Geoffrey Gudgion’s second novel Draca is as excellent as his first novel Saxon’s Bane, which reached No. 1 in Kindle’s ‘Ghost’ category. To quote General Sir Peter Wall, President of Combat Stress, Draca is ‘A really cracking read about a soldier who attacks his battlefield demons through his passion for sailing – and sadly still needs help’.
I love the way the author manages to weave Viking mythology, history, and the paranormal into a thoroughly contemporary story. He’s so good at in-depth characterisation, without ever slowing down the pace and forward momentum of his writing.
The story is told from three viewpoints: the main protagonist PTSD-sufferer Jack, his father Harry with whom Jack has a fractured relationship, and love-interest Georgia (George) Fenton who works at the boatyard and is psychic. Interspersed between these chapters are excerpts from the diary of Jack’s deceased grandfather Edvard Ahlquist (Old Eddie), who has bequeathed his entire estate to his grandson, and excerpts from the 9th Century Viking Saga of King Guthrum. The estate includes Draca, a cutter (circa 1905), whose figurehead is a Viking dragon which George believes is possessed by an evil entity that latterly drove Old Eddie mad, and now means to drive Jack mad.
In places, this story really made my spine tingle, and I was right behind George in wanting to knock sense into Jack before it was too late.
This novel is a highly recommended read that will have you sitting at the edge of your seat. Even if you don’t know much about boats and sailing at the beginning of this novel, you’ll end up learning a great deal about the subject. But one word of advice – if you decide to take it up as a sport, don’t ever be tempted to adorn it with a Viking figurehead!
Please note that all author royalties earned through sales of Draca will be shared equally with the veterans’ mental health charity Combat Stress.
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About the author: Geoffrey Gudgion served for over 10 years in the armed forces, and made his first attempts at writing fiction during quiet moments on deployment. He later stepped off the corporate ladder, in the midst of a career in marketing and general management, specifically to release time to write.
Draca is available to buy via the following links:
Amazon UK (Kindle)
Amazon UK (Paperback)
Foyles UK (Paperback)
Waterstones UK (Paperback)
Amazon.com (USA)
Apple Books UK (ebook)
Barnes & Noble US
Hive (ebook only)
Kobo (ebook)
Author website: geoffreygudgion.com
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Sarah Potter Writes 
You are so good about writing reviews for writers, my friend. Meanwhile I am horrible about reading. I used to read a book a week; now I struggle to find the time to read one every few months. I’m still reading yours and I’m disappointed by how slow it is going. The book is a great read, but my progress is slow. Sorry about that, but I will finish and I will write a review eventually.
I hope this finds you well. Sending hugs across the Pond!
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When we were in total Lockdown, I thought I’d read loads of books, but not so. I just couldn’t concentrate and really struggled with a rather too literary novel for about 3 months. Geoffrey’s exciting novel was the novel that kickstarted me into reading again. I’m now reading another really amazing novel. It’s always a good sign when I want to read a book with breakfast as well as late into the night when I should be in bed sleeping!
Am pleased you’re enjoying my book in snatches. Simply, sometimes one’s in a reading mood and sometimes one isn’t. You are very busy with all your different ventures, and probably haven’t the brain space to concentrate on reading at the end of the day. The sunshine and great outdoors is rather a distraction at this time of year.
I’m fairly well at present, but a bit jittery. Sending you hugs, too.
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Great review Sarah, we both enjoyed this and I thank you for introducing Geoff as your guest storyteller many moons ago!
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It’s a great read, Andrea, and I’m sure we’re both looking forward to a third novel from Geoffrey in due course!
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I read and enjoyed Saxon’s Bane. I’m looking forward to reading Draca. Thank you for reminding me.
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I’m sure you will love it 🙂
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