The Ashes of Heaven's Pillar
Formats: E-Book, Paperback
Can a Mother's Love Triumph over War?
772: Charlemagne’s battles in Saxony have left Leova with nothing but her two children, Deorlaf and Sunwynn. Her beloved husband died in combat. Her faith lies shattered in the ashes of the Irminsul, the Pillar of Heaven. The relatives obligated to defend her and her family instead sell them into slavery.
In Francia, Leova is resolved to protect her son and daughter, even if it means sacrificing her honor. Her determination only grows stronger as Sunwynn blossoms into a beautiful young woman attracting the lust of a cruel master and Deorlaf becomes a headstrong man willing to brave starvation and demons to free his family. Yet Leova’s most difficult dilemma comes in the form of a Frankish friend, Hugh. He saves Deorlaf from a fanatical Saxon and is Sunwynn’s champion—but he is the warrior who slew Leova’s husband.
Set against a backdrop of historic events, including the destruction of the Irminsul, The Ashes of Heaven’s Pillar explores faith, friendship, and justice—a tale described by reviewers as “transportive and triumphant,” “captivating,” and “compelling.”
Reviews
"The author’s prose is absolutely exquisite, crisp and in some way retrospective like challenging our own views in every step. Her narrative style is one of a kind, but mostly free-flowing, interesting and evocative. As the story progressed and as the challenges increased on Leova’s paths, the more I lost myself into the complexity and the mysteries, moreover, it pulled me more into the core of the tale and thus I couldn’t stop myself from turning the pages."
“Although the conflicting religious beliefs of the time are highlighted, over time the novel becomes less a story about the Saxon gods’ failed power and more a tale about the strength of individuals and families – and the power of love to heal wounds. This makes 'The Ashes of Heaven’s Pillar' not only an authentic-feeling representation of a distant era but one relevant to here and now.”
