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 equestrian world of professional racing, concealed secrets, and unfaltering love that defines the series.
The novel explores the origins of Cyril Landon, a deprived young Englishman from the village of South Wood Chester, Gloucestershire, England, whose determination and grit propel him from poverty to becoming a horsemaster. Set against the backdrop of England's war years, the story illustrates how a laborer's situation at a local farm opens doors to a future he never imagined. As Blackwood notes, "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."
The significance of this free offering lies in its accessibility. By removing the cost barrier, Blackwood allows both longtime fans and new readers to immerse themselves in the foundational story of the trilogy without financial commitment. This move not only expands her readership but also enriches the experience of the series by providing essential context. The prequel has received praise from reviewers such as Richard Prause of Readers Favorite, who said, "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." 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 began with The Perils of Autumn, which was a finalist in the 2019 International Book Awards and the American Book Fest's 2019 awards program, and received a 5-star rating from Reader's Favorite. That novel centers on Autumn Leeves, a young Kentucky woman who becomes entangled with Cyril Landon and his Thoroughbred racing stable, Landon Lawns, near Lexington, Kentucky. The trilogy weaves romance with suspense, including a dark secret harbored by world-renowned jockey Duff Taylor.
Blackwood's decision to offer the prequel for free may also serve to generate renewed interest in the entire series, especially as readers seek engaging historical fiction with strong character development. The promotion is available at Amazon via Blackwood's author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Rusty-Blackwood/author/B0092XLBRM. More information about the author and her works can be found at her website: http://www.rusty-blackwood.com.
For fans of historical fiction and equestrian drama, this free download represents an opportunity to discover a richly detailed world of ambition, loyalty, and triumph over adversity. As Blackwood herself states, "For fans of Historical Fiction, this page-turner is a must read." The limited-time offer underscores the author's commitment to reaching new audiences and rewarding existing ones.
