Mercia

As a lover of history and a native of Mercia, I was drawn into this straight away and am happy to back this very well-written book. I hope this is in print one day and soon.

Carol
The lorestone.

I commend you for writing with four charges to feed--I can relate on the cooking complaints, as I have four under ten who critique my work in this area as well. That said, I was predisposed to be kind but thankfully, this is an easy task. Your writing is engaging and vivid, with good description and pace. Here and there, you have some minor punctuation issues. All in all, a strong start.

---Mary
The Qualities of Wood

I pounced on this because I live within walking distance of the battle of Whinmoor.
Your description of Immin departing for Langandune is beautiful and with the ensuing fight between Thyrdwulf and the warrior you portray well the turbulant times when violence could break out any minute.
Your dialogue is not at all stilted as some can be in historical novels and your narrative has a dramatic ring as if it copied the old Anglo-Saxon ballads. From words like 'thegn' it's obvious you know your subject and employ just enough of it to keep us thrilled without feeling bogged down.
Emotion, too, seems to another strong point - I'm thinking of the death of Thyrdwulf's sister. No doubt there'll be plenty of it in this tragic tale. I wish I could read all of it but on Authinomy that's not possible. But when it's published....Backed. Lynn

Hi Simon, The difficulty of maintaining peace at this time of invasion in England is well-rendered. It was effective how you kept with Thrydwulf, illustrating the attack by the unknown warriors. His responsibility and Bacga’s personality captured my interest. Good flow to the narration that maintains the medieval atmosphere. Happy to shelve – Katherine (The Swan Bonnet)

MERCIA
This is an interesting story. It’s obvious you did a lot of research to write this and it shows in the way you’re able to describe settings and clothing and philosophy of the time period. You’ve populated this ancient realm with a good mix of characters. Makes this a good read. I’m adding this to my shelf. Burgio (Grain of Salt).

This is well written. The characters and events are well described and concise. I like the way you insert the occasional word/item of that era without making it unintelligible or cumbersome. I think those that enjoy books of this genre will not be disappointed. As you continue editing I'm sure you will tighten up certain parts which will be benifical. Only suggestion at this time is that, for this site, the 1st chapter appears quite long. It could possibly be ended at 'The danger had not yet passed', it seems a natural line to finish on, tempting the reader to continue onto the next chapter when the scene moves to the hearing before the King. Only my opinion. On my shelf and good luck.

Dear Simon, I love that there is a twin sister because I'm a twin sister :) - that made me smile, then I read she got killed - that was tragic. I also love that you have a historical novel so I can see what was happening in 700 in England - it seems that there is still rivalry with the north - I guess it will be forever. Your pitch is excellent, so set the hook for me to read your book. :) When you use short paragraphs & lots of dialogue, it makes me want to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. I'm backing your book. :)
Could you please take a moment to back my TWO memoir books? Thanks, Susie :)

This is information from authonomy (so beware of any other untrue information you may receive that is spam & not quotes of authonomy):
"When you back a book, it only improves the ranking of that book, not yours. However, the author whose book you are backing may decide to back your book also, in which case yes, your ranking would be improved"...authonomy quote.
"Every time you place a book on your bookshelf, your recommendation pushes the book up the rankings. And while that book sits on your bookshelf, your reputation as a talent spotter increases depending on how well that book performs.
backed :)
Love, Susie :)