New Medieval Books: Adèle and Gilbert: A Ballad
Adèle and Gilbert is a work of historical fiction written as a long narrative poem, and set in fourteenth-century France and Lombardy.
In Search of the Once and Future King: A Constructed Authenticity
Trying to give the Arthurian legends greater credence and authenticity by locating them in a more accurate historical context.
Y Gododdin, the Votadini and Arthurian Legend
Chances are good that unless you’re a scholar of Welsh literature, Arthurian legend, or early Scottish history, you’ve never heard of a Welsh poem called “Y Gododdin” (“The Gododdin,” in English).
Kindred of the Sea – Young Adult Fiction series about the Vikings
These three novels in the series Kindred of the Sea, by C.J. Adrien, are aimed at a young adult/teen audience
Daughter of Destiny, by Nicole Evelina
Before queenship and Camelot, Guinevere was a priestess of Avalon. She loved another before Arthur, a warrior who would one day betray her.
The Last Kingdom: An Interview with Bernard Cornwell
What I find most compelling is the struggle to create a country which became England, a struggle that must have seemed hopeless at times and which roiled Britain in constant fighting. We think of England (especially) as a peaceful landscape, but in the 9th, 10th and 11th centuries it was horribly brutal and merciless.
The Archer’s Loss: England’s War, Fate’s Arrows
As England crumbles, so does Thomas as he rails against the world which has snatched life and love away from him so savagely. The end of the 116 year struggle between old foes shall be the making and breaking of a boy yet to develop into a man….
Book Review: The Iron King, by Maurice Druon
Touted by George R.R. Martin as the original Game of Thrones, Druon’s series has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity recently, and can be found in major bookstores.
What’s New in Medieval Historical Fiction
Learn more about these books: See the Sister Fidelma mysteries Wikipedia entry Visit Gear-Gear.com, website for the authors Kathleen O’Neal Gear and W.…
Mystery, Secrets and Magic
When I decided to put pen to paper for a Tudor historical fiction story, I had no idea what I wanted to write. The subject has been analyzed and romanticized for five hundred years. What could I do that would be an original slant on this iconic subject matter? After having a look around I noticed that no one appears to have the exact moment of her execution. From there, the story began to slowly develop and present itself to me.
The Oblate’s Confession, by William Peak
Read an except from William Peak’s debut novel, which won the Best New Voice award for Fiction at the 2015 Benjamin Franklin Awards
Caliburn: Merlin’s Tale
The best way to describe Virgil Renzulli’s Caliburn: Merlin’s Tale is as a King Arthur origin story, set in an alternate universe.
Review: The Holy Lance, by Andrew Latham
Inside, what I came across was a solid tale based during the Third Crusade, in the aftermath of the dreadful battle at the Horns of Hattin.
The Beginning of Medieval Historical Fiction: Ten Novels from the 19th century
Historical fiction was just beginning as literary genre in the 19th century, but soon authors found success in writing about stories set in the Middle Ages.
Historical Lives in Fiction, Characters in Fiction: Are they the same people?
There is a strong relationship between history and fiction. The characters created by writers, either in historical novels and literary fiction, reflect that relationship. Many of the characteristics of fictional characters can also be ascribed to characters depicted in historical fiction and biographical writing.
What’s New in Medieval Fiction
Here are seven recently published novels that will take you back to the Middle Ages!
Book Review: Knight of Jerusalem: a Biographical Novel of Balian d’Ibelin
Knight of Jerusalem is not simply an academic work of history dressed up as fiction – it is a well-plotted, tightly written tale that vividly depicts the life and times of an intrinsically interesting historical figure.
Interview with Sherry Jones – The Sharp Hook of Love
I try to tell whatever story I’m telling with struck adherence to the known facts and as faithfully to the era — its culture, mores, values, etc. — as I can be without having been there. However, I also recognize that history is its own form of fiction
INTERVIEW: A Conversation with SD Sykes about Plague Land
My interview with fiction author, SD Sykes about her fantastic medieval crime novel, Plague Land.
The Holy Lance, by Andrew Latham
The year is 1191. A daring counterattack against the Saracens’ last-ditch effort to relieve the besieged city of Acre has not only saved the Christian host from a fatal defeat; it has also brought the leader of that counterattack, English Templar Michael Fitz Alan, to the attention of King Richard the Lionheart.
Book Review: The Rhyme of King Harold
The Rhyme of King Harold is an entertaining way to learn more about the flip side of the Bayeux Tapestry and getting in touch with your Saxon roots.
Book Review: An Unsuitable Princess, by Jane Rosenberg LaForge
The fantasy breaks up the troubling narcissism of the diary, while the diary gives the fantasy its grounding and meaning.
‘Forgive me for all I have done and all I must do’: Portrayals of Negative Motherhood in George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones, A Clash of Kings and A Storm of Swords
I will argue that Martin both transgresses traditional high fantasy narratives but also employs other stereotypes found in general literature regarding motherhood and female power, often negative in tone.