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SUMMARY: Senlac is a two-part historical novel that brings to life the turbulent period leading to the Norman conquest of England in 1066. A bloody war fought at close hand and on horseback with sword and battle-ax, with the English pitted on different fronts against the Normans and the Vikings, the results of this invasion would dramatically change the course of Medieval history and beyond.
The BookViral Review:
Intensely compelling Senlac proves a must-read for discerning fans of Historical fiction with Julian de la Motte transporting the reader to another age and the years preceding the fated battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066.
Revolving in the main around King Harold and William, Duke of Normandy Julian de la Motte magnificently evokes a sense of immediacy as he inhabits their thoughts. Their ambitions, values, the bitter undertones of political unrest and the ever-pervasive shadow of conflict.
Blending fact and artistic licence he creates an absorbing and plausible narrative that moves seamlessly between characters and scenes. A narrative that is fearsomely visceral yet remains exquisitely in period throughout. Charting in harrowing detail the machinations of war and the savagery of battle whilst evoking an all-important sense of scale.
This alone makes for compelling reading but Senlac is much more than this. It’s about the personal codes of its protagonists and in Harold and William Julian de la Motte gives us men of honour. And with superb characterization extending to Senlac’s broad and expansive cast of characters he finds the often blurred lines between dramatic connection and motivation within existing historical texts.
History tells us they will meet in battle We know King Harold will fall and the Duke of Normandy will become better known as William The Conqueror but in another life, they might well have been allies and it’s in exploring the dynamics between them that Julian de la Motte delivers something rather special.
A superb read throughout. Senlac distinguishes Julian de la Motte as an outstanding author of historical fiction and is unreservedly recommended.
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