Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster

Choosing one’s path in life can often be an overwhelming assortment of unanswered quandaries. When it hands you nothing but poverty, strife, with little chance of survival, the quandary seems impossible to resolve. For the deprived young Englishman, Cyril Landon, born into this stricken world of poverty just prior to WW1, the road in every aspect appeared hopeless.

The small village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, England, offered little for its residents, and for young Cyril, the chance of success in any field appeared far removed from his grasp. But life underestimated this young man, for he was filled with determination, grit, and an endless drive to achieve much better than his station in life was offering, and he would not settle for less.

A labourer’s situation at a local farm outside his village provided a window into a possible future, one he had never given thought to, but through encouragement, plus a growing passion and respect for horses, an entire future was suddenly revealed. Young Cyril would willingly step through a door now opened, a door that would open many more, and he could not wait to see where they would lead. Little did he know at that time, just how far his choice would take him.

Delve into the pages of, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, the edifying prequel to the thrilling Autumn Trilogy of books by Rusty Blackwood, certain to immerse you into the equestrian world of professional racing, concealed secrets, and an unfaltering love that will encase your heart.

– 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. It’s a perceptive exploration of ambition and loyalty, indeed. If you appreciate character-driven historical fiction, this novel is well worth your time. – 5 stars Richard Prause Readers Favorite Books

– Rusty Blackwood’s Before the Grandeur is the prequel to the Autumn series, pulling back the curtain on Cyril through the years before anyone would think to notice him. The author does an excellent job of moving him into situations that seriously test that discipline, and stretches where long hours wear him down until someone is forced to step in. Cyril comes across with a steady, unadorned way of dealing with people, and in this, the author remains faithful to who we know he becomes later. 5 stars Asher Syed Readers Favorite

-With well-crafted dialogues and well-developed characters that brought the story to life, there was never a dull moment in Before The Grandeur. 5 stars Frank Mutuma Readers Favorite