What is Tale of the Clans?

As an author who loves history, I often hear the phrase: “History is written by the victors.” It denotes the losers are demonized and the winners have the moral high ground. If you’re like me, you bristle at that generalization because it’s presumptive. Though, historically speaking, it’s not far from the truth. It’s human nature. People tend to paint themselves or their favored individuals (be them family, friends, or idolized leaders) in a positive light, while diminishing their blemishes. Conversely, it’s easy for humans to besmirch the reputation of anyone who opposes them. So a biased history naturally follows. On the flip side, we see historical accounts that adhere to facts and reveal the faults of the victors while shedding light on the untold truths of the defeated. These are the stories I pounce on. The ones that beg to be told.

Struggling to Define Tale of the Clans

When I set out to write Tale of the Clans, I knew it was more than just a “historical fiction series”. Even describing it as a “Saga” or “historical romance driven by action”, felt inadequate. Of course, I wrote catchy hooks in random attempts to sum up the series: Tale of the Clans is Historical Saga meets Serialized Drama set in Viking-era Ireland. If you like The Last Kingdom or Vikings, but long for a cleaner Christian alternative, then this series is for you. Does that sound as trite and salesy to you as it does to me?

Image of Stone Celtic Cross by Adrian Moran on Unsplash

So what IS Tale of the Clans about?

The backdrop for the series is Viking-era Ireland, centered around the lifetime of Brian Boru, from his birth in 940 AD (yes I know this date is debated), to his death at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014. The kicker is, the series isn’t about Brian. It’s about a group of fictional characters who represent all the major players or “clans” affected by his life, and those of his kin—the Dal Cais. History showcases Brian Boru as a heroic figure and arguably the only ruler to ever make the high kingship of Ireland a reality. He certainly had an impressive resume. But if you take into account the various sources written during and after his life, you get a varied perspective that hints at a deeper glimpse into the man. Not to mention those who lived alongside him. That’s what I wanted to accomplish with Tale of the Clans. To create a cast of relatable characters who immerse readers in the period. Who give a sense of what it might be like to live in 10th century Ireland during the volatile events of Brian Boru’s life. Whether it’s a the daughter of a farmer, or a high-born Irish warrior. Maybe a Scandinavian king, or a brehon of mixed heritage. All of them hold the potential to take you on an adventure. In Tale of the Clans, this cast introduces you to historical figures—both large and small—who played pivotal roles in the events of Viking-era Ireland. My deeper hope is that this same cast will represent the unsung heroes. The figures history forgot or neglected to record in full. How their lives were altered by the victors—and just maybe—how their lives altered the course of those history remembers.

Stone of Division graphic by Amanda Smith. Tale of the Clans written by M.N. Stroh

What Tale of the Clans is NOT

Tale of the Clans is not straight-up romance. There, I said it! Yes, romance drives much of the plots and subplots in this series. I’m a hopeless romantic. I can’t write a story without romance somewhere. But it’s more of an Inspirational Epic Saga, with a healthy dose of romance, historical drama, and adventure. Romance readers have certain expectations—tropes as we call them in the writing world. They prefer only two main characters—the love interests, who carry the POV. Few side characters feature. Usually they’re quirky secondary characters (often the best friend or family member of said love interests). Tale of the Clans has a large character cast. Helloo! Epic Saga here! So you get at least four POV characters (I made it easy, romance readers, they’re usually couples), with the occasional antagonist or strong secondary character butting in for a little POV action on the side. Romance readers also prefer the inevitable “Happily Ever After”. Hate to burst your bubble, but Tale of the Clans—is a SAGA. That means some of the endings “Ain’t so Happy”. It’s also serialized. So many of the endings are meant to entice you to the next book where the story continues. AKA: Cliff Hangers–*Gasp!* Eventually, there will be a satisfying resolve. I do believe in redemptive endings. But by nature, a family saga takes you through at least one generation’s lifetime. Which means, yes, some of those characters you love, may die. Did I also mention there’s the whole Viking-era, action and adventure aspect? So that means some of the characters also meet rather violent ends. What can I say? Them’s the breaks in the Middle Ages.

The Spiritual Truths in Tale of the Clans

This is where the rubber meets the road. I am unapologetically Christian. Christ’s redemptive message is interlaced throughout each story. Not in a preachy way. But in a relational way. These books are gritty, but you’re not forced to wallow in the mire. I don’t believe in shying away from life’s harsh realities. But I don’t believe in rubbing your nose in every dirty detail either. The romance will amp the steam, but never detail sex. The violence gets bloody at times, but is never gratuitous for graphic’s sake. This isn’t done to be a prude. It’s done to make a point. One that this generation and those upcoming, desperately need to hear. While we’re on the topic of generations and pop culture, I will also confess that Tale of the Clans flies in the face of two very popular topics: Post Modernism and paganism. I believe these two religions (yes, Post Modernism is followed with an occultic devotion tantamount to a faith), not only permeate the minds of generations today, but are destroying them. They both teach a devastating lie—that there is no absolute truth except for the truth you want to accept. This lie deconstructs people. It strips them of their purpose, their moral compass, and presses them toward hedonism—a belief that keeps them chasing after empty pleasures. A cavernous void, a necrosis that never stops until it consumes them entirely. Christ is the only One who can fill that void. God’s Word speaks the absolute, infallible truth. And I believe in the depths of my soul that God has called me to minister to the hurting through Tale of the Clans. Not through legalism, but love.

Are you interested in Tale of the Clans?

If so, I have some big news. I’ve reaquired the rights to my books and will be self-publishing the entire series. That means all that is currently online will soon be pulled (if it isn’t gone already), as I prepare the second editions of the previous four books, and those slated to accompany them. You can still join the Clan Newsletter and acquire the first edition of my prequel novella: Man of Sorrows. But it’s only available for a limited time. So grab it while you can. And if you do, please share your feedback. It may be instrumental in reshaping the new book (which will be expanded into a full-length novel). Don’t be afraid to tell me what you loved or disliked about Man of Sorrows or any other books in the Tale of the Clans series.

If you have questions or want to chat more, drop a comment below.