The Wolf in Winter is a masterpiece. I was gripped by this tale, and as the excitement built towards the end, I couldn’t read fast enough, and then, when satisfied of the conclusion, I took a deep breath and read it once again, slowly, to savor it. This is an epic work. It is book one in Ms. Lennox’s Trystan Trilogy, the retelling of the legend of Trystan and Essylt (also known as Iseult and Isolde). The author has placed the tale in the 5th century, primarily in what is now Scotland. She knows her history. Her research, which was extensive, captures that time period with believability, creating moody and memorable atmosphere. Everything, from social roles and status, to how they dress, eat, interior settings, the landscape and kinds of political upheavals to be expected of the time, is made solid and real. Even the spelling of names, to create a sense of authenticity, is taken into consideration. There are beautiful maps to guide you and a list of characters and settings to refer to in this major work. But what is most impressive, within this exciting tale, is the character development; her extraordinary characters. They are astounding. The people who populate this 5th century world are mostly of legends, and yes, some names did exist, but these vital characters that she has breathed life into are fictitious, her inventions. Yet, I know these men and women. They are both accessible and the stuff of legends, they are complex, imperfect, and Shakespearean in their motives.
First we have Corwynal. He is a man who has been disappointed in life, bitter, with a quick temper, but he also has greatness in him and you come to love and understand him. He made a crucial error as a young man, which altered the ambitious trajectory of his life, the path to being king, and as a result it has damaged his relationship with his father, King Rifallyn. The conflict between father and son is truly Shakespearean and drives the engine of this first book. King Rifallyn is, if possible, even more bitter than Corwynal, with a sarcastic and biting tongue that is always lashing out at Corwynal. He is all about power and he is a sly as a wolf in winter, and not very predictable. Corwynal and Rifallyn are very much father and son. Stubborn and not willing to truly talk to each other, their relationship shows no sign of resolving. Will it ever?
Trystan looks to Corwynal as an older brother. Corwynal loves Trystan fiercely and has made his life all about the training and protection of Trystan, who is now a young man, and heir to the throne. Corwynal is demanding of Trystan, yet, in many ways, Trystan is spoiled and self-centered. But Trystan also has the innate gifts of a true leader and the potential for maturity. He is handsome and charming, brave, overly so, a natural warrior, and as ambitious as Corwynal once was. In the end, Trystan must understand his responsibilities if he is to achieve greatness.
Then there is Aelfric, sworn to kill Corwynal, but instead forced to protect him. His rough and rugged ways and foul mouth add comic relief at moments when a bit of humor is needed.
There are two Essylt’s in the Trystan story. In book one we get to know, first, Essylt of the White Hands, daughter of King Hoel of Selgovia. She is very bright and yet, as a teen of only 16 when she is introduced, still naive. She is not classically beautiful, but her demeanor and way of carrying herself, even at this young age, gives her a strong presence. Then there is Gwenhwyvar, Queen of Western Manau, beautiful, confident, and extremely capable. There is a strong attraction between her and Trystan but no warm feelings between Essylt of the White Hands and Gwenhwyvar, but rather jealousy and mistrust.
To mention all the rich and developed characters would take pages that a review does not make time for. But I will mention Marc, King of Galloway, Trystan’s uncle. There is great variety in these characters and Marc is so different from the characters I have just described. Once a warrior and ruler of distinction, he has grown decadent, a drunk and maudlin, loving, but quick to anger, self-indulgent and used to having his way; now a bad influence on his court and on the young Trystan. For all Marc’s failings, you do also feel empathy for his character. The scenes of feasting and decadence add yet another dimension to this tale.
No review of The Wolf in Winter would be complete without discussing the action, the hand to hand combat, the battle scenes. These too are amongst the best I have read.
The legend of Trystan is also a tale within Arthurian Legend. By the end of my reading of The Wolf in Winter, it had become a new legend. As envisioned by Barbara Lennox, it now feels like the true story of Trystan. And when the whole tale is done, it will be the way I remember this great legend best.
OR
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required. Learn more
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
![The Wolf in Winter: An epic retelling of the Tristan and Isolde legend, set in dark age Scotland (Volume 1 of The Trystan Trilogy) by [Barbara Lennox]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/W/IMAGERENDERING_521856-T1/images/I/5179yfelRaL._SY346_.jpg)
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
All 2 available for you in this series
See full series
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
It’s like a game of chess all brought to life.
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
There’s a time to teach, a time to show and a time to let go. A decision is made on the fly. Do you trust it? How do you protect a hero? This is Corwynal’s dilemma. His relationship with Trystan, his half brother has reached an impasse.All of the characters are fully developed and multi layered from the start. Its as if they are jumping right off the page. The action is intense and thrilling pulling you into battles and tender moments as if you were actually there instead of merely reading a story. There is much to appreciate…the research, details of daily lives and the political maneuvering. It’s like a game of chess all brought to life.The Wolf in Winter is the whole package that will have you reading with anticipation. It is a tale of epic proportions taking root in long ago Scotland. A story with multiple storylines intricately woven together and then suddenly ripped apart. Now I must have the next book. Before you sigh and close the book, I suggest that you go back to the beginning and reread The End and The Beginning. Oh, did I mention there’s a character/setting list and maps? YES!An Epic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2022
Images in this review
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on November 17, 2021
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 1, 2022
All of the characters are fully developed and multi layered from the start. Its as if they are jumping right off the page. The action is intense and thrilling pulling you into battles and tender moments as if you were actually there instead of merely reading a story. There is much to appreciate…the research, details of daily lives and the political maneuvering. It’s like a game of chess all brought to life.
The Wolf in Winter is the whole package that will have you reading with anticipation. It is a tale of epic proportions taking root in long ago Scotland. A story with multiple storylines intricately woven together and then suddenly ripped apart. Now I must have the next book. Before you sigh and close the book, I suggest that you go back to the beginning and reread The End and The Beginning. Oh, did I mention there’s a character/setting list and maps? YES!
An Epic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s like a game of chess all brought to life.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 1, 2022
There’s a time to teach, a time to show and a time to let go. A decision is made on the fly. Do you trust it? How do you protect a hero? This is Corwynal’s dilemma. His relationship with Trystan, his half brother has reached an impasse.Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on July 1, 2022
All of the characters are fully developed and multi layered from the start. Its as if they are jumping right off the page. The action is intense and thrilling pulling you into battles and tender moments as if you were actually there instead of merely reading a story. There is much to appreciate…the research, details of daily lives and the political maneuvering. It’s like a game of chess all brought to life.
The Wolf in Winter is the whole package that will have you reading with anticipation. It is a tale of epic proportions taking root in long ago Scotland. A story with multiple storylines intricately woven together and then suddenly ripped apart. Now I must have the next book. Before you sigh and close the book, I suggest that you go back to the beginning and reread The End and The Beginning. Oh, did I mention there’s a character/setting list and maps? YES!
An Epic ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 27, 2022
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on February 25, 2022
Top reviews from other countries
Steve Griffin
Beautifully written and thoroughly recommended
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on January 20, 2022
Julia Blake
Compellingly vivid and utterly immersive
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 3, 2021RjS
I need the next two books in this trilogy now!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 12, 2021Kindle Customer Paula
Impeccable rewriting of an old story
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on December 29, 2022Chris Spreadbury
An inspiring tale from the Dark Ages
Reviewed in the United Kingdom 🇬🇧 on November 4, 2022
