Historical adventure fiction

Book SynopsisChristopher Fowler was the multiple award-winning author of almost fifty novels and short story collections, including the celebrated Bryant & May mysteries. His other novels include Roofworld, Spanky, The Sand Men and Hot Water. He has also written two acclaimed memoirs, Paperboy (winner of the Green Carnation Prize) and Film Freak, plus The Book of Forgotten Authors and Peculiar London, Bryant and May's singular and eccentric guide to the city. In 2015 Chris was awarded the Crime Writers Association's coveted 'Dagger in the Library' for his body of work. He lived in London and Barcelona. Diagnosed with cancer just as the UK went into lockdown in 2020, Chris died on 2nd March 2023.

Read more less

Book SynopsisA band of mercenaries fight deadly enemies and solve ancient riddles to plunder the tomb of Egypt’s robber pharaoh in this break-neck historical adventure-thriller.In this fresh twist on the historical adventure genre, a band of misfits trek across sandy desert to the Valley of the Kings in search for the ancient gold owed to them.In the year 701 BC, Assyria casts its eyes on the last stronghold of the upstart Hebrews: the Kingdom of Judah. The Desert Mice, a band of Kushite mercenaries led by the famous warrior Pisaqar, turn away the foreboding Assyrian army from the gates of Jerusalem in an audacious raid. But the Desert Mice are betrayed: the Egyptian general Taharqa denies them of their pay and disrespects his old tutor. Incensed, the mercenaries plot to recoup the debt owed to them by robbing a long-lost tomb of a forgotten pharaoh.Pisaqar and his Kushites set out on a daring journey down the Nile—toward the Valley of the Kings and

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE EPIC HISTORICAL NOVEL OF THE YEAR - READERS LOVE SWORD OF THE WAR GOD!''Tim Hodkinson has created a fascinating and undeniably epic tale... Highly recommended!'' Theodore Brun''A relentless tale from start to finish that will leave you breathless for more.'' Richard CullenFeaturing breathtaking battles, fearsome foes, and vehement vows of vengeance, SWORD OF THE WAR GOD is a thrilling adventure set amongst the blood and tumult of fifth-century Europe, where the dying Roman Empire, the mighty Huns, and heroes from Norse mythology vie for power. In a world of war and ruin, men and gods collide.436 AD. The Burgundars are confident of destroying Rome''s legions, for the Empire is weak. Their forces are strong and they have beaten the Romans in battle before. But they are annihilated, their king killed, his people scattered. Their fabled treasure is lost. For Rome has new allies: the Huns, wh

Read more less

Book SynopsisValour and Petrichor are esteemed members of the Order of Axsten, an assassin’s guild tasked with keeping order in the rough city of Vinterstock. Plucked from the streets as children and raised to compete for their guild’s approval, Valour uses her brawn to survive, while Petrichor strives to be a gentleman assassin. When they’re given their biggest job yet—to kill Brandquist, the mysterious leader of the city''s illegal magic trade—it’s a recipe for disaster. If they can quell their rivalry long enough, the reward will be enough to settle their debts with the Order and start new lives. If this job wasn’t dangerous enough, Valour is saddled with protecting the aristocrat, Ingrid Rytterdahl. Valour finds her dangerously attractive, but Petrichor can’t wait to be rid of them both. He begrudgingly accepts Ingrid’s knowledge and connections as they navigate the city’s criminal underbelly in pursuit of Brandquist. As secrets bubble to the surface, the duo must outwit the thugs on their tail, keep Ingrid alive, and—hardest of all—work together without murdering each other.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJ. C. Harvey is the fiction pen-name for Jacky Colliss Harvey. After studying English at Cambridge, and History of Art at the Courtauld Institute of Art, Jacky worked in museum publishing for twenty years, first at the National Portrait Gallery and then at the Royal Collection Trust, where she set up the Trust's first commercial publishing programme. Her other novels include The Silver Wolf and The Dead Men.

Read more less

Book SynopsisFrom the author of the prize-winning As the Women Lay Dreaming comes a remarkable ‘unreliable biography’ of Karl Kjerúlf Einarsson: an artist and an adventurer, a charlatan and a swindler, forever in search of Atlantis. As a child in the windswept, fog-bound Faroe Islands in the late nineteenth century, Karl Einarsson believes he is special, destined for a life of art and adventure. As soon as he can, he sets out for Copenhagen and beyond, styling himself as the Count of St. Kilda. He’s an observer and citizen of nowhere, a serial swindler of aristocrats and Nazis, fishermen and fops. But when his adventures find him in 1930s Berlin, he is forced for the first time to reckon with something much bigger than himself. As the Nazis rise to power around him, his wilful ignorance becomes unwitting complicity, even betrayal. Based on a true story, this is a fantastical tale of island life, of those who leave and those who stay behind, and the many dangers of delusions and false identities.Trade Review'From the first line I know I’m in the hands of a bard and consummate storyteller. The writing is lyrical and hugely descriptive … The history is rich and fascinating.' * Historical Novels Review *

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Historical settings and characters that leap into life straight off the page'' SCOTT MARIANI''A vivid page-turning epic'' ANNE O''BRIENFor an empress to rise, a city must fall...Rome, 410 ADHalf-sister to Emperor Honorius, unmarried and powerless, twenty-year-old Galla Placidia watches from the shadows as imperial policies are made and unmade. Her plans to gain power and influence are halted when the city is besieged and captured by a vast army led by Alaric the Visigoth. Taken hostage, travelling out of Italy, Galla Placidia falls in love and marries a barbarian king. At a time when Rome''s power is fast dwindling, its authority diminishing year upon year, she embarks on a dangerous and remarkable journey towards the imperial throne.But what price must a woman pay for power?This is the compelling story of a little-known, remarkable woman whose burning ambition saw her, against all odds, become empress of Rome.What your favourite authors have to say about Ben Kane:''A rip-roaring epic'' PAUL FINCH''A truly vibrant and gripping read'' HELENA GUMLEY-MASON''An epic tale'' MATTHEW HARRFY''Historical fiction has never been more visceral'' JAMESROLLINS''A tour de force on an epic scale'' DOUGLASJACKSONReaders are loving Ben Kane:''Powerful evocation of our history'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''An engaging and exciting read'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Gripped me from start to finish'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Epic tales, gorgeous prose, non-stop action'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Rich in period detail and lively in narrative'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read more less

Book Synopsis“Mark Sullivan has done it again! The Last Green Valley is a compelling and inspiring story of heroism and courage in the dark days at the end of World War II.” —Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author From the author of the #1 bestseller Beneath a Scarlet Sky comes a new historical novel inspired by one family’s incredible story of daring, survival, and triumph. In late March 1944, as Stalin’s forces push into Ukraine, young Emil and Adeline Martel must make a terrible decision: Do they wait for the Soviet bear’s intrusion and risk being sent to Siberia? Or do they reluctantly follow the wolves—murderous Nazi officers who have pledged to protect “pure-blood” Germans? The Martels are one of many families of German heritage whose ancestors have farmed in Ukraine for more than a century. But after already living under Stalin’s horrifying regime, Emil and Adeline decide they must run in retreat from their land with the wolves they despise to escape the Soviets and go in search of freedom. Caught between two warring forces and overcoming horrific trials to pursue their hope of immigrating to the West, the Martels’ story is a brutal, complex, and ultimately triumphant tale that illuminates the extraordinary power of love, faith, and one family’s incredible will to survive and see their dreams realized.Trade ReviewAn Amazon Best Book of the Month: Literature & Fiction “After his triumphant novel Beneath a Scarlet Sky, Mark Sullivan delivers another stunning tour de force. Based on interviews and careful research, The Last Green Valley is the novelization of an inspirational true story featuring human strength, faith, and endurance against all odds.” —Authorlink “[Sullivan’s] got an extraordinary imagination, paired with a real talent for creating realistic scenes, both hair-raising times of danger—like being strafed—and intimate moments of pain.” —Historical Novel Society “Mark Sullivan has done a fantastic job reliving this harrowing story…If you’re a fan of historical novels this is one of the best that will come out this year or any year.” —Red Carpet Crash “Sullivan brings to life another little-known tale of perseverance and bravery in the face of incredible hardship.” —She Reads “A simply riveting read from cover to cover, The Last Green Valley is a deftly crafted novel that showcases experienced author Mark Sullivan’s exceptional narrative storytelling skills combined with exceptional originality.” —Midwest Book Review “I hail Mark Sullivan for doing it again—taking very real, very human stories set during the most intense period in recent world history and providing us with a work of historical fiction that we will not forget anytime soon.” —Bookreporter “Mark Sullivan has done it again! The Last Green Valley is a compelling and inspiring story of heroism and courage in the dark days at the end of World War II. Fans of Beneath a Scarlet Sky will savor this novel based on an extraordinary and little-known tale of the war and its aftermath.” —Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale and The Great Alone “Mark Sullivan weaves together history and memory in an epic journey of love and resilience. One of the most riveting, page-turning books I’ve read in a long time.” —Heather Morris, author of the #1 international and New York Times bestseller The Tattooist of Auschwitz “Sullivan again demonstrates his gift for finding little-known embers of history and breathing life into them until they glow and shine in ways that are both moving and memorable.” —Pam Jenoff, New York Times bestselling author of The Lost Girls of Paris “Mark is one of the most gifted and successful novelists of our generation. His ability to weave drama, morality, and emotion through wonderfully captivating stories of the human spirit puts him among the greats.” —Tony Robbins, #1 New York Times bestselling author and the nation’s #1 life and business strategist

Read more less

Book SynopsisSister Fidelma follows a trail that is as suspenseful as it is tortuous in the riveting third novel in Peter Tremayne''s unputdownable series. PRAISE FOR THE SISTER FIDELMA SERIES: ''Tremayne''s super-sleuth is a vibrant creation'' Morgan Llywelyn, ''A brilliant and beguiling heroine. Immensely appealing'' Publishers Weekly In the mid-7th Century AD, the Venerable Dacán, a much respected and beloved scholar of the Celtic Church, has been found murdered while on a visit to a remote abbey in the Irish Kingdom of Muman. When Dacán''s foul death is used by a neighbouring kingdom to demand reparation from Muman, bloody war seems imminent. Summoned by Muman''s dying king to investigate, Sister Fidelma is asked to solve the mystery of the brutal killing and by doing so to prevent the inevitable war breaking out between the two opposing kingdoms. She sets out for the remote abbey with a warrior named Cass - and very little time. But there are more sinist

Read more less

Book Synopsis1820s Britain: after the wars with France, when unemployment was high and soldiers could be paid off, when the government was desperately afraid of social unrest, any crime was drastically punished and thousands were hung. But one could petition the King and an investigation might ensueThe man in the dark cell in Newgate Prison was due to hang in a week. He had been found guilty of murdering the aristocrat whose portrait he was painting. He claimed to be innocent but then the hangman had never hung a guilty man, he said. But even in 1820, the Home Secretary could occasionally use his powers to grant mercy if his investigator found cause and Rider Sandman, once of the First Foot Guards, is given the job.Rider Sandman, a hero of Waterloo, has family debts to repay but when his first steps in the investigations produce a sizeable bribe to look the other way, this only arouses his smouldering anger over the condition of England, a country which he and others in Wellington''s army had fougTrade Review‘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…Cornwell at his best is utterly compelling. And this is Cornwell at his best.’ Daily Mail ‘Page for page, sentence for sentence, scene for heart-stopping scene GALLOWS THIEF is the strongest historical novel I have read this year…he tells a cracking yarn and fills it with vivid characters and writes crisp dialogue and gets the period detail right..it is hard to stop reading…it is masterly.’ Sunday Telegraph

Read more less

Book SynopsisCoward, scoundrel, lover and cheat, but there is no better man to go into the jungle with. Join Flashman on his adventures as he survives fearful ordeals and outlandish perils across the four corners of the world.A hasty retreat from the boudoir would normally suffice when caught with a wanton young wife. But when her husband turns out to be a high court judge, a change of continents is called for, as Flashman sets off to America again.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

Read more less

Book SynopsisFive-star turbo-charged, non-stop action thriller It reads like a movie reel Needs to be on every thrill seeker's reading list' NetGalley review ?????An impossible heist. An ancient code. A deadly race against time High in the Italian alps, cut off from the outside world, sits a chapel battered by winds and icy blizzards. The priests who guard this sacred place have sworn to protect the dangerous treasure that lies within their walls.But when Joe Mason and his team are called to the remote church, they find its ancient stones reduced to rubble, the priests murdered in cold blood and their precious cargo stolen.As Mason pursues the thieves across continents and dangerous waters, he wonders what incredible secret the priests laid down their lives for And if he can recover it before it claims more innocent victims, and brings the downfall of civilisation as we know itAn edge-of-your-seat, action packed blockbuster adventure that will leave you breathless. Fans of Jack Reacher and Dan Brown will be hooked from the very first page.Readers are gripped by The Demon Code:A five-star, turbo-charged, non-stop action thriller a fantastic follow-up from book one' NetGalley review ?????An amazing rollercoaster ride that I stayed up all night to finish' NetGalley review ?????David Leadbeater delivers! This book has twists and turns (and conspiracy) rivaling that of The Da Vinci Code' NetGalley review?????Worth more than 5 stars. It keeps you on pins while turning those pages' NetGalley review ?????Riveting adventure with Joe Mason and the team, non-stop action as they discover secrets of the past' NetGalley review ?????The action never stops' NetGalley review ?????Can't wait for the next one. A superb team in the making' NetGalley review ?????A perfect book for armchair detectives I loved the treasure hunt aspect of this story who doesn't love solving clues?' NetGalley review ?????Trade Review Readers are gripped by David Leadbeater: ‘Loved it… A fast-paced, adventure-packed, non-stop fight for survival, balanced with a great team dynamic of real characters’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Action packed, fast paced and filled with adventuring… Great characters too!’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Amazing rollercoaster ride of mayhem and adventure, David you just get better and better’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Action, history, fun characters and lots of exciting adventures. You have to love it’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Buckle up… Adventure that will be impossible to put down til the very end’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A thrilling and dangerous adventure’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘A wild rollercoaster ride if was up and down and round and round’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Filled with memorable characters. Everything that makes an action novel worth reading. I highly recommend’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Thrilling from the beginning to the end’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Read more less

Book SynopsisPaints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line --Daily Express1811. The Adriatic, the ''French Lake'', is now the most valuable territory Napoleon Bonaparte possesses.Captain Sir Thomas Kydd finds his glorious return to England cut short when the Admiralty summons him to lead a squadron of frigates into these waters to cause havoc and distress to the enemy. Kydd is dubbed ''The Sea Devil'' by Bonaparte who personally appoints one of his favorites, Dubourdieu, along with a fleet that greatly outweighs the British, to rid him of this menace.At the same time, Nicholas Renzi is sent to Austria on a secret mission to sound out the devious arch-statesman, Count Metternich. His meeting reveals a deadly plan by Bonaparte that threatens the whole balance of power in Europe. The only thing that can stop it is a decisive move at sea and for this he must somehow cross the Alps to the Adriatic to contact Kydd diTrade ReviewBalkan Glory is an epic chapter in the splendid Kydd canon, weaving knotty political gambits with stirring naval actions, expressively re-creating the often harsh reality Jack Tars witnessed within their wooden walls during the Napoleonic Wars * Quarterdeck *Balkan Glory utilises real events and people alongside its fictional cast of favourites who have gone from ship to ship with Kydd. Flying his commodore's flag in the frigate HMS Tyger, Kydd's ships engage in an epic clash . . . Balkan Glory is thrilling stuff indeed * Warships *An impressively entertaining action/adventure novel by an author with a genuine flair for the kind of narrative storytelling style that keeps his readers compulsively engaged from cover to cover * Library Bookwatch *There is the Stockwin roller coaster ride of triumphs and reverses and the play of court life against a life in a wooden warship. Once more a page turner that will keep the reader engrossed to the last page * Fire Reviews *

Read more less

Book SynopsisUncle Tom’s Cabin brought the evils of slavery to the hearts and minds of the American people by its moving portrayal of slave experience.Part of the Macmillan Collector’s Library; a series of stunning, clothbound, pocket sized classics with gold foiled edges and ribbon markers. These beautiful books make perfect gifts or a treat for any book lover. This edition has an afterword by Pat Righelato.Harriet Beecher Stowe shows us, in scenes of great dramatic power, the human effects of a system in which slaves were property. When a Kentucky farmer falls on hard times he is forced to sell his slaves, and among them is Uncle Tom, who’s bought by a brutal plantation owner. The novel describes the horror of plantation labour and Tom’s fight for his freedom and his life. A rallying cry to end slavery in America and one of the most influential American novels, Uncle Tom’s Cabin remains, to this day, controversial and abrasive in its demand for change.

Read more less

Book SynopsisNow a major film directed by Martin Bourboulon.It is 1625 and France is under threat. D’Artagnan, a young nobleman, sets off to Paris to seek his fortune as a member of the King's Guard and befriends three musketeers - the mysterious Athos, ambitious and romantic Aramis, and bumbling Porthos. Together the friends must use all their guile and ingenuity to outwit the dastardly schemes of Cardinal Richelieu and the glamorous spy, Milady.As fresh and entertaining today as when it was first written, Alexandre Dumas's The Three Musketeers is a gripping adventure story of daring sword fights, romances, espionage and murder.This sensitively abridged Macmillan Collector’s Library edition of The Three Musketeers features an afterword by playwright, screenwriter and actor, Peter Harness.Designed to appeal to the booklover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.

Read more less

Book SynopsisJ. M. Coetzee was born in Cape Town, South Africa in 1940. The author of some fifteen novels and winner of numerous awards, Coetzee is the first author to have been awarded the Booker Prize twice: for Life & Times of Michael K in 1983 and for Disgrace in 1999. In 2003 he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. He lives in Australia.Trade ReviewA small miracle of a book...of marvellous intricacy and overwhelming power * Washington Post *A finely honed testament to its author's intelligence, imagination and skill * The New York Times *

Read more less

Book SynopsisBOOK 18 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 MirrorA FAMILY IN TURMOIL. A COUNTRY IN RUINS.The war is over, Hitler is dead - and yet his evil legacy lives on. Former Special Operations Executive, Saffron Courtney, and her beloved husband, Gerhard, only just survived the brutal conflict, but Gerhard's Nazi brother, Konrad, is still free and determined to regain power. As a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse develops, a plot against the couple begins to stir. One that will have ramifications throughout Europe. . .Further afield in Kenya, the last outcrop of the colonial empire is feeling the stirrings of rebellion. As the situation becomes violent, and the Courtney family home is under threat, Saffron's father, Leon Courtney, finds himself caught between two powerful sides - and a battle for the freedom of a country.A Courtney Series adventure - Book 4 in Assegai sequence.Legacy of War is a nail-biting story of courage, bravery, rebellion and war from Wilbur Smith, one of the best and most beloved authors of the century. The thrilling conclusion to the Assegai sequence.Book 19 in the Courtney family series, Storm Tide, is available now.'Legacy of War' was a Sunday Times bestseller w/e 18-04-2021.

Read more less

Book Synopsis'Parry's Victorian Edinburgh comes vividly alive - and it's a world of pain' Val McDermid'Brilliantly conceived, fiendishly plotted' Mick HerronSHORTLISTED FOR THE McILVANNEY PRIZE 2020A Raven and Fisher Mystery: Book 2Edinburgh, 1849. Hordes of patients are dying all across the city, with doctors finding their remedies powerless. And a whispering campaign seeks to paint Dr James Simpson, pioneer of medical chloroform, as a murderer.Determined to clear Simpson's name, his protégé Will Raven and former housemaid Sarah Fisher must plunge into Edinburgh's deadliest streets and find out who or what is behind the deaths. Soon they discover that the cause of the deaths has evaded detection purely because it is so unthinkable.Trade ReviewThe Ambrose Parry novels are as much about medical discovery as the pursuit of wrongdoers, and are a triumph on both counts. Brilliantly conceived, fiendishly plotted and immaculately realised, these thrillers pull off the most difficult double-whammy of all: beneath blood and butchery so real they almost stain the pages lie both heart and soul. Two books in, Sarah and Will's story feels like it's just beginning. Wherever Parry takes them, I'll follow -- MICK HERRONGleeful, romping . . . The fog and stench of Edinburgh's Old Town definitely jump off the page . . . The central relationship between loveable rogue Raven and proto-feminist Fisher is the beating heart of The Art of Dying. Both characters are drawn with real empathy and nuance, and their complicated feelings for each other drive the book as much as the smart storylines. A great piece of storytelling * * Big Issue * *Full of twists and turns - a great read * * Evening Times * *A gripping Victorian thriller * * Sunday Express * *Dark and visceral, gritty and charming, with a twisting plot and compelling characters - not least, Victorian Edinburgh at her deadliest. The immersive world of Ambrose Parry just gets better and better -- JESS KIDDThe central characters and their relationship are the book's strengths . . . worth a read - the characters and setting are wonderful * * The Times * *A menacing tale of murder amid the medical experiments of mid-19th century Edinburgh * * iNews * *Offers more of the alluring combination of crime fiction and historical fact seen in last year's The Way of All Flesh . . . The reader may need a tiny dose of chloroform to relax after all of these thrills. . . For any reader in need of a swift-acting tonic, I prescribe picking up this thriller as soon as possible * * Scotland on Sunday * *Intriguing * * i * *Some gore (historical gore doesn't count) but mostly nice historical detail (reminding you that doctors never do know everything) with a little overlay of romantic tension and a side of old-fashioned feminism. Compelling * * Financial Times * *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAD 265, Gaul - The Roman Empire is on the brink.Emperor Gallienus has amassed a huge army across the Alps to seize back the mountains from the usurper Postumus.War has come.Ballista and his cavalry are on the frontline, battling in the most brutal of conditions. But if he is to survive the campaign and finally retire to his beloved Sicily, it's not just the battlefield he needs to navigate.As he and Praetorian Prefect Volusianus lay siege to Postumus' armies, it becomes clear the greatest threat to Ballista's life might just come from within his ranks. After all, Volusianus has shown he will go to any distance for his own ends. Is Ballista just another pawn in his game?

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe grand master of gripping fiction is back. International No.1 bestseller Ken Follett returns to Kingsbridge with an epic tale of revolution and a cast of unforgettable characters.Revolution is in the air1792. A tyrannical government is determined to make England a mighty commercial empire. In France, Napoleon Bonaparte begins his rise to power, and with dissent rife, France’s neighbours are on high alert.Kingsbridge is on the edgeUnprecedented industrial change sweeps the land, making the lives of the workers in Kingbridge’s prosperous cloth mills a misery. Rampant modernization and dangerous new machinery are rendering jobs obsolete and tearing families apart.Tyranny is on the horizonNow, as international conflict nears, a story of a small group of Kingsbridge people – including spinner Sal Clitheroe, weaver David Shoveller and Kit, Sal’s inventive and headstrong son – will Trade ReviewFollett’s storytelling skills make their adventures riveting * The Times *Deploying a substantial cast of characters, Follett unrolls a familiar history of religious and political ferment and turns it into accessible and enjoyable fiction * Daily Mail *This triumphant saga, begun almost thirty years ago with The Pillars Of The Earth, moves across England to Scotland, France and the New World * Sunday Express *A sumptuous slice of swashbuckling Elizabethan romance * Mail on Sunday *The characters, both fictional and real, are fascinating, and the Tudor period setting holds its own special allure. This is a novel that fans of historical fiction will savour and cherish * The National *A huge read, perfect for long winter nights * Choice *You won’t be able to put it down * Independent *Enormous and brilliant . . . this mammoth tale seems to touch all human emotion – love and hate, loyalty and treachery, hope and despair. This is truly a novel to get lost in * Cosmopolitan *A thundering ride through history * Peterborough Evening Telegraph *Follett has once more lit the touch paper of English history and allowed it to explode across the pages in in all its vivid technicolour * Lancashire Evening Post *

Read more less

Book SynopsisStep into C.S. Forester''s classic seafaring tales about Horatio Hornblower from the author of The Good Shepherd, now a major-motion picture starring Tom Hanks''A joyous creation, a perfection in words. Young Hornblower is, simply, one of the most complete creations of character in fiction'' Conn Iggulden, The IndependentJoin Horatio Hornblower and as he sets sail on a world of adventure, fighting against the ruthless Napoleonic France, taking command in the West Indies, and leading his squadron through the vicious seas.Hornblower shows his relentless courage time and time again in the face of battle, tackling times of trouble with his signature strength, resourcefulness, and with his squadron by his side.This omnibus edition contains: Flying Colours The Commodore Lord Hornblower Hornblower in the West Indies

Read more less

Book SynopsisAnother gripping maritime adventure from multi-million copy seller Alexander Kent, furthering the adventures of much loved Richard Bolitho. Fans of Patrick O''Brian and C. S. Forester will not be disappointed!''One of our foremost writers of naval fiction'' - THE SUNDAY TIMES''Shipwreck, survival...a spirited battle...a splendid yarn'' - THE TIMES''A great read that I couldn''t put down. Have to say - better than Hornblower, Lewrie etc'' -- ***** Reader review''Once you start it''s hard to put down'' -- ***** Reader review''Kept me enthralled'' -- ***** Reader review''Great read from start to finish'' -- ***** Reader review*********************************************************************1777: the revolution in America has erupted into a full-scale war.The navy''s main task is to prevent military supplies from reaching Washington''s armTrade Review'Shipwreck, survival ... a spirited battle ... a splendid yarn' The TimesPraise for Alexander Kent: 'One of our foremost writers of naval fiction' Sunday Times

Read more less

Book SynopsisTHE FIELDS OF DEATH is the epic final novel in Simon Scarrow''s bestselling Wellington and Napoleon Quartet. Essential reading for fans of Bernard Cornwell.1809. Viscount Wellington and Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte have made their mark as military commanders. Lifelong enemies, they both believe their armies are strong enough to destroy any rival. But in war victory can never be certain.While Wellington''s success continues in Spain, Napoleon feels the sting of failure. Yet despite a disastrous Russian campaign and humiliating defeat at Leipzig, he persists in fighting on.With Napoleon''s power waning, the newly titled Duke of Wellington is perfectly placed to crush the tyrant. But his enemy refuses to surrender, and so the two giants must face a final reckoning on the bloody battlefield of Waterloo...Trade Review'Tremendous' * Daily Express *'A rip-roaring read' * Mail on Sunday *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'The characters are real, so too the battles... brought vividly to life with the thriller writer's skill' * Nottingham Evening Post *'I really don't need this kind of competition' * Bernard Cornwell *

Read more less

Book SynopsisLord John Grey is a man at the centre of the political upheavals that rocked Britain in the mid-18th Century. The Jacobites are still a threat, and the old enemy, France, is willing to exploit the situation to its own advantage. London, Edinburgh and Paris are hotbeds of espionage, intrigue and murder.Trade ReviewGabaldon is a born storyteller * Los Angeles Daily News *The writing is superb - lush, evocative, sensual, with a wealth of historical detail * Library Journal *History comes deliciously alive on the page * New York Daily News *Triumphant... Her use of historical detail and a truly adult love story confirm Diana Gabaldon as a superior writer * Publishers Weekly *A blockbuster hit * Wall Street Journal *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe Malabar coast is full of dangers: greedy tradesmen, fearless pirates, and men full of vengeance. But for a Courtney, the greatest danger might just be his own familyAfter his father's gambling debts leave him penniless and in danger, Francis Courtney seeks revenge and fortune in South Africa. But on arrival, he uncovers a truth that leaves him overwhelmed and disoriented. Meanwhile, his cousin Christopher Courtney begins to make his own way in the world, foregoing the righteous path and falling prey to betrayal, violence and treachery.In this epic journey from the southernmost point of Africa to the lush Indian coastline, the lives of these two Courtney men will intertwine, and forever alter the course of their famous family.From the world's greatest storyteller comes a compelling and breathless tale of intrigue and betrayal that draws the Courtney's together, and just as easily tears them apart.Trade ReviewPraise for Wilbur Smith: ‘Best historical novelist – I say Wilbur Smith’ Stephen King ‘No one does adventure quite like Smith’ Daily Mirror

Read more less

Book Synopsis'A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty' ROBERT FABBRI. Provoked by the Dauphin's refusal to honour the terms of his father's surrender, Edward III has invaded France with the greatest army England has ever assembled. But the English lion's attempts to claw the French crown from its master are futile. After defeats at Crècy and Poitiers, the Dauphin will no longer meet the English in the field. Mired down in costly sieges and facing a stalemate, Edward's great army is forced to argee a treaty. But peace comes at a price. The French request that Blackstone escort their King's daughter to Italy to see her married to one of the two brothers who rule Milan – the same brothers who killed Blackstone's family to revenge the defeats they suffered at his hand. Blackstone, the French are certain, will never leave Milan alive...Trade ReviewLike a punch from a mailed fist, Master of War gives a true taste of the Hundred Years War. It is a gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty. The stench and harshness of medieval life is ever present -- Robert Fabbri, bestselling author of the Vespasian seriesThe fourth novel in David Gilman's powerful and uncompromising chronicle of the Hundred Years War... Viper's Blood an exciting, bloody and well-written tale of Europe at a time of terrible crisis... A fine addition to a series that continues to bring these cruel years to life in such rich and meticulous detail' * For Winter Nights *Book Four in the Master of War series and the bone-crunching intensity of this series shows no signs of abating... As ever David Gilman provides us with a well-researched book set right in the heart of the action of 1300's war-torn Europe... With Gilman's writing, you can feel the ooze of the mud, the bite of the cold, most of all you can feel the weight of the sword and armour, the draw and weight of the bow and the rushing death of the arrow storm and the disregard of mortality. But if you mistake this book and series for just the hack of the sword you would be missing out on so much more depth... A truly excellent book and part of an excellent series' * Parmenion Books *Action-packed, exciting and wonderfully researched... the story is as fresh and shock-filled as each of its predecessors' * The Bookbag *A brilliant story, full of facts and brimming with action. Superb reading * Army Rumour Service *Absolutely gripping... A superb read' * Nudge Book *

Read more less

Book SynopsisBridging the gap between ''Game of Thrones'' and Bernard Cornwell comes the second chapter in James Wilde''s epic adventure of betrayal, battle and bloodshed . . .It is AD 367, and Roman Britain has fallen to the vast barbarian horde which has invaded from the north. Towns burn, the land is ravaged and the few survivors flee. The army of Rome - once the most effective fighting force in the world - has been broken, its spirit lost and its remaining troops shattered.Yet for all the darkness, there is hope. And it rests with one man. His name is Lucanus who they call the Wolf. He is a warrior, and he wears the ancient crown of the great war leader, Pendragon, and he wields a sword bestowed upon him by the druids. With a small band of trusted followers, Lucanus ventures south to Londinium where he hopes to bring together an army and make a defiant stand against the invader.But within the walls of that great city there are others waiting on his arrival - h

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn this action-packed new Bernicia Chronicles adventure from Matthew Harffy, Beobrand finds himself in a dangerous foreign land, caught between warring factions of royalty and the Church. AD 652. Beobrand has been ordered to lead a group of pilgrims to the holy city of Rome. Chief among them is Wilfrid, a novice of the church with some surprisingly important connections. Taking only Cynan and some of his best men, Beobrand hopes to make the journey through Frankia quickly and return to Northumbria without delay, though the road is long and perilous. But where Beobrand treads, menace is never far behind. The lands of the Merovingian kings are rife with intrigue. The queen of Frankia is unpopular and her ambitious schemes, though benevolent, have made her powerful enemies. Soon Wilfrid, and Beobrand, are caught up in sinister plots against the royal house. After interrupting a brutal ambush in a forest, Beobrand and his trusted gesithas find their lives on the line. Dark forces will stop at nothing to seize control of the Frankish throne, and Beobrand is thrown into a deadly race for survival through foreign lands where he cannot be sure who is friend and who is foe. The only certainty is that if he is to save his men, thwart the plots, and unmask his enemies, blood will flow. Reviews for Matthew Harffy 'A brilliant characterization of a difficult hero in a dangerous time. Excellent!' Christian Cameron 'He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown.' Jemahl Evans 'A genuinely superb novel.' Steven McKay 'Beobrand is the warrior to follow.' David GilmanTrade ReviewREVIEWS FOR MATTHEW HARFFY 'Harffy's writing just gets better and better... He is really proving himself the rightful heir to Gemmell's crown' Jemahl Evans. 'Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this' Angus Donald. 'Matthew Harffy tells a great story' Joanna Hickson. 'Beobrand is the warrior to follow' David Gilman

Read more less

Book SynopsisJeremiah Bourne is in greater danger than he realises.As Jeremiah is swept from his crumbling home in Blackfriars in 2019, to the same house but in 1910, he suddenly faces two questions: how did he get here, and how can he get back to his own time?On his quest for answers, he encounters a cast of comic characters and situations: a coven of free-thinking spiritualists, a futuristic residents’ association, warring street gangs, eugenic scientists, aggressive domestic servants and a nudist magistrate.But his activities have alerted a community of time travellers from the future, who set out to capture and investigate him. Who can Jeremiah trust to help him? And could there be a link between his time-travelling gift and his mother’s sudden disappearance when he was only nine? Will he inadvertently lead the wrong people to her?This electrifying first instalment of Nigel Planer’s Time Shard Chronicles trilogy takes a new and original look at the possibility of time travel as it catapults you into a thrilling journey across London and through time.Trade Review 'Witty and smart ... He's managed to invent characters who invade your heart. Dazzling and very funny. I loved it' Miriam Margolyes 'Witty, charming and extremely clever. It makes you laugh, it makes you think and, of course, you can't put it down. Already looking forward to the next one' Tim McInnerny 'Nigel is a brilliant writer, he is ingenious – and very funny. Jeremiah Bourne in Time is such a great concept, from the get-go, it is mind-opening and leads us down a really fascinating path . . . through time. Very cool' Anthony Head 'Imaginative romp through time and memories via a biscuit tin, a nudist and a chatty parrot! Delightful time-travel shenanigans! Get lost in time and find your new favourite temporal traveller' Rhianna Pratchett 'Not just freewheeling, Pratchett-esque, time-travelling fun, but also a fascinating ramble through the psychogeography of Edwardian London' Bob Fischer, Fortean Times 'Funny, perceptive and hugely readable. Nigel’s new novel is as good and as original as I expected it to be, which is very' Ben Elton 'Nigel's delightful style, wit and often profound observations carry this fascinating story along at a pace. An actual page turner, even if the pages are virtual' Robert Llewellyn

Read more less

Book Synopsis'You lay hands on a princess of the realm? It is treason.''But this princess disobeys her King. Treason indeed.' 'Fascinating . . . Brings to life one of the most determined and remarkable queens of the medieval world' K. J. MAITLAND, author of The Drowned City 'Completely engrossed me from the start . . . A wonderful read' NICOLA CORNICK, author of The Forgotten Sister1266. Eleanor of Castile, adored wife of the Crown Prince of England, is still only a princess when she is held hostage in the brutal Baron's Rebellion, and her baby daughter dies. Scarred by privation, a bitter Eleanor swears revenge on those who would harm her family - and vows never to let herself be vulnerable again. As she rises to become Queen, Eleanor keeps Olwen - a trusted herbalist, who tried to save her daughter - by her side. But it is dangerous to be friendless in a royal household, and as the court sets out on crusade, Olwen and Eleanor discover that the true battle for Europe may not be a matter of swords and lances, but one fanned by whispers and spies . . .'Vibrant, enticing and with fascinating detail. . . . It held me gripped from beginning to end' ALEXANDRA WALSH, author of The Marquess House Trilogy'Excels at sweeping the reader away on an engrossing journey . . . Great storytelling and superb research' JANE JOHNSON, author of Court of Lions'Shines a true light on the gripping tale of Eleanor of Castile, the love of Edward I's life' SARA COCKERILL, author of Eleanor of Aquitaine: Queen of France and England, Mother of Empires'Pulls from the pages of history Eleanor of Castile: queen, business woman and true partner to one of England's most forceful kings' CRYSSA BAZOS, author of Severed KnotTrade Review'A rich tapestry of a book, transporting readers to the thirteenth century and dropping them deep into the fascinating life of Eleanor of Castile. Brilliantly researched and cleverly brought to life with fascinating characters and fantastic period detail . . . Wonderful.' * Joanna Courtney *'Vibrant, enticing and with fascinating detail, the descriptions of the gardens were so vivid, you felt you could smell the damask roses' * Alexandra Walsh *Completely engrossed me from the start. I loved Olwen's story as well as Eleanor's, and the glorious descriptions of the herbs and flowers as a contrast to the high politics of the era. It felt incredibly rich and vividly told. * Nicola Cornick *Beautifully narrated. . . Carol McGrath expertly brings to life one of the most determined and remarkable queens of the medieval world . . . The reader can easily understand how this enchanting rose was adored by some and regarded as a vicious thorn by her enemies * K. J. Maitland *'Shines a true light on the gripping tale of the life of Eleanor of Castile, the love of Edward I's life' * Sara Cockerill *'Excels at sweeping the reader away on an engrossing journey through history . . . The perfect balance between great storytelling and superb research, and she brings her characters vividly to life' * Jane Johnson *'Pulls from the pages of history Eleanor of Castile: queen, business woman and true partner to one of England's most forceful kings. Exquisitely researched . . . Breathes life into a complex, dynamic woman' * Cryssa Bazos *

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe final, thrilling instalment in the epic Vespasian series from the bestselling author, Robert Fabbri.Rome, AD 68. Vespasian is tasked with the impossible. Should he quell the revolt in Judaea, as Nero the emperor has instructed, or resort to the unthinkable and sabotage his own campaign? If his conquest succeeds, he risks facing the mad emperor's jealousy. If he fails, his punishment will be severe.But then Nero commits suicide, catapulting Rome into turmoil. With a contested throne and an army at his disposal, now may finally be Vespasian's time - to ascend, to conquer, to achieve what countless prophecies have foretold and take control of Rome itself. Will Vespasian, at long last, be the one to wear the purple?______________________________________________Don't miss Robert Fabbri's epic new series Alexander's Legacy Trade ReviewFabbri does an excellent job with this scintillating source material. * Antonia Senior, The Times *Stuffed with political deviousness and vivid depictions of war and torture, Fabbri's eighth book of the series is shockingly good. * Sunday Sport *Robert Fabbri has a winner on his hands. * The BookPlank *A stonking read. * Classic FM *

Read more less

Book SynopsisFirst on the Rope – the acclaimed English translation of the French fiction classic Premier de Cordée by Roger Frison-Roche – is a tale about the harsh lives of mountain guides and their families in the French Alps in the 1920s and 1930s.An ascent of Mont Blanc as porter with his uncle leaves young Pierre further convinced he wants to be a mountaineer, breathing the crisp, pure air and soaking up the splendour of the wild landscape. But his family have other ideas. Chamonix is becoming ever more popular with tourists wanting their thrills on the slopes, and they all need somewhere to stay. Running a hotel, however, is not Pierre’s idea of fulfilment.Among the glittering peaks and desolate passes, wonderful sunsets and wild winds, tragedy strikes across the Vallée Blanche on the Dru: a brutal storm leaves sadness and destruction in its wake. Can the onset of spring and the hope it brings rebuild Pierre’s passion for climbing?First on the Rope epitomises the rhythm of mountain life, the clanking cowbells and the gurgling streams set against the formidable grandeur of the ice and rock. Equip yourself for an immersive and emotive experience in the high Alps.

Read more less

Book SynopsisBeobrand is besieged in this action-packed instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles set in AD 647 Anglo-Saxon Britain. War hangs heavy in the hot summer air as Penda of Mercia and his allies march into the north. Caught unawares, the Bernician forces are besieged within the great fortress of Bebbanburg. It falls to Beobrand to mount the defence of the stronghold, but even while the battle rages, old and powerful enemies have mobilised against him, seeking vengeance for past events. As the Mercian forces tighten their grip and unknown killers close in, Beobrand finds himself in a struggle with conflicting oaths and the dreadful pull of a forbidden love that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear. With the future of Northumbria in jeopardy, will Beobrand be able to withstand the powers that beset him and find a path to victory against all the odds? Reviews for Matthew Harffy 'Nothing less than superb.' Historical Novel Society 'Beobrand is the warrior to follow' David Gilman 'Visceral tales of battle, revenge, and honour, but the saga of Beobrand never loses sight of what it means to be a hero in such a bloody age' Graham McNeill 'A tale that rings like sword song in the reader's mind' Giles Kristian 'Historical fiction doesn't get much better than this' Angus DonaldTrade ReviewA well-researched, enjoyable historical fiction set in the familiar world of Dark Ages Britain. There are bloody battles, intriguing characters and plenty of oaths that need fulfilling... A solid and fun read that allows you to glimpse into the dark world of 7th-century Britain. The fights are intense and engaging' * Grimdark Magazine *

Read more less

Book SynopsisPART ONE OF THE TROY QUARTETBringing ancient myth to life with passion, humour, and humanity, Lindsay Clarke vividly retells the story of Troy and of the heroes who fought there.When the mortal Paris settles a contest between the gods, he is promised the love of Helen, the most beautiful woman in the world.But Helen is already married, to the powerful Menelaus of Sparta, and the kings of many cities have sworn to defend their union. Paris's divine gift threatens to set his world aflame.An engaging retelling of the whole story, neatly blending mythic archaism with modern psychodrama and satire'Mary Beard1 A PRINCE OF TROY2 THE WAR AT TROY3 THE SPOILS OF TROY4 THE RETURN FROM TROYTrade Review‘An engaging retelling of the whole story, neatly blending mythic archaism with modern psychodrama and satire’Mary Beard, GUARDIAN ‘I’m awed by the web you’ve spun. Not only the beautiful complexities of it but the fine texture of the threads’Ted Hughes ‘A triumph of retelling the ancient story…a readable and freshened version that keeps one turning the pages’Alan Sillitoe ‘Wonderfully clear and dramatic’OBSERVER ‘Expertly handled, drawing on the best of this classic tale and shaping it into a riveting page-turner well-suited to our times’DAILY MAIL

Read more less

Book SynopsisAn exciting, vividly-imagined reconstruction of an extraordinary moment in the history of the American West' Ian McGuire, bestselling author of THE NORTH WATER and INCREDIBLE BODIESA highly compelling page turner; you won't be able to put it down' Philipp Meyer, author of THE SON and AMERICAN RUSTThe thrilling, long-awaited return of the #1New York Timesbestselling author ofThe RevenantIn 1866, with the country barely recovered from the Civil War, new war breaks out on the western frontier a clash of cultures between a young, ambitious nation and the Native tribes who have lived on the land for centuries. Colonel Henry Carrington arrives in Wyoming's Powder River Valley to lead the US Army in defending the opening of a new road for gold miners and settlers. Carrington intends to build a fort in the middle of critical hunting grounds, the home of the Lakota. Red Cloud, one of the Lakota's most respected chiefs, and Crazy Horse, a young but visionary warrior, understand full well the imTrade Review‘An exciting, vividly-imagined reconstruction of an extraordinary moment in the history of the American West’ Ian McGuire, bestselling author of THE NORTH WATER and INCREDIBLE BODIES ‘A highly compelling page turner; you won’t be able to put it down’ Philipp Meyer, author of THE SON and AMERICAN RUST ‘Punke is brilliant: an author (The Revenant, 2002), attorney, professor, former U.S. ambassador, and current vice president at Amazon Web Services. Ridgeline, a novelization of the 1866 Fetterman Fight, in which a confederacy of Lakota, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes fought a detachment of U.S. soldiers from Fort Phil Kearny in the Dakota Territory (present-day Wyoming), confirms his mastery as a writer. A foreboding sense of ruin and sadness clings to each page…Ridgeline transcends genre categorization—any sophisticated reader would appreciate this novel’ Booklist ‘Punke makes the battle vivid, and draws deep characterizations of individuals on both sides, exploring Crazy Horse’s fear of impending change, U.S. soldiers’ indifference to fighting, and a captain’s lament of the breakdown of discipline and reason within the battalion’s leadership. This is historical fiction at its best’ Publisher’s Weekly

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe story of Judah, a foundling born with a special gift and raised inside Highfall castle along with Gavin, the son and heir to Lord Elban's vast empire. An epic fantasy tale.Trade Review'Familiar yet entirely unique, The Unwilling is the sort of story that seeps under your skin and pulses there, intimate and vibrant and alive. Fantasy at its most sublime' Erin Morgenstern, author of The Night Circus.'A juggernaut of an epic fantasy novel with ingenious, thrilling twists and turns. Kelly Braffet is a marvel and I'll read anything she writes' Kelly Link, MacArthur Genius Recipient.'Suspenseful; magical, wonderfully written and never predictable ... An essential addition to all epic fantasy collections' Booklist, starred review.'Having read this wonderful book, I'd DOUBLE star it. Absolutely couldn't put it down. Didn't want it to end' Stephen King.Table of Contents0

Read more less

Book Synopsis'A stunning debut. Weaving together a cast of loveable rogues, a richly detailed historical setting, and a cinematic thrill ride of a story, Medici Heist knocked us flat!'The Duffer Brothers, creators of Netflix's STRANGER THINGSWelcome to Florence, 1517, a world of intrigue and opulence, murder and betrayal. Sharp-witted conwoman Rosa Cellini arrives in the city the same day that the Medici Pope, Leo X, returns to take up the reins of power. This is not a coincidence. The new Pope is extorting a mountain of indulgence money from the people of Florence to bolster his power and standing, and Rosa has a plan to take it back. To pull off the Renaissance's greatest robbery, she'll recruit a team of highly skilled misfits: Sarra the tinkerer, Khalid the fighter, and Giacomo, the irrepressible master of disguise. But as the authorities draw closer and the Medici's noose pulls tighter around the land, old secrets resurface and tensions in the group start to flare. What began as a robbery could be the key to saving the city itself - if Rosa and company don't destroy each other first. Get ready for an absolute swashbuckling riot, beginning with a 'mud' pie to the Pope's face, and ending with a climactic heist that would give Danny Ocean a run for his money. Bursting with action, Medici Heist is your next un-put-downable obsession.

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe heroic story of Arimnestos of Plataea continues - a thrilling historical adventure set amid the epic struggle between Greece and Persia - perfect for fans of the blockbusting film 300.Slave, pirate, husband and lover: Arimnestos of Plataea has been many things in the course of his life. But men remember him best as one of the heroes of the Battle of Marathon, the epic victory that prevented all of Greece from falling under the Persian yoke. But now there is a new Great King on the throne, determined to succeed where his father failed. As rumours abound of a vast Persian invasion, an embassy is sent to forestall the threat. Arimnestos is chosen to escort them - an honour he can hardly refuse. But as the storm clouds of war gather and factions on both sides begin to weave their treacherous plots, Arimnestos'' journey begins to look more and more like a suicide mission.Trade ReviewWithout doubt, Christian Cameron is one of the finest writers of historical fiction in the world. He stands head and shoulders above the vast majority of his contemporaries, and I stand in awe of him and his writing -- Ben Kane

Read more less

Book Synopsis''In Stockwin''s hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world'' - Guardian1807. Captain Sir Thomas Kydd''s famous sea action aboard Tyger has snatched his reputation from ignominy. He is the hero of the hour. But though Britain''s Navy remains imperious, a succession of battles has seen Napoleon victorious on mainland Europe. In an attempt to prevent the French from taking control of Denmark''s navy, Kydd''s great friend Nicholas Renzi - now Lord Farndon - is sent on a desperate diplomatic mission to persuade the Danes to give up their fleet to Britain. But the Danes are caught between two implacable forces and will not yield, opting instead for the inferno of battle . . .********************What readers are saying about INFERNO''An absolute must'' - 5 stars''His books are always awesome, and Inferno is no exception'' <Trade ReviewFans of fast-paced adventure will get their fill with this book. - Historical Naval Society on The Admiral's DaughterStockwin's writing is enriched by his own experiences in the Royal Navy, whcih gives scenes of fighting and tempest an authenticity to delight anyone who shares his passion for the sea. - Daily TelegraphPaints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line - Daily ExpressMore historically accurate than the Patrick O'Brian series - Royal Navy Sailing Association journal on the KYDD seriesThis heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail. - Nautical Magazine on VICTORY

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Whenever I need a break from the Twenty-First Century, I read one of Christina Courtenay''s novels. She transports me effortlessly to a different time, where I feel I''m experiencing life in Viking settlements'' SUE MOORCROFT''I''ve been looking forward to this book . . . and it far exceeded my hopes and expectations. Romantic, fascinating and gripping, it''s one of my favourites of the series'' NICOLA CORNICKBrimming with romance, adventure and vivid historical detail, Christina Courtenay does for the Vikings what Diana Gabaldon''s Outlander and Clanlans does for Scottish history. The long-awaited story of Ivar Thoresson, foster brother of Linnea and Madison Berger, is told in Promises of the Runes - available now!.......................................He travelled through time to capture her heart.Ivar Thoresson is desperate for adventure. As an archaeologist specialising in V

Read more less

Book SynopsisAfter saving the emperor''s life in Rome, Marcus and his comrades have been sent across the sea to the wealthy, corrupt Greek metropolis of Aegyptus, Alexandria. An unknown enemy has slaughtered the garrison of the Empire''s last outpost before its border with the mysterious kingdom of Kush. Caravans can no longer reach the crucial Red Sea port of Berenike, from which the riches of the East flow towards Rome. The Emperor''s most trusted and most devious adviser has ordered Marcus''s commander Scaurus and his trusted officers to the south. With orders that are tantamount to a suicide mission, and with only one slim hope of success. Can a small force of highly trained legionaries restore the Empire''s power in this remote desert no-man''s-land, when faced by the fanatical army of Kush''s iron-fisted ruler?

Read more less

Book Synopsis''Yankee Mission is a jewel in Julian Stockwin''s crown as a master in naval fiction, with a ship-to-ship fight so vivid that the battle''s sounds and scents fly off the pages like lethal wooden splinters'' - Quarterdeck1812. Off the coast of Brazil, HMS Java, a proud British 38-gun frigate, is captured in battle by the American USS Constitution - signaling across the world''s oceans a challenge to Britain''s naval premiership that cannot be ignored.Back in England Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is enjoying a moment of normal life with his wife and his newborn son. With his Thunderer in dock receiving some well-earned repairs he is, momentarily, without a command. It''s a position the Admiralty does not leave him in for long, and he is soon given a mission: engage the young republic in a fair fight, frigate against frigate, and restore the Navy''s reputation. And they have just the ship and crew for him . . . Tyger.Trade ReviewPRAISE FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE KYDD SERIES:A very readable and enjoyable story . . . I can only recommend that you go out, beg, borrow or buy, and enjoy * Bernard Cornwell *In Stockwin's hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world * Guardian *This heady adventure blends fact and fiction in rich, authoritative detail * Nautical Magazine *The characterization is first-class, and the reader quickly becomes involved with all that happens * Historical Novels Review *There is no disputing Stockwin's ability to tell a good yarn backed by meticulous research. Stockwin's eye for authentic detail is faultless * Pennant *Paints a vivid picture of life aboard the mighty ship-of-the-line * Daily Express *

Read more less

Book Synopsis An immersive and compelling novel that explores the struggle by two women, divided across centuries, for control over their lives, set against a beautiful historical backdrop.'An echo of Daphne du Maurier' IndependentA grieving woman . . .Yorkshire, 1890. Forced to exchange her childhood home for her uncle's vicarage after a tragic loss, Olwen Malkon finds herself trapped between her aunt's cruelty and the sinister advances of her cousin.A troubled past . . .When Olwen finds herself afflicted by strange dreams of a woman from a distant past, whose fate is overshadowed by menace and betrayal, those around her are determined to dismiss them as hysteria - except the local doctor, John, with whom she develops a connection.A long-buried secret . . .As the visions intensify, they begin to mirror reality, threatening to expose chilling secrets. What dangers lie ahead for Olwen, and does the past hold the key to her own future...?Trade ReviewA captivating tale of a brutal betrayal that eerily harks back to an ancient wrong, and of a love determined to defy the constraints of time. A most enjoyable read! -- Anita FrankIn this absorbing and evocative novel, Maine weaves a compelling tale of love, power and betrayal that echoes through the centuries . . . An engaging and immersive novel, featuring a little-known period of British history, with two vibrant and sympathetic women at its heart. -- Nikki MarmeryThe Awakenings is an epic timeslip story that had me spell-bound from start to finish . . . I simply couldn't put it down - brilliant! -- Christina CourtenayAn intriguing and mesmerising story by the brilliant Sarah Maine -- Sue LawrenceThe reader is plunged in two vividly drawn worlds as the author takes us back in time to Yorkshire in 1890 and 790, skilfully inter-weaving the stories of two women as they struggle against the constraints and very real dangers of society across the centuries. The Awakenings is a haunting and compelling mystery. -- Maggie RitchiePraise for Sarah Maine: An echo of Daphne du Maurier * Independent *Maine writes beautifully about the wilderness * The Times *Maine reworks the conventions of historical romance in a narrative that regularly undercuts expectations of what is to come * Sunday Times *Worth reading for its occasional streaks of brilliance and insight * Telegraph India *

Read more less

Book SynopsisAll modern American literature comes from one book by Mark Twain called Huckleberry Finn. It''s the best book we''ve had. - Ernest HemingwayA nineteenth-century boy from a Mississippi River town recounts his adventures as he travels down the river with a runaway slave, encountering a family involved in a feud, two scoundrels pretending to be royalty, and Tom Sawyer''s aunt who mistakes him for Tom.In this unforgettable adventure for all ages, Twaindelves into issues such as racism, friendship, war, religion, and freedom with an uncanny combination of lightheartedness and gravitas.This was the first major American novel to be written in the vernacular, a dark and funny satire that exposes the bigotry and hypocrisy of provincial America during Mark Twain''s lifetime. A rite of passage for ever young reader, this book continues to delight readers around the world and remainsas fresh and as funny as ever.The Legend Classics series:Around the World in Eighty DaysThe Adventures of Huckleberry FinnThe Importance of Being EarnestAlice''s Adventures in WonderlandThe MetamorphosisThe Railway ChildrenThe Hound of the BaskervillesFrankensteinWuthering HeightsThree Men in a BoatThe Time MachineLittle WomenAnne of Green GablesThe Jungle BookThe Yellow Wallpaper and Other StoriesDraculaA Study in ScarletLeaves of GrassThe Secret GardenThe War of the WorldsA Christmas CarolStrange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr HydeHeart of DarknessThe Scarlet LetterThis Side of ParadiseOliver TwistThe Picture of Dorian GrayTreasure IslandThe Turn of the ScrewThe Adventures of Tom SawyerEmmaThe TrialA Selection of Short Stories by Edgar Allan PoeGrimm Fairy TalesThe AwakeningMrs DallowayGulliver's TravelsThe Castle of OtrantoSilas MarnerHard Times

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe thrilling new historical adventure from Matthew Harffy. Warlord Beobrand's mission to Rome proves perilous as sinister plots are underway.

Read more less

Book SynopsisThe brand new novel from Britain's best-loved saga authorWhitby, 1845Amber Ainsley works as a laundry maid for the wealthy Greenwood family, but when she falls pregnant with her employer's illegitimate child, she is cast out, left homeless and destitute. She flees to Whitby, but Barnaby Greenwood follows, offering to find a family to raise their daughter, to save her being sent to the workhouse. Broken-hearted but wanting the best for her child, Amber hands her daughter over. Meanwhile, Barnaby's wife, Louisa, is overjoyed when she gives birth to twins - but the babies are weak, and she is terrified they won't survive. Poverty-stricken, Amber soon has no choice but to return to work for the Greenwoods. There, one twin is flourishing while the other sickens. And when Amber notices a familiar birth mark on the infant girl's leg, her world is turned upside-down . . .Will Amber ever be able to have the family life she hopes for?

Read more less