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and_abelard_reads's review
3.0
I received a free review copy through Booksirens and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
This book has a fantastic concept but certain elements of the execution just weren't my cup of tea. Possibly due to the fact that it's the first in the series, I felt like there was a lot of set-up with relatively little pay-off. At least one of the 'hook' endings for the various plot strands was more of a cliff-hanger, but did generate a little character development.
I feel like the scenery (politically, religiously and semi-geographically) of a fictionalised Late Roman/Pictish Britain both North and South of the Wall was set beautifully (and with excellent explanations and sources in the authors notes), but I would have liked either a little more detail or a little more action. I found it a little too easy to become unmoored from the slow weave of plot threads in the time skips.
Overall a thoughtful and compelling piece of historical fiction, with a dash of mysticism and fantasy, not afraid to challenge our conceptions of history. I'll be on the lookout for Book 2.
This book has a fantastic concept but certain elements of the execution just weren't my cup of tea. Possibly due to the fact that it's the first in the series, I felt like there was a lot of set-up with relatively little pay-off. At least one of the 'hook' endings for the various plot strands was more of a cliff-hanger, but did generate a little character development.
I feel like the scenery (politically, religiously and semi-geographically) of a fictionalised Late Roman/Pictish Britain both North and South of the Wall was set beautifully (and with excellent explanations and sources in the authors notes), but I would have liked either a little more detail or a little more action. I found it a little too easy to become unmoored from the slow weave of plot threads in the time skips.
Overall a thoughtful and compelling piece of historical fiction, with a dash of mysticism and fantasy, not afraid to challenge our conceptions of history. I'll be on the lookout for Book 2.
alicebradshaw's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
elementarymydear's review
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I’ll admit I was pleasantly surprised by this book! It could have gone one of two ways: it could have been a book about battles, wars, and the men who fought them; or, it could have been a book about day-to-day life in a war-torn country, and the women who worked to maintain some normality. To my delight, it was both!
📚Find this and more reviews on my blog!📚
The characters all had depth, and the story was driven by the complex relationships between them. The two brothers, both with a claim to the throne, made contrasting protagonists and I can’t wait to see how their relationship shifts over the course of the series. My favourite character though was Sorsha, a woman who makes a mysterious arrival, and isn’t quite what the brothers expect. I thought the development of her character was fantastic, and gave the book a great arc.
We rarely think of the Roman empire in modern imperial ways, and what really made this book stand out for me was how H. Barnard incorporated our modern views on empire and culture without overpowering the book’s message. It was a really nice touch and added to the genre in a way we rarely see.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
📚Find this and more reviews on my blog!📚
The characters all had depth, and the story was driven by the complex relationships between them. The two brothers, both with a claim to the throne, made contrasting protagonists and I can’t wait to see how their relationship shifts over the course of the series. My favourite character though was Sorsha, a woman who makes a mysterious arrival, and isn’t quite what the brothers expect. I thought the development of her character was fantastic, and gave the book a great arc.
We rarely think of the Roman empire in modern imperial ways, and what really made this book stand out for me was how H. Barnard incorporated our modern views on empire and culture without overpowering the book’s message. It was a really nice touch and added to the genre in a way we rarely see.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
fromthebookshelfofdreams's review
4.0
H. Barnard has a brilliant way with words that allow the reader to truly immerse themselves in the story.
Fast paced and full of suspense, A Painted Winter is the perfect blend of history, mythology, gritty battle scenes, and intriguing characters. The dynamic between the two brothers, Brei and Taran, was captivating. Their differing views and ideals led to some interesting conflict, and watching them join together on their journey of revenge is excellent to bear witness to.
I’m excited for book two! This left me wanting more of this captivating world, and I can’t wait to see where the story takes us next.
Thank you to @readthebooktours for having me on the book tour for A Painted Winter, and well done to H. Barnard for this excellent debut novel!
Fast paced and full of suspense, A Painted Winter is the perfect blend of history, mythology, gritty battle scenes, and intriguing characters. The dynamic between the two brothers, Brei and Taran, was captivating. Their differing views and ideals led to some interesting conflict, and watching them join together on their journey of revenge is excellent to bear witness to.
I’m excited for book two! This left me wanting more of this captivating world, and I can’t wait to see where the story takes us next.
Thank you to @readthebooktours for having me on the book tour for A Painted Winter, and well done to H. Barnard for this excellent debut novel!
historic_chronicles's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Set in the 4th Century, two Pictish brothers (Brei and Taran) along with their people plot to gain revenge on the Romans following devastation after an invasion on their land six years previously. After the sudden appearance of a young woman with mysterious and unbelievable powers (Sorsha) is discovered near their territory, her presence aids the brothers on their path of war and revenge.
The Pictish people of history are so enigmatic with much of the information we gather to learn of them having been procured by their rivals. To have this book, despite it being a fictionalised account, give the perspectives of these individuals it leaves you with the sense of breath of fresh air on this unique insight into fascinating history.
The author seamlessly blends fiction and history together, adding snippets of mythology and fantasy to the novel in a style that makes the story seem very real and convincing.
The exploration of culture and lifestyle within race whether it be Pictish, Roman or Saxon was handled sympathetically and with an unbiased air which I felt made the scenes more vibrant and immersive.
The characters are incredibly well developed with living and engaging relationships interlinking them. I found the use of switching between Brei and Sorsha's point of view to be a useful way to keep up the pace and to provide a balance to the action.
I especially loved Sorsha as a character. She grew as one should over a novel and matured over the story, showing depth and feeling which made me care deeply about her situation.
Overall I thought this was a fantastic beginning to the Pictish Conspiracy series and I can't wait to read more of H Barnard's work!
The Pictish people of history are so enigmatic with much of the information we gather to learn of them having been procured by their rivals. To have this book, despite it being a fictionalised account, give the perspectives of these individuals it leaves you with the sense of breath of fresh air on this unique insight into fascinating history.
The author seamlessly blends fiction and history together, adding snippets of mythology and fantasy to the novel in a style that makes the story seem very real and convincing.
The exploration of culture and lifestyle within race whether it be Pictish, Roman or Saxon was handled sympathetically and with an unbiased air which I felt made the scenes more vibrant and immersive.
The characters are incredibly well developed with living and engaging relationships interlinking them. I found the use of switching between Brei and Sorsha's point of view to be a useful way to keep up the pace and to provide a balance to the action.
I especially loved Sorsha as a character. She grew as one should over a novel and matured over the story, showing depth and feeling which made me care deeply about her situation.
Overall I thought this was a fantastic beginning to the Pictish Conspiracy series and I can't wait to read more of H Barnard's work!
morethanmylupus's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book.
Pros:
-the characters who were built out were sympathetic
-hearing about the Pictish tribes from their point-of-view was unique and compelling
-clearly written by someone who has a good understanding of the history and/or did extensive research
-story was interesting
-great blend of mythology, history, and magic
-strong female protagonist
Cons:
-the pacing was a bit off (dragged a lot in places and then a ton of stuff suddenly happened at the very end)
-some of the characters would have benefited from further development or differentiation
-I would have loved more background on the mythology
After that cliff-hanger, I can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to BookSirens and Shadowfax Publishing for the free e-ARC in for a voluntary review.
Pros:
-the characters who were built out were sympathetic
-hearing about the Pictish tribes from their point-of-view was unique and compelling
-clearly written by someone who has a good understanding of the history and/or did extensive research
-story was interesting
-great blend of mythology, history, and magic
-strong female protagonist
Cons:
-the pacing was a bit off (dragged a lot in places and then a ton of stuff suddenly happened at the very end)
-some of the characters would have benefited from further development or differentiation
-I would have loved more background on the mythology
After that cliff-hanger, I can't wait for the next book!
Thank you to BookSirens and Shadowfax Publishing for the free e-ARC in for a voluntary review.
pippinlovesbooks's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Violence
Minor: Death
victoria_catherine_shaw's review
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
karteabooks's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
As Roman rule over Britannia crumbles, two Pictish brothers seek revenge…
When given the chance to read this book as part of the @instabooktours book tour, I was absolutely thrilled. My favourite genre, historical fiction and this book certainly didn’t disappoint.
Set in the 4th century, the Romans are retreating, and Britannia is trying to find it’s feet again. Two brothers are seeking revenge for so many reasons and are both full of vigour and bubbling with testosterone and are actively seeking any reason to fight. Brei still feels to blame for his actions which lead to a close family member’s disappearance and his brother Taran is trying to help those less fortunate than him. Taran has forgiven Brei, even though Brei doesn’t think he has.
When the mysterious Sorsha arrives, she throws the brother’s lives into even more turmoil, she possesses a special gift that even she doesn’t completely understand. Her actions send the brothers into warfare, but it isn’t all doom and gloom as some of her actions and discoveries bring some joy, even though it is short lived to their turbulent lives.
This is the first book in the Pictish conspiracy series. The book is brilliantly written, and it combines Historical Fiction and Celtic Mythology incredibly well, and I was surprised to find out that this is a debut novel.
This book has been so thoroughly researched and I really enjoyed finding out about the Pictish people and their way of life and traditions too. The mysteries of Celtic mythology were brought alive to me too, and how they were just a part of people’s lives, their beliefs and culture.
Another book that kept me reading late into the night (again!) as I honestly couldn’t put it down. It is full of mystery, intrigue and suspense. I found myself constantly drawn between the two brothers and as their characters developed, I found myself team Brei but then after further turmoil I found myself team Taran, I am still undecided now a few days after I finished the book as to who I favour more.
The writing style had me completely hooked from the first chapter, I admit that it took a couple of chapters to work out the how the characters were interwoven and how they all fitted together, but once this all fell into place, I soon found myself completely immersed in the Pictish way of life and with some fantastic setting descriptions, found myself transported to the freezing cold winters near the Great Wall and the stuffy, smelly roundhouses too. I don’t want to spoil the ending at all, but I am already waiting impatiently for book 2 in the series.
I highly recommend this book, with an amazing story and great character development this is a book for everyone, not just historical fiction fans.
Many thanks to Vic @instabooktours, Shadowfax Publishing and H Barnard for a gifted copy and a beautiful bookmark, in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
bethsbooketlist's review
adventurous
medium-paced
5.0
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 - I don't know what I was expecting from this book but I am so happy I joined this tour with @INSTABOOKTOURS for sure! I can't believe this was a debut - I was mesmerized. The ancient ways and the early invasions of Britain are periods of history that fascinate me, so rather then focusing on the Danish invasions it was awesome to read about the impact of the Roman invasion on different people. Yes we have a lot to thank the Romans for in terms of their developments, but they were still invaders that brutalized and tried to eradicate what they didn't understand. I learnt a lot about Pictish culture and really enjoyed the different characters we come across. I kept changing my mind on which brother to root for and loved Sorsha's mysterious nature and following her journey in finding her path. It was really smooth reading ending on such a cliffhanger - I can't wait for book 2!!!