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. The book is the prequel to her thrilling Autumn Trilogy, a series that immerses readers in the equestrian world of professional racing, concealed secrets, and an unfaltering love. This free promotion offers both existing fans and new readers an accessible entry point into the saga, which demonstrates that determination and grit can turn uncertainty into triumph.
The prequel explores the origins of Cyril Landon, a character central to the trilogy. Born into poverty in the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, England, Cyril faces a seemingly hopeless future. However, his determination and drive lead him to a labourer's position at a local farm, opening a door to a future he never imagined. The story details his difficult beginnings during England's war years and his journey toward becoming a horsemaster, providing essential context for the grandeur that awaits in the first book of the series, The Perils of Autumn.
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, stated, "Overall, this will be a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting."
Blackwood herself emphasized the importance of the prequel, stating, "I am pleased to offer, Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster, at no charge during this timeframe. 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."
The Autumn Trilogy has received significant acclaim. The Perils Of Autumn, the first book, was named a finalist in the Fiction Romance category by the International Book Awards in 2019 and a finalist in the American Book Fest's 2019 awards program. It also received a 5-star rating from Reader's Favorite. The novel, set primarily in the early 1970s, follows Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman who becomes entangled with Cyril Landon and his racing stable, Landon Lawns, located near Lexington, Kentucky. The story combines romance with peril, as Autumn and Cyril's relationship faces numerous challenges.
The free ebook promotion is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM. Blackwood's other works, including Willow's Walk and Passions in Paris, have also received rave reviews. More information about the author and her books can be found at her website, http://www.rusty-blackwood.com.
This promotion matters because it provides readers with a cost-free opportunity to discover a richly developed historical fiction series, potentially broadening Blackwood's readership. By offering the prequel for free, she invites new audiences to experience the backstory that sets the stage for the trilogy's drama and romance, while rewarding existing fans with deeper insight into a beloved character's origins.
