A Knight of Silence (Knight Series-Volume 1)

Very well written and impelling to read. Everything is well thought out and described.
Also everything is dated perfectly to this time period.

Shelby Z./DRIVING WINDS

Hi Candace!

Since you haven’t been to Authonomy for a while, I hope it’s okay that I’m sending this through your book comment:

I’d like to thank you for backing BRAINRUSH (a Thriller) last year. Because of you it hit the Authonomy Number-1 slot, attracted an agent, and landed a film option. Now that’s a brain-rush! The formal book launch is September 1st and the sequel will be released in December. None of this would have been possible without your help. So, thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!

Sincerely,
Richard Bard, BRAINRUSH

PS. If you want a good laugh, check out the temporary book-trailer video on the BRAINRUSH website. It’s there as a placeholder for the upcoming professional video. The current one features children and it’s guaranteed to make you smile! And yes, the younger kid on the screen is really me. You can see the video at www.RichardBard.com. The link is also on my Authonomy profile page. While you’re there, check out the “Feel the Rush” promotion that will get you BRAINRUSH plus 2 FREE thrillers from the Kindle Top-20 PAID Bestseller list – yes, really!

This novel has included all. I intend 'all' means all kinds of emotions that rested in human being. With the blend of historical background, this novel gets splendid.

Regards,

Joy J. Kaimaparamban
The Wildfire

A Knight of Silence is a delightfully romantic journey into the past. I love the chapter headings showing precise dates as they create a far more believable narrative. Backed with pleasure.

Very impressive. A superbly written story, your dialogue is perfect for the time frame and your research is impeccable. A very studied and accomplished historical work, Candace, one that I will be reading in more detail as soon as I can. Backed with my compliments, very best of luck.

Jack Hughes
Dawn of Shadows.

forgive me if i'm repeating myself but i loved your book and have backed it. Please have a glance at 'the compulsive traveller' if you enjoy real life drama, travel and humour. Visit some of the remotest places on earth with the author without leaving the safety of your own home.Regards Mike Thonger

I love this time period, and your narrative and writing evoke the time and place without being pretentious. Nicely done; happy to back this for you.
Please consider taking a look at my book, The Job.
Craig

Cracking!!!
Backed with pleasure! Good Luck!!
A look at Sicilian Shadows would be greatly appreciated.
Frank.
If you back my work, you may also want to approach BJD (a big supporter of Sicilian Shadows) for a further read and possible backing of your book
Could you also have a read (if you haven't done so) of 'Moonbeam Highway' by Tim Chambers, a wonderful book that at present sits on the Ed's desk.

You are a natural writer. This is phenomenal. It's not my genre at all, but even I can see what you've done with this story is worthy of publication. It's superb and backed. Just lovely

Read the whole thing in one go. I enjoyed the romance between the main characters. The opening was a little heavy with names and titles but no doubt they will reappear later in the book. Hope you post more of the story. This one has a great chance for publication.

Christine Black
(Maximus) - to be posted soon!

Read the whole thing in one go. I enjoyed the romance between the main characters. The opening was a little heavy with names and titles but no doubt they will reappear later in the book. Hope you post more of the story. This one has a great chance for publication.

Christine Black
(Maximus) - to be posted soon!

You do a good job of setting the place with your word choices. It is obvious that you have done research and know the time period and customs of the day. Your manuscript is well edited as well, though I would like more chapter breaks.

A couple of things made this difficult for me to get into, though. You introduce a large cast of characters very quickly and I found myself confused, trying to keep track of the names. I would recommend that you not name a person unless it is important for the reader to know who that person is. Otherwise, just use "the soldier", "a kinght", etc.

Also, I had a hard time understanding why the king would decree that he get married and produce an heir. I am not knowledgeable enough of the time period to figure out why the king would care whether the baron had offspring. Perhaps some more explanation would have helped me with that.

I hope this is helpful to you!

Cyndi

I am not a huge lover of historical fiction, but I know beautiful, fantastically researched prose with dialogue that felt authentic to the period. Oh, and a cracking story about my country. As I said, I am not a lover of historical fiction but I would buy this in a heartbeat
Thanks for posting it.
Carl
The Time Hunters

This is very well written and reasearcged. The story takes off quickly and the action keeps pace well. As someone who enjoys history, yet doesn't always know enough up front, I was a bit overwhelmed by all the names in the early stages of this...a bit difficult to sort out for my brain. This was NOT an issue as the story went on.

Good Read.

Lockjaw

Your dialogue is so important in grounding this in time and place. The eloquence you portray in the writing is very, very good. To me this has a feel of a well-structured story – a pleasure to read.

You have something here but I feel thatit needs more depth. At times I was left a little lost because of the lack of background information until I did a quick bit of checking on line to fill in the blanks. It is all right to name drop but not everyone may know who they are unless told. You have an interesting tale here to tell but just think you need to build on what you have. All the best with it.

A Knight of Silence (Knight Series-Volume 1)
Candace Bowen Early
You have captured the times a place well, which is the first rule for historical fiction.
Your characters are well fleshed and the storyline has plenty of hooks to keep your readers happy. My one observation is that I feel you have not given enough background of Fulk and his Knights before they arrive at Kenwick Keep. For instance, in chapter one Guy is a malnourished young waif dressed in rags, his bare feet stained with blood. The next chapter has Guy a Knight, how did this happen and how did Fulk find his other strays? I feel you could build on Fulk’s character and give us a clearer incite to the man before he meets Reina.
Also, in the first chapter and part of the second, you are telling instead of showing - a problem you entirely eliminate from chapter three onward.



I have enjoyed reading your six chapters and I am happy to give you my backing.

Troodo.
The Rose of Gildvadane.

This was a very interesting glimpse into the past. You have used dialogue and description very well. You convey the era without bogging the reader down in the language, and you leave me wanting more!

I have backed this with pleasure.
Abi xxx
"Everyone knows the rule: Stay inside the Wall, but Tisha believes rules were made to be broken."

Thanks for your story, Candace. Hope you'll read mine, He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not & my unedited version, Tell Me True Love Stories of He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not. Thanks, Susie :)

This is not your average "knight in shining armor" story. The marks of it are the extensive research that must have gone into making it sound so authentic. And the creation of a hearing challenged heroine. I'm sure in ancient England such a person was condemned to living on the street or in a work house. Here she has the unequalized opportunity to not only serve the king but be involved in a spy/mystery plot as well. Well done. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

Candace, your first chapter reads very well. It's obvious you have done your research. Good job. I am not qualified to nitpick anything.

Happy to back this.

Joffrey (The Silver Spoon Effect)

Candace, this is wonderful. I can feel like I am there and wish I had such a knight in my life. You have the book marked as incomplete, so I'm wondering what happens next. Also, when you look for an agent I suggest Writer's House and Martha Millard literary agency.

Your depth of history an old english is well-researched. Good work! I love historical romance. Congrats.
Do yourself a favor and buy a copy of Writer's Market 2010.

this book is happily backed.

Francine.

Historical fiction, my favourite genre, not only the chance to enjoy a good story but learn as well. This was a delightful glimpse of this period in history, clearly meticulously researched.
Your fine prose made it easy to lose myself in the atmosphere and you provide visual richness in good measure.
Authentic and fascinating, it was a pleasure to read history seemlessly woven into an excellent story. Shelved. Margaret.

I don't normally read historical fiction so cannot compare a lot to other historical books.I did read the first couple of chapters and the atmosphere and period of time come across very well. I also admire the amount of research it must have taken to write a book like this. The characters did engage me and the intrigue of adventure pulled me in. I would have continued if I had more time, so another good book has opened my mind to another genre.

Well written and backed.

ww Lisa

A Fine Line

Candace,
Very fun story, with a character twist not often found. Based on the pitch, it's seems a book I would love to read further. I only have a few nitpicks, primarily punctuation. Several times you place an unnecessary comma before names. Example, Ch3 "...he was close in age to, Guy." If it is not a complete sentence without the name, do not place a comma, as you would with "Lastly, there was his young squire, Osbert." Apart from that, the period language does occasionally become a bit cumbersome, making it seem stilted and tiresome (mainly due to alternate spellings) but is for the most part excellent. Well done.
Tiffany
(Tempeste)

why is there a fullstop after Henry 1?

This should be a movie. Thoroughly enjoyable.

This writing has a real atmosphere to it, which I love. As a fan of historical fiction, the pitch grabbed me straight away. My only criticism- I want to read this book curled up and holding it in my hands, not read it on-screen! Hope my backing helps with this minor problem!
Vick
Endless

Candace, this book is A feast for any history lovers eyes. You have brought these characters so vividly to life and it is easy to imagine yourself in this particular era of history. I have really enjoyed the parts that I have read and eagerly anticipate coming back for more!
Thank you for backing The Lady Mary. I wish you lots of success with your work.

Candace, this book is A feast for any history lovers eyes. You have brought these characters so vividly to life and it is easy to imagine yourself in this particular era of history. I have really enjoyed the parts that I have read and eagerly anticipate coming back for more!
Thank you for backing The Lady Mary. I wish you lots of success with your work.

Oops! I backed you twice :)

Truly beautiful. For a time I forgot where I was. The dialogue and setting are pitch-perfect. Backed with pleasure. Barbara Silkstone The Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland, Age 42 and Three-Quarters.

Hi,

Here to return the read ;O)

Ok...this is so not my normal genre and far too much out of my comfort zone to comment properly but I have to say, I really enjoyed what I read and I admire anyone who can write an historical book woven toogether with a great story. The research you must've put in shows as the story really flows.

Nice little hook at the end of the first chapter aswell!

Backed :o)

Love Bev x

Love Overboard & Betrayal

Candace, this is excellent! Your superb research skills shine through--and that's not always easy to do. Your research makes this so much more believable and it really puts the reader there.

Since you've requested honest feedback and I used to edit other author's books, here are 2 suggestions that I think will improve your work:
1) I would use your second paragraph as the first. It gets the reader into the action more quickly. I am sure the information in that 1st para could work easily into another para. It stalled me right away--maybe because I failed at history in school. lol This is more a preference and my 2 cents worth.
2) There are some minor issues with dialogue tags and beats. I'm not sure if it's acceptable to leave links here, but if so, you may want to read this article on writing dialogue. http://writetype.blogspot.com/2007/04/writing-workshop-writing-dialogue-that.html

Other than the dialogue issue, this chapter is very well written. The characters are interesting and well formed. Your description is vivid without being overdone. And you've done an excellent job of hooking the reader by providing a great chapter hook at the end.

Happy writing! And well done!

Cheryl Kaye Tardif,
author of Children of the Fog

The dialogue reads like a painting. It is absolutely perfect for it's time, and spot on! "It was I keeping the French steel from your back." I love it!!!
The research you must have done is so evident, yet so fluid. It doesn't read like a history book. It reads like I'm standing there by the riverside with Fulke and Reina. Their relationship transcends any era, and is beautiful to behold.
Hurry this one into print, because I want a hardcopy!!!

Maureen A. Miller
Victory Cove

Actual personages and events in the past often provide the building blocks on which to construct a tale that seizes and holds the attention, and stimulates the imagination, of the reader. A Knight of Silence is an excellent example of where the author has adeptly chosen an age where savagery and chivalry vie for dominance. The dialogue seems realistic and in vogue with those times. The rough hewn characters, with their robber baron attitudes, are far removed from the aristocracy of today. A robust exciting treatment of a turbulent time. Backed. Bocri. The Tuzla Run

A Knight of Silence:

First of all I must say, you draw great pictures with your words. The writing has a nice flow to it that makes me want to read on. And I loved your word choices throughout.

Have a couple of bits and bobs below.

Should sword point be hyphenated?

…and leaned closer to Fulke, “step back.” I think ‘step’ should have a capital S?

“Crispin charged the king… Misplaced quotation marks at ‘Chrispin’ and need to be here – I say his life is forfeit.”

Not sure if capital W needed here – “would any of you?” – I think either way is okay, but to my eye, it would look better it did have a capital?

…biseche…beseech.

Sliding his gaze to Crispin…something missing here?

Crispin braved, “do your worst, usurper.” Capital D for ‘do’. Not sure about the ‘braved’ though.

“Thanks you, Sire,” with a bow… A full stop needed instead of a comma, after Sire, then a capital W for ‘with’.

Check throughout for other capital letters needed at beginning of dialogue.
~~~
I read on to chapter two without making more notes. And even though chapter one is very visual and well done, I took to chapter two, better. Probably because of the romance aspect. ;o)

Once you do an edit for things such as what I mentioned above, this will be an even better read, and I wish you all the best with it.

Will pop it on my shelf.

Cáit ~ Muckers ~

I would imagine these historical novels are hard to pull off, but you do a really nice job here. The writing was fluid and seemed to mesh well with the historical period. The dialogue seemed accurate and well done. It seems you are perfectly suited for this genre. Backed.

Take care,

Mike Mefford

I enjoyed this. The writing flows nicely and there has been some research to add texture to the story. It is difficult to paint a good period picture but I think you have done it.

All the best
George Fripley - Wurzel of Clutton

A beautiful tale that I much enjoyed reading. Liked the bit of erotica in the last posted chapter. Backed.

Ooh, la-la. I love historical fiction and historical romance. I'm always impressed by the amount of research it takes. I love how you've woven a tale throughout the facts. I have only read the first chapter, so far, and I especially liked the last ominous line.
In the beginning of the chapter, I had a little bit of a hard time trying to keep all of the characters straight. And I would have liked a touch more physical description (especially of Fulke).
Nice start to the book - I hope I can get back and read more soon!
Take care,
Wendy
(ps, I've uploaded more chapters for Angel Prophecy)

Lovely, fluent prose and dialogue which feels just right for the period. Likeable, interesting main characters, convincing battle scenes and terrific research which blends beautifully into the story - as all good research should do but often doesn't.
Reina is charming, Fulke quite a hulk, and little Warin endearing.
I do hope you post more so I can come back to find out what happens to them.
Backed, of course.
Anna (Black Damask)

Candace,

I'm returning your read of Appetites, sorry for the delay in doing so. Thank you for your support of my work.

You have an interesting pitch and the work is clearly well researched. I read two chapters and found it easy enough to read, but the transition from chapter one to chapter two and a new viewpoint character felt a little awkward, though I preferred chapter two on the whoel. If I have a criticism it is that the first chapter felt a little distant: a telling of the events rather than a showing. I think the first chapter really needs to grab the reader.

However, happy to give this a spin on my shelf.

I always enjoy a well written and well researched historical novel, and I certainly enjoyed what I read of this. The writing voice and style suited the story well, and the plot and its pace kept me engaged and involved. Really well done. I'm happy to give this a bit of time on my shelf.
Michael Croucher (Bravo's Veil)

Always my weakness and my vice, well-researched, well-written historical sagas. Well done, and shelved.

Very well written and effortlessly readable. Good dialogue that fits with the atmosphere and era of the piece.

Shelved.

Dan,
Eunice Stubbins, among others...

This isn't my kind of story but it is well written. My only suggestion is to watch out for the said bookisms. Check out number 4 on this link:
http://edittorrent.blogspot.com/2009/10/marks-of-amateur-starting-list.html
Backed.
xBeccaX
The First Phoenix

good blending of genres and seamlessly done. backed

Good historical romance, credibly set in twelfth century England. Even the voice has Plantagenet echoes. Ripping stuff! Backed. Geoff ('Saxon')

A beautiful romance wonderfully introduced in the first few chapters. A book I plan to return to as I have a chance over the course of the next few weeks.

Backed,
JLux
Finding Letta

A Knight of Silence

Researched to a high standard, great battle scenes, wonderful imagery.

Candace you've written a fine novel, and have manged to get historical detail in without it becoming a history lesson.

First class.

Alison Buter (The Hanging of Margaret Dickson)