Historical adventure fiction

Book SynopsisTHE INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER'Exhilarating' GUARDIAN'Her writing has a timeless quality' THE TIMES'[Has] a visionary quality' OBSERVERA profound and explosive novel about a spirited girl alone in the wilderness, trying to surviveA servant girl escapes from a settlement. She carries nothing with her but her wits, a few possessions, and the spark of god that burns hot within her. What she finds is beyond the limits of her imagination and will bend her belief of everything that her own civilization has taught her.The Vaster Wilds is a work of raw and prophetic power that tells the story of America in miniature, through one girl at a hinge point in history, to ask how -and if - we can adapt quickly enough to save ourselves.Praise for MATRIX:'Lush, gripping and ferocious' MADELINE MILLER'Full of passion, wisdom and magic' SARAH WATERS'Gorgeous, sensual, addictive' SARA COLLINS'Brightly lit' NAOMI ALDERMAN'A propulsive, captivating read' BRIT BENNETT'Fascinating, beguiling, vivid' MARIAN KEYESTrade ReviewI could not stop reading. A haunting, thrilling, gripping and rich. An unputdownable adventure, a mystery and a strange beautiful redemption -- Naomi AldermanGroff is a mastermind, a masterpiece creator, an intoxicating magician. I wait with impatience for every book and I am always surprised and delighted. The Vaster Wilds feels like her bravest yet, hallucinatory, divine, beyond belief but also entirely human -- Daisy JohnsonThere is something exhilarating about this novel, a velocity of ambition . . . Groff is not lost in the forest. She knows exactly where she is going * Guardian *Her writing has a timeless quality . . . [Groff] has a nose for moments of transcendent, almost holy natural beauty * The Times *Another September title that we've been desperately waiting for— Lauren Groff, author of Matrix is back, with an electrifying new novel set in early colonial America; seventeenth century Jamestown, to be precise. A servant girl is working for her mistress who has a disabled daughter. She is devoted to the family but then abruptly leaves, heading into the wilderness, with just a few items and a spiritual spark inside of her. This is the start of the servant girl's journey — an utterly thrilling adventure in which she discovers the world around her and tries to find a different way to live in the face of colonialism. Written in Goff's trademark visceral prose, this haunting book will stay with you long after you've finished it. Fact * Glamour *Lauren Groff is one of the finest novelists of our age. Her writing is searingly beautiful - delicate and powerful at the same time. The voice of the unnamed girl is haunting and the descriptions of the wild lands are deliciously poetic. The Vaster Wilds first grabs you tenderly and then refuses to let go. It's exquisite, heart-wrenching and utterly mesmerising -- Andrea WulfAs always, Groff’s prose is finely worked, with a poet’s eye for imagery (a porcupine walks “his bristles through the undergrowth with the weary pomp of a crowned prince”) and a visionary quality that recalls Matrix * Observer *Groff writes in prose that sparkles . . . this beautifully written, soulful book is partly a fable and partly a treatise on greed: an exhortation for mankind to be satisfied with his lot, something we would all do well to heed * Spectator *Of the many distinctions of this rich and visionary novel, perhaps the greatest is its prose. The Vaster Wilds presents us with a powerful alternative vision of the settlement of America: one not of a struggle between civilisation and savagery, in which European men felt “a need to set their boots upon everything they saw”, but of a resourceful young woman working with nature to establish a new life. Barack Obama picked two of Groff’s previous books — Fates and Furies in 2015 and Matrix in 2021 — as his novels of the year. It would be no surprise if The Vaster Wilds made it a third * Financial Times *Groff’s prose is anointed with an agitated, near transcendent intensity…In setting her alongside the likes of Hernan Diaz, and his Pulitzer Prize- winning Trust (2022), Groff’s books makes her one of an exciting new generation of American novelists who are using fiction to rewrite the founding myths of the so- called Land of Liberty * Sunday Telegraph *Her storytelling has such raw virtuosity that the book is hard to put down. A page-turner which should appeal to Bear Grylls fans and feminists alike * Mail on Sunday *Between these memories, scenes mostly consist of the girl’s triumphs and misfortunes as she traverses the land. These make for gripping reading, the life-or-death implications made clear, even when the setback is as small as a mislaid pair of gloves. It is here that Groff’s spellbinding prose comes fully into play, as she describes the glory of the natural world, even in moments when it is at its most unforgiving * iNews *It’s a novel of bleakness and beauty, as the relentless demands of eking out a life wreck her ‘good strong dancing body’, while the wonders of nature leave her spirit ‘ravished' * Daily Mail *A dazzlingly clever tale . . . gorgeously precise prose, always elegantly weighted and perfectly economical * The Times on MATRIX *Pitch-perfect * Telegraph on MATRIX *Breathtaking * Financial Times on MATRIX *

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Book Synopsis*SHARPE'S COMMAND, the brand new novel in the global bestselling series, is available to pre-order now*Spain, May 1811As the British struggle to keep their last strongholds in Spain, Captain Richard Sharpe is handed a grenade of a command ordered to train the Spanish palace guards for battle.But when the crumbling frontier fort where they are based becomes the target for the elite French attack, Sharpe is confronted by an old enemy.After a desperate fight, the British are badly beaten and bruised and so is Sharpe's fragile reputation. The only hope of redemption is glory in one of the fiercest battles of the whole war. And so leading his men through the blood-stained, narrow streets of Fuentes de Oñoro is Sharpe . . .A master storyteller' DAILY TELEGRAPHTrade Review‘Sharpe and his creator are national treasures.' Sunday Telegraph 'Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation.' Daily Mail 'Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched.' Observer ‘The best battle scenes of any writer I’ve ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive.’ George R.R. Martin

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Book Synopsis*SHARPE'S COMMAND, the brand new novel in the global bestselling series, is available now*Lieutenant-Colonel Sharpe, sidelined on the Royal staff, magnificently siezes command at the final moment of the great victory.It is 1815. Sharpe is serving on the personal staff of the Prince of Orange, who refuses to listen to Sharpe's reports of an enormous army, led by Napoleon, marching towards them.The Battle of Waterloo commences and it seems as if Sharpe must stand by and watch the grandest scale of military folly. But at the height of battle, as victory seems impossible, Sharpe takes command and the most hard-fought and bloody battle of his career becomes his most magnificent triumph.Soldier, hero, rogue Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.Trade Review‘Sharpe and his creator are national treasures.' Sunday Telegraph 'Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation.' Daily Mail 'Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched.' Observer ‘The best battle scenes of any writer I’ve ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive.’ George R.R. Martin

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Book SynopsisTHE #1 SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER Introducing the explosive first Ben Hope adventure ‘Compelling from the first page until the last, Mariani and Ben Hope entertain in a gripping tale that will have you turning the pages well into the night’ MARK DAWSON Ben Hope lives on the edge. A former elite member of the SAS, Ben is tortured by a tragedy from his past and now devotes his life to finding kidnapped children. When Ben is recruited to locate an ancient manuscript which could save a dying child, he embarks on the deadliest quest of his life. The document is alleged to contain the formula for the elixir of life, discovered by the brilliant alchemist Fulcanelli decades before. But it soon becomes apparent that others are hunting this most precious of treasures – for far more evil ends. When the secrets of alchemy hidden within the pages remain impenetrable, Ben teams up with beautiful American scientist Dr Roberta Ryder to crack the code. It seems that everyone – from the Nazis during WW2 and powerful Catholic organisation Gladius Domini – wants to unearth the secrets of immortality. The trail leads Ben and Roberta from Paris to the ancient Cathar strongholds of the Languedoc, where an astonishing secret has lain hidden for centuries… The Ben Hope series is a must-read for fans of Dan Brown, Lee Child and Mark Dawson. Join the millions of readers who get breathless with anticipation when the countdown to the new Ben Hope thriller begins… Praise for Scott Mariani ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Deadly conspiracies, bone-crunching action and a tormented hero with a heart … Scott Mariani packs a real punch’ Andy McDermott ‘James Bond meets Jason Bourne meets The Da Vinci Code’ J. L. Carrell ‘Fans of Dan Brown will love this thrilling adventure’ Closer 'Non-stop action – this book delivers’ Steve Berry ‘If you’ve got a pulse, you’ll love Scott Mariani; if you haven’t, then maybe you crossed Ben Hope’ Simon Toyne ‘Full of authentic detail and heart-stopping action – a real thrill ride’ Ed Macy ‘An author to watch’ M. J. Rose ‘Packed with dark intrigue, danger around every corner, bullets flying, sexual tension, and an endless assault of nasty villains… everything a thriller should be and more’ Joe Moore  Trade Review Praise for Scott Mariani ‘Deadly conspiracies, bone-crunching action and a tormented hero with a heart . . . Scott Mariani packs a real punch’ Andy McDermott ‘James Bond meets Jason Bourne meets The Da Vinci Code’ J. L. Carrell ‘Fans of Dan Brown will love this thrilling adventure’ Closer 'Non-stop action – this book delivers’ Steve Berry ‘If you’ve got a pulse, you’ll love Scott Mariani; if you haven’t, then maybe you crossed Ben Hope’ Simon Toyne ‘Full of authentic detail and heart-stopping action – a real thrill ride’ Ed Macy ‘An author to watch’ M. J. Rose ‘Packed with dark intrigue, danger around every corner, bullets flying, sexual tension, and an endless assault of nasty villains . . . everything a thriller should be and more’ Joe Moore

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Book SynopsisBOOK 17 IN THE EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY, FROM INTERNATIONAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' - The Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily MirrorBETRAYED BY BLOOD. BOUND BY FATE. Inseparable since birth, Theo and Connie Courtney are torn apart by the tragic death of their parents.Theo, wracked with guilt, seeks salvation in combat, joining the British in the war against the French and Indian army. On a personal mission he meets the beautiful, innocent Abigail, with whom he falls madly in love. But when their tryst is discovered, Theo is left outcast in the wilderness, desperately fighting for his life. Determined to reclaim his honour and save Abigail, Theo does whatever it takes to survive.Connie, believing herself abandoned by her brother, and abused and brutalised by a series of corrupt guardians, makes her way to France, where she is welcomed into high society. Here, she once again finds herself at the mercy of vicious men, whose appetite for war and glory lead her to the frontlines of the French battlefield in North America.As the siblings find their destinies converging once more, they realise that the vengeance and redemption they both desperately seek could cost them their lives . . .A Courtney Series adventure - Book 2 in the Tiger's Prey sequence.Ghost Fire is an epic historical fiction adventure of tragedy, loss, betrayal and courage that brings the reader deep into the seething heart of war, from Wilbur Smith, one of the best and most beloved authors of the century. Don't miss the next thrilling chapter in the sequence, Storm Tide.Book 18 in the Courtney family series, Legacy of War, is available now.'Ghost Fire' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 08-09-2019.

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Book SynopsisCaptivate, kill or destroy the whole force of the enemy' was the order given to the American soldiers.THE FORT is the blistering new novel from worldwide bestseller Bernard Cornwell.Summer 1779.Seven hundred and fifty British soldiers and three small ships of the Royal Navy. Their orders: to build a fort above a harbour to create a base from which to control the New England seaboard.Forty-one American ships and over nine hundred men. Their orders: to expel the British.The battle that followed was a classic example of how the best-laid plans can be disrupted by personality and politics, and of how warfare can bring out both the best and worst in men. It is a timeless tale of men at war, written by a master storyteller.Trade Review‘Nobody in the world does this stuff better than Cornwell’ Lee Child ‘Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation.' Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisCoward, scoundrel, lover and cheat, but there is no better man to go into the jungle with. Join Flashman in his adventures as he survives fearful ordeals and outlandish perils across the four corners of the world.An international mission calls for unflinching bravery in the bedroom . . .Caught between an opium-selling vicar's wife, an Amazonian bandit queen looking for her next husband and the Chinese Emperor's ravishing concubine, Harry Flashman is busier than ever.Trade Review'Flashman is a wonderful creation, by a master storyteller. We'll forever delight in his evil antics' JEFFREY ARCHER ‘Politically incorrect, lascivious and fiendishly handsome, Flashman is the greatest ’ BORIS JOHNSON ‘Flashman is one of the great characters of modern fiction; a rogue, a lover, and always an irresistible read’ BERNARD CORNWELL ‘Flashman, Sherlock Holmes, Toad of Toad Hall, Bertie Wooster. Any writer would give his eye-teeth to have created a character as good as those. GMF was one of the greats’ CONN IGGULDEN ‘The perfect fictional creation’ TONY PARSONS ‘A first-rate historical novelist’ KINGSLEY AMIS

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Book SynopsisThis was the original game of thrones' George R.R. MartinTrade Review‘Iron kings and strangled queens, battles and betrayals, lies and lust, the curse of the Templars, the doom of a great dynasty – and all of it (well, most of it) straight from the pages of history, and believe me, the Starks and the Lannisters have nothing on the Capets and Plantagenets. Whether you are a history buff or a fantasy fan, Druon's epic will keep you turning pages. This was the original game of thrones’GEORGE R.R. MARTIN ‘Blood-curdling tale of intrigue, murder, corruption and sexual passion’SUNDAY TIMES ‘Barbaric, sensual, teeming with life, based in wide reading and sound scholarship…among the best historical novels’ TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENT

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Book SynopsisSome things are earned. Some things are worth fighting for…  It’s 1782, Daniel and his sister Pearl arrive in London with the world at their feet and their future assured. Having escaped a Jamaican sugar plantation, Daniel fought for the British in the American War of Independence and was rewarded with freedom and an inheritance.   But the city is not a place for men like Daniel and he is callously tricked and finds himself, along with his sister Pearl, in the rookeries of St Giles – a warren of dark and menacing alleyways, filled with violence and poverty.   The underworld labyrinth is run by Elias, a man whose cruelty knows no bounds. But under his dangerous rule is a brotherhood of Black men, the Blackbirds of St Giles, whose intention is to set their people free.   Can Daniel use his strength, wit and the fellowship of the other Blackbirds to overthrow Elias and truly find the freedom he fought for&hell

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy, a profoundly authentic, action-packed adventure set on Rome's Danubian frontier. AD 105: DACIA The Dacian kingdom and Rome are at peace, but no one thinks that it will last. Sent to command an isolated fort beyond the Danube, centurion Flavius Ferox can sense that war is coming, but also knows that enemies may be closer to home. Many of the Brigantes under his command are former rebels and convicts, as likely to kill him as obey an order. And then there is Hadrian, the emperor's cousin, and a man with plans of his own... Gritty, gripping and profoundly authentic, The Fort is the first book in a brand new trilogy set in the Roman empire from bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy. Reviews for the Vindolanda Trilogy: 'No one knows the Roman army better than Adrian Goldsworthy, and no one writes more convincing Roman fiction' Harry Sidebottom 'An authentic, enjoyable read' The Times 'Gritty and realistic... Goldsworthy’s characters are authentically ancient and his descriptions of Roman Briton ring true' Daily Telegraph (Sydney)Trade ReviewGoldsworthy's meticulous historical knowledge is very much in evidence in The Fort. There are multiple perspectives, ranging from Hadrian's to a Dacian mystic's. This makes for an extraordinarily rich picture of a battle on the empire's borders * The Times *Part adventure, part thriller but it's also a dramatic and credible recreation of Roman and barbarian life and an exploration of the ancient political world... An historian can bring a lot to a fictional tale but only if they have the novelist's gene and understand imaginative storytelling too, Goldsworthy does. He writes fiction with the accuracy of an academic and the flair of a creative writer... The author understands the Roman mentality, the historical events that underpin the fiction and the physical and cultural landscape of the empire' * NB Magazine *PRAISE FOR THE VINDOLANDA TRILOGY: 'Praise the gods, Ferox returns in a novel of explosive action and profound authenticity. No one knows the Roman army better than Adrian Goldsworthy, and no one writes more convincing Roman fiction' Harry Sidebottom, on Brigantia. 'Gritty and realistic... Goldsworthy's characters are authentically ancient and his descriptions of Roman Briton ring true' Daily Telegraph (Sydney). 'Incredibly authentic... Plenty of action and a cracking read for lovers of historical fiction or fans of Roman history' What Cathy Read Next. 'An authentic, enjoyable read' The Times. 'Much more accurate than the usual action fiction about legionaries and Rome... Brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain' * New Books Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe twelfth hair-raising Dirk Pitt thriller sees the adventurer hunt for a fabulous hoard of Inca gold, before the richest prize known to man is lost forever.ACTION-PACKED ADVENTUREA call for help from a stricken archaeological expedition brings Dirk Pitt to a sacred well, high in the Andes. There he confronts a band of ruthless art thieves, who plunder ancient sites for their precious artefacts.But soon Dirk Pitt faces even graver danger, as he searches for a lost Spanish galleon and hunts for a fabulous hoard of Inca gold. And in a desperate race against time, Pitt must track down a sacred site before the richest prize known to man is lost to the world foreverTrade ReviewPraise for Clive Cussler: ‘Just about the best storyteller in the business’ New York Post ‘Cussler is hard to beat’ Daily Mail ‘The Adventure King’ Sunday Express ‘Frightening and full of suspense … unquestionably entertaining’ Daily Express ‘Much fun, crisply told, with exciting special effects’ Kirkus Review ‘Clive Cussler is the guy I read’ Tom Clancy ‘No holds barred adventure … a souped-up treat’ Daily Mirror ‘Clive Cussler and Dirk Pitt are the first names in adventure’Stephen Coonts ‘Clive Cussler has no equal’ Publishers Weekly

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Book SynopsisI ought to tell you at the beginning that I am not quite normal having had a violent experience at the age of nine''Jessica Vye''s ''violent experience'' colours her schooldays and her reaction to the world around her- a confining world of Order Marks, wartime restrictions, viyella dresses, nicely-restrained essays and dusty tea shops. For Jessica she has been told that she is ''beyond all possible doubt'', a born writer. With her inability to conform, her absolute compulsion to tell the truth and her dedication to accurately noting her experiences, she knows this anyway. But what she doesn''t know is that the experiences that sustain and enrich her burgeoning talent will one day lead to a new- and entirely unexpected- reality.

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Book SynopsisBOOK 6 IN THE BALLANTYNE SERIES, BY INTERNATIONAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King 'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times 'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' - The Times 'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily MirrorDIVIDED BY WAR. UNITED BY LOVE.On a beautiful September day, General Penrod Ballantyne and his fiancée, the successful travel writer, Amber Benbrook, stroll hand in hand through the busy streets of Cairo. The future is theirs for the taking. But when Penrod's jealous former lover, Lady Agatha, plants doubt about his character, Amber leaves him and travels to the wilds of Abyssinia with her twin sister, Saffron, and her adventurer husband, Ryder Courtney. On a mission to establish a silver mine, they make the dangerous journey to the new capital of Addis Ababa, where they are welcomed by King Menelik II, the King of Kings. He knows of a plot to invade his beloved Abyssinia, and he needs the Courtneys to help him win. Back in Cairo, a heartbroken Penrod seeks oblivion in Lady Agatha and the city's opium dens, descending into ruin. He is rescued from himself by an old friend, who is now in the Italian army, and offered the chance restore his honour and to join the military efforts. Italy has designs on Abyssinia, and there are rumours of a plan to invade . . . With storm clouds gathering, and on opposing sides of the conflict, can Penrod and Amber find their way back to one another - against all the odds?An epic historical adventure of love, betrayal, courage and war. King of Kings brings together two of Wilbur Smith's greatest families, the Courtneys and the Ballantynes in this sequel to his worldwide bestseller, The Triumph of the Sun (Sunday Times, Jul 2018).The sixth book in the epic Ballantyne Series and the second title in an exciting crossover sequence between Wilbur Smith's two iconic family sagas, the Ballantynes and the Courtneys.The adventures of the Ballantynes and Courtney's continue in Book 7 of the Ballantyne series, Mafeking, coming soon

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Book SynopsisBOOK 16 IN THE EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY, FROM INTERNATIONAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH'Best historical novelist' - Stephen King'A master storyteller' - Sunday Times'Wilbur Smith is one of those benchmarks against whom others are compared' ­-The Times'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily MirrorTWO HEROES. ONE UNBREAKABLE BOND.Torn apart by war, Saffron Courtney and Gerhard von Meerbach are thousands of miles apart, both struggling for their lives.Gerhard - despite his objections to the Nazi regime - is fighting for the Fatherland, hoping one day to rid Germany of Hitler and his cronies. But as his unit is thrown into the hellish attrition of the Battle of Stalingrad, he knows his chances of survival are dwindling by the day.Meanwhile Saffron - recruited by the Special Operations Executive and sent to occupied Belgium to discover how the Nazis have infiltrated SOE's network - soon finds herself hunted by Germany's most ruthless spymaster. Confronted by evil beyond their worst imaginings, the lovers must each make the hardest choice of all: sacrifice themselves, or do whatever they can to survive, hoping that one day they will be reunited.A Courtney Series adventure - Book 3 in the Assegai sequence.Courtney's War is an epic historical adventure of courage, betrayal and undying love that takes the reader to the very heart of a world at war, from Wilbur Smith, one of the best and most beloved authors of the century. Don't miss the thrilling conclusion of the Assegai sequence, Legacy of War, available now.Book 17 in the Courtney family series, Ghost Fire, is available now.'Courtney's War' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 09-09-2018.

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Book Synopsis''Packed full of action, excitement, peril and romance on the high seas, this is the sapphic pirate book of my dreams'' SARAH UNDERWOOD, author of Lies We Sing to the Sea''Thrilling, heart-pounding adventure meets thoughtful feminist history . . . a rare and special tale'' VAISHNAVI PATEL, author of Kaikeyi''I flew through the pages as if my ability to breath depended on it . . . This book has stolen my heart!'' THE DEBUT DIGEST__________________________________________1656, Saint-Domingue. In the dark confines of a cell, a prisoner is waiting. Soon the hangman will call her name. Jacquotte Delahaye. A name which has struck fear into even the mightiest of empires. For Jacquotte is no ordinary prisoner: she is a pirate.Fierce. Legendary. Deadly.As the hangman prepares the noose, Jacquotte''s story is told, charting her humble origins from the island of Hispaniola to the deck of a fearsome pirate s

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Book SynopsisA thrilling and breathtaking Viking saga of betrayal, bloodshed and brotherhood from the Sunday Times bestselling author of Lancelot, Giles Kristian. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Games of Thrones.Nobody writes this type of swaggering historical fiction better than Kristian -- THE TIMESA belter of a novel...perfect for fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike, from Cornwell to Abercrombie -- BEN KANECombines gritty, brutal history with the lyrical essence of men as war...written with a panache that made the pages fly by. More! -- ANTHONY RICHESI love a good Viking romp and these are really good! -- ***** Reader reviewGiles Kristian certainly knows how to spin a yarn. -- ***** Reader review***********************************A VOW OF VENGEANCE MUST BE KEPT...Norway AD 785. Sigurd Haraldarson has proved himself a great warrior . . . aTrade ReviewStorm-blown, salt-flecked and gore-spattered, Winter’s Fire is a belter of a novel. It’s just what I have come to expect from the master storyteller, Giles Kristian, whose books throw the reader headlong into the Viking age . . . this is a stirring tale of comradeship, bloodshed and treachery. It’s perfect for fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike, from Cornwell to Abercrombie. -- BEN KANEWild as the waves, savage as a wolf pack in full flight, this is Viking writing at its best. bloody and savage and glorious, this tale of courage and cunning, of vengeance and of lives touched by the Gods is all we could possibly ask for from a historical novel: perfect. -- MANDA SCOTTNobody writes this type of swaggering historical fiction better than Kristian. Big swords, bigger beards and lots of action, all delivered with real panache and poetry. -- ANTONIA SENIOR * The Times *There are authors whose work I take the time to savour. Ben Kane for gritty, brutal history. Christian Cameron for the lyrical essence of men at war. Joe Abercrombie for grim, scarred characters with no choice except to fight and die. Giles Kristian’s Winter's Fire combined all three, but blended with a panache that made the pages fly by in a single sitting. More! -- ANTHONY RICHESSimply stunning. * PARMENION BOOKS *

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Book SynopsisThe second thrilling instalment in the bestselling epic fantasy series, the Empire of Salt. ''Must read now! Iggulden is clearly having fun pitching his heroes and villains into bloody combat'' SciFiNow ___________ TWO ANCIENT CITIES. ONE FINAL WAR. In Shiang, the young king rules without dissent. Swordsmen stand watch on every corner, looking for the first sign of rebellion. Yet in one swift move, order is overturned. The balance of centuries is undone in the sudden spill of blood - and in the darkness, something terrible returns to Shiang . . . Far to the west, four Shiang masters approach the city walls of Darien. The sword saint and his companions have crossed a continent to bring an old man home for punishment. And they will not be denied, even if the whole city stands in their way . . . Fans of Joe Abercrombie, Bernard Cornwell and Game of Thrones will be grippeTrade ReviewA master storyteller * Sunday Express *Iggulden is in a class of his own * Daily Mirror *One of our finest historical novelists * Daily Express *

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Book SynopsisA Horatio Hornblower Tale of the Sea.1805, and Hornblower is both humbled and honoured in quick succession . . .After near disaster on board a canal barge, Horatio Hornblower is given his first assignment as Captain, taking charge of the Atropos, a 22-gun sloop that will act as flagship for the funeral procession of Lord Nelson. Soon the Atropos is part of the Mediterranean fleet''s assault upon Napoleon, and Captain Hornblower must execute a bold and daring salvage operation for buried treasure lying deep in Turkish waters. Under the guns of a suspicious port captain and the threat of a Spanish frigate more than double Atropos''s size, Hornblower must steer his ship unscathed and triumphant. . .This is the fourth of eleven books chronicling the adventures of C.S. Forester''s inimitable nautical hero, Horation Hornblower.''I recommend Forester to every literate I know'' Ernest Hemingway''I find Hornblower admirable,

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Book Synopsis The Three Musketeers meets Joe Abercrombie via Mark Lawrence: 'Guaranteed to increase household swashbuckling by 100%,' says Library Journal The Greatcoats are travelling magistrates bringing justice to all . . . or at least they were, before they watched the Dukes impale their King's head on a spike. Now the land's heroes are reviled as traitors, their Greatcoats in tatters.Facio, Kest and Brasti have been reduced to working as mercenaries, but when they find their employer dead - and are forced to watch as the killer plants evidence framing them for the murder - they realise things are about to get even worse.For the royal conspiracy that began with overthrowing an idealistic young king is spreading to Rijou, the most corrupt city in the land, and the life of a young girl hangs in the balance. When every noble is a tyrant and every knight is a thug, the only thing you can really trust is a traitor's blade. Trade ReviewOne hell of a good book * Conn Iggulden *Fantastic from the first sentence to the last. Combining old-school swashbuckling action with contemporary characters and a good dose of grit, these books are the rarest of things, great rollicking fun combined with an emotional punch . . . Sebastien, write faster! * John Gwynne, Author of the Faithful and the Fallen *An energetic, fun adventure that puts the "musk" back in "musketeer." Guaranteed to increase household swashbuckling by 100%. * Library Journal *Each bloody encounter [is] described with meticulous detail . . . Traitor's Blade is the entertaining story of how the greatcoats rose and fell, and how they could rise again * SFX *With a tip of his hat at Alexandre Dumas, Sebastien de Castell make a fine first impression in this entertaining debut . . . Traitor's Blade is a bunch of fun from one cover to the other * Tor.com *It made me laugh out loud and it made me shed an occasional tear. It dragged me right in to the world of Tristia. Traitor's Blade is a great book and I'm already looking forward to reading the next in the series * Fantasy Faction *High energy, highly unique, swashbuckling-cop-epic-noir story. Buy it. BUY IT NOW. * Sam Sykes, author of The City Stained Red *Don't hesitate to buy this if you love a great hero and story . . . What a voice! What story-telling brio! If you love Dumas, or Game of Thrones or The False Prince this is the swashbuckling fantasy for you. * Amanda Craig, author of Hearts And Minds *[An] engaging swashbuckling romp driven by elaborate swordplay and Aaron Sorkin-esque speechifying * Starburst Magazine *Traitor's Blade provides swashbuckling fan service, and has fun along the way, but it also packs a sneaky emotional punch as well. Dumas would be proud. * Pornokitsch * If you love adventure, fantasy history, sword fights, nobility, and cutting and dark humor, Traitor's Blade should be right up your alley * Fanboy Comics *A page turner in the true sense of the phrase . . . Witty, romantic and atmospheric in the way of great adventure stories, the Greatcoats series looks set to be a thoroughly enjoyable one * British Fantasy Society *Sebastien De Castell has firmly planted his name on my radar as one of the best debut Fantasy authors this year ... I enjoyed Traitor's Blade immensely and can't wait for the next book and whatever the author comes up with in the future. Certainly a book that I highly recommend, to anyone! * Draumr Kopa Blog *Traitor's Blade may well end up going down as one of the strongest first fantasy novels of recent times - it's an absolute stunner that you can't afford to miss. * The Founding Fields *Every so often, a debut novel comes along that knocks your expectations out of the park. Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora is one of those novels. Peter V. Brett's The Painted Man is another. Sebastien de Castell's Traitor's Blade needs to be added to that list. I loved this * Civilian Reader *Brilliantly conceived, cleverly executed and a whole bucket of fun, this will be one of the most entertaining novels you read this year * Liz Loves Books *I loved loved loved Traitor's Blade. I would recommend it to everyone. Seriously, this is one excellent and remarkably entertaining book! Read it * Bibliosanctum *Traitor's Blade is not to be missed. It might even be the best début of 2014. The mesmerising plot and imaginative world, not to mention the awesome characters, will entertain even the most discerning of readers. * Speculating on SpecFic. *One of the best debut novels I've had the pleasure of reading . . . Read this! You'll love it * Drunken Dragon Reviews *Pretty darn awesome * Book Geek Says *The Three Musketers meets Game of Thrones, Traitor's Blade is the most delightful fun . . . marks the perfect start to a swashbuckling adventure series . . . A thoughtful book [that will] remind you that there are a lot of things in this world worth fighting for * fantasy-smorgasbord *A terrific read. I enjoyed reading it very, very much. A must read! * The Book Plank *Packed with humour, emotion and great character camaraderie . . . Jo Fletcher Books have given the genre a real treat. I want to join the Greatcoats * Parmenion Books *I was hooked from page 3 . . . The humor, the swashbuckling, the humor WHILE swashbuckling . . . If you're an action oriented reader like I am this will tickle you pink. 5 Stars * Not Yet Read *This is a great book from an equally great writer . . . As long as de Castell keeps writing these books, I will keep reading them * Utter Biblio *Traitor's Blade is a very polished debut with a solid plot, great characters, a lovely world, and most importantly, it exudes a sense of fun that is infectious ... Traitor's Blade comes highly recommended * A Fantastical Librarian *I've rarely enjoyed swordplay and fight scenes in a book as much as I enjoyed these . . . Sebastien de Castell's offering up one that's most certainly worth your time * Over the Effing Rainbow *An excellent read [with] powerful narrative and many twists and turns . . . takes its place in my top 25 of the year to date * Fantasy Book Critic *Had me enthralled, and as I started to write my review I found myself reading huge chunks of it over again. Yep, this is my kind of book * And then I read a Book *Fact is this book is just fun. The witty banter alone makes it worth reading. * Fantasy Review Barn *I laughed and smiled, and felt the tension, and the emotional struggles the characters faced. I let go of myself and really sank into one intensely amazing, incredibly well realized world * Bookworm Blues *Traitor's Blade is a constant blur of movement and action . . . Full of wit, intrigue, action and violence, it's a wonderful introduction to a new fantasy world and the people that inhabit it. And, from what we see on our first visit, there are plenty of reasons to come back for more * Reader Dad *Traitor's Blade is a compelling read. The story is complex and with plenty of threads ... The fight scenes are detailed and you almost feel as if you are there, dodging the blades. I really enjoyed this book * Dragons and Fairy Dust *De Castell has produced a wonderfully inventive, thoroughly entertaining story and a fascinating world in which to set it * Nerds of A Feather *Hooked me from the get-go with mystery and the promise of a new fantasy world. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me angry, and it made me so incredibly frustrated - but in a good way! It had so many twists and turns I couldn't even begin to guess what would happen, and I was glued to the book until I found out * Panda Cat Reads *An amazing debut and one of my favourite books of the year. If the quality of the series continues this might just be one of my all-time favorites * Speculative Book Review *Battles with evil dukes, vicious and cruel aristocratic ladies and politics to rival anything GRRM has conceived, this truly is an epic tale * Seans Blog Now *This book is truly brilliant. * Junipers Jungle *There is plenty of action and intrigue to satisfy all, political maneuvering is matched by deeds of great heroism, and Falcio's story will definitely leave the reader wanting more. * SF Book *I just read the second book in Scott Lynch's Gentleman Bastard series and I felt like this book contained almost everything that was fun in Red Seas Under Red Skies but cut out all of the slow stuff. They both had a wonderful adventurous feel but this was far tighter, sleeker and more exciting and was a complete and entire book * A Reading Machine *Falcio's story will definitely leave the reader wanting more. * SF Book Reviews *Traitor's Blade delivers on many levels. It was fun, action-packed, had some great characters, and a stellar ending that leaves the reader craving more. * A Bitter Draft *'The Three Musketeers meets Game of Thrones, Traitor's Blade is the most delightful fun ... [should] be high up on anyone's list of 2014 Fantasy books' fantasy-smorgasbord. * smorgasbord *'Traitor's Blade is a very polished debut with a solid plot, great characters, a lovely world, and most importantly, it exudes a sense of fun that is infectious ... [it] comes highly recommended' A Fantastical Librarian. * A Fantastical Librarian *'An excellent read [with] powerful narrative and many twists and turns ... Traitor's Blade is the first 'new' fantasy of 2014 that met and even exceeded my expectations' Fantasy Book Critic. * Fantasy Book Critic *'Brilliantly conceived, cleverly executed and a whole bucket of fun, this will be one of the most entertaining novels you read this year' Liz Loves books. * Liz Loves books *'An all-round brilliant fantasy debut, and one of the best I've read in a decade ... Every so often, a debut novel comes along that knocks your expectations out of the park. Scott Lynch's The Lies of Locke Lamora is one of those novels. Peter V. Brett's The Painted Man is another. Sebastien de Castell's Traitor's Blade needs to be added to that list. I loved this' Civilian Reader. * Civilian Reader *'Traitor's Blade is something new in the fantasy genre ... Left me thinking about it for days afterwards, the style, the plot, the characters, and most of all wishing for the next book in the series ... I want to join the Greatcoats!' Parmenionbooks. * Parmenionbooks *'If this isn't your most anticipated debut novel of 2014, then you're doing it wrong. Traitor's Blade may well end up going down as one of the strongest first fantasy novels of recent times - it's an absolute stunner that you can't afford to miss' The Founding Fields. * Founding Fields *'With a tip of his hat to Alexandre Dumas, Sebastien de Castell makes a fine first impression in this entertaining debut ... Traitor's Blade is a bunch of fun from one cover to the other' Tor.com. * Tor.com *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE WILBUR SMITH ADVENTURE WRITING PRIZE FOR BEST PUBLISHED NOVEL 2022 A Telegraph Best Book for Summer 2022 'Highly recommended' MICK HERRON 'A great adventure. Dripping with atmosphere and exotic life' WILLIAM BOYD 'A riveting page-turner, rich with fascinating period detail' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH ___________1867. King's Road, Chelsea, is a sea of plant nurseries, catering to the Victorian obsession with rare and exotic flora. But each of the glossy emporiums is fuelled by the dangerous world of the plant hunters – daring adventurers sent into uncharted lands in search of untold wonders to grace England's finest gardens.Harry Compton is as far from a plant hunter as one could imagine – a salesman plucked from the obscurity of the nursery growing fields to become 'the face that sold a thousand plants'.But one small act of kindness sees him inherit a precious gift – a specimen of a fabled tree last heard of in The Travels of Marco Polo, and a map.Seizing his chance for fame and fortune, Harry sets out to make his mark. But where there is wealth there is corruption, and soon Harry is fleeing England, rounding the Cape of Good Hope and sailing up the Yangtze alongside a young widow – both in pursuit of the plant that could transform both their lives forever.Trade Review'It's a great Stevensonian adventure but with a 21st century spin. Harry and Clarissa work really well – wholly believable and sexily engaging. The detail and the textures throughout are exemplary: lightly worn but dripping with atmosphere and exotic life. Really brilliantly achieved' -- William Boyd'The Plant Hunter is a feast for the senses and a must for every reader who enjoys great adventure writing. The exuberant life in these pages and the drama of the story along with Mogford's lively engaging writing make this a life-enhancing pleasure to read. Be swept away' -- Imogen Robertson'An old-fashioned adventure yarn with all the virtues of the genre, The Plant Hunter engages, informs and entertains, while taking the reader to distant, unexpected places. Highly recommended' -- Mick Herron'It's excellent. No other word for it. I found the period and technical detail absolutely fascinating, and the characterisation really convincing. A beautiful, charming book that stays in the mind long after you've closed it and put it away. I was delighted by it' -- John Simpson'Carried along by the drama, the history, the travel, the romance, the love of a dog, let alone the plant-hunting. I couldn't put this down' -- Sarah Raven'It is a belter!' -- Jessie Childs, author of God's Traitors: Terror and Faith in Elizabethan England'A terrific swash-and-buckle adventure. The detail is eye-opening, the story gripping and unusual. Bravo!' -- Elizabeth BuchanCleanly written ... and exquisite' * Times Literary Supplement *'A good adventure story, a ripping yarn of a tale' * Country Life *

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Book SynopsisYou've read the myths, now discover what really happened! In this powerful historical adventure set in Ancient Greece, the Argonauts take on mighty Troy, witness the strange skills of Circe, and encounter the unfortunate Sirens. Jason is the second novel in the breathtaking Blades of Bronze series, perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and Madeline Miller. They may have won the prize, but will any of them make it home alive? Jason has fulfilled the mission set him by his scheming uncle, King Pelias of Iolkos: he and the Argonauts have won the fabled Golden Fleece of Colchis. Jason dreams of glory – of taking his uncle's throne, rightfully his – and, like his warrior shipmates, of home. But it is not only Pelias who wishes Jason ill. Before the Argonauts can make it back to Iolkos, they must contend with a legion of foes who would see them dead – and a web of allies who are not quite what they seem. Jason and his warriors must outwit the recondite Circe and the spies of mighty Troy, overcome hostile tribes beyond the Danube, and sail the troubled waters of the Archipelagos, where the Sirens wait to snare unwary seafarers. Yet Jason's perils are only beginning, for he will soon discover that a truer evil lies closer to home... 'A bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth with every stroke of Jason's oar. Knowles's storytelling captured my imagination from the very first page. It is wonderfully atmospheric' Daisy Dunn, editor of ARGO: A Hellenic Review, and author of Of Gods and Men: 100 Stories from Ancient Greece & Rome PRAISE FOR THE BLADES OF BRONZE SERIES AND MARK KNOWLES 'Mark Knowles has taken the legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece, and stripped it down to its bare bones... Epic battles, well-rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world' Adam Lofthouse 'What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story' Sam Taw 'Knowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... brilliant' Dr Paul Millett '[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable' Boarding Schools' AssociationTrade ReviewA bold and thrilling voyage that plunges you deep into the world of ancient myth with every stroke of Jason's oar. Knowles's storytelling captured my imagination from the very first page. It is wonderfully atmospheric. -- Daisy DunnThe storyline is rich, fleshing out the myth well while packing in enough action and heroics to engage a modern reader * Midwest Book Review *PRAISE FOR MARK KNOWLES: 'What a spectacular triumph! Knowles has taken a reassuringly familiar legend and elevated it into a new, realistic and engrossing story. This glorious hero quest is packed with intrigue, adventure, mystery, and beautifully written skirmishes, raising the stakes higher and higher as the crew venture into darker and more treacherous lands.' Sam Taw on Argo. 'A deeply researched historical epic, so brilliantly brought to life I could taste the salt air on my tongue... Epic battles, well rounded characters sailing through a brilliantly described world.' Adam Lofthouse, author of The Centurion's Son, on Argo. '[Knowles] has teamed his love of learning classics and childhood love of sword-and-sandals epics to accomplish something remarkable.' Boarding Schools' Association. 'Knowles has combined historical realities with sure-footed imagination... Brilliant.' -- Dr Paul Millett, Cambridge University

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Book Synopsis*SHARPE'S COMMAND, the brand new novel in the global bestselling series, is available to pre-order now*Spain, August 1810The English army faces ruin in Spain and the Duke of Wellington is desperate for money to fund the war. Only a cache of hidden Spanish gold can save them.And only Captain Richard Sharpe has the cunning to capture it.In the treacherous terrain of the Portuguese hills, with rain sweeping the peninsula, a powerful guerrilla leader holds possession of the gold. And risking everything for the ultimate prize for his honour, for his army's fate is Sharpe . . .A master storyteller' DAILY TELEGRAPHTrade Review‘Sharpe and his creator are national treasures.' Sunday Telegraph 'Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation.' Daily Mail 'Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched.' Observer ‘The best battle scenes of any writer I’ve ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive.’ George R.R. Martin

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Book Synopsis*SHARPE'S COMMAND, the brand new novel in the global bestselling series, is available to pre-order now*Richard Sharpe returns to England to save the regiment.Major Sharpe's men are in mortal danger not from the French, but from the bureaucrats of Whitehall. Unless reinforcements can be brought from England, the regiment will be disbanded.Determined not to see his regiment die, Sharpe returns to England and uncovers a nest of high-ranking traitors, any of whom could utterly destroy his career with a word. Sharpe is forced into the most desperate gamble of his life and not even the influence of the Prince Regent may be enough to save him.Soldier, hero, rogue Sharpe is the man you always want on your side. Born in poverty, he joined the army to escape jail and climbed the ranks by sheer brutal courage. He knows no other family than the regiment of the 95th Rifles whose green jacket he proudly wears.Trade Review‘Sharpe and his creator are national treasures.' Sunday Telegraph 'Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation.' Daily Mail 'Cornwell's narration is quite masterly and supremely well-researched.' Observer ‘The best battle scenes of any writer I’ve ever read, past or present. Cornwell really makes history come alive.’ George R.R. Martin

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Book SynopsisAssassin''s Creed: Unity is the seventh title in Oliver Bowden''s phenomenally successful Assassin''s Creed videogame tie-in series.1789: The magnificent city of Paris sees the dawn of the French Revolution. The cobblestone streets run red with blood as the people rise against the oppressive aristocracy. But revolutionary justice comes at a high price...At a time when the divide between the rich and poor is at its most extreme, and a nation is tearing itself apart, a young man and woman fight to avenge all they have lost.Soon Arno and Élise are drawn into the centuries-old battle between the Assassins and the Templars - a world with dangers more deadly than they could ever have imagined.The immersive story of the Assassins is continued in Oliver Bowden''s gripping seventh Assassin''s Creed novel, following Renaissance, Brotherhood, The Secret Crusade, Revelations, Forsaken and Black Flag.Oliver Bowden is the pen-name of an acclaimed novelist.

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Book SynopsisMarcus Aquila and his allies spearhead a daring attack into enemy territory, as three generals claim to be the true Roman Emperor.A new civil war has begun: with the emperor Pertinax''s murder Marcus and his protector Scaurus have escaped Rome, seeking sanctuary for their familia in the East.But they are soon pressed back into service by Septimus Severus, the ruthless commander who has seized the imperial capital and who holds the military balance of power over his two rivals.Niger, the would-be emperor in the East, is on the march with six legions, and Scaurus''s legion is ordered to Thrace as a sacrificial advance guard, tasked with delaying them. Whatever the cost . . .

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Book SynopsisHarperCollins is proud to present its new range of best-loved, essential classics.I do not cling to life sufficiently to fear death.'Adventurous and spirited in tone, The Three Musketeers is considered one of the greatest historical French novels. When Athos, Porthos and Aramis befriend a young and determined country boy d'Artagnan, together they confront the scheming King's Minister, Cardinal Richelieu and the female spy Milady who threaten to undermine the King. Swashbuckling, romantic and often humourous, Dumas' novel is a timeless tale of friendship and intrigue.

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Book SynopsisCandide, or the Optimist is Voltaire’s hilarious and deeply scathing satire on the Age of Enlightenment. This classic of French literature has been a bestseller for over two hundred years.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 classic of French literature features an introduction by Dr Marine Ganofsky.Young nobleman Candide lives a sheltered and comfortable life under the tutorship of the ridiculous Dr Pangloss who espouses the prevailing 18th-century philosophy of Optimism. Following an indiscretion, Candide is cast out into the world which according to Pangloss is ‘the best of all possible worlds’. But this is not so, Candide and his companions encounter nothing but ludicrous calamities in their madcap travels around the world – war crimes, earthquakes, inquisitions and chain gangs – all based with horrible closeness on real events of the 18th century.Trade ReviewCandide remains politically topical and its McCarthy-era satire has, unfortunately, lost little relevance -- John Allison * Telegraph *It was no fable inhabiting some make-believe or symbolic location; rather, it was a report on the current state of the world, deliberately set among the headlines of the day -- Julian Barnes * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisCoward, scoundrel, lover and cheat, but there is no better man to go into the jungle with. Join Flashman in his adventures as he survives fearful ordeals and outlandish perils across the four corners of the world.As the Light Brigade prepare to charge the Russian guns at Balaclava, Flashman assumes his characteristic battle position: sabre rattling, teeth chattering, bowels rumbling in terror and about to bolt.Trade Review'Flashman is a wonderful creation, by a master storyteller. We'll forever delight in his evil antics' JEFFREY ARCHER ‘Politically incorrect, lascivious and fiendishly handsome, Flashman is the greatest ’ BORIS JOHNSON ‘Flashman is one of the great characters of modern fiction; a rogue, a lover, and always an irresistible read’ BERNARD CORNWELL ‘Flashman, Sherlock Holmes, Toad of Toad Hall, Bertie Wooster. Any writer would give his eye-teeth to have created a character as good as those. GMF was one of the greats’ CONN IGGULDEN ‘The perfect fictional creation’ TONY PARSONS ‘A first-rate historical novelist’ KINGSLEY AMIS

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Book Synopsis'Beautiful and engaging and clever' Manda Scott, bestselling author of A Treachery of Spies 'A young witch to rival Tiffany Aching. Magic!' FMA Dixon August 1940. In a quiet village in rural Kent, the enemy is at the gates . . . The Battle of Britain rages and Faye Bright encounters the ghost of a pilot who won't give up the fight. Before she can help him, Faye is whisked away to join a motley crew of witches to perform a top secret ritual on the White Cliffs of Dover that could repel the invaders. But there's a catch. The ritual must be executed in the nuddy. Mrs Teach threatens mutiny. Miss Charlotte is intrigued. And Faye wants to call the whole thing off when she suspects there's a spy in their midst. It's up to Faye Bright to uncover the traitor, all while dealing with the ghost haunting Ivy Barn who may hold the key to the

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Book SynopsisThe first book in the dramatic new saga from the No.1 Sunday Times bestselling authorHolding the letter in trembling hands, Daisy's future crumbled before her the words engraved on her heart forever.The village of Little Creek, the long winter of 1867The first flakes of snow are falling when Daisy Marshall, secretly engaged to her master''s son, finds herself jilted at the altar.Heartbroken, Daisy flees to the small village of Little Creek, nestled on the coast of Essex. There she is warmly welcomed but the village is poverty-stricken, suffering under a cruel Lord of the manor. And when cholera hits, the villagers are truly in dire straits.Determined to help, Daisy makes new friends in earnest doctor Nicholas and dashing smuggler Jay but also dangerous new enemies, who threaten to destroy everything she's built. Can Daisy save the village and find happiness in time for Christmas?Trade Review Praise for Dilly Court: ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Dilly Court’s latest novel is another page-turner that will keep you gripped to the end – 5 stars’ The People’s Friend ‘As always Dilly keeps you absorbed right to the end’ Choice ‘A rollicking, fast-paced adventure with a hint of romance!’ My Weekly ‘Spellbinding . . . you just keep turning the pages’ Daily Mail ‘A fast-paced, riveting read’ Sunday Express ‘A heart-warming, fast-paced story that will keep you gripped till the end’ The People’s Friend ‘Feisty female characters to fall in love with in a spirited, adventurous novel’ Sunday Express ‘Atmospheric, vivid and compelling’ My Weekly ‘An excellent, well-researched read’ People’s Friend ‘Perfect for Downton Abbey fans … heart-tugging’ Peterborough Telegraph

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Book SynopsisFrom bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy, the final book in his authentic, action-packed trilogy set on the frontiers of the Roman Empire. AD 117: BRITANNIA. Roman centurion Flavius Ferox is trying to live a quiet life of dignified leisure, overseeing his wife's estate and resisting the urge to murder an annoying neighbour – until someone else does it for him. Dragged back into a life of violence, Ferox finds himself chasing raiders, fighting chieftains and negotiating with kings. Under the new emperor, Hadrian, the whole world seems to be changing: old friends are now enemies, enemies claim they are friends, and new and deadly threats lurk in the shadows. When Hadrian himself comes to Britannia to inspect his great wall, war erupts suddenly. Ferox is the only one who can save the emperor – but with his family, and his own life, in danger, he must first decide whose side he is on… Gritty, gripping and profoundly authentic, The Wall is the final book in the City of Victory trilogy from bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy. Perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow and Harry Sidebottom. Reviews for Adrian Goldsworthy 'No one writes more convincing Roman fiction.' Harry Sidebottom 'Gritty and realistic.' Daily Telegraph 'An extraordinarily rich picture of a battle on the Roman empire's borders.' The Times 'Brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain.' New Books MagazineTrade Review'No one knows the Roman army better than Adrian Goldsworthy, and no one writes more convincing Roman fiction.' Harry Sidebottom 'Gritty and realistic... Goldsworthy's characters are authentically ancient and his descriptions of Roman Briton ring true.' Daily Telegraph (Sydney) 'Incredibly authentic... Plenty of action and a cracking read for lovers of historical fiction or fans of Roman history.' What Cathy Read Next 'An extraordinarily rich picture of a battle on the empire’s borders.' The Times 'A hugely enjoyable read by a master of non-fiction turned deft hand at Roman historical fiction.' Historical Novel Society 'Goldsworthy is an erudite guide.' BBC History 'Brings the reader closer to the true nature of Roman Britain' New Books Magazine * Reviews for Adrian Goldsworthy *

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Book SynopsisSet in a Rome riven by religious and political conflicts, SHROUD FOR THE ARCHBISHOP is the second compelling novel in Peter Tremayne''s gripping Celtic mystery series.PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FIDELMA SERIES: ''A compulsive readable whodunit fronted by one of the most reliably intriguing characters to grace the pages of the genre'' BooklistWighard, archbishop designate of Canterbury, has been discovered garrotted in his chambers in the Lateran Palace in Rome in the autumn of AD 664. The solution to this terrible crime appears simple as the palace guards have arrested Brother Ronan Ragallach, as he fled from Wighard''s chamber.Although the Irish monk denies responsibility, Bishop Gelasius is convinced the crime is political and that Wighard was slain in pique at the triumph of the pro-Roman Anglo-Saxon clergy in their debate with the pro-Columba Irish clergy at Whitby. There is also a matter of missing treasure: the goodwill gifts Wighad had b

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Book SynopsisAs two mighty empires embark on a bloody duel, Napoleon Bonaparte and the future Duke of Wellington prepare for battle. The first novel in Simon Scarrow's Sunday Times bestselling Wellington and Napoleon quartet.Trade Review'A fine tale of romance and conflict' * Nottingham Evening Post *'One of the great duels in history, between two of its most fascinating characters. Simon Scarrow brings Wellington and Napoleon to life with a vengeance' * Paul Strathern, author of Napoleon in Egypt *'Scarrow plunges into the aftermath of the French Revolution for another rip-roaring adnventure story' * Yorkshire Evening Post *'This is a promising start to a series that shows great potential' * Good Book Guide *'[YOUNG BLOODS] is well written, researched and a pleasure to read. Recommended' * Historical Novels Review *'The characters are real, so too the battles... brought vividly to life with the thriller writer's skill' * Nottingham Evening Post *

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Book Synopsis''[A] gripping tale of the Great Siege of Malta...Ferocious and compelling it is a story of blood, romance and sacrifice'' **** Daily ExpressSWORD AND SCIMITAR is the compelling tale of the Great Siege of Malta from Simon Scarrow, bestselling author of the Eagles of the Empire series. A must read for fans of Conn Iggulden and Robert Harris. ''This lively, absorbing novel will not disappoint'' The Sunday Times1565, Malta: a vital outpost between the divided nations of Europe and the relentlessly expanding Ottoman Empire. Faced with ferocious attack by a vast Turkish fleet, the knights of the Order of St John fear annihilation. Amongst those called to assist is disgraced veteran Sir Thomas Barrett. Loyalty and instinct compel him to put the Order above all other concerns, yet his allegiance is divided. At Queen Elizabeth''s command, he must search for a hidden scroll, guarded by the knights, that threatens her reign. As Sir ThTrade Review'[A] gripping tale of the Great Siege of Malta . . . Ferocious and compelling it is a story of blood, romance and sacrifice. As the people fight for their homeland dark secrets emerge which threaten their survival' **** * Daily Express *This lively, absorbing novel will not disappoint * The Sunday Times *Praise for Simon Scarrow's other novels: 'I really don't need this kind of competition... It's a great read' * Bernard Cornwell *Scarrow's [novels] rank with the best * Independent *A satisfyingly bloodthirsty, bawdy romp...perfect for Bernard Cornwell addicts who will relish its historical detail and fast-paced action. Storming stuff * Good Book Guide *Gripping and moving * The Times *

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Book SynopsisBOOK 11 IN THE EPIC HISTORICAL SAGA OF THE COURTNEY FAMILY, FROM INTERNATIONAL SENSATION WILBUR SMITH 'Smith will take you on an exciting, taut and thrilling journey you will never forget' - Sun'With Wilbur Smith the action is never further than the turn of a page' - Independent'No one does adventure quite like Smith' - Daily Mirror A NEW START. AN OLD ENEMY. Jim Courtney is protected by all the wealth and influence that his family's successful business, the Courtney Brothers Trading Company, can provide in the Dutch-owned colonies of South Africa. Louisa Leuven is an orphaned young woman who escaped the plague only to be unjustly imprisoned and transported to the Cape. When a storm destroys her prison ship, Jim is her only hope of escape. But Louisa and Jim have greater adventures in the African wilds ahead of them: they must flee from Dutch forces who seek not only to recapture their prisoner, but also to hunt down and hang Jim Courtney - and punish the other members of the Courtney family, however they can . . . A Courtney Series adventure - Book 3 in the Birds of Prey trilogy.Blue Horizon is the eleventh novel in the Courtney family saga from Wilbur Smith and the final chapter in the Birds of Prey series, and is a glorious exploration of love and hatred, family and power. Book 12 in the Courtney family series, Assegai, is available now.

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Book Synopsis'A young witch to rival Tiffany Aching. Magic!' FMA Dixon 'ACE. Smart and funny and written so warmly. It's an absolutely smashing read' Pernille Hughes, author of Probably the Best Kiss in the World  ​ July, 1940. In a quiet village in rural Kent, a magical mystery leads to murder . . . Woodville has returned to 'normal' after the departure of the Crow Folk. The villagers put out fires from aircraft shot down in the Battle of Britain, and Faye Bright discovers that magic can be just as dangerous as any weapon. The arrival of a trio of Jewish children fleeing the Nazis brings the fight for Europe to the village. When their guardian is found dead, Faye must play nanny to the terrified children while gathering clues to uncover a dark magic that threatens to change the course of the war. And she must do it quickly &ndas

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Book SynopsisA HERO TO SOME. A VILLAIN TO MANY. THE TRUTH FOREVER BURIED. The man who became known as Esrahaddon is reported to have destroyed the world’s greatest empire — but there are those who believe he saved it. Few individuals are as divisive, but all agree on three facts: He was exiled to the wilderness, hunted by a goblin priestess, and sentenced to death by a god — all before the age of eight. How he managed to survive and why people continued to fear his name a thousand years later has always been a mystery . . . until now. From the three-time New York Times best-selling author Michael J. Sullivan, Esrahaddon is the final novel in The Rise and Fall trilogy. This latest set of stories sits snugly between the Legends of the First Empire series and the Riyria books (Revelations and Chronicles). With this tale, Michael continues his tradition of unlikely heroes who must rise to the call when history knocks, demanding to be let in. T

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Book SynopsisGreed and ambition threaten to tear the north apart in this exciting Bernicia Chronicles novel. AD 651. War rages between the two kingdoms of Northumbria. Kin is pitted against kin and friend becomes foe as ambitious rulers vie for supremacy. When Beobrand of Ubbanford travels south into East Angeln to rescue a friend, he unwittingly tilts the balance of power in the north, setting in motion events that will lead to a climactic confrontation between Oswiu of Bernicia and Oswine of Deira. While Beobrand is entangled in this clash of kings, his most trusted warrior, Cynan, finds himself on his own quest, called to the aid of someone he thought never to see again. Riding into the mountainous region of Rheged, Cynan faces implacable enemies. Forced to confront their pasts, and with death and betrayal at every turn, both Beobrand and Cynan have their loyalties tested to breaking point. Who will survive the battle for a united Northumbria, and who will pay the ultimate price for lord and land? Reviews for Matthew Harffy: 'Nothing less than superb' Historical Novel Society 'Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this' Angus Donald 'Matthew Harffy tells a great story' Joanna Hickson 'Harffy is proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown' Jemahl EvansTrade ReviewHarffy's storytelling is superb, his characters are believable and brough vividly to life in this tale of war, greed, and pride; I cannot wait to read the next instalment in the series. * Yorkshire Life *I was gripped from the very first sentence…I thoroughly recommend it for all historical fiction readers -- Martin Lake on Matthew HarffyHarffy has a real winner on his hands... A genuinely superb novel -- Steven A. McKay on Matthew HarffyHarffy has created a gritty, authentic world, home to a hero who shows us the complexity of what it means to be human – the darkness and the delight Stephanie Churchill -- Stephanie Churchill on Matthew HarffyA tale that rings like sword song in the reader's mind. Harffy knows his genre inside out. -- Giles Kristian on Matthew Harffy

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Book Synopsis*Don't miss Lucy Foley's Sunday Times bestselling crime debut, THE HUNTING PARTY, available to buy now.*This will sweep you away for the summer. Lucy Foley blends a rich history, haunting secrets and a timeless love story' Santa Montefiore, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Deverill seriesISTANBUL, 1921Before the Occupation, Nur's city was a tapestry of treasures: the Grand Bazaar alive with colour, trinkets and spices; saffron sunsets melting into the black waters of the Bosphorus; the sweet fragrance of the fig trees dancing on the summer breeze . . .Now the shadow of war hangs over the city, and Nur lives for the protection of a young boy with a terrible secret. Stumbling through the streets, carrying the embroideries that have become her livelihood, she avoids the gazes of the Allied soldiers. Survival is everything.When Nur chances upon George Monroe, a medical officer in the British Army, it is easy to hate him. Yet the lines between enemy and friend grow fainter.She and theTrade Review‘Lucy Foley's gorgeous elegant prose and the way she conjures up post war Constantinople makes this a beautiful, evocative and memorable read’ Lucinda Riley ‘An evocative and sensitively written novel about ill-fated love, sacrifice and the violent effects of war’ S Magazine

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Book SynopsisThe epic, heartbreaking conclusion to the Songs of the Drowned trilogyIxachipan burns. Rebellion rages in every land as the Empire of Songs battles to maintain control.As Xessa and Lilla lead their warriors in increasingly desperate battles, their unity broken by betrayal and deception, Whisper Ilandeh finds freedom and obligation in making her own choices. Meanwhile, Shadow Tayan faces the awful consequences of his actions and their seductive possibilities.For war is fickle, and so are people. Sometimes, the only peace possible is that bought with blood and lies. And when vengeance sings, the choices made will determine whether the flames of war are fanned or drowned.

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Book Synopsis1804. Napoleon Bonaparte's ultimate aim: to rule Europe. Great Britain, his most hated enemy, stands in his way. The third novel in Simon Scarrow's Sunday Times bestselling Wellington and Napoleon Quartet.Trade Review'One of history's most fascinating adversarial pairings is that of Napoleon and Wellington, and Simon Scarrow's quartet of books, of which this is the third, offer a vivid description of the two lives in tandem... The last book in the quartet cannot come quickly enough' * Daily Mail *'Scarrow provides a thrilling tale that makes the journey well worthwhile' * Good Reading, Australia *'A splendidly informative, vivid and absorbing historical novel' * The Witness, Australia *

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Book SynopsisIt’s usual, they say, for a young person coming to London for the first time to arrive with a head full of dreams. Well, Endurance Proudfoot did not. When she stepped off the coach from Sussex, on a warm and sticky afternoon in the summer of 1757, it never occurred to her that the city would be the place where she’d make her fortune; she was just very annoyed to be arriving there at all.   Meet Endurance Proudfoot, the bonesetter’s daughter: clumsy as a carthorse, with a tactless tongue and a face she’s sure only a mother could love. Durie only wants one thing in life – to follow her father and grandfather into the family business of bonesetting. It’s a physically demanding job, requiring strength, nerves of steel and discretion – and not the job for a woman.   But Durie isn’t like other women. She’s strong and stubborn and determined to get her own way. And she finds that she has a talent atTrade Review'Among the most impressive historical fiction out this July is Frances Quinn's That Bonesetter Woman (Simon & Schuster), based on a real story about two sisters in Georgian London, one who is desperate to be a female bonesetter and the other who is a determined social climber' * Independent *‘Quinn’s second book is a true celebration of courage, resilience and embracing being different’ * CultureFly *‘Endurance Proudfoot is an enduring heroine and her story is told with wit and warmth’ * Yours, Book of the Month *‘[An] intriguing tale, told with wit and compassion’ * Choice, Book of the Month *'This rambunctious ride of a book mixes historical fact with a really memorable lead character (I completely fell in love with her!). Endurance Proudfoot wants to be a bonesetter like her father and won’t let the fact that she’s a woman get in her way. Entertaining historical fiction' * Good Housekeeping *'The narrative is fast-moving and lively… this is an enjoyable read, feminist history which does not neglect sources of humour or romance. It deserves to be reach a wide audience' * Historical Novel Society *'Frances Quinn’s debut novel, The Smallest Man, was about a dwarf in the employ of Henrietta Maria, wife of Charles I. That Bonesetter Woman shares similar themes about being an outsider trying to succeed in a hostile society. Like The Smallest Man it is written with a warmth and tenderness for the characters that makes it irresistible' * The Times *'This second novel by the author of historical hit The Smallest Man takes its inspiration from two of Georgian England’s most famous celebrities. Endurance Proudfoot is determined to go into the family trade and become a bonesetter, despite being a woman. But when she finds herself packed off to London with her sister, disgraced beauty Lucinda, the pair embark on a rollercoaster adventure' * BBC History *‘Durie Proudfoot is a brilliant heroine: stubborn, flawed and so entertaining to spend time with. I loved every step of her journey, and Frances Quinn is fast becoming one of my favourite historical novelists’ Louise Hare ‘I adored every second of this book - historical fiction at its finest, and Quinn is a natural storyteller. Quirky, funny and original. Durie and her lions will stay with me’ Ericka Waller ‘I feel as if I left a little bit of my heart between the pages of this extraordinary book’ Nicola Gill ‘Filled with hope and humour, That Bonesetter Woman is a novel that truly champions the underdog. I devoured it with as much gusto as the inimitable heroine sets people’s bones’ Polly Crosby ‘That Bonesetter Woman is a wonderfully uplifting, charming, addictive and unusual story. Quinn delivers astute and acutely observed aspects of human behaviour delivered with great humour and compassion. Replace the coffee houses and newspaper scribblers with Twitter and YouTube and I’d say, not so much has changed!’ Louise Fein ‘Frances Quinn has done it again! Georgian London is vividly brought to life in a fast-paced story full of quirky characters, wry wit, warmth and wisdom. I was completely charmed!’ Anita Frank

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Book Synopsis*Now available as a full-length novel! Originally published in five ebook parts*AD 18, Britannia.The Roman Empire rules much of the known world. Beyond the northern frontier lies Britannia, where ceaseless feuding amongst the Celts leaves the island vulnerable to Rome''s ambitions.Caratacus, son of a powerful king, has no premonition of destiny when he is dispatched to train with the Druids. A brutal regime transforms the young prince into a warrior with unparalleled military skills - and the strategic cunning essential to outwit a stronger enemy.Nothing can prepare a man for the vicious reality of war. When Caratacus''s father takes a stand against aggressive neighbouring tribes, the combat exercises are over; this is a fight to the death. Only the most ruthless of tactics offer any hope of victory. But Caratacus, and the loyal comrades willing to ride with him into hostile terrain, are ready to do whatever it takes - and endure any har

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