NEW RELEASE

Now available in e-book, paperback and hardcover versions.

Universal link: https://books2read.com/u/mldBav

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

REVIEWS

It is rare to find an historical novel so well-researched and centered on actual events as “When Starlings Fly as One,” by Nancy Blanton. Based on the 1641 Irish rebellion. It is rich with historical characters, battles and what is the cornerstone of this novel, Rathbarry Castle in County Cork, held by the English with Sir Author Freke at its head and besieged by Irish rebels determined to take the castle and the country back from English control. Ms. Blanton with remarkable detail describes life inside the castle under the siege, in this case, the longest siege of its kind in Ireland’s history; what it was like to be trapped inside its gates as food and water for its human and animal inhabitants rapidly begins to run out, and the choice of capture by the Irish or death by starvation looms closer and closer, day by day. As a fan of historical novels, this one also offers characters who will capture your heart as they navigate through a labyrinth of war and hope toward an uncertain future together. Follow Merel, a Dutch orphan who is caught between her love for Rathberry Castle itself, the only home she remembers, and Tynan O’Daly, a handsome Irish Horse Marshal who works for Sir Arthur. “When Starlings Fly as One,” will have you reading through the night, as I did, just to get to the next exciting chapter! ~ GypsyPoet

The novel boasted a diverse cast of characters. A Dutch orphan girl named Merel de Vries was the main narrator. Being a brave girl, she risked her life to set free a group of Irish prisoners. Merel even dared to flee the besieged castle to seek outside help. Even when she gained freedom, she chose to stay at her beloved Rathbarry. I would heartily recommend this novel to anyone who appreciates historical fiction. ~Shrabastee, OnlineBookClub.org

The Great Irish Rebellion of 1641 began with a failed attempt to seize Dublin Castle, but then rebel forces in Ulster captured several strategic fortresses. Infused with passion and optimism the Irish clans united, and the rebellion spread throughout the country.

When Starlings Fly as One is based on the personal account of Sir Arthur Freke, the owner of Rathbarry Castle in County Cork. Rathbarry was besieged by Irish forces for nine months in 1642—the longest siege in centuries of Ireland’s history. That history has long been told by English voices, but the Irish perspectives continue to rise. This story is not a classic hero’s journey, but a story of war, struggle, spirit, and survival—a story of two sides.

Secretive and often bold, Merel de Vries seeks only escape from the English nobility she serves. When Rathbarry Castle is besieged by rising Irish clans, she faces an impossible choice: allegiance to owner Sir Arthur Freke, loyalty to new-found love Tynan O’Daly, and inner yearnings belonging to her alone. 

On the wind-swept coast near the village of Ross, the English settlers hoping to build a new life now seek shelter within the castle. Rathbarry’s former owners, the MacCarthy clan and its followers, have brought their armies to take it all back. 

To Merel, a Dutch orphan, both sides are heroic and both sides seem unspeakably cruel. Worse still, the people she loves are on different ends of the struggle. 

 With no access to food or supplies, the castle residents face starvation, disease, and the constant fear of death. Sir Arthur is desperate to find a solution for rescue. Merel insists she can help—but no one will listen. When opportunity comes, can she truly do what her spirit urges? Or, will a sudden betrayal change everything?

Fascinating story, beautifully written, and extremely well researched! The author gives us well drawn characters, word pictures to make the settings come alive, and lively storytelling. It's hard to imagine how many hours of research must have gone into the book's making. Well done, Ms. Blanton. Thank you for a really enjoyable read. Left me wanting to know more about the history of Ireland. ~ drd

Normally when I read a novel, I think of myself as an outsider looking in. In reading this book, I felt as though I was actually there, feeling the pain, suffering and hunger those trapped inside the castle felt. Nancy Blanton has done a masterful job of capturing what it's like to be under siege. She is a fantastic story teller. She has a way of bringing historical events to life. I highly recommend this book. You won't be disappointed.
~ David O’Keeffe