Hey Clan!
It’s ironic that the unveiling of Rise of Betrayal came a day later than planned. You may recall how earlier this week I mentioned in the post: Rise of Betrayal Cover Reveal that we’d unveil Friday. Well, like this novel’s conception, God’s plans and mine were totally different.
If you’re a member of the Clan or have followed my blog for years, you’ll know Rise of Betrayal actually started out as a fantasy novel in 2001, not long after 9/11. To make a long story somewhat short, it didn’t gel as a fantasy and through the circumstances at the time, I was inspired to convert it into historical fiction.
The novel was completed in 2002 and I took it to my first writers conference in 2003. But my dreams of grandeur were dashed upon the rocks of reality when I discovered my woeful lack of knowledge in my craft and the publishing industry. So God pushed me to grow and my novel grew with me until it turned into the first book in the Tale of the Clans series.
Yes, Man of Sorrows is NOT the first book.
I know, I know. The covers say differently. But it’s the truth. While Man of Sorrows is indeed the prequel to this series, I wrote it much later. Rise of Betrayal is the true foundation for this epic saga.
Speaking of epic, check out this cover!
The Setting for Rise of Betrayal
Forging a believable connection between the past and a fictional story is the true challenge for any historical fiction author. Rise of Betrayal spans from the years 962-967 AD. This was a key period in the rise of the Dal Cais and their future high king, Brian Boru.
While I wanted to immerse readers in Viking-era Ireland, I didn’t want to tell the story from Brian’s perspective. That was done several times over. Instead, I wanted to create a fictional cast readers could connect to, who would bridge the gap between modern times and that ancient past.
Rise of Betrayal allows us to travel medieval Ireland beyond the realm of Thomond (modern-day County Clare) and venture into the lands of Luimnech (Limerick) and finally to Cashel.
Each place carries historical significance and marks pivotal points where the Dal Cais arose from seeming insignificance to a powerful force in the tumultuous struggle for Ireland’s rule.
The Cast of Rise of Betrayal
Nessa ingen Aengus
Nessa is the daughter of a simple farmer. Through her family’s labors, they finally rise to the lowest rank of nobility. But their station is far from stable.
To maintain their voice in the clan, Nessa’s father arranges her betrothal to the son of their overlord, Davan mac Duncan. Though initially resigned to her fate, tragedy provides an escape. Unfortunately, that escape costs her intended’s life and forces Nessa into hiding.
Gideon mac Davan
Gideon is the third born of Davan mac Duncan, a revered warrior and cattle lord of the Dal Cais. On the surface, Davan appears loyal to his kinsman and chief, Mahon mac Cennedigh. But his loyalties are divided as he trains warriors for both Mahon and his rebel brother, Brian.
Gideon longs to join Brian’s secret band and prove his worth as a warrior alongside his father and older brother, Ardan. When Ardan is killed defending their home against foreign raiders, vengeance thrusts Gideon headlong upon his intended path. Yet the terrible secret he carries may undo everything.
Taltena ingen Davan
As the oldest and only daughter born to Davan, Taltena is no stranger to responsibility…or hardship.
Since her mother’s death, Taltena raised her brothers and cared for their home. Yet all reject Christ and seem oblivious to her devotion to them. Now with Ardan lost, is there any hope the rest might be saved, or will they follow the path of destruction their father has laid out for them?
Connor O’Dea
Growing up in fosterage under Davan’s instruction forged a special bond that Connor never felt for his own family. Even though his devotion to Davan and Brian mac Cennedigh’s cause has never wavered, Connor struggles with one member of Davan’s family in particular.
Connor’s love for Taltena grew beyond friendship long ago, but her adamant opposition to their cause and false belief in her spinsterhood drives a wedge between them.
Davan mac Duncan
Despite the tragic loss of many loved ones, including his wife, Davan pressed on to become a lord of influence in his clan. Now, training elite warriors for the Dal Cais remains his singular goal.
Still, he cannot suffer betrayal. Now that his son is dead because of the treacherous actions of Ardan’s betrothed, Davan must seek revenge and salvage what honor is left his family.
The Theme of Rise of Betrayal
Rise of Betrayal deals with the themes of Trust and Redemption.
Through the immense suffering Nessa endures, her trust in her overlord’s family is shattered. As a result, in both the grievous and fortuitous circumstance she faces afterward, Nessa is conflicted. She longs to regain trust in someone. But can such a person even exist?
Redemption often goes hand-in-hand with trust. But circumstances usually cloud the narrow path to redemption. In this tale, a resounding truth echos throughout:
God bore this day before you, together you bear it now.
God not only knows us and everything about us in the most intimate detail, but He, being outside of time, actually bore our every moment before we came to live it. Every burden, every struggle, every thought, He knows. There is nothing we go through that He hasn’t already experienced before us. As we face these things, good or bad, God walks us through them. So there’s this comfort in knowing that we don’t need to shoulder our burdens alone. Christ is here to help bear the load, and still more, He equips us to face each trial through His strength.
No matter your history, no matter your pain or suffering, you have an advocate who loves you unconditionally. Christ doesn’t withhold his love and salvation because of who you are or what you did. He stands with open arms, ready to accept you and transform your life. There is redemption through Christ, and He is worthy of your trust.
Rise of Betrayal was written to offer an escape from reality. But it’s ultimately meant to show readers that Christ is your true escape.
If you’re struggling in your circumstances, then maybe it’s time to run to Him.
Thank you for taking the time to read this sneak-peak into Rise of Betrayal. You can now preorder the ebook on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The paperback and hardback versions will be available for preorder this August.
If you’re not already a member of the Clan, make sure to sign up for the Clan Newsletter so you won’t miss out on important publication updates, fun freebies, and the chance to join the Clan Launch Team. It’s just around the corner!
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