good.

    The heroes have a bit too much luck, but don't they always?
  • Jack Tudor
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Lord of Ireland
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2016
    Enjoyed this book but have to admit I knew precious little of Ireland in this time. It was therefore an eye opener of their struggle against the English who did similar things in Wales and Scotland. Well told story which kept me interested all the way. The ending leaves enough potential for more!
  • Davey
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fast Paced.
    Reviewed in Australia on May 25, 2016
    Book 3 in the 5th Knight series is another fast paced work of historical fiction from E.M. Powell. Based around historical facts she has written a very readable and enjoyable story.

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