The Kings in Winter

From the acclaimed author of Pillar of the Sky: "A great study of a character in conflict and a recommended read for lovers of Irish history." —Historical Novel Society

Set in Ireland during the eleventh century, The Kings in Winter follows the life of a clan chief torn between opposing factions in his own land while war with the Danes looms on the horizon.


The chief of the ó Cullinanes, Muirtagh is a man of short stature but great heart. Though his father was killed and his whole clan wiped out by the mac Mahon twenty years ago, he took an oath when he was anointed chief that he would not seek revenge. His younger brother, a renowned warrior known as the Danekiller, is barely in control of his own lust for vengeance and rails against Muirtagh's decree.


As the High King faces threats from his nemesis, who has allied himself with the Danes in his quest for power, Muirtagh is maligned for his neutrality. Although he refuses to resurrect the feud with the mac Mahon, Muirtagh will defend what is his against the Danes. But when the mac Mahon finally strikes, slaughtering someone close to him, Muirtagh chooses his fate as an outlaw and oath-breaker without a clan or a name—untamed by both king and country . . .

Praise for Cecelia Holland

"A first-class storyteller." —People

"Holland packs her pages with action and historical detail. She remains in the front ranks of the genre along with Mary Stewart, Dorothy Dunnett, and the late Mary Renault." —Chicago Sun-Times

"A literary phenomenon." —The New York Times

"A master storyteller." —Houston Chronicle