Shadows and Strongholds: A Novel
Set in England in 1148, Chadwick’s historical coming-of-age novel follows the grueling life of tormented 10-year-old Brunin FitzWarin as he makes the journey to becoming a war hero. He is bullied by his older brothers and verbally abused by his grandmother, while his submissive mother sits in the shadows, until his father, having survived an assassination attempt by cohorts of his enemy, Gilbert de Lacy, decides to send Brunin away to live with Joscelin de Dinan, Lord of Ludlow. It is at Lord Joscelin’s home that Brunin learns how to conquer his internal and external demons. He also falls in love with the youngest daughter, Hawise. The two become closer as the war between Ludlow, Gilbert de Lacy, and Brunin’s own family rages on, and Brunin must draw on all that he has learned to help defeat his enemies and save his land. Best-selling historical novelist Chadwick provides an engaging tale of betrayal, loyalty, and passion, a must-read for every hopeless romantic and medieval-action junkie who enjoys a compassionate story rich in well-researched historical details. --Carissa Chesanek--This text refers to thePaperbackedition.