See above, hot from the publishers, a new novel by the author Jenny Sullivan. The story is set in Wales during the period of Owain Glyndŵr and the Welsh War of Independence and although the main historical characters in this war, as we know them, have been placed as secondary to the main fictional characters portrayed in the storyline of the novel, the locations and main historical events of the war, as gradually revealed via the narrative of the three principal characters Elffin, Rhiannon and Llywelyn, are as accurate as they can be from historical records available and illustrates the outcome of intensive and thorough research into the history concerned prior to venturing on the project.
But, at the end of the day, Silver Fox is a fictional story and as the author admits, she has taken some liberties in the telling of the story - which, of course, is perfectly acceptable as a devise in fiction but on the whole, the storyline is credible and evocative and presents the reader with a realistic insight into how, both, peasant and 'uchelwyr' lived, what they wore and what they ate on a daily basis in the early 15th century.
The descriptions of the battle scenarios are very deatailed and imaginative - especially in regards to the Bryn Glas Battle, where any reader with an ounce of imagination can visualise, close up, the frenzied fighting and sprays of blood, as a target was reached, and can hear the clashing of weapon upon weapon and the thundering of the horses hooves as they charge across the battlefield.
Overall, Silver Fox is a novel that has been constructed and developed very skilfully by a very imaginative mind. It has all the necessary elements needed for a good historical story. i.e An unique history and setting, strong characters that have transcended time to guide us through the storyline, love, passion and subtle sex. I, personally, hardly have time to read novels these days but found this one very difficult to put down once I had started to read it. The storyline ends in May 1403 with the burning of both Sycharth and Llys Glyndyfrdwy by the English under the young Prince Hal (Henry V) and with one of the main characters, Llywelyn on his way to join Owain Glyndŵr's Great army which was heading South, however, there's good news! the story will be continued in a second novel and, possibly a third!
Embassy Glyndŵr totally recommends Silver Fox as an easy and interesting read to anybody interested in historical novels and most certainly to those interested in the history of Owain Glyndŵr and the Great Welsh War of Independence of the early 15th century. We can see it as a popular T.V. series so, well worth buying or ask for it for your Xmas stocking.
Silver Fox is out in bookshops now for £7.99 or it can be bought online at Amazon or directly from the author at www.robsullivan.clara.net
Jenny can also be contacted at: robjen@wanadoo.fr
Siân
