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Fivefold Nathan Burrgae

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Fivefold Nathan Burrgae

Saturday, 4 April 2009

 

While continuing to grind through the first draft, it occurred to me that there are strong parallels between writing a novel - particularly a long novel - and parenthood. After all, an author is invariably proud of their work once it’s ready to negotiate its passage into the world. By the same token, a book isn’t ready to leave home without a huge amount of nurturing and a certain degree of maturity. So at the risk of stretching this metaphor too far, I’d say my new novel has reached its adolescence; the shape and potential of the book have become clear, but it still has a fair amount of growth and refinement ahead. Not to mention plenty of angst.

I mentioned in my last update that I had drafted a synopsis for my new novel. This included a sample blurb, such as you might find on the back cover of a book. Blurbs are sly little beasts and terribly difficult to pin down. So I’ve decided to give away a signed copy of FIVEFOLD to the first and second person to provide feedback on my attempt below, no matter where you are in the world. Would you buy the novel after reading this blurb?

July 1099: sweltering in the merciless heat, the desperate survivors of the First Crusade finally seize Jerusalem. Concealed within the ranks of Godfrey de Bouillon’s triumphant army is a sect known only as the Salt Lines. Pursuing an artefact that pre-dates even King Solomon, the Salt Lines are willing to sacrifice everything Godfrey values to possess it; the lives of his closest confidants, the only woman he’s ever loved, even his immortal soul.

Black Friday, 1307: when Bertrand de Châtillon finally bowed to his family’s will and joined the Knights Templar, no one expected the brutal suppression of the Order that followed. Thrown into a maelstrom of violence centred upon a sacred artefact, Bertrand unwittingly becomes the only person who can lay it to rest. But can he resist its temptations?

With the eternal shroud ripped aside, truth has become the most dangerous of possessions.

What are you waiting for? Head over to my Contact Page and tell me what you think.

 

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