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River of Destiny
From the bestselling author of Time’s Legacy and Lady of Hay comes a thrilling new novel, River of Destiny, an epic story that spans Anglo Saxon Britain, Victorian Suffolk and the present day.
Perfect for fans of Kate Mosse’s Labyrinth.
An Anglo Saxon burial ground that must not be disturbed.
A Victorian tragedy of forbidden love.
And an ancient curse whose power grows ever stronger…
On the banks of the River Deben lies a set of barns dating back to the Anglo Saxons, and within their walls secrets have laid buried for centuries.
Zoe and Ken have just moved into one of the barns, ready to start a new life away from the hustle and bustle of the city. To the outside world they seem like an ordinary couple, but underneath they are growing ever more distant by the day. And the strange presence Zoe feels within their home, and the shapes she sees through the cloying mists on the river are getting harder to ignore.
Whilst farmers are ploughing the land surrounding them, human bones are found and when the police arrive it becomes clear that the remains are much older than first suspected… Are they linked to a Victorian tragedy the locals whisper about? And what should they make of the grassy mound which has remained untouched across many centuries, but has now been disturbed with seemingly devastating consequences?
497 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
146 people are currently reading
1340 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Erskine
55 books1,280 followersAn historian by training, Barbara Erskine is the author of six bestselling novels that demonstrate her interest in both history and the supernatural, plus two collections of short stories. Her books have appeared in at least twenty different languages. She lives with her family in an ancient manor house near Colchester, and in a cottage near Hay-on-Wye.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 281 reviews
July 10, 2012
This is my first foray into Barbara Erskine territory and I'm delighted to report that I will be back for more! I am a big fan of dual time-frame novels and River of Destiny has not just two but three different time frames - one set in the distant past in Anglo-Saxon times, one in the more recent past in the Victorian era and finally, a contemporary narrative set in Suffolk.
Echoes from the past haunt the inhabitants of a group of river-side barn conversions in rural Suffolk. Dutiful wife, Zoe has followed her husband Ken's dream of leaving the rat-race of London and having easier access to his first love, his boat. Zoe is not such a keen sailor but she soon becomes preoccupied by the paranormal activity which plagues their new home. The tension mounts as we gradually hear the stories of past violence and anguish which will inevitably lead to further disaster in the present - these are not friendly ghosts!
Barbara Erskine sure can spin a yarn and she knows how to hook the reader in the first few paragraphs. You feel drawn into the mists of time, back to the Anglo-Saxon settlement, torn between Christian and pagan rituals, back to Victorian times where the spoiled lady of the manor is desperate for an heir and a spare and she doesn't care who, when or where. As is my wont in multiple time-frame novels, I found the contemporary storyline the least engaging but it certainly had an interesting array of personalities from the loud Watts family completed with troubled off-spring, the physically damaged yet charismatic Leo to the interfering busy-body Rosemary.
Yes, it's a bit cliched at times but this is definitely an unputdownable read, not so creepy as to keep you awake but you'll probably still be awake in the wee small hours reading anyway. I can't wait to catch up with Barbara's other novels.
Echoes from the past haunt the inhabitants of a group of river-side barn conversions in rural Suffolk. Dutiful wife, Zoe has followed her husband Ken's dream of leaving the rat-race of London and having easier access to his first love, his boat. Zoe is not such a keen sailor but she soon becomes preoccupied by the paranormal activity which plagues their new home. The tension mounts as we gradually hear the stories of past violence and anguish which will inevitably lead to further disaster in the present - these are not friendly ghosts!
Barbara Erskine sure can spin a yarn and she knows how to hook the reader in the first few paragraphs. You feel drawn into the mists of time, back to the Anglo-Saxon settlement, torn between Christian and pagan rituals, back to Victorian times where the spoiled lady of the manor is desperate for an heir and a spare and she doesn't care who, when or where. As is my wont in multiple time-frame novels, I found the contemporary storyline the least engaging but it certainly had an interesting array of personalities from the loud Watts family completed with troubled off-spring, the physically damaged yet charismatic Leo to the interfering busy-body Rosemary.
Yes, it's a bit cliched at times but this is definitely an unputdownable read, not so creepy as to keep you awake but you'll probably still be awake in the wee small hours reading anyway. I can't wait to catch up with Barbara's other novels.
June 16, 2018
The story is set in the same location, on the banks of a tidal Suffolk river, but the action is split between three eras: 865, Anglo Saxon England, a time of Viking raiders and warrior kings still choosing between the old Gods and the new Christian faith. 1865, where the lord of the manor has a new, cruel, spoiled aristocratic wife who delights in forcing a reluctant young smith into a doomed affair, and the main plot, which takes place in the here and now; the old barns and forge are now peopled by wealthy middle-class incomers - like Zoe, an unhappy wife, dragged from London by her selfish, boat-mad husband, who rediscovers her zest for life in the arms of her neighbour Leo, a former smith who has been badly scarred by an accident at his forge.
River of Destiny is full of Barbara Eskine's trademark themes: ghosts, hauntings and reincarnation. It starts out brilliantly and I was instantly gripped, I thought I was in for a treat; what a shame it quickly became so annoying and silly.
The plot feels badly thought through and dreadfully contrived. The characters are caricatures and each one seems to have a convenient skill that emerges when needed, like the Smith who studied Anglo Saxon and can read runes, and the friend who's a great and accurate psychic - though why she's needed at all is a bit of a mystery because ghosts, hauntings and evil portents litter the plot like paper cups around a KFC and absolutely everyone can see and sense them at all times of the day and night. I do also wonder if Barbara Erskine has ever seen a field-buried Saxon sword? I doubt it, if she thinks such an artifact can be pulled out of the ground intact, dragged about the countryside for a bit before being pushed back down into the soil. I know it's just one bit of nonsense in a book already drowning in silliness and I'm probably the only person who rolled their eyes at this particular lack of attention to detail (but it was fantastically annoying!).
More to the point then, is the odd style. Everything, even dialogue, is written entirely without contractions -
`I thought you had gone without me.'
`I thought you would go there to look for Curlew'
`You are a brave woman Zoe.'
- and I don't understand why; no one speaks like this, it adds nothing to the reading experience. After a very short time it began to make me mad.
In short, River of Destiny is an annoying, chic-litty, soapish piece of nonsense - which is fine, if that's what you're after. It wasn't my cup of tea and I wish I could be more positive because it started so well and maybe that's my problem with it; I was expecting more and I was disappointed.
I debated giving it one star but in the end, decided on two, because it is compelling, a genuine page turner, it would be a terrific mindless holiday read, and if that is what you're after, well then, come on in, the water's lovely.
River of Destiny is full of Barbara Eskine's trademark themes: ghosts, hauntings and reincarnation. It starts out brilliantly and I was instantly gripped, I thought I was in for a treat; what a shame it quickly became so annoying and silly.
The plot feels badly thought through and dreadfully contrived. The characters are caricatures and each one seems to have a convenient skill that emerges when needed, like the Smith who studied Anglo Saxon and can read runes, and the friend who's a great and accurate psychic - though why she's needed at all is a bit of a mystery because ghosts, hauntings and evil portents litter the plot like paper cups around a KFC and absolutely everyone can see and sense them at all times of the day and night. I do also wonder if Barbara Erskine has ever seen a field-buried Saxon sword? I doubt it, if she thinks such an artifact can be pulled out of the ground intact, dragged about the countryside for a bit before being pushed back down into the soil. I know it's just one bit of nonsense in a book already drowning in silliness and I'm probably the only person who rolled their eyes at this particular lack of attention to detail (but it was fantastically annoying!).
More to the point then, is the odd style. Everything, even dialogue, is written entirely without contractions -
`I thought you had gone without me.'
`I thought you would go there to look for Curlew'
`You are a brave woman Zoe.'
- and I don't understand why; no one speaks like this, it adds nothing to the reading experience. After a very short time it began to make me mad.
In short, River of Destiny is an annoying, chic-litty, soapish piece of nonsense - which is fine, if that's what you're after. It wasn't my cup of tea and I wish I could be more positive because it started so well and maybe that's my problem with it; I was expecting more and I was disappointed.
I debated giving it one star but in the end, decided on two, because it is compelling, a genuine page turner, it would be a terrific mindless holiday read, and if that is what you're after, well then, come on in, the water's lovely.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2016
Disappointing.
This book has three time lines – AD 865; AD 1855; and Present day. It was difficult to find real interest in any of the story lines with some only a page and half before jumping into another era. The characters were uninteresting without much depth and eventually I skimmed to the end. Not up to par with Ms. Erskine’s other books which I enjoyed eg. Time’s Legacy or Lady of Hay – both highly recommended.
This book has three time lines – AD 865; AD 1855; and Present day. It was difficult to find real interest in any of the story lines with some only a page and half before jumping into another era. The characters were uninteresting without much depth and eventually I skimmed to the end. Not up to par with Ms. Erskine’s other books which I enjoyed eg. Time’s Legacy or Lady of Hay – both highly recommended.
December 15, 2012
I Really enjoyed this one of Barbara Erskine's and it's one I have no problem recommending. There are 3 story lines braided together and all work very well in tandem. Barbara Erskine is definitely on form here.
August 28, 2014
How can a book with Anglo-Saxon curses and vengeful ghosts go so wrong?
November 25, 2018
Once again, Erskine effortlessly delivers a historical, ghostly narrative that had me intrigued until the final pages. I have read many of Erskine’s novels and very rarely does she write a clanger; this novel was brilliant and very much like her other books.
The narrative is divided across three timescales – present day, Victorian times and Anglo-Saxon England. It is not difficult to keep track of which time you are reading from and the narrative shifts occur easily and progress the plot forwards in a delightful way. Erskine cleverly and only gradually reveals links between all three time periods and it is not until the final pages do all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. This is one of Erskine’s many skills as a writer and a theme she often displays in her time-shifting narratives.
The omnipresent Viking ship and the mystifying fog makes this a perfect wintery read. We feel Zoe and Ken’s disturbances and like them, cannot quite understand what they symbolise. Rosemary’s “footpath” story is chilling and I really could not predict how it would finish. The Victorian setting is a murder mystery in itself and I found myself enjoying how Daniel’s predicament would close. On the other hand, I did not enjoy the Anglo-Saxon storyline as much as the rest and found this slowed the pace of the novel. However, it wasn’t until the end that it really came into its own, as the links were made with present day.
With the River Deben and the surrounding farmlands becoming the centre of this story, it was interesting to read how things changed over time. The forgery and superstitions surrounding the sword never die as time progresses and even Zoe and her friends are affected by long-ago traditions and curses. Jade’s role is rather chilling and I could not predict how the young girl next door would have her place in the concluding parts of the plot. It is these surprises in the narrative that keeps the plot fresh and exciting.
You certainly do not need to be a historian to appreciate this novel. Erskine clearly knows her stuff and writes in a way that is not too dense and off-putting. This was an exciting read and I appreciated how Erskine wove three different stories together. Another ghostly offering, I look forward to reading more of hers in the future.
The narrative is divided across three timescales – present day, Victorian times and Anglo-Saxon England. It is not difficult to keep track of which time you are reading from and the narrative shifts occur easily and progress the plot forwards in a delightful way. Erskine cleverly and only gradually reveals links between all three time periods and it is not until the final pages do all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place. This is one of Erskine’s many skills as a writer and a theme she often displays in her time-shifting narratives.
The omnipresent Viking ship and the mystifying fog makes this a perfect wintery read. We feel Zoe and Ken’s disturbances and like them, cannot quite understand what they symbolise. Rosemary’s “footpath” story is chilling and I really could not predict how it would finish. The Victorian setting is a murder mystery in itself and I found myself enjoying how Daniel’s predicament would close. On the other hand, I did not enjoy the Anglo-Saxon storyline as much as the rest and found this slowed the pace of the novel. However, it wasn’t until the end that it really came into its own, as the links were made with present day.
With the River Deben and the surrounding farmlands becoming the centre of this story, it was interesting to read how things changed over time. The forgery and superstitions surrounding the sword never die as time progresses and even Zoe and her friends are affected by long-ago traditions and curses. Jade’s role is rather chilling and I could not predict how the young girl next door would have her place in the concluding parts of the plot. It is these surprises in the narrative that keeps the plot fresh and exciting.
You certainly do not need to be a historian to appreciate this novel. Erskine clearly knows her stuff and writes in a way that is not too dense and off-putting. This was an exciting read and I appreciated how Erskine wove three different stories together. Another ghostly offering, I look forward to reading more of hers in the future.
March 4, 2013
I love Barbara Erskine books! They are a unique blend of the supernatural, history, and mystery and they never fail to give me the chills! She has a way of developing a chilling atmosphere in her books with cold mists and ghostly echoes from the past.
The novel centers on a modern day couple who have moved to Suffolk to enjoy a more leisure way of life by sailing on the River Deben and settling in to a development of restored historical barns. It doesn't take long for strange events to start frightening the couple.......a ghostly Viking ship that appears in the mists of the river while they're sailing......echoes of horses clopping on cobblestones in the night....
The contemporary setting is the stage for the two historical stories from the past to unfold. The ancient Anglo Saxon tale of a powerful sword and a violent and tragic Victorian tale of forbidden passions came to life and I could not put it down! Awesome!
Why only four stars then? I thought way too much time was spent on unnecessary and uninteresting modern day relationships. The "wow" factor in this novel was definitely the historical threads and they made this a great read.
The novel centers on a modern day couple who have moved to Suffolk to enjoy a more leisure way of life by sailing on the River Deben and settling in to a development of restored historical barns. It doesn't take long for strange events to start frightening the couple.......a ghostly Viking ship that appears in the mists of the river while they're sailing......echoes of horses clopping on cobblestones in the night....
The contemporary setting is the stage for the two historical stories from the past to unfold. The ancient Anglo Saxon tale of a powerful sword and a violent and tragic Victorian tale of forbidden passions came to life and I could not put it down! Awesome!
Why only four stars then? I thought way too much time was spent on unnecessary and uninteresting modern day relationships. The "wow" factor in this novel was definitely the historical threads and they made this a great read.
June 8, 2018
Good holiday read or when you need a break from heavier stuff. Three time frames were unusual so that was a plus, and the whole story did stick together in my opinion. The Anglo-Saxon thread seemed well-researched and I found it interesting. Some characters were a bit OTT (Rosemary and Emily especially), and I found the frequent appearance of the ghost ship a bit much (it felt like it turned up nearly every day, and everyone saw it multiple times) but overall I enjoyed this book. Decent escapist historical fiction :)
September 7, 2012
In River of Destiny Barbara Erskine has cleverly combined stories from three very different time frames:
In Anglo-Saxon Suffolk, we watch as the sword known as Destiny Maker is forged in a land riddled with mistrust and ancient superstition. In nineteenth century Suffolk, local blacksmith Daniel Smith is helpless as Lady Emily Crosby begins her deadly game of sexual dominance. In modern day Suffolk Zoe, Ken and Leo are disturbed by events seemingly out of their control and yet as the evil which haunts them threatens to spoil the very fabric of their life, we start to understand the power of ancient magic.
Barbara Erskine never disappoints her readers. Her ability to weave written magic is present in every word, and the consummate ease with which she threads together all the pieces of the mystery makes for compelling reading.
It's a real treat to get new Barbara Erskine novel- I know that time will stand still, and I won't be able to do much else but read on to the end of the novel - she really is that good !
In Anglo-Saxon Suffolk, we watch as the sword known as Destiny Maker is forged in a land riddled with mistrust and ancient superstition. In nineteenth century Suffolk, local blacksmith Daniel Smith is helpless as Lady Emily Crosby begins her deadly game of sexual dominance. In modern day Suffolk Zoe, Ken and Leo are disturbed by events seemingly out of their control and yet as the evil which haunts them threatens to spoil the very fabric of their life, we start to understand the power of ancient magic.
Barbara Erskine never disappoints her readers. Her ability to weave written magic is present in every word, and the consummate ease with which she threads together all the pieces of the mystery makes for compelling reading.
It's a real treat to get new Barbara Erskine novel- I know that time will stand still, and I won't be able to do much else but read on to the end of the novel - she really is that good !
August 8, 2017
Reading the blurb about this book I expected some creepy sinister paranormal activity, but it turned out somewhat disappointing. Yes there was paranormal activity and even sinister parts but instead of creepy it just came off as kind of dull and just kind of matter of fact. Like reading a history text.
There are 3 different stories being told intermittently. They all focus on the same particular area in Suffolk, England but are set in different time periods. The location is their common denominator.
There's the story of Eric the Blacksmith who is making a sword for his Lord using the traditions of the Gods of Norse Mythology. His story takes place during the time of the Viking Invasions and unfortunately does not have a happy ending.
Then there's Daniel who is also a blacksmith and he is working on the estate of the towns Justice of the Peace and his seriously spoiled bitch of a wife Lady Emily. His story takes place during Victorian times and also does not have a happy ending.
The last story takes place during modern times and is about a couple, Zoë and Ken who have bought a converted barn home on the very property where some of the unhappy stories of the past took place. One in particular is the very spot Dan had endured an "accident". Zoë and Ken start to see and hear strange things in their home. Objects showing up from the past, ghostly apparitions etc. And on top of dealing with their ghostly roommates they have their own personal drama that involves all of their crazy neighbors as well as marital troubles.
Each story was well told it just wasn't what I expected. It just lacked the intrigue and that scary feeling I was anticipating.
There are 3 different stories being told intermittently. They all focus on the same particular area in Suffolk, England but are set in different time periods. The location is their common denominator.
There's the story of Eric the Blacksmith who is making a sword for his Lord using the traditions of the Gods of Norse Mythology. His story takes place during the time of the Viking Invasions and unfortunately does not have a happy ending.
Then there's Daniel who is also a blacksmith and he is working on the estate of the towns Justice of the Peace and his seriously spoiled bitch of a wife Lady Emily. His story takes place during Victorian times and also does not have a happy ending.
The last story takes place during modern times and is about a couple, Zoë and Ken who have bought a converted barn home on the very property where some of the unhappy stories of the past took place. One in particular is the very spot Dan had endured an "accident". Zoë and Ken start to see and hear strange things in their home. Objects showing up from the past, ghostly apparitions etc. And on top of dealing with their ghostly roommates they have their own personal drama that involves all of their crazy neighbors as well as marital troubles.
Each story was well told it just wasn't what I expected. It just lacked the intrigue and that scary feeling I was anticipating.
July 14, 2012
Ken and Zoe have moved from London to rural Suffolk to a set of barn conversions on the river Deben, so that Ken can have more time with his boat. Zoe wasn't too keen on the move, she isn't that interested in sailing but hasn't told her husband until long after they've moved and the deed is done.
There are three barns on their complex, along with The Old Forge, which once belonged to the Victorian hall that is nearby, now converted into luxury apartments. Ken and Zoe have The Old Barn, next to them we have Rosemary and Steve in the one next door, Rosemary a keen crusader to get a footpath reinstated through Dead Man's Field. The Summer Barn is a holiday home for the Watts' family and their wild children. Leo, a blacksmith scarred from an accident now lives at the Old Forge, though he is no longer working as one.
Soon after they move, Zoe hears noises and sees a viking ship sailing up the river quite frequently. At first she thinks it's part of some sort of re-enactment or regatta, but there isn't one and she finds a picture of the ship in a Victorian book.
As well as the modern era, we have intertwined stories from the Victorian and Anglo-Saxon times as well.
I'd consider myself a fan of Barbara Erskine; I've read all of her other books and loved them. This one, not so much. There are so many POV shifts, sometimes within the same paragraph, never mind the same chapter, that you're hard pressed to wonder whose opinion you should be feeling at that time.
In the Victorian timeline we have POVs from Daniel, the blackmsith, his wife Susan, Lady Emily from the Hall, her husband Henry, Susan's sister Molly to name a few, all this within a few pages! The blurb on the back said about the Victorian timeline "a case of forbidden love". It wasn't forbidden love, it wasn't love at all! The blacksmith was forced into it with Lady Emily because she threatened to have him and his wife sacked if he didn't do it. That doesn't sound like any sort of love to me. There was even a scene between Daniel and Lady Emily that was supposed to be passionate and sexy. Sorry, being coerced into it wasn't sexy at all.
There were so many characters having affairs in this book that it became laughable rather than dramatic, more like a farce than a novel. The dialogue is stiff and stilted. How many modern people in real life speak without contractions?
So was there anything I liked about the book? Yes, I loved the part set in Anglo-Saxon times, Edith was one of the more sympathetic characters and I really liked her. But that was the part we got to see least. You were just getting into the scene and bam! we're back to the present, or back to the Victorians.
I'm disappointed. It reads almost as if someone else has written this under the author's name.
There are three barns on their complex, along with The Old Forge, which once belonged to the Victorian hall that is nearby, now converted into luxury apartments. Ken and Zoe have The Old Barn, next to them we have Rosemary and Steve in the one next door, Rosemary a keen crusader to get a footpath reinstated through Dead Man's Field. The Summer Barn is a holiday home for the Watts' family and their wild children. Leo, a blacksmith scarred from an accident now lives at the Old Forge, though he is no longer working as one.
Soon after they move, Zoe hears noises and sees a viking ship sailing up the river quite frequently. At first she thinks it's part of some sort of re-enactment or regatta, but there isn't one and she finds a picture of the ship in a Victorian book.
As well as the modern era, we have intertwined stories from the Victorian and Anglo-Saxon times as well.
I'd consider myself a fan of Barbara Erskine; I've read all of her other books and loved them. This one, not so much. There are so many POV shifts, sometimes within the same paragraph, never mind the same chapter, that you're hard pressed to wonder whose opinion you should be feeling at that time.
In the Victorian timeline we have POVs from Daniel, the blackmsith, his wife Susan, Lady Emily from the Hall, her husband Henry, Susan's sister Molly to name a few, all this within a few pages! The blurb on the back said about the Victorian timeline "a case of forbidden love". It wasn't forbidden love, it wasn't love at all! The blacksmith was forced into it with Lady Emily because she threatened to have him and his wife sacked if he didn't do it. That doesn't sound like any sort of love to me. There was even a scene between Daniel and Lady Emily that was supposed to be passionate and sexy. Sorry, being coerced into it wasn't sexy at all.
There were so many characters having affairs in this book that it became laughable rather than dramatic, more like a farce than a novel. The dialogue is stiff and stilted. How many modern people in real life speak without contractions?
So was there anything I liked about the book? Yes, I loved the part set in Anglo-Saxon times, Edith was one of the more sympathetic characters and I really liked her. But that was the part we got to see least. You were just getting into the scene and bam! we're back to the present, or back to the Victorians.
I'm disappointed. It reads almost as if someone else has written this under the author's name.
February 20, 2013
A delicately interwoven narrative that cleverly combines exquisite historical detail with inspired creative vision.
Refreshingly original and multi-layered this spinechilling Ghostly thriller has an archaic, gothic feel to it that is disturbingly magnetic. I was drawn into a sinister mystery reminiscent of BBC television drama series ‘Marchlands’ wherein ancient Anglo-Saxon barns conceal shocking secrets that intrigue and enchant. As Zoe and Ken sense the unnerving presence which becomes gradually discernible, you soon become lost within a compelling, hypnotizing saga of substance and complexity. Switching between alternating time-frames and journeying into the heart of Suffolk’s indistinct history, whereby gaining several perspectives on the River Deben ultimately intensifies your reading experience to impressive proportions.
Interweaving classic contemporary fiction with a delicate supernatural ambiance, this exceptional novel reaches out to a wide readership by beautifully merging together varying genres. Sexual dominance in a non-subversive nineteenth-century world to a time of superstition and ancient magic, this supremely singular and uniquely identifiable novel takes you on an acutely dreamlike journey of the heart. Atmospheric and profoundly evocative, anyone seeking a sensational encounter and gloriously assured narrative will be enlightened.
Barbara Erskine, Highly acclaimed author of ‘Lady of Hay’, has triumphed once again with an ambitious literary masterpiece!
*I was sent an ARC (Advance Reading Copy) by ‘Love Reading’ to read and review*
www.lovereading.co.uk
Refreshingly original and multi-layered this spinechilling Ghostly thriller has an archaic, gothic feel to it that is disturbingly magnetic. I was drawn into a sinister mystery reminiscent of BBC television drama series ‘Marchlands’ wherein ancient Anglo-Saxon barns conceal shocking secrets that intrigue and enchant. As Zoe and Ken sense the unnerving presence which becomes gradually discernible, you soon become lost within a compelling, hypnotizing saga of substance and complexity. Switching between alternating time-frames and journeying into the heart of Suffolk’s indistinct history, whereby gaining several perspectives on the River Deben ultimately intensifies your reading experience to impressive proportions.
Interweaving classic contemporary fiction with a delicate supernatural ambiance, this exceptional novel reaches out to a wide readership by beautifully merging together varying genres. Sexual dominance in a non-subversive nineteenth-century world to a time of superstition and ancient magic, this supremely singular and uniquely identifiable novel takes you on an acutely dreamlike journey of the heart. Atmospheric and profoundly evocative, anyone seeking a sensational encounter and gloriously assured narrative will be enlightened.
Barbara Erskine, Highly acclaimed author of ‘Lady of Hay’, has triumphed once again with an ambitious literary masterpiece!
*I was sent an ARC (Advance Reading Copy) by ‘Love Reading’ to read and review*
www.lovereading.co.uk
August 25, 2012
I was super excited when I saw a new novel from Barbara Erskine and as I love her novels, it was a quick grab off the shelf for me. And I do love dual time-frame novels but I was a bit sceptical when I first started reading and it was not just two time frames – but three!!! Phew! I wasn’t sure how I would handle it – but once you get into River of Destiny, it really flows nicely and you never get lost where you are up to. There is 865 AD - Anglo-Saxon/Viking times, 1865 more recent past in the Victorian era and lastly, modern day set in Suffolk.
I probably would have given this novel 4 ½ stars except it took me a little while to get into 865AD – whereas the other two time-zones I was completely into straight away. The characters were a mixture of good and bad, some you like and some you don’t and the pace skipped along nicely – executed really well as echoes of past times make themselves known! There were a few unanswered questions at the end also…….a couple of more chapters would have been wonderful! But a great read…..
I probably would have given this novel 4 ½ stars except it took me a little while to get into 865AD – whereas the other two time-zones I was completely into straight away. The characters were a mixture of good and bad, some you like and some you don’t and the pace skipped along nicely – executed really well as echoes of past times make themselves known! There were a few unanswered questions at the end also…….a couple of more chapters would have been wonderful! But a great read…..
January 28, 2013
Every Barbara Erskine book I have read since "Lady of Hay" has been a little disappointing compared to it. However, she still manages to weave a spooky ghost story with historical events, although her heroine in nearly every book is weak. I still found this book to be a good yarn.
December 24, 2019
Absolutely loved this story...not only is it old England history but a beautifully woven tale of lives affected by the ancient spirits. I was completely absorbed into the different eras and the people within them. Superb writing.
I will certainly be finding more by Barbara Erskine!
I will certainly be finding more by Barbara Erskine!
April 21, 2018
As soon as I opened this book, I was instantly sucked in. So many mysteries emanated from what, on the surface, seemed like an idyllic English countryside but in reality, was a churning hotbed of unresolved historical unrest. There was an unmanned Viking Longship that sailed up the local river without any wind, haunted converted barn homes that dated back centuries, a piece of exposed original flooring that provided a portal into the past, sorcerers practicing magic & worshiping ancient Gods, etc., etc. Sounds amazing, right? And it was all the way up to the end. This writer is killing me. She wove a beautiful story but when it came to the ending, Iyiyi!!!!! I can only suppose she assumed her readers enjoy wrapping all the loose ends in a book up by themselves ~ BUT I DON'T!!!! I want my ends tied in a bow, served on a platter, with no "sides" of ambiguity about them! Now I have to stew about what really happened and conjure up all sorts of scenarios in my head until I get a migraine from the process & the possibilities.
Did the little "monster" neighbor girl end up in a psychiatric ward where she belonged?? Did the interfering, grave defiler, Rosemary die? or live?? (when the sorcerer declared the curse could be lifted because the debt was paid??) I loved the thrill & mysticism of the Viking Ship appearing in the river with the mists but why it was there didn't get wrapped AT ALL for me. The Vikings came, they raided, they razed the village & they departed. Seemed pretty cut & dried to me? What then caused their souls to be so uneasy it kept them sailing back up the river instead of resting in peace? None of the three brilliantly intertwined stories involved a Viking ~ other than referencing the raid. Do you see what I mean??!! So there was closure on what happened to Daniel & Lady Emily, upon discovering their bodies ~ but that fantastical sword, removed toward the end of the story & then replaced, laid where it was supposed to for hundreds of years. Why then does replacing it back where it always was, suddenly give the river peace??? I *need* a one-on-one chat with the author! Seriously.
Ms Erskine wove three separate stories together, all taking place on the same piece of property over the span of approximately a thousand years ~ seamlessly. It really was a terrific read. She's an incredible storyteller, I just need her to refine the ending!!! I was 100% captivated & each time I had to put the book down, I couldn't wait to get back to it & discover the answers to all the paranormal happenings. I would have given it 5 stars except there were too many unanswered questions for me to click that last star. I guess I should be satisfied that Zoe got a happy ending and let everything else go....or maybe one of my GR's friends will read the book & interpret (twist the threads together) differently/better than I did? Anyone??
Did the little "monster" neighbor girl end up in a psychiatric ward where she belonged?? Did the interfering, grave defiler, Rosemary die? or live?? (when the sorcerer declared the curse could be lifted because the debt was paid??) I loved the thrill & mysticism of the Viking Ship appearing in the river with the mists but why it was there didn't get wrapped AT ALL for me. The Vikings came, they raided, they razed the village & they departed. Seemed pretty cut & dried to me? What then caused their souls to be so uneasy it kept them sailing back up the river instead of resting in peace? None of the three brilliantly intertwined stories involved a Viking ~ other than referencing the raid. Do you see what I mean??!! So there was closure on what happened to Daniel & Lady Emily, upon discovering their bodies ~ but that fantastical sword, removed toward the end of the story & then replaced, laid where it was supposed to for hundreds of years. Why then does replacing it back where it always was, suddenly give the river peace??? I *need* a one-on-one chat with the author! Seriously.
Ms Erskine wove three separate stories together, all taking place on the same piece of property over the span of approximately a thousand years ~ seamlessly. It really was a terrific read. She's an incredible storyteller, I just need her to refine the ending!!! I was 100% captivated & each time I had to put the book down, I couldn't wait to get back to it & discover the answers to all the paranormal happenings. I would have given it 5 stars except there were too many unanswered questions for me to click that last star. I guess I should be satisfied that Zoe got a happy ending and let everything else go....or maybe one of my GR's friends will read the book & interpret (twist the threads together) differently/better than I did? Anyone??
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 29, 2024
Really enjoyed this book, haven't read anything historical in a while & found this one easy to get into
April 14, 2024
I do enjoy her books, once I start reading I have a job to put it down.
June 4, 2023
This is a story with three timelines, the present, Victorian Suffolk and Anglo-Saxon Suffolk.
I really enjoyed having these linked timelines and stories. The setting by The River Deben in Suffolk, close to Sutton Hoo made for a great backdrop too, although I felt more could’ve been made of this.
It was a good story, which I enjoyed, but felt a little more historical detail would have moved this to a 5, rather than 4 star rating. Some of the present day timeline storyline felt a bit far fetched and unbelievable but overall, well written.
I love Barbara’s work but feel a little of the impact of her earlier books has diluted over the years.
All in all, a nice, easy read.
I really enjoyed having these linked timelines and stories. The setting by The River Deben in Suffolk, close to Sutton Hoo made for a great backdrop too, although I felt more could’ve been made of this.
It was a good story, which I enjoyed, but felt a little more historical detail would have moved this to a 5, rather than 4 star rating. Some of the present day timeline storyline felt a bit far fetched and unbelievable but overall, well written.
I love Barbara’s work but feel a little of the impact of her earlier books has diluted over the years.
All in all, a nice, easy read.
July 18, 2023
Flawless writing, as usual. However, I had a hard time finding a definitive storyline. The kids next door, among other characters didn't have an important role in moving the story anywhere. Even the ghost ship, which is a central point in the story, felt disconnected from it all.
September 5, 2012
I love Barbara Erskine and am slowly replacing my paperbacks with kindle versions so that I have them all with me all the time. I had pre-ordered the Kindle version of this book as I couldn't wait for it to hit bookstores in Australia (and sell out before I managed to drag myself into one). It took a little time to get into the story as Barbara told her tale from three different centuries - I found it hard to 'connect' with the characters at first as just when I started to feel an affinity with them - woosh, I was off to another century. This isn't a negative comment regarding her writing - it's my downfall, I am always the same with books that jump back and forth.
Without giving anything away, the story in itself was a good tale although somewhat predictable. I just didn't feel the ghostly, supernatural, spine tingle that I normally do when reading her books - and I missed it. There were so many characters that it took some time to reveal their true personalities and a couple of them came across as quite unbelievable to me. Daniel seemed to have a 'moral compass' transplant almost immediately which made him come across as shallow, Rosemary made me want to jump into my Kindle and slap some common sense into her and Sharon needed a book on good parenting with sick children. I loved the setting though and as usual Barbara whisked me away to be immersed in the Suffolk countryside with no effort at all. I found myself putting off daily chores to read 'just one more chapter' and thought about the book/characters while not reading which is an indication of a good writer to me.
Fans of Barbara Erskine will rejoice at this latest addition to their bookshelves. It was a pleasant read and a breath of fresh air after reading the 'Fifty shades of dribble' trilogy. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romantic mystery spanned across time with a slight supernatural twist.
Without giving anything away, the story in itself was a good tale although somewhat predictable. I just didn't feel the ghostly, supernatural, spine tingle that I normally do when reading her books - and I missed it. There were so many characters that it took some time to reveal their true personalities and a couple of them came across as quite unbelievable to me. Daniel seemed to have a 'moral compass' transplant almost immediately which made him come across as shallow, Rosemary made me want to jump into my Kindle and slap some common sense into her and Sharon needed a book on good parenting with sick children. I loved the setting though and as usual Barbara whisked me away to be immersed in the Suffolk countryside with no effort at all. I found myself putting off daily chores to read 'just one more chapter' and thought about the book/characters while not reading which is an indication of a good writer to me.
Fans of Barbara Erskine will rejoice at this latest addition to their bookshelves. It was a pleasant read and a breath of fresh air after reading the 'Fifty shades of dribble' trilogy. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a romantic mystery spanned across time with a slight supernatural twist.
April 8, 2013
Barbara Erskine is so very good at what she does – open one of her books and you know you’ll be dipping into history, there will be strong characters and stories in all the time frames, there will be a touch of magic and supernatural, some romance, and that you’ll find it unputdownable and enjoy every page. This one was no exception – I’ve been travelling from modern Suffolk to Anglo Saxon and Victorian Britain for several days now, and have just reached the wholly satisfying ending, not wanting to put it down.
Zoe and Ken move to a barn conversion in Suffolk, where Ken can indulge his love of sailing – a love Zoe doesn’t share, and she also has to give up a job she loved. The barn is one of three – one occupied by Rosemary (who has an obsession with reinstating rural footpaths, alienating the locals) and John, the other by the Watts family from hell. Nearby lives Leo, a former smith scarred in an accident, initially standoffish and remote, who has an interest in local history. The couple discover that the previous owners moved out because of ghostly echoes from the past, and Zoe soon hears the clinking of bridles, smells the hay and hears the movement of horses – followed by the repeated reappearance of a Viking ship in the river mist.
There are two story threads from the past. The first is set in Anglo Saxon times, one featuring Eric who makes a sword called Destiny Maker in a world torn between magic and Christianity. The other thread features Daniel the blacksmith, pursued by a wonderful boo-hiss villain called Lady Emily Crosby. The stories intertwine with the consummate ease brought about by a master storyteller.
The whole book is a really lovely read – excellent stories really well told, just unsettling enough with the echoes of ancient evil emerging in the present day, involving and exciting, and a wonderful way to escape from the real world for a while. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Zoe and Ken move to a barn conversion in Suffolk, where Ken can indulge his love of sailing – a love Zoe doesn’t share, and she also has to give up a job she loved. The barn is one of three – one occupied by Rosemary (who has an obsession with reinstating rural footpaths, alienating the locals) and John, the other by the Watts family from hell. Nearby lives Leo, a former smith scarred in an accident, initially standoffish and remote, who has an interest in local history. The couple discover that the previous owners moved out because of ghostly echoes from the past, and Zoe soon hears the clinking of bridles, smells the hay and hears the movement of horses – followed by the repeated reappearance of a Viking ship in the river mist.
There are two story threads from the past. The first is set in Anglo Saxon times, one featuring Eric who makes a sword called Destiny Maker in a world torn between magic and Christianity. The other thread features Daniel the blacksmith, pursued by a wonderful boo-hiss villain called Lady Emily Crosby. The stories intertwine with the consummate ease brought about by a master storyteller.
The whole book is a really lovely read – excellent stories really well told, just unsettling enough with the echoes of ancient evil emerging in the present day, involving and exciting, and a wonderful way to escape from the real world for a while. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
June 26, 2015
I have been wanting to read books by this author for a long time. Finally, I decided that it was time and, I am now addicted to her writing and trying to figure out how to get all her other books!
First, let me say that I love historical fiction. It's the place I always come back to for books that can satisfy my thirst for knowledge of other times and places. This book was totally amazing. It had two separate historic periods (Anglo-Saxon & Victorian) plots, plus a modern storyline. So I was reading three storylines all of which come together in the most interesting way. The characters are all complex, with lives that are told with great detail.
All in all, this was a great historical novel and I highly recommend it to everyone.
First, let me say that I love historical fiction. It's the place I always come back to for books that can satisfy my thirst for knowledge of other times and places. This book was totally amazing. It had two separate historic periods (Anglo-Saxon & Victorian) plots, plus a modern storyline. So I was reading three storylines all of which come together in the most interesting way. The characters are all complex, with lives that are told with great detail.
All in all, this was a great historical novel and I highly recommend it to everyone.
June 28, 2013
I found it difficult to buy into the story. The characters in every era were too far fetched. I can't add too much more without revealing plot details which would completely ruin any future reader's enjoyment as finding out what happens next is the only enjoyment this book brings, certainly for me anyway. By the end I began not to care whether the 'ancient evil' was resolved or not and felt increasingly irritated at the author's dumbing down of religion to a godless karma based hodge podge. However, that said, I can see some readers finding this story completely enthralling, alas, I was not one of them.
October 21, 2012
I had never heard of Barbara Erskine but was intrigued by this book because it featured a tumulus. I expected to read about archaeology and life in Saxon Britain. Those elements were there, but I think the author missed an opportunity to create for the reader a story of the ancient magic of smithcraft and its remains in the present day. Instead, we have an unwieldy creation with way too much about women wanting to get pregnant. There are also way too many characters, few of whom are memorable. A disappointment.
July 13, 2012
Her book, "Child of the Phoenix", is one of my all time favorite books. It was such a well done story and i loved it! For me, this latest book was just o.k. I liked the unique setting and I was initially drawn into the story, but the 2nd half of the book was a disappointment. I liked Zoe and Leo, I just felt that some of the contemporary story was a bit far fetched. The outcome for most of the main characters in the historical setting was not what I was expecting either.
May 31, 2013
This is the only book I've read with 3 different time frames. The symbols at the top of each section meant you knew instantly where you were and made it easy to follow.
Each section was enjoyable in it's own right and the Anglo Saxon and Victorian storylines were brought into the contemporary story to bring it all together.
A good read!
Each section was enjoyable in it's own right and the Anglo Saxon and Victorian storylines were brought into the contemporary story to bring it all together.
A good read!
March 14, 2015
Not something I'd typically read - a book club choice, but that said, it kept me compelled to the end. I loved ithat it moved between three timelines, and really felt empathy with the key characters. I just admit though, I wanted a little more from the finale, but maybe because my own imagination got the better if me!
October 3, 2012
Erskine certainly knows how to put a story together that can hook and scare you all at the same time. The "darkness" of her novels always give me pause but there is just something about the characters and the storyline that I just can't resist!
March 26, 2013
Really enjoyed this book. The three entwined stories worked so well as the lives from the present overlapped with the lives from the past. A very intriguing mystery was solved and Barbara Erskine has created another chilling novel. A perfect read!
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