YA Medieval Historical Fantasy
Set in England during the middle ages, author TF Gray begins Murdoch’s Tale: Book 1 of Corwin’s Chronicle.The novel introduces Corwin, a young child torn away from his family and home by war. Rescued by Tovan of the faer and dropped off to a human family for adoption, Corwin goes through life with the dream of thanking his rescuer.
When old enough to explore the world on his own, Corwin decides to learn the craft of a troubadour, a teller of tales, who roams the countryside performing stories for food, a night’s lodging, and or coins. Phillipe, a famous French bard agrees to permit Corwin to be his apprentice.
During their travels, Phillipe teaches Corwin the ropes as he instructs his student to formulate his own tale to tell audiences. As the duo move from hamlet to small town, Corwin creates a tale about a blacksmith named Murdoch who takes the oath to never take up arms against another human being. During the middle ages, this is truly a difficult pledge to keep.
Besides creating a blockbuster story, Corwin feels a need to contact Tovan to repay his debt. However, finding a fairy is a difficult task, but not so much if they contact you.
Murdoch’s Tale is a 247-page novel showing the tragedy and futility of war as it tells a story within a story. As Corwin and Phillipe travel throughout medieval England we meet a host of characters that at times becomes overwhelming. And as the two protagonists travel the English countryside, I would have liked to have seen more of the setting, which was a bit sketchy. However, the plot is strong enough to motivate readers to reach the book’s exciting climax; with the promise of book 2, Ilona’s Tale.
About the Author
TF Gray grew up in a New Jersey suburb of New York City. She enjoyed her stint as the editor-in-chief of her high school newspaper and decided a career as a writer was for her, but she needed a day job. Over the years Gray had a wide assortment of jobs ranging from restaurant hostess, bartender, postmistress, and communications director of the Newark Food Co-op, and of course, mother. Once the kids were grown, she dusted off old manuscripts and is working on improving her craft. Murdoch’s Tale is her debut novel.
Never taking up arms against another human being is still a difficult goal today