The Muse in a Time of Madness

The Muse in a Time of Madness is an epic with the historical detail and settings of Edward Rutherfurd’s Russka. It is more than a journey of escape and vengeance. It is a timeless tale of self-discovery, of love and freedom lost, and regained. It is a chronicle of sacrifice and determination. The book will appeal to aficionados of historical fiction, yet has enough terror, torture, forbidden love, lust, and political intrigue to delight mainstream fiction readers. The refugees experience forbidden love, death, despair, abduction, romantic fulfillment and salvation. Petr, the band’s leader is influenced by a beautiful and mystical muse who warns of impending dangers and guides them ever eastward. This once sheltered and sensitive icon artist becomes a leader and warrior to protect his sister, his love and the remnants of Novgorodian society.

Francis Flavin is a poet, writer and the author of the new novel The Muse in a Time of Madness. In his writing he draws upon his experience as an educator, hockey player, fish and game field worker, public interest lawyer, investigator, and adventurer on four continents. He has been a successful advocate for civil and indigenous rights. Flavin has extensively researched the potential movement and impact of possible sixteenth century Russian immigration into Alaska.