Kingfisher

by D.K. Marley

The past, future, and Excalibur lie in her hands.

Wales, 1914. Vala Penrys and her four sisters find solace in their spinster life by story-telling, escaping the chaos of war by dreaming of the romantic days of Camelot. When the war hits close to home, Vala finds love with Taliesin Wren, a mysterious young Welsh Lieutenant, who shows her another world within the tangled roots of a Rowan tree, known to the Druids as ‘the portal’.

One night she falls through, and suddenly she is Vivyane, Lady of the Lake – the Kingfisher – in a divided Britain clamoring for a High King. What begins as an innocent pastime becomes the ultimate quest for peace in two worlds full of secrets, and Vala finds herself torn between the love of her life and the salvation of not only her family but of Britain, itself.

From award-winning historical novelist, D. K. Marley - a story for OUTLANDER and MISTS OF AVALON fans - comes a time-traveling historical spanning centuries.

"It is, at the heart of it, a love story – the love between a man and a woman, between a woman and her country, and between the characters and their fates – but its appeal goes far beyond romance. It is a tale of fate, of power, and, ultimately, of sacrifice for a greater good." - Riana Everly, author of Teaching Eliza and Death of a Clergyman

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 28, 2021

About the author

D. K. Marley is the CEO of The Historical Fiction Company, Historical Times Magazine, the Hist Fic Chickie Blog & History Bards podcast. Historical Fiction author specializing in Shakespearean adaptations, Tudor era historicals, Colonial American historicals, alternate historicals, and historical time-travel.

Reviews

[Whispering Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magical realm of Avalon is brought gloriously back to life in D.K. Marley's new novel. With a heavy dose of mystical realism, the author has transported her readers back in time, and as the mists over Avalon disperses, all that is left is the truth - the fate of a nation is dependent on the once and future king being born.

This is a novel about personal discovery, about finding answers to questions that Vala, the protagonist in this story, did not know she needed to ask! What has caused her mother's madness? Why does she feel this emotional pull towards a legendary distant past?

This is a story about a bard, written by an equally talented one. The words and the structures of the sentence themselves came across as really poetic, much like Tennyson's Idylls of the King. These words magically transport you back to a legendary time and as the truths finally immerse into the light, they do so with a devastating realisation and sacrifice.

This story - part adventure, part destiny, and part romance is a real page-turner. I thought the historical detailing was masterfully depicted and the characters came across as very real in the telling. All in all, this novel is a great read, and one I enjoyed very much.

*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kingfisher is a time travel story interwoven with reincarnation and the Arthurian legend. Not only do we have one time traveler but we have several, with different levels of perception, so to speak. We see Vala, our protagonist, come to full realization of who she was, while her mother, deemed to have pretty much lost her mind, seems to have been an “old hat” at this game—and lost. Vala’s sisters are not exempt. The modern day is 1914 Wales just having gone to war, and Vala (and friends) seek to save the world by saving the past. It’s certainly a tall order!

As Vala explains to her sister, “Everything will be different upon our return to Avalon. Everything will be transformed here. We are grains of sand and the winds of time blow us to the past. The decisions we make will ripple to this time and, I pray, when we return from our storytelling, this God-forsaken war will have never happened. And more . . .”

If you are a lover of poetry and grand imagery, this book is definitely for you. We hover on the edge of Tennyson; Vala sees the world through poetic eyes. Avalon seems the most poignant setting for her, and we hope that her Taliesin—Merlyn in the other world—proves to be the forever love of her life. But her mother’s misery casts a pall over this world of back-and-forth and matters grow more complicated every day. Will Vala be able to hold things together and keep her own family from tearing itself apart?

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a sucker for a beautiful cover, and this book has one. I also love stories about King Arthur and the Outlander books. So when I saw this novel compared to those two, I knew I had to read it. I was not disappointed.

Historical fiction must have a realistic setting that draws you in, and this one does. World War I Wales, 5th century Britain, and World War II scenes all appear. Every one is well researched and compelling. You feel you are time traveling right along with Vala. This novel is the first in a series and left me eager to continue the story.

The Kingfisher begins in 1914, with five spinster sisters in Wales who try to escape war talk by playacting Camelot in their attic. Little do they know they are beginning a journey into the secrets of their family's past. Each sister is a unique character, and I suspect subsequent books might follow their stories as this one did for Vala, the oldest. All five have roles in the ongoing story that revolves around Britain past, present, and future, but each one has their own dreams and preferences. What I especially enjoyed was the historical thread that allowed one sister to be Vala's sister as well as Morgan Le Fay and Eva Braun! (I hope you see that as an enticement to read rather than a spoiler!)

At times I was confused by which sister represented which Camelot character, and that was further muddied by adding the World War II layer. It didn't get in the way of my enjoyment of the story, though. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves Wales, Avalon, Outlander, time travel, or historical fiction in general!

[Lost in a book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction meets historical fantasy in this fascinating new take on Arthurian legend. Unlike most Arthurian novels, Kingfisher tells the story from The Lady of the Lake's perspective.

This novel is quite long, and I am not usually a fan of long books, especially when I consider my to-review list! But this novel did not feel as long as the page count stated and I think that has to do with the authors seemingly magical abilities to make time stand still while I read.

I really enjoyed the magical realism, the plot twists and especially the romance. If you like to read quality fiction that will keep you up all night then I cannot recommend this book enough. It is a great read.

* I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.

[Cecly Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I was totally engrossed in this novel's plot and characters. Five spinster sisters all with secrets of their own, at the start of the Great War in Wales, travel in convoy with the oldest sister Vala as she strives for peace in their land, while solving her family's mysteries and uncovering their secrets.
The narrative was exquisite and rich in details of the period, including historical characters that the author imagined into her story.
I am left waiting for the other sisters' stories, as I am sure this novel is the first in a much-anticipated series.

[Gwendalyn Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kingfisher By D. K. Marley

Book Title: Kingfisher
Series: (The Kingfisher Series, Book One)
Author: D. K. Marley
Publication Date: June 28, 2021
Publisher: The White Rabbit Publishing (HFC Press)
Page Length: 530 Pages
Genre: Historical Time Travel
 
This tale begins with an assignation. Vola and her identical twin sister Isla
twenty-eighth birthday celebration was the same day that the Archduke Ferdinand, and his wife Sophia were assassinated. That fated day June 28th, 1914, set about a series of events that led to The Great War.
Vala father thin

Vola enjoys escaping into books and fanciful play acting. She has a vivid imagination, along with vibrant recurring dreams since childhood. These dreams seems more like memories and she feels that there are more to her mother’s childhood lavish tales of King Arthur.

Abergavenny Wales, Vala Penrys and her four sister try to adjust to the changing time. As the world as they know it is turned inside out. As countries take sides, their father Ian leaves to fulfill his duty to the Crown. Vala being oldest, is left in charge of the running of the household and the care of her ailing, slightly unhinged mother, Isobe. The oldest of the Penrys girls boarder on spinsterhood, after a few seasons in London without acquiring suitable husbands. Isla and Vola along with the rest of the Penrys, and servants make up a close knit family that depend on each other for comfort and friendship as War rages on. Their mother’s condition worsens, along with Isobe’s cryptic secrets at Tyalwyn. What could they mean?

After Vala meets a captivating young Welsh Lieutenant, Taliesin Wren. She seems drawn to. The oldest girls decide to do what they can to help the war effort by making their home available to those soldiers in need. New acquaintances help to piece together family secrets, that have been buried. As reality and myth become blended.

D. K. Marley has written a stunning historical fiction, mixed with magical realism.
Set to the backdrop of the beginning of the First World War, and Avalon. The author blends mystery, family dynamics and time travel.

I enjoyed the overall premise of the book. The quick pace kept me engaged from the very beginning and all the way through. There is slight tension that slowly builds as you the flip through the pages and storyline unfolds. The characters are well developed and completely fleshed out. Richly detailed, the writers voice is fluid and captivating, making for an excellent reading experience.

Historical fiction with magical realism is one of my all time favorite genre.
D. K. Marley exceptional writing is spellbinding I found myself completely immersed within these pages.

Excited for the next installment in this highly addictive book series !

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Quotes:

I gripped her hand and return. “Now is the perfect time. How else can we braved the day ahead of us then to fall down rabbit holes?”

“I see the conflict in your eyes Vala, but do not worry. We are of this time, but another, as well. I am a gentleman. All things will take place in time.”

#HistoricalFiction #TimeTravel #WW1 #KingArthur

[Beatrice Rivers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often read historical fantasy, but I do have a passing interest in the legends of King Arthur, but my knowledge is very rudimentary, so I was looking forward to reading this novel. The book opens in 1914, and we are introduced to a family whose foundations is one of the most famous legends of them all - but they don't know that, yet!

With a mentally ill mother and the clock ticking forever onwards, Vala cannot help but wonder if she will ever find true love, she is way past the marriageable age and yet, she has a hint of wildness about her. She is, I guess pushing against the conventional role of women in the early 20th Century. To escape this mundane existence she escapes into her imagination and it is Camelot that inspires these imaginations. What she was not expecting was that this fascination was grounded in reality - her reality. And the reason why she has not found her "true love" yet was because... Shh! I must not give away the story, but what I can say is that Vala discovers two things (well, she discovers a few more things but these two are quite important), the first is the reason behind her mother's so-called madness and the second thing is her own true calling.

While Britain begins to mobilise to fight in what would later be called the Great War, Vala has an even greater battle to face. She must embrace her true self, kick-off convention go back in time and meet her destiny head-on.

Kingfisher is the story of the Lady of the Lake, her origins, her enemies and her mission! She has to make sure the Uther has a son "Arthur". It is a heavy burden to carry, especially when Uther is not the nicest of men on first meeting (and I think his accent is meant to be Scottish - which usually endears a character to me, but not so much in this case)! Although he does mellow as the story progresses and like Vala, I hoped he would have a better end than the one legend foretold.

A character that I really adored was Taliesin - his story both in the early 20th Century and back in Avalon is, well, let's call it complicated, magical but complicated. But his compassion, his love and his determination really drew me towards him. I enjoyed reading the scenes that he is in very much.

Kingfisher is a must read for lovers of Arthurian romance, or anyone else who enjoys a well researched (both in history and legend) novel.

*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.

[Oh Look,AnotherBook · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this book just blew me away!!!

I have to admit I haven't read that many Arthurian novels before, and I did hesitate before agreeing to read this book. Don't get me wrong, I know that story of Arthur and his knights, thanks considerably to Disney, but there is a part of me that was never really that interested in this mythical king. Nevertheless, the blurb of this book really intrigued me, and I could not wait to get stuck in!

The story is told in two parts by two very different times—it is a time-travel story after all! It is set in 1914, at the beginning of World War One, and it is in this era that we are introduced to the Penrys, five of which are spinster daughters. Vala Penrys, like her sisters, escape the bleak prospect of a future that has so far been denied her and allows her imagination to take her back to Camelot. A foolish young woman's fancy - one might think, but there is something not quite right about the Penrys.

This novel really did pull at my heartstrings on more than one occasion, but it is also a wonderful adventure, not only because of the time-travel element which takes the protagonists and members of her family back and forth to Avalon but also because of the people Vala meets along the way. Vala also discovers many things about herself and her family.

As one would expect there are a whole host of legendary characters in this book - from Uther to the Lady of the Lake, and each brings something to the story and enrich it. I really enjoyed getting to know both the good and the not so good characters in this novel!

The author has depicted the appalling and diabolical treatment of the mentally ill in this novel. I loathed the treatment of Vala's mother - the poor woman, as soon as she opened her mouth they were shoving laudanum down her throat. But as you read on you realises that her mother is not mad, she's just lost. So very sad.

If you love mythical fantasy with larger than life characters and an utterly divine story then this is the novel for you.

It has a big thumbs up from me!

*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideration.

[Beverlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to start with a disclaimer. I have, over the last few years, become something of a lover of all things Welsh, to the extent that I’m trying to learn the language. I have also been fascinated by Arthurian legends and literature since my teens, and cannot get enough historical fiction.

And so, when author DK Marley sent me an advance copy of her new book, Kingfisher, I was predisposed in all sorts of ways to adore it. But this is a double-edged sword, because with such high expectations, it would be easy for the book to fall short.

I needn’t have worried. Kingfisher did not fall short, but rather, exceeded my hopes.

The story begins – or does it? – in Wales near Abergavenny on the eve of World War One. Vala is the oldest of five daughters, struggling to keep her home and family together as her father goes off to war and her mother slowly goes mad. She finds refuge, as she has always done, in the legends of King Arthur that she has heard from childhood. But when she meets enigmatic solider Taliesin Wren, the line between reality and myth starts to blur, and she discovers that the beautiful Rowan under which she has spent so much time might be more than just a tree and that the bonds of family might be more fragile than ever she imagined.

I won’t give away more of the story, although its beauty is as much in the telling of it as in the plot. But I will say this: DK Marley deftly weaves together such disparate elements as WWI hospitals, Camelot, art collecting, HG Wells’ political activities, and a horrible glimpse into a possible future, into a fascinating fabric that transcends time and becomes a cohesive, compelling whole. It is, at the heart of it, a love story – the love between a man and a woman, between a woman and her country, and between the characters and their fates – but its appeal goes far beyond romance. It is a tale of the fate, of power, and ultimately of sacrifice for a greater good.

My only quibble is that so much of the story still waits to be told. I am eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, and eventually, the answers to all the tantalizing questions DK Marley has provoked.

For the sake of complete transparency, I received an advance copy of this novel. However, my opinions are my own and are honest. Likewise, this review is voluntary. I just really liked the book and wanted to share!

[Malve Hassell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique, beautifully imagined mix of legend and history

If you are into tales of King Arthur, then this book is for you. The Kingfisher reads like a dream within a dream within a dream. It is set in various times periods, shifting from World War I to the legendary time of King Arthur and his famous knights of the round table, the equally legendary time before the birth of King Arthur, and even into an alternate World War II.
It tells the story of five sisters, for the most part from the perspective of Vala, who on another plane is Viviane the Lady of the Lake. Their stories intertwine with the legendary figures surrounding King Arthur. The writing is fluid, and the author skillfully draws on the immense and rich repertoire of English poetry and literature. There are several interlinked story lines, all filled with adventure, risk, mystery, and love, within the context of a complicated relationship among sisters who are trying to unravel the mystery surrounding their parents while dealing with temptations and relationships in their own time as well as in the alternate reality in which they find themselves. This makes for a great read; meanwhile, the author does not shy away from raising difficult questions about destiny, choice, and free will, as well as the role of writers who in her words can be like storytellers that “meld into the characters of their choosing,” and are “travelers dispensing our tales throughout time.”

[The Book Bandit · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚📚📚📚📚 = I could not put this book down. I Highly Recommend it

Vala Penrys has watched helplessly as her mother, Isobel, succumbs to the madness that she has fought against for so long. And as Vala nears her thirtieth birthday she no longer denying the desperate longing she feels to escape from her situation, add to the equation that Britain is going to war makes this longing almost overwhelming. She has also been having odd dreams about a raven and a kingfisher and she can't decipher what it means. If only there was someone who could explain everything to her.

The Kingfisher is a story of magic, time travel, Arthurian legends and unexpected love. I really adored everything about this novel. The story captured my attention and the characters, especially Vala and Taliesin, really stole my heart. The sinister threat delivered by Morgayne and the world war also gives this novel a darker edge. There were also characters that I initially disliked (cough, Uther) and then found myself kind of liking as the novel progressed, which took me by surprise. And there are certainly plot twists aplenty. And as for the whole blood is thicker than water rubbish, just you wait!!

I hope Book 2 comes out soon as I can't wait to reconnect with these characters and discover what happens next!

*I received a copy of this book from The Coffee Pot Book Club for review consideraiton.

[Helen Blackthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Magic and madness. Delusions and enlightenment. A story passed down. A story lived. We all know that bards, before the invention of the biro, wandered from one village to the next telling stories, but did you know that also travelled through time? Kingfisher is a vibrant and refreshing retelling of the Arthurian story from the Lady of the Lake's perspective.

This novel really ticked all of the boxes. The author has created a believable world, relatable characters and storyline that was utterly engrossing. As I was reading, I thought this book would make a fabulous movie; it is a cross between Game of Thrones, The Witcher and Merlin (although perhaps a more grown-up version of the latter). Once I started this novel I knew that it was going to be difficult to put it down.

The story is incredibly appealing, especially if you love quality fantasy. At times it felt like I was living the story, rather than reading it. Everything is depicted with such clarity. I loved the way the author wove the legends into the story, but she also kept the authenticity of this historical setting as well.

I thought this book was brilliant and I cannot wait to get my hands on Book 2!

*I received a copy of this novel from The Coffee Pot Book Club. I was under no obligation to leave a review.

[Gail Olmsted · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit that I was getting a bit burned out on war stories, but Kingfisher tackles WW1 in an entirely different way. First off, it's set at the beginning of the war in Wales, a lovely country I had the fortune to visit shortly after I got married. But the biggest difference and Kingfisher's primary strength (besides excellent writing and spot-on editing) lies in the fact that the main characters are five sisters. The oldest, Nala, helps her sisters to escape the realities of their perilous situation, if only through their vivid imaginations. When a dashing Welsh lieutenant captures Vala's heart, he helps her to discover a world that exists only through a mysterious portal. Or is it their imagination?

In this new world, Vala finds herself transformed and her new role as the Lady of the Lake – the Kingfisher – brings her into battle in a divided Britain. Vala must decide if she can give up her one true love in order to bring peace to her family and her country.

This is the first in a series and I look forward to reading more about these bewitching Welsh women!

[Sara Giacalone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the great pleasure of being a beta reader for D.K. Marley’s anticipated new novel, Kingfisher, and I found this first novel of the series to be simply enchanting. Set at the beginning of the Great War, in Wales, we encounter a family of five spinster sisters and secrets… and travel with eldest sister Vala Penrys as she uncovers the secret of her family’s past and possibly Great Britain’s future. Can she bring to fruition the ultimate quest for peace?

Exquisitely and skillfully tying together disparate elements such as Camelot and Tennyson with the imaginative theories of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells and the fundamental tragedy of World War I, Kingfisher is full of literary references, historical characters, and big ideas. Ultimately, I felt Kingfisher invited me to join in on a satisfying journey of self-discovery, love, and betrayal, and left me wanting more. I know I am excited to continue the journey and learn more about the Penrys family’s secrets and how they are possibly the hope for the past and the future!

[Juliane Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic blend of history and myth

I had been looking forward to reading the first book in D.K. Marley's new series, and Kingfisher didn't disappoint! Starting at the beginning of WWI, the book moves seamlessly between the ages as the reader is transported to ancient Arthurian times and back again. With intricate historical details, well-rounded and lifelike characters, and a captivating story, Kingfisher was an enthralling read. I look forward to the rest of the series!

[Trick Wiley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This takes place way back in 1914 right before the war,four sisters with secrets! D.K.Marley did a fantastic job on not only having the characters come alive for you but places you right into the story as it you are right there. Adventures,secrets and love what more do you need in a story? Follow these sisters and see what happens to them where they are going and will they get there or will their lives change forever ? I really enjoyed this story and wonder if there will be more?