Ravenfeast: Farewell to Legend
Ravenfeast: Farewell to Legend by Alan Robert Lancaster is somewhat of a tour-de-force to get into. Obviously well researched and carefully composed, it uses medieval language and terminology to give an authentic feel to the dialogue and narrative (and thankfully provides a glossary for the less familiar reader). Once you are accustomed to the style, the story flows more easily and becomes more accessible.
Rich in detail and with focus on the characterisation the book begins in 1066, pre Hastings, as Ivar Ulfsson, kinsman to King Harold II is charged with the protection of Tostig Godwinson. Gruesome battle scenes and further adventures make for a rather gripping read as the saga continues.
Lancaster has done a great job with the introductory historical notes so that readers, like myself, who are less familiar with the era, are able to step into the story more easily. There are a few minor editing issues, such as unintentionally contracted words but they are easily disregarded. Ravenfeast is not always an easy read but one worthwhile to pursue.
