Poetry of Reading: November 2023

The Flame Bearer by Bernard Cornwell

by Natasa Djordjevic - 11:21 AM

“So long as we remember names, so long those people live.”

Cornwell's writing quality, unpredictable plot, and well-developed characters didn't fail to impress me. I appreciate how he narrates the present action as a memory of an old man, dropping hints about what's to come. It's a clever technique that adds depth to the story. While this story doesn't have as much fighting action as the previous ones, it's packed with intrigue and plots, which I find equally enjoyable. Cornwell's depiction of Uhtred's inner thoughts on war, fear, necessity, and readiness is impressive, and the way his perspective changes with age, as well as his pragmatism on the subject, is well-conveyed. It's a beautifully written, human story that reminds me why Cornwell is one of my favorite authors.

I'm also impressed with the amount of conniving and deception that other characters and the reader are subjected to, which Cornwell skillfully pulls off. The plot is intricate, and complicated, yet completely believable, and it completely engrossed me in the story as I read. It's a fantastic historical action adventure that I would highly recommend.

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Warriors of the Storm by Bernard Cornwell

by Natasa Djordjevic - 5:18 PM

“Play with the devil," Finan said, "and you get burned.”

In this story, Uhtred defends Mercia for Aethelflaed, who is the daughter of Alfred and the queen of Mercia. However, Northumbria is in a vulnerable state and is constantly being attacked by various warlords. Although Aethelflaed's brother, Edward, is the ruler of Wessex, he is not in a position to help Mercia as he has his issues to deal with. England needs to be unified under Edward's rule, but that seems like a distant possibility as he is unable to march towards Mercia or retake Northumbria.

Ragnall is an invader who aims to conquer Northumbria. However, he lands in Mercia, and Uhtred, along with Aethelflaed, must figure out his true intentions. Uhtred must sift through feints and double feints to determine Ragnall's game, and one wrong move could mean death.

The story is about loyalties that are divided by conflicting national, religious, and family ties. Ragnall's brother Sigtryggr is now Uhtred's son-in-law, which raises questions about his involvement in the invasion. Uhtred's daughter, Stiorra, is also a concern. Finan, Uhtred's right-hand man, finds himself in a similar situation, as his brother Conall has joined Ragnall's force. The reason behind Finan's years of exile is also revealed.

Uhtred does not have enough men to handle Ragnall directly. He must use his cunning to hold him off, which includes making desperate journeys to convince enemies to join him and save his daughter. Brida, Uhtred's former lover, is another obstacle as she wants to reclaim England for the pagans and has become a crazed witch.

The conflict involves Norse and Christians on both sides, with pagans fighting for the Christian Aethelflaed and Irish Christians siding with the pagan Ragnall. The Saxons, Norse, and Irish fight for control of the British Isles, making for an interesting tale.

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The Lady of the Ravens by Joanna Hickson

by Natasa Djordjevic - 8:09 AM

The choice of Joan Vaux as the protagonist to narrate the story is commendable. Being a commoner who rose to prominence in the Tudor court, gives us a unique perspective of the events from an outsider's point of view. This provides us with a more comprehensive view of life in the country at that time. Joan's character itself is captivating and remarkable for a woman of her time. I found it fascinating to read about her intimate relationships with the young Queen Elizabeth and her mother. The book provides insight into the challenges faced by women at that time, who had little personal power and were often treated as commodities to be traded for power and favor. It also highlights their resourcefulness in finding ways to influence events despite their limitations.

The Tudor dynasty was newly founded and tried to solidify its power in England. Henry Tudor married Elizabeth of York, daughter of Edward IV, to build alliances. However, Yorkist rebels continued to challenge the throne, and rumors persisted about the fate of the 'Princes in the Tower'.

Despite the tension, the detailed accounts of daily life in court and out of it during this time are fascinating. The author vividly describes household management, child-rearing, and court protocol, providing a great history lesson. The writing is modern, refreshing, and passionate about the period.

The book is not only a great story, but also a rich and immersive history lesson. The author's attention to detail, from the sights and sounds to the food and drinks of the time, is impressive and enhances the story.

Overall, the book is a must-read for lovers of historical fiction, especially those interested in the Tudor period. The stunning book design is a bonus.