Every Friday, we here @ Del Rey Spectra will place a 50 page excerpt of a selected title on Suvudu. Whether it be science fiction, epic fantasy, alternate history, horror, urban fantasy, paranormal, the possibilities are endless.
This week’s excerpt features a wonderful retelling of Irish mythology; The Raven Queen by author Jules Watson. DRS editor Anne Groell has some great things to say about this one:
“No one retells classic Irish mythology quite like Jules Watson. With The Swan Maiden, her debut novel for Bantam, she re-envisioned the profoundly romantic and infinitely sad tale of Deirdre of the Sorrows—a woman whose very existence incited men to lust and changed the course of history forever. And now, in a linked tale that intertwines with the previous narrative and yet stands completely alone comes the other side of Deirdre’s coin: The Raven Queen.
Watson’s heroine here is none other than Maeve of Connaught—the woman who would be queen. Whereas Deirdre was a woman with a profound core of inner strength who nonetheless became the tool of a male-dominated culture, Maeve is just the opposite—a fiery, fierce warrior, master of all men she meets. Yet she is a woman whose outward strength hides a deep self-doubt, and a profound desire for peace and safety. In my opinion, you can’t help loving these wonderfully complex woman, and getting caught up in their world.
And if you don’t believe me, here is what Romantic Times had to say, in a Top Pick, 4 1/2 star review: “Fans of Watson’s previous volume of fictionalized Irish mythology, The Swan Maiden, will love this—it’s even better! Once again Watson brings Irish lore to life with characters and issues that resonate with contemporary readers. Don’t miss this one, it’s a keeper.”
Now, here is your chance to meet Maeve—and if you love her as much as I did, don’t forget to read Deirdre’s tale as well!”
As always, feel free to give us feedback in the comments. Or let us know on Twitter via a direct message to our esteemed Twitter maven, our “five-tool” editor David Pomerico: www.twitter.com/delreyspectra . Or write on the wall of our Facebook page: Like us at www.facebook.com/delreyspectra .
Please enjoy this extensive excerpt of The Raven Queen, available in trade paperback and ebook now.
