Historical adventure fiction

Book SynopsisWorldwide bestselling author Wilbur Smith will take you on an incredible journey on the thrashing seas off the coast of Africa in this glorious return to the series that made him who he is: The Courtney series.East African Coast, 1670.In a time of brave and brutal adventure, one man will journey across land and sea to pursue his greatest enemy The Golden Bough, captained by Henry Hal' Courtney, is running south from Ethiopia to Zanzibar. Below deck, both his crew and his lover, the fearless warrior Judith Nazet, sleep. As the moon glints through clouds, Hal sights a ship passing close by. Although there is an uneasy truce between the warring English and Dutch, Hal scents danger. When the Bough is boarded, the crew must go hand to hand to defend their ship and their lives.But soon Hal will face even graver danger, as he discovers his mortal enemy still lives and is hell-bent on revenge. he must pursue his nemesis across desert savannah, through the seedy underbelly of Zanzibar's slave markets and shark-infested waters, imperilling his own life at every turn. But it will take more than a slave's shackles to hold Hal CourtneyA thrilling blend of extraordinary drama and epic storytelling, Golden Lion sees Wilbur Smith return in triumphant form to the adventures of his beloved and bestselling Courtney family.Trade ReviewPraise for Golden Lion: ‘Golden Lion is vintage Smith’ DAILY MAIL ‘Smith will take you on an exciting, taut and thrilling journey you will never forget’ The Sun ‘Smith tells a fast-paced story with a certain Edwardian flair’ The Times Praise for Wilbur Smith: ‘NO ONE DOES ADVENTURE QUITE LIKE SMITH’ DAILY MIRROR ‘THE WORLD’S LEADING ADVENTURE WRITER’ DAILY EXPRESS ‘WILBUR SMITH IS ONE OF THOSE BENCHMARKS AGAINST WHOM OTHERS ARE COMPARED’ THE TIMES

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Book SynopsisThe fast-paced sequel to the near-future adventureTheRise and Fall of D.O.DO.In this history-bending adventure, the ragtag team of ex-D.O.D.O. agents must traverse time and space to stop the powerful Irish witch Gráinne from reversing the evolution of all modern technology.From Jacobean England to the ancient Roman Empire, Mel Stokes and her fellow outcasts must untangle the knotted threads of history while the diabolical Gráinne jumps from timeline to timeline, always staying one step ahead or is it behind?Historical objects disappear, cities literally rise and fall, and nothing less than the fate of humanity is at stake. Will they be able to fix the pastin order to save the future?

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Book SynopsisIn 1911, two English roses embark on an adventure under the Indian sun that will test their every limitWhen high society sisters Isobel and Violet find themselves down on their luck, an unexpected inheritance sends them on an unforgettable voyage of discovery to face a wild destiny, deep in the jungles of India. With only their widowed Aunt Bea to guide them, the sisters will have to bond together through sickness and health if they have any hope of surviving this strange new world.But with Violet determined to marry well and return to England as soon as possible, Isobel faces an uncertain future. And yet, as the mystery of this unknown and lavish landscape and its people pulls Isobel under its spell, their past life fades to a distant memory and a strength and courage born of her experiences and surroundings sets her on a path few well-bred ladies have ever trod one of independence and freedomReaders are loving Under a Cerulean Sky:Pure escapismit has drama, secrets and history galorTrade ReviewReaders ADORE The Jasmine Wife: ‘As historical fiction goes, this is the best I've read in a long time’ Naomi Greenway, Librarian ‘Fantastic…I couldn’t read this fast enough!’ Amanda Driver, Netgalley reviewer ‘A provocative and compelling novel, this romantic and suspenseful story will be difficult to put down’ Debra Schoenburger, Goodreads ‘Giving this 5 stars *. From the beginning until the end I felt the romance’ Cynthia D., Netgalley reviewer ‘A lovely, lovely book and I'm glad to have had the chance to read it’ Laura Hanna-White, Goodreads ‘I loved the setting. I loved the characters. I loved the story. I loved it all’ Lynsey Crockett, Goodreads ‘Historical romantic fiction is soooo my genre…evocative and vividly written – so atmospheric’ Maria, Librarian ‘This book had it all…set my imagination on fire’ Ethel Fagin, Netgalley reviewer ‘I enjoyed every minute…just the right amount of tension and intrigue to keep me guessing’ Heather B, Librarian ‘I love Coverdale's writing, and while this is my first book I've read of hers, it won't be the last!’ The Book Distiller

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Book SynopsisIf you love Bridgerton, you''ll love Georgette Heyer! ''The greatest writer who ever lived'' Antonia Fraser''Fabulously witty'' Stephen Fry''Incisively witty, quietly subversive'' Joanne Harris''If you haven''t read Georgette Heyer yet what a treat you have in store'' Harriet Evans_________________Growing up in England''s most turbulent era on the wild and lawless Northern Marches, John Duke of Bedford grew to manhood fighting for his father, King Henry IV.Through his loyalty, strength, and superb fighting power, he would go on to became the greatest ally his brother, King Henry V, could have asked for.Filled with the clash of bitter rivalries and deadly power struggles, this is Georgette Heyer''s final and most ambitious novel._________________Readers love My Lord John ...***** ''I found this book absolutely incredible.''***** 'Trade Review'Wonderful characters, elegant, witty writing, perfect period detail, and rapturously romantic. Georgette Heyer achieves what the rest of us only aspire to.' -- Katie Fforde'My favourite historical novelist - stylish, romantic, sharp, and witty. Her sense of period is superb, her heroines are enterprising, and her heroes dashing. I owe her many happy hours.' -- Margaret Drabble'A writer of great wit and style - I've read her books to ragged shreds.' -- Kate Fenton * Daily Telegraph *'Sparkling' * Independent on Sunday *'Georgette Heyer is unbeatable' -- India Knight

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Book SynopsisThe exquisitely-researched standalone prequel series to Dorothy Dunnett''s revered Lymond Chronicles, following the ancestors of Francis Crawford of Lymond in Continental Europe.Scales of Gold is Book Four in The House of Niccolo series.-----------------------------''You know what is drawing him? He is going to the market no white men attend. He is going to sail up the River of Gold.''In the Spring of 1464 Nicholas vander Poele returns to Venice in time to witness a plot to wipe out Casa de Niccolo - his own bank. Near-ruined, he secures a ship, a crew and sails for the one place he is confident none of his rivals would dare follow - Africa.Yet Nicholas is disconcerted to find he is racing against another vessel as they head for the fabled lands of Prester John and his fountains of gold, where strangers and plunderers alike are treated with suspicion.But nothing will turn Nicholas away from the glitteTrade ReviewPraise for Dorothy Dunnett -- - * - *A storyteller who could teach Scheherazade a thing or two about pace, suspense and imaginative invention -- - * New York Times *Marvellous, breathtaking -- - * The Times *A masterpiece of historical fiction -- - * Washington Post *One of the greatest tale-spinners since Dumas -- - * Cleveland Plain Dealer *Lashings of excitement, colour and subtlety -- - * The Times *Vivid, engaging, densely plotted - are almost certainly destined to be counted among the classics of popular fiction -- - * New York Times *'A glorious panorama of medieval times . . . The historical research is impeccable' -- - * Sunday Express *

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Book Synopsis''Fire as she bears. Rake her, lads.''Winter, 1793. Newly promoted Master and Commander Charles Hayden''s orders are to deliver the frigate HMS Themis to Lord Admiral Hood, whose fleet is sheltering in the Mediterranean. Only hours out of port, however, and the Themis is engaging with the French navy. Hayden''s destination is Toulon, a French port under Lord Hood''s protection. But there Hayden''s captaincy and seamanship are stretched to their limits. For Toulon holds a deadly surprise for the unwary . . .A Battle Won is the brilliant second instalment in the epic maritime adventures of Charles Hayden. A masterpiece in the tradition of Bernard Cornwell and Patrick O''Brian.

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Book Synopsis''Reinvents the particulars of slavery in America with a comic rage ... The book explodes. Reed''s special grace is anger ... a muscular, luminous prose'' The New York Times''It always was, and will always be the most fearlessly original, most viciously political, most rambunctiously funny epic of slavery ever written. America almost doesn''t deserve it'' - Marlon James (2015 Man Booker Prize Winner)''I loves it here ... We gets whipped with a velvet whip, and there''s free dentalcare''Three slaves are on the run in the deep South, with their former master hot on their heels and the Civil War raging.One of them arms himself for a final showdown; one sells his body for pornographic movies; while the last, Raven Quickskill - hero, poet, heartbreaker - swigs champagne on a non-stop jumbo jet to Canada. Taking us on a wild ride through a nineteenth century littered with limousines, waterbeds and colour TVs, Flight to Canada<Trade ReviewGroundbreaking ... Ishmael Reed is a major figure in American letters * The Paris Review *A remorseless satire of America's appetite for slavery fantasies * New Yorker *

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Book SynopsisPaul Shanahan - part-time surveyor, erstwhile IRA arms dealer and sometime suspected CIA agent - is a full-time scoundrel. But he''s the perfect man if you need an illicit operation done - and done well.So when five million dollars'' worth of gold smuggled out of occupied Kuwait needs to get from Morocco to Miami by boat with no questions asked, Paul Shanahan is the name on everyone''s lips.Except this time, Paul has other, more personal plans for the money. But first he must outwit the IRA, the CIA, British Intelligence and Palestinian terrorist Il Hayaween in order to prove how big a scoundrel he really is . . .

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Book Synopsis''A beautiful, lyric hymn to the power of social unrest in American history...funny and harrowing, sweet and violent, innocent and experienced; it walks a dozen tightropes'' Anthony Doerr, author of All the Light We Cannot See_____________________________________________1909. Spokane, Washington. The Dolan brothers are living by their wits, jumping freight trains and lining up for work at crooked job agencies. While sixteen-year-old Rye yearns for a steady job and a home, his dashing older brother Gig dreams of a better world, fighting alongside other union men for fair pay and decent treatment. But then Rye finds himself drawn to suffragette Elizabeth Gurley Flynn and her passion sweeps him into the world of protest and dirty business. As a storm starts brewing, questions of love, sacrifice, brotherhood and betrayal emerge, threatening to overwhelm them all. . .The Cold Millions is at once an intimate story and a stuTrade ReviewA riotous, propulsive adventure story, packed with captivating characters * Daily Mail *A brilliantly multifaceted panorama of early 20th-century America . . . Walter is a writer whose work deserves a wide readership * Sunday Times *A beautiful, lyric hymn to the power of social unrest in American history. It's funny and harrowing, sweet and violent, innocent and experienced * Anthony Doerr, author of All the Light We Cannot See *A work of irresistible characters, harrowing adventures and rip-roaring fun ... bursting with a dazzling range of outrageous characters. One of the most captivating novels of the year * Washington Post * Reminiscent of the stylistic tricks of F Scott Fitzgerald...With its rebellion against inequality and debates about capitalism, there are clear echoes from 1909 to the US today. Incitement to riot, dreadfully topical since the assault on the Capitol last month, also gets a look in. But The Cold Millions offers more: a study of individuals living, willingly or unwillingly, through tumult. * FT *Colourful and punchy * The Times *Walter is a class act...the fierce struggle for free speech and workers' rights is genuinely stirring. -- Max Davidson * Mail on Sunday *A timely and poetic read that vividly depicts the American melting pot at its most unequal and volatile . . . a compelling portrait of America at the dawn of the 20th Century * Sunday Express *Expansive, beguiling . . . A thrilling yarn that simultaneously underscores the cost of progress and celebrates the American spirit * O Magazine *It's a tremendous work, a vivid, propulsive, historical novel with a politically explosive backdrop that reverberates through our own * USA Today *Jess Walter is a superb storyteller. As polished and hard as a diamond, The Cold Millions reminds us of America's tempestuous past and suggests that all this is anything but past * Boston Globe *Walter marshals a motley, fascinating cast of characters so finely drawn that they lift from the page. I haven't encountered a more satisfying and moving novel about the struggle for workers' rights in America * San Francisco Chronicle *A layered, multi-character panorama * Vogue *It's often said that a novel contains the world; Walter brings new meaning to this phrase, peopling The Cold Millions with vaudeville stars, hobos, suffragists, tycoons, union agitators, policemen, and dozens of other vibrant characters. Warm and deeply humane, this transporting novel is a staggering achievement from a landmark writer * Esquire *The fact that the same author has written books as wildly different and all as transporting as The Zero, The Financial Lives of the Poets, Beautiful Ruins, and now this latest tour de force is testimony to Walter's protean storytelling power and astounding ability to set a scene, any scene . . . We have heard that Jess Walter writes nonstop: Seven days a week, 365 days a year. Please, never stop. * Kirkus Reviews, starred review *Superb.... a splendid postmodern rendition of the social realist novels of the 1930s by Henry Roth, John Steinbeck, and John Dos Passos, updated with strong female characters and executed with pristine prose. This could well be Walter's best work yet. * Publishers Weekly, starred review *A great tapestry of busy-ness . . . Walter's descriptive passage are marvellous -- Francesca Carington * Sunday Telegraph *

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Book Synopsis''Rich people behaving badly'' BooklistThe battle lines are drawn . . .Following the scandalous revelations about his love life, disgraced media mogul Harry Rose is searching for redemption. His daughters - bright, winsome Eliza and dark, difficult Maria - have taken over his beloved company and are making some major changes. Guided by Harry, Eliza navigates life as Rose Corp''s new queen. But Maria is standing in her way. And then there''s the distraction of Eliza''s childhood playmate, the twinkly-eyed Rob Studley, and the unresolved death of her mother . . . After a stellar start, things take a turn for the worse and ultimately Eliza will have to make a choice: career, or love?Loosely based on the turbulent reigns of Tudor queens Mary and Elizabeth, this is a scandalous tale of love, power and betrayal . . .Praise for Olivia Hayfield ''Ingenious and addictive'' Francesca Hornak 'Trade ReviewRacy & pacy! -- Nicky Pellegrino, bestselling author of A Dream of ItalyA fun and entertaining read . . . non-stop Tudor intrigue! * An Historian About Town *Even if you're not an aficionado of Tudor history, there is lots to love in this racy romp about the lives of the rich and fabulous. The historical factor is fun though, and adds another layer to an addictively readable novel ... if you're a fan of Jilly Cooper or something of a history buff, then you're really not going to want to miss out * New Zealand Woman’s Weekly *The skill of Hayfield in creating a believable modern storyline that maintains the essence of the historical characters and events makes this book more than simply a light-hearted version of the television show Succession . . . in a turbulent summer, Sister to Sister is the perfect escape * The Listener *The ingenious way Hayfield re-casts and contemporises the Tudor court gives her a chance to have some fun but there remain perceptive observations of modern life, from the influence of the religious right to the relationship problems caused by family dysfunction . . . an amusing, smart and oddly thought-provoking read with glamour and great heart -- Kete: New Books from AotearoaA must-read for history buffs * Woman’s Day *A fun read but also packed quite an emotional punch for me (I'm not too proud to admit I cried my eyes out!) * Royalcentral.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisA journalist by profession, Douglas Jackson transformed a lifelong fascination for Rome and the Romans in to his first two highly-praised novels, Caligula and Claudius. His third, Hero of Rome, introduced readers to a new series hero, Gaius Valerius Verrens. Eight further acclaimed 'Rome' novels followed, confirming Doug as one of the UK's foremost historical novelists. His latest novel, The Wall, was published to coincide with the 1900th anniversary of the construction of Hadrian's Wall. A member of the Historical Writers Association and the Historical Novel Society, Douglas Jackson lives near Stirling in Scotland.Trade ReviewA master of his discipline rightly hailed as one of the best historical novelists writing today * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewCracking...one of our finest writers. * Saturday (Supp to the Scottish Daily Record) *One of the best historical novelists writing today. * DAILY EXPRESS *

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Book SynopsisPerfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Ben Kane, this formidable and compelling historical thriller from bestselling author Douglas Jackson will have you absolutely gripped...Spectacular and satisfying...thrilling and dramatic...Roman historical fiction at its very best -- SUNDAY EXPRESSDouglas Jackson is one of the finest writers about today...this series is a glorious achievement -- FOR WINTER NIGHTSRightly hailed as one of the best historical novelists writing today -- DAILY EXPRESSI was devastated to finish this novel and look forward to many more from the pen of Douglas Jackson -- ***** Reader reviewSuperb in every way -- ***** Reader review**************************************************************IN THE FAR NORTH, GAIUS VALERIUS VERRENS'' DESTINY AWAITS...AD 80: Gaius Valerius Verrens is back where he belongs, at the head of a legion. BuTrade ReviewSpectacular and satisfying . . . thrilling and dramatic . . . Roman historical fiction at its very best. * SUNDAY EXPRESS *A wonderful novel . . . the battle scenes are as thrilling as ever . . . Douglas Jackson is one of the finest writers about today, irrespective of genre. This series is a glorious achievement and so too is the book that completes it’ -- FOR WINTER NIGHTS

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Book SynopsisSteven Pressfield is the author of the novels The Legend of Bagger Vance, Gates of Fire, Tides of War and Last of the Amazons. He lives in California.Trade Review'Wonderfully-imagined...Richly atmospheric, stunningly graphic, intense and extraordinary' * NELSON DEMILLE *'A cracking, fast-paced contemporary re-telling of the legend that is Alexander ... Pressfield brings him alive for the modern audience with the verve and skill with which he conjured the heroes of Thermopylae in Gates of Fire.' * MANDA SCOTT *'If you want to know what it might have felt like to ride into battle with Alexander, read this striking book...blends a scholar's accuracy and a novelist's eye.' * BARRY STRAUSS, author of Salamis *'Pressfield has tackled a subject worthy of his enormous talent...and triumphed again.' * STEPHEN COONTS *'Deeply researched, dashingly written...this is a a terrific performance' * INDEPENDENT *

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Book SynopsisOlivier is an aristocrat, the traumatized child of survivors of the French Revolution. Parrot the son of an itinerant printer who always wanted to be an artist but has ended up a servant. Born on different sides of history, their lives will be brought together by their travels in America.When Olivier sets sail for America, ostensibly to study its prisons but in reality to save his neck from one more revolution - Parrot is sent with him, as spy, protector, foe and foil. As the narrative shifts between the perspectives of Parrot and Olivier, and their picaresque travels together and apart - in love and politics, prisons and the world of art - Peter Carey explores the adventure of American democracy, in theory and in practice, with dazzling wit and inventiveness.

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Book SynopsisâHistorical fiction at its finest' @MargaretAtwood (Twitter). The richly atmospheric story of a young woman's struggle to define herself in a world of uncertainty, intrigue and danger in a time of great upheaval during the Tudor era. Trade Review‘Glendinning writes with a vivid immediacy about a fascinating, dark moment in our island story... a refreshing and original tale [about] the underside of Henry’s religious Reformation’ The Times'Marvellous... heart-breaking and unforgettable... a by times humorous, by times tragic but always compelling picaresque tale' Irish Times‘A brave girl, a powerful tale, a world on the brink of change – and how the past leaps into life!’ Fay Weldon‘An absolute pleasure... assured, quietly gripping, surprising and educative, with a terrific central character, it pins down the precarious nature of life in 16th-century England’ Daily Mail‘A touching, vivid and sometimes deeply shocking depiction of the lives of ordinary people whose world was shattered by Henry VIII’s policy to dissolve England’s monasteries. A must for anyone interested in the Tudor period' Elizabeth Fremantle, author of Queen’s Gambit (The Tudor Trilogy)‘A powerful and very immediate picture of another age. It is full of violence and loss, and yet it is also a testament to survival, courage, pity, and the eternal beauty to be found in small things’ Anne Perry‘An immersive, engrossing, and epic journey of a woman’s soul, finely researched and beautifully written’ Margaret George, author of The Autobiography of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I‘I loved this book from the very first page, for the poised lyricism of the writing and for the fascination of the story. Agnes Peppin, the butcher’s daughter, is an enchanting witness to turbulent times, and the cataclysmic events that shape her life become newly urgent and thrilling as seen through her eyes. This is a wonderful novel – sometimes tragic, sometimes redemptive, always thoughtful and wise’ Margaret Leroy, author of The English Girl‘Chronicles the human cost of Henry’s edict. Well written with wonderfully rendered descriptions of place and period and an evocative mix of fiction and fact... at once immediate and intimate… In a world ruled by men cowed before a fickle tyrant, Agnes’s decisions are not only pragmatic but authentic to her time and place’ New York Journal of Books'As the butcher’s daughter reflects on all she sees, Glendinning makes this tale exhilarating, lending Agnes a candid, eccentrically lyrical voice' Jean Zimmerman, New York Times‘A beguiling, affecting tale of dissolution and redemption set in a changing – and beautifully wrought – Tudor landscape. Gloriously authentic and refreshingly unromantic, this one got under my skin’ Jessie Child, historian and award-winning author of Henry VIII’s Last Victim and God’s Traitors

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Book SynopsisThe White Tower. A terrible vision. Her home invaded and precious documents stolen. Queen of Heaven is the 15th century story of a woman who overcomes restrictions placed on her sex to save all she holds dear.

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Book SynopsisTwo sisters become embroiled in the burgeoning Cold War in this spellbinding novel of espionage, secrets and betrayalsTrade Review'Electrifying, meticulously researched, and expertly plotted, The Soviet Sisters is at once a Cold War thriller, a gripping spy story, a page-turning mystery, and a familial drama' Lara Prescott, bestselling author of The Secrets We Kept'What a page turner! The era and setting were very fresh, I learned so much, and I loved being taken around post-war Berlin. East and West, love and hate – this story gives beautiful insight into the opposites that can make or break a sisters' bond. Compelling' Mandy Robotham, bestselling author of The Berlin Girl and The Girl Behind the Wall

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Book SynopsisIrish super-sleuth Sister Fidelma is faced with a challenging and disturbing case to investigate in THE SPIDER''S WEB, Peter Tremayne''s fifth unputdownable Celtic mystery. PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FIDELMA SERIES: ''The background detail is brilliantly defined . . . wonderfully evocative'' The Times, ''A brilliant and beguiling heroine. Immensely appealing'' Publishers Weekly Ebert is not a man to make enemies. He is a chieftain with a reputation for kindliness and generosity. Yet, one night, his household is aroused by a scream from his chamber. The servants burst in to find Móen, a young man to whom Eber had extended his protection, crouched over the bloody body of the chieftain. Móen''s clothes are drenched in Eber''s blood and he is clutching a bloodstained knife in his hand.There seems no doubt of culpability, but why did Móen kill the gentle and courteous Eber? The problem is exacerbated by the fact that Móen himself cannot tell

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Book SynopsisAfter the death of her husband Pharoh Tuthmosis II, Hatusu has confounded her critics by winning a great battle against the Mitanni. Aided by her lover, Senenmut, she is determined that all sections of Egyptian society should accept her as the first Pharaoh-Queen of Egypt - an acceptance that needs the favour and support of the priests. When a spate of killings takes place in the Divine Temple of Horus, the naturally superstitious priests interpret this as a sign of the Gods'' disapproval of Hatusu''s rule of Egypt. The royal city turns once again to respected judge Amerotke to find the truth.Trade ReviewPraise for Paul Doherty: 'Vitality in the landscape...angst in the mystery, it's Peters minus the herbs but plus a few crates of sack * Oxford Times *Absolutely superb * CADS *The best of its kind since Ellis Peters * Time Out *I really like these medieval whodunnits * Sarah Broadhurst, Bookseller *Wholly excellent, this is one of those books you hate to put down * Prima *If you like the Paul Doherty style you will enjoy this hugely. The pace never flags and despite all this larger-than-life flamboyance Doherty's Egypt has the ring of truth about it. Doherty has done his homework well and it shows * Historical Review *

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Book SynopsisThe third in the bestselling Captain Alatriste series.Trade Review"this is rigorous historical writing garnished with a fine sardonic humour" -- Max Porter DAILY TELEGRAPH

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Book SynopsisIn the last idyllic summer of 1914, the battle lines are already drawn. In Cambridge, the golden June days seem timeless. But for Joseph Reavley the summer is shattered by his parents'' deaths in a car accident. Bringing the terrible news, his brother reveals that their father, a retired MP, had been travelling to see him about a sinister plot he had discovered. Matthew''s job in the secret service means that he would understand the mysterious document their father possessed, but now it is nowhere to be found. Returning after the funeral with their two sisters, Joseph and Matthew become convinced that their parents'' house has been searched. As their suspicions grow, they visit the scene of the crash and find subtle evidence that their deaths may not have been accidental after all.Trade Review'A beautifully written work of psychological depth and poetic resonance... it is compelling from start to finish' The Lady * The Lady *'An ambitious novel in many ways, No Graves as Yet combines the sub-genres of historical fiction, international thriller and whodunit to make an entertaining piece of good old fashioned story telling' West Australian, 15/5/04 * West Australian *'Perry fans will not be disappointed' Huddersfield Daily Examiner 15/11/03 * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *'An auspicious read thus it is wonderful that this is the first of a five-novel sequence... With its outstanding cover and bestselling author's writing, this dazzling story is one of sheer brilliance...It's just so, so beautiful' North Wales Chronicle 23/10/03 * North Wales Chronicle *'Very enjoyable and gripping' Glasgow Evening Times 11/10/03 * Glasgow Evening Times *'An engaging evocation of English society poised on the brink of war and denying the implications of events unfolding in the Balkans' Sydney Morning Herald, 1 Mar 04 * Sydney Morning Herald *

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Book SynopsisWhile investigating the savage murder of a religious magnate, Sister Fidelma uncovers a dark world of slavery and abuse within the abbey walls, in Peter Tremayne''s thrilling nineteenth mystery, THE COUNCIL OF THE CURSED.PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FIDELMA SERIES: ''Rich helpings of evil and tension with lively and varied characters'' Historical Novel Review, ''The masterly storytelling from an author hwo breathes fascinating life into the world he is writing about'' Belfast Telegraph It is AD 670, and Bishop Leodegar has called the church leaders together for an emergency meeting. But a fierce row breaks out and the assembly descends into chaos. Later that evening one of the delegates is discovered murdered, his skull brutally smashed. Sister Fidelma and her companion, Brother Eadulf, unwittingly find themselves in the middle of a shocking murder investigation involving the most powerful religious leaders in the land. The disappearance of womenTrade ReviewPraise for Peter Tremayne's novels: 'Wonderfully evocative * The Times *A brilliant and beguiling heroine. Immensely appealing, difficult to put down * Publishers Weekly *Definitely an Ellis Peter competitor...the background detail is marvellous * Evening Standard *Well-paced and suspenseful, sprinkled with Old Irish terms and fascinating details of early Irish life...Fidelma is a an original and complex character...An Irish heroine for both the seventh and twenty-first centuries * Books Ireland *

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Book SynopsisRome: August 314 AD, and as the sun''s insidious heat beats down, murderous forces lurk in the underbelly of the city. The normally cosseted world of Rome''s rich and powerful is rocked by a series of violent abductions, as children of the elite are kidnapped and held for ransom. Meanwhile, veteran soldiers, men who served Constantine along the Great Wall in northern Britain are being barbarously murdered; the indignities inflicted on their corpses reminiscent of the gruesome practices of the Picts whom they fought so many years ago. The Empress Helena summons her secret agent, Claudia, in a bid to resolve these macabre occurrences. But Claudia has problems of her own. The perfectly preserved corpse of a young Christian woman has been disinterred in her uncle''s garden and it falls to her to investigate this mystery too. Now she must track her way through a murky tangle of politics, religion and murderous violence, ever aware that the slightest mistake could cost her life.Trade ReviewPraise for Paul Doherty's other novels: 'I really like these medieval whodunnits * Bookseller *A romping good read * Time Out *Historically informative, excellently plotted and, as ever, superbly entertaining * CADS 20 *This rich tale ... seeps authenticity and is written with wonderfully efficient style. A gem of an historical thriller * Huddersfield Daily Examiner *

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Book SynopsisWe have all heard the story of Cinderella, the beautiful child cast out to slave amongst the ashes. But what of her stepsisters, the homely pair exiled into ignominy by the fame of their lovely sibling? What fate befell those untouched by beauty ... and what curses accompanied Cinderella''s looks? Set against the backdrop of seventeenth-century Holland, CONFESSIONS OF AN UGLY STEPSISTER tells the story of Iris, an unlikely heroine who is swept from the lowly streets of Haarlem to a strange world of wealth, artifice, and ambition. Iris''s path becomes intertwined with that of Clara, the mysterious and unnaturally beautiful girl destined to become her sister. While Clara retreats to the cinders of the family hearth, Iris seeks out the shadowy secrets of her new household - and the treacherous truth of her former life.

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Book SynopsisHereward''s story concludes in this brutal, bloody and thrilling page-turner - perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. With great gusto...James Wilde has succeeded in giving new and convincing life to a half-forgotten English hero. -- BBC HISTORY MAGAZINEVividly describes those turbulent, dismal years...this is a masterful tale, graphic and gory, and loaded with medieval history. -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLYA truly spell-binding series...masterfully done. -- PARMENIAN BOOKSLoved every minute. -- ***** Reader reviewWonderful storytelling -- ***** Reader reviewFull of twists and turns, aside factual events, recommended to all readers who enjoy battles and honour seeped in last events -- ***** Reader review***************************************************************BLADES ARE SHARPENED, BATTLE LINES DRAWN. NOW IS THE TIME FOR

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Book Synopsis''A hugely entertaining Victorian mystery'' New York Times ''I enjoyed this - properly creepy and Gothic'' Ian Rankin_______________A CASE FOR FREY & McGRAY The Scottish Highlands, 1889. When a young heir receives a sinister death threat, Inspectors Frey and ''Nine-Nails'' McGray answer a desperate plea to offer him protection. The detectives travel north to the remote and misty Loch Maree, site of an ancient burial ground. They must stay with the mysterious Koloman family - any one of whom might be a suspect. But Frey and McGray have little time to get their bearings. Even before they arrive the boy''s guardian is brutally murdered, and one thing becomes clear to the two detectives: Someone is willing to kill to protect the secrets of Loch Maree._______________Praise for the Frey & McGray series: ''This is wonderful. A brilliant, moving, clever, lyricaTrade ReviewOscar de Muriel gets better and better -- Jake Kerridge * Sunday Express S Magazine *I am addicted to Frey and McGray -- Christopher Fowler, author of the Bryant and May seriesI enjoyed this - properly creepy and Gothic -- Ian RankinA hugely entertaining Victorian mystery * The New York Times *Fun to read and a fast page-turner . . . love and murder - they go together like strawberries and cream * Independent *This entertaining novel combines melodrama with the unhappiness of life backstage -- Charlotte Heathcote * Sunday Express *This is wonderful. A brilliant, moving, clever, lyrical book - I loved it. Oscar de Muriel is going to be a name to watch. -- Manda ScottThe Strings of Murder is one of the best debuts so far this year - a brilliant mix of horror, history, and humour. Genuinely riveting with plenty of twists, this will keep you turning the pages. It's clever, occasionally frightening and superbly written - The Strings Of Murder is everything you need in a mystery thriller. * Crime Review *

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Book SynopsisJoin young Horatio Hornblower in the thrilling naval adventure from the author of The Good Shepherd, now a major-motion picture starring Tom Hanks ''A joyous creation, a perfection in words. Young Hornblower is, simply, one of the most complete creations of character in fiction'' Conn Iggulden, The Independent_______1793, the eve of the Napoleonic Wars, and Midshipman Horatio Hornblower receives his first command . . . As a seventeen-year-old with a touch of sea sickness, young Horatio Hornblower hardly cuts a dash in His Majesty''s navy.Yet from the moment he is ordered to board a French merchant ship in the Bay of Biscay and take command of crew and cargo, he proves his seafaring mettle on the waves.After a character-forming duel, several deadly chases and some dramatic captures and escapes, the young Hornblower is soon forged into a formidable man of the sea. This is the first Trade ReviewI recommend Forester to every literate I know -- Ernest HemingwayI find Hornblower admirable, vastly entertaining -- Sir Winston ChurchillOne of the best. Everyone interested in war, or in human nature, should read * Times Literary Supplement *Absolutely compelling. One of the great masters of narrative * San Francisco Chronicle *A master of the genre * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisA Horatio Hornblower Tale of the Sea1813, and Horatio Hornblower is propelled toward the heart of the French Empire and his old enemy, Napoleon . . .Sir Horatio Hornblower has received strict and highly confidential orders from the highest rank: he must embark upon a grave and perilous mission to recapture the Flame in the Bay of Seine, where the brutal and foul-tempered Lieutenant Augustine Chadwick is being held prisoner by a mutinous crew. Rescuing the Lieutenant demands all of Horatio''s spirit and seafaring prowess - for at the same time, he must contend with capturing two French cargo vessels and take part in negotiations to topple the faltering Napoleon once and for all . . .This is the ninth of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C.S. Forester''s inimitable nautical hero, Horatio Hornblower.''A recipe for pure pleasure'' Bernard Cornwell''These accounts of naval heroism during the Napoleonic era are crackTrade ReviewThese accounts of naval heroism during the Napoleonic era are cracking good yarns for whenever you're feeling glum. We follow ambivalent young Hornblower as he rises from a seasick midshipman to become an understated tactical genius. * SundayTimes *I recommend Forester to every literate I know -- Ernest HemingwayI find Hornblower admirable, vastly entertaining -- Sir Winston Churchill

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Book SynopsisREBEL. LEADER. BROTHER. KING.1179. Henry II is King of England, Wales, Ireland, Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine. The House of Plantagenet reigns supreme.But there is unrest in Henry''s house. Not for the first time, his family talks of rebellion.Ferdia - an Irish nobleman taken captive during the conquest of his homeland - saves the life of Richard, the king''s son. In reward for his bravery, he is made squire to Richard, who is already a renowned warrior.Crossing the English Channel, the two are plunged into a campaign to crush rebels in Aquitaine. The bloody battles and gruelling sieges which followed would earn Richard the legendary name of Lionheart.But Richard''s older brother, Henry, is infuriated by his sibling''s newfound fame. Soon it becomes clear that the biggest threat to Richard''s life may not be rebel or French armies, but his own family...''A rip-roaring epic, filled with arrows and spattered with blTrade ReviewKane deftly draws a portrait of the charismatic and ruthless Richard. The dynastic complications of an ageing, paranoid kingwith four ambitious sons are fascinating. And the battles are gory. Kane's Richard the Lionheart will rightly win loyal campfollowers. -- Antonia Senior * THE TIMES *Richard the Lionheart's name echoes down the centuries as one of history's great warriors, and this book will immortalise him even more. A rip-roaring epic, filled with arrows and spattered with blood. Gird yourself with mail when you start. * Paul Finch *Ben's deeply authoritative depiction of the time is delivered in a deft manner. I was immersed in the detail of Rufus's life, with its heat and cold, its odours, foods, clothing, beasts, politics and all the other minutiae of the age. * Simon Scarrow *Kane's virtues as a writer of historical adventures - lively prose, thorough research, colourful action - are again apparent. -- Nick Rennison * THE SUNDAY TIMES *Lionheart has plenty of betrayal, bloodshed and rich historical detail. -- Martin Chilton * INDEPENDENT *A fast-paced and thrilling read... it expertly examines what was a complex period in English history... a truly vibrant andgripping read. -- Helena Gumley-Mason * THE LADY *The first book of what promises to be an exciting trilogy. * CHOICE *Plenty of action, blood, scheming, hatred, stealth and politics here, if that's what you want in your read - and you know it is! -- Jon Wise * SUNDAY SPORT, Books of the Year *

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Tumanbay:Once the most magnificent city on earth -now the dark heart of an empire which lies in ruins.Occupied by the fanatical forces of the mysterious cult of Maya,corpses hang from the gallows, and citizens are flogged for next to nothing.Barakat, leader of the Inquisition, leads the purge.Gregor, former spymaster to the Sultan, lives in fear.Madu, heir to the throne, is opiated and installed as a puppet ruler.And Qulan, the great general, rots in prison.But the history of Tumanbay shows that those who can rise to power can just as easily fall.And there are whispers of rebellion, of a reckoning - as well as rumblings of plague on the horizon...

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Book SynopsisThe Murrays are back in this thrilling new tale from New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell . . .   Responsible for protecting her younger siblings from their abusive father, Bethoc Matheson is in no position to rescue another soul in Scotland. Yet when she sees a bleeding man on the verge of drowning, that’s exactly what she does, securing him safely in a cave where she can return day after day to tend to his wounds.   Sir Callum MacMillan can scarcely believe such a slight lass as Bethoc could save him from the grasp of death. But he knows the telltale marks of an angry fist on her skin, and he knows she has the soul of a fighter within her feminine frame. Raised to be a protector of the weak by his Murray clansmen, Callum would prefer to be the one saving her—and save her, he will. If he can first survive the treacherous attack that led him into her irresistible arms . . .   Praise for Hann

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Book SynopsisOne Hundred Men Stand Between Empire and Annihilation.Trade ReviewAgent of Rome is a masterful debut from a new author completely at home in this era; the writing is deft, the action swift and bloody and the characters believable and engaging. I look forward greatly to the next one. * Manda Scott *Once the action kicks off you won't be able to put it down. * Anthony Riches, author of the Empire series *'Brown's intelligent and exhilarating story excels in its perfect pace, vivid combat sequences and superb characterisation. The Siege delivers a thrilling coming-of-age adventure with an unlikely but likeable hero whose exploits are set to win an army of fans' * Lancashire Evening Post *'Brown promises to be one of the most exciting sword-wielding writers in an ever-popular arena. In this, his debut, his principal is a 19-year-old fresh-faced officer commanding 100 men in defence of a Syrian stronghold against a vastly superior force. There are echoes of Beau Geste in this death-or-glory stand.' * The Oxford Times *'The Siege is an excellent debut novel and delivers a thrilling and fascinating coming-of-age adventure' * Book Gazette *Nick Brown has the craft of storytelling at his fingertips ... The Siege is a fast-paced and satisfying read * Russell Whitfield, author of Gladiatrix *

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Book SynopsisWe first met Flavia Albia, Falco''s feisty adopted daughter, in The Ides of April.Albia is a remarkable woman in what is very much a man''s world: young, widowed and fiercely independent, she lives alone on the Aventine Hill in Rome and makes a good living as a hired investigator. An outsider in more ways than one, Albia has unique insight into life in ancient Rome, and she puts it to good use going places no man could go, and asking questions no man could ask.Even as the dust settles from her last case, Albia finds herself once again drawn into a web of lies and intrigue. Two mysterious deaths at a local villa may be murder and, as the household slaves are implicated, Albia is once again forced to involve herself. Her fight is not just for truth and justice, however; this time, she''s also battling for the very lives of people who can''t fight for themselves.Enemies at Home presents Ancient RTrade ReviewThis is a welcome return to the familiar territory of ancient Rome. - Literary Review on THE IDES OF APRILDavis was primus and still has no pares... The auguries promise a long, successful series. - Telegraph on THE IDES OF APRILEnter the feisty, savvy and attractive Flavia Albia ... Davis continues her wonderful portrayal of the city and its inhabitants, and the delightful Flavia Alba adds an important element - the complicated status of working women. - The Times on THE IDES OF APRILMarcus Didius Falco's adopted daughter, Flavia Albia, is a wonderful creation, rendered with a surprising tenderness ... Just as closely researched and yet light-hearted as the Falco novels, THE IDES OF APRIL is more touching. - Bookoxygen on THE IDES OF APRIL

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Book Synopsis 'Gregory is an experienced storyteller and doesn’t let you down. Tidelands is a gripping and intelligent portrait of a woman fighting to survive in a hostile world' THE TIMESTHE BRAND NEW SERIES FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLING AUTHOR  England 1648. A dangerous time for a woman to be different . . . Midsummer’s Eve, 1648, and England is in the grip of civil war between renegade King and rebellious Parliament.  The struggle reaches every corner of the kingdom, even to the remote Tidelands – the marshy landscape of the south coast.  Alinor, a descendant of wise women, crushed by poverty and superstition, waits in the graveyard under the full moon for a ghost who will declare her free from her abusive husband.  Instead she meets James, a young man on the run, and shows him the secret ways across the treacherous marsh, not knowing that sh

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Book SynopsisThomas Pitt arrives at a devastating bombing in Lancaster Gate to find two policemen dead and three more gravely wounded. London''s anarchists are blamed, but as Pitt and Inspector Tellman investigate they find it looks increasingly like a personal vendetta against those particular men. Did they lie about a drugs raid that went fatally wrong, and let an innocent man hang? The idea of police dishonesty cuts Tellman to the quick - he joined the force to protect society, not exploit it. But he must uncover the truth, however much he wants to resist the signs of blackmail and corruption. With the threat of further bombings, and their superiors pushing for a quick resolution, Pitt and Tellman find their every move scrutinised, and their own lives suddenly at risk...Treachery at Lancaster Gate is the exceptional new historical thriller from the master of Victorian crime.

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of the bestselling ATLANTIS comes a thrilling novel of buried secrets, age-old mysteries and a conspiracy surrounding the fabled Ark of the Covenant. ''What do you get if you cross Indiana Jones with Dan Brown? Answer: David Gibbins'' Mirror586 BC The ancient world is in meltdown. The Babylonians have ravaged the Holy Land, and Jerusalem has fallen. In desperation, the temple priests look to the greatest navigators ever known to save their holiest of treasures.1943 A group of Allied codebreakers, under Churchill''s direct command, work to stop a top-secret exchange between the Nazis and the Japanese. Yet even they know nothing of the ancient artefact hidden on board a ship whose fate they have just sealed.Present-day Marine archaeologist Jack Howard and his friend Costas undertake a dangerous dive hunting for Nazi gold in a wreck perched on the edge of the continental shelf. What they glimpse there leads JackTrade ReviewA brilliantly written thriller that remains in the believable and yet rides the edge of the fantastical, the boundaries of exploration ... and expectation * Parmenion Books *The diving sequences are marvellous ... there isn't another thriller hero like Jack Howard and I treasure him * For Winter Nights *

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From Edith Pargeter, who also wrote as Ellis Peters, A BLOODY FIELD BY SHREWSBURY is a vivid medieval tale of Henry IV's kingdom in crisis. 'Chivalry, treachery, conflict of loyalties... The clash of wills is as stirring as the clash of steel' Observer England, 1399. A treacherous plot has been hatched to depose King Richard and install Henry Bolingbroke on the English throne.With the aid of his powerful friend Hotspur, Henry is victorious. But, crowned Henry IV, he rules a kingdom in crisis. In Wales, rebellion threatens. Henry's heir, Hal, is named Prince of Wales but the Welsh have a prince of their own blood and he is calling them to arms.More dangerous still, a rift is opening between Henry, Hotspur and Hal. As tension mounts, the three men are inexorably drawn into a bloody collision on which the fate of the realm will hang...

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Book SynopsisThe second thrilling mystery in an exciting new generation of Pitt novels, from the New York Times bestselling author and queen of Victorian crime, Anne Perry. ''Anne Perry''s Victorian mysteries are marvels of plot construction'' New York Times Daniel Pitt is delighted that his sister is visiting London with her American husband Patrick, a policeman, and their young daughters. But Patrick''s trip has another purpose, for which he enlists Daniel''s help.Philip Sidney, a young British diplomat, is accused of robbery and assault in Washington, but he has taken diplomatic immunity and fled to England. The perfect opportunity to obtain justice presents itself when Sidney is accused of a small embezzlement at the British Embassy in the USA, but as Daniel digs deeper into the case it becomes clear that vengeance is involved.When a witness is murdered in America suspicion of guilt falls on Sidney. But is somebody trying to Trade ReviewPraise for Anne Perry: 'Anne Perry's Victorian mysteries are marvels of plot construction' * New York Times *A truly unusual mystery * Publishers Weekly *There is a freshness about [Perry's] writing which makes it truly exceptional * Eurocrime *A brilliant Victorian police procedural in which well-realized characters and settings are fascinating in themselves * Booklist *A page-turning thriller...blending compelling plotting with superbly realized human emotion and exquisite period detail -- Jeffery DeaverEngrossing...The book gallops to a dramatic conclusion * Washington Times Daily *Elegantly constructed and nail-bitingly tense * Good Book Guide *Redolent with Victorian atmosphere * Tangled Web *

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Book SynopsisBrimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay''s gripping dual-time novel travels from the present day to the fires of ancient Pompeii.''SHADOWS IN THE ASHES paints a vivid picture of life in two very different timeframes and, as the stories unfold, we see how the themes of life and love change little with the centuries. Fast-paced and thrilling!'' SARAH MAINE, author of THE HOUSE BETWEEN TIDES.............................The sunlight caught her gold bracelet, sending a flash that almost blinded her.She closed her eyes, but jumped when the earth started shaking and there was an almighty boom behind her.Present DayFinally escaping an abusive marriage, Caterina Rossi takes her three-year-old daughter and flees to Italy. There she''s drawn to research scientist Connor, who needs her translation help for his work on volcanology. Tog

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Book SynopsisAranthur is a student. He showed a little magical talent, is studying at the local academy, and is nothing particularly special. Others are smarter. Others are more talented. Others are quicker to pick up techniques. But none of them are with him when he breaks his journey home for the holidays in an inn. None of them step in to help when a young woman is thrown off a passing stage coach into the deep snow at the side of the road. And none of them are drawn into a fight to protect her.One of the others might have realised she was manipulating him all along . . .A powerful story about beginnings, coming of age, and the way choosing to take one step towards violence can lead to a slippery and dangerous slope, this is an accomplished fantasy series driven by strong characters and fast-paced action.''A stirring, gritty and at times quite brutal epic fantasy'' Tor.com''This series promises to be the standout epic fantasy for the ages'' Fantasy Book CritiTrade ReviewTo conclude, as a pit stop on the way to the end "The Dread Wyrm" serves marvelously well. If anything, it is way too short. It does all that it's supposed to do: it enriches the world, expands upon the overall story and its main characters but more importantly, it entertains. * Upcoming4Me *Utterly, utterly brilliant. A masterclass in how to write modern fantasy - world building, characters, plot and pacing, all perfectly blended. Miles Cameron is at the top of his game. To say I loved it is an understatement, and I am struggling with the fact I have to wait for book 2. Highly recommended. * JOHN GWYNNE, author of The Faithful and the Fallen Series *Cold Iron is a terrifically good novel that epitomises how good Fantasy novels can be when done right. * SFF WORLD *This is another book that reminded me very much of The Name of the Wind... while it might be slow and character focused, when the action hits, it's brutal and inventive. * FANTASY BOOK REVIEW *Cameron is a brilliant writer! * GRIMDARK MAGAZINE *Cold Iron is a fine, well-crafted book made by a master of historical and fantasy fiction. * FANTASY FACTION *Cold Iron is a very enjoyable book which manages to feel both familiar and fresh. I was intrigued by the world and the characters, and I'm invested in the plot to the extent that I'll be picking up the sequel as soon as I can get my grubby paws on it. * THE FANTASY INN *Miles Cameron is back with a brand new series and you're going to be hooked from the very beginning. A fresh take on the typical farm boy turned hero fantasy, this is everything you could possibly want in a fantasy series. * THE BIBLIOPHILE CHRONICLES *The depth and breadth of this book is breath taking, the skill with which its delivered is sure to make this book and this series a huge hit. * PARMENION BOOKS *

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Book Synopsis1808. Parted from his new bride, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is called away to join the Northern Expedition to Sweden, now Britain''s only ally in the Baltic. Following the sudden declaration of war by Russia and with the consequent threat of the czar''s great fleet in St Petersburg, the expedition must defend Britain''s dearly-won freedom in those waters. However Kydd finds his popular fame as a frigate captain is a poisoned chalice; in the face of jealousy and envy from his fellow captains, the distrust of the commander-in-chief and the betrayal of friendship by a former brother-in-arms now made his subordinate, can he redeem his reputation?In an entirely hostile sea Tyger ranges from the frozen north to the deadly confines of the Danish Sound - and plays a pivotal role in the situation ensuing after the czar''s sudden attack on Finland. This climaxes in the first clash of fleets between Great Britain and Russia in history. To the victor will be the prizeTrade ReviewPraise for THE BALTIC PRIZE:-As always with Stockwin's stories, the characters are engaging, the story is full of exciting action, and much of the story is real, based on historical research. You learn about history as you enjoy a rousing tale. And as with every Kydd tale, I couldn't put the book down once I started reading. In my book, number nineteen The Baltic Prize is another winner! * Booksville Blog *The book on a whole is very enjoyable but for me, the best parts were those that took place at sea and aboard the Tyger (Kydd's ship). Stockwin himself was in the British Navy and his wealth of knowledge shows through in the naval scenes, settings and action (ship on ship battles are extremely cool) giving them all a sense and feeling of authenticity as he brings them to life on the pages. * The Tattooed Book Geek Blog *Praise for the Thomas Kydd series:-Fans of fast-paced adventure will get their fill with this book. * Historical Naval Society on The Admiral's Daughter *Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line. * Daily Express *More historically accurate than the Patrick O'Brian series * Royal Navy Sailing Association journal *This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail * Nautical Magazine on VICTORY *

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Book Synopsis''Stockwin creates a knotty narrative, writing with authority about Britain''s Georgian navy and the physical world at sea with intrigue, captivating characters, and deft storytelling. Thunderer is a suspenseful journey'' Quarterdeck1812. Arriving back in England after his successes in the Adriatic, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is bestowed with honours. In London he''s greeted by the Prince Regent who, despite Kydd''s protestations that he''s happy with his present command, insists he be given a bigger ship - HMS Thunderer, a 74-gun ship of the line. But she''s old, and being part of a standing fleet Kydd''s chances of further fame and distinction are slim indeed. Winning over his new command is fraught with challenges. A hostile crew, abysmal levels of gunnery and sail-handling capabilities are intolerable to a fighting captain like Kydd. With the ship short of men and no incentives to attract more, can he ever bring Thunderer to a propTrade ReviewAs he has in twenty-three previous Kydd titles, Stockwin creates a knotty narrative, writing with authority about Britain's Georgian navy and the physical world at sea with intrigue, captivating characters, and deft storytelling. Thunderer is a suspenseful journey * Quarterdeck *

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Book SynopsisWhen King Richard the Lionheart’s health began to decline, the English leader organized a truce with the leader of the Islamic forces, Saladin. Agreeing to cease the battles on the condition that Jerusalem would be under Muslim control, the two leaders gave orders to their troops to return to their homes. However, Sir Kenneth, a Scottish knight, was in the search of a certain monk rather than his home when he encounters Emir, a cavalryman for Saladin’s forces. At first distrustful of each other and used to warfare, the two soldiers engage in a one-on-one battle. But when both refuse to surrender, the men realize that they are equally matched, and with the truces between their leaders, there was no reason to fight. Apon this realization, Amir and Kenneth become friends. When Kenneth later mentions that he is on a quest to find a Christian monk, Emir offers to accompany him, as he knows the terrain better than Kenneth. After happily accepting the offer, the two fighters set off on their journey, facing villains, deception, romance, and duels. Admired for its rich prose and skillfully portrayed plotline, Sir Walter Scott’s The Talisman is an intricate and theatrical work of literary art. With well-presented characters and an engrossing setting, The Talisman offers the rare depiction of a friendship between an Arabic and English soldier in the 11th century as well as the seldomly portrayed time of peace during the crusades. With themes of chivalry, virtue, and violence paired with compelling representation and a well-executed plot, Sir Walter Scott’s The Talisman exceeds high expectations. This edition of The Talisman by Sir Walter Scott now features a new, eye-catching cover design and is printed in a font that is both modern and readable. With these accommodations, this edition of The Talisman crafts an accessible and pleasant reading experience for modern audiences while restoring the original mastery and drama of Sir Walter Scott’s literature.

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Book SynopsisThe fate of the lost Franklin Expedition of 1847 is an enigma that has tantalised generations of historians, archaeologists and adventurers. The expedition was lost without a trace and all 129 men died in what is arguably the worst disaster in Britain's history of polar exploration. In the aftermath of the crew's disappearance, Lady Jane Franklin, Sir John's widow, maintained a crusade to secure her husband's reputation, imperiled alongside him and his crew in the frozen wastes of the Artic. Lady Franklin was an uncommon woman for her age, a socially and politically astute figure who ravaged anyone who she viewed as a threat to her husband's legacy. Meanwhile John Rae, an explorer and employee of the Hudson Bay Company, recovered deeply disturbing information from the Expedition. His shocking conclusions embroiled him in a bitter dispute with Lady Franklin which led to the ruin of his reputation and career. Against the background of Victorian society and the rise of the explorer celebrity, we learn of Lady Franklin's formidable grit to honour her husband's legacy; of John Rae being discredited and his eventual ruin, despite later being proven right. It is a fascinating assessment of the aftermath of the Franklin Expedition and its legacy.

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Book SynopsisRobert Louis Stevenson's classic, swashbuckling novel about a young boy who is forced to go to sea and who is then caught up in high drama, daring adventure and political intrigue. Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket-sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition is introduced by Louise Welsh and features black and white illustrations.Headstrong David Balfour, orphaned at seventeen, sets out from the Scottish Lowlands to seek his fortune in Edinburgh. Betrayed by his wealthy Uncle Ebenezer, he is carried away to sea to be sold into slavery in the Carolinas. On board, he secures a timely alliance with Jacobite adventurer Alan Breck, and together they make an epic escape across the western Highlands. Inspired by real events, Kidnapped is a swashbuckling adventure of bizarre encounters, political assassination and wild carousings with Robert Louis Stevenson’s unique counterpoint of low morals and high comedy threaded throughout.Trade ReviewStevenson’s ability to create other worlds is at the heart of his writing * Scottish Review of Books *

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