Godwin, Parke Books

Lord of Sunset

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 11 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

True history and legend combine in a remarkable story of majesty, duty, and an indomitable love that survived the thunder and blood of eleventh-century Britain.

Normans and Saxons fight and die for control of the destiny of a future empire, and Harold of Wessex--second son of one of the sundered nation's most powerful noble families--is thrust into the vortex of a battle royal for the English throne. To wear the crown, however, he must forsake his peaceful life with his adored, hand-fasted wife, Lady Edith of Nazeing, the only woman he will ever truly love. But throughout his reluctant ascendance to supreme leadership of an embattled kingdom--and the concurrent rise of old-friend-turned-adversary William of Normandy, soon to be called "the Conqueror"--Harold will not betray his heart or his lady, though war be their legacy and tragedy their fate.From critically acclaimed, award-winning storyteller Parke Godwin comes an enduring tale of a nobility and a love that changed history--a magnificent epic that surely ranks among the great romantic adventures of all time.

The Tower of Beowulf

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Interesting Take 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I'm not quite sure what to make of this work. It is an adaptation, in novel form, of the epic of Beowulf. It some ways, this works very well, while in others it doesn't work well at all. Parke Godwin specializes in retelling legends (Robin Hood, Arthur, St. Patrick, Beowulf), in a historical context, or at least a more realistic, lucid form then usual.

This book taught me more about the Viking religion of Odinism than I really wanted to know (at least, I think it did, as I have to take the book's word that it is accurately portraying it). It got into Grendel's head, into the dragon's head, into Beowulf's head. While they were all dynamic characters, at times there just wasn't enough. The story would skip forward twenty years, and fill in the intervening, sometimes relevant, events in just a few paragraphs. By the same token, the book would build up to confrontantions, only to have them be extremely short and abbreviated.

Still, Godwin did a masterful job showing us what {he thought} the values of sixth century northlanders were. He also manages to tie in Christian influences, add more depth to power stuggles, politics, and international relations. And the opening sentence says it all, "Before men reasoned such things could not happen, when all men knew they could."

An interesting, at times slightly boring, but ultimately satisfying book, this is worth reading if you can find it.

Editorial Review:

An interesting novelization of Beowulf, revealing as much of our times as of Beowulf's own. Godwin broadens the base of the poem, believably bringing in Norse myth; placing Christian coloring in context. The stylized structure of the story's progress forms a frame supporting more fully-fleshed characters than the economical language of epic allows, exploring the pressures of prestige-based leadership and the personal cost of the warrior code.

The Snake Oil Wars or Scheherazade Ginsberg Strikes Again

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Understanding of "Christian Right" movement & logical result 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 8 people found this review helpful.

REVIEW OF "THE SNAKE OIL WARS"

Author: PARKE GODWIN, 1989

Submitted by Sandy Buckingham, Daytona Beach, Florida (1998)

Though THE SNAKE OIL WARS was written almost 10 years ago, it is most apropos to this age of burgeoning religiosity in American politics, bombings and killings by Christian fanatics and more and more breaches in laws and principles that would protect our rights to privacy and freedom of choice. SNAKE OIL WARS astounds by being a satire on America's Puritanical decade of the 90's, written prior to the fact. Is this prophecy or what?

No, this is hardly prophecy, for the author takes us on a whirlwind tour of the history of religious fanaticism, and especially the historical foundations of what we now call the "Christian Right" movement. He then shows the logical conclusion of the movement: a fascist theocracy in which science, technology and medicine is subject to "snake oil salesmen" and in which the poor and those less fortunate than ourselves are scorned just because they do not seem to show the "visible signs of God's favor".

This is "must" reading for anyone who wants to know the basic principles behind why Americans increasingly are losing their privacy rights, why freedom of choice is being made to sound like a dirty word, and what the real agenda of the "Christian Right" is.

It is also "must" reading for anyone in the "Christian Right" movement who would like to know the foundation and logical outcome of the movement. Do we really want to live in a country in which our houses and lives are exposed to an "inerrant writ", where the right to privacy is extinguished, and "legal judgment (is made) on the most personal matters"?

In conclusion, I can only quote the erudite author's dedication of the book:

"To those lucid and courageous minds who gave you the Inquisition, the Salem witch trials, Falwell, Robertson and the God-inspired Rule of the Righteous. To those intrepid souls who fight with unflagging zeal to remove from libraries dangerous books they have not read and from theaters those spiritually toxic films they have not seen, believing that thought is a controlled substance and secular thinking hazardous to mental health."

Firelord

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Highest Recommendation 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

I recently discovered that I had somehow misplaced this book. Thankfully I am able to purchase another via Amazon.com--or, at least, that is the game plan. As such, this is the reason why I presently find myself at this place, and for no other reason I have decided to place my thoughts here for you review.

Now, if you are reading this, I presume you are considering reading/purchasing/obtaining Mr. Godwin's novel. Let me give you a bit of advice. It is simply the best retelling of the Arthurian legend I have come across. Moreover, it is not only one of the best novels I have read, but one of my favorites. I rank it along with Herbert's Dune, McCullogh's The Grass Crown, Steakley's Armor, Heinlein's Starship Troopers, Forester's Mr. Midshipman Hornblower, Niven's Ringworld, and LeGuin's A Wizard of Earthsea--all old time favorites.

To be sure, others may have a different view. But let me give you more to think about.

You should note that this book has received a number of awards--though I am unable to name a single one at this time. You will discover their identity when you get your copy of the book.

I have read this book every two years since I first picked it up in the early 1980s. While my copy is regrettably quite dog-eared and now mysteriously lost, it maintained a proud place in my library.

My knowledge of the Arthurian legend stems from what I consider to be an extensive review of literature on the genre. I even took a class on the subject way back when in college through my alma mater's Arthurian studies department (yep, they actually had such a thing--though I pursued aero/astro engineering). It was the only book the professor recommended, which gave me a rewarding feeling for I had already read it several times before hearing such.

I rank this book as an exceptional novel and give it my highest recommendation. It is a rare find indeed.

Sherwood

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Sherwood 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This is a decent try at a gritty, morally complex work of historical fiction. Godwin has done his research; that he invents Saxon resistance in a specific place seems inconsequential to me, given that we don't know *everything* that went on during the period. He makes at least an attempt to portray mentality, which puts him ahead of most medieval historical fiction writers.

There are some issues, though. Godwin's writing, especially in the early part of the book, is often grammatically vague. His fight and action scenes are insufficiently structured, thus confusing. His constant identification of the Saxons with the land conveniently ignores the fact that the Saxons themselves came as invaders. The text sometimes tries too hard to be meaningful.

Characterization overall is competent. I found Robin, in his more ignorant, loudmouthed, horse-eating moments, annoying, and tended to prefer Ralf.

This is a reasonable book, I'd say, but no masterpiece.

Editorial Review:

Forced from his home by Norman invaders, young Edward Aelredson, Thane of Denby, takes refuge in the forest Sherwood, where, with sword and bow, he bedevils the usurping king and comes to be called ""Robin Hood."" Reprint.

Robin and the King

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

For everyone who likes good historical fiction 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

In his duology, consisting of 'Sherwood' and 'Robin and the King', Parke Godwin gives us a whole new Robin Hood. A man who, in this second book, initiates the charter which would result in Magna Carta some 150 years later. Unlike other Robin Hood novels, these are set in the period just after William the Conqueror's invasion of England. This Edward of Denby, nicknamed Robin Hood, could very well have been the predecessor of the other(s?) by this (nick)name. Self-proclaimed "conscience" to William the Conqueror, Robin finds himself banned to Normandy and fighting in the war between William and his opponent, the French king. A good, solid historical novel. Fascinating and true to life. Looking for fantasy? Look elsewhere. Looking for good historical fiction? This is it! Not just for Robin Hood fans.

Editorial Review:

William the Conqueror's tyrannous rule prompts Edward Aelredson--formerly Robin Hood--to question his right to rule, earning him the enmity of William's ruthless chancellor, Ranulf, and banishment to Normandy--where, nevertheless, he manages to save the king's life. Reprint. PW.

Beloved Exile

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Gritty and realistic 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

More historical fiction than fantasy, you will not find any magic swords or sorcery in this gritty and realistic story of Guenevere and Britian after the death of Arthur. When the story begins, Guenevere is already middle aged, and Britian is on the brink of chaos. As the story progresses we learn of the maturing of Guenevere as a person and as a queen.

The novel starts off fast and furious with battles and betrayals. Then it settles down into a serious character study as it builds towards a strong and satisfying climax. Sometimes slow, but always interesting, this was worthwhile reading.

One of the very best portraits of Guinevere 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

This is a worthy sequel to the exciting "Firelord." It tells the story of the rest of Guinevere's life after Arthur's death, and she is even more of a vivid and strong personality than she was in that enthralling novel. Godwin's account of her captivity as a Saxon slave, and her adaptation to that way of life, is purely imaginative, but who could mind? It relates a sensitive and entertaining account of how this proud queen grows to maturity in her adjustment to a jarring change in her fortunes. Guinevere has never seemed more real, alive and captivating than in these pages.You can well believe that a woman this remarkable has captured popular imagination for 1500 years. Someone, please--put this book back into print! It deserves it.

Editorial Review:

After the death of Arthur brings the hope of Camelot to an end, Guenevere struggles to keep the kingdom together in the face of traitors and usurpers, until a cruel betrayal condemns her to slavery under a Saxon warlord.

The Last Rainbow

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Left me with a good incomplete feeling 4 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I have owned this book for nie on six, seven years, but was never able to get past the first chapter until this week. The book left me feeling incomplete in a good way, by not tying lifes up in tidy little endings, but allowing the end to continue beyond the last page. I love the twist on the Fairie legend Godwin gives to us - not a magical race of legendary immortal sidhe, but an endangered people trying to live their nomadic lives on the plains of Britain being inexorably pushed out by the late-coming Britains and Romans.

What I especially liked was the simple God-loving faith the people had from time immortal, time before St. Patrick came to share Christianity. I think it demonstrates the similarities between all God loving people everywhere, regardless of their nomitive religions. Religion is not a nomitive profession of faith, but the living, breathing, eating, sleeping, mating, dying activities of life. Faith is. That is all. Godwin expresses this beautifully beyond church dogma and religious intolerance as Patrick changes to see Godliness in all people, not only those who believe the same as him.

Editorial Review:

Journeying to a pagan world of old magic in order to spread his religious beliefs, Padree, a passionate young priest, encounters the extraordinary Dorelei, the leader of the mystical Faerie folk, who teaches him about the earth and spirituality. Reprint.

Limbo Search

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 3.0 of 5

Good story with a bizarre conclusion... 3 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I enjoyed this story. It's well paced and well thought out--until the very end. I was reading it on a plane, and I got to the bottom of a page, turned for the next, and hit the back cover! I looked to make sure I hadn't lost a few pages. Nope. That was the end, all right. And it left me totally unsatisfied. It was as if Parke decided that it was time to punch the clock and go home...

Editorial Review:

Protecting planets from corporate exploitation, space veteran Charley Stoner receives a distorted summons that warns of a forthcoming alien invasion, and Stoner must lead an untested crew into combat against an unknown threat.

Waiting for the Galactic Bus

Parke Godwin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Excellent, entertaining religious satire 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

....

Waiting for the Galactic bus begins at the begining...of the human race that is. Some aliens who can exist in solid form or in energy are taking a trip around the universe, tripping all the way since they're young and want to try the latest and greatest in sensory experience through thier equivilant of drugs and extreme sports. They happen upon a planet where they spend some time drinking in the rich atmosphere and experiencing various solid forms, getting drunk on the sensations. When they're ready to leave, two brothers in thier number who are considered trouble makers and losers are too drunk and get left behind. The others decide they'll come back for them in an aeon or two, serves them right for being drunk jerks, right?

Barion and Coyul wake to find themselves alone, with nothing but the primitive life of Earth to keep them company. Since they're so bored, one decides to give self-awareness to a monkey and start a human species. His brother warns him against this, as there are serious laws against elevating species before they are prepared for it, the disasters resulting from such irresponsible advancement of a species are terrible and the punishments severe. But, since the deed's been done, might as well improve on the design, right? figures the other brother.

And so, it is the begining of all the creativity, sadness, hope, destruction, love, hate, art, and violence. Barion and Coyul soon discover that this new species just keeps going on after they die in the form of consious energy. Not quite sure what to do with them, they decide to throw them a party, and "Upstairs" and "Downstairs" develop, and religions on earth develop and influence the way the realms develop.

So, after witnessing human history, and all the violence it can produce, as well as recognising the potential, they decide to intervene to stop what could very well be the next Hitler, before he is even conceived. And here is where our human charachters enter. Charity and Roy...Roy the Nazi wanna-be, and Charity, who has great potential, but doesn't know much of anything outside what she learned in a podunk little town; poverty, the local tabernacle church, and McDonalds.

Coyul and Barion take them on a ride through downstairs they can never forget, giving them both thier individual dreams to wake the sleeping genious in Charity, and to show her the monster the Roy can become. Charachters throughout history are also working in the realms of upstairs and downstairs and add a lot to the story. All told in witty, thoughtfull, and downright funny prose. A very enjoyable read.

Editorial Review:

Imagine two brothers off on an intergalatic Spring Break. When their friends leave them behind on Earth, they've got a few millenia to kill before they'll manage to get back to school. So, as an experiment, mind you, they decide to give evolution a bit of a nudge... And that's when all hell breaks loose... a little more literally than either of them planned...