The Song-Sayer’s Lament

Written by David Ebsworth
Review by Richard Tearle

The song sayer in question is the blind Morgose, but this tale of post-Roman Britain is narrated by Merriden, friend and mentor of the young war lord, Ambros Skyhound.

This is a magnificent novel covering Ambros’ ambitions to unite his country under one king, beset by the ravages of plague, unending winters and a struggle for supremacy between the old gods and the new Christians. Each page is a tapestry of precise descriptions, believable characters and written with a style of dialogue that beautifully evokes the setting.

David Ebsworth has employed his extensive research perfectly, and this comes highly recommended, whether or not you usually enjoy tales of the Dark Ages.