Bloodlines by Chris Bishop
Published by Red Door Press at £8.99.
It’s the year 893 and King Alfred is making ready his defences to beat back yet another Viking invasion.
Alfred is concerned about the plight of his stable boy, Edward. Alfred believes that Edward is the bastard child of Matthew who was a famed warrior who had met his death fighting for the cause of the Saxons.
However, the story is a complex one because if Edward was the son of Matthew and this could be proved, Alfred would be in line to inherit a staggering fortune. Alfred is aware that the fortune would attract every fraudulent chancer in the entire realm. Even worse, with his potential noble lineage, Edward might even prove to be a risk to Alfred’s kingship.
In order to play it safe Alfred sends Edward to the burh (burg) at Wareham, using the excuse of having him train a magnificent black stallion. It was a spirited horse and considered by some to be unrideable.
The people at Wareham accept that whilst Edward is stunningly good with horses, they believe he is too weak to be a warrior.
But when they find themselves outnumbered by a Viking war party Edward’s abilities to think quickly and his massive courage make people wonder if he might be a real warrior after all.
The beginning of the novel starts at a raging gallop in the birthing chamber of twins, when someone had to follow through with a devastating promise.
The rest of the novel continues at a strong, compelling pace and will make the idea gift for the father who loves historical fiction.