Thinking back to when I started writing this book, I have to admit that I did not know where I was going to go with it. My research into the period, and particularly 1066 itself, had revealed that there were three battles of significance in that year, but I was only aware of two of … Continue reading The War Wolf
historical fiction
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas
I expect that most people have an idea of the story of D'Artangan, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis that is actually gleaned from the many film and occasional television adaptations of the novel rather than having read the book
The Sorrow Song Trilogy
Historical Fiction at its Best!
The Sorrow Song Trilogy
The Sorrow Song Trilogy recounts the events of 1066 through the eyes of characters with historical integrity. Three major battles occurred in that year and each book is dedicated to a faithful account of the events as they happened.
An attention to fact can improve fiction
In the past I have bemoaned the erosion of fact from historical fiction and period dramas, as seen in books, television, and cinema. This has led to me being accused of being pedantic. I have always enjoyed history. It was one of my favourite subjects at school. I am well aware that today we do … Continue reading An attention to fact can improve fiction
For Rapture of Ravens – Let’s Read and Discuss 04
The weather might be glorious but the situation for Coenred and his fellow Saxon warriors is the exact opposite. In the absence of their lords, Coenred takes the survivors of the Battle of Fulford Gate to Tadcaster, hoping to meet with the army that must come from London to rescue York
For Rapture of Ravens – Let’s Read and Discuss 03
Hardrada had not traveled to England for pillage and plunder like his ancestors before him, he had come for the crown itself. York was to be his capital in the north until such time as he could kill King Harold and make the move to London himself.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 27 – The Final Part
Somehow it seemed fitting that the novel should close on the two characters that seemed central to the story; Coenred and Mildryth. He had begun the tale as a seasoned warrior, a man dedicated to his calling and not interested in being a husband to any woman, but his mind had begun turning to a life not ruled by the sword. She was a widow, a woman who had lost everything but her desire to live after the death of her husband and son.
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 26
The strain that Guillaume must have been under during this time is rarely considered in most historical accounts. It is often assumed that he had total power over everyone, but there are some suggestions that this was not so. As part of his preparations, Guillaume demanded the delivery of hostages, usually children, from some of his retainers
The War Wolf – Let’s Read and Discuss 25
Coenred slips back into the captured city of York with a number of objectives to achieve. Not only is he concerned with discovering what the Vikings plan to do next, he has both good and bad news to deliver to the families of men he fought alongside with only a few hours earlier.
Peter C Whitaker 