Clifford Beal

This novel is apparently a companion piece to Beal's 'Gideon's Angel' which was published last year. I haven't read it, but since this is a prequel, I felt it'd be fine to get started here.

Set in the 17th century, this tells the story of a wealthy young Englishman, Richard Treadwell, who volunteers in a foreign army to fight for his fortune and his Protestant faith.
Each chapter is predicated by a short segment set 20 years later, when Treadwell, as a seasoned soldier, has been arrested for treason, and awaits sentencing.

The first half is definitely one for the military buffs. It's nearly all gritty fighting and battles. The second half takes an abrupt left turn, as a battle-weary Treadwell ends up in a rural settlement with a small coven of widowed pagan witches. The flavor that's prevalent throughout the whole book is historical fiction - but it's woven through with hauntings, charms and prophecies. Most of it is pretty ambivalent - real, or superstition? - but it adds a bit of an otherworldly taste.

I found the book to be convincingly researched and entertaining; and it moves along at a good pace. Treadwell's not a terribly admirable or sympathetic character, but he's believable for his time and place.

Thanks to NetGalley for letting me be one of the first readers of this book!… (més)

Set during the era of Oliver Cromwell, this sees a loyal king's man return to England and become embroiled in a plot by the sinister Gideon to summon supernatural creatures to kill Cromwell and bring about the end of days... which means the king's man is suddenly in a position of wanting to save the man who executed the king. This was a time of great politics, upheaval, superstition and suspicion. Although I thought this was well-written and I liked the plot and the characters (especially poor Billy) there was something about it that was a bit hollow. It didn't engage me as I thought it should I didn't care enough when I thought I ought to be. I'm uncertain why. I could see it made into a television movie, it has some good set pieces and action scenes and memorable characters, although the bad guy isn't one of them - he is a bit two dimensional. I liked it, but it wasn't my favourite and I think it could have been just a bit more engrossing with just a bit more oomph to it. The idea of the supernatural twining in with that era fits very well and it was an easy read, quite entertaining. I'd read a sequel (not that I'd think one would happen), and I'd read this author again. I'm ot even too happy with the title, to be honest, unless I'm missing some double-meaning. It could have been much snappier.… (més)