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Honor
In 425 CE, the once Roman province of Britannia has been brutally invaded by barbarian tribes from all directions. These lands are now a series of lawless, squabbling kingdoms which haven’t been united since the death of High King Coel Hen roughly a decade before. Roman rule failed the Britons, and a former Roman auxiliary, Hall, has been asked to return and provide a safer future for the people of Britannia’s northmost kingdom, Ebrauc.
Word has it that a Saxon warlord has united many tribesmen from Germania as he prepares for his assault on the island. Simultaneously, the Pictish tribes from North of Hadrian’s Wall are now supported by an unknown Gaelic king from the West.
Many enemies, both known and unknown, will surface to prevent Hall and his son, Drysten, from giving Britannia’s people the security they have longed for.
The first book of a series follows the many trials by both Hall and Drysten as they both set up Britannia for one of its greatest leaders in history.
Word has it that a Saxon warlord has united many tribesmen from Germania as he prepares for his assault on the island. Simultaneously, the Pictish tribes from North of Hadrian’s Wall are now supported by an unknown Gaelic king from the West.
Many enemies, both known and unknown, will surface to prevent Hall and his son, Drysten, from giving Britannia’s people the security they have longed for.
The first book of a series follows the many trials by both Hall and Drysten as they both set up Britannia for one of its greatest leaders in history.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 8, 2019
105 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
About the author
Francis Williams
8 books3 followersFrancis Williams, born and raised in California, is a passionate author whose love for history, science-fiction, and fantasy captivated him from an early age. His parents nurtured his insatiable appetite for books and creativity, which still drives him to this day.
He began writing short stories since he was a boy, eager to hone his craft with each submission. Now, Francis seeks to bring more life to the page by writing entire novels and novellas in his beloved genres.
Now, with multiple award-winning book series under his belt and a growing number of standalone novels released on the market, Francis is ready to tackle his newest endeavor: The Observant Darkness series.
His latest work, Althalos the Unbreakable, is available now!
He began writing short stories since he was a boy, eager to hone his craft with each submission. Now, Francis seeks to bring more life to the page by writing entire novels and novellas in his beloved genres.
Now, with multiple award-winning book series under his belt and a growing number of standalone novels released on the market, Francis is ready to tackle his newest endeavor: The Observant Darkness series.
His latest work, Althalos the Unbreakable, is available now!
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 27, 2020
In this historical fiction novel, Williams pulls the reader back into the 5th century of the “the once Roman province of Britannia” with his intricate weave of history and fiction. The research required to accomplish this feat is commendable. Although some may think they would not enjoy a piece centered around this period, think again. The saga plays out beautifully, and the characters become very real.
January 31, 2021
What would a young man do to save the love of his life? What would a corrupt priest do to control Britain? What would the indigenous British tribes do to wipe out the descendants of Roman invaders? In Honor, an historical novel set in 425 CE, author Francis Williams takes readers to a time of great change and upheaval in England before it was united. The Roman power has waned in Britain, and threats from outside and well as inside the island disrupt the kingdoms.
Father and son Hall and Drystan, are summoned by the new king of Ebrauc. The King hopes that Hall, a former Roman auxiliary soldier, will help strengthen his new kingdom. With Hall, is his son Drystan, the romantic hero of the novel. When Drystan leaves his home, it's attacked and his wife is taken prisoner. This sets off the main action as Drystan must sail to save her...
By far, my favourite aspect of this novel is the setting. There just aren't a lot of novels that tackle this intermediate period between Roman and Anglo-Saxon rule. I was really excited to read what England looked like over 1,600 years ago. And Williams seems just as passionate to bring this time to life in his story. I loved all the historical details, and really appreciated the table at the front of the novel with the translations of the modern-day names of the places, as well as learning their more archaic forms.
Also, it is clearly influenced by the Arthurian legends, which I love. This is not a spoiler, as I think it's pretty obvious to anyone that Drystan, Isolde, Bors, and Gawain are names straight from Le Morte D'Arthur. The story itself is completely original, but clearly, this series is setting up the origin of the King Arthur myth. It's a very interesting take on a classic British tale.
I did feel that the book dragged a little, especially in the first half. There were a lot of moments where action would happen off-page. For example, at one point Drystan returns to his ship to discover a mutiny... which we learn second-hand from one of the surviving crew members. Then they chase the mutineers, and once again we get a second-hand account from one of the mutineers hostages about what happened. I really hate it when action scenes are told to me instead of shown to me. Plus, I wasn't really interested in the whole "I need to save the love of my life plot", which is just such an overdone trope in historical fiction. Luckily, this plotline resolved itself at the halfway point, which is when the novel shifts to a new plot and we get to the real meat of the novel.
Overall I would recommend this to people who love Arthurian tales, or British history. I look forward to seeing where Williams takes this series in the future.
Father and son Hall and Drystan, are summoned by the new king of Ebrauc. The King hopes that Hall, a former Roman auxiliary soldier, will help strengthen his new kingdom. With Hall, is his son Drystan, the romantic hero of the novel. When Drystan leaves his home, it's attacked and his wife is taken prisoner. This sets off the main action as Drystan must sail to save her...
By far, my favourite aspect of this novel is the setting. There just aren't a lot of novels that tackle this intermediate period between Roman and Anglo-Saxon rule. I was really excited to read what England looked like over 1,600 years ago. And Williams seems just as passionate to bring this time to life in his story. I loved all the historical details, and really appreciated the table at the front of the novel with the translations of the modern-day names of the places, as well as learning their more archaic forms.
Also, it is clearly influenced by the Arthurian legends, which I love. This is not a spoiler, as I think it's pretty obvious to anyone that Drystan, Isolde, Bors, and Gawain are names straight from Le Morte D'Arthur. The story itself is completely original, but clearly, this series is setting up the origin of the King Arthur myth. It's a very interesting take on a classic British tale.
I did feel that the book dragged a little, especially in the first half. There were a lot of moments where action would happen off-page. For example, at one point Drystan returns to his ship to discover a mutiny... which we learn second-hand from one of the surviving crew members. Then they chase the mutineers, and once again we get a second-hand account from one of the mutineers hostages about what happened. I really hate it when action scenes are told to me instead of shown to me. Plus, I wasn't really interested in the whole "I need to save the love of my life plot", which is just such an overdone trope in historical fiction. Luckily, this plotline resolved itself at the halfway point, which is when the novel shifts to a new plot and we get to the real meat of the novel.
Overall I would recommend this to people who love Arthurian tales, or British history. I look forward to seeing where Williams takes this series in the future.
July 30, 2021
Bang Up Job!!!!!
Amazing read. The writer plus you to a time where men fight there neighbors. Where a puppet King wants to be King an a Christian of God wants to be king an the oldest son of the King is down right lieing touch pot piece of no go for no the shit. Oh I forgot he dose what ever the turd of Christian tells him to do. The story has really strong characters you want to fight for. So hang on cause it is a fast pace war you have no control of.
Damn fine job sir its been a pleasure to read.Francis Williams hit the mark for this reader.
Amazing read. The writer plus you to a time where men fight there neighbors. Where a puppet King wants to be King an a Christian of God wants to be king an the oldest son of the King is down right lieing touch pot piece of no go for no the shit. Oh I forgot he dose what ever the turd of Christian tells him to do. The story has really strong characters you want to fight for. So hang on cause it is a fast pace war you have no control of.
Damn fine job sir its been a pleasure to read.Francis Williams hit the mark for this reader.
February 20, 2021
Just amazing!
Now that's how a story should be written! Such a breath of fresh air to read something from a like minded author. We write in similar tongues which makes this piece all the more rewarding. From the scene building to the word choice, everything flows so poetically and smoothly. I cannot stress the value of a well written novel such as this one enough. And the research that went behind it. I can tell the author poured his soul into this one. It shows, and I hope it pays off. The humorous antidotes tickled me also.
Now that's how a story should be written! Such a breath of fresh air to read something from a like minded author. We write in similar tongues which makes this piece all the more rewarding. From the scene building to the word choice, everything flows so poetically and smoothly. I cannot stress the value of a well written novel such as this one enough. And the research that went behind it. I can tell the author poured his soul into this one. It shows, and I hope it pays off. The humorous antidotes tickled me also.
January 7, 2022
Proofing
I thought we had mostly finished with crappy proofing done by illiterate software.
What kind of writer approves this kind of slovenly work! It truly makes you wonder if they even care.
I don't do reviews, most people just summarize the story anyway; having no idea how to write a true review. I read too many books to bother.
But this type of shoddy editing will anger me enough to say so.
So, my rating is 4**** for the story. Take one away for the headache I got reading it. And that leaves it at a mediocre 3***.
I thought we had mostly finished with crappy proofing done by illiterate software.
What kind of writer approves this kind of slovenly work! It truly makes you wonder if they even care.
I don't do reviews, most people just summarize the story anyway; having no idea how to write a true review. I read too many books to bother.
But this type of shoddy editing will anger me enough to say so.
So, my rating is 4**** for the story. Take one away for the headache I got reading it. And that leaves it at a mediocre 3***.
October 8, 2022
Wow and wow!
There were so many new names and places, it took some time to figure out who was who. I love the Arthurian names that come at unexpected times... the battles... the betrayals... all kept me glued to the page. Be warned, Francis Williams evokes George R R Martin in "killing his darlings." Most of these are supporting players but you become attached and it is painful when they die. I thought I had figured out who was "Arthur"... total surprise. I wish there were 6 Stars!
There were so many new names and places, it took some time to figure out who was who. I love the Arthurian names that come at unexpected times... the battles... the betrayals... all kept me glued to the page. Be warned, Francis Williams evokes George R R Martin in "killing his darlings." Most of these are supporting players but you become attached and it is painful when they die. I thought I had figured out who was "Arthur"... total surprise. I wish there were 6 Stars!
February 17, 2021
Awesome
Great story that is set in a time in the middle ages that feel a little that middle earth from the Lord of the rings! Exceptional world building and character development. I recommend this book to every one.
Great story that is set in a time in the middle ages that feel a little that middle earth from the Lord of the rings! Exceptional world building and character development. I recommend this book to every one.
October 14, 2022
The author does a very fine job when it comes to describing characters and events, and that is something that I can appreciate. I also like the creativity and how the twists and turns get the reader immersed in the story as it goes. I highly recommend this book.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews