Oscar's Tale - Chris Bishop

'For is it not the wish of every man that his son will achieve more in life than he did?'

OSCAR'S TALE is the story of a Saxon boy who sets out to find and rescue his father who has been taken by Viking slavers. 

Set in 877 as the people of Wessex are forced to fight not just for their very lives, but for their freedom, their religion and for their right to live as Saxons, Oscar relates all that which befalls him on his all but impossible quest. This is set against the backdrop of King Alfred's desperate attempt to regain his kingdom which culminates in a victory at the Battle of Edington which is very much against the odds. 

But this is not just a story about bloody battles and fearsome warriors, it's about a boy struggling to live up to his father's reputation as a warrior and trying to find his place in a turbulent and uncertain world. For that, Oscar is forced to confront many dangers, earn the respect of others far above his station and even find love - albeit the cost to him is far higher than most men would have been willing to pay. 

What did I think?

I am a huge fan of Chris Bishop's Shadow of the Raven series so I was delighted to read an advance copy of his new standalone novel, Oscar's Tale.  This wonderful novel is a virtual walk in the footsteps of the Anglo Saxons and I absolutely loved it.

It's a difficult time in 9th century Wessex with the constant threat of Viking invasion and families trying to survive by living off the land.  Teenager Oscar witnesses a Viking invasion on his home and as if that wasn't bad enough, he sees his father captured and taken prisoner.  Oscar struggles with his guilt of not rushing to defend his father but with a wise head on such young shoulders instead makes his way to the Ealdorman's Vill to plead for help.

Oscar is such a plucky young lad and I really enjoyed reading about his adventures that takes him on a journey that brings him to the attention of King Alfred himself.  I love Oscar's whole commitment to defend his family and his king and he has to do a lot of both as the Battle of Edington draws near.

After reading Oscar's Tale it's almost like other books are written in monochrome as Chris Bishop writes historical fiction in glorious technicolor, magically bringing history to life in front of my eyes.  Vivid, immersive and compelling; it feels like stepping back in time when you read Oscar's Tale and I can't recommend it highly enough.

Many thanks to Chris Bishop for sending me a digital ARC to read and review; this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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BLOG TOUR: The Prodigal Son (The Shadow of the Raven Book 5) - Chris Bishop

THERE IS REJOICING IN THE PRESENCE OF THE ANGELS OF GOD OVER ONE SINNER WHO REPENTS 

WESSEX 893. As the kingdom is once more plagued by Viking attacks, Wareham is obliged to strengthen its defences against the threat posed by huge fleet of Viking longships which are rampaging along the south coast and could strike there at any time.

Meanwhile, having recognised Edward’s true lineage, King Alfred fears that the boy may fall victim to every fraudster in the realm seeking to get their hands on the vast fortune he’s set to inherit. Worse still, given his newly established bloodline, he could well be used by those wishing to usurp Alfred as King.

The most immediate threat to the boy comes from his treacherous uncle, Edmund, who has already tried once to kill him and failed. He is believed to have fled to join a band of desperate thieves in Wareham Forest from where he could strike again at any time.

 

What did I think?

The Prodigal Son is book five in the Shadow of the Raven series, which is one of my favourite historical fiction series.  Although it can be read as a standalone, it is an absolutely brilliant instalment when read as part of the series.

I was completely invested in Edward's life and the threats on his life from his evil Uncle Edmund had my heart racing and my blood boiling.  Edmund wants what he thinks is rightfully his and only his nephew Edward stands in his way.  I loved how Edmund ends up living with a bunch of outlaws in the forest, but there really is no honour among thieves and they all have their eyes on the loot.

The writing is exceptional as Chris Bishop brings Anglo Saxon England to life and I felt fully immersed in this dark and dangerous historical period.  The threat from the Vikings once again hangs over Wessex but for Edward, the danger is much closer to home and he can't trust anyone.  

Impeccably researched with facts and fiction intertwining to create a highly entertaining story, The Prodigal Son is an outstanding conclusion to a phenomenal series.  I really cannot recommend the whole Shadow of the Raven series highly enough and if you just happen to have picked up and enjoyed The Prodigal Son, then you will love the rest of the series.  

I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.

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