Book Title: Return to the Eyrie

Series: Medieval Hungary

Author: Katerina Dunne

Publication Date: 30 April 2024

Publisher: Historium Press

Page Length: 404

Genre: Historical Fiction (Medieval) / Historical Romance

Triggers: battle violence (moderate), love scenes (moderate), character suffering from childhood trauma (molestation)

Twitter Handle: @cathiedunn

Instagram Handle: @thecoffeepotbookclub

Hashtags: #HistoricalFiction #MedievalFiction #MedievalHungary #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

Tour Schedule Page: https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/2024/07/blog-tour-return-to-the-eyrie-by-katerina-dunne.html

Book Title and Author Name:

Return to the Eyrie

by Katerina Dunne

Blurb:

Honour, revenge, and the quest for justice.

Belgrade, Kingdom of Hungary, 1470:

Raised in exile, adolescent noblewoman Margit Szilágyi dreams of returning to her homeland of Transylvania to avenge her father’s murder and reclaim her stolen legacy. To achieve this, she must break the constraints of her gender and social status and secretly train in combat.

When the king offers her a chance at justice, she seizes it—even if it means disguising herself as a man to infiltrate the vultures’ nest that now occupies her ancestral ‘eyrie’.

Plagued by childhood trauma and torn between two passionate loves, Margit faces brutal battles, her murderous kin’s traps and inner demons on her quest for vengeance. Only by confronting the past can she reclaim her honour—if she can survive long enough to see it through.

Return to the Eyrie is an epic coming-of-age tale of a young woman’s unwavering pursuit of justice and destiny in 15th century Hungary.

My research for Return to the Eyrie

One of the main elements of historical fiction is thorough research. If an author wants to captivate their readers and make them feel as if they are participating in the story, it’s very important to re-create the period in which the novel is set. Historical background, events and personalities, politics, culture and society, geography, moral values, clothing, food, language, behaviours—these are some of the elements that an author needs to research when writing historical fiction.

In Return to the Eyrie, I have tried to re-create the turbulent period of late 15th-century Hungary: a large, multi-enthnic and multi-cultural kingdom which, in modern-day terms, extended from Southern Poland to Belgrade and from Croatia and Eastern Austria to Central Romania.

My general research included primary sources (such as chronicles, correspondence, literature and legislation of the time) but also secondary sources (scholarly work from the 19th, 20th and 21st century about the time period)

These sources helped me understand the historical and political events of the time, ie. the framework within which my story takes place. Although my main characters are fictional, I needed to place them in real locations, battles and other historical settings.

For specifics like architecture, clothes, weaponry, cultural and societal details (such as the position of women in society, inheritance laws, wedding ceremonies etc), further research was required. For instance, I used itineraries of the Hungarian king and the Royal Judge to make sure they were really present in the locations I put them in certain scenes of the novel.

As I had already done an MPhil degree in Medieval History, I knew where to look for the various books, essays and articles and how to study them.  In addition, I joined a medieval combat group here in Ireland in order to learn the basics of hand-to-hand fighting with medieval weapons (I must admit that was the most enjoyable part of my research!)

It also helped immensely that I can read Hungarian and I have some good friends in Hungary as the majority of the material is in the Hungarian language. It’s only during the last couple of decades that more and more research output has been published in English. The newer Hungarian researchers represent a more balanced approach to the primary sources as opposed to, let’s say, the ones from the 19th and early 20th century who viewed the medieval events from a patriotic (and sometimes even nationalist) standpoint, or the scholars of the communist era who applied the marxist theory to their research.

Another important element of historical fiction is to weave the history into the story without making your novel sound like a history book. Long exposition passages describing events or locations prevent the readers’ immersion into the story. In my opinion, the historical elements need to be presented from the point of view of a character. In other words, the author should show how the particular event, landscape etc affects the characters personally and forms part of their arc.

Of course, there are times where I took some liberties with the history to suit my narrative; but I have noted the main parts where this happened in my Author’s Note.

I hope that with Return to the Eyrie—and my first novel Lord of the Eyrie—I have achieved my goal as a historical fiction writer to entertain my readers but also help them learn and understand the fascinating history, society and culture of late 15th-century Hungary. To me, the best reward is when the readers comment that they felt as if they were part of the story, and that they learned so much about a period and location they were not familiar with.

For reference, here are some of the many resources I used in my research. In addition to these physical books, I also used e-books and articles in electronic format as well as online databases (such as the one from the Hungarian National Archives).

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link: https://books2read.com/u/bz8gJL

Author Bio:

Katerina Dunne is the pen-name of Katerina Vavoulidou. Originally from Athens, Greece, Katerina has been living in Ireland since 1999. She has a degree in English Language and Literature from the University of Athens, an MA in Film Studies from University College Dublin and an MPhil in Medieval History from Trinity College Dublin.

Katerina is passionate about history, especially medieval history, and her main area of interest is 13^th to 15^th century Hungary. Although the main characters of her stories are fictional, Katerina uses real events and personalities as part of her narrative in order to bring to life the fascinating history of the medieval Kingdom of Hungary, a location and time period not so well-known to English-speaking readers.

Return to the Eyrie (published April 2024) is the second book in the Medieval Hungary series, a sequel to Lord of the Eyrie (published in February 2022).

Author Links:

Website (publisher): https://www.thehistoricalfictioncompany.com/hp-authors/katerina-dunne

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076818802721

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerina-vavoulidou-07962a85/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Katerina-Dunne/author/B09R4P733K

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22196953.Katerina_Dunne

Book Link

From Amazon:

Visions of her Cherokee grandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfathershot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no!

No! This can’t be! Not after the joking around at my home last night. NO!!!!Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat child. No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people,and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Harold? 

Yet, here I was, and I had to tell the police that, yes, my mother was at my home all evening and into the night. How despicable that my mother connived her way into using me as her alibi.

This book is a true memoir drawing upon the locals and inspiration of the areas in which the author lives and works. Names of towns, places, facilities, and people are real except for three men. Any resemblance to persons living or dead is not coincidental in nature and places where events take place are from her life growing up.

New Review:

Top reviews from the United States

Kalimaxos

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read

Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2024

Verified Purchase

This is a tough read for those who suffered abuse at the hands of a parent. But in a way, it was cathartic. It may help you understand why abuse sufferers are as they are. Guarded with their children.

Thanks, Kal. Short and to the point!

When You Pass Through the Waters

By Jodie Wolfe

When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.

Isaiah 43:2 (NIV)

The Lord has brought this scripture to my mind many times over the past couple years. Three times we’re told – When you pass through the waters, when you pass through the rivers, and when you walk through the fire. Not IF you pass through these things, but WHEN. In other words, we shouldn’t be surprised by going through difficult times.

I love how the Lord goes beyond all this to say, ‘I will be with you’, and how He won’t allow the river to ‘sweep over you.’ Also, He promises ‘you will not be burned’, and ‘the flames will not set you ablaze.’ What a comfort to know that He will walk with us every step of the way. No matter how much those storms, rivers, or fires rage in our lives.

The Lord continues to teach me this spiritual truth, and definitely did as I was writing my book that just released, Convincing Lou. My heroine, Ellie Lou Williams has had a strong faith throughout my Burrton Springs Series (even though she isn’t mentioned much in the first three books.) 😊 But after facing difficulties and struggles, she’s beginning to doubt the Lord’s faithfulness.

I hope you’ll want to journey along with Ellie Lou and see what happens. Here’s a little bit about my new book.

Blurb

How hard can it be to round up one delinquent groom?

Ellie Lou Williams will do just about anything to save her ranch, even going undercover as a man to round up a fella who is late to his own wedding. The reward will more than cover the money she owes the bank and solve all her problems.

Caleb Dawson agrees to one final job as a deputy US Marshal before he starts his new life away from the trail and tracking criminals. What he isn’t counting on is a mysterious bounty hunter who’s determined to undermine his every step.

Will one reach their goal first? Or will they learn to lean on God and work together?

Bio

Jodie Wolfe creates novels where hope and quirky meet. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers (FHLCW). She’s been a semi-finalist and finalist in various writing contests. A former columnist for Home School Enrichment magazine, her articles can be found online at: Crosswalk, Christian Devotions, and Heirloom Audio. When not writing she enjoys spending time with her husband in Pennsylvania, reading, knitting, and walking. Learn more at www.jodiewolfe.com.

Social Media Links

Website: https://www.jodiewolfe.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jodie-Wolfe-553400191384913

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jodie-wolfe

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/JodieAWolfe

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15220520.Jodie_Wolfe

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jodie-Wolfe/e/B01EAWOHXO/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

MeWe: https://mewe.com/jodiewolfe

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-wolfe-3955b2bb/

Purchase Links

https://qr.pbgrp.link/convlou

Thanks for letting me stop by today!

Book Link

From Amazon:

Book one of three…

She’s on a mission
And dangerously off the grid…

After an undercover mission gone wrong, agent Mina August is on the run from the FBI and The Madame, a ruthless brothel owner. Her mantra: trust no one. But alone and permanently disabled, the cunning beauty must trust her ex-partner Roman Jacobs to take her side in a deadly cat-and-mouse game. Can she fight her true feelings for Roman to stay professional…and alive?    

From Harlequin Intrigue: Seek thrills. Solve crimes. Justice served.

Discover more action-packed stories in the Secure One series. All books are stand-alone with uplifting endings but were published in the following order:

Book 1: Going Rogue in Red Rye County

My Review:

A great spin on suspense, pain, romance and more

I loved this book!!! Did I write I loved this book? If not, I loved this book!!! I’ve read numerous books by Katie Mettner, but this one is in a different level, a new level I’ve not read from her in the past. Romance for sure. I love a good romance. Disability does occur, and it is over come, the suspense is superb and I had no idea who The Madame was, although I tried to figure it out and thought the FBI in some way but I was blindsided by who the character actually was, as our protagonist was as well. The bunker? I want one. The whole bit. The nice rustic with all you need, and the bunker below the two main bedrooms is a must. All that tech is amazing! Five shiny gold stars.

Please welcome Stefanie Nici to my blog. Hello Stefanie. Thank you for stopping my today.  

Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hello! My name is Stefanie Nici and I write Women’s Fiction with elements of romance. I was born in Philadelphia PA and now live in New York with my husband, two sons, and my 89-year-old mother. We recently rescued an adorable blonde pup and named her Harley. 

How difficult was it to write your first book? 

The first book I ever wrote was nonfiction and dealt with improving and making the most out of our romantic relationships. I had typed up pages and pages and was so happy for it to be complete but with the changing times, I didn’t think it was a good time to release this work. Months later my husband pushed me to write a work of fiction, so I did. For some reason, the story I decided to write seemed to flow so easily, Unlike the other fictional stories I would begin and file on my laptop. 

Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

I never wanted to give up. I may have procrastinated, but I never thought about giving up. 

Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?  

Without a doubt, it is my husband. He is my biggest supporter. 

Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I appreciate every reader that I am lucky enough to have my stories read by.  

What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

No one has really given me advice. I have learned many things along the way such as waiting for the right person to work with when you are paying for services. This is your work, your art, your baby, and you want to leave it in the right hands. 

What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

I would say anyone in a relationship or who has been in a relationship, romantic or otherwise, will enjoy my stories.  

Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

While I was near the end of writing my first story, I reached out to a writer’s support group asking for recs and two designers messaged me. The designer I chose was always reachable and provided the best first draft. She created the cover herself from the story blurb. Readers love the cover, as do I, and I think it is perfect for the story. 

What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

As a mood reader, I am also a mood writer. I have a couple of different stories simmering, and I like to keep the lid on tight! 

Any last words before we wrap things up?

If anyone reading this has the desire to write, I implore you to do it. It may seem impossible or unreachable, but I am living proof that it can be done, and you can do it. 

https://www.facebook.com/stefanieniciwriter/ FB 

https://www.twitter.com/nicistefanie Twitter 

http://www.instagram.com/stefanienici Instagram 

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09ZY1CFQF  The Wishing Stone 

https://amazon.com/stefanie-nici/e/B081S3WBPY/ Amazon link for all books and stories. All my books and stories are available on Amazon and with Kindle Unlimited. 

Gallery Link

I’ve gone and done it. My art gallery has been updated. I still have photographs that I took myself, traditionally painted pieces, digitally painted pieces, and more recently, images made with AI assistance. While I don’t, and won’t, use any AI piece in any kids book or for any book cover of my own, they are sometimes nice to use as a background for a poster on social media. Only watchers have access to all of my galleries.

Book Link

From Amazon:

The Compromise also retold as Gluskabe Brings Back Summer, is a thousand-year-old legend, increasingly relevant to the 21st century. Nowadays, the media has projected the ego in the first place, ahead of values like empathy and compassion, which both should positively define us as humans.

The Great White Wizard remembers an era when he was happy because everything was covered with snow, so he decides to stretch out his power to freeze the earth to the south. He feels entitled to satisfy his desires, so spring or summer is no more.

Undeterred by the wizard’s icy grip on the land, our hero, Gluskabe, embarks on a courageous journey north, determined to plead for the return of spring.

Will he succeed?

My Review:

Mary Schmidt

5.0 out of 5 stars Compassion

Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024

Verified Purchase

Compassion. That is a big word for a little kid, but it’s never too early to teach children and adults alike about compassion for those in need. Compromise. Another big word for a little kid. Yet kids can and do accept the concept rather easily if allowed to have a full discussion with those in need to know. The adventure within teaches those two concepts and more. Five shiny gold stars.