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You Can’t Take Peace For Granted
In The Theft of The Silver Helmet, a man struggles to bring unity among clans in order to defeat an evil earl who is hellbent on destroying everyone and everything in his path. How did the idea for this second book in the series evolve?
The Godron and Calton clans were living in peace and harmony after settling their differences. Originally they were descended from a Viking clan and a new earl casts his eyes on their rich lands due to a drought that has destroyed his crops. The idea behind the story was the fact that we cannot take peace in the world today for granted as other forces still attempt to dominate weaker peace-loving peoples.
I find Stenfeld the Red to be a fascinating character. What was the inspiration for his traits and dialogue?
The inspiration for the character of Stenfeld the Red comes from the situation in the world in the past and right down to the present time. Through the years there has always been despots who have attempted to force their rule on an unwilling people. He is an example of this type of tyrant.
When you first sat down to write this story, did you know where you were going, or did the twists come as you were writing?
I started off by writing a ten-page outline of the events leading up to the theft of the silver helmet and the eventual battle. However, the story took its own pathway when I got into the nitty-gritty of writing the manuscript. Possibly, in common with a lot of authors, I try to visualise that I am watching a movie.
Can readers look forward to Book 3? If so, where does the story go?
Book 3 is at the initial re-writing stage and is the final part of the trilogy. It is entitled ‘The Silver Helmet The Final Battle’. It centres on the defeated Vikings returning to their homeland led by the wise advisor Magnus who desires to be the new earl in a more peaceful dispensation. There is seething anger amongst the younger element of this clan who feel that their clan is now a disgrace to the Viking race. An ambitious young warrior, who hero worshipped Stenfeld the Red, steps forward to plunge the known world into war armed with a new deadly weapon to match the power of the silver helmet. He snatches the earldom from Magnus and decrees that the wise man will need to be eradicated. However, with the help of close allies in the settlement Magnus escapes to find refuge and help from his former enemies namely the Godrons and Caltons.
However, a new threat appears on the horizon in the form of a mighty Viking force from the Stalanger Fjord led by an evil earl, Stenfeld the Red. When drought destroys the crops in his fields the earl casts his envious eyes towards the prosperous people that were cast out many generations ago. He plans a full-scale invasion.
The Silver helmet has been stolen by agents of the earl and now armed with his own mystical golden axe he is coming to wipe out everyone in his way, Only one man can stop him, the Zhanna but this time he must unite the clans, and fight the Vikings that were once his kin.
The Theft of the Silver Helmet
In The Theft of the Silver Helmet, author George Lyttle returns readers to the richly imagined world of gods and Vikings first explored in his fantasy adventure, The Silver Helmet. This sequel unfolds many years after the events of the first book, immersing us in a realm where the Calton clan, now led by Saven, and the Gordons, under Caxson’s leadership, face a new threat. The plot centers around their sons, Savenar and Marco, who find themselves entangled in a sinister plot orchestrated by the ambitious Viking Earl Stenfeld the Red. Intent on conquest, Stenfeld initiates the theft of the eponymous Silver Helmet and acquires a formidable weapon from his god, Tyr, setting the stage for an epic conflict.
The narrative weaves through multiple character perspectives, showcasing Lyttle’s skill in handling a diverse cast and intricate subplots. This approach enhances the story’s appeal, making it accessible and engaging even for younger readers. The author’s treatment of the antagonist, Stenfeld, is noteworthy for its depth and realism, grounding the fantastical elements with a portrayal of his personal life that adds complexity to his villainous role. The novel initially presents a vibrant tapestry of perspectives and characters, creating a richly layered world that gracefully evolves into a coherent and captivating narrative.
As the story progresses towards its climax, the pacing varies, lending a dynamic rhythm to the unfolding events, with some moments briskly propelling the plot forward and others allowing for deeper engagement with the characters and their journey. The story culminates in a climactic battle, concluding with a resolution that thoughtfully addresses the aftermath of conflict. The novel imparts a meaningful lesson on the practicality of kindness over vengeance, a theme that resonates powerfully through the story’s conclusion.
Suitable for middle-grade readers, fans of the first book and newcomers alike will find The Theft of the Silver Helmet a compelling addition to Lyttle’s series, offering a blend of adventure, intrigue, and fantasy that is both familiar and fresh.
Pages: 222 | ASIN : B0CLJ3S44Z
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