Giving Readers Titus Groan - Epic Fantasy story (Mervyn Peake)

I loved this story set in a fantasy world, almost like a prehistoric England trapped in a vast crumbling castle of nooks and crannies, where everyone has minor functions to serve the household of the vast Castle estate of Gormanghast. We have Steerpike, our conniving and wretched youngster who learns how to immerse himself into the fabric of the castle's day to day running, gate crashing into the time held and futile traditions of the decadent society. Flay the head servant to the Earl and Countess of Groan, Swelter the repulsive bully and head cook of the castle. This is the first book of a trilogy and it is a glorious read. The second book called; Gormanghast is equally as gripping. However, Titus alone was very difficult in my humble opinion, The consolation for me is; each of the first two books stand alone and make a wonderful story. The first book of Titus Groan has an splendid and very atmospheric climax as Mister Flay and the castle's head butcher, (Mister Swelter) have a duel amid the crumpling ruins during a stormy downpour. The mind's eye can see the confrontation in all its Gothic glory.

Giving You a Dark Age Tale - Romano British Celts v Saxon Migrants in AD 567

A Celtic king dies in 567 AD. He leaves a realm in West Romano cultured Britain without an heir. While in a neighbouring kingdom of Saxon migrants a chance to expand into the Romano-British kingdom becomes a temptation too tempting to resist.

A bold undertaking by the pagan Gewisse Saxon migrants appears to be a straightforward endeavour. However, the fixations of intoxicated and audacious warriors do not always deliver the desired outcome, when up against cold reality.

SAXON QUEST by C.A. Powell