Author releases new book: Rivers of Sand : Bancroft this Week : https://www.bancroftthisweek.com

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Author releases new book: Rivers of Sand

By Nate Smelle

On Dec. 1 Bancroft author George C. Myles released the second book in his Lioslaith trilogy entitled Rivers of Sand. The historical fiction series is set in the 9th century amidst the turmoil of events shaping the birth of the Scottish nation. The story follows the main character, Lioslaith—a spirited 16 year-old Pict girl—struggling to rise above the brutality of the age and its prejudices, while honouring her Pict heritage. As the winds of change propel her and her fellow Picts headlong to their destiny, she does her best to hang on to the mysterious customs of her thousand year old culture.
“She's young woman of head turning beauty,” Myles said “that is really a young woman before her time, in that she envisions the potential for economic and social progress, but still has to live as her nation emerges out of the Dark age. She becomes for the reader—and for me as the author—an emerging new thinker.”
Following a conflict Lioslaith has with her parents after she defies their wishes and upholds a centuries old Pict custom of getting body tattoos. Hence, the painted ones. Her actions set this ongoing conflict off with her father who was a Pict leader. In spite of her many hardships Lioslaith remains a knowledge seeker; continuously striving to improve herself intellectually and spiritually.
“She's a transitional character,” said Myles.
“She wears her Pict-ness literally on her sleeves and her body. She goes out into the world is a fine representative honouring her past and embracing her future.”
In Rivers of Sand, Lioslaith leaves her homeland and marries the son of a prominent Viking warlord ready to exploit trade routes in the Middle East. Calling for justice in an age when compassion is scarce, Lioslaith is betrayed by a hateful oarsman named Einaar who dooms her to a life of seclusion in a desert land where a surprising encounter with royalty uncovers a deep secret.
Born in Toronto of Scottish and South African ancestry, Myles is inspired by all things Scottish. Through his writing he aspires to create fictional characters who breathe life into the memory of the people and events that animate history. Drawn to the mysteriousness of the Pict culture, Myles spent many long hours researching their customs and history in order to make the context of his story as accurate as possible.
“This was a culture that went on for 1,000 years and is almost ignored part of history,” he said.
“I think that intrigued me to, the fact that these people had such a strong culture for more than 1,000 years and so few people have ever heard of them”
The book is available at Ashley's Book store in downtown Bancroft, and online at www.amazon.ca. For more information on the work of George C. Myles visit www.lioslaith.com.

Post date: 2014-12-09 17:34:57
Post date GMT: 2014-12-09 22:34:57
Post modified date: 2014-12-09 17:34:57
Post modified date GMT: 2014-12-09 22:34:57