Historical adventure fiction

Book Synopsis''An epic tale that never loses sight of the raw experience of the hero. I loved Napoleon''s Spy'' Simon Scarrow ''Exciting, immersive, well researched and great fun.'' Giles Kristian''Harrowing and totally gripping. A masterclass in writing fiction about real historical events'' Leonora Nattrass, author of Black Drop Russia, 1812. Has France finally met its match?On the eve of the invasion of Russia, half-French, half-English Matthieu Carrey finds himself in the ranks of Napoleon''s five hundred thousand strong army. With Tsar Alexander seemingly ill-prepared, a French victory seems certain. The Grande Armée will obliterate everything in its path. Carrey''s purpose is less clear. Blackmailed into becoming a spy in the emperor''s army, he hopes to follow his lover, a French actress who has gone to work in the Moscow theatre. As supplies grow scarce and temperatures plummet, the Grande Armée begins to crumble. Caught up in the maeTrade ReviewBrilliantly entertaining. In Matthew Carrey, Ben Kane has created a wonderfully flawed but human hero, a man who, often unwittingly and many times entirely through his own errors of judgement, finds himself caught up in one desperate escapade after another, and which, like the very best historical adventures, see him cross seas and travel continents and, along the way, meet an array of acutely observed characters from villains to femme fatales and to Napoleon himself. Ben Kane's attention to historical detail is also second-to-none - in 1812 he had brought Napoleon's calamitous Russian campaign vividly and compelling to life in one of the most enjoyable and compelling historical romps I've read in a very long time * James Holland, historian, writer, and broadcaster *Napoleon's Spy is a tour de force on an epic scale that immerses the reader in the scent of cannon smoke and the whistle of grape shot. You can almost taste the fear. The 1812 campaign is a story of immense sacrifice, enormous courage and a man who never knew when to take a step back until it was too late for those who revered him. Ben Kane is one of our finest historical novelists and his passion for his subject shines through on every page * Douglas Jackson *As soon as I read the first few pages of a Ben Kane novel, I'm all in. It was no different with Napoleon's Spy. Kane's historical detail is as intriguing and fascinating as his characters are compelling. His prose is lively, economical and intimate, so that this story reads like a first hand account, but with the Kane master storyteller treatment. In fact, Napoleon's Spy is an exemplar of a Ben Kane novel; exciting, immersive, well researched and great fun. The author's very name has long been a seal of quality, and here he is at the top of his (or anybody's) game. What I love about this book, and his others too, is that it feels nostalgic. It reminds me of those classic, epic Hollywood movies of the 1950s and 1960s, which fired my imagination as a child and, in many ways, shaped me. We have a flawed hero on a mission, thwarted by colourful villains and beset by every danger, all set against an epic backdrop of nation-defining war. What's not to love? Bravo, Ben Kane, you've done it again * Giles Kristian *With intrigue, espionage and duels, this is a great adventure story set against the epic background of Napoleon's doomed invasion of Russia * Adrian Goldsworthy, bestselling historian *Ben Kane pivots from ancient Rome and medieval England to the Napoleonic Wars, and delivers up a rip-roaring tale full of both swashbuckling and pathos. Half-English, half-French Matthieu Carrey battles a weakness for cards and wine which frequently lands him in hot water, finding himself strong-armed into the reluctant position of Imperial messenger for Napoleon and clandestine spy for the English. Matthieu makes an appealingly flawed hero, fighting not only illicit duels and Cossack lances on the Grand Armee's campaign through Russia, but his own worst impulses. It looks like the adventures of NAPOLEON'S SPY may continue for future books--I for one will be first in line! * Kate Quinn *An epic tale that never loses sight of the raw experience of the hero. I loved Napoleon's Spy * Simon Scarrow *'The historians' author', no less! * Dr Zack White *The first half of Napoleon's Spy is fun - a picturesque tale of duels, love affairs and gambling dens. The second is a searing, vivid account of Napoleon's terrible retreat from Moscow * Antonia Senior, The Times *Harrowing and totally gripping. A masterclass in writing fiction about real historical events * Leonora Nattrass, author of Black Drop *

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Book Synopsis“Rachael Miles’ knowledge of the time period she writes about adds a depth of authenticity that enriches every page.” —Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling authorLena Frost is a force to be reckoned with. A woman who has made her way in society without family or fortune, she’s about to realize her first big success as an artist. . . . Until her business partner makes off with her money, leaving her with little more than her hopes—and a dead body in her studio. Now Lena is at the mercy of a strikingly handsome stranger demanding answers she dare not reveal . . . Is it her seductive eyes, or his suspicion that she’s up to no good that have Clive Somerville shadowing Lena’s every move? Either way, his secret investigation for the Home Office has him determined to uncover Lena’s hidden agenda.  But the closer he gets to her, the more he longs to be her protector. Is she a vic

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Book SynopsisSister Fidelma returns in BLOOD IN EDEN, the thirtieth Celtic mystery by Peter Tremayne, acclaimed author of BLOODMOON, PENANCE OF THE DAMNED and NIGHT OF THE LIGHTBRINGER. If you love Ellis Peters, you''ll be gripped by BLOOD IN EDEN and the Sister Fidelma series.Ireland. AD 672. The hamlet of Cloichín is said to be a veritable Eden, with its prosperous farms and close-knit, friendly community. But when Sister Fidelma and Eadulf arrive, a new priest has ordered the villagers to lynch a man accused of murdering a local farmer, his wife and two sons. The only evidence they hold against him is the fact that he is a stranger to their land. Saving the man''s life, Fidelma is determined that the villagers must give the newcomer a fair trial. But there is to be more blood in Eden and more lives will be lost as long-standing friends become new-found enemies, and no one knows who to trust . . .What readers are saying about the Sister Fidelma series:Trade ReviewThe background detail is brilliantly defined . . . wonderfully evocative - The TimesA brilliant and beguiling heroine. Immensely appealing, difficult to put down - Publishers WeeklyDefinitely an Ellis Peters competitor . . . the background detail is marvellous - Evening StandardTremayne's super-sleuth is a vibrant creation, a woman of wit and courage who would stand out in any era, but brings a special sparkle to the wild beauty of medieval IrelandThis is masterly storytelling from an author who breathes fascinating life into the world he is writing about - Belfast TelegraphThe detail of the books is fascinating, giving us a vivid picture of everyday life at theis time...the most detailed and vivid recreations of ancient Ireland - Irish Examiner

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Book Synopsis''Like all the best vintages Jack Lark has aged to perfection. Scarred, battered and bloody, his story continues to enthral'' Anthony RichesRoguish hero Jack Lark - soldier, leader, imposter - crosses borders once more as he pursues a brand-new adventure in Africa. London, 1868. Jack has traded the battlefield for business, running a thriving club in the backstreets of Whitechapel. But this underworld has rules and when Jack refuses to comply, he finds himself up against the East End''s most formidable criminal - with devastating consequences.A wanted man, Jack turns to his friend Macgregor, an ex-officer, treasure hunter and his ticket out of England. Together they join the British army on campaign across the tablelands of Abyssinia to the fortress of Magdala, a high-stakes mission to free British prisoners captured by the notorious Emperor Tewodros.But life on the run can turn dangerous, especially in a land ravaged by war . . . <Trade ReviewBrilliant -- Bernard CornwellCollard ... evokes the horror of that era with great brio. Enthralling * The Times *Dusty deserts, showdowns under the blistering sun, bloodthirsty bandoleros, rough whisky and rougher men. Bullets fly, emotions run high and treachery abounds in The Lost Outlaw. This is classic Jack Lark in a classic western. Paul Fraser Collard has done it again and delivered another exceptionally entertaining historical action adventure -- Matthew HarffyI love a writer who wears his history lightly enough for the story he's telling to blaze across the pages like this. Jack Lark is an unforgettable new hero -- Anthony RichesIt felt accurate, it felt real, it felt alive... Every line every paragraph and page of the battles had me hooked, riveted to the page, there were times when I was almost as breathless as the exhausted soldiers * Parmenion Books *Impossible to put down... full of action and intrigue that leaves the reader thirsty for more * History… the Interesting Bits *You feel and experience all the emotions and the blood, sweat and tears that Jack does... I devoured it in one sitting * Parmenion Books *Expect ferocious, bloody action from the first page. Fast-paced, compelling, and with more villains than a Clint Eastwood classic, this unputdownable novel strongly reminded me of that legend of western writers, Louis L'Amour. A cracking read! -- Ben Kane

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Book SynopsisThe violent, poignant story of how Oswald de Lacy came to be lord of Somershill.Trade ReviewThe series gets better and better. It's building a very credible medieval world view while keeping the reader turning the pages at a gallop. And Oswald is such an appealing character, growing richer and deeper with every book, as the beastliness of his family becomes more and more evident. I loved the concept of a good death, too. * Andrew Taylor, author of Ashes of London *The author's inventiveness and gift for description serves to deepen an already nuanced lead. Sykes solidifies her standing as a preeminent historical whodunit writer * Publishers Weekly *S D Sykes' The Good Death is a twisting mystery written with intelligence and a striking mood of poignancy. I turned the final page with deep satisfaction and true admiration * Martine Bailey, author of An Appetite for Violets *Sykes has an easy, engaging writing style producing an entertaining and enthralling read * Shots Magazine *An utterly compelling, darkly atmospheric mystery set against a backdrop of plague, prejudice and passion. I could not put this book down * Tracy Borman *It is a book to get lost in rather than rattle through and it feels like the right book to reflect, without being overwhelmed by that, on our newly limited world. I thoroughly recommend it * Catherine Hokin, Historia Magazine *The Good Death is beautifully written and immersed in its time . . . I marvel at the way in which the author evokes this feudal age . . . a fabulous historical crime mystery * Kate Atherton, For Winter Nights blog *PRAISE FOR S D SYKES:-A fascinating glimpse of an almost forgotten period of history * Andrew Taylor *Chilling and evocative. This book will have you gripped from the first page to the last * Tracy Borman *This outing reinforces her place in the historical mystery genre's top ranks * Publisher's Weekly *The setting is fantastic [...] builds to a satisfyingly twisty climax * The Times *Utterly immersive, utterly gripping historical crime at its very, very best * Antonia Hodgson *

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Book SynopsisA Library Journal Editors’ Pick Buzzfeed’s THE ULTIMATE BUZZFEED BOOKS GIFT GUIDE Bookish “AUTUMN’S 2017 MOST SWOON-WORTHY ROMANCE BOOKS” listThe Civil War has turned neighbor against neighbor—but for one scientist spy and her philosopher soldier, war could bind them together . . .   For all of the War Between the States, Marlie Lynch has helped the cause in peace: with coded letters about anti-Rebel uprisings in her Carolina woods, tisanes and poultices for Union prisoners, and silent aid to fleeing slave and Freeman alike. Her formerly enslaved mother’s traditions and the name of a white father she never knew have protected her—until the vicious Confederate Home Guard claims Marlie’s home for their new base of operations in the guerilla war against Southern resistors of the Rebel cause.   Unbeknowst to those under her roof, escaped priso

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Book SynopsisFrom the acclaimed author whose historical fiction has been compared to The Help, comes a powerful and ultimately uplifting novel that tells the story of three generations of women in 1970s Mississippi after their lives are thrown into upheaval when a dark secret is brutally exposed . . .   On a hot, humid July morning, sixteen-year-old Cissy Pickering calmly and deliberately shoots her father in the back.   To their Mississippi community, the death of well-regarded attorney Richard Pickering is a fascinating scandal. To Cissy’s distraught mother, Caroline, it’s an unforgivable crime. But in Cissy’s troubled mind, it was the only way she knew to save her younger sisters, the two people she loves most in the world.   Janelle Clayton, the family’s matriarch, has kept her distance from her daughter, Caroline—a fact she now regrets—yet she hopes to do right by her granddaughter, whom she believes impli

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Book SynopsisBased on little-known true events, this astonishing account from Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist Jack Ford vividly recreates a treacherous journey toward freedom, a time when the traditions of the Old South still thrived—and is a testament to determination, friendship, and courage . . .   Two decades before the Civil War, a middle-class farmer named Samuel Maddox lies on his deathbed. Elsewhere in his Virginia home, a young woman named Kitty knows her life is about to change. She is one of the Maddox family’s slaves—and Samuel’s biological daughter. When Samuel’s wife, Mary, inherits her husband’s property, she will own Kitty, too, along with Kitty’s three small children.   Already in her fifties and with no children of her own, Mary Maddox has struggled to accept her husband’s daughter, a strong-willed, confident, educated woman who works in the house and has been treated more like family t

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Book SynopsisDestiny toys with us all, but Anita Garibaldi is a force to be reckoned with. Forced into marriage at sixteen, Anita feels trapped in a union she does not want. But when she meets the leader of the Brazilian resistance, Giuseppe Garibaldi, in 1839, everything changes. Swept into a passionate affair with the idolized mercenary, Anita's life is suddenly consumed by the plight to liberate Southern Brazil--a struggle that would cost thousands of lives and span almost ten bloody years. Little did she know that this first taste of revolution would lead her to cross oceans, traverse continents, and alter the course of her life--and the world. At once an exhilarating adventure and an unforgettable love story, The Woman in Red is a sweeping, illuminating tale of the feminist icon who became one of the most revered historical figures in South America and Italy.

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Book SynopsisEuphemia Martin's sixteenth gripping mystery is a nail-biting adventure of espionage and suspense set at the beginning of the Great War.It is 1914 and war is underway. A group of French actors has become trapped in Britain and some of them are seeking political asylum, among these is a mathematician with whom Euphemia's friend, Mary, has been corresponding. He joined the troupe with the express intention of making it to Britain and to Mary before the war began.Euphemia's new commander sends her undercover to the theatre where the company is finishing its run, and he instructs Fitzroy to remain on medical leave. But Fitzroy has never been one to obey orders. Meanwhile, Euphemia's husband, Bertram, lies critically ill in hospital and Euphemia must employ all her strength to stay focussed on her mission. With actors and agents playing roles both on and off stage, the toughest challenge is knowing who to trust...Trade ReviewA sparkling and witty crime debut with a female protagonist to challenge Miss Marple -- Lin AndersonImpeccable historical detail with a light touch -- Lesley Cookman, The Libby Serjeant SeriesEuphemia Martins is feisty, funny and completely adorable -- Colette McCormick, Ribbons in Her HairA rattlingly good dose of Edwardian country house intrigue with plenty of twist and turns and clues to puzzle through along with the heroine of the book, Euphemia Martins * Booklore.co.uk *

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Book SynopsisDEATH HAS COME TO AEMILIUS.It is the twentieth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius Caesar Augustus. The Empire spans the known world. No power is greater, and nothing can threaten the peace it brings. And no one must know of the horrors that haunt it.Aemilius thought he would die heroically in battle like his forefathers, mourned by a loving wife and many children, but he’s barely a man when a harpy flies down out of the old myths and knocks him from his horse. Stunned and helpless, he waits for his end… and is saved.Formed on the bloody battlefield of Teutoburg, the Hidden Legion are an order of soldiers, magicians, and rogues so secret that the Empire itself would hunt them down if they were exposed. And now Aemilius is one of them.A darkness is growing across the Empire, and someone is setting traps for the Legion themselves. Aemilius and his new comrades set off on the hunt for an unknown enemy…Trade Review "A dark mystery in a dark age brought vividly to life. I look forward to reading more" ? Robert Fabbri, author of the bestselling Vespasian series"For Vikings done right, come to Snorri Kristjansson" ? Mark Lawrence, bestselling author of Red Sister"An exciting new voice. With his Viking mystery, Snorri has created a new and interesting sub-genre of Icelandic noir" ? Ragnar Jonasson"An entertaining and claustrophobic tale of familial tension and murder" ? SciFiNow"Timeless and universal . . . It will be interesting to see where Kristjansson's imagination takes his beguiling heroine next" ? Starburst"Kin is well paced and skilfully plotted, with a strong sense of everyday life at the time . . . I suspect this will not be the last Viking noir novel we see" ? The Times“Kristjansson’s sleek, action-packed tale is the blend of The Dirty Dozen and Ray Harryhausen we didn’t know we needed.” -- The Financial Times

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Book SynopsisTheir revolution would ignite a continent...An epic novel set during one of the most savage and dramatic moments in European history.Greece, 1824In the wild south, the people of the Mani have risen up against four hundred years of Ottoman rule. But initial triumph leads to bitter feuding among the Greek victors and the Sultan sends his vassal, Ibrahim Pasha of Egypt, to invade. Burning everything in his path, he is on the point of victory. Only the intervention of the Great Powers of France, Russia and Britain can save Greece.Hara, young daughter of a Maniot chief, is the fearless symbol of her people's spirit. When she rescues Greek Prince Tzanis from a shipwreck, on his way to deliver secret gold for the revolution, they fall in love but are forced apart by events.Yet a shared resolve to wreak vengeance on Turkish rule unites them again, and their heroism and sacrifice will ultimately inspire an unlikely band of men and women to join them in rescuing Greece. Will their plan to involve the Great Powers succeed before Greece is destroyed by fire?'Wonderful history, adventure and a heart-breaking love story are brought thrillingly to life' - Kate MosseTrade ReviewA dramatic read from the very outset * Simon Scarrow *A gripping, epic tale set against a broad and breath-taking canvas. Do not miss this compelling page-turner * Alison Weir *Wonderful history, adventure and a heart-breaking love story are brought thrillingly to life * Kate Mosse *A grand, sweeping drama of the finest kind, miss this excellent book at your peril * Ben Kane *Fascinating historical mysteries and vivid colourful characters. One hell of a fine book * Conn Iggulden *A stirring tale of the struggle for Byzantium, Heneage brings to life both the tragedy and the heroism * Tom Holland *A fast-moving and superbly intelligent adventure * Jason Goodwin *A compelling narrative of intrigue, love and war * The Bookseller *An electrifying historical novel * Good Book Guide *Fascinating * The Times *

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Book SynopsisA young recruit. A legendary battle. A cataclysmic war. A baptism by fire...Kelly Maguire knew from a young age that he could accomplish great things. As World War I begins, Kelly enlists in the Royal Navy, hoping to win both the war and glory.But from the barbarous battles of Gallipoli to the nightmarish action of Antwerp, Kelly learns the trials a soldier must face: trials that will forge him into a man. As the epic battle of Jutland approaches, everything is at stake.From acclaimed novelist Max Hennessy comes a gritty naval adventure, full of blood, guts and heroism in the face of danger.

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Book SynopsisThe time of peace is over. The time of war has begun.Bera is struggling to reconcile her desire to be an ordinary woman with the weight of her Valla duty to shape the future. Love and friendship vie with her longing for freedom at sea on her beloved longboat. Warned that Chaos is coming and that Vikings have taken her kin as slaves, Bera realises her destiny is to follow them to Wolf Island, a land that has abandoned the old gods. In a quest to save her loved ones, Bera must use her smith’s iron lore and the knowledge of her Valla ancestors to follow an ancient path into a dark labyrinth, where human time is meaningless. There, she confronts her worst foe to finally bring peace – at the cost of a life.The voyage that began with Sea Paths and continued with Obsidian ends with Landfall, Bera’s most dangerous and important journey of all.

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Book SynopsisA gripping historical adventure set in the second century AD and based on legends of King Arthur, The Iron Way is the second in Tim Leach's breathtaking Sarmatian Trilogy. AD 175, Vindolanda, Britannia. After their cavalry was broken by the legions on the frozen waters of the Danube, Sarmatian warrior Kai bought his peoples' lives with a pledge to serve Rome. Bound to the will of the Emperor, the Sarmatians are ready to fight and eager to die – death in battle is the only escape from the dishonour of their defeat. Exiled from their home lands, they are ordered to take the Iron Way to the far north and the very edge of the Empire. Here, a great wall of stone cuts across the land as straight as the stroke of a sword. On one side, Rome's dominion; on the other, mist and rumours – stories of men closer to giants, of warriors who fight without fear or restraint. For a people who knew no borders, who were promised war, garrison duty is cruel punishment. But as insurrection stirs on both sides of the wall, Kai will discover that every barrier has its weaknesses – and he will have his chance to fight, perhaps to die. Reviewers on the Sarmatian Trilogy and Tim Leach: 'Roman military adventure at its best. Ranks with the best historical fiction available today.' Simon Turney 'A great story from a fascinating period... masterfully written with beautiful language.' Historical Novel Society 'The characters feel rounded and real, and the Sarmatians' attempts to keep their world alive and evade the tyrannous reach of Rome are heartbreaking.' The Times 'Tim Leach writes beautifully.' For Winter Nights 'Recommended.' Historical Novel Society 'Magnificent' Historia 'A poetic, absorbing narrative.' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewRoman military adventure at its best. Leach's resurrection of a lost and misunderstood people serving Rome at the edge of the world ranks with the best historical fiction available today -- Simon TurneyThis masterpiece is a tale of a conquered people and their tentative truce with invading imperialists, affording each other a portion of mutual respect, yet tinged with distrust. A great story from a fascinating period, superbly written... It is masterfully written with beautiful language, and yet it still has a Roman province sense of place and an antique feel. It must have been quite a feat digging out such historical verisimilitude * Historical Novel Society *Excellent trilogy... This is stirring and vivid writing from Leach * The Times *PRAISE FOR TIM LEACH: 'Brilliantly atmospheric, utterly compelling and beautifully written' Caroline Lea, on A Winter War. 'Tim Leach writes beautifully. This is gorgeous prose, immersing the reader in the trials of this cold, cold place at such a time of brutal crisis. It's lyrical and thoughtful' * For Winter Nights *PRAISE FOR SMILE OF THE WOLF: 'Superb... This is a thoughtful, literary take on a world that is more often depicted in a boy's adventure way. The focus in Leach's book is not on the fighting, but on the strange, inescapable logic that makes the fighting inevitable' The Times, Book of the Year. 'A poetic, absorbing narrative with many of the same qualities as the medieval Icelandic sagas that it echoes and reimagines' Sunday Times, Book of the Year. 'Smile of the Wolf bares its fangs from the first page. Like a medieval tapestry, the storytelling is rich with imagery. Readers will be lured spellbound into this lyrical and evocative Icelandic saga. It deserves huge success' -- David Gilman

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Book SynopsisThe unmissable conclusion to Tim Leach's critically acclaimed historical adventure series set in the Roman Empire. 180 AD. North of the Wall, Sarmatian warrior Kai and his adopted tribe, the Votadini, struggle for survival, cast into unfamiliar lands by Roman reprisals. When news arrives that an old enemy is in charge of the Votadini's hated foes, a confederation of tribes known as the Painted People, and has roused them to action, Kai heads south towards the Wall, hoping to ally with the Romans against this resurgent threat. Meanwhile, the Romans have heard tales of butchery and mayhem beyond the Wall. Lucius, Legate of the North, believes is is Kai and his allies who are responsible, and sends forth an expedition to capture his old comrade. Can Kai and his loved ones survive the onslaught – or will the combined might of Rome and the hatred of their enemies spell the end for the warrior and his tribe? The Hollow Throne is perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Adrian Goldsworthy. Reviews for Tim Leach: 'Roman military adventure at its best.' Simon Turney 'The characters feel rounded and real, and the Sarmatians' attempts to keep their world alive and evade the tyrannous reach of Rome are heartbreaking.' The Times 'Tim Leach writes beautifully.' For Winter Nights 'Recommended.' Historical Novel Society 'Magnificent.' Historia 'A poetic, absorbing narrative.' Sunday TimesTrade ReviewPRAISE FOR TIM LEACH: 'Roman military adventure at its best. Leach's resurrection of a lost and misunderstood people serving Rome at the edge of the world ranks with the best historical fiction available today' Simon Turney, on The Iron Way. 'Brilliantly atmospheric, utterly compelling and beautifully written' Caroline Lea, on A Winter War. 'Tim Leach writes beautifully. This is gorgeous prose, immersing the reader in the trials of this cold, cold place at such a time of brutal crisis. It's lyrical and thoughtful' For Winter Nights. 'Superb... This is a thoughtful, literary take on a world that is more often depicted in a boy's adventure way. The focus in Leach's book is not on the fighting, but on the strange, inescapable logic that makes the fighting inevitable' The Times, Book of the Year, on Smile of the Wolf. 'A poetic, absorbing narrative with many of the same qualities as the medieval Icelandic sagas that it echoes and reimagines' Sunday Times, Book of the Year, on Smile of the Wolf. 'Smile of the Wolf bares its fangs from the first page. Like a medieval tapestry, the storytelling is rich with imagery. Readers will be lured spellbound into this lyrical and evocative Icelandic saga. It deserves huge success' -- David Gilman

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Book SynopsisA historical adventure chronicling the exploits of the Special Boat Squadron, the seaborne raiders who, by strength and guile, carried out World War Two's most daring covert operations. From this moment on, you and your men, you don't exist. Formed in the darkest hours of the Second World War, as nation after nation fell before the unstoppable Axis advance, the task of the SBS was to strike back at an enemy no army could meet in the field. Trained in sabotage and surveillance, the Special Boat Squadron raided deep behind enemy lines, sowing chaos and capturing much-needed intelligence. Soldiers, adventurers and rogues, their methods were unorthodox, their success rate unprecedented. Operation Anglo, 31 August 1942. Beneath the waves of the Mediterranean, HMS Traveller closes in on the coast of Rhodes. Aboard, eight SBS commandos check their weapons as they prepare to infiltrate and sabotage two Axis bomber fields. Only two of the eight commandos will make it back alive. Ex-Black Watch Sgt Jim Hunter will be one of the lucky ones, but what he will face next will make Operation Anglo look like a cakewalk. Reviewers on Iain Gale: 'A fast fit fighting yarn that transports you to the deadly hillsides of wartime Crete.' Quentin Letts on SBS 'A powerful novel of men at war. A triumph.' Bernard Cornwell on Four Days in June 'Very exciting.' Daily Telegraph on the Jack Steele seriesTrade ReviewA fast fit fighting yarn that transports you to the deadly hillsides of wartime Crete -- Quentin LettsPRAISE FOR IAIN GALE: 'A powerful novel of men at war. A triumph' Bernard Cornwell (on Four Days in June). 'Knife-edge realism mingles with strategy, glory and tragedy in Gale's artistic narrative' Oxford Times (on Four Days in June). 'Gale handles the military material superbly... Very exciting' Daily Telegraph (on the Jack Steele series). 'His brutal, bloody detail catches the chaos of battle... His prose is a sand-blown lens from the front-line' Daily Mail (on Alamein). 'He reveals the chaos, triumph and sadness of the desert war expertly showing every protagonists' point of view' -- Patrick Mercer (on Alamein)

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Book SynopsisRecently graduated from Oxford University, idealistic and headstrong Jeremy Ashland obtains a job teaching English at a language school in the Casablanca of the 1960s. Determined to be accepted as an enlightened foreigner at a time when Moroccan society is emerging from the trauma of colonialism, he plunges dangerously into local and expatriate circles. 'Mauresque' is also the story of Jeremy’s forbidden love for an upper-class Moroccan girl with revolutionary aspirations – a relationship that mirrors the tensions between Moroccans themselves in their search for a new nationhood. Evocative, stylistic and wide-ranging, Mauresque immerses the reader in a world of clandestine relationships, political intrigue, drug smuggling, murder and sorcery.

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Book SynopsisA ship adrift, all hands dead. A lighthouse keeper murdered in the night. The Crown needs man to find the truth. Doctor Mungo Lyon, his reputation tarnished by the Burke & Hare scandal, and forbidden to practise as a surgeon, is the wrong man. That's exactly why the Crown chose him.Trade ReviewFast-paced and not a word wasted, this is a classic adventure that calls to mind Stevenson and Buchan. * S.G. MacLean * This is a colourful and fascinating story - the first of what I hope will be many adventures penned by the talented Mr O'Rourke. * Alexander McCall Smith * An energetic historical spy adventure that's quite a ride, full of peril, menace and pursuit! Recommended. * Books.Tea.and.Me blog * A story filled with murders, cryptic messages, a history lesson, slavery, a thrilling chase... A compelling read and an author to watch out for. * Lost in the Land of Books blog * It's got murder, smuggling, lighthouses and half of Burke & Hare. I bloody loved it!!! -- Lesley Kelly A rollicking tale that grips the reader from beginning to end and is one I'd heartily recommend. -- Willie McIntyre * Scottish Legal News * A beautifully crafted novel... written with a great eye to detail and its pace, storyline and ending all reward the reader. There is definite mileage in Mungo Lyon returning for future missions, though The Crown Agent stands as an excellent novel in its own right. * Undiscovered Scotland * The perfect dark and moody tale to keep you going this autumn... Immensely entertaining and as gripping as you'd hope from a crime novel, I look forward to more Mungo Lyon adventures. * CommonSpace * This highly entertaining debut sits well in a long tradition of Scottish adventure novels and is a perfect winter evening read for fans of intrigue, daring do and jeopardy. * NB Magazine * A classic, colourful and fascinating adventure story... brilliantly told with plenty of derring-do. * Crime Review * The story is fast paced and gripping... An adrenaline-filled adventure. * Scottish Field * An assured debut that unashamedly harks back to classic thrillers... reads like a knowing blend of James Buchan's The 39 Steps and Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. -- Declan Burke * The Irish Times *

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Book SynopsisFrom the sand-washed ruins of Kalibangan to a Vrindavan temple destroyed by Aurangzeb, Saini must also delve into antiquity to prevent a gross miscarriage of justice.

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Book SynopsisAnd you're left wondering whether it's a matter of faith... or fate?

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Book SynopsisTrapped and wholly unaware of his actual foe, Vijay races against time to save humanity-and himself.Zigzagging from Rama's crossing to Lanka to the birth of Buddhism; from the origin of Wahhabism to the Einsteinian gravitational wave-detectors of LIGO

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Book SynopsisBut history, which exults in repeating itself, revives Chanakya two and a half millennia later, in the avatar of Gangasagar Mishra, a Brahmin teacher in smalltown India who becomes puppeteer to a host of ambitious individuals-including a certain slumchild who grows up into a beautiful and powerful woman.

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Book SynopsisFor she is no ordinary girl. She is Sita. Continue the epic journey with Amish's latest: A thrilling adventure that chronicles the rise of an orphan, who became the prime minister. And then, a Goddess. This is the second book in the Ram Chandra Series. A sequel that takes you back. Back before the beginning.

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Book SynopsisTo the young Lady Margaret Dacre, raised in the rich security of Queen Elizabeth's court, the Scottish border was a land of blood and brutal violence, and her broad inheritance lay at the mercy of the outlaw riders and feuding tribes of England's last frontier. This title presents a tale from the bestselling author of the "Flashman Papers".Trade Review'The Candlemass Road' is a simple tale, beautifully told; and very moving withal! It's an afternoon's reading that'll stick in the memory for long afterwards. Hooray for George Macdonald Fraser!' SPECTATOR 'It's George MacDonald Fraser is top form on the Borders, juggling lairds and outlaws in bitter battling over disputed territory.' MAIL ON SUNDAY, 'Books of the Year' 'A bravura performance! fine, taut, sinewy! Meat never came redder.' DAILY TELEGRAPH 'George MacDonald Fraser is such a good storyteller! we get bowled along in the twists and scrapes of the action.' GLASGOW HERALD

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling novel from the Man Booker Prize shortlisted author of The Northern Clemency and King of the Badgers.Trade Review‘Prepare to be dazzled … A really terrific read’ Daily Telegraph ‘There is pleasure here, in passion and in absurdity, in landscape and in conversation, in costume and in food. There is pleasure, above all, in writing. A delightful entertainment, a timely social and political commentary, and a highly literary and ambitious novel.’ Ahdaf Soueif, Guardian ‘Outstanding…Hensher reveals the significance of the small moment, of great figures seen in close-up, and of a subtle, sensuous intimacy with the fabric of these long-gone lives. The effect is exhilarating.’ Helen Dunmore, The Times ‘A huge, perhaps unique achievement…deeply human, gorgeous, glittering and never dull.’ Murrough O’Brien, Independent on Sunday ‘Exuberant, overflowing with life, highly-coloured, entrancing: a novel to lose yourself in…Nabokov said that the novelist must be storyteller, teacher, and enchanter. In this novel Hensher is triumphantly all three.’ Allan Massie, Scotsman ‘Loaded with exotic local detail, from London to Calcutta, St Petersburg to Kabul…Irresistible.’ Daily Mail

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Book SynopsisThe Lost Temple of Sheba is not just a biblical legend. A German archaeologist has found it. The Nazis have claimed it. And one American explorer has stumbled upon their secret - a plot that could change the course of World War II.Trade Review‘Open a Jack Higgins novel and you’ll encounter a master craftsman at the peak of his powers … first-rate tales of intrigue, suspense and full-on action.’Sunday Express ‘Higgins is a master of his craft.’Daily Telegraph ‘A thriller writer in a class of his own.’Financial Times ‘The master craftsman of good, clean adventure.’Daily Mail ‘A seasoned pro - Higgins knows how to tell a story!’New York Times Book Review ‘When it comes to thriller writers one name stands well above the crowd - Jack Higgins’ Associated Press

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Book SynopsisFact collides with fiction in Will Adams second pulse-pounding adventure featuring the enigmatic Daniel Knox – hero of The Alexander CipherTrade ReviewThe Alexander Cipher ‘The action crackles along’ Daily Mail ‘A fast-moving, finely crafted, intelligent action-adventure that delivers on all fronts. Pick it up, settle back, and enjoy the ride.’ Raymond Khoury

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Book SynopsisBy the author of the hugely successful ‘The Thorn Birds’Trade ReviewPraise for ‘Antony and Cleopatra’: ‘An irresistible read’Daily Mail ‘Full of passion, greed, intrigue and betrayal…a thoroughly entertaining read’Glasgow Herald Praise for Colleen McCullough: ‘Fast-moving and immensely readable…this book is a page turner from start to finish’ Maeve Binchy 'McCullough piles on the drama' Daily Mail 'Sizzling family drama stuffed with passion, tragedy, love and sex' More 'Absorbing’ Sunday Telegraph 'Compelling, passionate and gritty' She 'Probes the depths of the human heart in a haunting, multi-layered novel' Good Book Guide 'Deliciously addictive…a classic tale of wealth and power–an engrossing read' Sainsbury's magazine

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Book SynopsisThree musketeers. Two enemies. One major battle.’ ‘All for one and one for all!’Trade Review'I was utterly engrossed…terrific.'Antonia Fraser, The Times ‘Dumas is a master of ripping yarns full of fearless heroes, poisonous ladies and swashbuckling adventurers.'The Guardian ' ‘Engrossing and often hilarious…bounds along at a thumping pace.'The Guardian

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Book SynopsisThe epic story of one man’s fight for his love, his God and his countryTrade Review‘He has a remarkable grasp of the mindset of the period and always puts the emphasis where it would be for the people involved at hat time, rather than ours. Some readers may find that disorienting, but a capacity for disturbing readers’ assumptions is even more a hallmark of good historical fiction than the inclusion of the Knights Templar’Diana Gabaldon 'Thrilling and inspiring, bloody and romantic; utterly of its time and utterly modern’Tom Holland 'Destined to become a classic, a brilliant and dramatic recreation of the medieval world' Sharon Penman

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Book SynopsisThe second volume of the crusades trilogy from bestelling Swedish author Jan Guillou.THE KNIGHT TEMPLAR follows Arn''s adventures in the Holy Land, where he discovers that the infidel Saracens aren't as brutish and uncivilised as he had been led to believe, and that in fact there is another, darker side to the teaching of the Cistercians.Trade Review‘He has a remarkable grasp of the mindset of the period and always puts the emphasis where it would be for the people involved at hat time, rather than ours. Some readers may find that disorienting, but a capacity for disturbing readers’ assumptions is even more a hallmark of good historical fiction than the inclusion of the Knights Templar’Diana Gabaldon 'Thrilling and inspiring, bloody and romantic; utterly of its time and utterly modern’Tom Holland 'Destined to become a classic, a brilliant and dramatic recreation of the medieval world' Sharon Penman

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Book Synopsis"A gritty, memorable book … it is a delight from start to finish, without a single misstep." Tracy ChevalierTrade ReviewA Sunday Times Read of the Week and Glamour's 'Must Read' ‘I loved “Enemy Women”. It is a gritty, memorable book, full of the things I like best in a novel – a sparky heroine, an unsentimental love story, a confident retelling of the past. It is a delight from start to finish, without a single misstep.’ Tracy Chevalier ‘With the eye of a poet and the rectitude of a historian, Paulette Jiles travels the backroads of the American Civil War and returns with a story that is both gripping and gorgeously rendered. Adair is destined to find a place of honour among the great heroines of modern fiction’. Geraldine Brooks, author of ‘Year of Wonders’. ‘Remarkable…entirely deserving of the plaudits it will doubtless continue to receive here. Jiles isn't content with merely telling us something we know already, but sets out to show us what this means, in images of startling beauty and horror.’ The Times ‘Although “Enemy Women” is rich in historical research, it is partly Adair's unexpected modernity that makes it so compelling, as she battles her way through war with sharp rejoinders and a waspish wit, by turns fierce, wily and pragmatic … Jiles's epically plotted novel moves to a beat as irresistibly vernacular as its heroine's 'confession'.’ Observer

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Book SynopsisA stunning historical novel, 'The Book of Fires' is the unforgettable story of Agnes Trussel – and love, fireworks and redemption.Trade Review'Jane Borodale displays a deft touch in this very pleasing story' MAUREEN WALLER, Daily Telegraph ‘Borodale's refreshingly original approach and engaging style makes 'The Book of Fires’ a welcome addition to the historical fiction genre' Yorkshire Evening Post 'A dark atmospheric novel from a fantastic new voice in fiction' Bury Free Press, Book of the Week 'This author's debut excels in it's portrayal of the lot of the 18th-century underclass, of the development of the dark art of pyrotechny and of the swift and usually harsh treatment of those whose sole crime was that of poverty… this 'Book of Fireworks' really works and it sparkles along at a fizzingly glorious pace. Literary pyrotechnics on a grand scale' Lady

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Book SynopsisHawkwood’s in America for this gripping, action-packed follow up to the bestselling Ratcatcher - for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Igulden and Patrick O’BrianTrade ReviewPraise for James McGee: 'Irresistible… rambunctious entertainment' Observer 'Rumbustious…a darkly attractive hero, terrific period atmosphere and action' The Times 'Atmospheric and well researched… try it' Daily Mirror ‘Breakneck pace, brutal action, clever characterisation and twisty plotting …' Reginald Hill ‘Ratcatcher is a richly enjoyable and impressively researched novel – also very gripping. James McGee is clearly a rising star in the historical galaxy and I look forward to Hawkwood's return' Andrew Taylor, author of The American Boy

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Book SynopsisRebellion is brewing in Napoleonic Paris, in the new action-packed novel from the author of the bestselling RatcatcherTrade ReviewPraise for Resurrectionist: ‘Breakneck pace, brutal action, clever characterisation and twisty plotting … James McGee brings Regency London to life – or perhaps I should say to death!' Reginald Hill Praise for Ratcatcher: 'Irresistible… rambunctious entertainment'Observer 'Rumbustious…a darkly attractive hero, terrific period atmosphere and action' The Times 'Atmospheric and well researched… try it' Daily Mirror 'Ratcatcher has everything: duels and derring-do, London highlife and lowlife, French lechery and treachery – all contained in a fast-moving, cleverly constructed plot with an immaculately detailed historical background. Add a hero who is ruthless, mysterious and sexy, and it's a safe bet that Ratcatcher marks the start of a series that will run and run … and run!' Reginald Hill ‘Ratcatcher is a richly enjoyable and impressively researched novel – also very gripping. James McGee is clearly a rising star in the historical galaxy and I look forward to Hawkwood's return' Andrew Taylor, author of 'The American Boy'

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Book SynopsisThe second book in Bracewell’s outstanding Emma of Normandy series, set in 11-century England, when Vikings are on the brink of invasion.Trade ReviewPraise for Shadow on the Crown: ‘A magnificent work of historical fiction, evoking time and place in a remarkable way’ DAILY MAIL ‘This is one of the most enthralling and captivating novels I've ever read. It truly is an epic novel. I can't wait to read the next book by this author’ KAREN MAITLAND ‘A meticulously researched, lyrically written tale which shines a sensuous light into the murkier depths of the Dark Ages’ ROBERT LOW ‘A highly entertaining addition to the historical fiction genre’ PUBLISHERS WEEKLY ‘Readers of historical sagas and romances will embrace this rich narrative’ LIBRARY JOURNAL ‘What a great book! Fascinating… a tense, exciting story’ DIANA GABALDON, author of the bestselling Outlander series ‘A well-wrought journey back to those little known times, this novel entertains while it educates’ Margaret George, bestselling author of ELIZABETH I and HELEN OF TROY

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Book Synopsis2025''S MOST EPIC, SWEEPING AND JAW-DROPPING FANTASY NOVELGodkiller and The Priory of The Orange Tree meet Netflix''s Kaos in this epic fantasy series set in ancient Greece''Epic, captivating and spellbinding . . . takes you on a quest like no other'' Saara El-Arifi number one bestselling author of Faebound_____________________________________FOR MORTALS TO RISE THE GODS MUST FALL.In Ancient Greece, the Twelve Gods demand the ultimate tribute food, treasure, even human sacrifice.There are some mortals who cling to a desperate prophecy telling of one to come who'll set them free. But few truly believe it.Until Danae, a fisherman''s daughter, eats a mysterious golden apple. And suddenly, her life unravels and a strange and dangerous path unfolds before her.Chased from her home, she neither understands nor fully controls her future. One which will find Danae walking the winding roads of heroes. There, she encounters and befriends the mighty demi-god, Heracles.Together, they will seek out monsters to battle.But Danae's destiny is not to fight beasts.She will hunt the Gods.She will drag them screaming from Olympus . . ._____________________________________A.S. Webb has written a legendary reimagining of the Greek age of heroes.' - Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson Sunday Times Bestselling author of The Principle of Moments''An epic and heart-racing adventure through mythology and magic. Beautiful and engrossing, this is a must-read debut'' Tasha Suri, award-winning author of The Burning Kingdoms Trilogy''With engaging characters and an enchanting world, Daughter of Chaos is the perfect marriage of Greek myth and epic fantasy, sure to delight readers of both genres'' Frances White, Sunday Times bestselling author of Voyage of the Damned''With an unfaltering pace and vivid worldbuilding, A.S.Webb sweeps us into a world of gods, men and monsters, and gives us Danae: a woman who will not be ruled by any of them. Webb spins an original and compelling story out of a well-known mythology. This is an impressive debut'' Lucy Holland, author of Sistersong''Daughter of Chaos is a wild ride through prophecy, rebellion and adventure Danae is a heroine I'd follow anywhere'' Jess Popplewell, author of The Dark Within Us''A spellbinding masterpiece that breathes new life into Greek mythology, intertwining it with epic fantasy in a familiar and refreshingly original way'' Crystal King, author of In the Garden of Monsters''A must-read for anyone seeking a fresh and intriguing take on the Greek gods and the humans who dare to defy them. For fans of Epic, the musical, and Kaos, the Netflix show '' Marvellous Michael Anson, author of Firstborn of the Sun

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