I am excited to be hosting the blog tour for The Coronation by Justin Newland #BookReview #HistoricalFantasy #BlogTour @matadorbooks @maryanneyarde

 

★ Two Year Anniversary Tour ★

 

The Coronation

 

By Justin Newland

 

 

It is 1761. Prussia is at war with  Russia and Austria. As the Russian army occupies East Prussia, King Frederick the Great and his men fight hard to win back their homeland.

 

In Ludwigshain, a Junker estate in East Prussia, Countess Marion von Adler celebrates an exceptional harvest. But it is requisitioned by Russian troops. When Marion tries to stop them, a Russian captain strikes her. His lieutenant, Ian Fermor, defends Marion’s honour and is stabbed for his insubordination. Abandoned by the Russians, Fermor becomes a divisive figure on the estate.

 

Close to death, Fermor dreams of the Adler, a numinous eagle entity, whose territory extends across the lands of Northern Europe and which is mysteriously connected to the Enlightenment. What happens next will change of the course of human history… 

 

 

 
The Coronation by Justin Newland is a mythological/historical marvel! This novel, with its non stop action, was in one very long word - unputdownable. The hours flew by as I lost myself to the world that the author had created. 

Marion Gräfin von Adler, the heroine in this story, is a very strong woman but not in an overbearing way. She cares for the people on her estate very much and when their lives are threatened by the requisition of their winter supplies she desperately tries to stand her ground, and when that fails she begs. But her cries fall on deaf ears and the whole encounter ends in blood. This then leads on to the mythical, or perhaps one should say supernatural aspect, to this story. I thought the depiction of the Alder, a mighty eagle with two heads, was very vividly drawn, and yet the significance of the bird is not really appreciated until you reach the end of the novel.

The interwoven backdrop of both historical and fantasy was written with a great deal of care. The history felt real in the telling, but so did the fantasy.

I really did enjoy every moment of this novel. It is certainly one that I can see myself reading again. 

This novel is available at  

 

Amazon UK  Amazon US Amazon CA Amazon AU Barnes and Noble   Waterstones Kobo  Author’s Website (buyers can enter a dedication to be signed by the author)  Publisher’s Website  Wordery (UK)  Bookswagon (India) Booktopia (Au)  Saxo (Dk  Exclusive Books (SA)

 

Justin Newland

 

Justin Newland is an author of historical fantasy and secret history thrillers - that’s history with a supernatural twist. His stories feature known events and real people from history which are re-told and examined through the lens of the supernatural. He gives author talks and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Bristol’s Thought for the Day. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.

 

His Books

 

The Genes of Isis is a tale of love, destruction and ephemeral power set under the skies of Ancient Egypt. A re-telling of the Biblical story of the flood, it reveals the mystery of the genes of Isis – or genesis – of mankind. ISBN 9781789014860.

 

“The novel is creative, sophisticated, and downright brilliant! I couldn’t ask more of an Egyptian-esque book!” – Lauren, Books Beyond the Story.

 

The Old Dragon’s Head is a historical fantasy and supernatural thriller set during the Ming Dynasty and played out in the shadows the Great Wall of China. It explores the secret history of the influences that shaped the beginnings of modern times.  ISBN 9781789015829.

 

‘The author is an excellent storyteller.” – British Fantasy Society.

 

Set during the Great Enlightenment, The Coronation reveals the secret history of the Industrial Revolution. ISBN 9781838591885.

 

“The novel explores the themes of belonging, outsiders… religion and war…  filtered through the lens of the other-worldly.” – A. Deane, Page Farer Book Blog.

 

His latest, The Abdication (July, 2021), is a suspense thriller, a journey of destiny, wisdom and self-discovery. ISBN 9781800463950. 

 

“In Topeth, Tula confronts the truth, her faith in herself, faith in a higher purpose, and ultimately, what it means to abdicate that faith.”

V. Triola, Coast to Coast.

 

Social Media Links:

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Follow the tour - HERE! 

 

 

 

 

I am excited to be hosting the blog tour for The Heart of a Hussar (The Winged Warrior Series, Book 1) by Griffin Brady #HistoricalFiction #PolishWingedHussars #CoffeePotBookClub @griffbrady1588 @maryanneyarde

 

 

The Heart of a Hussar

(The Winged Warrior Series, Book 1)

By Griffin Brady

 

Poland is at war. He must choose between his lifelong ambition and his heart.

Exploiting Muscovy’s Time of Troubles, Poland has invaded the chaotic country. Twenty-two-year-old Jacek Dąbrowski is an honorable, ferocious warrior in a company of winged hussars—an unrivaled, lethal cavalry. When his lieutenant dies in battle, Jacek is promoted to replace him, against the wishes of his superior, Mateusz, who now has more reason to eliminate him.

Jacek dedicates his life to gaining the king’s recognition and manor lands of his own. Consequently, he closely guards his heart, avoiding lasting romantic entanglements. Unscathed on the battlefield, undefeated in tournaments, and adored by women eager to share his bed, Jacek has never lost at anything he sets out to conquer. So when he charges toward his goals, he believes nothing stands in his way.

Upon his return from battle, Jacek deviates from his ordinarily unemotional mindset and rescues enemy siblings, fifteen-year-old Oliwia and her younger brother, Filip, from their devastated Muscovite village. His act of mercy sets into motion unstoppable consequences that ripple through his well-ordered life for years to come—and causes him to irretrievably lose his heart.

Oliwia has her own single-minded drive: to protect her young brother. Her determination and self-sacrifice lead her to adopt a new country, a new religion, and a new way of life. But it’s not the first time the resilient beauty has had to remake herself, for she is not what she appears to be.

As Jacek battles the Muscovites and Tatars threatening Poland’s borders for months at a time, Oliwia is groomed for a purpose concealed from her. All the while, Mateusz’s treachery and a mysterious enemy looming on the horizon threaten to destroy everything Jacek holds dear. 

EXCERPT 

Jacek stood just outside Eryk’s solar and announced himself. Low voices interspersed with pacing bootsteps drifted through the partly open door.

“Come,” Eryk ordered. Jacek stepped beside Mateusz and stood at attention.

Eryk swatted a sheaf of papers against the edge of his desk. “Jacek, Mateusz has been advising me of rumors my cousin Antonin is building up his forces.”

Jacek tracked Eryk as he resumed pacing.

“I still do not believe he could have had anything to do with the ambush, but in spite of our inquiries, we’ve learned absolutely nothing. I thought perhaps to pay him a visit at his fortress and satisfy myself.”

“Of course, my lord. When do we leave?” Mateusz asked.

“Two weeks, but you are not going, Mateusz. As captain of the guard, you will remain here. Jacek will be my second on this foray.”

In Jacek’s peripheral vision, Mateusz eyed him with a frown. Jacek kept his eyes straight ahead, trained on the lord.

Eryk’s shoulders drooped. “I would have left sooner but for my wife’s health. She is recovering from a bout of illness, and I expect her to be fully restored when we leave for my cousin’s stronghold. I need to make it seem like a friendly visit, a family visit.” Eryk chuckled mirthlessly. “I shall call on a man I neither like nor trust.”

When the meeting ended, Jacek left the solar briskly, putting distance between himself and Mateusz. His effort did not get him far.

“Dąbrowski!” Mateusz barked.

Jacek bit back his irritation and turned to face his superior.

“Captain?”

They stood outside the great hall, poised at the top of the forestairs in a chill wind.

Mateusz’s face was mere inches from Jacek’s. “I know what you’re doing, Dąbrowski.”

Jacek looked down at him. “Sir?”

“You’ve set that brat of yours to spy on me while you ingratiate yourself with Lord Eryk. You’re trying to steal my position.” Mateusz pulled his gloves on.

Heat rose in Jacek’s cheeks. “Begging your pardon, Captain, but I have given Filip no orders to ‘spy’ on you. If the boy is being a nuisance, I will deal with him.”

Mateusz’s mouth twisted in a snarl. “See that you do, Dąbrowski. See that you keep him away from me. And another thing. Stay away from my wife!” Mateusz was so close he sprayed Jacek’s chin and mouth.

Calmy, Jacek removed a linen square and scrubbed it over his face. The captain’s bloodshot eyes smoldered, and a vision of a deformed, split nose bleeding between them flashed through Jacek’s mind.

In a low voice, Jacek replied, “I think, Captain, it would serve you better if you told your wife to leave me alone.”

Jacek turned on his heel, but before he took a step, a hand clamped on his shoulder. He let the captain spin him around, calculating all the while. One well-placed jab. One well-placed jab and a knee to the groin. Grab the back of his head and ram his face into the knee, hear the gratifying crunch. Watch the blood pour.

Jacek clenched his fists. Mateusz stared at him for several heartbeats. Two of Mateusz’s underlings called to him from the bottom of the forestairs, and Mateusz started to laugh. He smacked Jacek’s cheek and pointed a blocky finger at him.

“Don’t flatter yourself, Dąbrowski.” He gave Jacek a rough shove, turned, and leapt down the stairs, still laughing.

Just then, Filip careened into the courtyard, his head down as he trod the rutted path to the forestairs. Mateusz took four steps out of his way and barreled over Filip, sending him sprawling on his backside in the dirt. Mateusz roared with laughter, spurring his two men-at-arms to join in.

“Why don’t you watch where you’re going, you little rat? Now stand up and apologize.”

A hand gripped Jacek’s arm as he readied to descend the stairs, and Henryk’s even voice sounded in his ear. “Don’t give him the satisfaction.”

Feliks paced into the courtyard and pulled Filip up by the scruff, talking to him in a low voice Jacek couldn’t make out. Filip looked up at Mateusz with blazing eyes and mumbled something. Mateusz wheeled toward Jacek and erupted in another round of laughter before turning his attention back to Filip.

“Apology accepted,” he hollered. Mateusz started to walk away but stopped and pivoted. “And tell that sister of yours I’ll pay her a visit soon.”

Jacek jerked his arm from Henryk’s grasp. Feliks caught his eye and shook his head, then grasped Filip’s shoulders and spun him toward the stables.

“Jacek. Time for the midday meal. Come, before the food is gone,” Henryk said. Jacek blew out a breath and trailed his friend, his hands still fisted.

 

Head over to Amazon to buy your copy of this book. This book is avaliable on #KindleUnlimited. 

Griffin Brady 

 

 

Griffin Brady is a historical fiction author with a keen interest in the Polish Winged Hussars of the 16th and 17th centuries. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. The Heart of a Hussar took third place in the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers’ 2018 Colorado Gold Contest and was a finalist in the Northern Colorado Writers’ 2017 Top of the Mountain Award.

The proud mother three grown sons, she lives in Colorado with her husband. She is also an award-winning, Amazon bestselling romance author who writes under the pen name G.K. Brady.

Social Media Links:
Website, Twitter, Facebook, BookBub, Amazon Author Page, Goodreads

 

Tour Schedule  

 

 

I am excited to be hosting the blog tour for Raid of the Wolves (Ormstunga Saga, Book 2) by Donovan Cook #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub #HistoricalFiction @DonovanCook20

Raid of the Wolves 

(Ormstunga Saga, Book 2)

By Donovan Cook

 

The only thing that kept him going were the voices of his ancestors, screaming for blood...

Ulf and his shield brothers are sent on a raid against an old enemy — Francia, a mighty kingdom to the south, now ravaged by civil war. During the perilous sea voyage, Ulf can only focus on one thing. He demands closure: to find the man who slaughtered his family — Griml. 

A hidden enemy stalks Ulf and his warriors through Francia, striking mercilessly when they least expect it. Soon the hunters become the hunted. The Norse warriors must make the ultimate choice between defying the king or angering the gods. Both could end in fury.

But there is another threat lurking in the shadows. One that Ulf could never anticipate.

Ulf is not the only one who wants vengeance.

Raid of the Wolves is avaliable to purchase at Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon CA, Amazon AU, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones

This book is also avaliable with #KindleUnlimited

Donovan Cook

Even as a young child, Donovan loved reading stories about Vikings and other medieval warriors fighting to defend their homeland or raiding in distant lands. He would often be found running around outside with nothing other than a wooden sword and his imagination. 

Now older, he spends his time writing about them. His novels come from his fascination with the Viking world and Norse Mythology and he hopes that you will enjoy exploring this world as much as he did writing about it.

Born in South Africa but raised in England, Donovan currently lives in Moscow, Russia with his wife and their French Bulldog, where he works as an English tutor. When he is not teaching or writing, he can be found reading, watching rugby, or working on DIY projects. Being born in South Africa, he is a massive Springboks fan and never misses a match.

Social Media Links:

Website • Twitter • Facebook • BookBub • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

Tour Schedule

 

I am exciting to be hosting the blog tour for The Girl from Portofino (Girls of the Italian Resistance) by Siobhan Daiko #BookReview #WW2 #HistoricalRomance @siobhandaiko @maryanneyarde

 

 

The Girl from Portofino

(Girls of the Italian Resistance: A collection of standalone novels set in Italy during World War 2)

By Siobhan Daiko

 

 

In 1970 Gina Bianchi returns to Portofino to attend her father’s funeral, accompanied by her troubled twenty-four-year-old daughter, Hope. There, Gina is beset by vivid memories of World War 2, a time when she fought with the Italian Resistance and her twin sister, Adele, worked for the Germans.

 

In her childhood bedroom, Gina reads Adele’s diary, left behind during the war. As Gina learns the devastating truth about her sister, she’s compelled to face the harsh brutality of her own past. Will she finally lay her demons to rest, or will they end up destroying her and the family she loves?

 

A hauntingly epic read that will sweep you away to the beauty of the Italian Riviera and the rugged mountains of its hinterland. “The Girl from Portofino” is a story about heart-wrenching loss and uplifting courage, love, loyalty, and secrets untold.

 

 

 

Don’t you just love it when you open a book, knowing before you have even read a word that you are going to love it? In this case, it was because I had already read a book by this author that I loved, the cover is amazing, the blurb is enticing… it all adds up, and made me all the more excited.

Gina travels to Portofino with her daughter, Hope, when her father dies, to attend his funeral. While there, Gina’s mother presents her with a diary, written by Adele, Gina’s twin sister. At first, Gina doesn’t want to read it, for Adele worked with the Germans during the war, while Gina fought with the Resistance, but curiosity wins, and she begins to read the diary.

As Gina reads Adele’s diary, she finds herself remembering the war, and her time, fighting. This book is a dual timeline novel, following Gina in both 1970, as she reads Adele’s diary, and 1944, where she is fighting. As part of the Resistance, Gina lives rough, and carries around a gun, but with the arrival of Enzo, an English soldier joining their ranks, Gina starts to feel things other than the need to protect her country. It seems strange for love to appear during a war, and yet, love is just the thing needed.

Both the historical aspects, such as the war, and the battles fought, and the romantic aspects of this novel are written wonderfully, and I loved every moment of this book. Gina was a wonderful character, although I couldn’t help wishing for Adele to have her own chapters, rather than just learning about her through diary entries. I would love to read a book from Adele’s perspective, as her journey was just as intriguing as Gina’s.

This book is absolutely brilliant. World War 2 fiction is incredibly popular at the moment, and I can see why, for it is utterly enthralling, especially when done right, as this book is. I cannot wait to read more by this author. 

 

 

This series is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

Amazon 

 

 Siobhan Daiko

Siobhan Daiko is a British historical fiction author. A lover of all things Italian, she lives in the Veneto region of northern Italy with her husband, a Havanese dog and two rescued cats. After a life of romance and adventure in Hong Kong, Australia and the UK, Siobhan now spends her time, when she isn't writing, enjoying her life near Venice. 

Social Media Links:

Website, Twitter, Facebook, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, BookBub, Amazon Author Page, Goodreads 

 

Thank you to The Coffee Pot Book Club for giving me the opportunity to showcase this novel.

Tour Schedule