Review: The Last Berserker by Angus Donald

Synopsis: 771AD, Northern Europe. An epic battle for the soul of the North.

Bjarki Bloodhand and Tor Hildarsdottir are journeying south into Saxony. Their destination is the Irminsul, the One Tree that links the Nine Worlds of the Middle-Realm. In this most holy place, they hope to learn how to summon their animal spirits so they can enter the ranks of the legendary berserkir: the elite frenzied fighters of the North.

One Christian king Karolus, newly crowned King of the Franks, has a thorn in his side: the warlike Saxon tribes on his northern borders who shun the teachings of the Church, blasphemously continuing to worship their pagan gods.

The West’s greatest warlord vows to stamp out his neighbours’ superstitions and bring the light of the True Faith to the Northmen – at the point of a sword. It will fall to Bjarki, Tor and the men and women of Saxony to resist him in a struggle for the fate of all Europe.

Another in a great line up of "hero quest" historical fiction that is set in the Northern Hemisphere - particularly Scandinavia - from the 8th -11th centuries. So if you are a fan of Matthew Harffy's A Time for Swords and Tim Hodkinson's Whale Road Chronicles, this this one is for you.

Recently outlawed Bjarki Bloodhand suddenly finds himself on the road in the company of shield-maiden Torfinna Hildarsdottir and the mysterious Valtyr Far-Traveller, Their destination is not certain as they head towards the Dane-mark of King Siegfried. For war is looming with the Franks under the charismatic leader Karolus. However, as both display traits of the Rekkr, it is to the mysterious and sacred groves of Irminsul to find out if they have what takes to be a true Rekkr (or Berserker).

There are - of course - many adventures and battles along the way as our intrepid duo find themselves at odds not only with Charlemange but also the new religion - Christianity - which is establishing a firm foothold.  Throughout, both struggle to find and harness the power of their "gandr" or warrior totem spirit.  Will they find this inner strength in time to save the north from the Frankish incursions or will they be too late ...

Love the historical context that the author then treats us to at the end - I always like to know - apart from the obvious - where they draw their inspiration from and if based on real life events. And for those wishing to delve into this genre and the sagas of the Scandinavians, you may find certain parallels in the story of Beowulf or the saga of Bodvar Bjarki.

A great start to what promises to be the first in a new action-adventure series.

Review: A Place To Hide by David Salner

 Synopsis

Wow! what a story! 1920s New York was not familiar to me and as a result, this story has led me rather astray as I delve into the many events mentioned throughout (see further reading below).

This is truly an evocative narrative about a parolee on the run, who finds acceptance within a community that is completely alien to him, whilst reminding us that in the great scheme of things, all men are equal.  For under the river, in the close confines of the tunnel they are excavating, these "sandhogs" find a comradeship known only to those who work in similarly dangerous occupation - it is one that surpasses the issue of race and religion - for theirs is a world defined by trust, reliance and mateship.

Bill takes us back to events that have led him to New York City in the 1920s - a city that "teemed with secrets" and where a man might seek sanctuary and find for himself a new life.  There were quite a few "on the edge of my seat" moments when you truly do hope that Bill finds the answers he seeks and hope that the price he pays will not be too high.  

The very real issues - dealing with employment, race & social conditions - are touched upon in a way that put me in mind of the only other author I had read that had sufficiently made "the reader participate in the actuality" of the story as it unfolded (if I might quote Steinbeck himself).  This Salner accomplishes with a truly engaging commentary of early twentieth century America society.

Further reading:

• Speculator Mine Disaster
• Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire
• Holland Tunnel
• Sandhogs
• Major Disasters at Metal & Non-metal Mines
• Port Authority - Sandhogs

Peter James series on ITV tomorrow

From Jersey Evening Post:

Dead Simple, the first episode of the new Grace series, stars John Simm as Superintendent Grace and Richie Campbell as his sidekick, DS Glen Branson.

Mr James, who moved to Jersey three years ago with his wife, Lara, said that he had turned away a number of approaches to screen his fictional detective before agreeing on the current collaboration with Russell Lewis, whose screen credits include Inspector Morse, its prequel, Endeavour, and its sequel, Lewis, as well as Spooks and The Bill.

‘The key is to get the right writer, and Russ and I clicked. He told me he would not change anything I wasn’t happy with, and he has been true to his word. ITV involved me on every single casting decision from John Simm [as Roy Grace] to the smallest role, and they have a producer, Kiaran Murray-Smith, who is a Brighton boy, so he really gets and loves the city.

Harlan Coben, Suburban Dad With 75 Million Books in Print

From The New York Times:

The thriller writer Harlan Coben has some free advice for anyone who cares to ask: “If it produces pages: good. If it doesn’t produce pages: bad.”

With 32 published books and an estimated 75 million copies in print worldwide, he has produced many pages during the course of his career. His 33rd novel, “Win,” will be published by Grand Central on Tuesday. He recently added streaming media to his portfolio in the form of a 14-project deal with Netflix.

For all his success, Coben, 59, remains as unfussy as his favorite writing tip. A 6-foot-4 former college basketball player with a Bic’d head and an oeuvre full of kidnapping, murder and narrative twists, he is also a menschy suburban dad who likes to talk about his four children and dotes on his two shaggy Havanese, Winslow and Laszlo, who trail him around his New Jersey house like eager little mops.

Coben tries to stick to a schedule of publishing at least a book a year, a timetable he has kept up even as he’s added a new dimension to his working life: TV and streaming. In addition to Netflix, he has deals with Amazon Studios, MGM International and Apple.

read more here @ The New York Times

Review: Masters of Rome by Gordon Doherty & Simon Turney

Synopsis: Their rivalry will change the world forever.

As competition for the imperial throne intensifies, Constantine and Maxentius realise their childhood friendship cannot last. Each man struggles to control their respective quadrant of empire, battered by currents of politics, religion and personal tragedy, threatened by barbarian forces and enemies within.

With their positions becoming at once stronger and more troubled, the strained threads of their friendship begin to unravel. Unfortunate words and misunderstandings finally sever their ties, leaving them as bitter opponents in the greatest game of all, with the throne of Rome the prize.

It is a matter that can only be settled by outright war...

Book 2 in this series of the epic battle between Constantine and Maxentius for supremacy in Rome continues where Sons of Rome left off - 308AD and continues up to 312AD. Each man's story is again narrated by a single author, with an alternating overall narrative so that we get a sense of what is happening to both concurrently.

No spoilers here as events are well known - however the journey taken to get there is as thrilling and fresh as if it happened yesterday. It is not an easy journey for either man - both face the constant struggle to maintain their positions, both within and without the Roman Empire as territories are won and lost; there is personal tragedy and a deterioration of their fragile friendship; and religious dissent is on the rise as the supporters of Christ demand more freedom of worship; and add into the mix, the rise of rival contenders.

Though the more I read - and for me Constantine was ever present in my mind - the more I felt an empathy towards Maxentius. I was more drawn to his plight than his nemesis, for many of his deeds and achievements have latterly gone unrecognised. Maybe it has something to do with the way we like to support the underdog against an obviously stronger, experienced opponent. Maybe, it is just my knowing the outcome that has drawn me closer to getting to know this man more.

The final showdown take's place in book 3 for ".... it is in battle that this will end for one ..."

The struggle between Constantine and Maxentius is the only Roman civil war to be depicted on a monument and can be seen in the relief sculptures on the Arch for Constantine.

Review: You Will Have A Black Labrador by Nino Gugunishvili

Synopsis: Love, memories, family, enduring friendships, cooking, movies, dogs, travels, hairstyles, and saying Yes to many No’s in a witty, yet often sentimental, journey of self-discovery…

You Will Have a Black Labrador is a collection of semiautobiographical essays forming a narrative about a modern Georgian woman. Her stories range from the search for a perfect romantic partner to exploring food as an integral part of the Georgian culture. 

Many of the vignettes center on childhood memories or weird family traditions, such as the way family members stay connected no matter if they’re deceased or alive. One essay reveals how making a simple omelette can change your life; and that No can be the most powerful word in any language. She shows us, too, that a haircut can be a tribute to the movies you love as well as a path to your freedom; and how owning a dog always brings unexpected experiences. 

In this poignantly humourous collection, reality mixes and interferes with an imaginative world in so many surprising ways.

Short stories and contemporary literature are two genres I have never actively sought out. I don't mind a modern biography or even lengthier autobiographical memoirs - but the shorter style I gave a wide berth.

However, late last year I was introduced to a number of new authors, writing both contemporary fiction, memoirs and short stories - and loved what I was reading. Nino Gugunishvili was one of those authors. Her book - From My Balcony to Yours - a collection of covid lockdown anecdotes - resonated (read it - you will find it will with you too!). And this currently collection of vingettes, with her quirky sense of humour and heart-felt warmth and understanding of family, will also hit the spot.

This is just the perfect book for a lazy Sunday afternoon, with a good coffee (something else we have in common) and a comfy pair of socks!

About Nino:

Nino lives in Tbilisi, Georgia. Her educational and professional background includes film, television, and journalism.

Author Links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NinoGuguni

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ngugunishvili

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NinoGugunish/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14276355.Nino_Gugunishvili

Blog Tour: Masters of Rome

I am again participating in the upcoming Blog Tour for the "Rise of Emperors" series by Gordon Doherty & Simon Turney. "Masters of Rome" is the second instalment in the series of the story of Constantine the Great and Maxentius and follows on from "Sons of Rome".

Whilst you are waiting for my review of "Masters of Rome", you can read about how the series came about and my review of Sons of Rome below:

> Review: Sons of Rome

> Blog Tour: Sons of Rome

Follow Simon
Twitter: @SJATurney
Instagram: @simonturney_aka_sjaturney
Website: http://simonturney.com/

Follow Gordon
Twitter: @GordonDoherty
Instagram: @gordon.doherty
Website: https://www.gordondoherty.co.uk/

Follow Aries
Twitter: @AriesFiction
Facebook: Aries Fiction
Website: http://www.headofzeus.com

Review: Murder in the Cloister by Tania Bayard

Synopsis: Paris, 1399. Scribe Christine de Pizan is sent to the Priory of Poissy by the palace to copy a manuscript for the prioress. But the prioress already has many copyists at the priory, and Christine senses that something is amiss.Her suspicions are confirmed when the prioress reveals that one of the sisters has been found murdered in the cloister. Fearing for the welfare of the king's young daughter who resides at the abbey, she is eager for Christine to find out who killed the young nun - and why. As Christine investigates, she uncovers dark mischief and closely guarded secrets, but can she unmask a killer?

This is the fourth in the Christine de Pizan mystery series, and as with other review, it is suggested to start this series at the beginning and read in order to ensure continuity. In this outing Christine is travelling to the Prior of Poissy, ostensibly to see her daughter and to copy manuscripts, but also to investigate the murder of one of the nuns.

In the beginning of the 14th century most of the new (12th century) castle was razed to the ground to make way for the Dominican Priory at Poissy, erected in honour of Saint Louis, who had been canonized in 1297. The Priory of Poissy was generously endowed and soon became one of the more wealthy abbeys in France. Here a number of royal descendants of Saint-Louis lived as Dominican sisters involved in the liturgical celebration of this royal cult.

To date, there are some seventy manuscripts which can be identified as belonging to the Dominican monastery of Saint-Louis de Poissy between its foundation in 1304 and its dissolution in 1792. The majority were owned by the nuns and most are illuminated; a small number come from the library of the friars resident at the house. In "Manuscripts from the Dominican monastery of Saint-Louis de Poissy" by JM Naughton, the fate of the volumes is traced form the time of their production through successive alterations and refurbishments (or damage) in order to assess how the nuns acquired their handwritten books, kept them relevant both textually and artistically, or disposed of them when no longer wanted.

One of the convents most notable residents was Marie of Valois, daughter of "mad" king Charles VI and Isabeau of Bavaria. At the time Marie entered the convent the prioress was her great-aunt, Marie of Bourbon. Entering the convent with young Marie as a companion was another Marie, the daughter of Christine de Pizan. Christine described a visit to Poissy in 1400 in her work "Le Livre du Dit de Poissy," where she was greeted "joyously and tenderly" by the seven-year-old Marie of Valois and the Prioress. Christine also described Marie's lodgings as befitting a royal princess. Marie herself would become prioress, ending her days there, dying of plague in 1348.

These mysteries are full of historical detail, including Christine's life as a single mother, raising her family whilst trying to earn a living, which she manages to do thanks to royal patronage.

I really enjoy the series of mysteries as they make a nice change from the usual English-centric historical fiction that has dominated the market for some time. For those who love a bit of French history mixed with a tinge of crime, sorcery, a notable female protagonist.

further reading

> City of Ladies by Christine de Pizan

> Poissy Manuscripts & Chants

> Poissy Processional

> Behind the Scenes with Tania Bayard

Review: Mary Queen of Scots Secretary by Robert Stedall

Synopsis: Maitland was the most able politician and diplomat during the lifetime of Mary Queen of Scots. It was he who masterminded the Scottish Reformation by breaking the 'Auld Alliance' with France, which presaged Scotland's lasting union with England.

Although he gained English support to defeat French troops defending Mary's Scottish throne, he backed her return to Scotland, as the widowed Queen of France. His attempts to gain recognition for her as heir to the English crown were thwarted by her determined adherence to Catholicism.

After her remarriage, he spearheaded the plotting to bring down her objectionable husband, Lord Darnley, leading to his murder, after concluding that English and Scottish interests were best served by creating a Protestant regency for their son, Prince James. With encouragement from Cecil in England and the Protestant Lords in Scotland, he concocted evidence to implicate her in her husband's murder, resulting in her imprisonment and deposition from the Scottish throne.

Despite her escape to England, he remained personally loyal to her and attempted to conjure Scottish support for her restoration by backing her allies holding Edinburgh Castle on her behalf. When it fell in 1573, he resorted to suicide.

Maitland - who was he? what was his role in the government of Mary Queen of Scots? what was his role in Darnely's murder? did he bring about the downfall of Mary?

Maitland is a shadowy character, and I found myself often comparing him to Cecil, Elizabeth's right hand man - a man, I think, Maitland admired and wanted to emulate. However, he never did manage to maintain the consistency that Cecil did, and Scottish politics would not allow him to do so.

Those looking for a standard biography of this man may be slightly disappointed. He is more to be found in the shadows, working behind the scenes, often out of Scotland on diplomatic missions, so it difficult to assess just how influential he actually was.

I was interested in Stedall's take on Maitland is one of the instigators in Darnley's murder, one of those behind the infamous "casket letters" (of which I am no expert), and as a rather inconsistent supporter of Mary.

The reign of Mary is the focus - Maitalnd was - as the title suggests - a politician, a religious reform, and ultimately, a conspirator, before coming full circle as ardent supporter. With very little to go on, it becomes evident that Maitland would be seen in relation to the events of Mary's life and reign - a bit much like many women who lived off the pages that their more historically dominant husbands occupied.

Even with the benefit of hindsight, it is every difficult to judge and assess a person' motivations at that point in time; and even hindsight is often clouded by an author's bias, whether they be a contemporary or modern source. And as we have seen, it is also very easy to make facts support just about any theory.

But Stedall's book does give pause for thought - and I enjoy reading another author's perspective on events, especially when they diverge from mainstream consensus - I mean, who wants to read the same thing over and over again - you would only ever need to buy one book!

Yes, I would love to have had Maitland feature more prominently - but sometimes there is just not enough factual documentation for this to occur. It does however, shed light on the political and religious struggles within Scotland at the time of Mary's reign, which is often overlooked as her cousin, Elizabeth, takes the limelight nine times out of ten. But in the end he did achieve one thing - the succession of a Scottish monarch upon the English throne.

read more 

> The Memoirs of Secretary Maitland as contained in George Chalmer' second volume of the Life of Mary Queen of Scots (page 450)

> Maitland of Lethington by Sir John Skelton

> The Life & Times of John Maitland, Duke of Lauderdale by William Cook Mackenzie