Restless Sea

Life of Galen #5

by Marina Pacheco

Just when they thought they could go home, they’re thrust into an even greater adventure.
Medieval England Spring, 998 AD. Fresh from the triumphal unveiling of Galen and Alcuin’s latest masterpiece, the two monks are looking forward to returning home to friends and family. But tales of miracles have piqued the interest of powerful men who have their own plans. The Bishop of Crowland has written to the pope about the possible emergence of a new saint and the supreme leader of all Catholics has issued a summons.
Galen thought the journey to Lundenburh was gruelling. How will he face an epic voyage of thousands of miles to Rome? Fortunately, he has Alcuin to support him and just a short voyage across the English Channel to start with.
What could possibly go wrong?

Will Galen and Alcuin weather the storms of a restless sea and make it safely across to the other side?

Restless Sea is the fifth book in the compelling Life of Galen historical fiction series. If you like journeying to a distant age, slowly unravelling mysteries and tales of friendship triumphing over adversity, then you’ll love Marina Pacheco’s riveting novella.

Buy Restless Sea and sail away on an adventure today!

Genres: Historical Fiction

159 pages, ebook

First published September 30, 2021

About the author

I'm a jack of all trades author who writes historical fiction, sweet romance, sci-fi and fantasy novels as well as short stories. I currently live on the coast just outside Lisbon, after stints in London, Johannesburg, and Bangkok, which all sounds more glamorous than it actually was. My ambition is to publish 100 books. This is taking considerably longer than I’d anticipated! 
You can find out more about me and my work, and download several freebies, on my website: https://marinapacheco.me 

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have bought all the books and all the audio books of this series I find it to be very accurate in terms of medieval life. there are some deviations here and there which are poetic license but there was one sentence that the author uses in the book when the men are washed up on the Iberian shores and that is where the master of the ship Pender says that the Moors are not tolerant people. the year is close to 1000 ad and the reconquista is well underway and has been underway for 400 years. contrary to what people have said in the past which was highly inaccurate the way Dumbo bama you know the guy that's married to Michael was talking about how the crusades were bad but in reality occurred because of the reconquista and also were directly started because the Moors decided to create a trade war something that they don't teach you in the mainstream media

but that being said the fact that this author made this comment is highly significant it shows a dedication to at least telling a large part of the truth about medieval life and living situations. the Arabs were not peaceful people the Christians were not peaceful people either they were at each other's throat for hundreds of years and Islam is not a land or a religion of peace it is a religion that demands the destruction of those who do not believe. it is written in their supposed holy book which I basically consider a toilet paper substitute. but that being said in all seriousness I thought this book was well written I thought it really flowed well it seems to me that the author's goal to write several hundred books resulted in this series being so long and while this book was extremely well written extremely well narrated by the way kudos to you jacob, I think that this could probably have been combined with the previous book and the book that will probably follow


that being said my comments not withstanding and taken with a grain of salt the historical accuracy is very good. a lot of times they don't teach the details in the nitty gritty that it was a very violent time that both Christian and Moslem and yes it's with an o because it's specifically relates to the mid Eastern islamicist versus those that are in the Pacific rim. in any case I think we are seeing extremely good depictions of what life was like back then

I highly recommend this series to everyone

additionally if you really want to read about the crusades the best text that were written on the subject and realize texts have been written for the last 1,000 years would be those written in Victorian England between the years of 1875 and 1936 they're very dry reading but they are very detailed and contained facts that you might not read about today

[Katheyer]

The “Life of Galen” series by Marina Pacheco is a historical mystery series set at the end of 10th Century Anglo-Saxon England, featuring Brother Galen, an intelligent, somehow shy young monk, who got stuck into monastic life rather by order of birth then choice, due to his lack of physical strength and military skills.

By “Restless at Sea“, the fifth instalment in the series, Brother Galen has come a long way from that shy young lad that enter the monastery, proving not only his excellent skills a manuscript copyist, but also his superior intelligence to navigate the politics of the time. Brother Galen has faces gruesome situations in the course of this life, from abuse to threat, and has still come out the other side, stronger and fortified in spirits, but after last excruciating adventure to Lundenburh, Galen has reached the boundaries of his physical strength. But his trials are about to begin anew: the word of his ‘miracles’ has reached the ears of the Bishop of Crowland, who has taken upon himself to inform the Pope adequately. Brother Galen, who has been summoned to Rome by the His Holiness to testify, embarks into an over thousand miles journey, with Alcuin faithfully at his side. Already the crossing of the English Channel turns into an ordeal.

Mariana Pacheco portraits 10th Century England in a fully realistic way, far away from romantic conceptions and ‘make believe’ scenery, this is a thrilling tale about a very much real young man, dealing with the consequences of his own role in a life path he has no real choice in, while still fighting to regain as much agency as possible, and learning the meaning of life while fighting the struggles every new day throws in his way. The strength of Galen and Alcuin’s relationship is admirably, even more so when it gets tested to the point of break.

This is a well-written, carefully research and successfully crafted historical series, that follows closely the path carved by Ellis Peters’ Cadfael and Peter Tremayne’s Fidelma of Cashel, while differing from the lighter “whodunnit” formula to center in Galen’s biography as an anchor point to highlight the historical framework of the tale.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Restless Sea: The Life of Galen, by Marina Pacheco continues the life journey of Brothers Galen and Alcuin. The Bishop has commanded they travel with him to Rome so Galen's miracles may be presented in person. Galen's father, Hugh, rallies against the journey with his claims that Galen will never make it, he is too ill. Hugh makes no headway against the Bishop and so they set off on a boat, which will take them to Paris, where they will travel overland for most of the rest of the journey. It is a boat meant for cargo so there is little comfortable space for passengers, but Alcuin carves out a spot for them and almost immediately succumbs to seasickness, leaving Galen to act as the caregiver. It is an exciting adventure: they face storms at sea, see both dolphins and whales, are pursued by Vikings, and are kidnapped by Moors. Galen is very ill, the journey has been difficult for him and he may not make it.

These books, The Life of Galen series, are a wonderful glimpse into life in the early middle ages as well as into the life of religious who are artists, as well. They all have personal relationships, just as we do currently, and despite the fact they have dedicated themselves to God. This is a spectacular book, describing this journey at sea with language that makes one feel as if they are there with them. Pacheco has this story down, and it is a joy to read.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Restless Sea by the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #restlesssea

[Ted · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good continuation of the series. Good to see Galen finding more and more confidence. Looking forward to more.

[Julie Mannino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an arc ebook in exchange for an honest review.

I was not disappointed. After reading the others, I was glad there were more adventures for Galen and Alcuin. (No spoilers) A new character that was introduced was very interesting to see and I'm wondering if he'll be important later.
Overall, the story was amazing and I stayed up to finish it because I had to know how it ended. I can hardly wait for more!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook: I enjoyed the fifth book in the "Life of Galen" series. Galen's work at the king's palace was completed, and he longed to go home; however, he has been ordered by his superiors to go to Rome. This story captured my imagination. The author's writing placed me on the hazardous journey that Galen and his friend, Alcuin experienced. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. Jacob Daniels' narration was great, and his performance enhanced my enjoyment of the story. I was given a free copy of the audiobook through Spotify, and I have voluntarily posted this review.

[Marina Pacheco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes I read this novel this year. I also wrote it, read it through edited it, sent it to my editor, had to re-work so many parts due to her suggestions, edited some more, proof read it and read it out loud to catch as many clunky turns of phrase as possible. Why 4 stars? Because, although I am fond of it, I know it isn't perfect – I wish it was. I'll keep working on getting better. Thanks to anyone who leaves feedback on the book, it really is appreciated and I learn from it too.

[PR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stories are always so perilous😣😣

I guess I want more from these characters than that they like even love one another. They are portrayed just in the surface. No depth to th characters. This is a book about angst, pity, hardship and fear...I want to know more about these men! Their love of their respective crafts, the skills it takes to create beauty, their other interests and skills more fully realised., their relationships with others less like a walk on part in a play and more like a real drama, comedy, novel!Any way this one has a Cliffhanger Ending so I will read the next one...just want more depth!

[Bev Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leaves you wanting more

I loved every one of these five books and cannot wait for the other five. The author effortlessly draws you in to the medieval world and makes you care about the characters. A superb series.

[Potatoes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition to the Life of Galen series. It dragged in some places but I’m glad that we had a book where Galen was well the majority of the time. It was a good role reversal of Galen taking care of Alcuin. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Nance Roepke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better in my opinion. I would like to see many more books about Galen.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

...and this time I got to learn about long trips on a ship in the 10th century. Still enjoying this series so much.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Restless Sea: A tale of friendship in adversity –
Life of Galen book #5
By Marina Pacheco
Reviewed October 24, 2021

The story of Brother Galen and his friend Brother Alcuin continues in book 5 – Restless Sea.

It is spring in the year 998, and after wintering at the king’s court in Lundenburh, Galen and Alcuin will soon be heading home. Never one to enjoy the boisterous activities that surround the royal court, Galen looks forward to the company of friends and family members. However, it seems his hopes are about to be dashed.

The Bishop of Crowland has written to the pope about the tales of miracles that surround young Galen, and now powerful men have their own plans for the monk’s future. The pope himself wants to meet Brother Galen, and it’s a request that cannot be refused. So while he’d prefer to stay back in England, Brother Galen prepares for a lengthy trip of many months abroad. At least his dear friend Brother Alcuin will be with him.

The first part of the trip is by sea, and ironically it is the usually fragile Galen who has to care for a very sick Alcuin. Galen is surprised at how well he takes to traveling by sea. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Alcuin who is stricken with a violent case of sea sickness.

Along the way, Galen makes friends with the ship’s captain, Penda, and many of the sailors who look upon the young monk as a kind of talisman for a safe voyage. Not everyone is as hospitable, however. The bishop’s secretary, Cenric, is less than welcoming. In fact, he’s downright hostile. When Galen makes tentative overtures in an effort to understand why this man who doesn’t even know him bears him such resentment, he realizes that Cenric is a man beset by his own personal demons.

Just when it looks like this part of their journey will be coming to an end, more trouble rears its ugly head. As their ship heads makes its way toward the Seine with plans to dock at Paris, they find their way blocked by three Viking long ships. And surprisingly for Viking raiders, they actually pursue the ship Galen’s on even when they run into bad weather. Tossed about by a ferocious storm, it appears all will be lost. Galen and Alcuin hear each other’s confession, should they not make it out of this trouble, which looks to be the case when both are tossed overboard by the waves.

I very much love this series, and enjoy watching Brother Galen grow from the shy, damaged teenage boy to a young man who, though he will always be frail, is learning a lot about himself and growing in confidence.

My only complaint? The story ends with a terrible cliff hanger, meaning it will be several months at least before I find out what happens next. Nicely played, Marina Pacheco!