Wheel of the Fates

The Carolingian Chronicles #2

by J. Boyce Gleason

IT IS 742. The throne is empty; the pagan states are in rebellion; Charles Martel’s widow and youngest son have been imprisoned, and trust between Carloman and Pippin—the two brothers who remain in power—has been shattered. Making matters worse, the Church is secretly conspiring to place a Merovingian on the throne and Charles’s daughter Hiltrude has wed the leader of the rebellion—giving him the legitimacy of Charles’s legacy.BASED ON A TRUE STORY, Wheel of the Fates picks up where the award-winning Anvil of God leaves off—chronicling the lives of Charles Martel’s children as they vie for power in what’s left of the kingdom…and their family.

Genres: Historical Fiction, France, Historical

451 pages, Paperback

Published April 1, 2021

About the author

With an AB degree in history from Dartmouth College, Gleason brings a strong understanding of what events shaped the past and when, but writes historical-fiction to discover why. Gleason lives in Virginia with his wife Mary Margaret. They have three sons.

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a work of fiction this is a fun book. The story is well told and interesting. The characters are engaging and the action moves. As a work of historical fiction this book is confusing. As I read it I felt like I was in a time machine traveling through the centuries spanning 700 - 1800. Having read history and historical fiction quite extensively, the setting, culture, dress, food, utensils, customs and social norms did not feel consistent with the time frame of the book. It disrupted the read for me personally.

I would approach this book as a work of fiction and simply enjoy the story as and how it unfolds.

[Brian Welte · Rating 5 out of 5]

A terrific read! Wheel of the Fates fully captures your imagination. A great sequel to the Anvil of God. Can't wait until the third book is released!

[james hollingsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Good historical fiction pushes one to look into the history more. This book does exactly what it is supposed to do. I have downloaded books on Charles Martel, The Merovingians . This author has made care about these people. I hope there is a third novel on its way.

[Alice Beyrent · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book continues the saga of Book I of the Carlingian Chronicals. The author explains how he wove his research into the narrative. To the greatest extent possible, one develops an understanding of the political challenges, the extensive and grusome war scenes, and the early development of the Church amid pagans and Islam. I appreciated a map of the area covered in the narrative as well as a list of characters, grouped by the region in which they lived. At the end, the author alludes to a third book in the series. Given that book II was published in 2021, I would forsee that we will not have access to Book III until at least 2024; For those who love history and have not had a great deal of exposure to the 500-800 centuries, you will find this exciting and filling in the blanks of what is known about this period.

[Tim.Larocco · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, the second in the series, but I agree with the reviewer who said the setting and context (i.e. the language, the food, the utensils, etc) was a little off. It is still a very good story, but it misses that Sharon Kay Penman extra detail to set it above the rest. Looking forward to the third book for sure.

[Donna J. Sager · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful historicl read.

Excellent writing. I couldn't put it down. This is a time in history that I didn't know much about and I'm really enjoying learning about it. Can't wait for the next book.

[Lynette Gilbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT SERIES

This in one of those series where the housework (or whatever else) suffers until you're at the very end. With the series centering on Charles 4 children (& kin), there's never a dull moment.
Hopefully, there's #3.

[Deborah Michelle Hubbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great series

After reading both books in this series I immediately searched for another book by this author. I loved his writing style and the books were fantastic as I could never predict what would happen next. Highly recommended!

[M. MOUNIR · Rating 5 out of 5]

VERY INTERESTING

I was not very impressed by the pagan rites of the first book, THE ANVIL, but it is obvious that Mr. Gleason has done a great deal of research on the subject, he is very woke including lesbians and sodomy as is very much 'de riguer' these days. MMG

[Riss 🫶🏻☕️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book two takes readers on another compelling and complex story, but it drew me in right away. I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first as it explores other aspects of this time period. I highly recommend for fans of historical fiction.

[Calles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story.

Good story. Kept me pretty interested. A lot of detail devoted to war strategies and tactics of the time period.

[Cynthia Russo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Fiction

Enjoyed the story and intrigue on the Christian Faith and the Celt's. The love story for a royal family was interesting.

[Janet Stringer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book, not as much as Anvil of God, but it is an excellent read, if somewhat gory. I am looking forward to the next one!

[Margarita · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting era. It was not a enjoyable read for me.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good series about a period in time that is not focused on in literature. Eager to read book 3.

[Jenny Byers · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Spoiler alert!! Don't read this if you don't like spoilers!*****

Second in the series, beginning is setting the stage and reminding me of all the characters. Story takes off pretty soon after the last book. I enjoyed the maneuvering of the women in this story. They had a lot going on. Raising a protective guard, spying for a sadistic almost-king, fighting in secret as trained assassins. Unfortunately a large portion of the book is focused on many fights and battles. They are described in blow by blow detail and would make a military historian very happy. But not me. I have enjoyed these to books, but not enough to seek out more of the same.