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A review by lucyp747d4
A Painted Winter (Pictish Conspiracy #1) by H. Barnard
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!