A Wandering Warrior is my eighth published book. It is an action-adventure, historical fiction novel set in 12th century England.
In late twelfth-century England, a commoner and itinerant soldier, Thomas Beaumont, travels to avenge the cruel slaughter of his older brother while a captive after a battle lost. Along the way, he encounters a band of Travelers and falls in love with the dark beauty, Emalda, the leader's daughter. In his future wanderings, he finds many adventures involving battles, the rescue of two young ladies of nobility, the search for his lost love, trials of honor by combat, tragedy, new love, and encounters with knights and royalty. Readers form ages mid-teen to ninety will enjoy the read.
Excerpt
Chapter One
England — Northamptonshire late 12th Century
“Run! Keep running. The hounds are gaining on us,” the older teenage girl shouted to her three-years-younger sister.
“I am exhausted. I cannot keep up with your long strides. We must slow down,” her sister whined, just as she tripped over a tree root and sprawled face first into the foot-deep thickness of leaves covering the forest floor. Momentarily she lay there resting and trying to draw a breath.
Her sister ran back to her, grabbed her by the arm, and dragged her to her feet.
“Now run!”
The baying of the hounds grew louder and louder as the two girls raced among the tall trees, trying to find a safe hiding place or a stream to throw the hounds off their scent. They topped a small rise and jumped into a small clearing at the bottom, running headlong into Thomas standing with arms crossed and holding a six-foot-long staff.
“Whoa there, my young ladies. What’s the hurry all about?” Thomas said as he eyed the two girls, who huddled together before him holding hands and assessed them from head to toe. “Why are there men pursuing you with hounds? What wrong have you done them?” he asked.
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Reviews for "A Wandering Warrior"
Reviewed by LISA BrownGilbert
6/26/2013
What makes a historical fiction novel a good read is simple; it is historical realism included in a dynamically illustrated tale that is populated with engaging characters along with an especially appealing protagonist and this novel accomplishes just that. A Wandering Warrior is the eighth published work of noted author and poet, Harry E. Gilleland Jr. This tale of historical fiction is set in rugged twelfth century England and follows the life and adventures of young, tough and handsome - Thomas Beaumont. Thomas having only his brother John and Uncle as family finds himself propelled on a dangerous mission of retribution across England because of the actions of a barbarous High Sheriff – Simon Mowbray, who murdered his only brother John, in cold blood.
Surviving the hard life of a commoner, Thomas endures life as a feckless warrior, a soldier for hire who fights the battles of others for a price. Handsome and gallant he is afraid of no one and no battle is too small for him. Also, as a consequence of living the nomadic lifestyle of a soldier for hire, Thomas finds little time for dealings with the fairer sex, let alone love. However, Thomas does eventually learn that love and attachments are just what he needs and his days of wandering should become a thing of his past.
Written in an earthy but time period appropriate tone - this is a story filled with heart, adventure, and honor that is pragmatic in its portrayal of life in old England. The scenes of bloody violence are expertly depicted with vividly detailed scenes of sword – play, blood, and gore that places the reader right in the midst of the action, making the novel even more engaging of a read. Another entertaining aspect of this adventure- filled tale is the interactions between Thomas and the various women he encounters on his sojourn for vengeance- it is seasoned with a dash of humor, a little sexy and totally enjoyable. The pace of the novel is consistent, and keeps you riveted until the end. In my humble opinion, A Wandering Warrior is a great tale told by a wonderful storyteller and would make a great summer read for mature readers.
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