Anvil of God
Book One of the Carolingian Chronicles
by J. Boyce Gleason
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Pub Date Jul 29 2013 | Archive Date Jun 29 2015
BookBuzz.net | iUniverse
Description
When Charles the Hammer dies his family struggles to take the throne. Based on a true story, Anvil of God is a whirlwind of love, honor, sacrifice, and betrayal that follows a bereaved family’s relentless quest for power and destiny.
It is 741. After subduing the pagan religions in the east, halting the march of Islam in the west, and conquering the continent for the Merovingian kings, mayor of the palace Charles the Hammer has one final ambition—the throne. Only one thing stands in his way—he is dying.Charles cobbles together a plan to divide the kingdom among his three sons, betroth his daughter to a Lombard prince to secure his southern border, and keep the Church unified behind them through his friend Bishop Boniface. Despite his best efforts, the only thing to reign after Charles’s death is chaos. His daughter has no intention of marrying anyone, let alone a Lombard prince. His two eldest sons question the rights of their younger pagan stepbrother, and the Church demands a steep price for their support. Son battles son, Christianity battles paganism, and Charles’s daughter flees his court for an enemy’s love.
It is 741. After subduing the pagan religions in the east, halting the march of Islam in the west, and conquering the continent for the Merovingian kings, mayor of the palace Charles the Hammer has one final ambition—the throne. Only one thing stands in his way—he is dying.Charles cobbles together a plan to divide the kingdom among his three sons, betroth his daughter to a Lombard prince to secure his southern border, and keep the Church unified behind them through his friend Bishop Boniface. Despite his best efforts, the only thing to reign after Charles’s death is chaos. His daughter has no intention of marrying anyone, let alone a Lombard prince. His two eldest sons question the rights of their younger pagan stepbrother, and the Church demands a steep price for their support. Son battles son, Christianity battles paganism, and Charles’s daughter flees his court for an enemy’s love.
Advance Praise
"Political intrigue straight out of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, except that Gleason's novel is based on stories of real people, and this historical "game of thrones" is engrossing, with fast-paced, crisp prose and smart dialogue. An enticing read, sure to please lovers of historical fiction and political and religious intrigue." - Kirkus Reviews
"J. Boyce Gleason's stellar debut novel is meticulously researched, vividly imagined, and literally unputdownable: as good as anything written by literary giants such as Ken Follett, Bernard Cornwell, Philippa Gregory, and Stephen R. Lawhead. A "must-read" for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. A rich and evocative writing style, profound character development, relentless pacing, powerful themes, and stunning cover art make this a reading experience that fans of historical fiction will not soon forget. A towering, breathtaking work of fiction." - Blue Ink Reviews
"This sweeping historical epic dives into a true story of political strife in the year 741 AD. The first of a planned series, Anvil of God will capture the attention of Medieval history fans with its well-crafted dialogue, action, and romantic subplots. Anvil of God moves at a swift pace, accentuated by its engaging characters and tension-filled plot. The cliffhanger at the end will have fans waiting impatiently for the next in the series." -- Aimee Jodoin, ForeWord Reviews
"Gleason's gripping historical novel--the first volume in his Carolingian Chronicles--offers readers a vivid mix of bloody battles, intriguing characters, and plenty of pagan sex rites. As stories move toward to their exciting conclusions, the mix of history, action, drama and vigorous doses of sex makes this debut historical novel a page turner." (edited for space) - Publishers Weekly - Starred Review
"Gleason's utterly confident novel is the first in a projected series about the 8th century Carolingian dynasty. Gleason's grasp of (his) characters is nothing short of marvelous; Anvil of God is full of fascinating characters, including the various prelates and military men who run Charles' kingdom and most especially Charles' wife Sunnichild, secret follower of old religions and behind-the-scenes power-broker. Gleason's dialogue is sharp throughout, and the book's obviously vast research is smoothly worked into the narrative. Highly recommended." - Historical Novel Society
"J. Boyce Gleason's stellar debut novel is meticulously researched, vividly imagined, and literally unputdownable: as good as anything written by literary giants such as Ken Follett, Bernard Cornwell, Philippa Gregory, and Stephen R. Lawhead. A "must-read" for anyone who enjoys historical fiction. A rich and evocative writing style, profound character development, relentless pacing, powerful themes, and stunning cover art make this a reading experience that fans of historical fiction will not soon forget. A towering, breathtaking work of fiction." - Blue Ink Reviews
"This sweeping historical epic dives into a true story of political strife in the year 741 AD. The first of a planned series, Anvil of God will capture the attention of Medieval history fans with its well-crafted dialogue, action, and romantic subplots. Anvil of God moves at a swift pace, accentuated by its engaging characters and tension-filled plot. The cliffhanger at the end will have fans waiting impatiently for the next in the series." -- Aimee Jodoin, ForeWord Reviews
"Gleason's gripping historical novel--the first volume in his Carolingian Chronicles--offers readers a vivid mix of bloody battles, intriguing characters, and plenty of pagan sex rites. As stories move toward to their exciting conclusions, the mix of history, action, drama and vigorous doses of sex makes this debut historical novel a page turner." (edited for space) - Publishers Weekly - Starred Review
"Gleason's utterly confident novel is the first in a projected series about the 8th century Carolingian dynasty. Gleason's grasp of (his) characters is nothing short of marvelous; Anvil of God is full of fascinating characters, including the various prelates and military men who run Charles' kingdom and most especially Charles' wife Sunnichild, secret follower of old religions and behind-the-scenes power-broker. Gleason's dialogue is sharp throughout, and the book's obviously vast research is smoothly worked into the narrative. Highly recommended." - Historical Novel Society
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781475990195 |
| PRICE | $23.95 (USD) |
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