Marshall Best's Blog

 

Returning in 27 B.C. devastated by personal tragedy, Guiamo struggles to find his way as Eochu conspires with Cermait's three Druid sons to seize the Cruthin high throne... 

Combining legitimate legends with actual historical events, Best weaves an epic story that portrays the ancient world as it might have been.  A world which the ancient historians recorded as fact: a time when gods ruled the earth and strange creatures dominated the land.  It is the era of civilized conquerors exploring distant and primitive new lands.  Scant recordings left to us today only touch on the fringe of the fantastic and brutal reality that existed in those distant lands to the West.  Into this age, young Guiamo enters the world stage as the great game-changer, and by his hand the gods and beasts become destined to disappear into myth and legend.

                     Buy It on Amazon Today!

Now is the Time to Load Up on Guiamo Chronicles BooksJuly is the perfect time to start or catch up on your Guiamo Chronicle Adventures.  Smashwords is having their annual Summer/Winter Sale and you can get Guiamo Chronicles at a deep discount.  Book 8 is well on it's way and should be out soon.Please spread the word to your friends and recommend GuiamoSMASHWORDS JULY SUMMER/WINTER SALE

                      Bui and NasAfter a prolonged absence spent overturning the deity of a host of the lesser gods, Guiamo returns to Din-Gwrygon in 37 B.C. to continue his work as The God Unmaker against the elder gods and to share with those he trusts most an astonishing discovery.








                                                                     Heimdallr
Safely away to Temair with his family out of Cermait's reach, Guiamo resolves in 32 B.C. to guide the Cruthin leaders and craft the god-weapons the Cenndraici will need to protect the people from the oppressors sure to follow.





                            Ibic
In 28 B.C. Guiamo finally finds the contentment he has long sought to live in peace and raise a family, but the supreme elder god, Saturnus, and the Druid, Cermait are conspiring for war












Available Now!

It's been a LONG time since we've posted on the blog.  Marshall has worked hard on book five and found it was going to be 1200 pages, so book five is now books five, six and seven.  The proof copies are on their way.  I'll post pictures of the proofs when they come.  Be looking for them to be available soon!

With book 5 well on it's way, we decided to do a giveaway for Guiamo to reach more readers.  If you've been considering getting into this series, now would be a great time.  Take your chance at the giveaway but if you don't win, remember Guiamo, the e-book is  now only $0.99!

Here is the link to the giveaway on Amazon!  Just click the link below the book image.

                                                                       Enter for Your Chance to Win!

We're also excited to have uploaded new covers for the first four books with their gold medal awards on the cover.  It's just a way to let the world know that these are books worth reading.

We thank you all for your continued support.  We hope you enjoy the adventure!

We hope all of our followers here, on Twitter and Facebook are doing well.  Hopefully some of you have had a chance to read some of the Guiamo Chronicles books.  We hope you enjoyed them.  We'd love to hear from you whether it be a comment here on the blog, a quick hello on Twitter or a hello on Facebook.  If you have time to drop a quick review that would be great as well.

In an attempt to help readers connect more to Marshall, I decided to add some books to his Goodreads shelves.  He has an account.  He is constantly reading.  Why not share his books with all of you.  Okay, can I say that this is no small task.  I've added a few tonight, but that doesn't even scratch the surface.  One of the things that I believe makes Marshall a good writer is that he is and has been such a prolific reader.  He reads action adventure, science fiction, fantasy and the like which he calls his brain candy.  Then he reads more serious books such as one of his favorites, military history memoirs.  He doesn't stop there.  He reads things many of us would never attempt such as Lobes Classical Library where he has found treasures he often puts into his books.  I asked him where his Bernard Cornwell books were because I couldn't find them.  He said they're in the basement.  He likes the Bernard Cornwell books because "they speak to the barbarian" in him.  His bookshelves are overflowing.  The basement is full too.  He keeps any book he reads.  We might just need to open a library someday!

I hope you've enjoyed hearing a bit about what's on Marshall's bookshelves.  If you haven't had a chance to read our featured post, Pieces of Marshall Best's Puzzle, that will also give you a glimpse into the man he is.  I've been married to him for 22 years and he's a pretty great guy.

Marshall is hard at work finishing up the last chapter of book five.  In an effort to reach more readers and make Guiamo more accessible, we are lowering the e-book price of book one to $0.99 for a limited time.  If you've been considering reading it and haven't, now is the time.  If you know someone who might enjoy Guiamo, please pass along our website or suggest the book to them.

In addition, please follow us here, on Facebook or Twitter so that you will hear the news when book five is finally here.  We value the time you have taken to read this.  Whether we sell a few or a hundred books, we're just excited to share a story that we believe in.  Give it a try.  We don't think you'll be disappointed!

Thanks,
Tracey Best

With Christmas right around the corner and book five well on it's way to being finished, why not consider purchasing one or all of the Guiamo Chronicles for a loved one or yourself?  Perhaps you've thought about it and didn't follow through on that thought.  Well, now's the time.  You can find it on all the major outlets like Barnes and Noble, Amazon and iBooks.  

Did I mention that all four books have excellent reviews and won Gold Medal status in The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards?
Get yours today....in time to read them before book five comes out!
Oh...and for the little ones in your life, don't forget Princess Meredith!

     One of the fundamental background issues in the Guiamo Chronicles are the role of the gods. Today, we typically think of the Roman and Greek gods to be like what we find in movies like Percy Jackson. For instance, Hades is seen as the arch-villain with diabolical powers from the depths of fiery hell. Yet, the Romans record him to be quite the opposite. He was considered by the Romans to be a gentle and benevolent person who cares for the souls of the dead. More importantly, the ancients recognized openly that the gods were mere men who, upon their deaths, were given the honors of godhood. It is a form of ancestor worship.
      They gave their ancestors (particularly their inventive ancestors) the position of god, demigod, hero or man based upon the degree of their discoveries. If for instance, someone invented music, they would become the god of music. If someone invented a subset of this, for instance a flute, they would be honored as a demigod. If they invented a lesser thing, such as a particularly beautiful song, they would be a hero. Many of the gods were great inventors and are described as so in the ancient writings.  Even the Egyptians recognized much of this. They divided their own history into four ages. The age of the gods, the age of the demigods, the age of the heroes and the age of the pharaohs.
     Now in ancient Britain, the gods were found in the hundreds. They would also be an ancestor honored with godhood. Their domain might simply be over a particular stream or well, or perhaps a village, or if they were significant enough to the entire tribe, they would be a great tribal god. But in truth, the gods of old were mere men and women who were honored with godhood.

This is how they are portrayed throughout the Guiamo Chronicles and I think the reader will find this very intriguing.

Last year all four Guiamo Chronicles books were entered in The Wishing Shelf Independent Book Awards.  These awards are run by UK author Edward Trayer who writes under the pen name Billy Bob Buttons.   Edward has several groups of primary and secondary school children who read the books and give their feedback.  The Guiamo Chronicles was entered in the teen category although they are suitable for adults as well. 


We were especially excited to be able to reach readers in the UK with the books since so much history, myths and legends of that area are woven into the stories.  Back in late February we were informed that all four books were finalists in their category.  You can see the finalists at The Wishing Shelf' Book Awards.  There were 20 finalists in the teen category.  The great thing about this contest is that each entry receives feedback from the reading groups that will help to improve the books.  We're looking forward to hearing what the readers had to say.  Earlier this month we were informed that Books 1-4 of The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo had won the Gold for the teen category.  Marshall is very pleased and hopes this will help to reach more readers in the future.  We thank Edward and all of his reading groups for all the time and effort they have put in to the contest.  



If you have a book you would like to enter, here is the link for the rules to The Wishing Shelf Awards for 2015.  There is a nominal fee to enter but it is well worth it for the feedback you receive once the contest is completed.  Everyone, winner or not receives feedback from the reading groups.  This contest is not just for children's books. There is an adult division as well.

     Julius Caesar, in his writings, De Bello Gallico, tells of the Brittani coloring their bodies blue.  We see this portrayed in the movie Braveheart as well. Marshall Best, in his series The Chronicles of Guiamo Durmius Stolo, has a new twist as to why these warriors painted themselves blue.  Sreng, a member of the Fir Bolg had been a slave to the Fomori, forced to fight on their behalf to ensure the safety of his wife and children.  After cutting Nuada's arm off in battle, he and several of his people were captured.  Guiamo convinces him to fight with them to defeat the Fomori in the hopes that his family is still alive. In the excerpt below, Sreng accompanies Guiamo on a quest to free his family.
Excerpt from Book II of the Guiamo Chronicles, Cumoro by Marshall Best
Sreng mounted a spare horse brought by Aoi and, carrying only his armor and ax tied up in his bedroll, left his farm and hut behind to free his family with Guiamo.
When they stopped each evening to make camp, Sreng sat with Guiamo drawing orc symbols and explaining their meaning.  Guiamo had Sreng draw the symbol on leather sheets.  Next to each symbol, Guiamo wrote the meaning in Roman words and, again using the Roman letters, wrote how to pronounce the orc word.
As they neared home, Guiamo asked, “Sreng, I wish to make a blue dye.  Do you know how to make such a color?”
Sreng replied, “There is a weed in these parts whose dried leaves are ground to pulp and left to rot.  If it is prepared properly, it will produce a good blue dye.”
Guiamo asked, “How long does it take to make?”
“The first steps require a fortnight, but it must be repeated to obtain a good color that stays fast,” Sreng replied.  “I saw it made as a youth, but I do not recall all the steps.  I do know this; there are no leaves in the winter, so you shall have to wait until springtime.”
Guiamo replied, “Then we shall have to find some already made.  Some villagers should have some, I should think, which I could purchase.  What is this plant named?”
Sreng replied, “It is called glasen by some, but others know it as woad.”
Guiamo’s head snapped back in surprise as he remembered a portion of the oracle’s words.
O, Land prepared, Romulusfollows.
      The son of Mars comes!
Clad in woad,
      He prepares the way.
                                                                  
“Tomorrow we must search out a large supply of this blue dye, for I need it before we return to Rí Tuaithe Etarlám,” he said.
For the next three days, they asked every villager they encountered for a source of blue dye.  None could help, and most looked oddly at the strange caravan which searched the world in the cold of winter for blue dye.  On the third day, a villager took them to an old man living in a nearby village who had a supply of blue dye.  Aoi paid the outrageous price and the old man was delighted with his unexpected profits.
In the morning, as the men ate their first meal, Guiamo explained his plan to the warriors of the caravan.  In the bitter cold, Sreng displayed his tattoos and brands to the men who watched in awe.  Guiamo explained the orc practice of branding and tattoos, and read out loud the many symbols.
He then told the story of the slave and orc speaking of freedom.  When he mentioned the words ‘blue waters’ and ‘blue skies,’ Sreng began to understand Guiamo’s intent.
Guiamo produced the pot of blue dye.  Opening his leather binding of orc script, he turned through its pages until he found the word he wanted.  He painted a symbol upon Sreng’s face and announced, “This symbol painted on Sreng’s face says that he has no master!”
Flipping again through the pages, Guiamo found a second symbol.  He painted it upon Sreng’s chest, again covering a tattooed orc symbol.  “This says Sreng is a great warrior who fights with an ax!” he shouted.
Guiamo found more symbols and painted them on Sreng’s body, arms and legs, declaring, “I am death to orcs!” “Avenger of evil!” and “Orc hewer!”
When Guiamo was finished, the men no longer saw the orc tattoos, but a fierce blue-painted warrior covered in wild patterns.  Guiamo called the men forward to join Sreng in the war against the Fomori.  “We shall terrify the orcs with messages upon our bodies!”
First came Aoi, and all the others followed as the blue symbols became badges of honor and courage.  Guiamo painted late into the night, and to the flickering light of great bonfires, the men danced as they sang their traditional songs of battle, gore and the afterlife in the great battle lodge of the valorous.
Proudly wearing their armor and blue symbols, the troupe travelled two more days to the hall of Rí Tuaithe Etarlám.  Everyone was surprised to see the warriors using Guiamo’s riding steps to dismount and the people were quickly informed they were made by Guiamo, but what terrified the people were the painted symbols upon their bodies.  Aoi’s men were greeted with some hesitation, for the king’s men were intimidated by the warriors who rode with renewed purpose and grim, blue-clad determination.
They were ready for war and Etarlám saw it.  He saw it in Aoi’s eyes; this renewed desire to do battle, and Etarlám wondered if his favorite warrior was planning insurrection.
Guiamo put his mind to rest when he stepped forward to announce, “My lord, I have brought to you a new champion, Sreng of the Fir Bolg.”
Etarlám was instinctively wary of Sreng, for he knew the man had removed Nuada’s left arm with a single blow.
Sreng stepped forward with strength, but politely bowed low to honor his host, the rí tuaithe.
Guiamo explained the purpose of the blue symbols and Etarlám listened with eyes wide with astonishment.  When he had at long last finished, Guiamo fell silent to await the king’s mind.
Etarlám sat quietly on his throne and looked into the eyes of his men.  There was a new energy in their eyes, a light which he knew would be extinguished if he demurred, but would blaze on if he approved.  He made his choice and enthusiastically exclaimed, “By the gods, Cúmóro, you have an ingenious plan!  All my warriors shall ride into battle defiantly wearing the blue orc symbols in the color of freedom!  The Regni of Rí Tuaithe Etarlám will lead the war against the Fomori and, by Lugh’s beardless chin, we shall be victorious!”
All the men burst out with a thunderous cheer, and a great feast was held that night to honor Sreng and Guiamo.  Word travelled quickly across Íath of the Mighty Hundred of Rí Tuaithe Etarlám, all clad in blue and of the Druí boy who led them.
Cassivellaunus, seeing the enthusiasm which surrounded the spreading tale of these men, recognized that his own men admired them greatly.  He feared his men would desert him to join with Etarlám.  He sent emissaries to Etarlám asking for Cúmóro to teach his men about the orc symbols in blue.  The men eagerly embraced Guiamo’s plan and before long, Nuada informed Eochaid of the newfound practice of the warriors spreading among the tribes.
Lying on his sickbed, Eochaid listened carefully to Nuada’s tale.  His physician, Dian Cécht the leech, busied himself preparing a poultice on a small table beside the bed to treat Eochaid’s fever.  When Nuada had finished, Eochaid brooded deep in thought.  Finally, he whispered, “We shall embrace this new way of warfare.  I am mindful that this young Druí may gather a following to challenge me.  This I cannot allow.  To suppress him, each rí tuaithe shall create his own troupe of one hundred mounted men and choose a champion to lead them.  In this way, Etarlám’s men shall be no different than any other rí tuaithe.  My slúaigwill grow stronger for it, but none shall stand up to challenge me.  When great battles are to be fought, all my warriors from every region shall wear the symbols of blue.”

About the Series

Combining legitimate legends with actual historical events, Marshall Best weaves an epic story that portrays the ancient world as it might have been, a world which the ancient historians recorded as fact; a time when gods ruled the earth and strange creatures dominated the land. It is the era of civilized conquerors exploring distant and primitive new lands. Scant recordings left to us today only touch on the fringe of the fantastic and brutal reality that existed in those distant lands of the west. Into this age, young Guiamo enters the world stage as the great game-changer, and by his hand the gods and beasts become destined to disappear into myth and legend.

The Chronicles:

Guiamo
In 60 B.C., ten-year-old Guiamo Durmius Stolo, an exceptionally gifted Roman orphan, is abandoned in Gaul . Left to fend for himself, Guiamo is set onto a path of legend. Recognized by the gods as having world-changing talents, he is given a weapon that changes his destiny and the world’s forever. 

Ebeth says, "In telling this story, Best is able to richly lay out the history of the land and the people - and he does so without confusing the reader. That is a gift and a talent."

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Amazon * Amazon UK * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository


Cumoro
Guiamo Durmius Stolo sails in 55 B.C. with Rome’s 7th Legion as Julius Caesar invades Britain. But Caesar has not before encountered the Fomori, a dominion of wicked creatures which wage war against the human inhabitants and dominate much of Britain. Armed with his god-made spear, Guiamo joins with the tribal kings against their Fomori foe when Caesar departs. 

"Just finished Book 2. Any writer who wants to write about epic battles, should read the battle against the orcs. A great example of swordplay and magic combined!"  - Mary Woldering

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Morlanos
Having destroyed the Fomori in Britain , Guiamo Durmius Stolo decides in 51 B.C. to bring the Cruthin people, once slaves to the Fomori, to Ireland , but encounters the Fomori who reside there as well. Guiamo discovers that the gods venerated by the Druids are unworthy. The gods are displeased with him and begin to work against him.

The third book in an excellent series and again the authors understanding and research into the myths and legends add excitement and interest to the story. 

The writer totally enthralls and absorbs the reader into a time gone by and again you feel you are there fighting and wanting to warn Morlanos of the danger he is facing. 

Anyone who is interested in legends and has an vivid imagination and believes strange creatures and magic (or the belief that wizards/witches existed) governed the thoughts of the people and their lifestyles will find this an excellent read. - beckvalleybooks 

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Inis Emain Ablach
In 50 B.C. Guiamo Durmius Stolo finds himself victor over the detested Fomori whose leader, Cichol, is slain and those few who survived are scattered. Guiamo explores the secret places where Cichol kept his most important secrets and discovers there the treasures of Cichol's master, the goddess Domnu.

The author springs yet more surprises and again shows expert research and intense historic knowledge. - beckvalleybooks 

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The Author:

Marshall Best is an avid reader, father of six and business owner. In the past several years he has found his love of writing as well. What began as a desire to write a story for his children has evolved into a nine book series.
Marshall has done extensive research into the history behind the legends, people and places of England, Scotland and Ireland involved in his books. He loves being able to weave real people and legends into his stories making them come alive. He is definitely a writer that tends to the details often mapping out timetables, calendars, geneologies, etc. that pertain to his book to ensure that it is as realistic as possible. 

Marshall also enjoys putting real life issues into his books, delving into a bit of philosophy while entertaining with orcs, dragons, magic and battles. He is someone who loves a grand adventure but makes sure it's not a shallow one.
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