As I think about the story I am trying to write, I like to examine the wealth of historical fiction that is already out there to enjoy, what the authors do, and what there is to learn from them (both in terms of that which I would like to emulate and that which I hope to avoid). In these examinations, I have come across some very good writing. One of the authors whose works I have especially enjoyed of late, and one whose works I think deserve some good word-of-mouth, is G.R. Grove (author’s blog). Grove’s Storyteller series is an excellent addition to the historical fiction genre. These three books, the opening trilogy of a larger story that she estimates will progress over nine works, follow the life of Gwernin Kyuarwyd as he enters into an apprenticeship and begins to learn the trade of the bard in sixth century Wales.
In the first volume in this tale, Storyteller (Amazon, LibraryThing), we meet Gwernin as he travels his summer circuit as, surprise, a teller of stories at festivals and in the homes of those he meets, trading his stock of tales for food and lodging or praise and prizes. He and his companion fall into their share of troubles, but in a lucky stroke of fate, these troubles ultimately land Gwernin in the very place he would most like to be – apprenticed to a master bard and learning this new trade. As Flight of the Hawk (Amazon, LibraryThing), the second book in this trilogy, opens, Gwernin is off on yet another summer adventure. This time, he is off on a diplomatic mission to the kingdoms of the north. We learn much of Gwernin’s character as he is tested in ways he could never have thought possible, and we see him grow, both in his bardic training and as a man. Finally, in The Ash Spear (Amazon, LibraryThing), Gwernin once again travels forth with his companions. This time their journey takes them west, at least geographically. Over the course of this novel, what starts as a grueling test for one of Gwernin’s companions, turns into the most dangerous test Gwernin will ever face.
Grove’s writing is compelling and the stories make for great reading on their own, but it is the exploration of Welsh culture in the 6th century that is the true star of these books. She does an amazing job in describing not only the natural environment and daily life of this period, but also the struggles as these people deal with the invading Saxons and the conflict between their own religion and the invading Christians.
The Storyteller series is very much a character-driven story, and Grove does not disappoint in the crafting of her characters. Each person in the tales has his own strengths and weaknesses, and while this is most notable with Gwernin as the central character, each can be seen to grow and change through the interactions with one another. The actions and reactions seem, at once, to be both in period and reasonable to a modern reader, and more importantly, there are no super-heroes in these books. Characters are flawed, and their actions, no matter how well-intentioned, have consequences (even if they don’t appear until a later installment).
This exploration of people and land, coupled with the inner struggles of Gwernin to grow and learn, is the focal point of the first book, and the rich, descriptive writing and inner turmoil continues throughout the series. However, Grove seems to add complexity with each book, adding in more fighting and action sequences in the second installment and a very rich and convincing spiritual aspect to the third. These are true additions, taking nothing from the prior installments, but giving each new book a little more. Grove takes very good care to balance these aspects as they come in, and the result is that a series that starts out on a high note just continues to improve.
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