Title: The Fifth Cycle--A New Hero Is Forged
Author: Dan O'Mahony
Date: 2021
ISBN: 979-870397-4681
Quote: "I'm the son of Lugh? A god?"
It's another novel, drawing on folklore for background material, written to appeal to teenagers whom it will prepare to join an online role-playing game. Colin Caulfield is the reincarnation of Cuchullain, who was the son of the sun god Lugh. He's under attack, both by the creatures of Irish folklore and by the "warp-spasms." Cuchullain was a berserker; in a fighting rage he once killed a friend. Colin has to go to Scathach's school for warriors, as Cuchullain did, to learn how to use his superpowers in the battles that will fill the rest of his future. He can see why he needs to practice long jumping and spear fighting, but why does he have to craft jewelry and write poetry?
Typically the sort of kids who most need to learn to control their adrenalin and testosterone surges, which can make brawling an addictive pleasure, don't read fantasy novels. Maybe the promise of an online game will attract some of those kids to a story/game that's really about the uses and control of the stereotypical Irish temper. Maybe it will help. This web site makes no promises, but it salutes O'Mahony's insights and intentions.
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