Books&Poetry TALL TALES FROM NORTH WALES Author and former teacher Martin Kaye, a local lad, has written a series of books celebrating the weird and wonderful myths and legends of the area
M
artin Kaye was born and raised in Ruthin in north Wales, and has spent his career in education with 23 years as a primary headteacher in south Wales. He usually had a pen in his hand – but Martin Kaye more commonly for illustration than writing purposes. Recently, though, Martin has been inspired to dabble in creative writing. “As part of my job, I write so many technical dry reports and I’ve loved the contrast in writing something for pleasure,” says Martin. “The role of a head teacher these days is about working in partnership with social services and the wider community. I build my characters on real people – bringing a colour and depth to the portrayal of some of the players in my writing, which adds to a sense realism and suspense in my work.” Martin’s current series of books is based in north Wales, with a focus on the
LOC A L B OOKS Armageddon’s Rod by Will Esling Ever since he can remember, young Jack Dore has had strange dreams of another world and another life. In his waking moments he is followed by shadows that no one else can see. Slowly and surely he discovers the secret hidden deep inside him: he has lived a life before – the life of a king. After an incident where he nearly drowns, he is transported to the Celtic otherworld, Annwn. Will Esling has long had a fascination with Welsh history and folklore, much of which has been forgotten or superseded in the writings of the conquerors of the land over 1,400 years. He explores this magically though the characters and story of Armageddon’s Rod, a captivating novel that is available from Amazon.
towns of Ruthin and Denbigh. On Badon Field is the first of three novels that take place both in the last days of Roman Britannia and the present, based loosely on the legends of King Arthur. Each novel follows the life of a character who is briefly the keeper of the Holy Grail.
Arth, Gwenllian and the Roman Girl and bringing them a second chance at life through reincarnation. Martin calls the series “a mysterious adventure, a love Three intertwining tales affair that stretches across millennia, On Badon Field follows Arth, the British written for an adult audience.” war leader, from his greatest victory at Martin has done extensive research to the Battle on Badon Field to his death at Camlann. A Banner back up the historical context of Of Dark Shadows, the his writing. “The only contemporary written record that relates to King second novel, tells the “A love story of Gwenllian, affair that Arthur was written by a monk called Gildas,” he says. “Welsh charting her great loss stretches mythology states that Gildas had after Arth’s death and her a brother, Huail, whom Arthur had capture and execution. across executed by beheading on the The final instalment, millennia” Maen Huail, a large limestone block The Fallen & The Fled, which now sits on a plinth beside follows the mysterious Exmewe Hall in Ruthin. Gildas is among “Roman Girl” who first brings the Holy the names of the many saints who were Grail to Britannia from the East. tutored by St Illtud in Llantwit Major.” Throughout the series, malevolent forces are at work, trespassing through the tapestry of time bringing death and On Badon Field is available from destruction from the ancient past. But Amazon or from Martin’s website, the Grail is a force for good, protecting www.fachlwyd.co.uk Tom Pryce: Memories Of A Welsh F1 Star By Those Who Knew Him by Darren Banks and Kevin Guthrie This book shines a light on the brilliant talent of tragic F1 hero Tom Pryce, who went from being a tractor mechanic to a potential world champion in just four years. The book’s foreword is by Tom’s widow, Nella, and some of the best-known names in motorsport have contributed, including former FI racing driver and TV commentator John Watson, a contemporary of Tom’s, and Ruthin-born David Richards, the chair of Motorsport UK and a former chair of Aston Martin. Authors Darren Banks and Kevin Guthrie have pledged to donate the proceeds from sales of the book to create a
permanent memorial in Tom’s home town of Denbigh. They have already raised £2,500 towards the appeal. The Consequence by Gerald Jones Gerald Jones was born in Newtown but raised in the small village of Llandyssil, where this book is based. The idea for The Consequence came a long time ago when, in his early teens, Gerald spoke with men who had fought in Egypt during the First World War. It is a tale of war, love and courage of the men who leave home and the women they leave behind. Gerald was dedicated in his research and the book includes many historical details; the characters are fictitious but their stories are deeply rooted in reality. You can buy The Consequence from Amazon.
Calling local authors… If you’re living in the Shire area or have written about a local person or place, we’d love to feature you on these pages. Email editorial@shiremagazine.co.uk.
132 SHIRE MAGAZINE | November/December 2021
Books NovDec 2021 FINAL.indd 1
29/10/2021 09:09
