Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced the release of the hardcover edition of her latest novel, Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster. The book is now available for purchase at Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM. This prequel to the multi-award-winning Autumn Trilogy delves into the backstory of Cyril Landon, a character central to the series, and explores themes of ambition, determination, and resilience.
The release of the hardcover edition holds significance for collectors and fans of the series who prefer durable formats. In a statement, Blackwood expressed her enthusiasm: "I am extremely pleased to offer, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, in hardback edition. As the prequel to my multi-award-winning Autumn Trilogy of books that are each available in hardback, having Grandeur join that select group finishes the collection perfectly, especially for the consummate collector, as well as all readers who prefer this choice of format." This move ensures that the entire series is uniformly available in hardcover, appealing to readers who value a cohesive collection.
Before The Grandeur chronicles the life of Cyril Landon, a young Englishman born into poverty in the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire. Despite his bleak circumstances, Cyril's determination and grit drive him to seek a better life. A labourer's position at a local farm opens doors to unforeseen opportunities, setting him on a path that will ultimately define his legacy. The novel has garnered praise for its character-driven narrative. Richard Prause of Readers Favorite noted, "It doesn't depend on manufactured plot twists to drive the story. Instead, it focuses on the simple, powerful moments of a man earning the trust of a stallion. It's a perceptive exploration of ambition and loyalty, indeed. If you appreciate character-driven historical fiction, this novel is well worth your time." Another reviewer, Asher Syed, added, "Overall, this will be a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."
For a limited time, Blackwood is offering the book at no charge. She explained, "Born into extreme poverty with little hope of survival, Cyril Landon's difficult beginnings throughout England's horrific war years, will better assist readers in understanding the difficult journey that precedes the grandeur awaiting them in The Perils of Autumn. For fans of Historical Fiction, this page-turner is a must read." This promotion provides an accessible entry point for new readers and enriches the experience for existing fans by illuminating the formative years of a pivotal character.
The Autumn Trilogy, which begins with The Perils of Autumn, has received significant acclaim. The first book was a finalist in the Fiction Romance category at the 2019 International Book Awards and the American Book Fest's 2019 awards, and it earned a 5-star rating from Reader's Favorite. Set in the early 1970s, the trilogy follows Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman whose life becomes entangled with Cyril Landon's. The prequel thus provides essential context for the events and relationships that unfold in the trilogy, deepening the reader's understanding of the saga.
Blackwood's other works include the 5-star rated romantic fiction novel Willow's Walk and Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary. Information on all of Blackwood's work is available at her website, http://www.rusty-blackwood.com. The release of Before The Grandeur in hardcover not only completes the collection but also invites readers to explore the origins of a beloved series, underscoring Blackwood's commitment to satisfying her audience and attracting new readers to her richly drawn equestrian world.
