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The Winged Warrior #1
The Heart of a Hussar
He’s determined to protect his country. But can he defend himself against the ultimate betrayal?
Muscovy, 1610. Jacek Dąbrowski yearns to be recognized for his valor. Hoping his recent promotion to lieutenant will help secure the lands he desires, the twenty-two-year-old Polish cavalry officer earns instead the enmity of his captain. And his out-of-character rescue of two innocents from slaughter sets in motion a chain of grave consequences.
Discovering the young woman and her brother are not Russian enemies and have no kin, Dąbrowski escorts them back to the castle in his homeland. But as the rivalry with his superior grows and the blossoming beauty sparks a fire in his heart, the brave horseman may find his dreams of glory lying in tatters.
Can the courageous warrior survive hidden schemes that could destroy all he holds dear?
The Heart of a Hussar is the stirring first book in The Winged Warrior Series historical fiction duology. If you like driven heroes, gut-wrenching twists, and vivid scenes of combat, then you’ll love Griffin Brady’s well-researched tale.
⬧ Finalist for the 2021 CIBA Chaucer Awards for pre-1750s Historical Fiction
⬧ Bronze Medal Winner of the 2021 Independent Publishers Book Awards for Best Adult Fiction E-Book
⬧ Finalist for the 2021 National Indie Excellence Awards in Historical Fiction
This book includes adult content and is intended for mature audiences.
Muscovy, 1610. Jacek Dąbrowski yearns to be recognized for his valor. Hoping his recent promotion to lieutenant will help secure the lands he desires, the twenty-two-year-old Polish cavalry officer earns instead the enmity of his captain. And his out-of-character rescue of two innocents from slaughter sets in motion a chain of grave consequences.
Discovering the young woman and her brother are not Russian enemies and have no kin, Dąbrowski escorts them back to the castle in his homeland. But as the rivalry with his superior grows and the blossoming beauty sparks a fire in his heart, the brave horseman may find his dreams of glory lying in tatters.
Can the courageous warrior survive hidden schemes that could destroy all he holds dear?
The Heart of a Hussar is the stirring first book in The Winged Warrior Series historical fiction duology. If you like driven heroes, gut-wrenching twists, and vivid scenes of combat, then you’ll love Griffin Brady’s well-researched tale.
⬧ Finalist for the 2021 CIBA Chaucer Awards for pre-1750s Historical Fiction
⬧ Bronze Medal Winner of the 2021 Independent Publishers Book Awards for Best Adult Fiction E-Book
⬧ Finalist for the 2021 National Indie Excellence Awards in Historical Fiction
This book includes adult content and is intended for mature audiences.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
422 pages, Paperback
Published September 4, 2020
59 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Griffin Brady
4 books33 followersGriffin Brady is an award-winning historical fiction author with a keen interest in the Polish Winged Hussars of the 16th and 17th centuries. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society and Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers. Her debut novel, The Heart of a Hussar, was a finalist for the 2021 Chaucer Early Historical Fiction Award and a 2021 Discovered Diamond.
The proud mother of three grown sons, she lives in Colorado with her husband. She is also an award-winning bestselling romance author who writes under the pen name G.K. Brady.
The proud mother of three grown sons, she lives in Colorado with her husband. She is also an award-winning bestselling romance author who writes under the pen name G.K. Brady.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
February 27, 2021
Jacek and Oliwia are two characters who resonate with readers for a long time. “The Heart of a Hussar” will transport you to the 17th century, when an elite cavalry protected Poland interests. The Polish Winged Warriors, carrying seventeen-foot-long lances, went into battle with tall feathered wings behind them, an apparatus, the sight and sound of sent chilling fear into the enemy and may very well have spooked their horses. While Jacek experiences setbacks and victories in pursuing his military career, he comes to love the beautiful young Oliwia, who is set on her own crises-strewn path to womanhood. By the time each realizes their love for the other, time and circumstances seem to be working against any kind of mutual happiness. This is a well-researched historical novel, the first of a duology, complete with heroes and villains that fully entertain. Highly Recommended.
February 1, 2021
I really enjoyed this book! It was set in a time period that I knew nothing about, so I loved this small insight into Poland in the 1600s. There is a lot of Polish, French, and German used in this, but over the course of the story, you develop an understanding. I was craving historical fiction when I requested this, and it didn't disappoint!
I think my favorite part about this was how well the characters were developed. Setting this over the course of 4 years was super smart, it helped make everything more believable. When I started this, I was super worried that Jacek and Oliwia would get together immediately. This really worried me because she was only 15 at the time, and he was quite a bit older. Thankfully, their romance doesn't start developing until she's about 17, which helped me ignore the gap in their ages. I loved how theirs was a very tender relationship, it wasn't rooted in passion or lust. It felt natural, and I really loved them together.
Jacek was probably my favorite character, but I really enjoyed Oliwia's chapters too. I can't wait to see where they both go in the next book, considering this left off on quite the cliffhanger!
Thanks to Netgalley and Griffin Brady for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
I think my favorite part about this was how well the characters were developed. Setting this over the course of 4 years was super smart, it helped make everything more believable. When I started this, I was super worried that Jacek and Oliwia would get together immediately. This really worried me because she was only 15 at the time, and he was quite a bit older. Thankfully, their romance doesn't start developing until she's about 17, which helped me ignore the gap in their ages. I loved how theirs was a very tender relationship, it wasn't rooted in passion or lust. It felt natural, and I really loved them together.
Jacek was probably my favorite character, but I really enjoyed Oliwia's chapters too. I can't wait to see where they both go in the next book, considering this left off on quite the cliffhanger!
Thanks to Netgalley and Griffin Brady for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!
November 4, 2020
This was a good, unexpected read. It's rare to read a romance in Poland. I enjoyed the history and all the characters.
Oliwa goes from peasant to serving the lady of the castle. The story starts out with her only 15. Though young, she has a good head on her shoulders and takes excellent care of her little brother. She's a great hr. A relief not have a hr that was immature or a shrew.
Jacek is not your typical h. He has one goal... land. He is a great commander. His manner is gruff and not very suave, but that doesn't stop the ladies from perusing him to his dismay. I liked him a lot. He's a strong, ethical h.
The romance is slow, until both suddenly realize it. It makes it more believable and endearing. The secondary characters are so well defined. The battles descriptive and interesting.
I highly recommend this read and I will be waiting for the 2nd book.
Oliwa goes from peasant to serving the lady of the castle. The story starts out with her only 15. Though young, she has a good head on her shoulders and takes excellent care of her little brother. She's a great hr. A relief not have a hr that was immature or a shrew.
Jacek is not your typical h. He has one goal... land. He is a great commander. His manner is gruff and not very suave, but that doesn't stop the ladies from perusing him to his dismay. I liked him a lot. He's a strong, ethical h.
The romance is slow, until both suddenly realize it. It makes it more believable and endearing. The secondary characters are so well defined. The battles descriptive and interesting.
I highly recommend this read and I will be waiting for the 2nd book.
October 12, 2020
I absolutely adored this book. The characters sucked me into their world from page one. The story is original and unique. The characters are well developed and robust. I found myself wanted to attend one of the banquets as I devoured this book! The historical accuracy of this book is astounding and made me interested to learn more about a topic I'd never considered before. I cannot recommend this enough!
December 27, 2021
I liked this book and I believe that anyone who was more familiar with the history of 17th century Poland would enjoy it even more. The book was well written and the author, in my opinion, was very knowledgeable on the history of these battles and the traditions of the people of these times. I liked the characters and will follow them into the second book. Hopefully Jacek and Liwi will have a happily ever after despite the battles and jealousy that aren't in their control. I'm interested to see where the battles will end, or at least subside and in learning more about this time in history.
October 13, 2020
I enjoyed every moment. Great characters, extensive world building and a history I knew nothing about kept me turning the pages. The author's impressive research made me feel that I was right there and provided sufficient context without engaging in an info dump. Highly recommended for readers looking for action with a slowly budding romance in a unique setting. Looking forward to the next book!
April 28, 2021
The Heart of A Hussar,”
by Griffin Brady
Published by Trefoil Publishing, 2020, 424 pages
“The Heart of a Hussar” is an exquisitely detailed historical fiction set during the first decades of the 17th century, coinciding with Russia’s Time of Troubles following the death of Ivan the Terrible. Poland and Russia (then Muscovy) were warring over the lands between them. Poland had supported false claimants to the Tsar’s throne, the first of which having been discovered, was executed, stuffed into a cannon and his remains fired off in the direction of Warsaw.
In this period, novelist Griffin Brady develops her two primary characters of Jacek and Oliwia. Jacek is a noble winged hussar, the greatest horse-borne warriors of the time period throughout Europe. After a raid on a Muscovite village by another party, Jacek and his companion hussars come upon two surviving children, Olivia and her younger brother Filip. Jacek’s unit decides to rescue the orphaned pair, and take them back to the Castle Biaska within Poland’s borders. Here the young Oliwia is slowly transformed from a wildling to a maiden of finest upbringing under the tutelage of the castle’s lord, Eryk, and his wife, Katarzynia.
Ms. Brady weaves her fictional story seamlessly amongst the real-life intrigue, feudalism, and often barbaric conditions of the period. Her narrative is elegant. It paints a vivid image of life in the opulence of the royal courts and feudal enclaves juxtaposed with the battle for survival by the less fortunate living outside their walls. Her characters are richly developed, each having well-described motivations for their actions.
The descriptive passages are adeptly written, and what follows is a small sampling of her writing prowess:
“Tattered, leaden clouds shrouded the countryside, but the cavaliers seemed to reflect an unseen light bursting through the dimness, as if the heavens had opened just to illuminate them. They rode fast, bringing them closer to Biaska Castle on the thunder of hoofbeats. Soon they were near enough that Oliwia could make them out, and her heart turned over when she recognized the lieutenant out in front with another familiar form. Jacek and Henryk rode side by side, so close their stirrups could have been touching.”
Historical fiction is most enjoyable when the integration of fictional storyline and historical record is so tight that the reader cannot tell where one leaves off and the other begins. Ms. Brady’s novel is not only immersive in this way, as it conjures its world portrait in the reader’s mind, but it also paints that canvas with the all-too-human hues of romance, greed and regret. The novel ends in somewhat of a cliffhanger, but the story continues in the companion volume, “A Hussar’s Promise.”
Ms. Brady’s research is painstakingly excellent, and her appreciation for the period and its Polish Culture shines through. She rewards the reader with a robust chronology and detailed Author’s Endnotes to highlight the experience that is her novel, “The Heart of a Hussar.”
David Trawinski
Book Reviewer
Polish American Journal
by Griffin Brady
Published by Trefoil Publishing, 2020, 424 pages
“The Heart of a Hussar” is an exquisitely detailed historical fiction set during the first decades of the 17th century, coinciding with Russia’s Time of Troubles following the death of Ivan the Terrible. Poland and Russia (then Muscovy) were warring over the lands between them. Poland had supported false claimants to the Tsar’s throne, the first of which having been discovered, was executed, stuffed into a cannon and his remains fired off in the direction of Warsaw.
In this period, novelist Griffin Brady develops her two primary characters of Jacek and Oliwia. Jacek is a noble winged hussar, the greatest horse-borne warriors of the time period throughout Europe. After a raid on a Muscovite village by another party, Jacek and his companion hussars come upon two surviving children, Olivia and her younger brother Filip. Jacek’s unit decides to rescue the orphaned pair, and take them back to the Castle Biaska within Poland’s borders. Here the young Oliwia is slowly transformed from a wildling to a maiden of finest upbringing under the tutelage of the castle’s lord, Eryk, and his wife, Katarzynia.
Ms. Brady weaves her fictional story seamlessly amongst the real-life intrigue, feudalism, and often barbaric conditions of the period. Her narrative is elegant. It paints a vivid image of life in the opulence of the royal courts and feudal enclaves juxtaposed with the battle for survival by the less fortunate living outside their walls. Her characters are richly developed, each having well-described motivations for their actions.
The descriptive passages are adeptly written, and what follows is a small sampling of her writing prowess:
“Tattered, leaden clouds shrouded the countryside, but the cavaliers seemed to reflect an unseen light bursting through the dimness, as if the heavens had opened just to illuminate them. They rode fast, bringing them closer to Biaska Castle on the thunder of hoofbeats. Soon they were near enough that Oliwia could make them out, and her heart turned over when she recognized the lieutenant out in front with another familiar form. Jacek and Henryk rode side by side, so close their stirrups could have been touching.”
Historical fiction is most enjoyable when the integration of fictional storyline and historical record is so tight that the reader cannot tell where one leaves off and the other begins. Ms. Brady’s novel is not only immersive in this way, as it conjures its world portrait in the reader’s mind, but it also paints that canvas with the all-too-human hues of romance, greed and regret. The novel ends in somewhat of a cliffhanger, but the story continues in the companion volume, “A Hussar’s Promise.”
Ms. Brady’s research is painstakingly excellent, and her appreciation for the period and its Polish Culture shines through. She rewards the reader with a robust chronology and detailed Author’s Endnotes to highlight the experience that is her novel, “The Heart of a Hussar.”
David Trawinski
Book Reviewer
Polish American Journal
January 4, 2021
One of the reasons why I read historical fiction is to slip away to far off places and explore different worlds. The Heart of a Hussar took me back to early 17-century Poland with its Winged Hussars, an elite cavalry unit that was the backbone of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. I was not familiar with this history or the Winged Hussars, but with the author’s impressive research and meticulous world building, I was transported to the past.
Jacek Dabrowski is a lieutenant of the Hussars, in service of a great lord, and he has a reputation for being one of the finest warriors. His men would do anything for him and women try to catch his interest. To acquire the land he needs to secure his future, he relies on the support and commendation of his superiors; unfortunately, his direct superior, a jealous, petty captain, belittles him at every turn and threatens to crush him. This forces him to work harder to prove himself in battle strategy and leadership and rise above the numerous traps laid out by his captain.
Oliwia is a distraction that could destroy everything Jacek has been working toward. Over the course of the story, she blossoms from a fifteen-year-old war orphan to an eighteen-year-old woman who has entwined herself within Jacek’s professional heart. Theirs is a slow-building romance that catches Jacek by surprise in the latter part of the book. Unbeknownst to him, she has cared for him since he rescued her from a burning village. But Jacek is focused on his career and the pursuit of his dreams, and what can he offer a young woman except his heart? Jacek must decide between Oliwia and his future.
This is the first book of a duology, and the story ends with a cliffhanger and so many things left in a tangle. Fortunately, the conclusion was due for release in November 2020 (I read this first novel during October).
The Heart of a Hussar has action/adventure, a budding romance and offers a unique history set in a unique setting
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
Jacek Dabrowski is a lieutenant of the Hussars, in service of a great lord, and he has a reputation for being one of the finest warriors. His men would do anything for him and women try to catch his interest. To acquire the land he needs to secure his future, he relies on the support and commendation of his superiors; unfortunately, his direct superior, a jealous, petty captain, belittles him at every turn and threatens to crush him. This forces him to work harder to prove himself in battle strategy and leadership and rise above the numerous traps laid out by his captain.
Oliwia is a distraction that could destroy everything Jacek has been working toward. Over the course of the story, she blossoms from a fifteen-year-old war orphan to an eighteen-year-old woman who has entwined herself within Jacek’s professional heart. Theirs is a slow-building romance that catches Jacek by surprise in the latter part of the book. Unbeknownst to him, she has cared for him since he rescued her from a burning village. But Jacek is focused on his career and the pursuit of his dreams, and what can he offer a young woman except his heart? Jacek must decide between Oliwia and his future.
This is the first book of a duology, and the story ends with a cliffhanger and so many things left in a tangle. Fortunately, the conclusion was due for release in November 2020 (I read this first novel during October).
The Heart of a Hussar has action/adventure, a budding romance and offers a unique history set in a unique setting
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
December 27, 2021
This book was a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know how I was going to like a historical romance but the author draws you in from the very beginning. You immediately fall in love with Jacek and Oliwia. I can’t wait to read the next book.
July 3, 2023
I am a history buff and I have to say color me impressed! The amount of detail she goes into makes me feel like I'm back in the 17th century watching all of this unfold. I'm not always a big fan of male leads in books because they are always so cocky, and don't learn. But I fell in love with Jacek. His character progression had me baffled. He was confident in himself but humble and you don't see that very often. The story progression had me for a ride. It was steady but fast paced, it didn't bore me and wasn't too slow. I'm excited to read what happens next n this adventure! Well done author well done!
October 23, 2020
The perfect combination of History, romance, and adventure. I admire the research the author put in bringing 17th Century Poland to life, the rituals, customs, and historic detail shine through the novel. The writing was vivid and engaging, the characters were well-balanced entertaining. The plot was clever, filled with enough twists to keep the pages turning. Highly recommended!
January 20, 2022
The Heart of a Hussar, the first book by Griffin Brady in the 17th-century historical fiction series (The Wings of Warriors), sweeps you into the backdrop of the Polish-Muscovite war. The Tsardom of Russian succession was plunged into crises in 1598 when there was not a designated heir at the death of Tsar Feodor I. The powerful Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth took advantage of the situation and waged war against Russia in 1509 to gain territorial concessions and weaken its alliance with Sweden. The novel begins with action at the Battle of Kłuszyn on 4 July 1610. Outnumbered, the Polish forces win a decisive victory over the Russians due to the political prowess of the winged hussars—the elite cavalrymen serving the Crown of Poland.
Lieutenant Jacek Dabrowski—a newly promoted twenty-two-year-old brash and cunning hussar—rescues fifteen-year-old Oliwia and her younger brother from an enemy Muscovite village that has been pillaged. Jacek’s merciful act sets in motion a cascade of consequences that profoundly impact both his and Oliwia’s lives. After they both return to the estate of Lord Eryk Krygowski, the story unfolds over a period of three years. The Lord’s wife mysteriously takes in and grooms Oliwia for aristocratic duties while Jacek pursues his ambitions to be recognized by the King for his valor and be rewarded with manors and titles. At first, Jacek hesitates to lose his heart to Oliwia but finally acknowledges his feelings for her when she comes of age to marry. But a love triangle, treachery, and political machinations could destroy everything he holds dear.
Author Griffin Brady has masterfully crafted a multi-layered, epic tale of adventure, romance, betrayal, vengeance, and political intrigue in the backdrop of Poland at the height of its power. Action-packed battle scenes, emotionally-packed dialogue, and a budding romance resonate on several layers. The detailed descriptions of battles, weaponry, landscape, social norms, and clothing add to the historical world-building, giving a flavor of the times without detracting from the story. Riveting battle scenes juxtapose with the everyday life of aristocrats in their winter quarters when military campaigns were not waged. The details in the story reflect the author’s impeccable research and passion for the subject.
The characters are engaging and relatable for modern-day audiences. Though Jacek’s steadfast, unemotional demeanor serves him well in battle and tournaments, it is also an impediment to advancing romance. With a history of misfortune, Oliwia must re-invent herself and adapt to a new world to survive and protect her younger brother. The devotion expressed between Lord Eryk and his kind sickly wife is endearing. Though she cannot bear him a child, he nonetheless remains loyal to her. Twists in the plot that I did not anticipate culminate to a heart-wrenching ending, setting the stage for the next book.
I highly recommend The Heart of a Hussar to those who enjoy reading epic, multi-layered historical tales filled with adventure, romance, and political intrigue.
Lieutenant Jacek Dabrowski—a newly promoted twenty-two-year-old brash and cunning hussar—rescues fifteen-year-old Oliwia and her younger brother from an enemy Muscovite village that has been pillaged. Jacek’s merciful act sets in motion a cascade of consequences that profoundly impact both his and Oliwia’s lives. After they both return to the estate of Lord Eryk Krygowski, the story unfolds over a period of three years. The Lord’s wife mysteriously takes in and grooms Oliwia for aristocratic duties while Jacek pursues his ambitions to be recognized by the King for his valor and be rewarded with manors and titles. At first, Jacek hesitates to lose his heart to Oliwia but finally acknowledges his feelings for her when she comes of age to marry. But a love triangle, treachery, and political machinations could destroy everything he holds dear.
Author Griffin Brady has masterfully crafted a multi-layered, epic tale of adventure, romance, betrayal, vengeance, and political intrigue in the backdrop of Poland at the height of its power. Action-packed battle scenes, emotionally-packed dialogue, and a budding romance resonate on several layers. The detailed descriptions of battles, weaponry, landscape, social norms, and clothing add to the historical world-building, giving a flavor of the times without detracting from the story. Riveting battle scenes juxtapose with the everyday life of aristocrats in their winter quarters when military campaigns were not waged. The details in the story reflect the author’s impeccable research and passion for the subject.
The characters are engaging and relatable for modern-day audiences. Though Jacek’s steadfast, unemotional demeanor serves him well in battle and tournaments, it is also an impediment to advancing romance. With a history of misfortune, Oliwia must re-invent herself and adapt to a new world to survive and protect her younger brother. The devotion expressed between Lord Eryk and his kind sickly wife is endearing. Though she cannot bear him a child, he nonetheless remains loyal to her. Twists in the plot that I did not anticipate culminate to a heart-wrenching ending, setting the stage for the next book.
I highly recommend The Heart of a Hussar to those who enjoy reading epic, multi-layered historical tales filled with adventure, romance, and political intrigue.
January 26, 2022
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Poland during the 17th century is a place and time period that I know little about. In fact, I didn’t know what the winged hussars were until I read this book. It is a period in time that I have never come across in fiction before, and so I was very excited to learn more about the history this book contained.
Jacek Dąbrowski is a winged hussar, a part of a cavalry unit, who finds himself both promoted and in conflict at the same time. Becoming a lieutenant gives him more opportunities, a better title, and he is one step closer to getting the lands that he so desires. Unfortunately, the captain, Mateusz, has it out for Jacek, and works against him, rather than with him.
Oliwia’s only goal is to protect her younger brother, Filip. When Jacek, enemy to Oliwia and Filip, saves them, something within Jacek changes. Slowly, over the course of the novel, as Oliwia grows into a woman and Jacek’s military career progresses, they begin to have feelings for each other, although neither of them seem to realise it at first. And, when they do, there appears to be too much happening for them to have a happily ever after.
This book is a mix of action packed scenes and a slow building romance between two characters who are easy to fall in love with. This book screams historical accuracy, and as you read, it is incredibly clear that a lot of work and research has gone into writing this book. The writing will pull you in, and you absolutely will not be able to put this book down. You do not need to be an expert on the era to keep up with what is going on, and with such well crafted characters, you almost live, rather than read, the story.
There is a cliffhanger at the end of this novel, the kind that makes you sit back, staring at the last page in disbelief that it has been left, and that you cannot keep reading. It is the kind of book that makes you absolutely desperate to read book 2.
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
Poland during the 17th century is a place and time period that I know little about. In fact, I didn’t know what the winged hussars were until I read this book. It is a period in time that I have never come across in fiction before, and so I was very excited to learn more about the history this book contained.
Jacek Dąbrowski is a winged hussar, a part of a cavalry unit, who finds himself both promoted and in conflict at the same time. Becoming a lieutenant gives him more opportunities, a better title, and he is one step closer to getting the lands that he so desires. Unfortunately, the captain, Mateusz, has it out for Jacek, and works against him, rather than with him.
Oliwia’s only goal is to protect her younger brother, Filip. When Jacek, enemy to Oliwia and Filip, saves them, something within Jacek changes. Slowly, over the course of the novel, as Oliwia grows into a woman and Jacek’s military career progresses, they begin to have feelings for each other, although neither of them seem to realise it at first. And, when they do, there appears to be too much happening for them to have a happily ever after.
This book is a mix of action packed scenes and a slow building romance between two characters who are easy to fall in love with. This book screams historical accuracy, and as you read, it is incredibly clear that a lot of work and research has gone into writing this book. The writing will pull you in, and you absolutely will not be able to put this book down. You do not need to be an expert on the era to keep up with what is going on, and with such well crafted characters, you almost live, rather than read, the story.
There is a cliffhanger at the end of this novel, the kind that makes you sit back, staring at the last page in disbelief that it has been left, and that you cannot keep reading. It is the kind of book that makes you absolutely desperate to read book 2.
*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.
December 22, 2021
This was a good polish book set back in the 17th century. I know very little about this time period and I thought this book gave enough detail that I learned alot about more thanI knew starting out. I thought the main characters were good and even though this isn't my typical read (Historical Romance) I enjoyed spending my weekend reading it. I am looking forward to reading more by this author in the future!
HAPPY READING!
HAPPY READING!
December 19, 2021
The history for the inspiration behind the story is amazing. You can definitely tell the author knows what she is doing. She writes about so many emotions that you feel your right there with the characters. The characters are amazing, jacek and oliwia and can’t forget the villain of the story mateusz. I can’t wait to read the next book.
December 15, 2021
I enjoyed the time setting of this book been in the 1600s.
Jacek has many experiences in his military career. Meeting a love then releasing circumstances they are in could destroy this love.
Jacek has many experiences in his military career. Meeting a love then releasing circumstances they are in could destroy this love.
December 7, 2021
I was continuously delighted by this book. I loved the balance between historical fact and fiction. The characters come in to their own at a pace that is neither too fast, nor too slow. This book is more realistic in the way characters find themselves. I cannot wait to read the 2nd book!
July 31, 2022
Exciting
I enjoyed this romance set in a time and nation with which I was not familiar. Enjoyed learning about this region that played a prominent role in Europe in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Great characters and a suspenseful scenes, plus an ongoing plot full of mystery. A great read.
I enjoyed this romance set in a time and nation with which I was not familiar. Enjoyed learning about this region that played a prominent role in Europe in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. Great characters and a suspenseful scenes, plus an ongoing plot full of mystery. A great read.
December 29, 2021
The Heart of a Hussar is a very well-written and engaging historical fiction. The characters are well-written and engaging and the action sequences are amazing. There is plenty of growth and character development. The author does a great job of putting you in the character’s shoes so that you experience all of the love, frustration, anger, sadness, and excitement that they feel. There were parts that actually reduced me to tears. I would have loved a little more interaction between the lead couple after the first quarter of the book but all in all, I enjoyed the book immensely. There is a second book in the series that I will certainly be picking up. I cannot wait to read the continuation of Oliwia and Jacek’s journey.
April 28, 2021
The Heart of A Hussar,”
by Griffin Brady
Published by Trefoil Publishing, 2020, 424 pages
“The Heart of a Hussar” is an exquisitely detailed historical fiction set during the first decades of the 17th century, coinciding with Russia’s Time of Troubles following the death of Ivan the Terrible. Poland and Russia (then Muscovy) were warring over the lands between them. Poland had supported false claimants to the Tsar’s throne, the first of which having been discovered, was executed, stuffed into a cannon and his remains fired off in the direction of Warsaw.
In this period, novelist Griffin Brady develops her two primary characters of Jacek and Oliwia. Jacek is a noble winged hussar, the greatest horse-borne warriors of the time period throughout Europe. After a raid on a Muscovite village by another party, Jacek and his companion hussars come upon two surviving children, Olivia and her younger brother Filip. Jacek’s unit decides to rescue the orphaned pair, and take them back to the Castle Biaska within Poland’s borders. Here the young Oliwia is slowly transformed from a wildling to a maiden of finest upbringing under the tutelage of the castle’s lord, Eryk, and his wife, Katarzynia.
Ms. Brady weaves her fictional story seamlessly amongst the real-life intrigue, feudalism, and often barbaric conditions of the period. Her narrative is elegant. It paints a vivid image of life in the opulence of the royal courts and feudal enclaves juxtaposed with the battle for survival by the less fortunate living outside their walls. Her characters are richly developed, each having well-described motivations for their actions.
The descriptive passages are adeptly written, and what follows is a small sampling of her writing prowess:
“Tattered, leaden clouds shrouded the countryside, but the cavaliers seemed to reflect an unseen light bursting through the dimness, as if the heavens had opened just to illuminate them. They rode fast, bringing them closer to Biaska Castle on the thunder of hoofbeats. Soon they were near enough that Oliwia could make them out, and her heart turned over when she recognized the lieutenant out in front with another familiar form. Jacek and Henryk rode side by side, so close their stirrups could have been touching.”
Historical fiction is most enjoyable when the integration of fictional storyline and historical record is so tight that the reader cannot tell where one leaves off and the other begins. Ms. Brady’s novel is not only immersive in this way, as it conjures its world portrait in the reader’s mind, but it also paints that canvas with the all-too-human hues of romance, greed and regret. The novel ends in somewhat of a cliffhanger, but the story continues in the companion volume, “A Hussar’s Promise.”
Ms. Brady’s research is painstakingly excellent, and her appreciation for the period and its Polish Culture shines through. She rewards the reader with a robust chronology and detailed Author’s Endnotes to highlight the experience that is her novel, “The Heart of a Hussar.”
David Trawinski
Book Reviewer
Polish American Journal
by Griffin Brady
Published by Trefoil Publishing, 2020, 424 pages
“The Heart of a Hussar” is an exquisitely detailed historical fiction set during the first decades of the 17th century, coinciding with Russia’s Time of Troubles following the death of Ivan the Terrible. Poland and Russia (then Muscovy) were warring over the lands between them. Poland had supported false claimants to the Tsar’s throne, the first of which having been discovered, was executed, stuffed into a cannon and his remains fired off in the direction of Warsaw.
In this period, novelist Griffin Brady develops her two primary characters of Jacek and Oliwia. Jacek is a noble winged hussar, the greatest horse-borne warriors of the time period throughout Europe. After a raid on a Muscovite village by another party, Jacek and his companion hussars come upon two surviving children, Olivia and her younger brother Filip. Jacek’s unit decides to rescue the orphaned pair, and take them back to the Castle Biaska within Poland’s borders. Here the young Oliwia is slowly transformed from a wildling to a maiden of finest upbringing under the tutelage of the castle’s lord, Eryk, and his wife, Katarzynia.
Ms. Brady weaves her fictional story seamlessly amongst the real-life intrigue, feudalism, and often barbaric conditions of the period. Her narrative is elegant. It paints a vivid image of life in the opulence of the royal courts and feudal enclaves juxtaposed with the battle for survival by the less fortunate living outside their walls. Her characters are richly developed, each having well-described motivations for their actions.
The descriptive passages are adeptly written, and what follows is a small sampling of her writing prowess:
“Tattered, leaden clouds shrouded the countryside, but the cavaliers seemed to reflect an unseen light bursting through the dimness, as if the heavens had opened just to illuminate them. They rode fast, bringing them closer to Biaska Castle on the thunder of hoofbeats. Soon they were near enough that Oliwia could make them out, and her heart turned over when she recognized the lieutenant out in front with another familiar form. Jacek and Henryk rode side by side, so close their stirrups could have been touching.”
Historical fiction is most enjoyable when the integration of fictional storyline and historical record is so tight that the reader cannot tell where one leaves off and the other begins. Ms. Brady’s novel is not only immersive in this way, as it conjures its world portrait in the reader’s mind, but it also paints that canvas with the all-too-human hues of romance, greed and regret. The novel ends in somewhat of a cliffhanger, but the story continues in the companion volume, “A Hussar’s Promise.”
Ms. Brady’s research is painstakingly excellent, and her appreciation for the period and its Polish Culture shines through. She rewards the reader with a robust chronology and detailed Author’s Endnotes to highlight the experience that is her novel, “The Heart of a Hussar.”
David Trawinski
Book Reviewer
Polish American Journal
April 22, 2023
"Each man now rode with a pair of ominous wings sprouting from his back as if he were part of an army of archangels. The spectacle of row after row of straight-backed, hard-muscled, hale and fit warriors was both thrilling and terrifying, and folk gathered to watch in awe as the husaria rode past in the preternatural light on their way to vanquish a reviled enemy"
[[Important Info: Don't be like me and completely misunderstand the opening scene and spend half the book thinking Oliwia is going to turn out to be Jacek's sister and that we're going to get a cute big brother relationship. She isn't.
It mentions how she reminds Jacek of his sister that died. Don't read into that, like me, thinking that it's going to turn out she didn't die after all. There is nothing to it, it's simply an observation he has ☺]]
4.5 stars
I was so excited reading this book. I deliberately took forever to read it because I wanted to savour the feeling.
What I loved about this book:
*The setting. Medieval times. Castles, nobles, lavish balls, feasts and hussars.
*Immersive world and storytelling. I legit fell in love with the world and its people.
*Jacek. Pan Dąbrowski. Maybe a little too allthegirlslovehim, but he can be forgiven.
*Henryk. Lovable in that, you-can-be-a-total-turd-but-you-still-make-me-smile, kind of way. Probably my favourite character.
*Jacek & Henryk's friendship. Fiercely loyal, regardless of the other's faults.
*The hussars, lord-brothers.
*The long horseback journeys and battles.
*Oliwia's innocence.
*Oliwia's guardians protecting her honour and innocence.
*Oliwia and Jacek's cute interactions when I thought they were brother and sister. Whoops. Still cute though.
*Jarosława
I'm super sad this book didn't become a new favourite read, as I'd been enjoying it so, SO much! Unfortunately, things took a turn for me after Oliwia turned 18. I didn't really enjoy the direction the story took, the romance, the ending, etc. Major spoilers>> But everything else was so strong and I loved the world so much that it was still a highly enjoyable read. I really liked it.
**Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
[[Important Info: Don't be like me and completely misunderstand the opening scene and spend half the book thinking Oliwia is going to turn out to be Jacek's sister and that we're going to get a cute big brother relationship. She isn't.
It mentions how she reminds Jacek of his sister that died. Don't read into that, like me, thinking that it's going to turn out she didn't die after all. There is nothing to it, it's simply an observation he has ☺]]
4.5 stars
I was so excited reading this book. I deliberately took forever to read it because I wanted to savour the feeling.
What I loved about this book:
*The setting. Medieval times. Castles, nobles, lavish balls, feasts and hussars.
*Immersive world and storytelling. I legit fell in love with the world and its people.
*Jacek. Pan Dąbrowski. Maybe a little too allthegirlslovehim, but he can be forgiven.
*Henryk. Lovable in that, you-can-be-a-total-turd-but-you-still-make-me-smile, kind of way. Probably my favourite character.
*Jacek & Henryk's friendship. Fiercely loyal, regardless of the other's faults.
*The hussars, lord-brothers.
*The long horseback journeys and battles.
*Oliwia's innocence.
*Oliwia's guardians protecting her honour and innocence.
*Oliwia and Jacek's cute interactions when I thought they were brother and sister. Whoops. Still cute though.
*Jarosława
I'm super sad this book didn't become a new favourite read, as I'd been enjoying it so, SO much! Unfortunately, things took a turn for me after Oliwia turned 18. I didn't really enjoy the direction the story took, the romance, the ending, etc. Major spoilers>> But everything else was so strong and I loved the world so much that it was still a highly enjoyable read. I really liked it.
**Free e-copy received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 28, 2021
#netgalley
Learning about the Polish Winged Hussars due to my Polish heritage is what first intrigued me about this book.
I did find the Polish History ( 1600's) and the history of the Hussars very interesting. A period that is not often chosen for novels. It is historical fiction with a side of historical romance in my opinion. It is extremely well researched and the author's love of the period comes through in her writing. I felt that it was a bit slow in the middle of the book: perhaps one too many battles or one too many separations for me. I never really connected with the characters. They were well written so I don't have an answer for that. I liked them but I did not really care about them , if that makes sense. This is only the first in a 2 part series so it does not have a true ending. This is just my opinion and many people will probably disagree with me. Honestly , I think I was the only reader who did not rave about "Where the Crawdads Sing" so I am in no way a critic.Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book.
Learning about the Polish Winged Hussars due to my Polish heritage is what first intrigued me about this book.
I did find the Polish History ( 1600's) and the history of the Hussars very interesting. A period that is not often chosen for novels. It is historical fiction with a side of historical romance in my opinion. It is extremely well researched and the author's love of the period comes through in her writing. I felt that it was a bit slow in the middle of the book: perhaps one too many battles or one too many separations for me. I never really connected with the characters. They were well written so I don't have an answer for that. I liked them but I did not really care about them , if that makes sense. This is only the first in a 2 part series so it does not have a true ending. This is just my opinion and many people will probably disagree with me. Honestly , I think I was the only reader who did not rave about "Where the Crawdads Sing" so I am in no way a critic.Thank you to NetGalley for the copy of this book.
March 30, 2021
This book was maddening in a fantastic way. It was easy to get lost in the story being told and way, way, WAY too easy to become entirely too invested in the characters' lives, emotions, and relationships. I'm too mad at the characters to read the second book right now, which to me is the #1 sign of an incredibly enthralling tale worth reading.
December 19, 2021
I love reading historical based literature but found myself very unfamiliar with the Polish army or the winged hussars as they are called. What makes this a truly exceptional read is the way the author describes the time period from the soldiers' armor to the lands they hold dear. The author is able to draw in the reader without overloading you with knowledge. It is enough detail to transport you to the 17th century and allow your mind to build a 3d replica in your mind to visually wander through. The interactions between the characters are dynamic and very relatable with Jacek and his captain who has serious disdain for him.
Our main character Jacek Debrowski is a newly appointed Lieutenant in the Polish army fighting Muscovy forces. He is everything a good lieutenant should be brave, loyal, fair, good hearted and above all a good leader. He is selected to go on a foraging mission for supplies for his soldiers when he comes to a town being ransacked by lost men who have no fealties to either side. He sticks his neck out to save a young girl Oliwia and her brother after seeing the devastation of their home and the people who they were living with. He takes them back to his lands in Poland which sets off a chain of events that no one can predict the conclusion too. Will Jacek and Oliwia let their budding romance bloom or will it present too much trouble? Will Jacek have to let go of his ultimate dreams with the Polish army? If you like romance novels with action and adventure aplenty then definitely take a chance on this book. I fully believe you’ll fall in love with the characters and their plight just as I did. Now to wait for book 2 so I can pick up where this one left off!
Our main character Jacek Debrowski is a newly appointed Lieutenant in the Polish army fighting Muscovy forces. He is everything a good lieutenant should be brave, loyal, fair, good hearted and above all a good leader. He is selected to go on a foraging mission for supplies for his soldiers when he comes to a town being ransacked by lost men who have no fealties to either side. He sticks his neck out to save a young girl Oliwia and her brother after seeing the devastation of their home and the people who they were living with. He takes them back to his lands in Poland which sets off a chain of events that no one can predict the conclusion too. Will Jacek and Oliwia let their budding romance bloom or will it present too much trouble? Will Jacek have to let go of his ultimate dreams with the Polish army? If you like romance novels with action and adventure aplenty then definitely take a chance on this book. I fully believe you’ll fall in love with the characters and their plight just as I did. Now to wait for book 2 so I can pick up where this one left off!
December 21, 2021
This is my first read by this author and generally not my taste in genre of historical fiction but this book drew me in. I was surprised at how much this book stole my interest in the story. I did not want to stop reading it. With a setting in Poland there was a decent amount of language foreign to me, but over the course of the book I feel like it got easier to read. The characters were unique and well written. I could not help but feel connected to them. The world itself was crafted well allowing me to feel like I was right there with the characters watching from the sideline. The adventure, romance, and history in the story keep you hooked. I cannot wait to continue the story with the characters I have grown attached to in the second book in the series. I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a page turning story.
December 29, 2021
Jacek Dąbrowski is a young man who lives in the Commonwealth of Poland and Lithuania in the year 1610, he is one of many brothers and sisters and is no stranger to tragedy, so when it was his turn to become a fighter in the Army of the Commonwealth, he trained from a young age in horsemanship and weapons training and was enrolled into the Hussars, a troop of cavalry men identifiable by the wings on their uniforms.
After one particularly bloody battle at Kluszyn, Muscovy they have victory, but at the price of one of their Lieutenants, however, when they find that some of the enemy combatants have fled, Jacek and a couple of the others follow them to try and wipe them out. When they return to the camp, it is to find out that their Captain is not as pleased to see them or Jacek, especially Jacek and makes the effort of trying to tear his performance down in front of the other soldiers, but Jacek cannot understand why. They also find that they have been given orders saying that they are allowed to return home, however, the supplies are limited and a small contingency are soon split off from the main caravan to go to a local town to try and acquire some extra supplies.
When they get to the town, they find it in the midst of an attack and in flames. The Hussars have arrived too late to help the villagers, however, Jacek finds one young girl and a small boy being attacked by a soldier and rushes in to rescue them. This is where Jacek’s normally calm exterior and strong sense of duty briefly flees his mind and finding that the two don’t have any family left or a place to call home, he decides to take them along on the trip home and instil them there.
During the trip, Jacek gets to know the two children and finds that he takes on the role of protector on, especially towards the young woman, but does not let it interfere with his duties, however, as the time passes, he realises that he has grown very fond of the young lady as she matures into a beautiful young woman, however, he isn’t the only one to have noticed this. As Jacek’s relationship with his commanding Captain deteriorates further and a rivalry develops as ones jealousy affects the others prospects, but will Jacek be able to keep his promises to himself, or will this rivalry stand in his way and what of the young woman who has stolen his heart, will she give hers in return? This is a historical romance full of battles, friendships, rivalries and love, where there are more secrets, twists and turns than genuine feelings and relationships as this story crosses boundaries, both physical and emotional throughout.
After one particularly bloody battle at Kluszyn, Muscovy they have victory, but at the price of one of their Lieutenants, however, when they find that some of the enemy combatants have fled, Jacek and a couple of the others follow them to try and wipe them out. When they return to the camp, it is to find out that their Captain is not as pleased to see them or Jacek, especially Jacek and makes the effort of trying to tear his performance down in front of the other soldiers, but Jacek cannot understand why. They also find that they have been given orders saying that they are allowed to return home, however, the supplies are limited and a small contingency are soon split off from the main caravan to go to a local town to try and acquire some extra supplies.
When they get to the town, they find it in the midst of an attack and in flames. The Hussars have arrived too late to help the villagers, however, Jacek finds one young girl and a small boy being attacked by a soldier and rushes in to rescue them. This is where Jacek’s normally calm exterior and strong sense of duty briefly flees his mind and finding that the two don’t have any family left or a place to call home, he decides to take them along on the trip home and instil them there.
During the trip, Jacek gets to know the two children and finds that he takes on the role of protector on, especially towards the young woman, but does not let it interfere with his duties, however, as the time passes, he realises that he has grown very fond of the young lady as she matures into a beautiful young woman, however, he isn’t the only one to have noticed this. As Jacek’s relationship with his commanding Captain deteriorates further and a rivalry develops as ones jealousy affects the others prospects, but will Jacek be able to keep his promises to himself, or will this rivalry stand in his way and what of the young woman who has stolen his heart, will she give hers in return? This is a historical romance full of battles, friendships, rivalries and love, where there are more secrets, twists and turns than genuine feelings and relationships as this story crosses boundaries, both physical and emotional throughout.
December 18, 2021
Settle in and get ready to be transported back to the 17th century by the creative writing ability of Griffin Brady. Brady takes his times and crafts a world where each detail seems to carved into the imagination of the reader. The craft is in the detail and the story is built on those details. So, while it may seem a bit unnecessary or cumbersome, it is in fact, the launching point of the action! In this first book of "The Winged Warrior Series," Brady is setting the scene and the tone for the plot which will be his characters throughout their adventures. Brady is reminiscent of story tellers from old and he weaves the details together. "The Heart of Hussar," is something to be savored and not to be rushed. Definitely for the more skilled reader or for someone who is ready to work with more detailed works. This is a gem that is worth the effort!
December 20, 2021
Gorgeously written and full of page-turning action, this book is a treasure. I loved all of the characters, especially Oliwia and Jacek, who are fantastic in their own ways. They are deeply believable heroes, and I was entranced in their saga from the beginning. I wasn't sure I'd like a novel set so long ago, but honestly I was scarcely aware of it as their unflinching humanity was the star of the show. There are gory battle scenes, highly emotional scenes of heartache, behind-the-scenes cunning, and triumph over adversity. A very full work that book lovers of all types could appreciate.
December 13, 2021
Historic Fiction allows the readers to be transported to the lands of distant past and learn a lot about the country, the traditions and the rituals.
Jacek Dabrowski is a lieutenant of the Hussars and is one of the finest warriors of Poland. He is well respected by his warriors and is one of the most sought after bachelor in Poland. But his jealous superior belittles him and is always on a look out to bring him down. Jacek has to work hard to gain his leadership in the army.
In one of his raids, he rescues an orphaned pair, one of them being a girl. The girl, Oliwia, blossoms from a fifteen-year-old war orphan to an eighteen-year-old woman who has always been in love with Jacek. Jacek does not realize his feelings towards Oliwia till the later part of the book. Will he stop his pursuit and let his heart flutter?
This is the first book of a duology, and the story ends with a cliffhanger . Looking forward to the second half. It is a very nice historic fiction I have read in a long long time !
Jacek Dabrowski is a lieutenant of the Hussars and is one of the finest warriors of Poland. He is well respected by his warriors and is one of the most sought after bachelor in Poland. But his jealous superior belittles him and is always on a look out to bring him down. Jacek has to work hard to gain his leadership in the army.
In one of his raids, he rescues an orphaned pair, one of them being a girl. The girl, Oliwia, blossoms from a fifteen-year-old war orphan to an eighteen-year-old woman who has always been in love with Jacek. Jacek does not realize his feelings towards Oliwia till the later part of the book. Will he stop his pursuit and let his heart flutter?
This is the first book of a duology, and the story ends with a cliffhanger . Looking forward to the second half. It is a very nice historic fiction I have read in a long long time !
December 19, 2021
It’s been a while since I’ve read a historical fiction book. This was a great book to get back into this genre. This story has great characters who made it interesting and the descriptions of the scenes took me on a trip into the 17th century. Adding in some romance, action, and so much more had me reading late into the night. It was interesting to follow these brave warriors who worked to protect Poland. I can’t wait to read the next book.
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