New Book Review -- Between Two Fires, by Mark Noce

I've had the good fortune to make the acquaintance of Mark Noce through blogging, and the equally good fortune to get an advance reading of his debut novel, Between Two Fires. Mark is on a blog tour now, and -- lucky me -- I had the good fortune even again to get an interview with Mark. Next week I'll be posting that interview, so please do return to learn more about him, his book, and his writing process. 

Meanwhile, here is the review of his book I posted on Goodreads yesterday:

I love a good mystery, and I love fiction that takes place in historical times. I’m also hooked on stories set in Celtic Britain. So these are three great reasons to be delighted with Mark Noce’s debut novel, Between Two Fires.

The book opens in the year A.D. 597—post-Arthurian times, when Wales is in disarray from the invading Saxons. The Romans are gone. Arthur’s Camelot is distant history. Christianity coexists with remnants of the old Druid religion. Fragmented Wales is riddled by power struggles between kings want to be sole ruler of Wales, if it can ever be united enough to withstand the Saxons. The ambitious King Vortigen of Dyfed has decided to marry his illegitimate daughter Branwen to King Morgan of Caerleon and Caerwent, also known as the Hammer King. Illegitimate or not, it’s to Morgan’s advantage to breed sons by Branwen for the future, and it’s to Vortigen’s advantage to have his daughter strategically placed to spy on Morgan. Yes. It’s that kind of world, full of intrigue and counterplots set in motion by those who have other plans for Branwen.

At first, sixteen-year-old Branwen, smart but dutiful, is resigned to her destiny. Then several attempts on her life force her to make her own destiny, one very much at odds to the future her father had planned. Choosing love over duty, using healing skills she learned from her mother, trusting her own natural leadership, Branwen becomes a legend throughout Wales. The story is told throughout through her eyes in present tense, which gives a sense of immediacy to every scene. Subplots abound, all of them well-resolved. From the opening line (Today I will marry a man I have never met), the main story’s builds tension, and each chapter ends on a page turner.

The story takes place over a three-year period, during which Branwen evolves into a revered figure the people call Mab Ceridwen, with the love of her life by her side. I can’t tell much more of the storyline beyond this without spoilers. But this is a book to settle into, as you become immersed in history, legend, and a great love story.

You can learn more about Between Two Fires and the author HERE. And you can preorder the book HERE  (I did, and I can hardly wait for it to arrive, so that I can take it to his book signing in Sacramento next month -- September 3rd).

How about you? Have you had the opportunity to get a book signed by an author you like? Do you like historical fiction? If so, what period of time and what setting? 

Book Review Friday -- Arthur of Albion

I have mentioned before, I am entranced by the King Arthur and Merlin legends, so when I had a chance to request Arthur of Albion and received it from Sacramento Book Review for review, I was delighted.  I got hooked on the Merlin legend when I read T. A. Barron's series The Lost Years of Merlin.  This led to reading Mary Stewart's wonderful Merlin Trilogy that starts with The Crystal Cave.  My husband and I both enjoyed that one and then had to track down The Hollow Hills and The Last Enchantment.  Mary Stewart is a writer who completely immerses a reader in the worlds she creats.  And she, of course, while telling the legendary world of Arthur through Merlin's eyes, hooked me once again on King Arthur.  (I was earlier captivated by the movie in the 70’s, Excalibur.)

So, as I say, when I saw Arthur of Albion listed in books to choose for review, I got my dibs in, and I wasn't disappointed.  John Matthews is an expert on the Arthurian legends, and he tells ten of the main ones here in this lovely collection.  If you get a chance (and if you are smitten with the Arthurian world as I am) get a copy of this book for your own private libary.  And visit Sacramento Book Review for more interesting reviews by various reviewers.

What about you?  Are you hooked on a particular theme or series in literature?

To the review, then:


Arthur of Albion

By John Matthews
Barefoot Books,$12.99,136 pages

This beautifully illustrated book retells the stories of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.  Written by John Matthews, a leading expert on Arthurian history, it covers ten key tales from the rise to the fall of Arthur’s Camelot.

“Gawain woke to the noise of dogs and hunting horns. The warmth of his bed only reminded him more keenly of the ordeal that lay ahead of him. For as surely as the Green Knight had risen living from the blow of the axe, Gawain knew he could do no such thing.”

In the first tale, Arthur discovers he can pull the strange sword Merlin planted in stone, thus proving he is true King of Albion. In the last tale, his nephew, Mordred, stirs up rumors about Lancelot and Guinevere that cause internal war and the destruction of Camelot.  Wounded, Arthur is taken for healing to the mysterious Avalon, from which, it is said, he will one day return, bringing light again to a dark world.

Between these two tales, young readers encounter the Questing Beast, Arthur’s magical sword, Excalibur, and a mystical shining cup considered the Holy Grail.  Merlin casts spells.  Knights go adventuring.  Damsels die for love.  Honor and valor go hand in hand.  Witchy Queen Morgause, Arthur’s half-sister, schemes with Mordred for Arthur’s defeat.

Tatarnikov’s muted illustrations are reminiscent of fine old tapestries, depicting a world long vanished. Matthews’ lyrical storytelling creates an intriguing introduction for young people to a legend that never dies.