MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 559
September 12, 2011
History Trivia
Sept 12,490 BC The conventionally accepted date for the Battle of Marathon where the Athenians and their Plataean allies, defeated the first Persian invasion force of Greece. 1185 Byzantine emperor Andronicus I was tortured and executed by the Greek nobility, led by Isaac Angelus, during a war between the Byzantines and Norman invaders of the empire. 1213 Albigensian Crusade (directed against Christian heretics in southern France) Simon de Montfort, 5th Earl of Leicester, defeated Peter II of Aragon at the Battle of Muret. 1362 Pope Innocent VI died. With a background in civil law, Innocent took an interest in reform and in the possibility of ending the Avignon Papacy.
September 11, 2011
History Trivia
Sept 11, 814 Louis I, the Pious, succeeded his father, the great French king Charlemagne, as King of the Franks and Emperor of the Romans. 1226 The Roman Catholic practice of public adoration of the Blessed Sacrament outside of Mass spread from monasteries to parishes. 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge was a battle of the First War of Scottish Independence where the Scots jointly-led by William Wallace and Andrew Moray defeated the English.
September 10, 2011
Sept 10, 490 BC The Battle of Marathon took place between...
Sept 10, 490 BC The Battle of Marathon took place between the forces of the Persian Empire and those of Athens.422 Saint Celestine I was elected Roman Catholic pope.
506 The bishops of Visigothic Gaul met in the Council of Agde. The canons shed light on the moral conditions of the clergy and laity in southern France at the beginning of the transition from the Graeco-Roman social order to that of the new conquerors. 1167 Empress Matilda died. Daughter of King Henry I, widow of Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, and mother of King Henry II, Matilda (also known as Maud) engaged in a civil war with Stephen of Blois over the crown of England. 1419 John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy was assassinated by adherents of the Dauphin, the future Charles VII of France. 1509 An earthquake known as "The Lesser Judgment Day" hit Istanbul. 1547 The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, the last full scale military confrontation between England and Scotland, resulted in a decisive victory for the forces of Edward VI.
506 The bishops of Visigothic Gaul met in the Council of Agde. The canons shed light on the moral conditions of the clergy and laity in southern France at the beginning of the transition from the Graeco-Roman social order to that of the new conquerors. 1167 Empress Matilda died. Daughter of King Henry I, widow of Holy Roman Emperor Henry V, and mother of King Henry II, Matilda (also known as Maud) engaged in a civil war with Stephen of Blois over the crown of England. 1419 John the Fearless, Duke of Burgundy was assassinated by adherents of the Dauphin, the future Charles VII of France. 1509 An earthquake known as "The Lesser Judgment Day" hit Istanbul. 1547 The Battle of Pinkie Cleugh, the last full scale military confrontation between England and Scotland, resulted in a decisive victory for the forces of Edward VI.
September 9, 2011
History Trivia
Sept 9, 9 AD Arminius' alliance of six Germanic tribes ambushed and annihilated three Roman legions of Publius Quinctilius Varus in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest. 999 or 1000 Battle of Svolder was a naval battle fought in the western Baltic Sea between King Olaf Tryggvason of Norway and an alliance of his enemies; the background for this battle was the unification of Norway into a single state, long-standing Danish efforts to gain control of the country, and the spread of Christianity in Scandinavia. With the allied victory, Norway was partitioned and the spread of Christianity was set back. 1087 William the Conqueror died in Rouen at age 59 after an accident while riding his horse. 1513 James IV of Scotland was defeated and died in the Battle of Flodden Field, ending Scotland's involvement in the War of the League of Cambrai. 1543 Mary Stuart, at nine months old, was crowned Queen of Scots in the central Scottish town of Stirling.
September 8, 2011
The Briton and the Dane: Birthright Review
Where to start? I loved the first book Briton and the Dane but there was so much unresolved that I was eager to read the next book, yet having waited several weeks between finishing book one and starting book two I was a bit apprehensive that I would be lost. I dug out the notes that I took during the reading of book one, but I needn't have worried; it all came back to me. I was excited as soon as read the prologue. I can't really go into specifics because I feel that would be spoiling parts of both books if you hadn't read them, but I'll do my best.
I think that Birthright is my favorite (so far) of the series. I liked book one a lot, but I loved this one. There are so many plot twists and so many things to figure out. I do have to mention though that I thought I had something figured out and admittedly it was kind of far-fetched and I almost caved and had the author tell me whether my theory was correct when she offered, I'm glad that I declined because the wait was worth it. (My theory was correct by the way). I also had a near break down during a heartbreaking moment for one of my favorite characters. I don't want to tell you which one, you'll just have to read it.
I love the way that the story is told as well. There are so many characters doing so many separate things but you know they're all going to meet in the end. (Think of how the movie Love Actually is told). It's a lot to keep track of, but it's a wonderfully easy and fairly quick read. After a few chapters, you get a flow of the characters and which side they are connected to and as more characters are introduced, they fit in seamlessly. I love the mix of historical background, family/love bonds and adventure. It makes the book such a great read.
I also love the format of the book. Don't be deceived, it looks daunting due to its length, but it's not. It's larger font than books usually have, with paragraphs with what looks like double spaced lines and the chapters are short. While that doesn't seem like a huge deal, but I love when books are formatted in such a way especially when they fall under the category of epic adventures. It makes me as a reader feel like I'm reading faster than I am without getting overwhelmed.
There were a lot of cliffhangers in this book and I cannot wait for the next one! I've perhaps gotten a little too attached to these characters.
Jenn Ladd
Booksessed Blogspot.com
I think that Birthright is my favorite (so far) of the series. I liked book one a lot, but I loved this one. There are so many plot twists and so many things to figure out. I do have to mention though that I thought I had something figured out and admittedly it was kind of far-fetched and I almost caved and had the author tell me whether my theory was correct when she offered, I'm glad that I declined because the wait was worth it. (My theory was correct by the way). I also had a near break down during a heartbreaking moment for one of my favorite characters. I don't want to tell you which one, you'll just have to read it.
I love the way that the story is told as well. There are so many characters doing so many separate things but you know they're all going to meet in the end. (Think of how the movie Love Actually is told). It's a lot to keep track of, but it's a wonderfully easy and fairly quick read. After a few chapters, you get a flow of the characters and which side they are connected to and as more characters are introduced, they fit in seamlessly. I love the mix of historical background, family/love bonds and adventure. It makes the book such a great read.
I also love the format of the book. Don't be deceived, it looks daunting due to its length, but it's not. It's larger font than books usually have, with paragraphs with what looks like double spaced lines and the chapters are short. While that doesn't seem like a huge deal, but I love when books are formatted in such a way especially when they fall under the category of epic adventures. It makes me as a reader feel like I'm reading faster than I am without getting overwhelmed.
There were a lot of cliffhangers in this book and I cannot wait for the next one! I've perhaps gotten a little too attached to these characters.
Jenn Ladd
Booksessed Blogspot.com
Interview with Jenn Ladd Booksessed
Thursday, September 8, 2011 Author Interview: Mary Ann Bernal
Jenn Ladd - Booksessed
For those of you who are unfamiliar with her work, Mary Ann Bernal is the author of the Briton and the Dane trilogy. It's a historical fiction epic about vikings during the ninth Century. I have been loving every moment of this series, Mary Ann really knows how to write plot twists and cliffhangers. Mary Ann emailed me a few months ago asking if I would read her books. Being the complete historical fiction nerd that I am, I readily said yes and I am so glad I did. I mean how much hf is there about vikings once you've read Ivanhoe? I am beyond in love with the series. The third book, Legacy is coming out in 2012 (which seems so far away!!)
When I was reading book two Birthright, and emailed Mary Ann about how much I was loving her book and we were discussing plot twists, and she even offered to tell me a spoiler. I held out and was so glad I did, which inevitably led to more emailing. During all these emails, I thought why don't I just ask Mary Ann to do an interview for my blog and she agreed, which is so awesome of her.
You can read the review below. I'm posting my review of The Briton and the Dane: Birthright on the blog tomorrow and you can read my review of The Briton and the Dane here.
Special thanks to Mary Ann Bernal!!
With all the plots and characters in your novel, and the new characters added in each book, how do you keep track?
My characters are my "children" so it is not difficult to remember any of them. I keep track of their locations on my map of Wessex, which is continually updated as the story progresses, since everyone moves about quite a bit.
What were some of the things that you found most fascinating during your research?
Did you know that the Vikings had ear spoons which were used to clean out ear wax, and that they did practice personal grooming and did bathe on Saturday night? Women preferred men who did not smell.
The Vikings enjoyed sporting events such as wrestling, foot races, swimming and skiing to name but a few. They also played board games such as tabula (backgammon) to keep themselves occupied during the long winter months.
The ravaging seafarers that attacked the civilized world did not represent the majority of the Scandinavian people, who were peaceful farmers and traders.
When the Anglo-Saxons ousted the Britons, they shied away from Roman towns, preferring to live in small villages.
The Anglo-Saxons did not believe in bathing, and monks only bathed five times a year.
The Anglo-Saxons put sheepskins around their beds to get rid of fleas.
Do you plan to write about other aspects of English history?
I do love the Roman-Britain era and am considering a trilogy set during this fascinating time.
What can we expect from the third book of the trilogy?
Questions will be answered and the fate of the characters will be revealed.
Did you find that you got very attached to certain characters?
This question is difficult to answer because I do love all my characters; how could I put Erik and Gwyneth above David and Helga or Elizabeth and Stephen? I will confess that I do have a soft spot for Arista and Liesel. Ah but who is Liesel you ask? You will meet her in "Legacy."
I'm always fascinated by how authors feel about their "evil" characters, what was writing them like and how do you feel about them?
I delved into the mind of the villain to understand why he or she chose the wrong path. While their past history could not condone their actions, their past did play a major role in shaping their personalities. Of course the dilemma lies with their redemption, are they pure evil or can they be redeemed? I do not find it easier to "kill off" an evil character because I understand his/her torment; but all things considered, the evil character's fate is sealed once he/she refuses to conform to societal behavior and expectations.
What was the best part about the writing process for you?
I love to breathe life into characters of a long-forgotten age while revealing their innermost thoughts and emotions, while reminding the modern reader that mankind has not changed over the centuries. The human element has remained the same throughout the centuries
Jenn Ladd - Booksessed
For those of you who are unfamiliar with her work, Mary Ann Bernal is the author of the Briton and the Dane trilogy. It's a historical fiction epic about vikings during the ninth Century. I have been loving every moment of this series, Mary Ann really knows how to write plot twists and cliffhangers. Mary Ann emailed me a few months ago asking if I would read her books. Being the complete historical fiction nerd that I am, I readily said yes and I am so glad I did. I mean how much hf is there about vikings once you've read Ivanhoe? I am beyond in love with the series. The third book, Legacy is coming out in 2012 (which seems so far away!!)
When I was reading book two Birthright, and emailed Mary Ann about how much I was loving her book and we were discussing plot twists, and she even offered to tell me a spoiler. I held out and was so glad I did, which inevitably led to more emailing. During all these emails, I thought why don't I just ask Mary Ann to do an interview for my blog and she agreed, which is so awesome of her.
You can read the review below. I'm posting my review of The Briton and the Dane: Birthright on the blog tomorrow and you can read my review of The Briton and the Dane here.
Special thanks to Mary Ann Bernal!!
With all the plots and characters in your novel, and the new characters added in each book, how do you keep track?
My characters are my "children" so it is not difficult to remember any of them. I keep track of their locations on my map of Wessex, which is continually updated as the story progresses, since everyone moves about quite a bit.
What were some of the things that you found most fascinating during your research?
Did you know that the Vikings had ear spoons which were used to clean out ear wax, and that they did practice personal grooming and did bathe on Saturday night? Women preferred men who did not smell.
The Vikings enjoyed sporting events such as wrestling, foot races, swimming and skiing to name but a few. They also played board games such as tabula (backgammon) to keep themselves occupied during the long winter months.
The ravaging seafarers that attacked the civilized world did not represent the majority of the Scandinavian people, who were peaceful farmers and traders.
When the Anglo-Saxons ousted the Britons, they shied away from Roman towns, preferring to live in small villages.
The Anglo-Saxons did not believe in bathing, and monks only bathed five times a year.
The Anglo-Saxons put sheepskins around their beds to get rid of fleas.
Do you plan to write about other aspects of English history?
I do love the Roman-Britain era and am considering a trilogy set during this fascinating time.
What can we expect from the third book of the trilogy?
Questions will be answered and the fate of the characters will be revealed.
Did you find that you got very attached to certain characters?
This question is difficult to answer because I do love all my characters; how could I put Erik and Gwyneth above David and Helga or Elizabeth and Stephen? I will confess that I do have a soft spot for Arista and Liesel. Ah but who is Liesel you ask? You will meet her in "Legacy."
I'm always fascinated by how authors feel about their "evil" characters, what was writing them like and how do you feel about them?
I delved into the mind of the villain to understand why he or she chose the wrong path. While their past history could not condone their actions, their past did play a major role in shaping their personalities. Of course the dilemma lies with their redemption, are they pure evil or can they be redeemed? I do not find it easier to "kill off" an evil character because I understand his/her torment; but all things considered, the evil character's fate is sealed once he/she refuses to conform to societal behavior and expectations.
What was the best part about the writing process for you?
I love to breathe life into characters of a long-forgotten age while revealing their innermost thoughts and emotions, while reminding the modern reader that mankind has not changed over the centuries. The human element has remained the same throughout the centuries
History Trivia
Sept 8, 1011 St. Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, was captured by marauding Danes, held prisoner for months, and eventually murdered. He refused to allow himself to be ransomed because the money would have had to be raised by taxing the people. After his death he was venerated as a martyr, and the parish church of Greenwich is dedicated to him. 1157 Richard the Lion-Hearted, King of England, was born. 1504 Michelangelo's David was unveiled in Florence.
September 7, 2011
History Trivia
Sept 7,70 The Romans sacked Jerusalem, which ended the Jewish revolt and left only the "Wailing Wall" intact. 1191 Third Crusade: Battle of Arsuf – Richard I of England defeated Saladin at Arsuf, which ended the sultan's aura of invincibility.1533 Queen Elizabeth I was born. The birth of a daughter was a setback to King Henry VIII in his quest for an heir, and a serious blow to his wife Anne Boleyn.
September 6, 2011
History Trivia
Sept 6, 394 Battle of the Frigidus: The Christian Roman Emperor Theodosius I defeated and killed the pagan usurper Eugenius and his Frankish magister militum Arbogast. 973 Pope John XIII died. John maintained a peaceful pontificate, and stayed closely allied with the Holy Roman Empire. 1525 Peace was declared between England and France. 1651 Charles II spent the day hiding in an oak tree following defeat by Oliver Cromwell at Worcester.
September 5, 2011
History Trivia
Sept 5, 394 Theodosius reunited the entire Roman empire for the last time with victory at the Battle of Frigidus. 1198 Philips van Zwaben Hohenstaufen crowned king of Roman Catholic Germany. 1316 John XXII the second Roman Catholic pope to reside in Avignon, France rather than Rome, was crowned. 1548 Catherine Parr, sixth wife of Henry VIII, died. 1557 Bishop Stephen Gardiner was imprisoned; he remained in the Tower of London for most of the reign of Edward VI. 1550 William Cecil (Lord Chancellor to Queen Elizabeth I) appointed himself English minister of foreign affairs. 1590 Alexander Farnese's army forced Henry IV of France to raise the lengthy siege of Paris that it had been placed under by Huguenots and Royalists loyal to Henry IV. 1666 Great Fire of London ended: 10,000 buildings including St. Paul's Cathedral were destroyed, but only 16 people were known to have died.
