The Rise of Synne

by LP O'Bryan

"Historical fiction at its finest."

1066: While England reels from invasion, one young woman rises.

In the chaotic aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, Synne, an orphan healer, chooses a dangerous path. She has royal blood in her veins, but can she survive long enough to rescue her sisters?

Soon she becomes entangled with Magnus, the arrogant son of the fallen King Harold. He offers her a dangerous mission.

Driven by a fiery determination to rescue her sisters from slavers, Synne agrees and becomes a spy in the enemy's camp. Her inherited seer's gift lies untapped, a powerful force waiting to be unleashed.

Captured by the man destined to be King of England, William the Conqueror, Synne finds herself before the assembled nobility at William's coronation feast, branded a traitor.

In a world where alliances are shifting sands, Synne must fight for her life. But why does her accuser want her dead, and what has her involvement with Magnus got to do with it?

Dive into a rich saga where history and destiny collide.

If you enjoy the novels of Elizabeth Chadwick, Philippa Gregory or Anne O’Brien, you will love this.

Praise for LP O’Bryan’s

‘O’Bryan is a master storyteller providing us a view rarely seen in historical fiction.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Verified Reviewer

“A brisk plot...which draws the reader into a conspiratorial rapport…' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Telegraph

‘The strength of this novel handsdown is the author’s fabulous characterizations and precision details.’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Verified Reviewer

‘…well written, beautifully descriptive, and with a smart dialogue and a compelling air of menace throughout.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Lancashire Evening Post

‘I didn't know what to expect going into the book, it being a historical fiction and all, and I have loved every bit of it wanting more even as I was reading the last sentence' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazon Verified Reviewer

Genres: Historical Fiction, British Literature

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2024

Reviews

[Tammi Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The overall tale of Synne, a healer at the time of William the Conqueror who invaded England in 1066, told of Synne’s quest to find her sisters who had been taken as slaves after their mother had been killed. On her journey, she was acknowledged as a healer and asked to help others around her. She becomes increasingly involved with the politics of the old and new courts and becomes an enemy spy.
The story itself was fine and I enjoyed reading about the time period; what I did have a hard time with, however, was the sentence structure-many sentences were short and choppy or relied on cliches and tired words. A strong editor would make this a really good book.
Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for permitting this book to be a Read Now to help members develop their Feedback Ratio in exchange for an honest review.

Review Summary:
Set directly following the events of the 1066 Battle of Hastings in England this story follows the healer Synne, a recent convert to Christianity from Norse paganism, as she tries to survive the war between the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans. We follow her as she navigates between the different allegiances within the Anglo-Saxon forces who must become allied to face the Norman threat, while also trying to find her missing sisters. A mysterious threat from the Danes also pursues her, a threat she cannot yet explain. All the while she battles with an inappropriate attraction to King Harold's son Magnus. Synne must also avoid being mistaken as a Seer, a talent that many healers including her mother are blessed with but she has not been able to wield herself. If this power does linger within her she must protect herself from exploitation of this ability.
Positives are that I really enjoyed the writing style of this book. It is different to a lot of books I've read recently and I found it refreshing. The world-building captured the time period well and was obviously well researched. There was a captivating story with action from the start and it felt well paced.
The negatives are that the characterisation was a little underdeveloped and the insta-love romance unconvincing.

3 stars for being an engaging start to a planned trilogy with an intriguing story with a well-researched and developed world, but lacking in some characterisation and suffering with a flat romance plot.

FULL REVIEW BELOW - SPOILERS HIDDEN FOR DESKTOP USERS ONLY. APP USERS BE AWARE.

World-building:
The world is set in Anglo-Saxon England, a few years after the dissolution of the Danelaw and directly following the death of Harold Godwinson in the Battle of Hastings. His sons, Magnus and Edmund are now faced up against the invading Normans to fight for the throne of England. I have a personal love for this particular time period in History so this was right up my alley. I was really able to envision Anglo-Saxon England through the author's writing, down to the little details such as the floors made of rushes, the tents made of leather, the celebrations of Yule and All Hallows and doors framed with animal skulls. The interactions between the opposing warbands and the politics surrounding the crown felt realistic and the depictions of battle and particularly Synne's role as a healer were really immersive. Synne's treatment as a woman played into this too, particularly in how the men she encountered spoke to her or physically intimidated her.

Characterisation:
This is where I felt the book was let down. The vast majority of the characters felt very one-dimensional and as a result the relationships formed between the characters felt quite stale. Synne is depicted as bolder and braver than the other 'typical' women in her world with a brazen acid tongue. She never allows herself to show fear or weakness and is fiercely loyal. She is a clever tactician and able to analyse situations well or escape tricky situations. However she does not come across as a particularly relatable or likeable character. Her audaciousness rarely gives her a sense of humour or makes her admirable, but instead makes her feel a bit bland. You're also left wondering how she gets away with talking to these powerful, threatening people when she speaks to them so out of turn, or why she pushes her luck so much as a clever person. Her love interest is Magnus, and unfortunately he is very flat. There is maybe one conversation where he shows a sense of humour and the author tries to depict him as more respectful and sensitive towards women than the other men in his proxy, but he ends up just being very boring. So boring in fact their insta-love feels pretty unjustified because they barely interact. The only character that it feels she has a genuine connection with is Ulf, although it is never really explained why he feels as fiercely protective of her as he is. They at least seem to have a somewhat playful relationship while Ulf simultaneously tries to reign in her impulsivity. Villains include Earl Morcam, Earl Edwin's concubine Catheryn and the Norman Duke William's brother Odo. While these characters did create a sense of peril, with scenes involving them genuinely leaving me holding my breath at points, their scenes are quite short and I found myself more curious about the background characters such as Duke William (William the Conqueror), Magnus' brother Edmund or his concubine Elva.

Story:
I loved the story, and I loved that it tried to stay largely historically accurate. Synne's motivations are established very early on, and we watch her navigating trauma and adversity within the first few chapters. We then have The Infiltration trope, one of my guilty pleasures. Lots happens here. We see Synne making some risky choices and agreements and trusting the wrong people, with disastrous consequences. She makes a blood-oath with Catheryne, becoming her 'blood sister'. Only for Catheryne to then attempt to force her into a marriage with Earl Morcam. She then manages to escape, only to later on have to fight Catheryne in a Holmgang to get out of this agreement.. We have the classic forbidden love trope, with some really great angst scenes that would have been fabulous had their relationship been developed better. We have battle scenes, ransoms, fake-outs. But it was all still so well paced despite there being so much action. We also had introductions to the storylines that will be in book two, which I will definitely be reading. We now know where Synne's missing sisters are and know she is being actively pursued by the Danes due to a still yet unknown connection through her Dane father. We also know that Synne does possess the powers of a Seer, which up to the end of the book had only been hinted at through her mother's voice communicating to her in her mind..

Prose:
The writing style of this book is very different to things I have read recently by trying to capture the medieval, Old English feel while still using modern English. There were a couple of moments that felt a little jarring, namely characters suddenly taking on a more 'common' dialogue reminiscent of modern-day colloquialisms, such as saying 'proper careful' which is reminiscent of Northern accents or 'I guess' which we use a lot in modern language. It just felt out of place when these particular characters had largely spoken in a more archaic style and we hadn't learnt which region the characters were from which could have justified it a little more. This only happened a handful of times so I could see past it pretty easily. There was a few too many mentions of the floor being made of rushes, it started to make me giggle a little. There were also times where characters laughed when I hadn't realised something funny had been said, or when characters would stick their tongues out when I hadn't realised they were having a light-hearted silly interaction. This led into the characterisation issues where I felt some of the personalities of the characters didn't translate very well through their dialogue. Other than that I found it very readable.

[Kim Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished the final stave of The Rise of Synne by L.P. O’Bryan, which I have been reading with The Pigeonhole, and what a satisfying read! I never learned much about eleventh century history at school, just a bit about the Battle of Hastings, and anything else I picked up from museums and television programmes, so it was interesting to read a well-researched book about the period. It was a blood-thirsty and turbulent time, but the British Isles had been invaded many times before that, and its inhabitants were resilient. I enjoyed following the healer and possible seer Synne’s path on her mission to rescue her sisters from slavers, how she met and became attached to Magnus, one of King Harold’s sons, became a spy for him and his brother, and ultimately fight for her life in front of William the Conqueror and his men. This book is full of intrigue and secrets, past and present, which lead Synne to discover something about her own lineage, and possibly the reason she is being hunted by the Danes. The thing I like most about this book is the way O’Bryan has captured Synne's voice in the first person narrator. A little more editing wouldn’t go amiss, though.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in 1066 just after the Battle of Hastings, this is the story of Synne, a healer, who is the daughter of a seer. She is searching for her sisters who have been captured by Danish slavers whilst also becoming a spy for the brothers of the recently deceased King Harold. She then ends up fighting for her life when William the Conqueror takes the throne. These are the least of her adventures.

I enjoyed this book, although I did find it a little disjointed at times as there were gaps in the story which weren’t explained. It’s told in the first person by Synne herself - I liked her voice and found myself cheering her on throughout the tale. She goes on quite the journey. It’s well researched and interesting to read. I haven’t read many books set during this era and it’s a period in time I know little about, so it was great to immerse myself in the 11thC world and gain some knowledge.

I read this book via the Pigeonhole app, one stave every day over ten days. I looked forward to each instalment and I now look forward to reading book two in the series, The Power of Synne.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was this the end of the beginning? Against all odds, William, Duke of Normandy, emerged as the winner in a battle where Harold Godwinson and his Anglo-Saxon army were favoured to win. Now, Harold was dead, his body mutilated, and those who survived the fray were fleeing towards the relatively safety of London where they could regroup and decide the next course of action.

Among their number was Synne and her brother Stefan. After the murder of their mother, the capture of their sisters, and the banishment from the only home they knew, Synne, and Stefan, travel across the country. Synne is a gifted healer, and healers are always in demand. Synne holds onto the hope that someone, somewhere, has information about the location of their sisters, Tate and Gytha. It was why they had joined Harold and his army in the first place. Unfortunately, Harold’s death meant that the possibility of finding her sisters was dwindling with each passing minute. But Synne was not one to give up easily.

Despite Stefan’s urging, Synne chooses to stay and see if any of the nobility has survived before the Normans catch up to them. This decision would change the course of her life forever.

LP O’Bryan’s The Rise of Synne is a gripping account of war, betrayal, and the unbreakable bond of kinship. O’Bryan’s novel, based on real events and includes many historical figures, is poised to captivate readers with its brilliance, authenticity, and historical precision.

O’Bryan possesses an instinctive comprehension of history’s captivating allure. The Battle of Hastings irrevocably changed the course of England’s future and signalled the near end of Anglo-Saxon rule. Still, the victory at Hastings was not the singular event that established William as king. After the battle, he had to solidify his position and form alliances with English nobility, while neutralizing any potential challenges to his aspirations. O’Bryan’s story begins where the battle ends, and what an extraordinary story it is! The attention to the smallest historical detail demonstrates the hours of research that have gone into writing this book. Such dedication is to be praised for this novel screams authenticity and makes this book all the more appealing.

The narrative features a highly appealing ensemble of characters. Told in the first person, the reader experiences the events of this story through the eyes of Synne. Synne treads a fine line between the spiritual world and the religious one. The prophecy stated that she would follow in her mother’s footsteps as a seer. However, due to her mother’s identity, she has experienced profound and inexplicable heartbreak, which makes her cautious of men of the cloth especially at the start. She has to hold her ground again and again and convince them she is a good Christian woman and not a threat. Initially, there is suspicion in her relationship with the monk, Ulf, but it transitions into trust as the story unfolds, unlike her encounters with a certain Norman clergyman!

Synne, despite her healing background, becomes embroiled in a tragic power struggle. This struggle involves not just the Anglo-Saxons and the Normans, but also the Anglo-Saxon nobility who are torn between national interests and personal gain. Who should they stand with, the Norman outsider or the hastily approved Witan appointed Edgar Ætheling? The illustration of the Earls of Mercia and Northumbria was stunning, highlighting their deceitful nature in their interactions with the House of Godwinson. In the same way, Harold’s other children, Edmund and Magnus, grapple with diverse personal beliefs in which direction to take, but they maintain a united front as a family, at least publicly. The portrayal of these historical figures greatly enhanced the story’s credibility and made it an absolutely captivating read.

Although the looming threat of William, Duke of Normandy, persists throughout the book, readers only meet him near the end of the novel. The combination of his arrogance, ambition, and battle prowess propelled him to his current status. He is no man’s fool and knows when to withdraw and when to advance. Although when he withdraws the local population pays a heavy price. Similar to historical events, William seizes control of the treasury in Winchester, giving him an advantage over Harold’s followers who are regrouping in London. The novel expertly showcases this advantage, revealing that even supposed allies can be bought if the price is right.

In my opinion, this book struck the perfect balance between history and fiction. The Rise of Synne by LP O'Bryan, is so captivating that once you begin reading it, you won’t want to stop. There’s no such thing as too much when historical fiction is written like this. This story is brilliant from beginning to end and will leave a lasting impression on you. Without question, this is a book that requires your undivided attention until the final full stop. Discovering that this novel is part of a series was a delightful surprise, and I am eagerly anticipating reading the other books in what is sure to be a memorable saga.

Yarde Book Reviews & Book Promotions

[Nessa’s Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: The Rise of Synne

Author: LP O'Bryan
Genre: Historical Saga, Romance

Rating: ★★★★½

Amidst the chaos and upheaval of the Battle of Hastings, LP O'Bryan introduces us to an unforgettable heroine in "The Rise of Synne."

This historical saga is a captivating blend of intrigue, danger, and resilience, earning it a well-deserved 4.5 stars.


In the tumultuous aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, Synne, an orphaned healer with royal blood, embarks on a perilous journey to rescue her sisters from slavers. Her path crosses with Magnus, the proud and determined son of the fallen King Harold, who offers her a risky mission: to spy within the enemy camp.

As Synne navigates the treacherous political landscape, her dormant seer's gift begins to stir, hinting at a powerful force within her. Captured by the formidable William the Conqueror, Synne finds herself accused of treachery at his coronation feast. With alliances as unstable as shifting sands, Synne must fight for her survival while uncovering the true motives behind her accuser and her complex relationship with Magnus.

What I Loved:

1. Dynamic Protagonist: Synne is a compelling and multi-faceted heroine. Her evolution from a determined orphan to a key player in a dangerous game of thrones is both inspiring and riveting. Her courage and resourcefulness in the face of overwhelming odds make her a character you can't help but root for.
2. Rich Historical Setting: LP O'Bryan masterfully brings 11th-century England to life, immersing readers in the chaotic aftermath of one of history's most pivotal battles. The detailed depiction of the period's political intrigue and social dynamics adds depth and authenticity to the story.
3. Intriguing Plot Twists: The narrative is filled with unexpected turns and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The interplay between Synne's seer's gift and her espionage activities creates a thrilling and unpredictable storyline.
4. Complex Relationships: The evolving relationship between Synne and Magnus is intricately woven with tension, mistrust, and a burgeoning respect. Their interactions are a highlight of the book, adding emotional depth and complexity to the tale.

"The Rise of Synne" by LP O'Bryan is a spellbinding historical saga that combines rich historical detail, a fierce and relatable heroine, and a plot full of intrigue and suspense.

I found much to love in this tale of courage, loyalty, and destiny!

Dive into a world where history and destiny collide, and witness the rise of a young woman determined to change her fate. "The Rise of Synne" is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a gripping, character-driven historical novel.


Thank you to The Author LP O'Bryan for a proof in exchange for my honest review.

[Divya Agrawal · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rise of synne by L P O'bryan Believe in destiny Book series. The story took place in 1066 with Synne , an orphan healer whose mother is dead in a mystery, her two sisters were abducted by murderers and her brother who was on run with her was killed in an invasion. The whereabouts of her father is unknown, presumed dead.
She gets entangled in a chaotic aftermath of the battle of Hastings, between two sole heirs of King Harold, King of English: Magnus and Edmund and a bigger prophecy.

I really enjoyed reading this book especially since this is one of my favorite genre. Though I wanted to read some more magical/fantasy elements.
The whole world building was thoroughly researched and put together with fast paced yet gripping writing.
It was set in Old England, following the death of Harold Godwinson in the battle of Hastings. I was not aware of this history and it made me want to Google this particular time period.

There are two main characters:
Synne our female lead written as bold, brave different from other women with impulsive actions. While she was interesting characters from the very start but sometimes I felt she should've been written more as an individual rather 'not like others' character.

Magnus our male lead. Oh, how I wished he was not our Male lead at least for now. This characters was dubious from the beginning. The sudden insta love of synne and Magnus again and again was not something I was enjoying. His character felt flat.

I loved the storyline and how it tries to stay close to history. Each scene was connected intricately and flowing seamlessly. The writing was somewhat in between modern and old English whilst maintaining readability.

Overall would've highly recommend to a lover of historical fantasy fiction.

[Star · Rating 4 out of 5]

** 4-4.5 stars **

Masterful re-telling of the events that unfolded after the Battle of Hastings was fought.
The story takes the reader on a journey into the days the beginning of the Norman Conquest of England began.
King Harold Godwinson had fallen and Duke William's army advanced towards London, sweeping the countryside of the old ways; ridding England of healers & seers and all who aligned themselves with the Saxon regime.
Through the story, I was a witness to the Norman horsemen riding in on their giant horses wearing chainmail hauberks, flanked by their infantry foot soldiers, carrying spears & archers with crossbows, and culminating in the coronation of William the Conqueror at Westminster Abbey, London on 25 December 1066, despite the fire that broke out all over London.
Woven into the story is the mystery of Synne's origin and the reason for her pernicious pursuit by the Danes, as well as her developing relationship with Magnus, the son of King Herold, now in fleeing in exile.
Thanks to Pigeonhole and the author for allowing me the opportunity to read the book.

[Caroline Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting story, but it has some glaring historical errors.
First the name Stefan, while Germanic in origin, wasn’t used in England in this period. The Saxons had been Germanic, but they probably would have used the Latin Stephan.
Next, I wonder what the two main characters would be doing, leaving their homes before the Battle of Hastings? I understand the boy would have been called up to the Fyrd, but the girl? If she was there, she would have been in the camp attached to the Fyrd. But refugees leaving their village after the battle? News wouldn’t have traveled so far so fast, and it wasn’t a good idea to leave the protection of your village with armies on the loose.
Then, the chronicles don’t say that the sons of Harold Godwinson were formally married, but they would have had to be available for a dynastic marriage, even in exile. And the chronicles do say the sons of Harold Godwinson went to Ireland after it was clear the battle was lost in England. Not exactly far from Norman dominance.

[Ink · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rise of Synne by LP O'Bryan was an interesting interpretation of the events surrounding the Battle of Hastings in 1066. The storyline has great potential to develop further as the premise is interesting in itself. The writing style is not my usual taste but I can see how it is more stilted to match the narrative of the times perhaps

Full disclosure, I read this purely as a work of fiction and enjoyed the dynamics between Synne and those she encountered. Synne is a character that is easy to get behind. The writing style is challenging but notsomuch as to detract from the storyline itself

Thank you very much to Netgalley and BooksGoSocial for this interesting ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own

[Pheadra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this through my online bookclub, Pigeonhole. The story is set in 1066 following the battle of Hastings under William The Conqueror and Norman rule. 

Synne, the daughter of a healer and Seer, loses her brother Stephan and is determined to find her two sisters, who she believes have been sold into slavery. For the most part, as a healer, she is left untouched until recruited by King Harold's sons to spy on their behalf on the Normans.  In return,  they promise to help her find her sisters.

I'm pretty sure the way history is told in this story,  though compelling has embraced much poetic licence, and while I liked the pace of the story, some of the writing was disjointed.  It ends on a note that sets up the sequel. This is part of a series. 4 stars

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the days following the Battle of Hastings, this is the story of Synne and her quest to find her two sisters who have been captured by slavers. Synne's mother who was a seer and healer and Synne herself is also a healer. Initially she is travelling with her brother Stefan but after his murder she's on her own. She uses her skills as a healer to care for the many men injured fighting the Normans. She meets Magnus, the son of King Harold, and is persuaded to act as a messenger/spy for him.
This was an enjoyable story which I read courtesy of the Pigeonhole. However it seemed rather disjointed at times and I felt there was a section missing but it's difficult to tell without seeing a printed copy. I understand there's a sequel which I look forward to reading.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was well-researched, with a fiery FMC, and descriptions that draw you right into the center of the story. O'Bryan did an excellent job of bringing the historical setting to life, and I felt like I'd stepped back in time and traveled across the world at the same time. I adore Synne's inner fire and determination to find and rescue her sisters, although I know in reality it might've gotten her into much more trouble than it actually did. She makes some missteps along the way, but it just makes her feel more real. There's plenty of danger, intrigue, allies, backstabbing, and a little romance woven throughout the whole story, and more than just a few secrets. That said, I can't wait to dive into book two!

[Amanda Taft · Rating 4 out of 5]

“1066: England is savagely torn apart. A young woman discovers her destiny.

In the bloody aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, Synne, an orphan healer, navigates a treacherous path.

Descended from a royal lineage long whispered about, Synne is thrust into a quest for power. Her fate becomes entangled with Magnus, the arrogant son of the fallen King Harold, who offers her a dangerous mission.

Driven by her fierce determination to rescue her sisters from the clutches of slavers, Synne becomes a spy in the enemy's camp. Her quest might be aided by the powers of a seer she inherited from her mother, but she must learn how to use her powers first.

Captured by the forces of the man destined to be King of England, William the Conqueror, Synne carries a message that could alter the course of history. She navigates the halls of power, only to find herself standing before the assembled nobility at William's coronation feast, branded a traitor.

In a world where alliances are as shifting as the winds, Synne must fight not only for her family's legacy but for her life.

Will Synne survive? Why does her accuser want her dead, and will her attraction to Magnus ruin her?”

I read this book on the Pigeonhole app, one stave per day over ten days, commenting along with other readers. I looked forward to reading it each day and the storyline and Synne herself, kept me gripped. I found this book to be exciting and as it was set during a period of history I knew little about, very interesting. The writer kindly read along and offered us readers the chance to ask questions. I look forward to reading the sequel, The Power of Synne.

[Kriss · Rating 4 out of 5]

The journey of Synne told in her own voice. Set in the aftermath of the battle of Hastings, she is a healer born of a seer/healer. She and her brother had set off to the battle hoping to enjoy the fruits of the victory but Harold lost and we follow Synne as she tries to survive in the confusion of the aftermath having caught the eye of one of Harold’s sons. She is also in search of her enslaved sisters and wants to know why the Danes are searching for her. Many threads and well written although my sense is, it could do with some editing to create a better flow.
Thanks to @Pigeonhole for the opportunity to read

[Malia Arries · Rating 5 out of 5]

HISTORICAL FICTION AT ITS FINEST
What a page-turner about a history-turner – when William the Conqueror became King of England. By using a first-person narrative, author O’Bryan brilliantly and intimately places you directly into this tumultuous time from Synne’s perspective. And who is Synne? What is her lineage? I predict that as you read this book, your position in the current century will be paused; you will become fully immersed in the 11th century! Now, I will begin reading THE POWER OF SYNNE – so looking forward to it… but I can’t decide if I should have French wine or English ale while I read??

[Ellena Downes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A different perspective on the Norman Invasion. How will the invaders treat the Anglo Saxon people left behind after the Battle of Hastings? Synne a healer from the wrong side of the war is trying to find her way in the world after her family has been decimated by conflict.
She is trying to help keep the cause alive along with trying to find her sisters.
This is an exciting historical drama with all the guts and sometimes gore that a war will bring when most of the fighting is hand to hand. Most entertaining.

[Christine Rennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rise of Synne by LP O’Bryan is the story of Synne, an orphan healer. It is 1066, England’s darkest hour.
This is a fascinating tale of mysteries and magic, the old king, Harold and the new king, William the Conqueror.
Highly recommended

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and very entertaining read! I loved reading this period of time and I found the mixture of superstitions and Christianity fascinating. It gave a good atmospheric touch to the novel. Synne's character is convincing and I can't wait for the sequel to learn more about her, her hopes and her relationship with Magnus .
Thank you LP O'Bryan, for letting me read your novel on Pigeonhole. I loved it!

[Gail Wylde · Rating 4 out of 5]

England 1066, this is the story between the death of Harold and the Coronation of William. Very interesting tale and certainly leaving it open for a sequel. I enjoyed this and am looking forward to hearing more from Synne.

Thanks to Pigeonhole and LP O’Brien for the opportunity.

[Nicola Mackenzie-Smaller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good historical fiction set in 1066, centred on a healer acting as a messenger for the Godwin family. Seems appropriately gruesome, and well researched, with some excellent historical details. I’m looking forward to seeing what Synne gets up to next.
Read with The Pigeonhole

[Beverley Latimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!

This is such a great book, that read it in one whole day. Fast moving. Beautifully written. Characters that you can't help but love. And an ending that will make your heart sing. Highest recommendations!

[Linda Bate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful story

This book gripped me from the start, the cliffhanger end means I need to read the next book straightaway despite reading this book in one go.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Rise of Synne is about a healer who is escaping from the approaching French armies after Harold’s defeat in 1066. She ends up meeting the Godwins, Harold’s two sons, and is asked to do a bit of spying in the French camp and pass on a message.

There’s some great historical detail, it can be a bit gruesome at times, and possibly a little light on the facts in other parts. But it’s a great story that’s really quite exciting, especially where it’s touch and go as to whether Synne will survive (she’s one lucky woman!).

This is the first part of a planned trilogy, and I’m intrigued to see where Synne will go from here. Perhaps The Pigeonhole will pick up the next book as well?!