The finale of The Iron Between trilogy is available.
It’s the year CE 77. Vespasian names Agricola as governor of Britannia.
Upon his arrival, Agricola learns of an Ordovician assault orchestrated by his nemesis, Luchar. A cavalry outpost lies in ruins, and the sons of Rome’s senators have been mercilessly slaughtered. Memories of a similar tragedy flood Agricola’s thoughts, as he recalls the brutal murder of his friend Quintus at the hands of the same Celta warrior. Fueled by a thirst for vengeance, Agricola launches a relentless campaign to wipe out the Ordovician people, spearheading the conquest of Mona and beyond…
With 35 years as a professional editor, plus 26 novels published at time of print, Phil has jotted down a few words on the processes he follows when writing a book.
A Technical Approach to Novel Writing has a foreword from acclaimed historical fantasy novelist John De Búrca.
“Why? Why apply a technical approach to creative art?”
Read on, MacDuff.
Phil is the author of more than twenty six novels. In his previous life, he spent over thirty years as an author and editor in the technical space. During that time, Phil received awards and plaudits for the procedures he developed. His recognition was such that he was described as “the best in the business” on multiple occasions.
When asked why he wrote the book, Phil said, “Writing is about communicating an idea. Whether that communication is creative or technical, the fundamentals remain the same: getting a message across and quality.
Many years ago, Stephen King said that quality doesn’t matter; only story matters. But things have changed. As professional writers, we are under siege, both by wannabe fast buck generators and AI. In this era, when ‘The Machine’ and cowboys threaten our livelihoods, the only defence is quality. Quality does not come naturally but through processes.”
“…in 2006 [Phil] quickly put into place new technical writing processes and really transformed the quality of our product documentation.” — Paul Cotter, IT industry leader.
“I am really looking forward to reading more books by this very talented author.” – Book Bandits Library – Professional book critic.
I enjoyed The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne (@john_gwynne_author), which I listened to on Audible.
Wow!
I will get a wee negative out of my system early on and say that the arc was perhaps a little of a slow burn. By the end of the novel, I felt the story had just begun. It’s a good thing the second volume is already in my library. Okay, so sometimes authors have a long story, and it’s best to split them—like LOTR, which is basically one book split into three. However, I do prefer individual books of a trilogy to be able to stand on their own feet.
Now that is out of my system, I must repeat my earlier comment: wow.
The author and narrator brought me on a fast-paced journey through the magical world of Vigrid—based on Norse mythology. I found myself staying in the gym for too long because I couldn’t bear to stop the book. Putting it into perspective: having just had a recent total hip replacement, too long on the treadmill is not recommended and I have been paying the price in pain.
Listening to the audio, it was almost as if I was watching the story in a Cineplex with surround sound. I was always a dyed-in-the-wool traditionalist when it came to my fantasy fix: Tolkien, Gemmell, Fiest, and Wurts, but I branched out last year following a recommendation by Dublin Book Reviewer (@dublin_book_reviewer) to read The Faithful and the Fallen, which is in my Kindle library and top of my TBR. I started with The Shadow of the Gods because it was in my Audible library. I am so glad that I did.
Embark on an epic journey with The Iron Between trilogy and get all three books for just £5.97, saving you a whopping £9!
Join this tale as Boudica rises against the oppressive grip of Rome, setting off a chain of events that will forever change Northern Europe.
Follow the courageous Clíodhna as she challenges the violent norms of her world and embraces a forbidden path of peace. Witness the harrowing struggles of Genonn and Fedelm as they fight to protect their daughter and preserve their cherished way of life. Delve into the gripping tale of Oengus as he battles his own nature and a haunting past.
Meanwhile, experience the thrilling quest of Agricola as he navigates the treacherous world of ancient emperors and strives to free his beloved from the clutches of the Praetorian Guard. With a vividly depicted world where life and death hang by a thread, this trilogy will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Kirkus said, “The author is clearly in his element bringing to life this tense world in which ‘the gap between living and dying was no more than two hand spans.’”
The long anticipated finale to The Iron Between series, Anvil, a thrilling saga of war and treachery, love and loss, is available for pre-order.
It’s the year CE 77. Vespasian names Agricola as governor of Britannia.
Upon his arrival, Agricola learns of an Ordovician assault orchestrated by his nemesis, Luchar. A cavalry outpost lies in ruins, and the sons of Rome’s senators have been mercilessly slaughtered. Memories of a similar tragedy flood Agricola’s thoughts, as he recalls the brutal murder of his friend Quintus at the hands of the same Celta warrior. Fueled by a thirst for vengeance, Agricola launches a relentless campaign to wipe out the Ordovician people, spearheading the conquest of Mona and beyond…
“The author is clearly in his element bringing to life this tense world in which ‘the gap between living and dying was no more than two hand spans.’” — Kirkus review of Iron, book 2 of The Iron Between trilogy.
Until the release of Anvil in the autumn, the first two books (Hammer and Iron) are on special offer. Get both books for an amazing £3.98, less than the price of a pint.
Hammer
Get ready for an epic journey through ancient times! Follow Genonn as he embarks on a thrilling quest to deliver Lorg Mór, the Hammer of the Gods, to tribes across the straits of Pwll Ceris.
When his daughter unexpectedly joins him, the stakes are raised even higher. As Genonn grapples with conflicting duties and desires, the fate of his family and the clans hangs in the balance.
Meanwhile, Agricola questions his commander’s motives as he faces off against Queen Boudica’s mighty army. What unfolds will alter the course of history and shape the destiny of two extraordinary individuals.
Hammer is a gripping tale that blends the best elements of David Gemmell and Bernard Cornwell, making for an unforgettable historical fantasy adventure!
Iron
The tumultuous year of the Four Emperors is coming to an end. Rome is reeling from brutal civil war and mutiny. Praetor Agricola is summoned to the palace only to encounter his long-lost love, who he believed to be dead, fleeing through the dense fog and into the Suburra. Despite giving chase, she manages to elude him, compelling him to dispatch his second-in-command to track her down.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Gul in Rome brings distressing news, prompting Clíodhna to reluctantly agree to return to her home in Caer Leb. However, before they can depart, they are apprehended by the Praetorian Guard on charges of sedition and face the terrifying prospect of being fed to the lions in the arena.
Amidst this chaos, Mucianus, acting as Governor of Rome in Vespasian’s absence, appoints Agricola as Legate of the Legio XX Valeria Victrix, sending him to Britannia to assume command. Determined to rescue Clíodhna from captivity, Agricola resorts to deception, risking the ire of the Governor and creating powerful adversaries as he embarks on a Herculean task to secure her freedom.
Their departure from Rome sparks a perilous pursuit by relentless adversaries who will stop at nothing to ensure that Agricola and Clíodhna pay the ultimate price. As they flee for their lives, the suspense and danger escalate to a thrilling crescendo.
Anvil
It’s the year CE 77. Vespasian names Agricola as governor of Britannia.
Upon his arrival, Agricola learns of an Ordovician assault orchestrated by his nemesis, Luchar. A cavalry outpost lies in ruins, and the sons of Rome’s senators have been mercilessly slaughtered. Memories of a similar tragedy flood Agricola’s thoughts, as he recalls the brutal murder of his friend Quintus at the hands of the same Celta warrior. Fueled by a thirst for vengeance, Agricola launches a relentless campaign to wipe out the Ordovician people, spearheading the conquest of Mona and beyond…
“The author is clearly in his element bringing to life this tense world in which ‘the gap between living and dying was no more than two hand spans.’” — Kirkus review of Iron, book 2 of The Iron Between trilogy.
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