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Storyteller
“Blood and fire, gold and steel and poetry, a river’s voice in the silence of the night, and the shining strings of a harp – all these and more I have known in my time... Now they are all gone, the men and women I knew when I was young, gone like words on the wind, and I am left here in the twilight to tell you their tale. Sit, then, and listen if you will to the words of Gwernin Kyuarwyd, called Storyteller…” So begins the tale of the young Gwernin’s adventures as a wandering storyteller and would-be bard in the chaos and contradictions of 6th century Britain. Along the way he encounters allies and enemies both human and supernatural, finds love and friendship, and learns the lore - and the true meaning - of a Bard’s profession.
252 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 8, 2024
Revision to this listing: Mine is E-book version that was published in 2007.
Storyteller is the first book of a trilogy that revolves around Gwernin, a storyteller in training to become a master bard. The setting is 6th century Wales, and brings this medieval period to life magically. The writing is very good and the material is well researched.
Gwernin sets off on his travels in company with a friend, who is a singer and as it turns out, a gambler which gets both himself and Gwernin in serious trouble. After a series of misadventures, his friend is rescued from enslavement by his prospective father-in=law and Gwernin, who has landed in hot water by lying on behalf of his friend gets his own second chance by being appointed helper and apprentice to Talhearn, an aged and revered master bard. He cannot believe his good luck as he wants nothing more than to learn this craft from such a master. And he has much learning to do, and is sometimes less than a stellar student. As his travels with Talhearn continue, Gwernin becomes much wiser and more mature and is slowly learning the skills of a bard, which is something that takes years to do.
When they spend the winter at a Prince's compound (llys), Gwernin falls in love with the healer's daughter. He comes to realize, slowly, that his life as a bard will be that of a nomad without much stability and Rhianedd, his girlfriend slowly accepts that it is so, as well. Even knowing that, they somewhat impulsively decide to run between the Beltane Fires, a type of Pagan marriage ritual. Then Gwernin is off on a new adventure to the North with Talhearn's former student, Taliesin. We will be able to follow their adventures in the second book of the trilogy.
Storyteller is the first book of a trilogy that revolves around Gwernin, a storyteller in training to become a master bard. The setting is 6th century Wales, and brings this medieval period to life magically. The writing is very good and the material is well researched.
Gwernin sets off on his travels in company with a friend, who is a singer and as it turns out, a gambler which gets both himself and Gwernin in serious trouble. After a series of misadventures, his friend is rescued from enslavement by his prospective father-in=law and Gwernin, who has landed in hot water by lying on behalf of his friend gets his own second chance by being appointed helper and apprentice to Talhearn, an aged and revered master bard. He cannot believe his good luck as he wants nothing more than to learn this craft from such a master. And he has much learning to do, and is sometimes less than a stellar student. As his travels with Talhearn continue, Gwernin becomes much wiser and more mature and is slowly learning the skills of a bard, which is something that takes years to do.
When they spend the winter at a Prince's compound (llys), Gwernin falls in love with the healer's daughter. He comes to realize, slowly, that his life as a bard will be that of a nomad without much stability and Rhianedd, his girlfriend slowly accepts that it is so, as well. Even knowing that, they somewhat impulsively decide to run between the Beltane Fires, a type of Pagan marriage ritual. Then Gwernin is off on a new adventure to the North with Talhearn's former student, Taliesin. We will be able to follow their adventures in the second book of the trilogy.
October 24, 2023
"Steel rusts, Lord King, silk crumbles, and gold is lost in the ground. But I bring you the Gold of the Bards, which is their praise, and that shall last as long as the world stands and men remember our tongue." In one of these tales, "The Gifts at Arthur's Crowning", so says Taliesin the Bard to King Arthur, who wonders why, when others have brought the king fabulous treasure, Taliesin has gifted him with music, song and story. Taliesin has just enunciated to Arthur [and us] the importance of a Bard. Arthur likes this answer so much he makes him pencerdd [Chief Bard] of his court.
Each charming tale about Gwernin Storyteller was a most pleasant surprise and I liked the novel very much! Through nearly thirty tales, we follow Gwernin, the young Storyteller and would-be bard and harper, on his travels and adventures throughout the kingdoms of Wales, in the post-Roman, early medieval years. Gwernin's story is interwoven with Welsh mythology, much from The Mabinogion or Arthurian romance: bardic or storyteller performances. Gwernin tells these tales as an old man looking back on his life; each is a separate chapter. He tells of his wandering life, amusing both noble and common people at fairs, at court, and in rude peasant huts. He tells of his love for the sweet Rhiannedd. He speaks of his teacher, Talhaearn and what he learns from the old blind harper/bard. He speaks of his new friend and companion, Neirin, Taliesin's bard apprentice, who will be travelling with him. A highlight was Gwerin's telling the story of " King Arthur's Raid on Hell" [or Annwn, as the Underworld was known in Welsh mythology.]
The writing style and descriptions, especially of the changing seasons and of nature in general, were beautiful. I felt like I was standing there in medieval Wales, listening to the music and poetry, the stories were so vivid. The cadence of the language felt like that of olden days. The character of Gwernin was most appealing. The author displayed her deep love for medieval Welsh history and culture. I am sure she poured much research into her novel. Gwernin's story continues in two sequels, which have become "must-reads" for me.
Highly recommended!!!
Each charming tale about Gwernin Storyteller was a most pleasant surprise and I liked the novel very much! Through nearly thirty tales, we follow Gwernin, the young Storyteller and would-be bard and harper, on his travels and adventures throughout the kingdoms of Wales, in the post-Roman, early medieval years. Gwernin's story is interwoven with Welsh mythology, much from The Mabinogion or Arthurian romance: bardic or storyteller performances. Gwernin tells these tales as an old man looking back on his life; each is a separate chapter. He tells of his wandering life, amusing both noble and common people at fairs, at court, and in rude peasant huts. He tells of his love for the sweet Rhiannedd. He speaks of his teacher, Talhaearn and what he learns from the old blind harper/bard. He speaks of his new friend and companion, Neirin, Taliesin's bard apprentice, who will be travelling with him. A highlight was Gwerin's telling the story of " King Arthur's Raid on Hell" [or Annwn, as the Underworld was known in Welsh mythology.]
The writing style and descriptions, especially of the changing seasons and of nature in general, were beautiful. I felt like I was standing there in medieval Wales, listening to the music and poetry, the stories were so vivid. The cadence of the language felt like that of olden days. The character of Gwernin was most appealing. The author displayed her deep love for medieval Welsh history and culture. I am sure she poured much research into her novel. Gwernin's story continues in two sequels, which have become "must-reads" for me.
Highly recommended!!!
March 25, 2020
The book is self published, and before reading this book I would say that invariably indicates a book that suffers from a lack of editing, rewriting and critical review. Indeed I normally avoid self published works because there is usually a good reason that they were rejected by publishers.
But the reviews on this book suggested the writing was of high quality - and they were right. The author writes well, with a passion for her subject - 6th Century Welsh Culture - which she has researched well (not perfectly mind. Like Stephen Lawhead et al., she calls Cardiff "Caer Dydd" - a folk etymology that does not realise that the city is named for the river Taff, and in the 6th century was Caerdyf - incorporating the genitive form of Taff as the case system was still found in Welsh at that time. She also speaks of Aberystwyth, where the 6th century settlement of the area would have focussed around Llanbadarn Fawr. I could go on and be picky, but that would be unfair as her research is at least as good as other writers setting tales in this period, and in fact better than most).
Heavy use is made of early Welsh writings in this book, and the author clearly has a feel for the period - presenting a tale that would not be amiss as an addendum to the Mabinogion.
My only real criticism of the work would revolve over the overall lack of tension. Not that it is entirely lacking - there are times when this book is as well written as any I have read - but it does not grab you from the start as a tale with some kind of conflict in it that must be resolved. This might be what an editor at a publishing house might have brought to the work. Then again, maybe not. It could just be my own preference here as there is plenty to interest a reader in this story.
But the reviews on this book suggested the writing was of high quality - and they were right. The author writes well, with a passion for her subject - 6th Century Welsh Culture - which she has researched well (not perfectly mind. Like Stephen Lawhead et al., she calls Cardiff "Caer Dydd" - a folk etymology that does not realise that the city is named for the river Taff, and in the 6th century was Caerdyf - incorporating the genitive form of Taff as the case system was still found in Welsh at that time. She also speaks of Aberystwyth, where the 6th century settlement of the area would have focussed around Llanbadarn Fawr. I could go on and be picky, but that would be unfair as her research is at least as good as other writers setting tales in this period, and in fact better than most).
Heavy use is made of early Welsh writings in this book, and the author clearly has a feel for the period - presenting a tale that would not be amiss as an addendum to the Mabinogion.
My only real criticism of the work would revolve over the overall lack of tension. Not that it is entirely lacking - there are times when this book is as well written as any I have read - but it does not grab you from the start as a tale with some kind of conflict in it that must be resolved. This might be what an editor at a publishing house might have brought to the work. Then again, maybe not. It could just be my own preference here as there is plenty to interest a reader in this story.
December 17, 2010
I am a fan of historical fiction, especially anything Arthurian or early Britain. When I saw this series I knew it would be something I'd be interested in. I won an ebook copy of the second book in this series as part of the member giveaway and so read that book first. I enjoyed following Gwernin and desired to know how the series had started. I requested Storyteller from the author and she graciously provided an ecopy in exchange for a review.
Storyteller opens with an introduction by Gwernin once he is an old man. He sets some context then the story jumps back to him as a young man. The story starts off with Gwernin as a young man traveling with a friend from home, telling what few tales he knows and winning a few gifts from lords. By the time the book ends he has met Taliesin, served a short time as an apprentice, received his first harp, and is preparing to set out on a trip north with a new friend, and fellow bard in training. I enjoyed seeing Gwernin grow and mature throughout the book.
I enjoyed the short story style to each chapter. It made it easy to pace myself and made for easy places to stop. I recently received both Ash Spear and Pryderi's Pigs and Other Poems and I look forward to reading both of them soon. I'm definitely hooked on this series.
Storyteller opens with an introduction by Gwernin once he is an old man. He sets some context then the story jumps back to him as a young man. The story starts off with Gwernin as a young man traveling with a friend from home, telling what few tales he knows and winning a few gifts from lords. By the time the book ends he has met Taliesin, served a short time as an apprentice, received his first harp, and is preparing to set out on a trip north with a new friend, and fellow bard in training. I enjoyed seeing Gwernin grow and mature throughout the book.
I enjoyed the short story style to each chapter. It made it easy to pace myself and made for easy places to stop. I recently received both Ash Spear and Pryderi's Pigs and Other Poems and I look forward to reading both of them soon. I'm definitely hooked on this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2011
I was lucky enough to receive the trilogy of books called Storyteller, Flight of the Hawk and Ash Spear. If you enjoy Jack White novels you will enjoy this trilogy. Set back in the mythical times of dragons and warriors and the main character who is a storyteller. We follow him as he learns from his master Talhaearn and competes in front of royalty against others to become a master. He starts out in Storyteller telling the story about King Arthur’s Raid on Hell.
In the second novel, Flight of the Hawk, the young storyteller moves on to more adventures as he does in the Ash Spear. I was going to provide more information but quite frankly I don’t want to give anything away. I really enjoyed all three novels. They flowed from one to the other nicely and the best part, or I should say one of the best because there were many, is that at the end of the novel is a pronunciation guide for all of the rather difficult Welsh words as well as a wonderful postscript by the author that I almost wished was at the beginning of the novels as the pronunciation pages should have been as well. Some people may be put off by all the weird names and such but I promise if you stick with it the trilogy is well worth it.
In the second novel, Flight of the Hawk, the young storyteller moves on to more adventures as he does in the Ash Spear. I was going to provide more information but quite frankly I don’t want to give anything away. I really enjoyed all three novels. They flowed from one to the other nicely and the best part, or I should say one of the best because there were many, is that at the end of the novel is a pronunciation guide for all of the rather difficult Welsh words as well as a wonderful postscript by the author that I almost wished was at the beginning of the novels as the pronunciation pages should have been as well. Some people may be put off by all the weird names and such but I promise if you stick with it the trilogy is well worth it.
August 3, 2010
This is book one in a fascinating trilogy detailing the life of a bard-in-training, Gwernin Storyteller, in Wales during the 6th century. It is well written and leads the reader to believe well researched, although the author does describe how sparse the historical information for this time period and subject is.
In book one, we follow Gwernin as he strikes out on his own for the first time, traveling with a trader from his village. Young Gwernin has much to learn about the world, politics, and how trustworthy his companion is and his adventures are saturated with the supernatural beings, as both guides and warnings.
What I found most unique about this book is how each chapter can stand independent as a tale while at the same time belonging in the collection of chapters to tell the story of Gwernin's early years. I am fortunate to have won the two sequels in this series, Flight of the Hawk, and The Ash Spear and I am looking forward to reading more about this endearing character and remarkable period in history.
In book one, we follow Gwernin as he strikes out on his own for the first time, traveling with a trader from his village. Young Gwernin has much to learn about the world, politics, and how trustworthy his companion is and his adventures are saturated with the supernatural beings, as both guides and warnings.
What I found most unique about this book is how each chapter can stand independent as a tale while at the same time belonging in the collection of chapters to tell the story of Gwernin's early years. I am fortunate to have won the two sequels in this series, Flight of the Hawk, and The Ash Spear and I am looking forward to reading more about this endearing character and remarkable period in history.
December 31, 2010
Like others who reviewed this book I must also confess that I needed a while to get into it. It wasn't so much the story itself, rather the style it was written in, that needed some getting used to. Yet, hooked on the storytelling itself I continued and found it well worth the read.
G.R. Grove managed to share a wonderful insight into the historic world of Wales with her book. You'll not only be entertained by reading it, you will also learn a whole lot about everyday life in that time, which I found to be a great mixture. I also liked how each of the tales (chapters) being told here intertwined with each other. And the last sentence to each tale “But that, O my children, is a story for another day.” is just one of many lovely details.
Having read "Pryderi's Pigs and other poems" just recently it was a nice transition from one book to the other. Though, personally, I'd rather stick to the poetry, but that's just me!
In short: For everyone who loves historical fiction, this is a captivating journey into Welsh history through the eyes of Gwernin, the Storyteller!
G.R. Grove managed to share a wonderful insight into the historic world of Wales with her book. You'll not only be entertained by reading it, you will also learn a whole lot about everyday life in that time, which I found to be a great mixture. I also liked how each of the tales (chapters) being told here intertwined with each other. And the last sentence to each tale “But that, O my children, is a story for another day.” is just one of many lovely details.
Having read "Pryderi's Pigs and other poems" just recently it was a nice transition from one book to the other. Though, personally, I'd rather stick to the poetry, but that's just me!
In short: For everyone who loves historical fiction, this is a captivating journey into Welsh history through the eyes of Gwernin, the Storyteller!
July 1, 2017
Did not finish. I just couldn't get into it and there are so many books on my to be read list that I decided to move on.
May 27, 2010
Loved this book! It was a bit slow getting into it at first, as the language is a little bit more - formal, for lack of a better word - than a lot of things I read. But it fits Gwernin and the time in which he lives, and once I was hooked, I was HOOKED. The book follows Gwernin as he travels and as he becomes apprenticed to the bard Talhaearn. He's a young man with a lot of growing and learning to do, and I've enjoyed seeing where he's gone thus far (although I do feel like he may learn some hard lessons on down the road). The "O my children" device at the end of each chapter was a little distracting at first, but it grew on me the more I read. I can't speak much to its historical accuracy, as I'm not a particularly conscientious student of history, but I didn't see any glaring anachronisms. I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the trilogy!
November 29, 2009
Set in the dark ages of Wales. The storyteller, the bard of Gwernin, is recounting individual stories of his travels that come together to reveal a wider, larger story. You follow along his journey of life changing experiences and falling in love. Reminissant of the style of "The Canterbury Tales". Has a ligh hearted tone making it a joy to read. Well written, rich historical content with an unforgettsble and loveable cast of characters.
October 30, 2010
The synopsis of this book caught my attention so I decided to read it. I enjoy reading historical fiction-type books as a whole but have never read anything close to Welsh culture. And now I'm completely hooked! At first, though, the story was quite difficult for me to get into; maybe it was the e-book format. But I stuck with it and am glad I did. I would definitely recommend it to any book lover, young or old.
August 22, 2011
I'm baffled by the four-star reviews for this book. I couldn't get past page 50. What had some potential to be a good idea/story was just uninteresting. And the writing is just bad (she continually sprinkles the "old fashioned" tone/voice with modern-day colloquialisms). Based on its description and the idea behind it, I really wanted to like this book, but I just couldn't get through it.
July 23, 2008
I like historical fiction. This is book is set during the Middle Ages in Wales. It is the stories of a "storyteller" that traveled the area. It was historically interesting, and the story itself was also good.
February 20, 2009
A strange book about dark ages Wales. The narrator is a wandering storyteller, and it is written as though you are listening to him telling each chapter while sitting in a stone hall in front of a warm fire on a dark winter's night.
October 24, 2010
I thought that this book was great. The title of the story totally matched up with the story itself. The title was definitely true to the book in so many ways. such short stories packed in all together. It was a debut novel.
October 30, 2010
This is a very good and interesting collection of Welsh myth and history. The first 30 or 40 pages I thought drag a bit and sometimes it is almost boring in the beginning, but as the story unfolds it gets more and more interesting!
December 28, 2010
I enjoyed Storyteller a lot, once I got into the rhythm of the writing, which was frequently quite lyrical.
January 18, 2014
Slow moving and hard to finish.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews