Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced the release of her new novel, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, a prequel to her acclaimed Autumn trilogy. The book, available now on Amazon, delves into the impoverished youth of Cyril Landon, the horsemaster whose later success anchors the series.
The novel follows Cyril Landon, born into poverty in the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, England. Despite a childhood marked by deprivation, Landon's determination and grit lead him to a laborer's job at a local farm, where he discovers a passion for horses that ultimately transforms his life. Blackwood describes the work as "a journey thoroughly enjoyed," offering readers a detailed account of Landon's rise from a "deprived young Englishman" to the celebrated horsemaster featured in The Perils of Autumn.
In a statement, Blackwood explained her motivation for writing the prequel: "A prequel usually precedes a story that is told over a series of books instead of following, but I felt the need to give the readers, and supporters of the well-received Autumn Trilogy, a detailed account into a character that provides the successful life that the entire Autumn cast cherishes."
The Autumn series, which includes The Perils of Autumn, has garnered critical acclaim. The Perils of Autumn was named a finalist in the Fiction Romance category by the International Book Awards in 2019 and also received a 5-star rating from Reader's Favorite. The series centers on Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman born in 1946 to an unwed mother, who later falls in love with Cyril Landon while caring for his terminally ill wife. Reviewers have praised the novel; Ray Simmons called it a work where "romance and good writing come together perfectly."
Reviewers of Before the Grandeur have highlighted its character-driven narrative. Richard Prause of Readers Favorite noted, "It doesn't depend on manufactured plot twists to drive the story. Instead, it focuses on the simple, powerful moments of a man earning the trust of a stallion." Asher Syed added that the book serves as "a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."
Blackwood, a prolific indie author, has also written Willow's Walk and Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary, both of which received 5-star reviews. Passions in Paris has been compared to Erich Segal's Love Story and Nicholas Sparks' The Notebook. Readers can find all of Blackwood's books at her Amazon author page and more information at her website.
