Category: Historical

Blog Tour (Book Review): Slaughtered Gods (The Hanged God Trilogy #3) – Thilde Kold Holdt

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Historical, ReviewLeave a comment

Hello!

This is my very belated review for Slaughtered Gods by Thilde Kold Holdt as part of The Write Reads tour for The Hanged God Trilogy. A massive thank you to Solaris for the physical copy.

You can find my reviews for Book 1 – Northern Wrath and Book 2 – Shackled Fates here

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my o

Book Summary:

ALL SHALL PERISH

The great wolf howls for Ragnarok to begin. The half-giant Einer leads an army of the dead to clash with the golden shields of Asgard. The nornir tie and retie their threads, as Loki’s and Odin’s schemes unfold… and unravel. For not even cunning gods and giants see every part of the web.

As the survivors of the burned village of Ash-hill converge on the final battle on Ida’s Plain, only two are truly free to choose their paths and prevent the annihilation of the nine worlds: a storyteller who holds all destinies in his hands, and a shieldmaiden with no destiny at all.

Continue reading “Blog Tour (Book Review): Slaughtered Gods (The Hanged God Trilogy #3) – Thilde Kold Holdt” →

Blog Tour (Book Review): Shackled Fates (The Hanged God Trilogy #2) – Thilde Kold Holdt

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Historical, Review1 Comment

Hello!

This is my very belated review for Shackled Fates by Thilde Kold Holdt as part of The Write Reads blog tour for The Hanged God trilogy, and I will have a review for Slaughtered Gods up tonight (unless the travel gods decree otherwise!). This series is one that is going from strength to strength, and it has been a pleasure to have the chance to read and review them, and a massive thank you to Solaris for the physical copies of Shackled Fates and Slaughtered Gods.

You can find my review for book one HERE

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

As Ragnarok looms, the trickster Loki breaks free from his chains.

In the battle to come, all shall die, but Ragnar will do anything to save his gods.

Einer scours the nine worlds for Hilda, who walks among gods and goddesses, searching the truth of the Runes.

For centuries Siv has run from her past, but she knows that to protect her daughter, and Midgard, she will have to face her worst fears.

It is time to confront the Alfather.

Continue reading “Blog Tour (Book Review): Shackled Fates (The Hanged God Trilogy #2) – Thilde Kold Holdt” →

Blog Tour (Book Review): The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair – Natasha Hastings

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Childrens, Fantasy, Historical, Review, Traditionally-Published1 Comment

Hello!

Once again continuing with the catchup, I am belatedly joining The Write Reads Tour for The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair, the debut from natasha Hastings which is out soon. This book ended up taking me by surprise on so many levels, and was a delightful read particularly as the nights draw in and the weather turns colder.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

An amazing and captivating, curl-up-on-the-sofa debut about a magical frost fair and the lasting power of friendship.

It’s a cold winter during the Great Frost of 1683. Thomasina and Anne are the best of friends, one running her father’s sweet shop and the other the apprentice at the family apothecary – together they sell their goods on the frozen River Thames. When a family tragedy turns Thomasina’s world upside down, she is drawn to a mysterious conjuror and the enchanted frost fair. But soon the world of Father Winter threatens to claim everything she holds dear. Will they be able to solve the magical mysteries that surround them . . . ?

Continue reading “Blog Tour (Book Review): The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair – Natasha Hastings” →

Blog Tour (Book Review): Shield Breaker (The Wolf of Kings #2)- Richard Cullen

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Historical, Review, Traditionally-PublishedLeave a comment

Hello!

Much later than intended thanks to a chaotic week and a poorly dog, but today I am joining the blog tour for Shield Breaker by Richard Cullen. This is the second book in The Wolf of Kings series, and after reading the first book Oath Bound out of interest last year I was delighted to be invited to read and review book two.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Styrkar the warrior sails to dangerous lands in this thrilling new historical adventure from Richard Cullen. The sequel to Oath Bound, longlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2022.

England, 1068: a land gripped in the iron fist of Frankish invaders. But the Conqueror does not sit easily on his fledgling throne. Rebellion is rife, and the flames of uprising have been ignited in every corner of the kingdom.

Thrown back into this crucible is Styrkar the Dane, former housecarl of the slain King Harold. Forced to travel to Ireland by his deadliest enemy, he must risk the fates of his brothers-in-arms in order to protect the one thing he loves.

So begins a journey that will take Styrkar to the royal court of Dublin, and the frigid climes of the north of England, for loyalty, love and vengeance. He will be tested, beaten and broken, but can any man keep the Red Wolf chained for long?

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Blog Tour (Book Review): Hag of the Hills (The Bronze Sword Cycles Duology) – J.T.T. Ryder

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Historical, Review, Self-PublishedLeave a comment

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be joining the Escapist Tours blog tour for Hag of the Hills by J.T.T. Ryder, the first book in the Bronze Sword Cycles Duology.

If you want to check out the book for yourself, then it is currently available FREE on amazon from May 2nd – May 6th!

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

“Nothing is unconquerable; even our gods can die.”

All his life, Brennus has been destined for warriorhood. However, a farmer’s life doesn’t provide many opportunities for swordplay and glory, despite the Goddess of Winter’s gift of the Sight—the ability to see the sidhe of the Otherworld. But when the Hillmen kill his family and annihilate his clan, he knows the truth—no one can avenge his homeland but himself.

As he prepares to set out against the Hillmen and their Queen, the clan’s chief druid entrusts his daughter, Myrnna, to his protection, to which Brennus swears a solemn oath. As they fight toward the sanctuary of Dun Torrin, he must survive the endless hordes of Hillman and the monstrous sidhe while shielding Myrnna from harm, aided only by the Sight, a band of shifty mercenaries, and an ancient bronze sword.

As Brennus struggles through this new world of blood and magic, the tension between protecting Myrnna and avenging his homeland threatens to tear him apart. Failure means the curse of dishonour. Victory would bring glory to himself and his ancestors. But what if keeping both of his promises proves impossible?

In the words of his father…

“Nothing is unconquerable; even our gods can die.”

Hag of the Hills is the first book in The Bronze Sword Cycles duology, a heroic fantasy set in 200 B.C. on the Isle of Skye, steeped in Celtic mythology and culture.

Continue reading “Blog Tour (Book Review): Hag of the Hills (The Bronze Sword Cycles Duology) – J.T.T. Ryder” →

Blog Tour (Book Review): The Carnival of Ash – Tom Beckerlegge

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Historical, Review1 Comment

Hello!

Today I am joining The Write Reads blog tour for The Carnival of Ash by Tom Beckerlegge.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Cadenza is the City of Words, a city run by poets, its skyline dominated by the steepled towers of its libraries, its heart beating to the stamp and thrum of the printing presses in the Printing Quarter.

Carlo Mazzoni, a young wordsmith arrives at the city gates intent on making his name as the bells ring out with the news of the death of the city’s poet-leader. Instead, he finds himself embroiled with the intrigues of a city in turmoil, the looming prospect of war with their rival Venice ever-present. A war that threatens not only to destroy Cadenza but remove it from history altogether…

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Blog Tour (Book Review): No Gods, Only Monsters (Antiquity Chronicles) – Steve McHugh

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Fantasy, Historical, Review, Self-PublishedLeave a comment

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be joining the Escapist Tours blog tour for No Gods, Only Monsters by Steve McHugh which out in the world tomorrow!!

Please do check out the rest of the tour stops, and there is also a chance to win a copy of this fantastic book for yourself at the end of the post.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Diana, the Roman Goddess of the hunt, lives alone on the far edge of the Roman Empire. When an old friend arrives looking for help, Diana finds herself thrust back into her old life, and old problems.

With innocent lives caught in the crossfire, Diana realizes that the only way to ensure the safety of her friends and loved ones is to do what she does best: hunt her enemies down.

Continue reading “Blog Tour (Book Review): No Gods, Only Monsters (Antiquity Chronicles) – Steve McHugh” →

Blog Tour (Book Spotlight): The Blood of Outcasts (The Bane Sword Trilogy #1) – D.A. Smith

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Book Spotlights, Fantasy, HistoricalLeave a comment

Hello!

Today I am delighted to be joining the blog tour for The Blood of Outcasts by D.A. Smith organised by Escapist Tours. This is the first book in The Bane Sword Trilogy, and below you’ll find an extract and a chance to win a copy for yourself. Please do check out the rest of the tour.

Book Summary:

What if spilling your own blood was the only way to save yourself?

Masako escapes the Lord Council with only her life intact, her clan shattered and master dead in wake of disaster she wrought. It is her cursed blood that cries out, and a godsborne that answers.

By the power in her blood, and a promise made with it, she’s given a second chance. With it, she must unite the outer clans, move past old rivalries and worse, or face annihilation at the hands of a foreign sect of sorcerers, the Taosii, and their silent invasion.

Only, Masako was executed, she’s meant to be dead. Demonic rumours and a destructive past sow doubt in her campaign before it is begun.

Continue reading “Blog Tour (Book Spotlight): The Blood of Outcasts (The Bane Sword Trilogy #1) – D.A. Smith” →

Blog Tour (Book Review): Born of No Woman – Franck Bouysse, Lara Vergnaud (translator)

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Historical, Review, Traditionally-Published1 Comment

Hello!

Something a little different today, as I am reviewing Born of No Woman by Franck Bouysse and translated by Lara Vergnaud as part of the Random Things Blog Tour, and I hope you’ll check out the rest of the blogs on the tour as well as this impactful book.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Nineteenth-century rural France.

Before he is called to bless the body of a woman at the nearby asylum, Father Gabriel receives a strange, troubling confession: hidden under the woman’s dress he will find the notebooks in which she confided the abuses she suffered and the twisted motivations behind them.

And so Rose’s terrible story comes to light: sold as a teenage girl to a rich man, hidden away in a old manor house deep in the woods and caught in a perverse web, manipulated by those society considers her betters.

A girl whose only escape is to capture her life – in all its devastation and hope – in the pages of her diary…

Continue reading “Blog Tour (Book Review): Born of No Woman – Franck Bouysse, Lara Vergnaud (translator)” →

Blog Tour (Book Review): A Wild Winter Swan – Gregory Maguire

On By Rowena AndrewsIn Review, Fantasy, Traditionally-Published, Historical1 Comment

Hello!

Today I am reviewing A Wild Winter Swan by Gregory Maguire as part of the Random Things Blog Tour, and you can find the rest of the schedule below. Please do check out the rest of the tour, and this fantastic book.

Disclaimer – I received a copy in exchange for an honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Book Summary:

Following her brother’s death and her mother’s emotional breakdown, Laura now lives on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, in a lonely townhouse she shares with her old-world, strict, often querulous grandparents. But the arrangement may be temporary. The quiet, awkward teenager has been getting into trouble at home and has been expelled from her high school for throwing a record album at a popular girl who bullied her. When Christmas is over and the new year begins, Laura may find herself at boarding school in Montreal.

Nearly unmoored from reality through her panic and submerged grief, Laura is startled when a handsome swan boy with only one wing lands on her roof. Hiding him from her ever-bickering grandparents, Laura tries to build the swan boy a wing so he can fly home. But the task is too difficult to accomplish herself. Little does Laura know that her struggle to find help for her new friend parallels that of her grandparents, who are desperate for a distant relative’s financial aid to save the family store.

As he explores themes of class, isolation, family, and the dangerous yearning to be saved by a power greater than ourselves, Gregory Maguire conjures a haunting, beautiful tale of magical realism that illuminates one young woman’s heartbreak and hope as she begins the inevitable journey to adulthood.

Continue reading “Blog Tour (Book Review): A Wild Winter Swan – Gregory Maguire” →