Progress on “In The Raven’s Wake”

As promised, I must inform you, my much loved readers, about my progress on the sequel to The Line of His People which has tentatively been named In the Raven’s Wake.  As the outline and character chart stand, the novel will likely become a 110,000 word behemoth with enough action and battles to make Tolkien George R.R. Martin squirm.  Again the Vikings will be pitted against Christendom and the protagonist, Abriel, will find himself caught between the two worlds.  The villains of the sequel will make the ignominious Adalard of Corbie look like a saint (although Adalard will make a small appearance).  Writing this sequel is even more fun than the first.  In my mind the story has taken a life of its own, yet is steeped in vigorously researched history.  

All of your favorite characters — Abriel, Kenna, Oddr, and Gael the priest — have returned and will be joined by a few more central characters among their inner Circle.  Ulfr, a warrior Abriel rescued in Iberia, has become a close friend and confidant to the king of Herius.  Cnut, a malformed man who survived the trials of childhood to become a warrior in his own right, has joined the ranks of the Vikings.  On the horizon, however, the peaceful settlement on Herius will be challenged for their right to exist.  Other Northmen will descend upon the island in search for land and loot.  

The most exciting setting for the novel will be the northern coast of Ireland.  I do not want to spoil the story more than I have to, therefore I will not elaborate on why or how or who will be in Ireland, but Northern Ireland will be a prominent setting.  

Stay tuned for more author updates as the writing comes along.  I hope to have the novel finished and ready for retail (and a free giveaway) by Christmas.  

From Bend, Oregon, I bid you all a wonderful continuation!