Award-winning novelist Rusty Blackwood has announced that the ebook version of her latest novel, Before The Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, will be available for free on September 10 and 11, 2026, at Amazon. This prequel to the thrilling Autumn Trilogy offers readers a deeper understanding of the series' protagonist, Cyril Landon, and his rise from poverty to becoming a renowned horsemaster.
The free download is significant because it allows both existing fans and new readers to explore the backstory of a character central to Blackwood's popular series. By making the prequel accessible at no cost, Blackwood aims to attract a wider audience and provide context for the events in The Perils of Autumn, the first book in the trilogy. The prequel delves into the early life of Cyril Landon, a deprived young Englishman from the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, whose determination and grit lead him from a labourer's position at a local farm to a future in professional racing.
In her statement, Blackwood said, "Born into extreme poverty with little hope of survival, Cyril Landon's difficult beginnings throughout England's horrific war years, will better assist readers in understanding the difficult journey that precedes the grandeur awaiting them in The Perils of Autumn. For fans of Historical Fiction, this page-turner is a must read."
Reviewers have praised the prequel for its character-driven narrative. Richard Prause of Readers Favorite noted, "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." Another reviewer, Asher Syed, called it "a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."
The Autumn Trilogy itself has garnered significant acclaim. The Perils of Autumn was named a finalist in the Fiction Romance category by the International Book Awards in 2019 and by the American Book Fest in the same year. It also received a 5-star rating from Reader's Favorite. The series is set primarily in the early 1970s and follows Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman who becomes entangled with Cyril Landon and his Thoroughbred racing stable near Lexington, Kentucky. The story combines romance, mystery, and equestrian drama, with a dark secret held by world-renowned jockey Duff Taylor adding tension.
The free ebook promotion is a strategic move to engage readers and build anticipation for the rest of the series. It also highlights Blackwood's versatility as an author of romantic fiction, short story comedies, poetry, and children's books. Her previous works, including Willow's Walk and Passions in Paris, have also received rave reviews and 5-star ratings.
Readers can download the free ebook on September 10 and 11 at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM. More information about Blackwood and her books is available at her website, http://www.rusty-blackwood.com.
This promotion not only provides an opportunity for readers to enjoy a quality historical fiction novel at no cost but also underscores the growing popularity of indie authors like Blackwood, who continue to captivate audiences with compelling storytelling and rich character development.
