Over nine waves is a modern (and fresh) rendering of the classic Irish myths. I loved this retelling just as I love the tales themselves. After reading so many 'straight' translations to was very refreshing to read these free renderings by a modern story teller. This is an excellent introduction for anyone not familiar with Irish legend who would like to get an overview. This is Not a 'things go bump in the night' series of ghost stories (though those have their own attractions) but a full blooded account of the legendary heroes of old Ireland (Hercules and Xena eat your hearts out) Prepare to be beguiled by a storyteller of delicacy and magnificence.

After traveling throught out Ireland every year for the past six I have seen many books on Celtic Myths. By far Heaney's is the best. It is very helpful in the fact that there is a pronunciation key included. A great book just for fun, but also a good learning tool that adds another dimention to a very complex land.

This volume of nine tales has superb design and layout; unfortunately, the content falls a bit flat. Celtic designs decorate the endpapers and the text has an illuminated character at the start of each story, giving an ancient flavor to the book. This design should have been carried over to frame the illustrations. The paintings themselves range from muted to vibrant, and some seem similar to a Magic playing card.
Heaney gives the reader tales from each of the three cycles of early Irish literature. The stories progress very fluidly, in three sets of three, but in spite of their romance and adventure, they come off as one dimensional, perhaps because Heaney lacks a true storyteller's voice, and her words fail to engage the reader. Names are difficult, and all pronunciations are at the end of the text. Sources are cited, and Heaney's source notes indicate she did her research carefully, but in spite of careful execution, something is disappointingly lacking. The cover may draw readers in, although the title is hard to read, and teachers needing such materials may find the volume useful. Purchase where there is a need, or to beef up your Irish folklore collection.

This book is Irish legend at its detailed, grizzly best; lots of tribal-type violence, featuring huge warriors who fight bloody battles (with or without their heads on...), disfunctional families(including grandfathers attempting to murder grandsons and children changed into swans by evil stepmothers). These very Irish stories are probably meant for those over age 8 or 9 years. These are the "campfire" stories that keep superstition alive, and wee Irish children behaving themselves.

This book is filled with amazingly beautiful illustrations and well written stories about some of Ireland's most famous heros and heroines. It is divided into three parts highlighting three major sections of Ireland's mythology and each part has a forward giving you some background information about the stories contained in it. One of my favorite parts are the tales about Cuchullainn, the Hound of Ulster. Another great thing about the book is the pronunciation guide at the back to help you pronounce the strange names of Ireland's ancestors. It also includes a list of other books you can find for other stories about Irish Legends. Although parts of the book are somewhat bloody I find them necissary for the history and not at all overdone. This is a well-rounded book: good writing, wonderful presentation, and amazing illustrations. Enjoy!