Storyteller [Paperback]

G. R. Grove (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2007

"Blood and fire, gold and steel and poetry, a river's voice in the silence of the night, and the shining strings of a harp - all these and more I have known in my time... Now they are all gone, the men and women I knew when I was young, gone like words on the wind, and I am left here in the twilight to tell you their tale. Sit, then, and listen if you will to the words of Gwernin Kyuarwyd, called Storyteller." So begins the tale of the young Gwernin's adventures as a wandering storyteller and would-be bard in the chaos and contradictions of 6th century Britain. Along the way he encounters allies and enemies both human and supernatural, finds love and friendship, and learns the lore -and the true meaning - of a Bard's profession.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A unique blend of history, myth and fantasy ... magical ... an unusually wonderful experience ... unexpectedly moving." -- PODler Book Review, May 4, 2007

"Excellence personified! ... unfolds like a blossoming rose in time-lapse. Grove is a consummate storyteller ... one of the best." -- POD Critic Review, April 9, 2007

"Smooth, well crafted, and entertaining... It's like a rich chocolate dessert, savor it and enjoy." -- Pub-ioneer Book Review, March 27, 2007

From the Publisher

The year is 550 AD. In the east Justinian the Great rules over the remains of the Roman Empire; in Italy the Goths still hold Rome itself. In northern Europe tribes are on the march, and boundaries and alliances are changing with the seasons. In Britain King Arthur is dead, and he and his brief peace are passing into legend. And in the land which will one day be called Wales, a young man named Gwernin sets out on his summer circuit as a traveling storyteller, little knowing the adventures that lie ahead of him. Told in the true voice of a medieval storyteller, this novel is the first book in an exciting new series. The second volume, The Flight of the Hawk, is scheduled for publication in October 2007.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 252 pages
• Publisher: Lulu.com (January 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 143030524X
• ISBN-13: 978-1430305248
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #547,598 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

G. R. Grove is a storyteller and poet specializing in medieval Welsh material. Her Storyteller series of novels grew out of her visits to Wales and her own experiences as a teller of tales. She has also published two volumes of poetry. She blogs in English and (sometimes) Welsh at http://tregwernin.blogspot.com/.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An engaging and pleasant read, December 31, 2007

By 

Odyssey Reviews - See all my reviews

This review is from: Storyteller (Paperback)

G.R. Grove's book "Storyteller" is sort of difficult to categorize. It's historical fiction, but a sort of whimsical fiction which is told in the tradition of the Canterbury tales. The book is a collection of individual tales, wound by the bard Gwernin. As he travels about telling his stories chapter by chapter, the wider story is revealed of his travels around Wales during the middle ages. You are introduced to an evolving, colourful cast of characters that Gwernin meets along the way, as well as those who accompany him on various adventures. As they travel, the reader hears stories of legendary England, including tales of King Arthur. You follow Gwernin through various life-experiences, and even as he falls in love.

I sort of expected this book to be much like the required reading of my High School AP English class; a chore to read and hard to retain. However it was not. It was a pleasure to read this book. Storyteller is an extremely friendly read, with a well-researched foundation, and a light-hearted tone. There is no doubt of the author's knowledge and expertise on the historical material in this book; however it is not presented in a burdensome or pretentious manner.

I confess that this style of book would not normally attract me as a reader. I tend to shy away from historical fiction. I find that more often than not, this genre is simply written as a means for an erudite author to show off his/her knowledge of historical subject matter, and the story, no matter how good, can be completely obliterated by the profusion of archaic terms and facts. Storyteller has shown me that this isn't always the case, and that sometimes a good book is just a good book. G. R. Grove is clearly an excellent writer. I can't find anything to criticize about the author's style or voice. The first paragraph will snag you and you will be engaged throughout. Then you will be dropped off at the last paragraph wanting more. Luckily, she has provided us with a sequel, which I will be reviewing soon.

I have been given no choice but to give "Storyteller" a full five medallions (stars). It is not run-of-the-mill work by any means. It isn't what I normally read, but it has me looking forward to the next installment. I recommend this book to anyone who just loves a good story; for there are plenty of those to be had in "Storyteller."

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Welsh History Tales, March 13, 2007

By 

Carole Shieber "Old RPGer" (St. Louis MO) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Storyteller (Paperback)

I immensely enjoyed this book because of its excellent historical content and the blend of tale and fantasy which makes it so much fun to read. The life of the bard portrayed in the stories is well based on historical research and the tales he tells and experiences have the right blend of myth and life that I think a person living in that time period would have believed. I am looking forward eagerly to the next instalment. Gwernin is a very realistic character and I believed in him absolutely. As for the brushed with faery he experiences, he would have believed their reality even if they were dreams for the early Welsh lived much closer to the land of myth than we do today. I think fans of both fantasy and historical novels will find this book to be a wonderful read.

12 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars More! More!, March 12, 2007

By 

Lisa Joseph - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Storyteller (Paperback)

I grew up reading Mary Stewart's Merlin novels. Comparisons are inevitable, but "Storyteller" stands on its own sturdy legs. Set in 6th century Britain, it is the reminicences of a young man with a penchant for spinning tales who aspires to be a bard. Ms. Groves captures the sights, sounds and smells of another time and puts us in the very shoes of one who stands small and alone before an audience, hoping for the reward of intent hush, that stunned silence ultimately followed by a storm of applause.

The episodic structure of the chapters was admirably suited to my habit of reading on my lunch hour, that, several hearty bites of narrative, ended inevitably and satisfyingly with the words, "But O my children, that is a story for another time."

More! More! cries this greedy child, knowing she gulped it down too fast. You sent him north to gather news of unrest and I want to know what happens next!