Search results for ""Giles""

'An unputdownable thriller' Gregory Dowling 'It is no surprise to find that Philip Gwynne Jones lives in Venice... art and architecture interweave into a story that builds to an almost surreal climax' Daily Mail 'Gwynne Jones's talent for evoking place and atmosphere is clear as ever' Literary Review_______________It's the night of 12 November 2019. The worst flooding in 50 years hits the city of Venice. 85% of La Serenissima is underwater. Gale force winds roar across the lagoon and along the narrow streets. And the body of Dr Jennifer Whiteread- a young British art historian, specialising in the depiction of angels in Venetian painting - is found floating in a flooded antique bookshop on the Street of the Assassins.As the local police struggle to restore order to a city on its knees, Nathan Sutherland - under pressure from the British Ambassador and distraught relatives - sets out into the dark and rain-swept streets in an attempt to discover the truth behind Whiteread's death.The trail leads to the "Markham Foundation", a recent and welcome addition to the list of charities working to preserve the ancient city. Charming, handsome and very, very rich, Giles Markham is a well-known and popular figure in the highest Venetian social circles, and has the ear of both the Mayor and the Patriarch. But a man with powerful friends may also have powerful enemies. And Nathan is about to learn that, in Venice at least, angels come in many forms - merciful, fallen and vengeful..._______________ Praise for Philip Gwynne Jones'I devoured all Philip's novels and felt transported to Venice with a new intimacy' Val McDermid 'Superb - always gripping, beautifully constructed and vivid' Stephen Glover 'Clever and great fun' The Times 'Sinister and shimmering, The Venetian Game is as haunting and darkly elegant as Venice itself' L.S. Hilton, bestselling author of Maestra 'The Venetian setting is vividly described... good, fluid writing makes for easy reading' Literary Review 'Un-put-downable . . . If you love Venice, you'll love this because you'll be transported there in an instant. If you've not been to Venice, read this book and then go. If you like intrigue, and a clever plot, you'll love this book' Amazon reviewer, 5***** 'The lively, colourful narrative scuds along as briskly as a water taxi...you'll enjoy the ride' Italia Magazine

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Long recognized as perhaps the greatest non-fiction writer at work in Ireland, for his vast, polymathic accounts of nature and culture in the Aran Islands and Connemara, Tim Robinson is also an essayist of genius whose fascinations range across the globe. In Experiments on Reality, he shines the light of his intelligence on his own life, and on some of the most fascinating questions in science and culture. Robinson brings us to his boyhood in Yorkshire, National Service in Malaya in the 1950s, and his years as a visual artist in Istanbul, Vienna and London. He revisits some of the scenes of his researches for the maps he made of Aran and Connemara, places that continue to throw up remarkable stories and puzzles. And he performs astonishing literary thought-experiments, playing with the boundaries of the essay form, scientific inquiry, and storytelling. Experiments on Reality is a masterpiece from one of the great minds of our time.'One of the greatest of all landscape writers ... When the material world is brought forth for us so beautifully, with such rapt attention and illuminating insight, we are reminded of how lucky we are to be part of it' Fintan O'Toole, Irish TimesPRAISE FOR THE CONNEMARA TRILOGY:'One of the most remarkable non-fiction projects undertaken in English' Robert MacFarlane, Spectator'Robinson is a marvel ... the supreme practitioner of geo-graphy, the writing of places' Fintan O'Toole, Observer Books of the Year'One of contemporary Ireland's finest literary stylists ... This is a book that does justice, in every sense of that phrase, to the frequently betrayed people whose stories it incarnates, and to their strange and beautiful corner of the world' Joseph O'Connor, Guardian'A masterpiece of travel and topographical writing and a miraculous, vivid and engrossing meditation on landscape and history and the sacred mood of places' Colm Tóibín, Irish Times Books of the Year'One of the finest of contemporary prose stylists' John Burnside, Irish Times'He is that rarest of phenomena, a scientist and an artist, and his method is to combine scientific rigour with artistic reverie in a seamless blend that both informs and delights.' John Banville, Guardian'Breathtaking ... the West of Ireland has found its ultimate laureate' Patricia Craig, TLS'Dazzling ... an indubitable classic' Giles Foden, Condé Nast Traveller

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Insight Guides Explore BrugesTravel made easy. Ask local experts. Focused travel guide featuring the very best routes and itineraries, now with free eBook.Discover the best of Bruges with this unique travel guide, packed full of insider information and stunning images. From making sure you don't miss out on must-see, top attractions like De Halve Maan, Flanders Fields Museum and Astrid Park to discovering cultural gems, including seeing the work of the Flemish Primitives, cruising along the canal network or taking a tour in one of Bruges' iconic fiacres, the easy-to-follow, ready-made walking routes will save you time, and help you plan and enhance your visit to Bruges.Features of this travel guide to Bruges:- 15 walks and tours: detailed itineraries feature all the best places to visit, including where to eat and drink along the way- Local highlights: discover the area's top attractions and unique sights, and be inspired by stunning imagery- Historical and cultural insights: immerse yourself in Bruges's rich history and culture, and learn all about its people, art and traditions- Insider recommendations: discover the best hotels, restaurants and nightlife using our comprehensive listings- Practical full-colour map: with every major sight and listing highlighted, the full-colour maps make on-the-ground navigation easy- Key tips and essential information: packed full of important travel information, from transport and tipping to etiquette and hours of operation- The ultimate travel tool: download the free app and eBook to access all this and more from your phone or tablet- Covers: City highlights; The Three Towers; Around the Burg; Markt to the Museums; Memling to the Beguinage; Sint-Anna; Fish market to Astrid Park; Merchants' Quarter; Langerei and St Giles; Princes' Court and Donkey Gate; Around 't Zand; Damme; Ostend; Ypres; Ghent Looking for a comprehensive guide to Belgium? Check out Insight Guides Belgium for a detailed and entertaining look at all the country has to offer.About Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps as well as phrase books, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure.

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Find your way to awesome with this brilliant toolkit of goals, plans and challenges! Boys and girls everywhere have been discovering that they can be awesome thanks to bestselling author Matthew Syed. Now he's created an interactive journal full of life hacks, challenges and activities to give kids the confidence to come up with their own plan of action to be the best they can be. Because, with the right mindset, you really CAN do (almost) anything, whether you want to supercharge your maths, try out for the team or be the first person to walk on Mars. Whether setting out their goals, planning the best practice ever, keeping calm with breathing exercises or making paper aeroplanes to understand marginal gains, readers will love the brilliant activities in The You Are Awesome Journal. This is the perfect toolkit for anyone who dreams big - and who wants to make those dreams come true.Praise for YOU ARE AWESOME: 'Great book for young children about determination, resilience, self-confidence.' - Phil Neville, former England footballer and head coach of England Women'I have lost track of the number of people recommending YOU ARE AWESOME by Matthew Syed. An accessible, practical approach to helping kids develop a growth mindset.' - The Bookseller'An awesome book about becoming awesome. How inspiring it is to know that there's a path to awesomeness and that anyone - absolutely anyone - can go down that path. This book shows you how.' - Professor Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology, Stanford University'Grab yourselves a copy folks, this is wonderful and insightful.' - Author Giles Paley-Phillips'I read YOU ARE AWESOME in one go, and then read it again! It answered so many questions I had about how to get better at some of the things I struggle with. It has stories of how others have been successful and makes you feel that you can do it too. After reading YOU ARE AWESOME I've changed how I approach difficult things. I've told all my friends to read it!' - Freddie, age 10'I loved this book. YOU ARE AWESOME really builds your confidence and shows you how the right mindset can help you achieve your dreams. It shows that you have to be brave, prepare for failure and have self-belief. I will definitely be using some of the principles in this book to tackle some everyday challenges and other bigger ones too. A definite must read for anyone who wants to achieve more with their lives and build their confidence.' - Ella, age 13

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SHORTLISTED FOR THE 2019 ANDRÉ SIMON FOOD & DRINK BOOK AWARDS'Like a new Bill Bryson, she offers an easy sharing of deep knowledge, with humour, where one learns things in a gentle way without it feeling like learning.' Dan Jago, judge of the André Simon Food & Drink Book Awards'Hot or cold, caffeinated, alcoholic, sweet or not, this book provides a fascinating cultural history of our favourite drinks, and explores the science (or not) underpinning their many health claims. A wonderful read!'Dr Giles Yeo, author of Gene Eating'A truly engaging read. By dispelling common health misconceptions and debunking bad science, Drinkology arms us with information to make better choices about what we drink, not just what we eat.'Ian Marber'Very engaging and entertaining . . . a clear guide to everything we need to know about drinks, from water to milk, tea, alcohol and beyond. Dr Willett dispels common myths and fads and sets the record straight . . . allowing us to make fully informed choices. A fascinating deep dive into the science behind everything we drink.'Elisabeth Cresta and Caroline Day, founders of Fight the Fads Do you really know what you are drinking? Are you sure? We all consume many drinks every day, often without thinking. Perhaps we're just thirsty, perhaps we need something to wake us up, perhaps we need something to relax us at the end of the day. But have you ever stopped to wonder what exactly is in that chai latte you're guzzling or just what those added electrolytes in your bottled water are supposed to do? Whether it's a simple glass of water or early morning espresso, the finest champagne or energy drink the morning after, all drinks have an impact on our body in one way or another. Drinkology distils the scientific evidence to see if we can get to the bottom of questions, such as:Is a regular glass of wine good for our health or not?Should we worry about energy drinks?Is fluoride in our tap water harmful?How do non-dairy milks compare with each other?What's the secret to the perfect cup of tea?Are fermented drinks and probiotics the answer to all our worries?Is there such a thing as a 'superdrink'?Whether you want to discover the true benefits of wellness drinks, find out if sulphites in wine really cause headaches, or are just sick of the pseudoscience behind the marketing of what we consume, this book is for you. Drinkology is a scientific digest of many of the world's most popular beverages and may just change the way you drink.

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She is the reason no one goes in the water. And she will make them pay. A chilling new novel for fans of Tiffany D. Jackson, Lamar Giles, and Ryan Douglass.Praise for Vincent Tirado's Burn Down, Rise Up:"A queer, heart-pounding thrill ride. Fans of Attack the Block and Vampires vs. the Bronx: prepare for your newest obsession." - Ryan Douglass, New York Times bestselling author of The Taking of Jake Livingston"A creepy, mysterious rollercoaster of a novel that had me hooked from the explosive start. Tirado packs both action and heart into this timely story." - Natasha Ngan, New York Times bestselling author of the Girls of Paper and Fire trilogy"A breathtaking, read-it-in-one-sitting thrill of a novel." - Marieke Nijkamp, #1 New York Times bestselling author of This Is Where It Ends"Readers will be on the edge of their seats and will have the chance to explore societal issues in a new way to answer the question "What are monsters?" when reading this book" - School Library Journal, STARRED review"A speculative novel that blends elements of horror with a history of gentrification and systemic racism..." - Publishers Weekly"A deadly game meets social commentary in an ode to the Bronx." - Kirkus"A sense of dread and... plenty of vivid action sequences to keep readers engaged. " - Youth Services Book Review"Clever, tying into ripped-from-the-headlines police violence in the present-day world..." - Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksBronwyn is only supposed to be in rural Hillwoods for a year. Her grandmother is in hospice, and her father needs to get her affairs in order. And they're all meant to make some final memories together.Except Bronwyn is miserable. Her grandmother is dying, everyone is standoffish, and she can't even go swimming. All she hears are warnings about going in the water, despite a gorgeous lake. And a pool at the abandoned rec center. And another in the high school basement.Anais tries her hardest to protect Bronwyn from the shadows of Hillwoods. She follows her own rituals to avoid any unnecessary attention-and if she can just get Bronwyn to stop asking questions, she can protect her too. The less Bronwyn pays attention to Hillwoods, the less Hillwoods will pay attention to Bronwyn. She doesn't get that the lore is, well, truth. History. Pain. The living aren't the only ones who seek retribution when they're wronged. But when Bronwyn does more exploring than she should, they are both in for danger they couldn't expect.

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'Richly evocative and glittering with atmosphere, this tale of ambition and identity had me gripped from start to finish' STACEY HALLS, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Familiars'Theatre of Marvels is a fascinating, empowering story of a young woman's search for identity and justice in Victorian London, a world which Lianne Dillsworth evokes so richly' JENNIFER SAINT, author of Ariadne_________________________________Behind the spectacle there are always secrets.Unruly crowds descend on Crillick's Variety Theatre. A black, British actress, Zillah, is headlining tonight. An orphan from the slums of St Giles, her rise to stardom is her ticket out - to be gawped and gazed at is a price she's willing to pay.Rising up the echelons of society is everything Zillah has ever dreamed of. But when a new stage act disappears, Zillah is haunted by a feeling that something is amiss. Is the woman in danger?Her pursuit of the truth takes her into the underbelly of the city - from gas-lit streets to the sumptuous parlours of Mayfair - as she seeks the help of notorious criminals from her past and finds herself torn between two powerful admirers.Caught in a labyrinth of dangerous truths, will Zillah face ruin - or will she be the maker of her fate?A deliciously immersive tale, Theatre of Marvels whisks you on an unforgettable journey across Victorian London in this bold exploration of race, class and gothic spectacle.AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW_______________________________'Zillah is a memorable heroine' Sunday Times'Exploitation and empowerment, race and class are all explored in this gripping historical novel. Dillsworth is a class act' Woman & Home'A thought-provoking, atmospheric debut' Daily Express'Very much enjoyed Theatre of Marvels. Zillah is a brilliant character who leads us through a Victorian London little spoken of, making for an illuminating, page-turning tale of self-actualisation. Loved it' KATE SAWYER'A tale steeped in Victorian London, I fell in love with Zillah and her theatre world. I was gripped from the opening pages - highly recommended for anyone who loves mystery, drama and Victorian London' LOUISE HARE, author of This Lovely City'A startling, original and utterly compelling novel which subtly navigates the core issues of race, gender and class' MARY CHAMBERLAIN, author of The Dressmaker of Dachau'Thrilling, eye-opening and absorbing' LIZZIE POOK, author of Moonlight and the Pearler's Daughter'Fresh, original and full of atmosphere - a compelling story with a heroine I'll remember for a long time' FRANCES QUINN, author of The Smallest Man'A story that shines a spotlight into the shadows of the 19th century, while also exploring very relevant themes of identity. So fantastic to read a novel that centres POC in the Victorian era. Loved it!' SAARA EL-ARIFI, author of The Final Strife'Loved Lianne Dillsworth's Theatre of Marvels. A gripping story about identity and belonging with a strong sense of place. Can't wait for everybody to meet Zillah who is such strong and nuanced heroine.' LAURE VAN RENSBURG, author of Nobody But Us

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Jacqui Burnett wants to kill her father. At the age of 16. With a gun. The setting: apartheid South Africa in the 1970s and 80s. The mood: the apparent bliss and harmony of white conservative Christian life. Driven to extremes by her father’s criminal schemes and corrosive emotional abuse, Jacqui barely survives the first part of this turbulent memoir, as near-death experiences lacerate the pages with suicide attempts, a death-defying car accident, an illegal abortion, and that near-patricide episode… to name just a few. At this point, Jacqui is only 18. This is truth stranger than fiction and it’s only the beginning of her journey… Part one is dedicated to her father and tells the visceral, switchback story of the twisted father-daughter relationship that formed her character, fuelled by her first 26 years in his thrall. Part two switches settings as we find Jacqui in her mid-40s travelling across America, searching for answers. Perhaps surprisingly, this section is dedicated to her mother, the woman who turned a blind eye while supporting the tyrant she remained married to – all his life. The opening chapter drops Jacqui at 11 300 feet in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Having achieved material success, Jacqui remains dogged by unresolved anger and co-dependency - damaged by her history, despite a bucket load of therapy. Trying to make sense of her life after a decade-long legal battle against the giant multinational accounting firm, Deloitte, which against all odds she wins, she now faces a failing marriage and a ninth near-death experience: Jacqui is lost in a snowstorm. Cue her rebound romance, with a man who at first appears to be her soulmate on a white horse come to rescue her. By the end of part two, however, the reader and Jacqui’s close friend Amanda are on the same page: this man is ultimately an unavailable emotional fool. Finally, in part three, after an avalanche of events strips Jacqui of everything she values, Jacqui learns to put herself first, to tell her story of survival through the prism of self-love and its potential for self-regeneration. In essence, Life’s Not Yoga is about self-discovery and self-recovery. Of course, every twelve-step program shares a similar tale of a shattering life journey (parts one and two) where the wounded soul is guided to recovery (part three). So how is this memoir different? While the themes are universal, the dialogue is cracking, coupled with Jacqui’s unapologetic authentic voice and her hard-won belief in discovering her own path to a Higher Power. This combination makes for compelling storytelling. On one level it’s a tale of looking for love in all the wrong places, but on a deeper level, it’s a story of how adversity viewed through the lens of insight and wisdom lead to hope and redemption. To get to this point – to quote Laurie Hertzel – requires ‘a certain plumbing of the soul’, at which Jacqui Burnett excels. It’s a tumultuous, terrifying, frustrating but finally redemptive journey as she struggles to uncover the heroine within. The miracle is that she comes out the other side alive and – more than that – willing to use her life story to inspire others to survive and flourish. This is a book that will attract readers well beyond her already 40 000-strong online following. Compulsory reading for all of us living through challenging relationships with parents, partners, families, colleagues, our histories and ourselves. That would be all of us, then. (Written by Giles Griffin)

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'A total triumph', 'Romantic and heartbreaking and uplifting all at once', 'Highly recommended'*The Independent best 'never-too-late' story of 2021, and one of the 8 best uplifting books of the year*IS IT EVER TOO LATE TO BE LOVED?'Wonderful . . . An utter treat' KATE MOSSE'A heartfelt coming-of-age story . . . Remarkable' LAURIE FRANKEL, New York Times bestselling author 'A heart-warming, joyous love story - original, hopeful and totally charming' ADELE PARKS 'I loved it! Really heart-warming and joyful, but also so poignant. I cannot recommend this book highly enough' LORRAINE KELLY'Albert is one of the most endearing characters I've met in a long time . . . Proof that it's never too late to find a happy ending' SUSAN WIGGS, New York Times bestselling author'A bright, clear, sharply intelligent writer' JENNY COLGAN'Will put a smile on everyone's face . . . A great big hug of a book!' - MICHAEL BALL, Radio 2 'Wonderful. Written with such a good heart, filled with joy and strength and optimism . . . inventive and fun but most importantly, true.' RUSSELL T. DAVIES'A beautiful, timely page-turner, straight from the heart . . . The perfect summer read' MATTHEW BOURNE'Brilliant . . . [I] recommend to all!' MATT LUCAS*****ALBERT ENTWISTLE WAS A POSTMAN. It was one of the few things everyone knew about him. And it was one of the few things he was comfortable with people knowing.64-year-old Albert Entwistle has been a postie in a quiet town in Northern England for all his life, living alone since the death of his mam 18 years ago. He keeps himself to himself. He always has. But he's just learned he'll be forced to retire at his next birthday. With no friends and nothing to look forward to, the lonely future he faces terrifies him. He realises it's finally time to be honest about who he is. He must learn to ask for what he wants. And he must find the courage to look for the man that, many years ago, he lost - but has never forgotten . . .Join Albert as he sets out to find the long-lost love of his life, and has an unforgettable and completely life-affirming adventure on the way . . . This is a love story the likes of which you have never read before!*****'Albert is such an endearing character - flawed, funny and awkward, but completely relatable. A wonderfully warm story that completely drew me in' RUTH HOGAN'A rollicking love story' IAN McKELLEN'Albert is the most delicious character and you'll be with him every step of the way' SUN'A charming adventure with love at its heart' MY WEEKLY'A life affirming story of lost love' THAT'S LIFE'A unique and moving story' CANDIS'A heart-warming and uplifting read' ATTITUDE'You will weep and yet have your heart filled with joy' ARLENE PHILLIPS'I raced through this heart-warming story' JUSTIN MYERS'Prepare to fall in love with Albert Entwistle! Touching and tender' S. J. WATSON'Albert is delightful and charming, and the book is too' JONATHAN HARVEY'I so enjoyed this - a warm-hearted, moving and thought-provoking joy about an elderly postman's awakening to life and love' FANNY BLAKE'A total triumph. Romantic and heartbreaking and uplifting all at once.' LAURA KAY'Tender, witty, uplifting' KATE EBERLENAs seen and heard on THE GRAHAM NORTON RADIO SHOW, BBC Radio 4's WOMAN'S HOUR, RESONANCE FM, BBC Radio 2'S THE MICHAEL BALL SHOW, TalkRADIO'S THE BADASS WOMEN'S SHOW, TIMES RADIO with GILES COREN and many more . . .

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From polar explorers and politicians to CEOs and sports coaches, we are fascinated with the makeup of leaders. How do they thrive under pressure and inspire others to do the same? How do they establish a culture of long-term success?Performance psychologist Tom Young has worked closely with teams and individuals at the highest level of professional sport. He has seen how leaders in these high-pressure environments communicate, how they maintain focus and respond to challenges. In The Making of a Leader, Young shares the practical principles of sustained elite performance and shows how any individual can add value to their own business or organisation by applying these insights.You will learn how to develop a leadership philosophy that is true to your values, effectively manage and get results from individuals and teams, establish a high-performance culture and bring value to your organisation - in short, the ingredients that make a leader. These lessons are based on interviews with:- Stuart Lancaster, current Leinster coach and former Head Coach of the England national RFU team- Ashley Giles, ECB Director of Cricket during England's 2019 World Cup win- Gary Kirsten, record-breaking former international batsman and World Cup-winning coach of the Indian national team- Dan Quinn, Head Coach of Atlanta Falcons and a Super Bowl winner with Seattle Seahawks- Roberto Martinez, FA Cup-winner and Belgium national team manager - Sean Dyche, Burnley FC manager- Michael Maguire, Head Coach of the New Zealand national rugby league team The Making of a Leader is a unique, inspiring guide to leadership that can inspire positive results in any context, based on interviews and experiences from the cutting edge of elite sport.---'Offers fascinating insight into man management and the attributes needed to be an effective leader, which is incredibly useful and relevant to me ahead of captaining the 2020 European Ryder Cup team' - Pádraig Harrington, three-time Major champion and captain of the 2020 European Ryder Cup team'Although elite athletes understand the keys to excellence, you rarely have the chance to get inside their heads. You're in luck: Tom Young has solved that problem. As a performance psychologist, he's worked closely with some of the world's best in both individual and team sports. In this fascinating book, he shares his rich experiences and his keen insights on the science - and the practice - of achieving and sustaining success' - Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of Originals and Give and Take, and host of the chart-topping TED podcast WorkLife'I am always looking to learn from other sports and this book gives a unique insight into what it takes to navigate the challenges of high performance' - Tommy Fleetwood, professional golfer'This book shows that in the world of professional sport these proven and renowned leaders all have their own rules of strategy, which have brought continued success and recognition' - Alastair Campbell, bestselling author, strategist, broadcaster and lifelong fan of Burnley FC'Full of important lessons that you learn as a leader in sport that are as applicable to business environments as they are to elite sports' - Sir Bill Beaumont, chairman of World Rugby and former England and British & Irish Lions captain'The Making of a Leader provides a unique insight into the inner workings of established leaders' minds. Well worth a read to gain useful leadership intel' - Rebecca Symes, sports psychologist, The FA and England Lionesses'If you want to be a leader or become a better leader, man or woman, in sport or any other sector, this book is for you' - Professor Andy Hargreaves, Professor Emeritus, Boston College and author of Uplifting Leadership

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‘Hawker is a terrific creation’ Bernard CornwellAre they saving a prince, or unchaining a monster?December 1476. The infamous Vlad the Impaler – Dracula – is reported killed in a Turkish ambush: the brutal scourge of the Ottomans is no more…November 1485. Nine years later, mysterious Hungarian noblewoman Maria Hunyadi lays a quest at the feet of Sir John Hawker, loyal retainer to the fallen King Richard III and protector of Richard’s illegitimate son, Sir Giles Ellingham. The mission: to liberate her father from imprisonment in a remote Wallachian mountain fortress. The prisoner: Vlad Dracula.Indebted to Maria for saving his men’s lives in Venice, Hawker reluctantly accepts her story and agrees to come to her aid. But any rescue will be fraught with danger. There are powerful forces at work who would not want the great warlord found alive.But is Maria really who she says she is? Is she looking for more than just her father? And is the Impaler truly alive, after all this time – a lost prince?From the fringes of the Hungarian empire to the dark mountain forests of Saxon Transylvania, Hawker must contend with enemies on all sides, and those unseen within the company itself. The exciting sequel to Hawker and the King’s Jewel – described by Bernard Cornwell as ‘brilliant’ – perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and David Gilman.Praise for Hawker and the King’s Jewel ‘A brutal, brilliant tale, told with verve and pace. Hawker is a terrific creation’ Bernard Cornwell‘Bale takes the reader from the terror of battle where a crown is lost and won to the sparkling jewel that is Venice, teeming with intrigue and treachery. Great storytelling’ David Gilman, author of the Master of War series'An absolute gem of a novel. I was taken aback by Bale's skill and talent. Meticulously researched, with a totally authentic medieval feel, the novel fizzes with action, romance and intrigue. A gripping yarn' Angus Donald, author of the Outlaw series‘Hawker is an ageing, flawed character and it is in his description of the man's inner turmoil, his bursts of energy and, above all, loyalty that the author has created a living soul… Compelling, authentic characters, a tight narrative which drives the story with verve; dialogue which is neither mock Gothic nor anachronistic, all allow the reader to feel part of the sounds and sights of the late fifteenth century. The novel deserves high praise’ The RicardianWhat readers are saying about Hawker and the King's Jewel ‘I bought this to read on holiday on the back of a friend's recommendation. I don't normally read historical fiction like this but was blown away by the experience - it was a great story, told at a good clip with wonderful characters, action and lovely historical touches that made you really “feel” and appreciate the period but without weighing down the whole. I more than surprised myself by sneaking in the odd hour of reading here and there in ways that I never normally do. It was an absolute treat’‘The characterisation and period detail are superb and with plenty of action. The pace is just right, making it a really good and engaging read’‘A rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns’‘I can honestly say the book grabs the reader’s attention and draws them in from the opening pages. It opens your mind to all sorts of possibilities to where the narrative is heading, then suddenly switches track, leaving you grasping for answers. It certainly had me riveted and enthralled’‘You will be drawn into the political intrigues of15th century Europe. Very informative and not too heavy. I would thoroughly recommend it.’‘Beautifully researched; an exciting & gripping tale of what might have been’‘Breathless and rollicking… This reader could hardly bear to put it down’

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