Reviews

REVIEWS

Here’s what people are saying about J. Boyce Gleason’s debut novel: Anvil of God, Book One of the Carolingian Chronicles

“Gleason’s gripping historical novel offers readers a vivid mix of bloody battles, intriguing characters, and plenty of pagan sex rites…a page turner.”
—Publishers Weekly “Starred Review”

 “Gleason’s utterly confident novel is the first in a projected series about the 8th century Carolingian dynasty. Gleason’s grasp of (his) characters is nothing short of marvelous; dialogue is sharp throughout, and the book’s obviously vast research is smoothly worked into the narrative.”
—Historical Novel Society “Highly Recommended”

“Political intrigue straight out of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series, except that Gleason’s novel is based on stories of real people, and this historical “game of thrones” is engrossing, with fast-paced, crisp prose and smart dialogue. An enticing read, sure to please lovers of historical fiction and political and religious intrigue.”
—Kirkus Reviews

 “Sweeping Historical Epic. Anvil of God moves at a swift pace, accentuated by its engaging characters and tension-filled plot. A perfect narrative pace that sustains attention with suspense.”
—Clarion, Foreword Reviews “Four Stars”

“Literally unputdownable: as good as anything written by literary giants such as Ken Follett, Bernard Cornwell, Philippa Gregory, and Stephen R. Lawhead. The first installment of Gleason’s Carolingian Chronicles, this debut is a “must read” for anyone who enjoys historical fiction.”
—Blueink Reviews  “Starred Review”

Links to Reader Reviews

Awards

  • Gold Medal, Best Historical Fiction Novel – 2014 Independent Publishers Book Award (IPPY)
  • First Place, Mainstream/Literary Fiction – 2014 Writer’s Digest’s Self-Published e-Book Awards
  • Publishers Weekly’s “Self-Published Star of 2014”
  • Finalist, Historical Fiction – ForeWord Review’s Book of the Year Awards
  • Notable Book, Epic SagasShelf Unbound Self-published Book of the Year Awards