In Before the Grandeur: The Making of a Horsemaster by Rusty Blackwood, Cyril Landon grows up in South Wood Chester. His prospects are severely limited until he finds his way through working with horses, learning stable duties, and riding in demanding conditions that shape his path. He leaves England for Aintree to train under experienced horsemen, then later travels to America after securing an opportunity that places him in a racing operation in Kentucky. There, he works under Oliver Green at Meadow Green Stables, where his ability with difficult horses leads to increased responsibility and a permanent role in the operation. As his position strengthens, his personal life becomes tied to the stables through his marriage to Alice Bowman, a rider with her own connection to the field. When control of the stables falls to him, Cyril must sustain the operation while loss and illness alter the course of his life and work.

Rusty Blackwood’s Before the Grandeur is the prequel to the Autumn series, pulling back the curtain on Cyril through the years before anyone would think to notice him. The author does an excellent job of moving him into situations that seriously test that discipline, and stretches where long hours wear him down until someone is forced to step in. Cyril comes across with a steady, unadorned way of dealing with people, and in this, the author remains faithful to who we know he becomes later. Agnes Harris is the most fascinating character to me, and the author gives her spectacular agency. She travels alone to Mayfair to find work, and later takes charge of a large household that depends wholly on her judgment. The settings are grounded in physical detail, from the narrow streets and worn bricks of South Wood Chester to the wide training grounds at Aintree, where rails and measured distances shape each run. Overall, this will be a boon for readers who are already fans of the series, and a brilliant introduction to fans-in-waiting.

The village of South Wood Chester was devastated by the effects of the First World War. This is where Cyril was born. The birth had been difficult for his mother, but Cyril was born a healthy and resilient baby. His mother would later succumb to tuberculosis. Times were tough, but with the help of the housekeeper, Mr. Landon raised Cyril. When it was time to attend school, Cyril became friends with a girl called Agnes. They would become inseparable till adulthood. As a teenager, Cyril joins his father to work as a farmhand after breaking an unruly horse for Mr. Billings. Later on, his employer would encourage Cyril to become a professional groomer. Cyril’s move to Aintree is a strain on his relationship with his friend, but Cyril is determined. In Aintree, he trains under Leif Beesley, who is good at his job but also has other weird behaviors, like providing a tea that knocks Cyril out at night. After training under Leif, Cyril trains under Even Grayborn, the accomplished horse master. How will things unfold in Before The Grandeur by Rusty Blackwood?

With well-crafted dialogues and well-developed characters that brought the story to life, there was never a dull moment in Before The Grandeur. Rusty Blackwood skilfully captured historical events like the First World War and the Great Depression of the 1930s, and how they affected ordinary people. I also loved other themes covered, like determination, hard work, and helping those in need. The message of being open-minded to possibilities and opportunities that many often seem to dismiss will also resonate with many readers. Rusty ensured all events and places were vividly described and the plot flowed flawlessly, leaving no room for confusion for the reader. This thought-provoking work also piqued my curiosity about equestrian sports, and I can’t wait to find out more. I look forward to reading something else by this talented author.