Handfast

by John Burke

Handfast is a supernatural tale by British fantasist John Burke.

Genres: Historical Fiction

351 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2021

About the author

This profile is the default profile for imported books.

For the British novelist and writer, see John Burke.
Christian Witer = John Burke
Trek President = John Burke
Burke's Peerage = John Burke
Educational Editor = John Burke
Boat Builder = John Burke
Theologian = John Burke

Reviews

[BEATRICE VEGAS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couched within Handfast, purportedly a fictional medieval romance is a scintillating expose of this period. Burke subtly achieves his purpose ingenuously. Well crafted he adeptly braids medieval romance and political intrigue with a myriad of sentiments into his arc, without censure. An uneasy peace prevails in England at a cusp in Tudor history. The imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots days seem numbered unless she springs free of her gaolers. Burke perceptively captures the glamour of the doomed queen. Furthermore, the English sovereign and the Scottish Regent had reached a mutually beneficial accord that would doubtless backfire on the reivers. Handfast unravels in the midst of such political intrigue. Those living on both sides of the Border country forced by their turbulent circumstances use their innate cunning and surroundings for survival. Moreover, women and children regardless of their birth were mere pawns in this game played by men and often suffered the most. Contrary to populist opinion, the smart survived by their wits. Necessity is the mother of invention. Burke's masterful storytelling attests his grasp of the period. With intuitive flair, he captures the savagery and stoicism of the times in full-blown technicolour holding nothing back, undeprecatingly letting the tapestry of his honest narrative inform. There is profound pleasure as the past is coaxed to life; sweeping one back to a world of pageantry, tyrannical fealty, its unjust consequences, vivid characters, capricious laws, devious plotting and buckets of gore. His accurately picturesque depiction of their fierce loyalty (or lack thereof), courage and at times misplaced patriotism and the futility of their endeavours evokes the sight, sounds and smells of the time. Despising their remorseless savagery yet drawn to their stoicism that strives to prevail against insurmountable odds. The multitudinous, colourful characters in Burke's fictional work did exist. His candid portrayal may perturb some and he misses the opportunity to offset it with wit. An age lacking reporters or social media, communication was solely by mail. A whisper in the right ears determined if ones head stayed on ones shoulder or rolled. Loyalties bought by coin or blackmail; corrupt officials filled their coffers by clever ruses, distorting the truth in their dispatches to their sovereigns. Burke seizes the opportunity adeptly weaving them into the rich tapestry of his tale. One gains insight into the blatant hypocrisy, corruption and concomitant depravity particularly of those in authority. Both sides maintain a façade of integrity that neither professes. Despite a momentary lapse towards the end, the plot recovers. It is not the tale but its telling that makes it unforgettable. More than a poignant and captivating medieval romance between Randal and Isabelle they and the entire cast are an indelible memory long after the last page is turned

[Virginia Tican · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am ambivalent about this one. On the one hand, I would have to credit the author of his bid for authenticity as evidenced by the missives John Forster wrote to his Sovereign, Queen Elizabeth of England (for example); on the other hand I had to skip some pages thus missing parts of history (both fact and fiction) because of said show of authenticity. Anyway, navigating thru some language difficulty, I was able to make heads or tails about the story and most happy to be done with it. Despite my difficulties, this was still a good read (all things considered). The story starts with a planned peaceful alliance between 2 warring border clans ~ the Armstrongs from Scotland and the Charltons from England ~ through marriage. Alas such a promising peaceful truce was foiled by the murder of Thomas (the English groom during the Day of Truce ironically. This is full of politics, treachery, lust, greed, murder, romance and everything else in~between.

[Karen Gray · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good lord does this book suffer from “written by a man” syndrome 🤦‍♀️

However the characters are decent enough and the story pulls you along so it’s worth the time. Most of Sir John’s letters I ended up skipping, and the horse related writing was absurdly, horrifically bad. Authors please do your research when writing. Horses are prey animals and do not scream in fright. Nor do you get a horse into motion using your knees!

Honestly though the actual story was decent, the world building was well thought out and colourful and the main characters were interesting so it’s worth a wee read 😉

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually shy away from novels set in Tudor or Elizabethan due to the court intrigues and violence. However, this was excellent! An engrossing page turner. The political intrigue between the wardens trying to curry favor with their sovereign play a large role. Simple folks are their pawns.

[Michael Milnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hard to follow.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

Convoluted plot and unlikeable characters