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sslovesbooks_1's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the experience the book gave me of life in Pictish Scotland, their rituals, culture and beliefs. I enjoyed the map and place names given at the front of the book for reference and I spent time doing some research online which enhanced my reading journey.
I liked Brei, he sacrificed his destiny for others and I found him very like likeable main character. I also found Sorsha an interesting character, she has a destiny she does not want and there is something other worldly about her which I think drew me in.
As it’s the first book in a four part series I am excited and interested to see how the story unfolds. I thought this was a brilliant debut and I would recommend if your interested in historical fiction or Celtic mythology.
Thanks to @helenareadsandwrites and @instabooktours as well as #shadowfaxpublishing for a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I thought it was a great read
I liked Brei, he sacrificed his destiny for others and I found him very like likeable main character. I also found Sorsha an interesting character, she has a destiny she does not want and there is something other worldly about her which I think drew me in.
As it’s the first book in a four part series I am excited and interested to see how the story unfolds. I thought this was a brilliant debut and I would recommend if your interested in historical fiction or Celtic mythology.
Thanks to @helenareadsandwrites and @instabooktours as well as #shadowfaxpublishing for a copy of this book in return for an honest review. I thought it was a great read
nickymaund's review
4.0
I had the absolute pleasure of bumping into Helena Barnard at It’s The Book Party’s first event in London last summer. After she told me all about her debut book, which included comparisons to one of my all-time fave characters, Xena, let’s just say I was sold and ordered myself a copy. And just look at that beautiful cover!
Barnard really takes her time as she slowly builds the world for this one. I’m not that familiar with the Picts and their battles with the Roman invaders, so this little fictional soirée into that side of history was one I really enjoyed. There’s lots included in here - the druids and their strange (by today’s standards) role in society, the brutality of battle, how the royal lineage passes along the women (definitely a fan of that), the brutality of civilised society and then there’s the mystery of Sorsha and her gift. I really liked how Barnard makes you question just who are the real barbarians?!
I will admit I didn’t sympathise much with Anwen - she’s truly suffered, but even after all the revelations of what others have done to her, I still don’t like her. And towards the end I was thinking to myself - where’s all this conspiracy shenanigans. And then it happened and I was like - ohhhh! I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.
Barnard really takes her time as she slowly builds the world for this one. I’m not that familiar with the Picts and their battles with the Roman invaders, so this little fictional soirée into that side of history was one I really enjoyed. There’s lots included in here - the druids and their strange (by today’s standards) role in society, the brutality of battle, how the royal lineage passes along the women (definitely a fan of that), the brutality of civilised society and then there’s the mystery of Sorsha and her gift. I really liked how Barnard makes you question just who are the real barbarians?!
I will admit I didn’t sympathise much with Anwen - she’s truly suffered, but even after all the revelations of what others have done to her, I still don’t like her. And towards the end I was thinking to myself - where’s all this conspiracy shenanigans. And then it happened and I was like - ohhhh! I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.
beckys_book_blog's review
4.0
Firstly I was drawn to this book by the amazing cover. Stunning isn't it?!
Although I love historical fiction this is actually the first book I've read set at the end of the Roman empire. I found it fascinating to read both about the Painted people (Picts) and the Romans.
The story is set in 4th Century Scotland and is centered around two Scottish 'barbarian' princes (Brei and Taran) who are determined to get revenge after a Roman invasion killed their father and kidnapped their mother.
The story alternates between the brothers and Sorsha. Sorsha is discovered by the brothers naked in a stone circle at the start of the story. Who is Sorsha? Is she a Roman spy? Does she have special powers?
I did initially find this book a little difficult to get into as there were so many different names. Once I was part way through I was fully immersed and enjoyed reading the story from the perspective of Sorsha and Brei. I loved the historical details, culture the celtic myths, the relationships and the magic! The characters are well written and very believable and the book is clearly very well researched.
This book is the first in a four part series so I'm looking forward to the next instalment!
Although I love historical fiction this is actually the first book I've read set at the end of the Roman empire. I found it fascinating to read both about the Painted people (Picts) and the Romans.
The story is set in 4th Century Scotland and is centered around two Scottish 'barbarian' princes (Brei and Taran) who are determined to get revenge after a Roman invasion killed their father and kidnapped their mother.
The story alternates between the brothers and Sorsha. Sorsha is discovered by the brothers naked in a stone circle at the start of the story. Who is Sorsha? Is she a Roman spy? Does she have special powers?
I did initially find this book a little difficult to get into as there were so many different names. Once I was part way through I was fully immersed and enjoyed reading the story from the perspective of Sorsha and Brei. I loved the historical details, culture the celtic myths, the relationships and the magic! The characters are well written and very believable and the book is clearly very well researched.
This book is the first in a four part series so I'm looking forward to the next instalment!
books_with_kayleigh's review
5.0
This took me a little while to get into, getting used to the characters, the concepts and how long ago this was set. However once I was there I was thoroughly enthralled!
Sorsha is such an interesting character, as she battles with herself and her fate.
Brei and Taran are brothers but couldn't be more different. Taran is certainly a scheming piece of work.
This ended on such a cliff hanger, I was so engrossed and then it was "authors note"! Hoping book 2 isn't too far away
Sorsha is such an interesting character, as she battles with herself and her fate.
Brei and Taran are brothers but couldn't be more different. Taran is certainly a scheming piece of work.
This ended on such a cliff hanger, I was so engrossed and then it was "authors note"! Hoping book 2 isn't too far away
bethsbookcloud's review
4.0
This was a very interesting fantasy read based on Pictish and Celtic mythology and it kept me riveted throughout. I didn’t know much about the Pictish people before reading this so I was very interested to find out more going into the book. I really loved the characters in this book, and the fact that the story is told from multiple points of view really helped me get to know all of the characters. This book is the prefect mix of romance, historical fiction and mythology!
lucyp747d4's review
4.0
I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book back in the summer and decided to save it for the cold winter nights and I am so pleased I did. This is the first book in a four part series, of which the second book is out next year.
Set in the late fourth century, this story focuses on the ongoing battle between the Romans and the Pictish community. Dividing these two communities is the Great Wall, now known as Hadrian’s Wall and after learning some new information Pictish brothers Brei and Taran decide it’s time to take their revenge on the Roman’s. Six years previous their village was attacked, many were killed and their mother was taken by the Roman’s so you can understand their need for revenge.
Running alongside this we also have Sorsha’s story. A young woman with an incredible gift, turns up in the Pictish community and starts to put together the puzzle of why she is there. Scared for her own life she decides to conceal certain things about herself and she is soon being mentored by Serren, the local healer and medicine woman.
I loved Sorsha and her entire storyline, the mystery and the magical element were my favourites parts. Her struggle to come to terms with her new situation but her forgiveness and understanding of others showed just how genuine she was. I’m intrigued to see what happens next for her and how things develop between herself and the two brothers.
Earlier this year I completed the Hadrain’s Wall Walk so to read about it’s history brought back so many lovely memories of being on that trail. I have to say H. Barnard has done a fantastic job in terms of research and setting the scene, I could easily picture the Pictish communities and areas such as London, Bath and Cirencester. The historical information was littered throughout the pages without being overwhelming.
All in all this was a beautiful read with a powerful story line. Seeped in history, culture and magic this was a joy to read from cover to cover. We are left on a mini cliff hanger so I shall be getting a copy of the second book asap as I need to know what happens next!
Set in the late fourth century, this story focuses on the ongoing battle between the Romans and the Pictish community. Dividing these two communities is the Great Wall, now known as Hadrian’s Wall and after learning some new information Pictish brothers Brei and Taran decide it’s time to take their revenge on the Roman’s. Six years previous their village was attacked, many were killed and their mother was taken by the Roman’s so you can understand their need for revenge.
Running alongside this we also have Sorsha’s story. A young woman with an incredible gift, turns up in the Pictish community and starts to put together the puzzle of why she is there. Scared for her own life she decides to conceal certain things about herself and she is soon being mentored by Serren, the local healer and medicine woman.
I loved Sorsha and her entire storyline, the mystery and the magical element were my favourites parts. Her struggle to come to terms with her new situation but her forgiveness and understanding of others showed just how genuine she was. I’m intrigued to see what happens next for her and how things develop between herself and the two brothers.
Earlier this year I completed the Hadrain’s Wall Walk so to read about it’s history brought back so many lovely memories of being on that trail. I have to say H. Barnard has done a fantastic job in terms of research and setting the scene, I could easily picture the Pictish communities and areas such as London, Bath and Cirencester. The historical information was littered throughout the pages without being overwhelming.
All in all this was a beautiful read with a powerful story line. Seeped in history, culture and magic this was a joy to read from cover to cover. We are left on a mini cliff hanger so I shall be getting a copy of the second book asap as I need to know what happens next!
chaptersofvicki's review
4.0
This book was an interesting read, set in fourth century Scotland it was unlike any book I had read before.
I loved the character Sorsha, and enjoyed learning more about her throughout the book.
I found the modern place names and map section at the front really helpful.
It obvious how much research the author has put into putting this novel together. It is a very well written debut.
I am very much looking forward to the next instalment in this Pictish series.
I loved the character Sorsha, and enjoyed learning more about her throughout the book.
I found the modern place names and map section at the front really helpful.
It obvious how much research the author has put into putting this novel together. It is a very well written debut.
I am very much looking forward to the next instalment in this Pictish series.
sambooka23's review
3.0
Definitely not my type of read however, I thought it was a very intriguing read and it did hold my attention. I felt the need to read this book as it was set in Scotland (and being from Scotland couldn’t wait to read it) it was a great book and I enjoyed the historical fiction side of things.
It was a quick, fast-paced book with a lot of twists and turns. I really don’t know anything about Pictish or Celtic Mythology so this was great to learn and although I did need to google somethings, it never took away from the book.
I love how the book is told in multiple POV which for me is always a bonus with a book and very interesting as we learn about the characters thoughts in more depth.
I think this is a fantastic debut novel and set perfectly at the end for book 2. You can tell a lot of research went into the book. @helenareadsandwrites you’ve done an amazing job, the book is a fantastic debut novel and you should be very proud. I can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you to @instabooktours for another amazing tour and for giving me a spot.
It was a quick, fast-paced book with a lot of twists and turns. I really don’t know anything about Pictish or Celtic Mythology so this was great to learn and although I did need to google somethings, it never took away from the book.
I love how the book is told in multiple POV which for me is always a bonus with a book and very interesting as we learn about the characters thoughts in more depth.
I think this is a fantastic debut novel and set perfectly at the end for book 2. You can tell a lot of research went into the book. @helenareadsandwrites you’ve done an amazing job, the book is a fantastic debut novel and you should be very proud. I can’t wait for book 2!
Thank you to @instabooktours for another amazing tour and for giving me a spot.
jlynnelseauthor's review
4.0
366 CE. Lucia never wanted the Gift, as a healer reincarnated over and over in service to the gods. However, when her mother has her assassinated, Lucia is reincarnated in a strange land. When she’s found by two Pictish princes, Brei and Taran, Lucia must hide her Britannic origins within the lands the Romans once pillaged. As rumors stir that the Romans are leaving the area south of the Great Wall, the brothers begin gathering warriors for revenge. They haven’t forgotten the attack seven years earlier that claimed their father’s life, when their mother was taken, and Brei’s wife assaulted. Using the name Sorsha to hide her origins, Lucia’s healing gifts quickly manifest. Yet she longs for more than this singular purpose for her life.
I enjoyed Barnard’s inclusion of a list with ancient versus modern place names (in order of appearance, no less) instead of a character list. It was delightful following character movements in this way. While the landscape details are exceptionally researched, metaphors and manner of speech don’t always measure up. Referring to women’s “heart-shaped faces” (15th-century artistic origin) or speaking “deadpan” (20th-century origin) are more modern references and distract from an otherwise immersive setting. Lucia’s reincarnation is a bit confusing. After her death, she wakes up in the same season and year in a new body, but what happens to her old one?
Barnard keeps tensions high as the brothers are often working towards different agendas. After refusing the crown, Brei finds himself at odds with the Druwydds and his younger brother’s ambition. Additionally, Lucia’s struggles for independence versus her expected role are compelling drivers to the story. Social customs and mythology are enchantingly sprinkled throughout the narration. By the end, deadly secrets and high-stakes power plays will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Recommended!
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/a-painted-winter-pictish-conspiracy/
I enjoyed Barnard’s inclusion of a list with ancient versus modern place names (in order of appearance, no less) instead of a character list. It was delightful following character movements in this way. While the landscape details are exceptionally researched, metaphors and manner of speech don’t always measure up. Referring to women’s “heart-shaped faces” (15th-century artistic origin) or speaking “deadpan” (20th-century origin) are more modern references and distract from an otherwise immersive setting. Lucia’s reincarnation is a bit confusing. After her death, she wakes up in the same season and year in a new body, but what happens to her old one?
Barnard keeps tensions high as the brothers are often working towards different agendas. After refusing the crown, Brei finds himself at odds with the Druwydds and his younger brother’s ambition. Additionally, Lucia’s struggles for independence versus her expected role are compelling drivers to the story. Social customs and mythology are enchantingly sprinkled throughout the narration. By the end, deadly secrets and high-stakes power plays will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Recommended!
Review originally posted via the Historical Novel Society at https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/a-painted-winter-pictish-conspiracy/