HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Dark Ages 3: The Bear King - James Wilde

Release Date: 20/08/20

Publisher: Bantam Press

SYNOPSIS:

Bridging the gap between 'Game of Thrones' and Bernard Cornwell comes the third and final chapter in James Wilde's epic adventure of betrayal, battle and bloodshed . . .

AD 375 - The Dark Age is drawing near . . .

As Rome's legions abandon their forts, chaos grows on the fringes of Britannia. In the far west, the shattered forces of the House of Pendragon huddle together in order to protect the royal heir – their one beacon of hope.

For Lucanus, their great war leader, is missing, presumed dead. And the people are abandoning them. For in this time of crisis, a challenger has arisen, a False King with an army swollen by a horde of bloody-thirsty barbarians desperate for vengeance.

One slim hope remains for Lucanus’ band of warrior-allies, the Grim Wolves. Guided by the druid, Myrrdin, they go in search of a great treasure – a vessel that is supposedly a gift from the gods. Success will mean a war unlike any other, a battle between two kings for a legacy that will echo down the centuries. And should they fail? Well, then all is lost . . .

This is the shattering conclusion to James Wilde’s rousing reimagining of the myth of King Arthur . . . 

 

REVIEW:

The third book in the series and one hell of a novel that takes out the dark ages with a huge bang. As with James' work its a pure joy to dive into, the characters are people you want to spend time around, the dialogue is crisp but for me, the thing that James does extremely well is no nonsense action sequences that allow you to enjoy the full scope of whats happening with out losing sight of the minutae.

Its well written, has solid prose and all round is an author that really leaves me wanting more. I'm always sad when I finish a book that I've loved and whilst its a long wait for the next installment I take great comfort in rereads where I notice other details that I missed on the first read.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: The Damned Emperor's 2: Commodus - Simon Turney

Release Date: 05/03/20

Publisher: Orion Books

SYNOPSIS:

Rome is enjoying a period of stability and prosperity. The Empire's borders are growing, and there are two sons in the imperial succession for the first time in Rome's history. But all is not as it appears. Cracks are beginning to show. Two decades of war have taken their toll, and there are whispers of a sickness in the East. The Empire stands on the brink of true disaster, an age of gold giving way to one of iron and rust, a time of reason and strength sliding into hunger and pain. The decline may yet be halted, though. One man tries to hold the fracturing empire together. To Rome, he is their emperor, their Hercules, their Commodus. But Commodus is breaking up himself, and when the darkness grips, only one woman can hold him together. To Rome she was nothing. The plaything of the emperor. To Commodus, she was everything. She was Marcia. 

 

REVIEW:

Apart from the big named emperors this is one that I do know a little about prior to reading and whilst most are familiar with the name due the gladiator film with Russell Crowe where Joaquin Phoenix played the aforementioned emperor many others draw a blank when asked as to whom he is. 

 

This title by Simon takes the reader on a journey through the eyes of a female acquaintance of Commodus through the years of growing up and one who has to learn to live in a dangerous time of Rome where one wrong word would have repercussions either through the point of a knife or more subtle means. 

 

 Its well written, really takes you into the world of ancient Rome and above all else allows you to get to know the players with in the tale so much so that you care about their fates. Back this up with solid prose, dialogue that leaps off the page and of course a story that really does draw you in all round makes this second title in Simon's Damned Emperor series a hard title to put down. I can't wait to see what Simon hits back with next, especially as at the end of this period we're about to hit the year of the five emperors, a really twisted time where no one knows where they stood and ideal fertile historical fiction material.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Camelot - Giles Kristian

Release Date:  14/05/20

Publisher: Bantam Press

SYNOPSIS:

'So beautiful, so haunting . . . bitingly real . . . Giles has given us a vital, glorious story: rich, rewarding, and utterly revealing of our times' Manda Scott 

 

Following his acclaimed Sunday Times bestseller, Lancelot, Giles Kristian's new novel returns us to the realms of Arthurian legend . . . 

 

Britain is a land riven by anarchy, slaughter, famine, filth and darkness. Its armies are destroyed, its heroes dead, or missing. Arthur and Lancelot fell in the last great battle and Merlin has not been seen these past ten years. Now, the Saxons are gathering again, their warbands stalk the land, their king seeks dominion. As for the lords and kings of Britain, they look only to their own survival and will not unite as they once did under Arthur and his legendary sword Excalibur. 

 

But in an isolated monastery in the marshes of Avalon, a novice of the order is preparing to take his vows when the life he has known is suddenly turned upside down in a welter of blood. Two strangers - the wild-spirited, Saxon-killing Iselle and the ageing warrior Gawain - will pluck the young man from the wreckage of his simple existence. Together, they will seek the last druid and the cauldron of a god. And the young man must come to terms with his legacy and fate as the son of the most celebrated yet most infamous of Arthur's warriors: Lancelot. 

 

For this is the story of Galahad, Lancelot’s son – the reluctant warrior who dared to keep the dream of Camelot alive . . . 

 

REVIEW:

Im a huge fan of anything to do with the Arthurian period as well as a tale that takes me into a world that is rich in imagination and gives me top notch action alongside characters I care about. Whilst in some respects this is a revamped version of Gallahad's story, what Giles has done is present the reader with a tale that whilst keeping a lot of the elements of the original has not only a new spin but something thats brought up for the modern reader. 

 

Its dark, has some good twists and when added to Giles' writing style affords the reader cracking prose alongside top notch action which when backed with characters that you feel like you understand not only their motives but their hope and dreams thanks to the slower build up, all round generates a book that is hard to put down.

HISTORICAL FICTION SHORT STORY COMPENDIUM REVIEW: Seven Stones to Stand or Fall - Diana Gabaldon

RELEASE DATE:  14/06/18

PUBLISHER:  Arrow

SYNOPSIS:
Previously published as A Trail of Fire. Includes two never-published-before short stories from the bestselling author of the Outlander series.

Featuring all the characters you’ve come to love from the Outlander series, this brilliant collection of short stories throws you into the magical world of Outlander. Includes previously published Virgins, The Space Between, Plague of Zombies, A Leaf on the Wind of All Hallows and The Custom of the Army, plus two never seen before works – Besieged and A Fugitive Green.


REVIEW:
A selection of short stories from the Outlander universe and whilst this review is for the paperback, I'd advise, if you can, purchasing the hardback copy as it like me you love the series, you'll be wanting to reread every so often and as such this makes much more financial sense.

The stories really take you back to the outlander world giving them short stories with favoured characters as well as allowing you to enjoy something that can easily be dipped into during journeys or lunch breaks to give yourself a little historical romance to escape the real world.  As with Diana's other books it will hook you with top notch storytelling, give you characters that you'll love to spend time around and above all else give you a magical reading experience.  Cracking

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Estocada - Graham Hurley

RELEASE DATE:  01/06/18

PUBLISHER:  Head of Zeus

SYNOPSIS:

1937. Dieter Merz is the Reich's most celebrated fighter ace. Flying for the infamous Condor Legion over the battlefields of Spain's civil war, Merz has been able to unleash the full potential of the Luftwaffe's new fighter against his Republican opponents. In Dieter's hands, the Messerschmitt Bf-109 is as graceful as a matador's killing strike: la estocada.
Dieter's aerial prowess has brought him into close contact with the top echelons of the Nazi regime. He is not a political man — all he wants to do is fly – but for how long can he deny the toxic nature of Hitler's rule?
Scotsman and ex-marine Tam Moncrieff is recruited by a nameless intelligence agency in London to go to Germany and sound out Hitler's resolve. Does he really intend to invade Czechoslovakia? Do his generals support him? Can the march to war be stopped?
As duty collides with conscience, fate will bring both men together. These are desperate times calling for desperate measures. To avoid war a killing strike is needed: la estocada.
The question is, who is the matador, who is the bull?

REVIEW:
 Graham Hurley is an author who always brings his thrillers to the fore with indepth characters who feel fully formed and believable for the story.  They have foibles, they have strengths and of course when they speak the words feel organic rather than something that is being used to drive plot forward to force a situation.  It's always something he does well and in this title really helps being the situation to the readers mind in crystal clarity.

Add to this a solid plot, good use of prose and a cracking overall arc that really keeps you glued as each of the pages turn regardless of which side of the conflict the characters are on.  All round another solid story and one that I've not only enjoyed but passed onto my grandfather who is not only making his way through it currently but loving it, a true compliment from a very fussy reader indeed.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: The Zealots Bones - DM Mark

RELEASE DATE:  22/03/18
PUBLISHER:  Mulholland Books

SYNOPSIS:

Two men seeking the bones of a martyr stumble upon the crimes of a devil in the stunning historical crime novel by bestselling author David Mark.
Hull, 1849: a city in the grip of a cholera outbreak that sees its poorest citizens cut down by the cartload.
Into this world of flame and grief comes former soldier Meshach Stone. He's been hired as bodyguard by an academic hunting for the bones of the apostle Simon the Zealot, rumoured to lie somewhere in Lincolnshire.
Stone can't see why ancient bones are of interest in a world full of them. Then a woman he briefly loved is killed. As he investigates, he realizes that she is one of many... and that some deaths cry out for vengeance.

REVIEW:
As a reader and fan of historical crime, I love to be presented something that is not only deliciously dark but also works well for the time period into which its set.  Here within this title is a tale that whilst featuring murder for me is a story about the principle character as we get to see the human side of them.  He's got foibles, he's got a past that in ways he trying to atone for and of course with the way that the plots written, it leaves you guessing as to whom the villain of the piece is.

All round a cracking read and one that I got a  hell of a lot from as I loved walking side by side with not only the principle character but treading the streets of the past in a city I have visited.  Cracking.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Matthew Hervey 13: The Passage to India - Allan Mallinson

RELEASE DATE:  03/05/18
PUBLISHER:  Bantam Press

SYNOPSIS:
It is 1831, riots and rebellions are widespread . . .

In England, the new government is facing protests against the attempts of the Tory-dominated House of Lords to thwart the passing of the Reform Bill. In India, relations are strained between the presidency of Madras and some of the neighbouring princely states.

Having taken command of the action in Bristol to restore order after one of the bloodiest and most destructive riots in the nation's history, Lieutenant-Colonel Matthew Hervey is out of favour with the new government. But then his old friend, Sir Eyre Somervile, offers him a lifeline. Somervile has persuaded the Court of Directors of the East India Company to approve an increase in the Madras military establishment. Hervey and the 6th Light Dragoons are sent to the princely state of Coorg. The Rajah is in revolt against the East India Company’s terms and Hervey’s regiment is called upon to crush the rebellion. With the stakes raised by an unexpected visitation from his past, for Hervey the question is whether he and his men will get out of this brutal war unscathed?


REVIEW:
 The thirteenth  book in the series and whilst some would say that its a number unlucky for some, it definitely is, in the case of Matthew Hervey and his men.  WIth top notch action sequences, the clever use of scene setting and of course a plot with all sorts of twists and turns the reader is in for a treat.

Add to this, the fact that the author brings the exotic nature of India as well as concerns of the inhabitants against these foreign invaders as well as a whole host of interesting supporting cast all round makes this a wonderful read.  Great stuff.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: THE BERNICIA CHRONICLES 1-3: The Serpent Sword, The Cross and the Sword, Blood and Blade - Matthew Harffy

RELEASE DATE:  04/05/17
PUBLISHER:  Aria

SYNOPSIS:
Beobrand is a young man with a shadowy past. As an outsider in the kingdom of Bernicia, he is compelled to join his brother, Octa, as a warrior in the household of King Edwin. He must learn to fight with sword and shield to defend the war-ravaged kingdoms of Northumbria.
In a period of great upheaval for Dark Age Britain, all he finds is death and war. Men and women strive to seize control of their destinies in a time of despair, and the land is rife with danger as warlords vie for supremacy and dominion. Amongst the blood and the betrayals, Beobrand learns of his brother's near-certain murder. Inexperienced but ruthless, Beobrand must form his own allegiances and learn to fight as a warrior with sword and shield.
Driven by a desire for vengeance and a relentless pursuit of his enemies, he faces challenges which transform him from a boy to a man who stands strong in the clamour and gore of the shieldwall. As he closes in on his kin's slayer, can Beobrand mete out the retribution he craves without sacrificing his honour... or even his soul?


REVIEW:
I love books that take me on an adventure and when they coincide with a landscape to which I'm familiar its not only easy to visualise but also helps you get your bearings but brings the tale to life as you can walk the landscape with the heroes of old.

The book is a solid treat for fans of Historical fiction and gives enough action to keep your heart in your mouth as this tale of vengeance alongside honour keeps the pages turning. Back this up with cracking prose, top notch sequences alongside an overall arc that furthers the characters development all round makes this a book that is hard to put down.

Finally throw into the mix the second title The Curse and Cross coming from Aria in November and you know that the wait won't be too long to see what else happens in our heroes timeline. Magic.


 

RELEASE DATE:  16/11/17
PUBLISHER:  Aria

SYNOPSIS:

AD 634.
ANGLO SAXON BRITAIN.
Confusion and conflict continue as warlords battle across Britain to become the first King of the English.
After a stunning victory against the native Waelisc, Beobrand returns to a hero's welcome. His valour is rewarded by wealth and land by Oswald, King of Northumbria.
Exhausted, he retires to his new estate with his bride only to find himself surrounded once again by enemies old and new. With treachery and death on all sides, Beobrand fears he will lose all he holds dear.
On a quest for revenge and redemption, he accepts the mantle of lord, leading his men into the darkest of nights and the bloodiest of battles.
The Cross and the Curse is the second gripping, action-packed instalment in The Bernicia Chronicles.

REVIEW:
Following on from The Serpent Sword, this the second book works wonderfully well, with emotional drama, top notch action sequences, character growth and of course consequences for actions taken.

Throw into this a pace that gives you just enough space to grab a breath and all round I was a more than happy reader.  A pure joy to read.

RELEASE DATE:  03/05/18
PUBLISHER:  Aria

SYNOPSIS:

Oswald is now King of Northumbria. However, his plans for further alliances and conquests are quickly thrown into disarray when his wedding to a princess of Wessex is interrupted by news of a Pictish uprising.
Rushing north, Oswald leaves Beobrand to escort the young queen to her new home. Their path is fraught with danger and uncertainty, Beobrand must try to unravel secrets and lies if they are to survive.
Meanwhile, old enemies are closing in, seeking brutal revenge. Beobrand will give his blood and blade in service to his king, but will that be enough to avert disaster and save his kith and kin from the evil forces that surround them?
Blood and Blade is the third gripping, action-packed instalment in the Bernicia Chronicles.


REVIEW:
The third book in the series and one that continues to build the principle character wonderfully as events from the previous novel are still taking their toll physically and mentally.  As with the previous the world building is wonderfully done, easy to visualise and when you throw in cracking combat alongside a kickass plot line all round makes this a book that is, like the previous hard to put down.

Add to this, lessons that have been clearly learned with some well done authorly tricks alongside a cracking understanding of prose all round make this a series that I've thoroughly enjoyed.  I now have the fourth part to look forward to in December but for me, a re-read will be happening prior to that.  Provided I can half hitch my books back from my Dad who is getting just as much fun from them.

HISTORICAL FICTION REVIEW: Mad Blood Stirring - SImon Mayo

RELEASE DATE:  19/04/18
PUBLISHER:  Doubleday

SYNOPSIS:
1815: The war is over but for the inmates at Dartmoor Prison, peace - like home - is still a long way away.

On the eve of the year 1815, the American sailors of the Eagle finally arrive at Dartmoor prison; bedraggled, exhausted but burning with hope. They’ve only had one thing to sustain them – a snatched whisper overheard along the way.

The war is over.

Joe Hill thought he’d left the war outside these walls but it’s quickly clear that there’s a different type of fight to be had within. The seven prison blocks surrounding him have been segregated; six white and one black. As his voice rings out across the courtyard, announcing the peace, the redcoat guards bristle and the inmates stir. The powder keg was already fixed to blow and Joe has just lit the fuse.

Elizabeth Shortland, wife of the Governor looks down at the swirling crowd from the window of her own personal prison. The peace means the end is near, that she needn’t be here for ever. But suddenly, she cannot bear the thought of leaving.

Inspired by a true story, Mad Blood Stirring tells of a few frantic months in the suffocating atmosphere of a prison awaiting liberation. It is a story of hope and freedom, of loss and suffering. It is a story about how sometimes, in our darkest hour, it can be the most unlikely of things that see us through.


REVIEW:
A different type of book from this author and one that takes the reader on one hell of a journey and whilst I'm not as familiar with the time period as I'd like to be, I did like the way that the tale brought to the fore with some believable characters living in limbo surrounded by atrocious conditions as arguments were forged as to their fate.

What Simon does well is give the people a voice and with the key characters feeling rounded, I did feel a fair few of the supporting cast were more 2d personalities rather than fully fleshed people.  This took me out of the story and when you're removed like that, it does take you a while to get back into. 

Add to this dialogue that at times felt forced rather than organic and all round its more of a mediocre title rather than the star it could have been with a bit more background fleshing.  A shame but overall, a book I did feel showed a lot of promise and here's hoping that future outings will allow the author to make the adaptation from YA to Adult more smoothly.