The first giveaway of the New Year is for a debut novel!!
Though Sarah E Zilkowski has published everything from short stories for children to travelogues, her true passion lies in the dark ages. She has amassed over ten years of expertise in Anglo-Saxon language, literature, history and culture.
Beasts of War, Sarah’s first novel, is based on her master’s thesis on the Judith poem.
Here’s one 5-star review:
★★★★★ “Beasts of War: A Retelling of the Old English Judith is a riveting novel that will grip readers from the opening pages. Historical fiction and war drama lovers will find this take on the story exhilarating. Women’s fiction readers will be overjoyed at seeing Judith’s vital role as the dramatic story unfolds.” — Literary Titan
This month’s giveaway is for an autographed, paperback edition of this unique and riveting story. I already have the ebook on my Kindle just waiting for me to step back into the distant past.
The Story
Few people in life are lucky enough to fulfill their destiny.
And even fewer have the privilege of recognizing it as it happens.
An evil warlord is wreaking havoc across England. His trail of destruction razes the land and decimates people left and right.
He must be stopped. At all costs.
When young Judith is recruited to vanquish him, she uses her beauty and her charm to get close. But once he’s within her reach, all is not as it seems. His magnetism and alluring promises weaken her. And she begins to question whether she’s on the right side of this war.
If she is to escape his pull and save her people from his sinister plans, she’ll need true love and unfaltering friendship to do it. And a little touch of fate wouldn’t hurt either …
Note:
- The Rafflecopter winner must have a U.S. address.
- The giveaway is for an autographed paperback edition for Beasts of War.
- Contest Guidelines Link
This sounds like a very intetesting read. I’d love a copy.
Hi Kim! Thanks for your interest my the book. I hope you enjoy it!
Deborah, can’t wait to meet her in person!
I have trouble navigating these systems. Not everyone is proficient in doing all these requirements via tech skills. Some of us even resist!! Being over 70 should make us exempt and allow for alternate routes.
can’t think of anything
This sounds good! I admit, I haven’t read many books in this time period that I liked, so I usually stay away! My biggest adjustments have come after major life events, like when my Daddy passed almost 27 years ago, and especially two years ago when my Mom did. I’ve clung stronger and harder to God during this time, and I’ve come to realize that as long as I cling to Him, I can get through anything!!
Hi Trudy! Thanks for your interest in my book. I too have struggled to find good historical fiction from this time period… it’s a big part of the reason I choose to write about it, and why I put so much time and energy into my research.
Death of a loved one can be one of the hardest things to go through. I’ve experienced this too. I’m glad your faith has helped you through these times. Getting through that pain and to the other side is definitely life changing. Thank you for sharing your experiences, and I hope you are doing well.
When I was attacked by terrorists in the country we were living in.
Hi Faith,
Oh my goodness! That sounds awful and so scary. I can see, too, where an experience like that could be a major life changing/character defining moment. I hope you are well. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Dealing with PtSD.
Hi Kim! Living with chronic conditions like PTSD can be a huge challenge, and I’m sorry to hear you are dealing with this. I agree that it is something that can not only impact one’s whole life but can also change/define one’s character. Thank you for sharing, and I hope things improve for you.
Choosing to learn to play cello in the 5th grade! it was between that or percussion….so glad I chose the cello! Still playing after 40+ years!!
Hi Connie! What a wonderful story! It’s amazing how one small choice can have such a big impact on our lives. I randomly signed up to take a class in Old English in college, not even knowing that it was about, and was introduced to the world of Anglo-Saxon literature. I fell in love with it the second day, and have been researching and writing ever since! Thanks for sharing!
This book sounds absolutely interesting ! I love Biblical Fiction!
Hi Paty! I love biblical fiction too. Beasts of War is a bit of a crossover. It definitely is a retelling of the story of Judith, but the Anglo-Saxons had their own version of the story… and this book is a retelling of that version. Thank you so much for your interest!
I’ve encountered a few character building times in my life. May I continue to grow.
Beasts of War sounds fascinating. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy.
Hi Caryl,
I agree- I’ve had several character building times in my life too, and continued growth is always good. Thank you for the kind words about my novel. I find the Anglo-Saxon world to be very fascinating, and I hope it comes through in my story.
The death of my husband. He was only 43, leaving me to raise our three children on my own. I never knew just how strong I could be until this happened.
Hi Julie! Thank you for sharing. I think many of us can relate to not knowing how strong we are until we have to be. But, being a widowed mom to 3 children at such a young age… that takes a super-hero level of strength… and I’m sure you’re doing/did an awesome job!
I believe I am currently in a character building moment, or should we say time. We have been living in a motel since Nov. 30, ‘21! So far the Lord has not seen fit to move us out of here into our own home. Praying that will soon be His will.
Thanks for the giveaway – sounds like a fabulous debut novel.
Hi Betti, Thank you for the kind words about my book! It sounds like you have the patience of a saint (a very good, character defining quality), and I’ve no doubt your whole experience has been impactful. I hope, and pray, you are able to move into a beautiful home of your own very very soon!
Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories–wow! I’m grateful that God’s presence has been with each of you during frightful experiences and tragedies. You are all such strong and faithful women. I appreciate you!
Sarah, thank you for giving away a copy of your book and for interacting with everyone here. I appreciate you, too!!!!