As my regular Bookaholic Friends know, I'm a sucker for a historical book. When one came along that is chock full of stories from outstanding authors, I just had to read it. The fact this is a charity anthology and the proceeds go to support literacy, was the cherry on the cake.
Forged over 2000 years ago, when Rome was still a republic, a simple gold ring was inscribed with the name and symbol of Fortuna, capricious goddess of fate. From the seven hills of Ancient Rome, to the streets of modern day New York, the ring passes from hand to hand, through the centuries, shaping destinies and unveiling secrets.
A Roman patrician gambles his future on its luck. A crusading knight takes it from the finger of a slain foe. A child is gifted it by a soldier in the Thirty Years War and trusts it to keep her father safe. A jeweller takes it to America in the Gilded Age seeking a new life. Each tale is a moment in time, a new wearer, and a twist of fate—sometimes fortune smiles, but all too often the ring brings ill luck.
In these stories, history seems driven by the will of chance. Those who possess the ring seek to shape their own destinies, but it is always Fortuna herself who has the final say.
With contributions from Alistair Forrest, Fiona Forsyth, Jacquie Rogers, Alistair Tosh, Graham Brack, Eleanor Swift-Hook, Mark Turnbull, Maggie Richell-Davies, Robert Bordas and Val Penny this is a spellbinding anthology of interconnected short stories, where luck is never what it seems.
Review
What can I say other than I truly loved this book. Every story is well written absorbing and drew me in as a reader. The way the stories work together throughout the centuries is brilliantly executed and what a superb idea for a book. All kudos to The Reading Agency for thinking of it. The writing is powerful and it is obvious the stories are well researched as to the time period. The history is woven in beautifully meaning the research does not overwhelm. Whilst each story is tied together by The Ring, each is individual in the way they are portrayed and the way the ring plays into the story. I found myself wanting to read on to find out how every author would approach the story. I was not disappointed by any of them.I can highly recommend this book.
Thank you to the Lynsey of Reading Between the Lines Blog Tours for an advanced reader copy of this book.
LINK TO BUY
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ring-anthology-historical-short-stories-ebook/dp/B0F3DV7BPG
WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS
https://readingagency.org.uk
Alistair Forrest – @alistairforrestauthor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alistair-Forrest/author/B002KQDTVE
Fiona Forsyth - @fionaforsythauthor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Fiona-Forsyth/author/B001KI2DEC
Jacquie Rogers - @jacquierogers - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Jacquie-Rogers/author/B095M72LDL
Alistair Tosh - @alistair_tosh - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Alistair-Tosh/author/B0C5XW2V98
Graham Brack - @GrahamBrack - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Graham-Brack/author/B075KQ6M8N
Eleanor Swift-Hook - @emswifthook - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Eleanor-Swift-Hook/author/B0BKTP1CMG
Mark Turnbull - @1642Author - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Mark-Turnbull/author/B07YM39YLP
Maggie Richell-Davies - @maggiedaviswr1- https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Maggie-Richell-Davies/author/B0884G1MP6
Robert Bordas - @bordasauthor - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Robert-Bordas/author/B0B5VRRKF8
Val Penny - @valeriepenny - https://www.amazon.co.uk/stores/Val-Penny/author/B07C4725TK
That's it for another week Bookaholics. See you all soon with another review. Until then, keep reading and writing.
Thank you so much for your excellent review, Wendy. I’m thrilled you enjoyed the book and hope your readers will too.
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