Brothers' Fury by Giles Kristian

Manda Scott · Post by **Manda Scott** » Wed March 20th, 2013, 4:58 pm

Giles Kristian does it again with another ripsnorter (not my word, but it definitely fits) of a novel that will raise his legions regiments? of fans to new heights of delight. Sequel to The Bleeding Land, this passionate, intricate tale of two brothers caught on opposite sides of the English Civil War and of the sister trying to reunite them offers, above all else, a humane insight into the horror and savagery of war.
I still dont fully understand the politics of the ECW, but I do know which side Id have been on. What Giles, always, is to make me see the value, and the venality, of each side. Tom, on the Parliamentary side, turns undercover agent for a while, and we have a spy thriller set in the midst of a blood-and-thunder war novel. Meanwhile Mun battles on with troubles of his own; neither brother sits well under authority. And Bess is caught by the ghastly Lord Denton: if you dont want to take up arms against him yourself by the novels end, you have no soul.
The action wears lightly the armour of the research its not a field I know anything about, but Im sure its all right; it certainly felt authentic, but always, the mud, the exhaustion, the horror and the sheer, blood-boiling joy of battle, of killing, of surviving when others have died, shines through. And he does horses well. Very well. I have just deleted my spoiler about the horses. All Ill say is that itll make you cry.
This is the ECW of the Sealed Knot, but its done with such panache, such daring, such glory that youll be aching for the next installment.

Vanessa · Post by **Vanessa** » Tue October 29th, 2013, 2:23 pm

I've just finished this. I enjoyed it but found the battle scenes a little drawn out. I also found the constant use of bodily functions a little tedious - too much spitting and wiping noses (amongst other things!) for me! However, I thought it was very realistic, vivid and well written. I agree about the horses! So sad! It's left on somewhat of a cliffhanger so will definitely be reading the next book. That dastardly Lord Denton!!!