Tag Archives: Historical Fiction

The Serpent Sword by Matthew Harffy, Narrated by Barnaby Edwards – Audiobook Review

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Now I’m sure you heard of of Matthew Harffy before and If you’ve been following my blog for a while you’ll know I’m a massive fan of his work.

As luck would have it Matthew has kindly offered me the chance to listen and review a copy of the 1st book in The Bernicia Chronicles series, The Serpent Word.

I reviewed the physical book back in August 2015! Has it really been that long??? This series has come a long way since then and truth be told the Audiobook adds nicely to the collection.

I don’t want to cover old ground so if you didn’t see my original review click here to open a new window – The Serpent Sword.

Here’s the blurb about the story –

633AD. Anglo-Saxon Britain. A gripping, powerful, action-packed historical thriller about vengeance and coming of age. The Bernicia Chronicles are perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.

Beobrand is compelled by his brother’s almost-certain murder to embark on a quest for revenge in the war-ravaged kingdoms of Northumbria. The land is rife with danger, as warlords vie for supremacy and dominion. In the battles for control of the region, new oaths are made and broken, and loyalties are tested to the limits. With no patronage and no experience, Beobrand must form his own allegiances and learn to fight with sword and shield.

Relentless in pursuit of his enemies, he faces challenges which transform him from a boy to a man who stands strong in the clamour and gore of the shieldwall. As he closes in on his kin’s slayer and the bodies pile up, can Beobrand mete out the vengeance he craves without sacrificing his honour…or even his soul?

So focusing on the Audiobook itself, what did it offer me over the written text? Well that’s easy, Barnaby Edwards the narrator.. Wow!

Now I’ve listened to a few Audiobooks so far and some things that can really bug me as a listener are the pace and also the oomph in which the tale is told. What do I mean by oomph? Well passion and emphasis..When I hear the narrator speak I want feel the emotion. This Barnaby Edwards got spot on for me. His tone of voice suited the tale and he just gave it that extra something to make the audio tale interesting. If a listener doesn’t like the narrator you’re screwed but Barnaby didn’t put a foot wrong for me.

Going back to the tone of Barnaby’s voice, well as I’ve said it suited the tale. He has what I can only describe as a grittiness to his voice and that was most enjoyable when changing from one character to another as he managed to make it feel like you were listening to different people.

Overall The Serpent Sword is one of my favourite books and the audio version does it justice.

The hard thing for Audiobooks is that I feel they need to work harder to keep the listener happy. With a written book the reader can read at their own pace and set the tone of voices and such in their own mind.. with audio you are relying heavily on the narrator.

So to summarise, this is one hell of a bloody and gritty tale perfectly narrated. The pace was spot on at just over 12 hours to finish the book and I bloody well enjoyed listening to it.

My only advice is don’t listen to it while your partner is asleep, when the action starts and you get excited they don’t seem to enjoy being woke up because you’re bouncing around the bed pretending you have your own sword.

If you want to know more about the book click the links below

Audible

Amazon 

My thanks go to the author for giving me the chance to listen to the book 🙂

 

The Prisoner: A Forest Lord Novelette by Steven A. McKay (@SA_McKay) – Review

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Title – The Prisoner: A Forest Lord Novelette
Author – Steven A. McKay
Genre – Historical Fiction
Publication – 20th December 2016
Pages – 27 Pages
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis

When two lawmen – fabled former outlaws themselves – are sent to a snowy English village to arrest a rapist it seems a straightforward task, but is all as it first appears?

England 1325 AD

As Robin Hood and Little John take the criminal into custody they find the people of Stapleford accommodating enough and the terrified victim’s bruises are plainly visible. Inevitably, as they set off on the journey back to Nottingham the lawmen’s disgust at the captive’s crime colours their opinion of him and Little John has to be restrained from brutally assaulting the man.
The harsh winter conditions slow their progress though, and eventually the prisoner’s protestations and desperate violent actions have the lawmen questioning what’s really been happening in Stapleford…

Can Robin and John complete the mission they’ve been given, or will their own innate sense of justice lead them down an unexpected path?

Fans of the bestselling Forest Lord series will love this exciting new stand-alone tale, set just before Blood of the Wolf, that explores the themes of morality and justice in medieval England.

Review

The Prisoner is a short story in the absolutely brilliant Forest Lord series by Steven A. McKay which brings fresh life to the tale of Robin Hood.

This short is 27 pages long which isn’t much but you get a good little story for your 99p.

If like me you’ve read the rest of the Forest Lord series you’ll be needing a fix of McKay right about now and this does the job nicely.

What I really enjoyed about this tale is once again how the author manages to give an ending I didn’t see coming. You really never know with McKay what twists and turns he’s going to throw at you.

For me the story ticks all the right boxes for a short tale. If you’re familiar with the series you’ll love being back, and if you’ve not read the series yet this would a be a great insight to McKay’s Robin.. you can’t go wrong for 99p in my opinion.

This isn’t a Christmas tale but it does have an ending which can bring a smile to your face and give you a bit of joy which is exactly what you need at this time of year. Justice will be served.

Everyone is busy with the holiday season so this is the perfect tale for you, it’s not a big commitment and it’s got a strong story which builds on the series and characters we’ve grown to love

Top notch for a short story

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

Guillaume by Prue Batten – Review

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Title – Guillaume (The Triptych Chronicle Book 2)
Author – Prue Batten
Genre – Historical Fiction
Publication – 10th Dec 2016
Pages – 314
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis

The Church – powerful and moneyed.
The Heretics – zealous and poor.
Lyon – a city that might claim to cast the seeds of reformed thinking upon the world.
Guillaume of Anjou, formerly an archer fighting with other Angevins in the Third Crusade, is now the manager of a successful merchant house. In his new position, he unwittingly steps into and out of the shadowed world of trade and secrets in Lyon.
Guillaume carries the weight of a book in his hands – a book that may well light the flame of the greatest philosophical and spiritual change Europe will experience so that word and sword will cut a swathe through the fabric of life in Lyon.
But he has also made an enemy who wants nothing more than revenge.
He will fight for his life…

“With her customary elegant use of language, Prue Batten plunges us effortlessly into the mercantile houses, twisted alleys and secret shadowy tunnels of medieval Europe. Guillaume is a riveting tale of twelfth century trade, treachery and intrigue.” Matthew Harffy, bestselling author of The Bernicia Chronicles.

“This is for readers who love the historical fiction of writers such as Wendy Dunn, but yearn for the adventure of an earlier period and the excitement and mystery of ordinary people tangled in dangerous politics.” Gillian Polack, bestselling author of The Middle Ages Unlocked

Review

This is my first venture into the work of Prue Batten and I can safely say I was impressed!

The book follows a man named Guillaume who helps run a merchant house. I can’t lie, I loved him.

His life is about to change very quickly. As we go through the tale you can tell he likes to give out a calm impression but underneath he’s exhausted.

From the start of the book you can tell someone is either out to get Guillaume or destroy the business he helps run but you are kept guessing as to which and the motive behind it. I really enjoyed the mystery in the book, the author keeps you hooked until she is ready to reveal all.

Character development is the thing I look for most in a book. I need to find them believable and Prue Batten has put together an ensemble that ticks all the right boxes for me.  Not only was Guillaume a great character but the story also had a great supporting cast to the tale. The relationships, motivations and personas all felt right, they developed naturally rather than being forced.

This book is full of treachery, murder, mystery and intrigue. Shadows form the past return and it’s all woven together in a wonderful plot that was gripping from start to finish. This book really was a treat to read.

I also really enjoyed the descriptiveness used by the author. Prue gives you a background to the trade Guillaume is part of and this only added to the story which made it feel more real.

I can’t spoil the plot for you but can I can say this, there’s multiple players involved in this story and until the last few chapters you don’t have all the pieces so it a real buzz when things start to click together.

A special mention must go out for the ending of this book. Again I can’t spoil it but it suited the story perfectly and left me with that empty feeling..Hold on, that’s a good thing! I mean I was left with that “oh wow” moment and was left wanting.. needing more. I can’t wait to read more of the authors work.

Guillaume is a well written tale with great characters and a perfectly paced plot.. There’s nothing about this story I didn’t love!

My thanks go to the author for the chance to read/review their work. I’ll certainly be watching out for more 🙂

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

Blood and Blade by Matthew Harffy – The Blog Tour

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I’m not quite sure how you could have missed it but the third book in The Bernicia Chronicles was released 1st December and I’m lucky enough to be part of the blog tour.

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Matthew has kindly allowed me to share with you an extract from chapter one of the book to hook you in!

Before you read it here’s the blurb:

635AD. Anglo-Saxon Britain. A gripping, action-packed historical thriller and third instalment in The Bernicia Chronicles. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.

Oswald is now King of Northumbria. However, his plans for further alliances and conquests are quickly thrown into disarray when his wedding to a princess of Wessex is interrupted by news of a Pictish uprising.

Rushing north, Oswald leaves Beobrand to escort the young queen to her new home. Their path is fraught with danger and uncertainty, Beobrand must try to unravel secrets and lies if they are to survive.

Meanwhile, old enemies are closing in, seeking brutal revenge. Beobrand will give his blood and blade in service to his king, but will that be enough to avert disaster and save his kith and kin from the evil forces that surround them?

And if you’d like to read my reviews on the previous installments click below to open a new window!

Book 1 – The Serpent Sword

Book 2 – The Cross and the Curse

Chapter 1 – Blood and Blade

They attacked at night. Beobrand had known they would. The ragged group of Picts was driven by their desire for blood and death; their hunger for vengeance. And that was something he understood well.

The Picts descended on them in the stillest part of the night, as silent as the wraiths that haunt the burial mounds of ancient kings. Blades glimmered dully in the cool starlight. Approaching from the south, they were hopeful for the element of surprise. They had traipsed far to the west before crossing the river Tuidi and then circling round to move on Ubbanford from the desolate hills where few men lived.

The plan was good, but Beobrand was also cunning. Anticipating such a move from his enemies, he had set his men to watch the hills. At sunset, Attor, the most lithe and soft-footed of Beobrand’s warband, had padded into the newly-finished great hall.

“They are coming,” he’d said, the glint in his eye from the hearth fire speaking of his thirst for battle-fame.

“How many?” Beobrand had asked, setting aside his horn of mead unfinished. He would need his wits about him this night.

“A dozen. Mayhap more.”

Beobrand had scowled. He hoped all the planning was enough. His warband would be outnumbered, it was true, but they would also be prepared, armed and waiting for the attack.

He had stood, pushing his freshly-carved gift-stool back and looking at each of his warriors, his gesithas, in turn. He nodded, his face grim in the flickering flame light.

“We have prepared for this. Each take your position and await the signal. Attor, fetch Elmer from where he wards the river and have him get the women and children to safety.”

Now, in the pre-dawn gloom of the summer night Beobrand watched as the shadows of men flitted between the buildings. They made their way towards the hill where the new hall commanded the valley. He straightened his right leg, tensing his calf muscle, testing it. He cursed silently. The arrow wound was still stiff, not fully healed. He could not run. He would have to spring the ambush sooner than he would have liked, or else he feared he would not be able to close with the enemy. Beobrand felt the throb of the leg wound and wondered whether Torran was amongst the Picts who crept through his settlement. Torran, son of Nathair, had loosed the arrow that had skewered Beobrand’s leg. But not before Beobrand had slain his brother. He flexed his left arm, wincing. The skin pulled at recent scabbing where Broden’s axe had bit deeply into his flesh. He bared his teeth in the blackness. The pain and memories of the battle at Nathair’s hall only weeks before brought whispers of the battle fury into his thoughts. He had felt little these last few weeks. His lack of feelings frightened him more than the thought of bloodshed.

He signalled to Acennan who stood in the star-shadow of the smithy’s forge. He could barely make out his friend’s form in the darkness, but there was the slightest of movements in the gloom and then a piercing blast on a horn, as Acennan announced the moment of the ambush to the defenders who hid in the night.

Light flared suddenly as men uncovered torches and thrust them into prepared piles of kindling. Beobrand’s gesithas burst from the shadows, their weapons and armour shining red in the sudden firelight. Beobrand too leapt forward, drawing his fine sword, Hrunting, from its fur-lined scabbard. He hurried towards one intruder, whose back was turned to him. He limped forward as quickly as he could, clumsy on the wounded leg. His arm felt naked without a shield, but he had decided before the fight that a linden board would hinder him in his current state. Both his arm and leg would heal, in time, but for now, he would need to fight without a shield, and hope that the Picts did not run away before they could be slaughtered.

The man who was the focus of his attention turned towards him at the last moment. His face was pallid. He was young, probably less than twenty years, perhaps the same age as Beobrand himself. But he was no warrior. He held a long knife, but had barely raised it to defend himself when Hrunting’s blade sliced into his throat, splashing warmth over Beobrand’s forearm and face. The young Pict fell back silently, his eyes wide, mouth opening and closing like a beached salmon.

With the first kill of the night, battle lust descended upon Beobrand. After the weeks of inaction, the numbness after Sunniva’s death and the events at Dor, Beobrand embraced the battle-ire, welcoming the familiar rush of power as a cold man clutches to a warm cloak in a blizzard.

What did i think of the book? Well in case you missed it here’s my review –

I’m so glad to be back in Beobrand’s world..it’s not been that long since the last book but I’ve been chomping at the bits and boy did Harffy use the time well!

Straight from the off the book just felt tighter, more defined. Beobrand has been wonderfully developed over the last two tales in the series that he’s grown and I felt this growth allowed for the plot of this tale to become the best one yet of the series.

Fans of Harffy won’t be disappointed with this one, Beobrand is haunted by his past more than ever and this time things are taking more of a toll on our hero. Beo isn’t fully healed after the injuries he received in the last book..he’s getting older but he’s as sharp and deadly as ever.

Harffy easily brings you back into the world he’s created. The first few chapters are written so well to hook you in but also remind the reader of some of the main characters in the tale. I won’t spoil it for you but these early chapters stood out for me.. it set the tone of the tale and included some very moving moments with Beo’s closest. We really see how much the events in the past have changed Brobrand..he’s one death away from a complete breakdown.

Beo is a man torn. He misses his wife and the events surrounding her death still haunt him, although there’s a potential love on the cards for him in this tale. You can really tell how hard this must be for him.. he loves his wife.. but he yearns for physical love..I feel he’s lost so much he just needs someone by his side, to keep him warm, to make him feel alive..and to give him something to live for.

While performing his duties for King Oswald Beo still has his own issues to deal with.. namely Nelda and Torran who don’t seem to want to give up on the idea of vengeance any time soon.

The plot for this one really was brilliant, there are lots of strands to the tale to make it wonderfully full and complex but so well written it’s effortless to follow and understand.

One of the highlights for me was how well the author dealt with changing attitudes towards religion and medicine. There are some really great scenes with one of my favourites Coenred but if I say any more it will really ruin the enjoyment for you.

The major thing I really like is Harffy’s ability to remind you of the events of the previous books..even just mentioning the name Cathryn brings me back to the first book in the series.. the emotions I felt at the time flowing back.

This is the best yet from Harffy, who has put so much time into crafting and developing such a rich and invigorating tale.. more than once I gritted my teeth and shouted obscenities in my head (I don’t like to swear while on public transport 🙂 ). I’ve really been taken into the series and credit to the author I really care about how things play out.. from the moment I open the book the world around me shuts off and the only thing that exists is this wonderfully brutal and harsh world Beo lives in.

I must admit towards the end of the tale I wasn’t sure if Beo could make it out alive or not..there’s some brilliant twists to this tale and fans of Harffy will know anything is possible…I had my hand over my mouth a number of times thinking it was the end for Beobrand.

I’m excited to see what the author comes up with next but at the same time I’m truly scared. I don’t want this series to end..

Overall this is a whopper of a book, Harffy builds on his well-developed characters and throws in a super plot. It’s the brutal dark gloomy tale we expect for Beo but the author always leaves you with that feeling that Beo can right the wrongs that have been done and that although he can’t change the past there is always hope.. Things can in time.. hopefully..get better..

Let’s wait and see.

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Author info:

Matthew Harffy is the author of the Bernicia Chronicles, a series of novels set in seventh century Britain. The first of the series, The Serpent Sword, was published by Aria/Head of Zeus on 1st June 2016. The sequel, The Cross and The Curse was released on 1st August 2016. Book three, Blood and Blade, was released on 1st December 2016.

Book info and links:

The Serpent Sword, The Cross and the Curse and Blood and Blade are available on Amazon, Kobo, Google Play, and all good online bookstores.

Killer of Kings and Kin of Cain are available for pre-order on Amazon and all good online bookstores.

Contact links:

Website: www.matthewharffy.com

Twitter: @MatthewHarffy

Facebook: MatthewHarffyAuthor

 

10 Questions with…Prue Batten

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A former journalist from Australia who graduated with majors in history and politics, Prue Batten is now a cross genre writer who enjoys creating fiction from history and fantasy.

She is also regularly commissioned to write short stories for a miniature book-press in the United States, where the narratives are bespoke bound and illustrated, and purchased by miniature book collectors across the globe.

She is also a farming partner, dog owner, gardener and embroiderer, swimmer and kayaker who is about to release her fifth historical fiction book, Guillaume, on the 10th December! she is here today to answer David’s Ten Questions! 

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Q1 – What would you say to convince readers to read your book?

I like writing about the ordinary man of my era (twelfth century/Middle Ages) who is in extraordinary circumstances. There’s enough action and drama to keep the adrenalin pumping and enough blind corners to keep the brain guessing.

I’m not afraid of using emotion or of creating a world with texture and colour and I’m also not at all afraid to kill off those characters dearest to me. I like the shock factor!

I’d also say that Book One of The Triptych Trilogy, Tobias, was a semi-finalist in the prestigious MM.Bennetts Award for Historical Fiction for 2016 and was also awarded a gold medal by Indie B.R.A.G in 2016. It’s also a finalist in the 2017 Chanticleer Chaucer Awards. So hopefully, readers will find the writing of Guillaume (which is Book Two in the trilogy) just as good.

Q2 –When can we expect the last book of the trilogy to be out and can you give us any juicy info on it?

The sequel is Michael and it will be delivered toward the end of 2018.

Michael takes us back to Byzantium – specifically Constantinople. Readers might remember Tobias’ shattering adventures within that city. The time is only a year further on – 1194AD – and will hopefully be as compelling and dangerous as Tobias’ and Guillaume’s stories.

Q3 – To give your readers some insight into your life as a writer how long did it take you to write the book? Including the editing process and any re-writes you made.

From the moment I begin my research, to writing drafts, to formal editing, my novels take roughly a year each. I’m a slow writer compared to many, but any faster and I would lose my thread.

During the writing, my cover designer is working on my cover, so that by three months before publication, the cover is ready for public release.

After the third draft, the novel is sent to two trusted beta-readers and then the final draft shoots off to Super-Editor-Man, my trusted editor in the UK. He works in two chapter blocks and it takes about a month of to-ing and fro-ing. Then a final read through/line-edit is done. One copy goes to my e-formatter and one back to my cover designer who formats for print.

And that’s it!

Q4 – What made you decide to become a historical fiction writer in the first place?

Serendipity.

I was writing a fan-fiction story for my blog. It was based on Guy of Gisborne from the TV series. It was fun and light-hearted and I took my Guy far from the familiar Robin Hood trope – what his life would have been like if the dice had fallen in a completely different way.

At one point I found I was researching far more than one would for a light fan-fict for blog entertainment and so I took the story off my blog, re-thought it, re-titled it and thus The Gisborne Saga was born. Also, serendipitously giving rise to the characters of The Triptych Chronicle.

One thing I will add is that I always find the title ‘historical fiction writer’ almost too grand for what I am and what I write. I write what I consider ‘soft historical fiction’ as opposed to the excellent literary work of writers like Dorothy Dunnett, Elizabeth Chadwick and Hilary Mantel. They and others like them are the true representatives of the genre of historical fiction.

Q5 – What are your views on historical accuracy when writing fiction? I note from other books I’ve read in the same genre some reviewers can be quite negative to any inaccuracies.

I think historical accuracy is required where it is possible to locate it in primary and secondary sources. But where there is questionable fact, or diverse fact, I think a Fiction writer is at liberty to interpret as he or she sees fit, as long as they mention it in their Author’s Note. If readers interpret one’s facts differently, then that is the price writers have to pay.

Q6 – Would you contemplate writing a book in any other genre?

I have and I do.

I’m what’s commonly called a cross genre writer. I have written a historical fantasy quartet called The Chronicles of Eirie, one of which won a Readers’ Favorite silver medallion for fantasy in 2012 (A Thousand Glass Flowers).

And this year, I wrote a children’s story about a wombat (based on the wombats on our sheep farm) and it’s been illustrated in the UK by the wonderful Dave Slaney. It’s called Nugget and it’ll be released in print for Christmas stockings this year! It’s already available as an e-book.

I love being a cross-genre writer. It’s such an adventure and I think it keeps my writing fresh.

Q7 – Who have been your biggest influences within the writing community?

Oh golly! Dorothy Dunnett, first and foremost! Rosamunde Pilcher, Guy Gavriel Kay, JRR Tolkein, to name just a few of hundreds. In the past Anya Seton, Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece, Mary Stewart… But truly there are many writers through the years who have all played some sort of role, because I’ve loved reading and books since I was given my first book as a toddler and one learns such a lot as one grows older.

Q8 – What book(s) are you looking forward to reading in the coming months?

Matthew Harffy’s Blood and Blade. Juliet Marillier’s Den of Wolves, Ann Swinfen’s The Novice’s Tale, Selina Seak Chin Yoke’s The Woman who Breathed Two Worlds. And finally, The Penguin Lessons by Tom Michell. A hugely eclectic collection. And hopefully, the TBR pile will be added to over Christmas!

Q9 – Where do you get your ideas from?

My ideas come from obscure sources – a piece of stumpwork embroidery, a paperweight, a piece of paper-cloth, Robin Hood, a piece of twelfth century music, a picture of dwarf minstrel, a Byzantine icon, a wooden cabinet, a map – idiosyncratic little things that whisper in my ear that they just might have a story to tell. The ideas often expand as I walk my dog on the beach or soak in the bath!

I tell myself stories for a long time before I put pen to paper. Oh, and that’s another thing – I actually write in long hand. That’s usually my first draft.

Q10 – Future plans? I’m sure we’d all like to know what you’ve got planned.

A new fantasy as the opener of a new series – title and series name yet to be decided.

Audiobooks.

The final of The Triptych Chronicle.

A collaboration with one of the UK’s best on a story set between Britain and colonial Australia.

And that’s just for starters! Gosh – I’ll be in my eighties at this rate…

Thanks so much, David, for interviewing me. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the process of examining my writing life – it’s been fun. Best wishes to you and to all the readers!

 

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Click here to head to Amazon to check out the upcoming release Guillaume –  myBook.to/Guillaume

To find out more about Prue and her work check out the links below!

http://www.pruebatten.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Prue.Batten.writer

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/pruebatten

Blog Tour – Fifteen Words by Monika Jephcott Thomas- Review

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Title – Fifteen Words
Author – Monika Jephcott Thomas
Genre – Historical Fiction/War & Military
Publication – 22nd November 2016
Pages – 293
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis      

Two young doctors form a profound and loving bond in Nazi Germany; a bond that will stretch them to the very limits of human endurance. Catholic Max – whose religious and moral beliefs are in conflict, has been been conscripted to  join the war effort as a medic, despite his hatred of Hitler’s regime. His beloved Erika, a privileged young woman, is herself a product of the Hitler Youth. In spite of their stark differences, Max and Erika defy convention and marry. But when Max is stationed at the fortress city of Breslau, their worst nightmares are realised; his hospital is bombed, he is captured by the Soviet Army and taken to a POW camp in Siberia. Max experiences untold horrors, his one comfort the letters he is allowed to send home: messages that can only contain Fifteen Words. Back in Germany, Erika is struggling to survive and protect their young daughter, finding comfort in the arms of a local carpenter. Worlds apart and with only sparse words for comfort, will they ever find their way back to one another, and will Germany ever find peace?
Fifteen Words is a vivid and intimate portrayal of human love and perseverance, one which illuminates the German experience of the war, which has often been overshadowed by history.

Review

The last bit of the synopsis of this book is what really hooked me in. –

“Fifteen Words is a vivid and intimate portrayal of human love and perseverance, one which illuminates the German experience of the war, which has often been overshadowed by history.”

I think like many when I think of war I always associate Germany is being the bad guys.. that’s how we are taught in school. You just get clean cut facts but you don’t see the real people involved.

What I really liked about this book was how easy it makes you remember not all Germans wanted the wars.. some were forced into service that they really didn’t have the heart to do. Just because they were German doesn’t mean they were a Nazi.

The story focuses around Max and Erika, both doctors but with different views on the leadership of Germany. Max signs up for service..not because he wants to fight but because he wants to save lives.

When he’s captured and held as a POW he looks back at the events that led him to where he is.. These thoughts of his wife keeping him going when he could just as easily give up.

At the same time we see Erika dealing with similar emotional struggles as her husband.. he’s been away so long.. is he even alive.

The love they have for each other is strong but temptation comes to both and you can understand why in such a stressful situation.

It really did make me think about what it must have been like, not only for the men/women serving but also those left behind, neither having the full picture but being forced to live their lives.

It’s a real emotional ride for both.. I won’t spoil it for you as a reader but its got ups and downs, twists and turns that really do make your mind work as you see things from different perspectives.

Fifteen words is mentioned a few times and it was amazing to see how much can be conveyed in such a short amount of words.

I must say the twists the author added towards the end really did bring something extra to the tale. Unexpected to say the least but it gave it a wow factor.

These are the type of books I really enjoy, character driven, wonderfully descriptive and written, emotional and thought-provoking. Wonderful.

The book is out today! to find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

My thanks go to Athoright for the chance to read/review this book, it was my pleasure. 

About Monika Jephcott Thomas.

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Monika Jephcott Thomas grew up in Dortmund Mengede, north-west Germany. She moved to the UK in 1966, enjoying a thirty year career in education before retraining as a therapist. Along with her partner Jeff she established the Academy of Play & Child Psychotherapy in order to support the twenty per cent of children who have emotional, behavioural, social and mental health problems by using play and the creative Arts. A founder member of Play Therapy UK, Jephcott Thomas was elected President of Play Therapy International in 2002.

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Days of Sun and Glory by Anna Belfrage (@abelfrageauthor) – Review

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Title – Days of Sun and Glory (The King’s Greatest Enemy #2)
Author – Anna Belfrage
Genre – Historical Fiction
Publication – June 2016
Pages – 418
My Rating – 4/5 Stars

Synopsis      

Adam de Guirande has barely survived the aftermath of Roger Mortimer’s rebellion in 1321. When Mortimer manages to escape the Tower and flee to France, anyone who has ever served Mortimer becomes a potential traitor – at least in the eyes of King Edward II and his royal chancellor, Hugh Despenser. Adam must conduct a careful balancing act to keep himself and his family alive. Fortunately, he has two formidable allies: Queen Isabella and his wife, Kit. England late in 1323 is a place afflicted by fear. Now that the king’s greatest traitor, Roger Mortimer, has managed to evade royal justice, the king and his beloved Despenser see dissidents and rebels everywhere – among Mortimer’s former men, but also in the queen, Isabella of France. Their suspicions are not unfounded. Tired of being relegated to the background by the king’s grasping favourite, Isabella has decided it is time to act – to safeguard her own position, but also that of her son, Edward of Windsor. As Adam de Guirande has pledged himself to Prince Edward he is automatically drawn into the queen’s plans – whether he likes it or not. Yet again, Kit and Adam are forced to take part in a complicated game of intrigue and politics. Yet again, they risk their lives – and that of those they hold dear – as the king and Mortimer face off. Once again, England is plunged into war – and this time it will not end until either Despenser or Mortimer is dead. Days of Sun and Glory is the second in Anna Belfrage’s series, The King’s Greatest Enemy, the story of a man torn apart by his loyalties to his lord, his king, and his wife.

Review

After reading In the Shadow of the Storm, the first book in The King’s Greatest Enemy series I just couldn’t wait to get to grips with this one.

We are back with Adam and Kit. Adam owes Lord Roger and also the young prince his life and in this tale he’s torn between the two men he cares for.

The story follows perfectly from the first book and instantly you can recall all the events of the previous tale and the injury’s inflicted on Adam at the hands of Hugh Despenser.

Mortimer is out gaining allies before he intends to come back to England to take the throne. During this time Adam is in service to the Prince and has to deal with the constant mutterings in his direction.. you see people think Adam is a traitor.. well Despenser does. Adam’s only flaw in my eyes is that he is loyal.. Loyal to a fault.

When the young Prince is sent to France on behalf of the King, Adam must go with him… with Kit in tow. Let’s just say it’s not an easy thing for them to do.

There’s more romance in this book compared to the first and a lot of jealousy between Adam and Kit as they get attention from other parties. At times I felt it overshadowed the overall plot but it really did help you understand how strong the connection between these two characters is.

There’s a lot of pain and anguish for Kit, I won’t spoil it but she has a lot to deal with once again as she’s pulled from pillar to post. Adam and Kit really need each other to get through this one.

For me the best bits of this book involved Despenser.. he must be such a wonderful character to write.. He’s evil and twisted and has the favour of the King… basically he can do what he wants but he knows without the King’s protection he would be a dead man.

Despenser is blinded by hatred for Adam. He wants to finish what he started and all he needs is one mistake to get Adam hauled up in chains. He’s a vile man but this ever present danger keeps you hooked.

It’s his love for Despenser that has put King Edwards’s position in jeopardy and as the tale is told it becomes clear Adam doesn’t see a way for the King to make it out alive.

The end of this book had a lot of twists. While my opinions on characters didn’t change fully I found myself seeing things from a different perspective.. Will Mortimer be any better than Despenser?

One of the other things i really enjoyed in this tales was the constant threats.. you never quite know who to trust..spies could be anywhere and some are forced into their actions..it just adds to the tension building up.

This is a very character driven tale with a solid plot behind it. A bit heavy in the romance for my tastes but nothing that takes anything away from the story. It just makes the emotional scenes between Adam and Kit’s become more real, it’s their tale.. the rest are just along for the ride.

It’s not a heavy read either.. it flows nicely at a steady pace and builds up the excitement for you as it goes along.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

My thanks go to the author for the chance to read/review her work. I’ll certainly be reading more of Anna’s work in the future!

Bernicia Chronicles – What’s next? @MatthewHarffy

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Hopefully by now you’ve read the first two books in the impressive series by Matthew Harffy.

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If not click the images above to open a new window to my reviews so you can see what you’re missing out on 🙂

The great news is book three will be out in December! check out my review of Blood and Blade by clicking the image below!

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So what’s next i hear to cry.. well the good news for us is that two more books are planned for 2017!

First off we have a novella – Kin of Cain but also book four in the Bernicia Chronicles Killer of Kings!

Both are available now for pre-order. Click the images to head to Amazon for more details

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I ordered my copies at 1.30am this morning after the kids woke me up…no excuses.. order your copy today 🙂

Blood and Blade by Matthew Harffy (@MatthewHarffy)- Review

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Title – Blood and Blade (Bernicia Chronicles #3)
Author – Matthew Harffy
Genre –  Historical Fiction
Publication – 1st December 2016
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis

635AD. Anglo-Saxon Britain. A gripping, action-packed historical thriller and third instalment in The Bernicia Chronicles. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell.

Oswald is now King of Northumbria. However, his plans for further alliances and conquests are quickly thrown into disarray when his wedding to a princess of Wessex is interrupted by news of a Pictish uprising.

Rushing north, Oswald leaves Beobrand to escort the young queen to her new home. Their path is fraught with danger and uncertainty, Beobrand must try to unravel secrets and lies if they are to survive.

Meanwhile, old enemies are closing in, seeking brutal revenge. Beobrand will give his blood and blade in service to his king, but will that be enough to avert disaster and save his kith and kin from the evil forces that surround them?

Review

I’m so glad to be back in Beobrand’s world..it’s not been that long since the last book but I’ve been chomping at the bits and boy did Harffy use the time well!

Straight from the off the book just felt tighter, more defined. Beobrand has been wonderfully developed over the last two tales in the series that he’s grown and I felt this growth allowed for the plot of this tale to become the best one yet of the series.

Fans of Harffy won’t be disappointed with this one, Beobrand is haunted by his past more than ever and this time things are taking more of a toll on our hero. Beo isn’t fully healed after the injuries he received in the last book..he’s getting older but he’s as sharp and deadly as ever.

Harffy easily brings you back into the world he’s created. The first few chapters are written so well to hook you in but also remind the reader of some of the main characters in the tale. I won’t spoil it for you but these early chapters stood out for me.. it set the tone of the tale and included some very moving moments with Beo’s closest. We really see how much the events in the past have changed Brobrand..he’s one death away from a complete breakdown.

Beo is a man torn. He misses his wife and the events surrounding her death still haunt him, although there’s a potential love on the cards for him in this tale. You can really tell how hard this must be for him.. he loves his wife.. but he yearns for physical love..I feel he’s lost so much he just needs someone by his side, to keep him warm, to make him feel alive..and to give him something to live for.

While performing his duties for King Oswald Beo still has his own issues to deal with.. namely Nelda and Torran who don’t seem to want to give up on the idea of vengeance any time soon.

The plot for this one really was brilliant, there are lots of strands to the tale to make it wonderfully full and complex but so well written it’s effortless to follow and understand.

One of the highlights for me was how well the author dealt with changing attitudes towards religion and medicine. There are some really great scenes with one of my favourites Coenred but if I say any more it will really ruin the enjoyment for you.

The major thing I really like is Harffy’s ability to remind you of the events of the previous books..even just mentioning the name Cathryn brings me back to the first book in the series.. the emotions I felt at the time flowing back.

This is the best yet from Harffy, who has put so much time into crafting and developing such a rich and invigorating tale.. more than once I gritted my teeth and shouted obscenities in my head (I don’t like to swear while on public transport 🙂 ). I’ve really been taken into the series and credit to the author I really care about how things play out.. from the moment I open the book the world around me shuts off and the only thing that exists is this wonderfully brutal and harsh world Beo lives in.

I must admit towards the end of the tale I wasn’t sure if Beo could make it out alive or not..there’s some brilliant twists to this tale and fans of Harffy will know anything is possible…I had my hand over my mouth a number of times thinking it was the end for Beobrand.

I’m excited to see what the author comes up with next but at the same time I’m truly scared. I don’t want this series to end..

Overall this is a whopper of a book, Harffy builds on his well-developed characters and throws in a super plot. It’s the brutal dark gloomy tale we expect for Beo but the author always leaves you with that feeling that Beo can right the wrongs that have been done and that although he can’t change the past there is always hope.. Things can in time.. hopefully..get better..

Let’s wait and see.

The book is available now for pre-order here .

Song of Princes by Janell Rhiannon – Review

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Title – Song of Princes (Homeric Chronicles #1)
Author – Janell Rhiannon
Genre – Historical Fiction
Length –   490 Pages
Publication – June 2016
My Rating – 5/5 Stars

Synopsis

The TROJAN WAR

SONG OF PRINCES, Book One of the Homeric Chronicles

Sing Muse. Sing of the shining citadel of Troy rising from the hot sands of Asia. Sing of the Greek palaces ascending from their rocky hilltops. Sing of one woman’s dream heralding the madness of men and the murder of innocents. From bull dancing rings and wild meadows, the Forgotten Prince must choose between love and a golden crown. From seclusion and safety, the Golden Warrior must choose between his honor and his life. From behind the Great Wall, the Golden Prince must choose between his family and his city. And from a rugged realm on the far side of Greece, the Warrior King must choose between his son’s life and certain exile. Here shepherds and princes, warriors and kings, and seers and lovers seek to conquer their passions, outwit destiny or surrender to it.

PARIS, the FORGOTTEN PRINCE. Abandoned at birth and raised as a shepherd, Paris believes he is destined for a simple life. His heart belongs to the nymph, Oenone, until the beautiful Helen forces him to choose.
ACHILLES, the GOLDEN WARRIOR. Destined to live a short life, Achilles becomes the young lover of a princess who he abandons for the passions of war. He discovers that love is his only weakness.
HEKTOR, the GOLDEN PRINCE. As guardian of the citadel, Hektor must balance his heart’s desire between the beautiful Andromache and the people he’s sworn to protect.
ODYSSEUS, the WARRIOR KING. Forced into a war against his will, Odysseus leaves his young wife, Penelope, behind. Their love must stand the test of time and temptation.

Where did their legends begin before their lives converged at Troy in one of the most famous battles of all time? The HOMERIC CHRONICLES tells the stories of Paris, Achilles, Hektor, and Odysseus in one chronological tale, beginning before the ILIAD and ending long after the ODYSSEY. Blending both history and myth, the Homeric Chronicles will satisfy your love of Greek mythology, while paying homage to the original storyteller, Homer.

SONGS OF PRINCES begins with the birth of Paris and Achilles, and introduces us to a young Hektor and Odysseus. The journey of the princes begins…

Janell Rhiannon has a Master’s degree in history. It was during her years studying Alexander the Great that she came to love the Greek and Roman myths. She loves warfare and romance. Visit her Amazon Author Page or visit her at http://www.janellrhiannon.com

Fall in love with Greek mythology for the first time or all over again.

…READ THEM ALL…
#songofprinces
#riseofprinces
#returnofkings
#homericchronicles

Review

I must admit from the start of this book I loved it. I really liked the idea that the gods walked among us and that they played out there games with humans as their pawns.

This is book one in the series and it focuses on the period preceding the Trojan war. Priam being forced by the gods to kill his new born son Paris in order to save troy..but things do not go to plan..the gods like to play games and someone else has other plans for this baby.

Paris ultimately survives early life in the care of Agelaus..the person instructed to kill the boy. He falls in love with a nymph over a period of time and it’s a very touching story between the two of them with his lover knowing all along they could never be together forever but hoping the fates would be wrong

The next and for me very powerful scene for me is when Paris is forced to pick which goddess is thinks is the most beautiful of all.. of course things don’t go the way he would like and in the end his prize for choosing is the love of the most beautiful woman in the world..who is not yet born.. Helen..

We also learn of Achilles and his birth also to a nymph and there’s a great scene where Thetis his mother plans to change the fate of her son who is to die young on the battlefield with his name living on or living to an old age with nothing of worth ever happening in his life, dying an unknown. She goes about trying to gain her son the power of the gods..things never go to plan though do they

From here Paris grows up, strong, fast and the more he grows the more he looks like his brother Hektor. Soon enough things unravel and Paris is welcomed back into the royal family

What I really enjoyed about this book is that it’s took the political aspect of the tale away, stripped in down and really made use of the myths surrounding the gods and made this more into an unwanted love story.. Paris is destined by the gods to fall in love with Helen and I just loved this approach to the tale

Paris is sent away on a mission on behalf of Priam and meet Helen and things will never be the same again

Cassandra had a very moving portrayal for me..actually being abused by a god who then cruelly leaves her with visions of the future but also curses her that no one will ever believe her.. she knows Troy will fall but there is nothing she can do about it

For me what really shines with the tale is ultimately the Greek mythology and how the author portrays the gods.You really fear the games they might play.. I won’t spoil it for you as a reader but It was a fascinating way to tell the tale and the fact the author left the tale where she did has definitely left me wanting to get the next book in the series to see how she continues the tale. I can’t wait to see if some of the gods actually walk  the battlefield..

A real refreshing take and well written adult tale that I really did enjoy. I need to read more..

If you’re looking for a different take on the story of Troy or like the idea of a tale where gods can walk among us then take a look at this!

There’s so much more to come!

I must thank Janell and Nicole for the chance to read/review the book!

To find out more head to Goodreads, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com