Reviews

William Russeth Website

Reviews

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The following review will be published in the January 2009 Issue of Renaissance Magazine:

Fires of Belenus is the debut historical novel of William H. Russeth and a remarkable tale of the ancient Celts. The novel stays very true to the nature of these complex and fascinating people, while still adding a sense of wonder.

The basic plot of Fires of Belenus involves a sword forged from metal taken from within a fallen meteorite that, according to prophecy, will forge the destiny of the world for generations to come. Everyone in the land wants control of this seemingly mystical blade, from the warrior chieftains to the numinous druids. It becomes the task of Eoan, a young man barely out of his childhood, to find the sword. To make matters even more desperate, he also has to save the girl he loves.

The world of the Celts can be quite harsh at times, and Russeth does not shy away from violence where it is necessary for characterization and plot. Not wanting to give away anything too important to the story, I can say that early in the book one of his druid characters has an encounter where he comes away a few bloody digits short. Yet, Russeth never uses violence simply to liven up a scene. Even though the novel takes place in a rather brutal era, the author seems to know just what a scene needs without going overboard and relying on violence to titillate the audience. Romance is integral to the tale and plays a large part in the book as well. Again, the author does a good job of weaving it into the narrative – it feels like a very natural part of the story and is never dull.

One of the greatest things about the novel, however, is how the subjects of druids are viewed by the populous and how their "magic" is handled. Russeth takes a very realistic approach to the subject and it comes across as very plausible. Readers will find quite a few surprises where the author takes an event or being that seems to be supernatural or otherworldly and explains the reality behind it. This melding of the magical into the real world is done quite well.

If you enjoy a great historical adventure story with characters that you care about and a good dose of romance added into the mix, then you should give Fires of Belenus a read. It is gripping and executed well. You won't be disappointed.

Jason M. Tucker, Renaissance Magazine, January 2009

Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction

Genre: Historical Adventure/Romance

In Fires of Belenus, William H. Russeth pens an adventurous tale smartly written. You will shiver in the presence of Druids, cower before merciless warriors, and hope in the true spirit of one young man named Eoan. With a little romance to soften this ancient Celtic world, Mr. Russeth weaves a story that is not only entertaining, but surprising in its revealing and intriguing conclusion. I do so want to tell you the ending, but I must refrain. All I can say, is, read the book! You won’t be disappointed.

Reviewed by Lynda Coker, Writers and Readers of Distinctive Fiction.

http://romanceandreader.ning.com

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Conger Book Reviews:

"The sword, Clach Na Adhar, crafted from a sky stone, is at the root of the evil experienced by everyone who gazes upon it and lusts to possess its powerful magic. Fires Of Belenus written by Wm. H. Russeth is a saga written about early Celtic times of Druidry rituals, and warring chieftains who would willfully break their own Code of Ethics to possess this magical sword.

This family saga of Athair, a mountain blacksmith, and his two grown sons, Bryn and Eoan, begins when he is contracted to create a glorious sword from the blazing sky stone, thrown down by the gods. Even before the meteorite could be crafted into a bejeweled sword, its mere presence causes men to attack their neighbors just to have it.

All those who set eyes upon the completed sword, lust so deeply to possess it that even good men plot to murder their neighboring chieftains, or seize and carry off their wives, no matter the consequences. But the sword creates chaos no matter where it is, or who possess it. Although the family knows that something must be done to stop Clach Na Adhar’s reign of terror, they aren’t quite sure just what to do about it.

This delightful pre-historical story is a fast moving adventure of human lusts and willful deceptions. It’s very entertaining. I highly recommend it, yet if you are a ‘historical purist’ just be aware some liberties have been taken in the telling." ---- JoEllen Conger, Conger Book Reviews, 11/15/2007, Rating ****

What Readers are Saying about "Fires of Belenus"

"I am so impressed and amazed with the research and detail you put into your book. I really enjoyed it and I was surprised only because I typically do not read 'historical' books and know nothing about the Celtic culture/times. I am not sure I would have classified it as a Historical Romance book when it seemed more like an adventure book with romance in it. I would love to read another one. "

Deb Richter, St. Paul, MN

"got the books on Wednesday and finished it Friday evening. I don't read that much because I'm too hyper and usually fall asleep. Your book was like the Harry Potter ones for me, I couldn't wait to continue".

John Mathes, Weatherford, OK.