Books
Learn more about The Second Son Chronicles
CommunityDIY MFA A community of aspiring and experienced authors where I have the honor to write the Historical Fiction column, “Past Perfect.” Read the articles DFW Writers Workshop Over 200 published and aspiring writers from across the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. Read-and-critique sessions every Wednesday night. Sponsors of DFWCon, one of America’s best writing conferences, 13-14 June 2020. Ink & Insights This is my fourth year on the Judges Panel for this writing contest. It’s a great opportunity to see the work-in-progress of some talented authors. |
“A healthy blend of drama, politics, history and action make the story engaging on every level, and the protagonist’s journey makes for brilliant storytelling and character progression.” — Pacific Book Review “Upon This Throne is another outstanding complement to the chronicles, continuing the saga with warmth, intensity, and historical detail. As always, the quality of the writing is exceptional.” — Sublime Book Review “A cathartic novel of royalty that emphasizes strong leadership.” — Kirkus Reviews “Readers of medieval adventure based on historical facts, fictional adventures, and well-fleshed out, relatable characters will find this novel engrossing. Reading Taylor is like slowing down to absorb history through entangled plots, culture of the period, and significant protagonists rather than dry textbooks.” — Authors Reading Praise for The Second Son ChroniclesSecond Son: “A fine-grained and emotionally satisfying medieval adventure.” — Kirkus Reviews Second Son: “Overall, this was a lovely read that shows Taylor’s skills as a wonderful storyteller – one that knows how to lure the reader into wanting to continue with Alfred’s tale.” — Karen Brooks, author of The Locksmith’s Daughter My Father, My King: “Written in elegant prose, with an intricate storyline that is woven together like a fine medieval tapestry.” — Authors Reading My Father, My King: “An absolutely sensational renaissance novel filled with dry humor, heartfelt moments, and exceptional characters.” — Sublime Book Review Pestilence: “Taylor deftly depicts the fragility of a society in the grip of a madman… the next installment promises a massive emotional payoff.” — Kirkus Reviews Pestilence: “A masterful story… With a shocking ending that leaves readers hanging on the author’s every word…” — Pacific Book Review |
 I’ve always loved history and have been an avid reader of historical fact and fiction from the first biography I read when I was nine years old. As a writer, I find that the past offers rich sources for character, ambiance, and plot that allow us to escape into a world totally unlike our daily lives.
History’s not my only interest, though. You can learn more about me on my Bio page. |
It’s the dawn of the Renaissance. Alfred — the eponymous second son — comes of age in the enlightened court of his grandfather, convinced that his life will be unremarkable, spent in mundane service to king and kingdom. His grandfather, however, foresees for him a special destiny.