Rusty Blackwood Releases Prequel 'Before The Grandeur: The Making Of A Horsemaster'

Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced the release of her latest novel, "Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster," a prequel to her popular Autumn series. The book explores the formative years of Cyril Landon, a central figure in the series, as he rises from a impoverished childhood in Gloucestershire, England, to become the esteemed horsemaster readers encounter in "The Perils of Autumn."

"Every legacy begins with a choice," Blackwood said in a statement. "This trip down memory lane was a journey thoroughly enjoyed on my behalf, as it opened a well-defined observation into Cyril Landon's early life, from birth, through a difficult, poverty-stricken existence, to the acclaimed, celebrated Horsemaster you meet in The Perils of Autumn." The author emphasized her desire to provide readers with a detailed account of a character who underpins the successful life enjoyed by the entire Autumn cast.

Set in the village of South Wood Chester, the novel follows young Cyril Landon as he navigates a world of limited opportunities. A chance labourer's position at a local farm opens a door to a future he had never considered, setting him on a path that would ultimately lead to becoming a horsemaster. The story focuses on the simple, powerful moments of a man earning the trust of a stallion, offering a character-driven historical fiction experience.

Early reviews have been positive. Richard Prause of Readers Favorite noted that the book "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. It's a perceptive exploration of ambition and loyalty." Asher Syed added that the novel is "a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."

Blackwood's Autumn trilogy began with "The Perils of Autumn," which earned her finalist spots in the 2019 International Book Awards and American Book Fest's awards program in the Fiction Romance category. That novel, set primarily in the early 1970s, centers on Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman born to an unwed mother, who eventually becomes a nurse and is sent to care for the terminally ill wife of equestrian master Cyril Landon. The story weaves romance and peril as Autumn and Cyril navigate their relationship amid personal and external challenges.

Blackwood has also published other acclaimed works, including "Willow's Walk" and "Passions in Paris: Revelations of a Lost Diary." "Willow's Walk" received multiple 5-star reviews and is set in Ottawa, Canada, focusing on a woman's determination to overcome adversity. "Passions in Paris" has been compared to Erich Segal's "Love Story" and Nicholas Sparks' "The Notebook," blending romance with intrigue and mystery.

"Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster" is available now on Amazon at Rusty Blackwood's Amazon author page. More information about Blackwood and her works can be found on her website at http://www.rusty-blackwood.com.