Wednesday 30 October 2019

Book Blog Tour Stop & Review: After Whorl:Bran Reborn by Nancy Jardine



After Whorl: Bran Reborn by Nancy Jardine

AD 71 Northern Roman Britain
Ravaged at the Battle of Whorl, Brennus of Garrigill is irrevocably changed. He embraces a new identity as Bran, vowing to avert Roman domination of Brigantia. Though how, when he and Ineda – his healer’s granddaughter – are forced to labour for the Roman IX Legion? Trading with the usurpers provides opportunities for gathering information, but after they are attacked by a Roman patrol, Ineda cannot be found.

Distraught with her loss, can Bran find a new occupation?

The adventures of the Garrigill Clan continue…

This second book picks up after the battle of Whorl. Brannus of Garrigill is a long way from home and presumed dead. Badly injured he's nursed back to health by an old woman called Meaghan. Meanwhile, Nara is now free from her betrothal to follow her heart and into the arms of his brother, Lorcan. 

With the focus of this book on Brannus, I was a little sad because I really enjoyed getting to know Lorcan and Nara in The Beltane Choice. However, Bran is such a lovely gentle giant of a man so I quickly warmed to his personality and enjoyed his interactions with Meaghan's teenage granddaughter, Ineda. 

After regaining his strength and learning to live with his disabilities, it's only fitting this warrior takes on a new name, it's a rebirth to allow him to blend in with his new surroundings as he attempts to continue helping his people from a distance by collecting information about the Romans and their plans. Aided by Ineda, she proves to be a strong, feisty, and resourceful companion as well as a distraction. 

The narrative is bursting with facts and the author's attention to detail is admirable. All this, wrapped around an intriguing narrative with fascinating characters. Still, in 71AD, I absorbed the lifestyle of these resilient people with respect and admire how they managed to survive in such hostile surroundings. Now I need to find out the fate of Bran and Ineda in Donning Double Cloaks. 

***arc generously received courtesy of Ocelot Press***

Nancy Jardine writes historical fiction; time-travel historical adventure; contemporary mystery thrillers; and romantic comedy. She lives in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, where life is never quiet or boring since she regularly child minds her young grandchildren who happen to be her next-door neighbours. Her garden is often creatively managed by them, though she does all the work! Her husband is a fantastic purveyor of coffee and tea…excellent food and wine! (Restorative, of course)
A member of the Historical Novel Society; Scottish Association of Writers; Federation of Writers Scotland; Romantic Novelists’ Association and the Independent Alliance of Authors, her work has achieved finalist status in UK competitions.

Giveaway to Win x1 signed paperback of After Whorl: Bran Reborn to one UK winner; X1 kindle copy worldwide
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1 comment:

  1. Thank you for loving my character Brennus and for your excellent comments.
    ps. I really have a soft spot for him as both Brennus and Bran!

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