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Beasts of War: A Retelling of the Old English Judith
Few people in life are lucky enough to fulfill their destiny. And even fewer have the privilege of recognizing it as it happens.
An evil warlord is wreaking havoc across England. His trail of destruction razes the land and decimates people left and right.
He must be stopped. At all costs.
When young Judith is recruited to vanquish him, she uses her beauty and her charm to get close. But once he's within her reach, all is not as it seems. His magnetism and alluring promises weaken her. And she begins to question whether she's on the right side of this war.
If she is to escape his pull and save her people from his sinister plans, she'll need true love and unfaltering friendship to do it. And a little touch of fate wouldn't hurt either ...
An evil warlord is wreaking havoc across England. His trail of destruction razes the land and decimates people left and right.
He must be stopped. At all costs.
When young Judith is recruited to vanquish him, she uses her beauty and her charm to get close. But once he's within her reach, all is not as it seems. His magnetism and alluring promises weaken her. And she begins to question whether she's on the right side of this war.
If she is to escape his pull and save her people from his sinister plans, she'll need true love and unfaltering friendship to do it. And a little touch of fate wouldn't hurt either ...
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 29, 2022
9 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
January 29, 2022
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. Historical reads such as these aren’t usually ones I reach for. However, when I read the blurb, it definitely piqued my interest. The story is engaging and fascinating! Judith showed bravery and strength. She went into a situation, ready to face it head on. Complete in her faith that it will work out. Once there, she wrestled with her objective and what she was experiencing. She’s human. We can easily overlook someone who is evil AND charming. We only see what they allow us to.
The story is well written. The author has a great storytelling style. I was captivated through the whole book and was transported back through time. I found myself picturing the scenes, the land, and the people. Truly a magnetic read! I highly recommend reading this. Even if you’re not a fan, take a chance. You may surprised. I give this 5 stars.
The story is well written. The author has a great storytelling style. I was captivated through the whole book and was transported back through time. I found myself picturing the scenes, the land, and the people. Truly a magnetic read! I highly recommend reading this. Even if you’re not a fan, take a chance. You may surprised. I give this 5 stars.
March 14, 2026
This immediately caught my attention because it draws inspiration from one of the most powerful heroic tales preserved in early medieval literature. The story of Judith is legendary. She is a courageous woman who risks everything to confront a ruthless tyrant and ultimately changes the fate of her people. Quite enjoyed this.
January 6, 2023
Loved it!!!
January 14, 2022
Beasts of War: A Retelling of the Old English Judith by Sarah E Zilkowski is a genuinely gripping and mesmerizing tale of heroism. This retelling of the story of Judith follows a young maiden on her quest to save her beloved village from Holofernes and his thanes, who have pillaged and destroyed so many villages leaving devastation in their path. Judith, the protagonist of the story, is tasked by her Lord to infiltrate the enemy’s camp. She is their last hope at survival.
It is refreshing to read an adaptation of a historical tale focused on the strength of women and the importance of their role within specific periods in time. This is an integral theme within many modern pieces of literature, not often seen when referring to myths and legends, especially religious texts such as the Bible.
The omniscient narrator throughout the novel allows the reader to see the overall picture of what is taking place; although primarily focused on the movements of Judith, there are moments when we move away from her and see what is going on elsewhere, this is enhanced by short bits of italicized information provided as the inner thoughts of other characters. For example, ‘Then again, he thought, I suppose mine do too,’ this is from Lord Cyneric when he recognizes the sorrow in Judith’s eyes.
Throughout this tale, the imagery used is excellently written. It varies so much, from literal graphic phrases such as ‘Slaughtering and butchering’ to contrasting elements that emphasize the gravity of the situation, like when Judith’ stood in an open space’ but ‘felt crushed by her fear.’ Although readers will enjoy metaphors throughout the novel, which refers back to tales and beliefs from the Anglo-Saxon period, when the story is set, the use of her seeing wolves and eagles, which symbolized war, helps build the tension within the overall novel.
Beasts of War: A Retelling of the Old English Judith is a riveting novel that will grip readers from the opening pages. Historical fiction and war drama lovers will find this take on the story exhilarating. Women’s fiction readers will be overjoyed at seeing Judith’s vital role as the dramatic story unfolds.
It is refreshing to read an adaptation of a historical tale focused on the strength of women and the importance of their role within specific periods in time. This is an integral theme within many modern pieces of literature, not often seen when referring to myths and legends, especially religious texts such as the Bible.
The omniscient narrator throughout the novel allows the reader to see the overall picture of what is taking place; although primarily focused on the movements of Judith, there are moments when we move away from her and see what is going on elsewhere, this is enhanced by short bits of italicized information provided as the inner thoughts of other characters. For example, ‘Then again, he thought, I suppose mine do too,’ this is from Lord Cyneric when he recognizes the sorrow in Judith’s eyes.
Throughout this tale, the imagery used is excellently written. It varies so much, from literal graphic phrases such as ‘Slaughtering and butchering’ to contrasting elements that emphasize the gravity of the situation, like when Judith’ stood in an open space’ but ‘felt crushed by her fear.’ Although readers will enjoy metaphors throughout the novel, which refers back to tales and beliefs from the Anglo-Saxon period, when the story is set, the use of her seeing wolves and eagles, which symbolized war, helps build the tension within the overall novel.
Beasts of War: A Retelling of the Old English Judith is a riveting novel that will grip readers from the opening pages. Historical fiction and war drama lovers will find this take on the story exhilarating. Women’s fiction readers will be overjoyed at seeing Judith’s vital role as the dramatic story unfolds.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews