Beltane the Smith By: Jeffery Farnol (1878-1952)
Beltane the Smith by Jeffery Farnol is an enthralling historical fiction novel that plunges readers into the world of medieval England. Filled with vivid descriptions and compelling characters, this book takes readers on a thrilling adventure that will leave them satisfied. The story revolves around the life of the protagonist, Beltane, a skilled blacksmith living in a small village. Orphaned at a young age, Beltane embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and purpose. As he unravels the mysteries surrounding his birth, Beltane realizes he possesses a unique gift that sets him apart from others – the ability to communicate with animals. Farnol masterfully immerses readers into the medieval setting, capturing the essence of the era with his meticulous attention to detail. From the bustling city streets to the tranquil countryside, every scene transports readers back in time. The language used by the author adds to the authenticity, providing a rich and immersive reading experience. The character development in Beltane the Smith is exceptional. Beltane himself undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the book, from a humble blacksmith to a figure of great significance in the kingdom. Farnol ensures that each character, no matter how minor, plays a meaningful role in the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of themes such as identity, destiny, and the power of belief. As Beltane grapples with his origins and his newfound abilities, readers are prompted to reflect upon their own sense of self and the influence they have on the world around them. Farnol seamlessly weaves these thought-provoking elements into the plot, making it more than just a historical adventure. Additionally, the pacing of the novel is superb. Farnol keeps readers engaged from start to finish with a series of unexpected twists and turns. The story never drags, always providing a fresh surprise just when the reader thinks they have it all figured out. This, coupled with the author's engaging writing style, makes for an exhilarating reading experience. If there is one criticism to be made, it is that some of the subplots could have been further explored. Certain characters and their storylines felt slightly underdeveloped, leaving readers craving more insight into their motivations and backgrounds. However, this minor flaw does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel. In conclusion, Beltane the Smith is a captivating historical fiction novel that captivates readers with its well-crafted setting, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. Jeffery Farnol proves his prowess as a storyteller, delivering a tale that appeals to both fans of the genre and those simply seeking an engaging read. This book is a worthy addition to any historical fiction enthusiast's library. First Page: BELTANE THE SMITH BY JEFFERY FARNOL AUTHOR OF "THE BROAD HIGHWAY," "THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN," ETC. WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY ARTHUR E. BECHER TO FREDERICK HUGHSON HAWLEY TO WHOM BELTANE IS NO STRANGER I DEDICATE THIS ROMANCE Jeffery Farnol London, August, 1915. CONTENTS I HOW BELTANE LIVED WITHIN THE GREENWOOD II HOW BELTANE HAD WORD WITH THE DUKE, BLACK IVO III HOW LOVE CAME TO BELTANE IN THE GREENWOOD IV OF THE LOVE AND THE GRIEF OF HELEN THE PROUD V WHICH TELLS OF THE STORY OF AMBROSE THE HERMIT VI HOW BELTANE FARED FORTH OF THE GREEN VII HOW BELTANE TALKED WITH ONE HIGHT GILES BRABBLECOMBE, WHO WAS A NOTABLE AND LEARNED ARCHER VIII HOW BELTANE HELD DISCOURSE WITH A BLACK FRIAR IX WHEREIN IS SOME ACCOUNT OF THE PHILOSOPHY OF FOLLY AND THE WISDOM OF A FOOL X HOW BELTANE MADE COMRADE ONE BLACK ROGER THAT WAS A HANGMAN XI WHICH TELLS HOW THREE MIGHTY MEN SWARE FEALTY TO BELTANE: AND HOW GOOD FRIAR MARTIN DIGGED A GRAVE IN THE WILD XII WHICH TELLS HOW DUKE IVO'S GREAT GALLOWS CEASED TO BE XIII HOW THEY BRAKE OPE THE DUNGEON OF BELSAYE XIV HOW BELTANE CAME NIGH TO DEATH XV HOW BELTANE HAD WORD WITH PERTOLEPE THE RED, AND HOW THEY LEFT... Continue reading book >>

Beltane the Smith By: Jeffery Farnol (1878-1952)

Beltane the Smith by Jeffery Farnol is an enthralling historical fiction novel that plunges readers into the world of medieval England. Filled with vivid descriptions and compelling characters, this book takes readers on a thrilling adventure that will leave them satisfied.

The story revolves around the life of the protagonist, Beltane, a skilled blacksmith living in a small village. Orphaned at a young age, Beltane embarks on a journey to discover his true identity and purpose. As he unravels the mysteries surrounding his birth, Beltane realizes he possesses a unique gift that sets him apart from others – the ability to communicate with animals.

Farnol masterfully immerses readers into the medieval setting, capturing the essence of the era with his meticulous attention to detail. From the bustling city streets to the tranquil countryside, every scene transports readers back in time. The language used by the author adds to the authenticity, providing a rich and immersive reading experience.

The character development in Beltane the Smith is exceptional. Beltane himself undergoes a remarkable transformation throughout the book, from a humble blacksmith to a figure of great significance in the kingdom. Farnol ensures that each character, no matter how minor, plays a meaningful role in the narrative, adding depth and complexity to the story.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in its exploration of themes such as identity, destiny, and the power of belief. As Beltane grapples with his origins and his newfound abilities, readers are prompted to reflect upon their own sense of self and the influence they have on the world around them. Farnol seamlessly weaves these thought-provoking elements into the plot, making it more than just a historical adventure.

Additionally, the pacing of the novel is superb. Farnol keeps readers engaged from start to finish with a series of unexpected twists and turns. The story never drags, always providing a fresh surprise just when the reader thinks they have it all figured out. This, coupled with the author's engaging writing style, makes for an exhilarating reading experience.

If there is one criticism to be made, it is that some of the subplots could have been further explored. Certain characters and their storylines felt slightly underdeveloped, leaving readers craving more insight into their motivations and backgrounds. However, this minor flaw does not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment of the novel.

In conclusion, Beltane the Smith is a captivating historical fiction novel that captivates readers with its well-crafted setting, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. Jeffery Farnol proves his prowess as a storyteller, delivering a tale that appeals to both fans of the genre and those simply seeking an engaging read. This book is a worthy addition to any historical fiction enthusiast's library.

First Page:

BELTANE THE SMITH

JEFFERY FARNOL

AUTHOR OF "THE BROAD HIGHWAY," "THE AMATEUR GENTLEMAN," ETC.

WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY ARTHUR E. BECHER

FREDERICK HUGHSON HAWLEY

TO WHOM BELTANE IS NO STRANGER I DEDICATE THIS ROMANCE

Jeffery Farnol

London, August, 1915.

CONTENTS

I HOW BELTANE LIVED WITHIN THE GREENWOOD

II HOW BELTANE HAD WORD WITH THE DUKE, BLACK IVO

III HOW LOVE CAME TO BELTANE IN THE GREENWOOD

IV OF THE LOVE AND THE GRIEF OF HELEN THE PROUD

V WHICH TELLS OF THE STORY OF AMBROSE THE HERMIT

VI HOW BELTANE FARED FORTH OF THE GREEN

VII HOW BELTANE TALKED WITH ONE HIGHT GILES BRABBLECOMBE, WHO WAS A NOTABLE AND LEARNED ARCHER

VIII HOW BELTANE HELD DISCOURSE WITH A BLACK FRIAR

IX WHEREIN IS SOME ACCOUNT OF THE PHILOSOPHY OF FOLLY AND THE WISDOM OF A FOOL

X HOW BELTANE MADE COMRADE ONE BLACK ROGER THAT WAS A HANGMAN

XI WHICH TELLS HOW THREE MIGHTY MEN SWARE FEALTY TO BELTANE: AND HOW GOOD FRIAR MARTIN DIGGED A GRAVE IN THE WILD

XII WHICH TELLS HOW DUKE IVO'S GREAT GALLOWS CEASED TO BE

XIII HOW THEY BRAKE OPE THE DUNGEON OF BELSAYE

XIV HOW BELTANE CAME NIGH TO DEATH

XV HOW BELTANE HAD WORD WITH PERTOLEPE THE RED, AND HOW THEY LEFT... Continue reading book >>

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Wikipedia – Jeffery Farnol
Wikipedia – Beltane the Smith

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