The Silver Horn Echoes

November 5, 2018
In this thrilling medieval swashbuckler, Eging and Arnold reimagine the adventure, treachery, and epic battles of the Franks in 801 CE through Roland, knight of Breton March and King Charles’s esteemed combat hero. Roland is an ambitious young warrior who finds himself only posted to garrison duty when King Charles leaves to battle the Saxons. When an envoy arrives with news of another foreign aggressor, Roland leaves to inform the king of the news. He joins the Saxon assault, becoming the king’s bravest, most skilled fighter, and earns the title “champion.” Meanwhile, Roland uncovers a plot to harm the king, and suspects his stepfather, Ganelon, is its instigator; Roland believes Ganelon also killed his father, William. The Franks soon find themselves battling on two fronts. There are gory battles throughout that will resonate with combat and history enthusiasts, but may be too graphic for some readers. Those closest to Roland—his wife, Aude; friend Oliver; and mother, Gisela—elevate a complex, powerful character whose decency can seem at odds with his brutality during battle. This tale of military aggression, family betrayal, and knightly valor ably reimagines the legend of Roland and his indomitable fighting spirit.

Starred review from March 15, 2018
This book is recommended by BlueInk Review, a fee-based review service devoted exclusively to self-published books. Booklist is happy to partner with BlueInk to bring you the best self-published titles for adults and youth. Stars reflect the decisions of BlueInk reviewers and editors.Authors Eging and Arnold focus their tale on the bloody battle of Roncevaux, which erupted after King Charlemagne destroyed the city walls of Pamplona and the Basque retaliated. This well-researched and believable fictional tale, inspired by the epic lyric poem La Chanson de Roland, will have readers rooting for Roland as he swashbuckles his way through the Pyrenees, fighting for his Frankish king's honor against not only the marauding Saxons but also against the ploys of his treacherous stepfather, Ganelon, and other opponents. Throughout, he is aided by his dead father's trusty sword, Durendal, and at times the chimera of his father himself. The eponymous silver horn hangs by his side, ready to be blared in triumph. This is a virile story, and as such, its female characters may be a bit one dimensional. The men are fully fleshed, however, and there's no mistaking the bold, brawny heroes from the sniveling, dastardly foes. The authors have a knack for narrative, and their in-your-face descriptions of battle bring the story alive. Those who relish getting lost in a tale of heroics and derring-do will enjoy this read, as will history buffs with a fondness for the Carolingian era.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)