#BookReview — Crusader's Path by Mary Ann Bernal #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance @BritonandDane

Crusader's Path

By Mary Ann Bernal

From the sweeping hills of Argences to the port city of Cologne overlooking the River Rhine, Etienne and Avielle find themselves drawn by the need for redemption against the backdrop of the First Crusade.

Heeding the call of His Holiness, Urban II, to free the Holy Land from the infidel, Etienne follows Duke Robert of Normandy across the treacherous miles, braving sweltering heat and snow-covered mountain passes while en route to the Byzantine Empire.

Moved by Peter of Amiens’ charismatic rhetoric in the streets of the Holy Roman Empire, Avielle joins the humble army of pilgrims. Upon arrival in Mentz, the peasant Crusaders do the unthinkable, destroying the Jewish Community. Consumed with guilt, Avielle is determined to die fighting for Christ, assuring her place in Heaven.

Etienne and Avielle cross paths in Constantinople, where they commiserate over past misdeeds. A spark becomes a flame, but when Avielle contracts leprosy, Etienne makes a promise to God, offering to take the priest cowl in exchange for ridding Avielle of her affliction.

Will Etienne be true to his word if Avielle is cleansed of the contagion, or will he risk eternal damnation to be with the woman he loves?

"Did not the walls of Jericho fall after the Israelites walked around them? … Is not our faith equal to theirs, if not greater?"

Etienne d'Argences did not need much encouragement to heed the call of His Holiness, Urban II. If Duke Robert of Normandy intended to fight in this Holy War, then Etienne would as well.

Avielle had to get away from Cologne, for there is nothing left there for her but bittersweet memories. When Avielle hears Peter of Amiens' sermon, she feels compelled to join his army and march towards Jerusalem.

But when Avielle reaches Constantinople, her life is irrevocably changed forever...

From the mountain tops of Cologne, where the lepers made their home, to the Siege of Jerusalem, Crusader's Path by Mary Ann Bernal is the unforgettable story of two people who find love amongst the carnage of the First Crusade.

What a journey Bernal takes her readers on! Crusader's Path is a richly detailed and emotionally charged story that is utterly unputdownable. With carefully crafted prose and a narrative that is as lucid as it is detailed, Bernal shows us what the Holy War was like for both the Crusaders and those who got in the way of their goal. It is a story of sacrifice and loss, but above everything else, it is a story of love. This is the kind of book that sends shivers down your spine.

The heroine of this tale is a young woman called Avielle. Having suffered so greatly with the loss of her father to leprosy, Avielle has great compassion for the sick and the shunned. She risks her health, and indeed her own life, to nurse those with the disease. Avielle trusts God to keep her safe — a trust that is sometimes misplaced. And yet, her faith isn't shaken, and she continues to look to Him for guidance. Her story is a tragic one. She is a lost lamb that seems forever out of reach of the Good Shepherd. Avielle also carries a tremendous burden of guilt which leads her to some extraordinary situations. She feels compelled to follow Peter's Crusade to the Holy Land, where she witnesses the most appalling atrocities, which makes her question the holiness of the army she is following. However, she is still convinced in divine intervention and indeed, when Avielle chooses to follow her own path and not one ordained by God, she finds herself in the most desperate of situations. Avielle is an extraordinarily complex heroine who is almost like a feather caught in the breeze — she does not quite know where she is going to land. I thought Bernal portrayed Avielle with great skill and diligence. I really enjoyed reading about her and this perilous journey that she finds herself on. 

Etienne d'Argences is an intriguing protagonist who is pulled in several very different directions during this book. He single-mindedly pursues his own desires. He is determined to follow Duke Robert wherever he may lead, but by doing so, he sacrifices many people along the way, including his wife. Often Etienne finds himself conflicted between reason and emotion — he knows his wife needs him, but when he is at his estate with the people who love him, he feels stifled and he cannot wait to leave again. Initially, he sees love as an obstacle that he has to overcome, and it isn't until he meets Avielle that he realises that love should have been his goal all along. Bernal has really captured the essence of a Crusader who longs for adventure and the comradeship of his Lord and fellow knights. His relationship with Duke Robert is an interesting one — it is not the usual relationship one would expect to find between a Duke and his knight — they are each other's confident and above everything else, best friends. His relationship with Avielle has a similar feel to it, except romantic love is also added to the equation. I adored Etienne, and I enjoyed reading about him.

This portrayal of love in Crusader's Path is slightly different when compared to what one would expect from a traditional historical romance. It takes a while for the two protagonists to find each other, which worked exceptionally well for this story. Etienne and Avielle's love is forged in the fires of a Holy War. Their love is a welcomed relief to the horrors of the battlefield and the sickroom. But it is also a love that cannot be withheld, despite the social difference between the two. Etienne and Avielle are not looking for love when they find each other, but they both recognise that they are meant to be together, which is exceedingly romantic.

Bernal has masterfully depicted the horrors of the First Crusade. There are some profoundly upsetting scenes in this book, and there are certainly many casualties in this war. Bernal's portrayal of what became known in history as the Rhineland Massacres of the Jews, in particular, the persecution and the destruction of Jewish communities in Mentz (Mainz) left me reaching for the tissues. The Siege of Antioch was also particularly well-drawn — Bernal captured the horrors in the Crusader's camp as food ran scare and disease took hold. She also demonstrated the rivalry between Godfrey of Bouillon and Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, fabulously. The historical detailing in this book is staggering. Bernal has captured the very essence of what it must have been like to follow men such as Peter of Amiens (Peter the Hermit) and The Army of Robert Curthose of Normandy which was led by Robert, Duke of Normandy.

If you are looking for your next great Historical Fiction book then look no further than Crusader's Path by Mary Ann Bernal. I think this may well be Bernal's best book yet!

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.

The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Pick up your copy of

Crusader's Path

Amazon UK • Amazon US

Mary Ann Bernal

 

Mary Ann Bernal attended Mercy College, Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she received a degree in Business Administration.  Her literary aspirations were ultimately realized when the first book of The Briton and the Dane novels was published in 2009.  In addition to writing historical fiction, Mary Ann has also authored a collection of contemporary short stories in the Scribbler Tales series. Her latest endeavor is a science fiction/fantasy novel entitled Planetary Wars Rise of an Empire. Originally hailing from New York, Mary Ann now resides in Elkhorn, Nebraska.

 

Connect with Mary Ann: Website • Whispering Legends Press • Twitter.

#BookReview — Forged By Iron Olaf's Saga Book 1) by Eric Schumacher #HistoricalFiction #Vikings @DarkAgeScribe

Forged By Iron

(Olaf's Saga Book 1)

By Eric Schumacher

From the bestselling author of Hakon’s Saga comes Forged by Iron, the first in a series of thrilling tales about Olaf Tryggvason, one of the most legendary and enigmatic kings of the Viking Age.

Norway, AD 960.

The fabric that has held the Northern realm together is tearing. The sons of Erik Bloodaxe have returned and are systematically killing all opposition to the High Seat. Through treachery, Harald Eriksson slays Jarl Trygvi, an heir to the throne, and then comes for Trygvi’s wife, Astrid, and son, Olaf.

Astrid and Olaf flee their home with the help of Astrid’s foster father, Torolv Loose-beard, and his son, Torgil, who are oath-sworn to protect them. The group escapes east, through the dark, forested land of the Swedes and across the treacherous East Sea, all the while evading the clutches of Harald’s brutal henchmen.

But the gods are fickle and the group is torn apart, forcing them to fend for themselves in Forged by Iron, a must-read for all who enjoy action-packed historical fiction.

"Oaths are like iron, Torgil," whispered my father as we watched the king embrace my former foster sister. "You cannot break them..."

King Trygvi had put his eight-year-old son's welfare into the hands of Torgil, son of Torolv. At twelve-years-old Torgil had felt honoured with the responsibility but right now when he saw that mischievous light in his young charges eyes he could only fear what Prince Olaf's playfulness would mean for him — a reprimand from the king, no doubt, and a lash from his father. But, Torgil would honour the oath, no matter what fate might have installed for him and Olaf.

From a witless leap into the cold and unforgiving sea to a battle that would end in either freedom or death, Forged By Iron (Olaf's Saga Book 1) by Eric Schumacher is the unforgettable story about a young boy's determination to honour his oath no matter what the circumstances.

With the dedicated devotion of a Skald and a novelist intuition for what makes a book entertaining, Schumacher has presented his readers with a novel that is as impressive as it is mesmerising. Forged by Iron (Olaf's Saga Book 1) is a story of betrayal, torment, suffering, and a deep and unbreakable friendship. It is the tale of two children who by oath find themselves forever beholding to each other. It is, in all ways, a richly detailed and emotionally charged story that leaves a reader gasping and begging for more. 

Schumacher evokes such a strong sense of place and time in all of his books, and this one is no exception. His attention to the historical detail as well as the documented sources of Olaf's life has to be commended. The hours of research that went into this story is evident in the crystalline prose and enthralling storyline. Schumacher skillfully weaves historical fact with a little creative licence to pen a tale that is not only wonderfully developed but also one that is utterly captivating from start to finish. Schumacher is an author that makes history come alive in all of its glory and disasters. If this were the time of the Skald's, then Schumacher would have been in much demand in the Mead Halls. 

With one eye on the history and the other on what entertains a reader, Schumacher has written his best book yet. Told through the eyes of young Torgil, Schumacher tells a story that is as heart-rendering as it is desperate. Torgil is a fabulously drawn protagonist whom a reader can get behind and root for. Torgil has two great gifts which sees him through some of the darkest of days — he knows when to keep silent, but he is also made of the strongest mettle. Events happen in this story that would break a man, let alone a child, but Torgil's determination and pig-headed grit to not only survive but take control of the situation made him so very likeable. 

Breaking with historical fact, Schumacher decided to introduce us to Olaf slightly earlier than what the saga about this man state. I can understand his reason for doing so, and with regards to this story and these characters, it worked incredibly well. It gives the friendship between Olaf and Torgil a sense of authenticity — together they face some life-changing events that take them on an unexpected journey of hardship and suffering. This made their bond, and the oath so much more durable and realistic.

At the beginning of this tale, Olaf is a cheeky little boy, who like many children want to take part in what their older counterparts are doing. Olaf also has a reckless attitude to life — he is yet to realise he is not immortal. There is also a little arrogance to his personality — he is a prince, and he knows it. However, when his father is betrayed most dreadfully, Olaf unwittingly turns to Torgil. Olaf's relationship with Torgil changes through the course of this book. They become uncommonly close, and there is nothing one would not do for the other. I thought Olaf's depiction was marvellous. I really enjoyed reading about him.

There are several antagonists in this book, from the traitorous Holger to the vile and cruel Klerkon. But it was Heres' depiction that made my skin crawl. Heres is a despicably wicked man who torments our brave protagonists so very cruelly. I despised this character so much. He is the cause of so much suffering, and his disregard for life is disgustingly vile. Saying that, however, Heres really drives this story forward. Although this story is told by Torgil, it is the antagonists that control the narrative and the fate of these boys. One thing is for sure, Schumacher really knows how to pen a good villain.

Forged By Iron (Olaf's Saga Book 1) by Eric Schumacher is a book that begs to be read in one sitting. It demands your attention and is worthy of a place on your bookshelf. When historical fiction is written in such a way, then there is no such thing as too much. Book 2 cannot come soon enough.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.

The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Pick up your copy of

Forged By Iron

Amazon UK • Amazon US

Eric Schumacher

Eric Schumacher was born in Los Angeles in 1968 and currently resides in Santa Barbara, CA with his wife, two children, and dog. He is the author of three historical fiction novels set in the Viking Age: God’s Hammer, Raven’s Feast, and War King. All tell the story of the first Christian king of Viking Norway, Hakon Haraldsson, and his struggles to gain and hold the High Seat of his realm. For more information on Mr. Schumacher or to read more of his blog posts about the Viking Age, please visit is website.

Connect with Eric: Website • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads.

#BookReview — The Bridled Tongue by Catherine Meyrick #HistoricalRomance #HistoricalFiction @cameyrick1

The Bridled Tongue

By Catherine Meyrick

England 1586

Death and life are in the power of the tongue.

Alyce Bradley has few choices when her father decides it is time she marry as many refuse to see her as other than the girl she once was—unruly, outspoken and close to her grandmother, a woman suspected of witchcraft.

Thomas Granville, an ambitious privateer, inspires fierce loyalty in those close to him and hatred in those he has crossed. Beyond a large dowry, he is seeking a virtuous and dutiful wife. Neither he nor Alyce expect more from marriage than mutual courtesy and respect.

As the King of Spain launches his great armada and England braces for invasion, Alyce must confront closer dangers from both her own and Thomas’s past, threats that could not only destroy her hopes of love and happiness but her life. And Thomas is powerless to help.

“Do not look surprised. It is what every woman wants: husband, children, a household of her own.”

Alyce Bradley knew that her father was right, but at twenty-eight years old, Alyce knew her choice for a husband would be few and far between. But she is reassured in the knowledge that she will have the final say on who she chooses to spend the rest of her life with.

Thomas Granville is in search of a wife, one preferably with a large enough dowry to finance his latest venture. He will treat her with kindness and respect as long as she is, in turn, honourable and courteous. Alyce Bradley seems to be the bride that he has been searching for.

But Thomas Granville has a dark and dangerous history. It is one that will come back to haunt him and his new bride. Likewise, there are ghosts from Alyce’s past that will seek to destroy her.

From the beginnings of a great romance to a trial built on nothing more than malicious tongues and evil hearts, The Bridled Tongue by Catherine Meyrick is the hauntingly evocative romantic story of Thomas Granville and Alyce Bradley.

Catherine Meyrick has woven a tale that held me utterly captive from start to finish. The Bridled Tongue is a heart-wrenchingly compelling story of Alyce Bradley as she navigates the joy and wonder of falling in love with her husband — a love that she had never expected to feel — while trying to survive the slanderous and dangerous accusations that state that she is, in fact, a witch. Told with an impressive sweep and brilliance this story has it all — a dashing hero, a strong heroine and a rumour that threatens to destroy everything. What more can you ask for in a book?

With a powerful narrative that saw me reaching for the Kleenex on more than one occasion and a plot that was tense, powerful and utterly mesmerising, The Bridled Tongue has a lot to recommend it. Reading this novel was like stepping back in time. The small and intimate community that Meyrick has created is rife with gossip and rumours. It is a place where women would rather tear someone down and obliterate their good character than build them up. This story was depicted with incredible skill and diligence. This book, besides being a wonderfully tender romance, is also a story of survival in the face of impossible odds and unthinkable cruelty. 

I adored the characterisation of Alyce. Alyce comes from the most dysfunctional family, who facade is one of self-importance and success, but in truth, they are falling apart at the seams. Jealousy is rife, and Alyce with her strong personality and moral sense of what is right and what is wrong doesn’t fit in at all. Although we never meet Alyce’s grandmother, we get the sense that this is who Alyce takes after. Alyce is a very caring woman who wants to help her sister and her family, and when she marries, her husband’s sister and tenants. She is an exceptionally gentle soul which makes what happens to her so incredibly vile. Alyce really drives this story forward, and at times her tale is difficult to read, but it is also gratifying. Her struggles become her strengths, and unlike her sister, Alyce does not give way to bitterness and anger.

Thomas Granville is a somewhat dashing hero who has sailed with Sir Francis Drake and fought the Spanish. He is an ambitious privateer, but as is the way with successful men, there are those that resent and hate him because of his achievements and because of some terribly tragic misunderstanding. Thomas’ past threatens to destroy his future with Alyce, which made this story not just a romantic one, but a thoroughly entertaining one as well. I enjoyed reading about Thomas very much. He is the perfect hero for our brave heroine.

Isabel Sutton, Alyce’s sister, is a genuinely awful person. She is spiteful at the beginning of this novel but by the end of it, she is a bitter and cruel woman who choices to blame all of her tragic loss and unhappiness on Alyce. Isabel tears her family cruelly apart, and I don’t think she even understands why. She is quick to anger and even quicker to point a finger. Isabelle is ruled by her emotions, and also, unfortunately, by her mother-in-law and her father-in-law. Isabel’s own desperately unhappy domestic situation only makes things worse. Jealously really drives Isabel’s character, and although at times she did rouse my pity, her subsequent reaction to these tragic events quelled much of the sympathy I had for her. I thought Meyrick’s depiction of Isabel was incredibly successful and more importantly, believable. 

A cruel and vicious witch hunt is a topic that is seldom found in historical romance, but Meyrick has approached this story with a keen eye on the history and another on the human condition. The historical authenticity of this book has to be applauded. Meyrick has really outdone herself. She has captured the very essence of Elizabethan England. In the background of this story is the execution of Mary, Queen of Scots, and the growing threat from the Spanish, but in the forefront of this story, the fortunes and misfortunes of a mercer’s family are where the magic in the writing happens. Meyrick has a visceral understanding of what makes history worth reading, and she has recreated this world into an immensely readable tale. It is rife with intrigue and superstition, as well as being a remarkable love story.

If you are looking for your next great romance, or in fact, historical fiction read for this book crosses that divide, then look no further than The Bridled Tongue by Catherine Meyrick.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.

The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Pick up your copy of

The Bridled Tongue

Amazon UK • Amazon US

Catherine Meyrick

Catherine Meyrick is a writer of historical fiction with a particular love of Elizabethan England. Her stories weave fictional characters into the gaps within the historical record – tales of ordinary people who are very much men and women of their time, yet in so many ways are like us today.

She grew up in regional Victoria, Australia in a family with a love both of storytelling and of history in all its forms. After moving to Melbourne in her late teens, Catherine has worked as a nurse and a tax assessor, among other things, before finally finding her niche as a librarian. She has a Master of Arts in history and is also a family history obsessive.

Connect with Catherine: Website  •  Facebook • Twitter