Historical adventure fiction

Book SynopsisShortlisted for the Winston Graham Prize for Historical Fiction''This book is a rarity - a novel as remarkable for the vigour of the storytelling as for its literary ambition. Kim Sherwood is a writer of capacity, potency and sophistication'' HILARY MANTELA Wild & True Relation opens during the Great Storm of 1703, as smuggler Tom West confronts his lover Grace for betraying him to the Revenue. Leaving Grace''s cottage in flames, he takes her orphaned daughter Molly on board ship disguised as a boy to join his crew. But Molly, or Orlando as she must call herself, will grow up to outshine all the men of Tom''s company and seek revenge - and a legacy - all of her own. Woven into Molly''s story are the writers - from Celia Fiennes to Hester Thrale to George Eliot - who are transfixed by her myth and who, over three centuries, come together to solve the mystery of her life. With extraordinary verve and chutzpah, Sherwood remakes the eighteentTrade ReviewThis book is a rarity - a novel as remarkable for the vigour of the storytelling as for its literary ambition. Kim Sherwood is a writer of capacity, potency and sophistication -- Hilary MantelRich and immersive * Sunday Times *Breathlessly swashbuckling ... both full-blooded historical fiction and thoughtful literary deconstruction, both elements immaculately researched. You can take pleasure in her punchy plotting and flamboyant nautical descriptions, plus the subversive Molly's complex navigation of those dual selves - with "Orlando" a clear nod to Woolf's similarly gender-bending novel * Daily Telegraph *A gripping feminist adventure story * Cosmopolitan *A thrilling adventure novel that richly evokes the sights, sounds and smells of Devon at the turn of the eighteenth century. Smugglers, pirates and some cameos from some well-known writers - what's not to like! It presents swashbuckling action alongside reflections on authorship, agency and the powerful question of who gets to write history -- Fiona Mozley, Booker shortlisted author of ELMET and HOT STEWI loved this tremendous book and devoured it in two days. Vividly imagined, relentlessly entertaining, rich and resonant in scope and context, it's both a thrilling adventure and a vital witness to women's voices -- Emma Stonex, author of THE LAMPLIGHTERSIt is a breathtaking feat of historical fiction, and an utterly astounding novel. It is wise, urgent and entirely compelling. I was bereft when it ended. If it does not win every prize for fiction next year, I will be amazed. * Wyl Menmuir, author of The Draw of the Sea *A blistering tale of early 18th-century love, betrayal, murder, and revenge, wrapped up in a novel of smuggling, piracy, shipbuilding, and a girl who is not as she seems. The prose is superb * Historical Novels Society *Employing lusty couplings, a brooding hero and a tender young heroine, Sherwood plays knowingly with the romantic genre ... By both undermining and indulging the genre, it seems Sherwood is having her delicious contraband cake and eating it, too * Suzi Feay, Guardian *[Sherwood] adopts the dramatic conventions of the 18th-century adventure novel to spin a tale of secrecy, betrayal and law-breaking on the open seas, while cleverly subverting those same codes to reveal an inherently feminist agenda . . . champions rather than elides the female voice, giving her heroine the right to both speak and record the truth about her life * Harper's Bazaar *

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestselling author Bertrice Small concludes her acclaimed saga of Rosamund Bolton and her daughters with this tale of passion, intrigue, and seduction, set against the glorious backdrop of King Henry’s court...Elizabeth Meredith, the youngest daughter of Rosamund Bolton, is nothing like her sensible sisters. Impatient with fancy manners, the young beauty has shunned the royal court in favor of a quiet life at Friarsgate. But to protect the future of the land she loves, she must venture into the court of King Henry VIII to find a suitable husband.   Elizabeth soon scandalizes the court by forging a friendship with Anne Boleyn and by flirting with Flynn Stewart, bastard brother to King James V of Scotland. But her fate lies back at Friarsgate—as she has always known—where a weakness for Scots sends her into the strong arms of Baen MacColl. Yet Elizabeth’s greatest passion is for her lands; and Baen’s loyalti

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Book SynopsisAn heir hiddenA land dividedA king in waitingHaving fled their home of Camelot, Merlyn Britannicus and the Arthur Pendragon find sanctuary in an abandoned Roman fort as the protector continues the young heir''s training.Sheltered from the forces that would destroy him, Arthur grows in strength and resolve, and the child becomes a warrior and a hero.But a storm is coming, and Merlyn must make preparations for the path ahead: a dangerous journey home and the battle that will see the boy become a king.Discover the most authentic telling of the Arthurian legend ever written

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Book SynopsisTHE ENCHANTING NEW NOVEL BY THE AUTHOR OF THE 2022 WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE YEAR, THE FAIR BOTANISTS.''Gripping'' Good Housekeeping''Secrets discovered, ruinous rumours scotched, happiness regained and friendships founded'' Daily Mail''A novel of feeling and intellect which will surely and deservedly be a great success'' Allan Massie, The ScotsmanYou wouldn''t suspect it, but scandalous secrets are being kept on Blythswood Square...1846. Glasgow is a city on the cusp of great social change, but behind the curtains, neighbours are watching, and rumours of improper behaviour spread like wildfire on the respectable Blythswood Square. When Charlotte Nicholl discovers that the fortune she has been bequeathed by her father is tied up in a secret collection of erotic art, she is faced with a terrible dilemma: sell it and risk shaming her family''s good name or lose her home. An Trade ReviewDripping with intrigue and luscious prose, this sumptuous novel shines a light on a Glasgow long past ... Sherdian's fine writing and expert characterisation just pull you in, so you can hear silk skirts swish and secret doors creak, as if you too are dwelling amongst the bustle of Blytheswood Square. I loved it * Karen Campbell *A gripping and beautifully written book * ES Thomson *An enchanting new novel * Scots Magazine *Sheridan is a mistress of the historical novel, and reading her latest book feels at times like stepping into an elaborate period drama set in Edinburgh and Glasgow . . . this is essential reading * Scottish Field Magazine *A gripping novel * Good Housekeeping *Sheridan's spry plot sees secrets discovered, ruinous rumours scotched, happiness regained and friendships founded in a novel that celebrates the search for autonomy * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisThe second volume in Valerio Manfredi''s huge, bestselling series of thrilling historical adventure in the ancient worldTrade ReviewRemarkable . . . one of life’s unalloyed pleasures: praise for Valerio Massimo Manfredi * New York Times *

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Book SynopsisOn the day of his wedding, Edmond Dantès is falsely accused of treason, arrested, and imprisoned without trial in a grim island fortress off Marseilles. A fellow prisoner inspires Dantès to escape and guides him to a fortune in treasure. Dantès returns home under the pseudonym of the mysterious Count of Monte Cristo, in order to avenge himself on the men who conspired to destroy him.The Count of Monte Cristo takes place in France, Italy, and islands in the Mediterranean during the historical events of 1815-1839: the era of the Bourbon Restoration through the reign of Louis-Philippe of France. It begins just before the Hundred Days period (when Napoleon returned to power after his exile). The historical setting is a fundamental element of the book, an adventure story primarily concerned with themes of hope, justice, vengeance, mercy, and forgiveness. It centres around a man who is wrongfully imprisoned, escapes from jail, acquires a fortune, and sets about getting revenge on those responsible for his imprisonment. However, his plans have devastating consequences for the innocent as well as the guilty.This case laminate collector''s edition includes a Victorian inspired dust-jacket. 

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Book SynopsisBRISTOL 1943 and life for the Tobacco Girls isn’t getting any easier...Bridget Milligan has donned a uniform and joined the nursing services where she becomes intrigued with the miracles of modern medicine. She’s also torn between family loyalty, her new career and Lyndon O’Neill, the love of her life. Is it too impossible to hope that everything will come out right in the end?Phyllis Harvey is still serving in Malta where she sees the casualties of war first hand. Finally it seems like Phyllis is blessed with true in love, but fate can sometimes be a rocky road and nothing is that certain.Maisie Miles is left holding the home front at the tobacco factory but with the sudden death of her grandmother finds herself once more alone in the world. However, thanks to a substantial inheritance, she is able to extend a helping hand to a friend in desperate need.There are tears and laughter, goodbyes and new arrivals along with the hope that new beginnings are not far over the horizon.'A captivating tale of love, friendship, and the strength of feminity. Lizzie Lane effortlessly weaves a web full of passion, heartbreak, and intricate characters, with enough drama to lure you in and keep you stuck to every last page' Epic Book SocietyPraise for Lizzie Lane:'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane.' Fenella J Miller

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Book Synopsis'A wonderful book by a fabulous author, very highly recommended.’ Louise DouglasA tale as old as time. A spirit that has never rested.Present dayAs a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat. The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives. But it isn’t long before Selena hears the past whispering to her. Sloe Cottage is keeping secrets which refuse to stay hidden.1682Grace Cotter longs for nothing more than a husband and family of her own. Content enough with her work on the farm, looking after her father, and learning the secrets of her grandmother Bett’s healing hands, nevertheless Grace still hopes for love. But these are dangerous times for dreamers, and rumours and gossip can be deadly. One mis-move and Grace’s fate looks set…Separated by three hundred years, two women are drawn together by a home bathed in blood and magic. Grace Cotter’s spirit needs to rest, and only Selena can help her now.USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this unforgettable, heart-breaking, gripping timeslip novel set in a world when women were hung as witches, and fates could be sealed by a wrong word. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.Praise for Elena Collins:'A profoundly moving, beautifully written and emotional story that skilfully combines two time frames into one unputdownable book. I was completely immersed in Grace’s story from the beginning: despite it taking place 400 years ago. The modern day storyline was also delightful with some wonderful characters. In short a wonderful book by a fabulous author, very highly recommended.' Louise Douglas

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Book SynopsisWill an unlikely friendship be enough to save them?After escaping a train bound for a death camp with a trusty German Shepherd dog, a girl wakes to find that she has no memory of her former life.Lily is fostered by the kind RAF pilot who found her and his wife, Meg. It is not long before their lives are disrupted once again by the war and, with their home in ruins, they are forced to flee to the country.In the Somerset countryside, Lily is reunited with Rudy, the heroic German Shepherd. However it soon becomes clear that Rudy is not just her companion, he is protecting her too, and someone wants him out of the way…A gripping historical saga of friendship and family from bestselling author Lizzie Lane.Praise for Lizzie Lane:'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane.' Fenella J Miller

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Book SynopsisThe Sweet family have run the local bakery for as long as anyone can remember.Twins Ruby and Mary Sweet help their widowed father out when they can. Mary loves baking and has no intention of leaving their small Gloucestershire village. while Ruby dreams of life in London.But as war threatens, there will be changes for all of the Sweet family, with brother Charlie off to serve and cousin Frances facing evacuation. But there will be opportunities, too, as the twins' baking talent catches the attention of the Ministry of Food....The gripping first instalment in Lizzie Lane's bestselling heartfelt, gripping Sweet Sisters trilogy.Praise for Lizzie Lane:'A gripping saga and a storyline that will keep you hooked' Rosie Goodwin'The Tobacco Girls is another heartwarming tale of love and friendship and a must-read for all saga fans.' Jean Fullerton'Lizzie Lane opens the door to a past of factory girls, redolent with life-affirming friendship, drama, and choices that are as relevant today as they were then.' Catrin Collier'If you want an exciting, authentic historical saga then look no further than Lizzie Lane.' Fenella J Miller

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Book SynopsisThe next instalment in the Martha Miller Mysteries from bestselling author Catherine Coles!Winteringham Village 1947As a thank you for her previous brilliant crime solving, amateur sleuth, Martha Miller is guest of honour at the Winteringham Country Fair. However, this time she is looking forward to simply judging dog shows and eating cream teas rather than apprehending a killer!And Martha is just beginning to enjoy spending quality time with Vicar Luke Walker away from the prying eyes and gossips of her own village, when disaster strikes, and the local teenage femme fatale is found stabbed to death behind the tea tent by Martha’s trusted red setter Lizzie!But who would want to kill such a young girl and why? Someone in the village has secrets to hide and it seems Martha and Luke have another case to solve!Let the investigation commence!Find out if Martha and Luke can catch the killer in a brand new Martha Miller mystery from bestselling author Catherine Coles.What readers are saying about Martha Miller!'An utterly charming 1940’s mystery. Definitely a new series addiction!' Bestselling author Debbie Young."Poison at the Village Show" is pure mystery buff entertainment and has all the qualities expected of an English mystery.' James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, Midwest Book ReviewPerfect for fans of Lee Strauss and Beth Byers!

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Book SynopsisA brand new series full of friendship, singing and laughter as war looms...Cleethorpes 1939 With the country teetering on the brink of war everyone faces an uncertain future. Destitute after the tragic death of her father, aspiring singer Jessie Delaney and her family have no choice other than to accept the charity of relatives to ensure a roof over their heads. Spiteful Aunt Iris soon has Jessie dreaming of a life filled with colour and excitement that she knows the theatre can offer. How can Jessie escape the drudgery, support her family and pursue her dreams? Through her father’s connections Jessie finds work as a Variety Girl in a new show at the Empire in Cleethorpes, a small seaside theatre on the east coast. But taking the job means flying solo and leaving her family and her sweetheart, Harry behind. Friendships are forged but will the glamour of show business lose its shine without those she loves close by?A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.Praise for Tracy Baines:‘A charming, heart-warming saga about ambition, hard work and courage in the cut and thrust of a world often driven by jealousy and spite’. Rosie Clarke‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime musical theatre. I highly recommend this book.’ Fenella Miller‘An emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!’ Sheila Riley'An absorbing and poignant saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it...' Elaine Roberts'Terrific - beautifully written. The book twinkles. A well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Annie Clark‘I just loved this book! Molly WaltonThe Variety Girls is terrific - beautifully written & with an unusual background. The stage costumes twinkle with sequins and the book twinkles with tiny details of theatre life that add depth and atmosphere to this well-crafted and satisfying story. Maisie Thomas, The Railway Girls‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young, Belle of the Backstreets‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Milly Adams‘an evocative, busy, entertaining read, which has well balanced touches of humour, vying with angst, and of course, more than a dollop of tension.’ Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine‘Characterisation is one of the book’s strong points – the individual characters stay in your mind long after you finish the story.’ Barbara Dynes, The Voice

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Book SynopsisAs war is declared can The Seaside Girls keep smiling through…Cleethorpes – September 1939Struggling to keep their spirits up as the reality of war hits home and theatres are closed, friends Jessie Delaney and Frances O’Leary search for work to see them through until they can sing and dance again.Frances, once upon a time followed her dreams of becoming a dancer but soon found herself with a broken heart and a precious secret when her lover abandoned her. Keeping her secret from her friends grows more difficult as time passes and their friendship grows..But with her lover returning to England from a successful tour of America, how long will it be before the truth comes to light?Secrets aren’t good for anyone and Frances isn’t the only one hiding things from her friends. Ginny Thomspon, another Seaside Girl is hoping for the best. But is hope enough?Can the Seaside Girls pull together to help each other through the tough times or will their secrets tear them apart?A gritty and heart-warming saga perfect for readers of Elaine Everest, Nancy Revell and Pam Howes.Praise for Tracy Baines:‘A charming, heart-warming saga about ambition, hard work and courage in the cut and thrust of a world often driven by jealousy and spite.’ Rosie Clarke‘Immerse yourself in the exciting, evocative world of Wartime musical theatre. I highly recommend this book.’ Fenella J. Miller‘An emotional, entertaining read that had me gripped!’ Sheila Riley'An absorbing and poignant saga. I loved it from the very beginning and would highly recommend it...' Elaine Roberts'Terrific - beautifully written. The book twinkles. A well-crafted and satisfying story' Maisie Thomas‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Annie Clark‘I just loved this book!' Molly Walton'The Variety Girls is terrific - beautifully written & with an unusual background. The stage costumes twinkle with sequins and the book twinkles with tiny details of theatre life that add depth and atmosphere to this well-crafted and satisfying story.' Maisie Thomas‘A pleasure from start to finish.’ Glenda Young‘…you will have to read this well-researched song and dance of a novel in great gulps as I did’ Milly Adams‘An evocative, busy, entertaining read, which has well balanced touches of humour, vying with angst, and of course, more than a dollop of tension.’ Margaret Graham, Frost Magazine‘Characterisation is one of the book’s strong points – the individual characters stay in your mind long after you finish the story.’ Barbara Dynes, The Voice

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Book SynopsisThe start of a series - an unputdownable fast paced adventure, filled with unforgettable characters. 989 AD.Alfred the Great’s dream of a united England has been forged by his daughter Aethelfaed and grandson, King Aethelstan.The Vikings have been expelled from York following the death of Erik Bloodaxe, and for two generations there has been peace between Saxon and Dane.A new Viking warlord Olaf Tryggvason seeks revenge for Bloodaxe's death and the slaughter that followed, and has set his sights on a fresh assault on England’s shores. With Skarde Wartooth they set sail for Saxon lands, hungry for glory, conquest and vengeance.Beornoth, a brutal and battle-hardened Saxon Thegn, is called to arms to fight and protect the Saxon people from the savage Norse invaders. On a personal crusade, he joins the army of Byrthnoth, Lord of the east Saxons in a desperate fight against the bloodthirsty Vikings.Beornoth must lay his own demons to bed, survive vicious attacks and find redemption for his tragic past.If you like Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden, and David Gemmell you will love this epic Saxon adventure packed with battles, Vikings, and adventure.Praise for Warrior and Protector:'Epic, brutal action, a flawed hero defending his people while fighting his own demons, implacable ruthless invaders, treacherous nobles, Warrior and Protector has them all'- Matthew Harffy'Bloody and brutal, everything you want from a novel about 10th century England. Peter's vivid writing really brings the story to life.' - Donovan Cook'A superbly atmospheric tale of redemption that pitches the English against Viking raiders and resounds with the fierceness of battle-hardened warriors' - MJ Porter'Thunderously atmospheric! Gibbons once again proves himself a master of Viking & Dark Age lore.' - Gordon Doherty'Absolutely cracking. The best Viking saga I've read in years. A joy to pick up again.' - Ross Greenwood

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Book SynopsisThe start of a series - an unputdownable fast paced adventure, filled with unforgettable characters. 989 AD.Alfred the Great’s dream of a united England has been forged by his daughter Aethelfaed and grandson, King Aethelstan.The Vikings have been expelled from York following the death of Erik Bloodaxe, and for two generations there has been peace between Saxon and Dane.A new Viking warlord Olaf Tryggvason seeks revenge for Bloodaxe's death and the slaughter that followed, and has set his sights on a fresh assault on England’s shores. With Skarde Wartooth they set sail for Saxon lands, hungry for glory, conquest and vengeance.Beornoth, a brutal and battle-hardened Saxon Thegn, is called to arms to fight and protect the Saxon people from the savage Norse invaders. On a personal crusade, he joins the army of Byrthnoth, Lord of the east Saxons in a desperate fight against the bloodthirsty Vikings.Beornoth must lay his own demons to bed, survive vicious attacks and find redemption for his tragic past.If you like Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden, and David Gemmell you will love this epic Saxon adventure packed with battles, Vikings, and adventure.Praise for Warrior and Protector:'Epic, brutal action, a flawed hero defending his people while fighting his own demons, implacable ruthless invaders, treacherous nobles, Warrior and Protector has them all'- Matthew Harffy'Bloody and brutal, everything you want from a novel about 10th century England. Peter's vivid writing really brings the story to life.' - Donovan Cook'A superbly atmospheric tale of redemption that pitches the English against Viking raiders and resounds with the fierceness of battle-hardened warriors' - MJ Porter'Thunderously atmospheric! Gibbons once again proves himself a master of Viking & Dark Age lore.' - Gordon Doherty'Absolutely cracking. The best Viking saga I've read in years. A joy to pick up again.' - Ross Greenwood

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Book SynopsisThe fight for a torn Kingdom rests in the hands of a few brave men…990AD. King Aethelred II, who men will one day call The Unready, rules over a land divided by the shadowy spin of his mother Queen Ælfthryth and the sprawling power of the Church. The Viking Warlord, Olaf Tryggvason smelling the Kingdoms weakness brings the vicious Jomsvikings to the Saxon coastline ravenous for war and plunder. Together Lord Byrthnoth, Ealdorman of the East Saxons and Beornoth his Saxon Thegn lead a force of oath sworn Viking killers, every bit as brutal and war-skilled as the Norse invaders to protect the Kingdom against enemies both from within, and from the cruel seas. They are pushed to the very limits of their bravery and endurance in a desperate fight for the very existence of the Saxon Kingdom. In a riveting story of treachery, betrayal, vengeance and war, can Beornoth defeat his enemies and protect the Kingdom from destruction? Storm of War continues the unmissable Viking historical fiction saga series which began with Peter Gibbons' Warrior & Protector.If you like Bernard Cornwell, Simon Scarrow, Conn Iggulden, and David Gemmell you will love this epic Saxon adventure packed with battles, Vikings, and adventure.Praise for Peter Gibbons:'Epic, brutal action, a flawed hero defending his people while fighting his own demons, implacable ruthless invaders, treacherous nobles, Warrior and Protector has them all'- Matthew Harffy'Bloody and brutal, everything you want from a novel about 10th century England. Peter's vivid writing really brings the story to life.' - Donovan Cook'A superbly atmospheric tale of redemption that pitches the English against Viking raiders and resounds with the fierceness of battle-hardened warriors' - MJ Porter'Thunderously atmospheric! Gibbons once again proves himself a master of Viking & Dark Age lore.' - Gordon Doherty'Absolutely cracking. The best Viking saga I've read in years. A joy to pick up again.' - Ross Greenwood

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