Recommend for the coveted BookViral Crimson Quill. To make your recommendation simply click on the award badge below..….
The BookViral Review:
The term epic has become too freely used in respect of Arthurian Fantasy Fiction but in the case of Godfrey’s Crusade it’s more than warranted with Mark Howard delivering the kind of rousing, large-scale adventure that marks the best sword and sorcery epics.
An ambitious debut that’s big on grandiose emotions like heroism, patriotism, treachery and love Howard comfortably avoids the prescriptive travelogue style of narrative that’s sadly come to populate the Arthurian Fantasy Fiction genre. Spinning a narrative that is enthralling and moving, with a host of dynamic characters that will quickly find their place in the hearts and minds of his readers.
Not least of all is Howard’s young protagonist Godfrey, who makes a wonderful lead. Faced with the harsh realities of the changing world about him, he’s level-headed, courageous and intelligent, and Howard gives him room to grow with the evolution of his character making him highly appealing.
The most loved devices of fantasy are to be found within Howard’s tale, but it’s his ability to create an evocatively imagined and immersive fantasy world that makes Godfrey’s Crusade particularly enjoyable. There is rich detail when the plot demands it, but never at the expense of pace, whilst an overarching air of awe prevails throughout.
With all the elements of a genre-pleaser, there are epic battles, fantastical magic, betrayal and enigmatic foes with Howard finding just the right balance of action and emotion while managing to deliver enough suspense and bloodletting to appease gore fans.
Godfrey is the one upon whom destiny calls but characters like Walaric, Madeline, Alvir, and Nera coalesce into a host of powerful auxiliary players who together create a rich tapestry of events that are hard to forget.
As good as the Arthurian Fantasy Fiction genre gets Godfrey’s Crusade proves a powerful start to Howards Griffin Legends series and is a highly recommended five-star read!
Fast-paced, and with as many twists and turns as a Mediterranean coast road, ‘How Long is a Mouse’s Tail’ weaves swiftly and captivatingly through an intricate plot, whilst the foremost murderous mystery keeps the reader guessing.
Another deliciously over-the-top, debacle-drenched read from wordsmith Robin Anderson, ‘Pits, Privates and Feet’ will have you giggling and aghast in equal measure as your peruse its pages.
Having a strong relationship with Europe has allowed British publishers to enjoy the financial benefits that come with exclusive English-language rights to books sold continent-wide. Britain risks losing these benefits post-Brexit.
There are a number of essential techniques an author must master if they ever want to top a bestsellers list and none more so than the ability to deliver genuine suspense.
Whilst there is undoubted value in considering historical context, not least because past forces, individuals and trends both shape the present and provide valuable lessons for our future decisions, is historical fiction of any value?
As the years advance, I have lost count of how many books I’ve read but on reflection, it hardly seems relevant. What is truly noteworthy is how many leave a lasting impression on us.
From humble beginnings in 2002 as a book review club BookViral has grown to become the first choice in book reviews for authors around the world and one of the biggest book review sites on the web. BookViral reaches millions of potential readers through best practice SEO and a trusted social media presence ensuring readers get unbiased, critical recommendations they can trust.
BookViral also offers a full suite of author services, including, book editing services for unpublished and self-published authors, website design and bespoke SEO that help authors get discovered by more potential readers as well as industry influencers, such as publishers, agents and film executives.
© Copyright 2019 BookViral Reviews. All Rights Reserved.