Shadowland
by C.
M. Gray
Description
We grow up with the
Legend of King Arthur ... But where did he come from? Who was Merlin? What part
did the Druids play in bringing Arthur to his round table? This is the story
that came before, when Britain was just a Shadowland.
Shadowland is a story of historical fantasy set in Dark Ages Britain.
"I have lived
more years than I can remember, probably more than the sum of all your years
combined. Kings have called me friend and brigands have sworn to burn the flesh
from my bones even if they have to search all seven halls of the shadowland to
find me."
On the night of
midwinter's eve, a storyteller takes his listeners back to the Dark ages and a
tale from his youth.
Deserted by its
Roman masters, Britain has been invaded by the Saxons at the invitation of
Vortigern, traitorous leader of the Britons. Now, as the tribes unite to
reclaim their land, one man must rise to lead them and become their true and
only king.
Review
By Mad Scientist
A great story filled
with tense scenes. The world described is evocative, atmospheric and really
nails the sense of uncertainty as the folk, left behind by Rome's withdrawal
from the British Isles at the beginning of the Dark Ages, try to protect
themselves and rebuild their culture. There's also a strong sense of mystery,
magic and adventure as the plight of the main characters unfolds while they
move through the landscape toward their destiny. (Can't say anymore without
spoiling!) As you get to know the characters' strengths, weaknesses, hopes and
fears I really found myself relating to them and visualizing who they were.
There are some
unforeseen and unexpected twists too which move the story forward nicely and
some exciting battle/ skirmish scenes. I really was hooked from the beginning.
Having read quite a few published novels in the same vein I would rate this for
sure. Highly entertaining!
About the Author
Born in Essex, England in 1963 I have since been lucky enough to live and
travel in many countries around the world. In fact I have lived more time
outside of England than I have living there! Home for me now is just outside of
Barcelona, Spain where I live in a house in the middle of the forest with my
Dutch born wife and two children.
My writing is mostly fantasy and many of the
experiences I have had in Asia, Africa and the middle east come to life in my
writing. The Flight
of the Griffin follows the adventures of a group of young orphans as
they battle demons and bandits on a magical quest to stop the world tipping
into Chaos. Shadowland blends fantasy
with history as an old story teller takes his audience back to Britain's dark
ages.
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