Norse mythology to take your breath away - T L Greylock's epic saga begins

     In a stunning display of writing prowess, author T L Greylock brings an epic tales of Norse heroes into modern language. The Blood-Tainted Winter, subtitled The Song of the Ash Tree - First Edda, offers a sweeping story told from the perspective of Raef Skallagrim, a young man who wants nothing more than to take a ship and make his fortune at sea. Raef’s father Einarr, the lord of Vannheim, has other plans for his son and heir.

     When the death of the king leaves a leadership void to be filled, the young lord finds himself in desperate circumstances. Surrounded by those who call themselves friends, he must make difficult choices. Can he trust those at his side? Will he and his warriors ever see Vannheim again? 

     Peopled with colorful characters with names like Thorgrim Great-Belly and Findar Urdson, the Far-Traveled, the story charges its way across Midgard at a gallop. Each character plays an important part in the story and displays many layers of personality. There are no throwaway characters in the book.

     Greylock’s imagery sweeps across the page, drawing the reader into a world of warriors and shieldmaidens, where an insult can lead to a death fight and not all enemies are human. She presents the mythological elements in such a way that the roles played by each figure show clearly, even to readers who have forgotten what they learned of Beowulf in school, but without lecture.

     The powerful story uses Norse mythology but goes beyond, into a human story of hopes and dreams, relationships and revenge as the battle to fill the throne sprawls across the land. Faith and betrayal, friends and enemies spill forth to captivate the reader. Fans of the mythology will find plenty to enjoy, while fans of excellent character study will rejoice as well. 

     Greylock has thoughtfully included two reference tools: a map of Midgard at the front of the book and a list of important characters and their titles at the back. The tools, however, are not the main attraction of the book. The story steals the show, with the characterizations in hot pursuit. Greylock clearly loves the period and approaches the book with affection and depth.

     Be forewarned, though. This is the first volume and the story does not end here. Fall in love with Greylock’s work and get ready to wait for the next installment.

The Blood-Tainted Winter: The Song of the Ash Tree – First Edda

By T L Greylock

Published by Grass Crown Press

Cautions: Violence, Sexual Content, Language, Jeopardy

Rating: Five Star

Disclaimer: This review is based on a review copy of the book provided by the author or publisher with no constraints on my review. All opinions are my own.

Chatting with author Bob O'Connor about 'The Return of Catesby'

 

Today we have a guest post from author Bob O'Connor on the subject of writing historical fiction. Bob's book The Return of Catesby is currently on tour with Walker Author Tours. I loved the book (click here if you missed my review) and hope you will, too.

I was particularly intrigued by the way that a self-educated man like Catesby became a teacher at Storer College in Harpers Ferry, VA. Bob kindly shared his insights into what he feels were important aspects of that accomplishment.

You’ll find his thoughts informative. Enjoy, and pick up your copy of the book at http://www.buybooksontheweb.com/product.aspx?ISBN=0-7414-8206-1.

"The challenges of a teacher at Storer College were many. In a class with a wide age range of students, a teacher like Catesby had to teach the ABCs, simple math, and other academic subjects to students who had never been to school. On top of that, he had to impart his wisdom, encouragement, and values upon a group who had been told their whole lives that they couldn't do this or that because they were colored.

My job as a historical fiction writer is to report on Catesby's efforts and show that they have made a difference in the lives of his students. I had to weave in the school's policies, the teacher's lessons, the opposition from the community and the introduction of speakers, who each had a special significant message to impart.

The story unfolds in such a way as for the reader to feel like they are sitting in Catesby's classes, listening to the lessons, and getting the feel of how that experience might have played out."

Lori Copeland's 'Sisters of Mercy Flats' offers historical romance with Christian flair

Three nuns walk into a saloon. Not a bad start to a rowdy joke. Also not a bad start to a rousing western romance novel. In the case of "The Sisters of Mercy Flats," by prolific author Lori Copeland, the nuns are there to sell cattle. Sisters Anne-Marie, Abigail and Amelia McDougal are selling more than beef; they are selling the illusion of having religious vocations. They don't own the cows they offer for sale and no vows back up the habits they wear.

For more of this review, click here.

A wealth of reading awaits in 'Harvest of Rubies' by Tessa Afshar

Author Tessa Afshar whisks readers into the Persian Empire a generation after the lifetime of Esther to weave a story of intrigue and romance. “Harvest of Rubies” takes us into the royal court alongside Sarah, a young Jewish woman who possesses great skill as a scribe. Her cousin Nehemiah (yes, the wall-building Nehemiah) helps her to find a position as Senior Scribe to Damaspia, the queen of Persia and wife of Artaxerxes. Sarah serves the queen but finds herself far beyond the depth of her social skills as she moves among the Persian nobility.

Read more of this review here.