Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced the release of the hardcover edition of her latest novel, Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster. The book, which serves as the prequel to her multi-award-winning Autumn Trilogy, is now available for purchase. This release is significant for fans of the series and collectors alike, as it completes the hardcover collection of the trilogy, allowing readers to own the entire saga in a durable and attractive format. Blackwood expressed her enthusiasm for the new edition, stating, "I am extremely pleased to offer, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, in hardback edition. As the prequel to my multi-award-winning Autumn Trilogy of books that are each available in hardback, having Grandeur join that select group finishes the collection perfectly, especially for the consummate collector, as well as all readers who prefer this choice of format."
The novel delves into the backstory of Cyril Landon, a character central to the Autumn Trilogy. Set in the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, England, the story follows Cyril, a deprived young Englishman born into poverty, whose determination and grit lead him from a labourer's position at a local farm to a future he never imagined. The book explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the power of choice, as Cyril's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a horsemaster unfolds. The prequel provides essential context for the events of the trilogy, enriching the reading experience for both new and returning fans.
Critical reception for Before The Grandeur has been positive. Richard Prause of Readers Favorite praised the novel for its character-driven narrative, noting, "It doesn't depend on manufactured plot twists to drive the story. Instead, it focuses on the simple, powerful moments of a man earning the trust of a stallion. It's a perceptive exploration of ambition and loyalty, indeed. If you appreciate character-driven historical fiction, this novel is well worth your time." Another reviewer, Asher Syed, remarked, "Overall, this will be a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."
The Autumn Trilogy, which begins with The Perils of Autumn, has garnered significant acclaim. The Perils of Autumn was named a finalist in the Fiction Romance category by the International Book Awards in 2019 and by the American Book Fest in the same year. It also received a 5-star rating from Reader's Favorite. The series is set primarily in the early 1970s and centers on Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman whose life becomes intertwined with Cyril Landon, the owner of a successful Thoroughbred racing stable. The trilogy combines elements of romance, mystery, and equestrian drama, earning praise from reviewers for its engaging storytelling and well-drawn characters.
For a limited time, Blackwood is offering Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster at no charge. She explained, "Born into extreme poverty with little hope of survival, Cyril Landon's difficult beginnings throughout England's horrific war years, will better assist readers in understanding the difficult journey that precedes the grandeur awaiting them in The Perils of Autumn. For fans of Historical Fiction, this page-turner is a must read." This promotional offer provides an opportunity for readers to immerse themselves in the series without cost, potentially expanding Blackwood's readership.
The hardcover edition of Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster is available for purchase at Amazon via https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM. Additional information about Rusty Blackwood and her works can be found on her website at http://www.rusty-blackwood.com.
