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THE COMPLETE MIRRORED SWORD: PARTS ONE AND TWO
What happens when the world’s worst shrew meets the world’s most formidable warrior?
Mirrored Sword , a comedy as black as the Plague, as turbulent as the Wars of the Roses. She is an aspiring painter and devoted Yorkist. He is the legendary but ageing Beast of Ferrybridge – a Lancastrian stalwart! Rebellion in Lincolnshire throws them together, the Yorkist king keeps them together, and thus they must work out their destinies and England’s, in an epic story that combines laughter and tears, romance and adventure, history and make-believe, high art and vulgar a medieval banquet, loaded with surprises, colourful characters and poetic justice.
Part One , The Dance , is a journey from Lincolnshire to London, where he goes in search of a fool brother, and she goes in quest of a royal romance, the story careering through a series of revealing encounters, climaxing in treachery and mayhem at Baynard Castle, the king’s London home.
Part Two , The Tour , is their return journey from London to Lincolnshire, as companions and fellow travellers of the king, when their previous encounters are even more revealing in reverse order, ending in a rising tide of bloodshed and revenge, malice and pure evil, hope and desperate self-belief, deep in the fens.
This edition ( The Complete Mirrored Sword )combines both parts in a single volume.
Mirrored Sword , a comedy as black as the Plague, as turbulent as the Wars of the Roses. She is an aspiring painter and devoted Yorkist. He is the legendary but ageing Beast of Ferrybridge – a Lancastrian stalwart! Rebellion in Lincolnshire throws them together, the Yorkist king keeps them together, and thus they must work out their destinies and England’s, in an epic story that combines laughter and tears, romance and adventure, history and make-believe, high art and vulgar a medieval banquet, loaded with surprises, colourful characters and poetic justice.
Part One , The Dance , is a journey from Lincolnshire to London, where he goes in search of a fool brother, and she goes in quest of a royal romance, the story careering through a series of revealing encounters, climaxing in treachery and mayhem at Baynard Castle, the king’s London home.
Part Two , The Tour , is their return journey from London to Lincolnshire, as companions and fellow travellers of the king, when their previous encounters are even more revealing in reverse order, ending in a rising tide of bloodshed and revenge, malice and pure evil, hope and desperate self-belief, deep in the fens.
This edition ( The Complete Mirrored Sword )combines both parts in a single volume.
- GenresFiction
772 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2021
8 people want to read
About the author
Allan Hands
3 booksAllan Hands is a pen name borrowed from the author’s grandfathers (Allan McPherson and Claude Hands). It is a more convenient handle on his book than is his real name, which you can find listed in the book’s front matter as owner of the copyright.
Allan is 66 years old (2022), which is younger than you might think and much older than he feels. He was born in Sydney, Australia. His parents divorced when he was twenty-one, and both passed away during the COVID catastrophe, but they are always together in his thoughts, and Mirrored Sword is dedicated to their memory.
Allan graduated from Macquarie University in 1976 with a B.A. specialising in English literature. He has worked in a variety of jobs as driver and labourer, and he ended up in Queensland, where he obtained a diploma in education from the Carseldine College of Advanced Education. He then commenced a career as school teacher, mostly in south-east Queensland but also with a two-year spell in the outback as part of the distance education program.
He now lives on four sunny acres with his library and his dog, enjoying the space and time to study at leisure, including the classics in Latin, Greek and English, some physics, philosophy and Christian studies. A jack of all trades and master of none, he likes to think his first novel will establish him as a master of something.
His priorities as an author: firstly, write great books; secondly, write books that sell. He has almost finished researching his next ambitious story, a novel set in ancient Greece. Meanwhile Mirrored Sword Part One and Part Two are available at Amazon (doing better in the UK than US), and a combined volume is temporarily free at NetGalley (May 2022).
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 25, 2022
This historical fictional novel is very witty and uses such natural dialogue, the dialect from “ up North” , once you become accustomed to the speech, is an unexpected treat!
Rural Lincolnshire in 1470 is a hotbed of political intrigue. Many Fen dwellers keep themselves close, and are especially close to traders of the Hanseatic League, regarding them as closer friends than what is happening in London. The War of the Roses in some areas has little or no impact to a predominantly farming community, and they have various Lords and Earls to give servitude towards.
The language throughout is bawdy and very expressive, especially in sexual matters. A good old fashioned romp through a complicated period in history, where a Yorkist King has usurped a Lancastrian monarch, men become turn coats for safety and financial gain, with much back stabbing involved.
The heroine is Susanna Mandeville, she is devoted to the Yorkist King Edward, she danced with him once and dreams of becoming a mistress to this mercurial personage. She is stubborn, wilful, strong willed, and not above using violence to make her point. Her Father, and his workers are in fear of her.
Fate intervenes in the shape of Tom Rousseau, The Beast of Ferrybridge, who is an ardent, defeated Lancastrian. Opposites attract, and a complete company of likeable rogues royally entertain the reader on the journey from Lincolnshire to London.
Escapades in London, a unknown traitor, a missing brother, a few complicated weddings and divorces, a kiss that is totally unforeseen, leads our merry band fleeing back to Lincolnshire to save their necks, in book two.
Two books in one is a demanding but very enjoyable read. Rather wordy and lengthy, but so worth it. There is humour, disguises, interfering females, and battles that are not always fought on a field.
There are very strong characters in these two books, that you really have empathy with. Susanna and Tom almost steal the show for me, but Lord Grey, who has an unfortunate speech impediment gives the whole book a sense of the ridiculous, and sympathy.
Having grown up in rural Lincolnshire, and knowing many of these places, it has been a lovely re acquaintance and a lovely education for myself.
A five star read. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon. My thanks to the publishers , Independent book publishers for my advance digital copy, given in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
Rural Lincolnshire in 1470 is a hotbed of political intrigue. Many Fen dwellers keep themselves close, and are especially close to traders of the Hanseatic League, regarding them as closer friends than what is happening in London. The War of the Roses in some areas has little or no impact to a predominantly farming community, and they have various Lords and Earls to give servitude towards.
The language throughout is bawdy and very expressive, especially in sexual matters. A good old fashioned romp through a complicated period in history, where a Yorkist King has usurped a Lancastrian monarch, men become turn coats for safety and financial gain, with much back stabbing involved.
The heroine is Susanna Mandeville, she is devoted to the Yorkist King Edward, she danced with him once and dreams of becoming a mistress to this mercurial personage. She is stubborn, wilful, strong willed, and not above using violence to make her point. Her Father, and his workers are in fear of her.
Fate intervenes in the shape of Tom Rousseau, The Beast of Ferrybridge, who is an ardent, defeated Lancastrian. Opposites attract, and a complete company of likeable rogues royally entertain the reader on the journey from Lincolnshire to London.
Escapades in London, a unknown traitor, a missing brother, a few complicated weddings and divorces, a kiss that is totally unforeseen, leads our merry band fleeing back to Lincolnshire to save their necks, in book two.
Two books in one is a demanding but very enjoyable read. Rather wordy and lengthy, but so worth it. There is humour, disguises, interfering females, and battles that are not always fought on a field.
There are very strong characters in these two books, that you really have empathy with. Susanna and Tom almost steal the show for me, but Lord Grey, who has an unfortunate speech impediment gives the whole book a sense of the ridiculous, and sympathy.
Having grown up in rural Lincolnshire, and knowing many of these places, it has been a lovely re acquaintance and a lovely education for myself.
A five star read. I will leave reviews to Goodreads and Amazon. My thanks to the publishers , Independent book publishers for my advance digital copy, given in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
May 11, 2022
This is very much in the style of The Taming of the Shrew but in prose. Set in 1471 in England during the War of the Roses, it is filled with intrigue, comedy, some tragedy, and adventure. The language is very understandable if a bit flowery at times. You do not have to spend several minutes understanding a sentence like you would if reading Shakespeare.
At times it is very bawdy like a Restoration Comedy. The attitude of the men towards women might offend modern readers but it probably pretty realistic. On the other hand, the woman characters—particularly the main female lead—are strong characters with their own ambitions and thoughts outside of only being a mother and wife.
This is a historical fiction story. While the main characters are not real-life people many of the people in the story are. Also, some of the events really happened. Intrigue, back-stabbing and politics were rampant and bloody during this time period. That is reflected in this book. But there is also a lot of humor and romance (eventually). You don’t have to know the history but I think it will appeal more to people who have some knowledge of the events.
Some of it is a bit slap-stick but it is also smart. I enjoyed it but it did drag on in places. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
At times it is very bawdy like a Restoration Comedy. The attitude of the men towards women might offend modern readers but it probably pretty realistic. On the other hand, the woman characters—particularly the main female lead—are strong characters with their own ambitions and thoughts outside of only being a mother and wife.
This is a historical fiction story. While the main characters are not real-life people many of the people in the story are. Also, some of the events really happened. Intrigue, back-stabbing and politics were rampant and bloody during this time period. That is reflected in this book. But there is also a lot of humor and romance (eventually). You don’t have to know the history but I think it will appeal more to people who have some knowledge of the events.
Some of it is a bit slap-stick but it is also smart. I enjoyed it but it did drag on in places. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
March 13, 2022
What happens when the world’s worst shrew meets the world’s most formidable warrior?
MIRRORED SWORD, a comedy as black as the Plague, as turbulent as the Wars of the Roses (a fifteenth century dynastic struggle for control of the English throne). She is an aspiring painter and devoted Yorkist. He is the legendary but ageing Beast of Ferrybridge – a Lancastrian stalwart! Rebellion in Lincolnshire throws them together, the Yorkist king keeps them together, and thus they must work out their destinies and England’s, in an epic story that combines laughter and tears, romance and adventure, history and make-believe, high art and vulgar entertainment: a medieval banquet, loaded with surprises, colourful characters and poetic justice.
I couldn't imagine it. It is just too black of a comedy for my taste.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
MIRRORED SWORD, a comedy as black as the Plague, as turbulent as the Wars of the Roses (a fifteenth century dynastic struggle for control of the English throne). She is an aspiring painter and devoted Yorkist. He is the legendary but ageing Beast of Ferrybridge – a Lancastrian stalwart! Rebellion in Lincolnshire throws them together, the Yorkist king keeps them together, and thus they must work out their destinies and England’s, in an epic story that combines laughter and tears, romance and adventure, history and make-believe, high art and vulgar entertainment: a medieval banquet, loaded with surprises, colourful characters and poetic justice.
I couldn't imagine it. It is just too black of a comedy for my taste.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
August 24, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the electronic review copy of this book. This is an entertaining historical fiction full of wit, strong characters, and adventure. The writing style is very original and might not be to everyone’s liking. Part 1 was a bit slow to get into due to character development and world building, but if one perseveres — the reader is rewarded with more fun in part 2. Great read, recommended for those who enjoy historical fiction, Shakespeare, and a different, original writing style.
September 8, 2022
I love big books and I love historical books. So this book checked those boxes. The War of the Roses is an interesting time in history so I loved that this book was set in this period.
This book is full of details without losing the flow of the story. It was so easy to picture the events It held my attention from the first page to the last. I loved the characters which were well fleshed out. Susanna and Tom made me laugh a lot with their interactions and banter.
I spent a wonderful few days reading.
This book is full of details without losing the flow of the story. It was so easy to picture the events It held my attention from the first page to the last. I loved the characters which were well fleshed out. Susanna and Tom made me laugh a lot with their interactions and banter.
I spent a wonderful few days reading.
June 23, 2022
Witty and Humorous!
It took me a while to finish this one but I am glad that I had read it. Recommended for those looking for a light humorous read with a dash of banters and roller-coaster rides.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
It took me a while to finish this one but I am glad that I had read it. Recommended for those looking for a light humorous read with a dash of banters and roller-coaster rides.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an advance review copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2022
An entertaining, darkly humorous, and compelling historical fiction. A dark comedy set at the time of the War of Two Roses.
Strong characters, a lot of adventure, and fun moments.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
Strong characters, a lot of adventure, and fun moments.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
August 24, 2022
As someone new in historical fiction, I didn't think I would like this book so much, but I did!
The characters are pretty nicely written. The timeline of the book is 1471, set in England during the War of the Roses. The book was humorous, adventurous, tragical and I liked the author's writing style. The only reason I'm giving it a 4 star because it dragged on some parts and was hard for me to stick to it. But I'm so happy I finished it rather than giving up on it.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are pretty nicely written. The timeline of the book is 1471, set in England during the War of the Roses. The book was humorous, adventurous, tragical and I liked the author's writing style. The only reason I'm giving it a 4 star because it dragged on some parts and was hard for me to stick to it. But I'm so happy I finished it rather than giving up on it.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2022
The Complete Mirrored Sword by Allan Hands.
Thank you Netgallery for a copy for an unbiased review.
I love Shakespeare. I enjoy a lot of dark comedy. So the description on this book was one that made me want to read it.
This is a book of two parts, as it is two books brought together as one volume, so is quite a lot in one go and I know from experience of other larger books, some might well find that intimidating. It would be a shame if this did put potential readers off, and I'd urge them to perhaps consider buying the volumes separately if this was the case.
It's writing style is rather different to most and as such could well be problematic for some to get into. Thankfully it wasn't something I found to be an issue. It isn't like Shakespeare in the use of language but more modern in its approach, which will be a relief for a lot of people. After all, a story set in a time period such as this doesn't need language to reflect it in my opinion, as long as it isn't filled with too many modern idioms.
Overall I enjoyed the story. It has plenty of dark humour as promised in the synopsis and as stated, reminded me of a comedy in the era of Shakespeare in its execution. There were some real historical events that some of the story was based on, that lent well to the story telling.
The biggest let down for me was at times it was pretty convoluted, particularly in the 1st part with the number of characters involved, and that definitely affected the pacing and led the story to drag at times. For that reason I'm giving this 4/5 stars as my rating.
Thank you Netgallery for a copy for an unbiased review.
I love Shakespeare. I enjoy a lot of dark comedy. So the description on this book was one that made me want to read it.
This is a book of two parts, as it is two books brought together as one volume, so is quite a lot in one go and I know from experience of other larger books, some might well find that intimidating. It would be a shame if this did put potential readers off, and I'd urge them to perhaps consider buying the volumes separately if this was the case.
It's writing style is rather different to most and as such could well be problematic for some to get into. Thankfully it wasn't something I found to be an issue. It isn't like Shakespeare in the use of language but more modern in its approach, which will be a relief for a lot of people. After all, a story set in a time period such as this doesn't need language to reflect it in my opinion, as long as it isn't filled with too many modern idioms.
Overall I enjoyed the story. It has plenty of dark humour as promised in the synopsis and as stated, reminded me of a comedy in the era of Shakespeare in its execution. There were some real historical events that some of the story was based on, that lent well to the story telling.
The biggest let down for me was at times it was pretty convoluted, particularly in the 1st part with the number of characters involved, and that definitely affected the pacing and led the story to drag at times. For that reason I'm giving this 4/5 stars as my rating.
March 13, 2022
I really enjoyed this read, it was well written with a captivating and enchanting storyline and well developed characters that were relatable and intensely likeable.
I found the storyline so interesting and I was completely gripped, I couldn't put it down and it was more emotive than I expected it to be I think I went through every emotion possible when reading this book and when I finished I just wanted to read it again. In all honesty I didn't want it to end.
I found the storyline so interesting and I was completely gripped, I couldn't put it down and it was more emotive than I expected it to be I think I went through every emotion possible when reading this book and when I finished I just wanted to read it again. In all honesty I didn't want it to end.
April 3, 2022
I had assumed the book was young adult but it was quickly evident that this was much more mature in nature. After reading the first chapter I already hated the spoiled, headstrong female main character. After several rather ribald jokes, I skim read for a few more chapters but I just could not stomach the predatory nature of the men, and the promiscuity that was assumed to be the natural way of things. King Edward's indiscretions were reported in graphic detail and as though a perfectly normal behavior for royals and reading of young women wanting to be his next mistress was utterly disgusting.
The depiction of women as objects to be possessed (and as though they enjoyed being possessed) was too nauseating to wade through. Perhaps there will be some justice meted out at the end, but I prefer not to have to wade through a literary sewer to get there.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Complete Mirrored Sword from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
The depiction of women as objects to be possessed (and as though they enjoyed being possessed) was too nauseating to wade through. Perhaps there will be some justice meted out at the end, but I prefer not to have to wade through a literary sewer to get there.
Disclaimer: I received a free digital copy of The Complete Mirrored Sword from NetGalley for the purpose of review. No other compensation was received.
March 30, 2022
This read took me a while, it was slow to get going at first and the world building was a little complex; which only shows the amount of research that has gone into the book.
Being English and from former Lancashire (changed to Cheshire when I was a child) the story was something I was really looking forward to reading because of the historical element of it. I'm sure it is probably more enjoyable for people who have an interest or knowledge in the subject area, which I was.
The character dynamic definitely had a Taming of the Shrew vibe - whether this was done purposefully I'm unsure.
Definitely not a quick read, and something you need to concentrate on when reading, I would recommend this book if you are a fan of world and history building, mixed with a handsy FMC and witty commentary.
Being English and from former Lancashire (changed to Cheshire when I was a child) the story was something I was really looking forward to reading because of the historical element of it. I'm sure it is probably more enjoyable for people who have an interest or knowledge in the subject area, which I was.
The character dynamic definitely had a Taming of the Shrew vibe - whether this was done purposefully I'm unsure.
Definitely not a quick read, and something you need to concentrate on when reading, I would recommend this book if you are a fan of world and history building, mixed with a handsy FMC and witty commentary.
March 16, 2022
Lancaster verses York, romance and intrigue. It's a captivating mix. Allen Hands does a good job of stirring the pot and mixing the characters and loyalties around.
There were some sections that were a bit slow but it's a good story.
There were some sections that were a bit slow but it's a good story.
October 3, 2022
DNF. Thank you NetGally for an advanced copy of this book.
Unfortunately I could not get this book off the ground. I tried but after countless attempts just couldn’t find my groove.
Unfortunately I could not get this book off the ground. I tried but after countless attempts just couldn’t find my groove.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews