book review – Page 11

I’m delighted to be reviewing My Fair Lord by Elisabeth Hobbes #histfic

Here’s the blurb

A Gilded Age Retelling of My Fair Lady

Arriving into English society from the drawing rooms of New York, Miss Florence Wakechild desires nothing less than the marriage her father is so desperately seeking for her. Clayton Wakechild desires nothing more than finding a suitable husband for his daughter – a husband of noble birth and title no less. No ‘new money’ here.

Frustrated with her father’s obsession with the British aristocracy, Florence comes up with a plan. If she can train an ordinary working man to behave like a viscount and fool her father, she can prove to him a title is meaningless.

It’s a straightforward plan, but the man Florence chooses is Ned Blake, a man who will open her eyes in a way she couldn’t have imagined. As Ned’s hands gently guide her across the ballroom floor, the last thing Florence expects to feel is something… real.

With his past catching up with him, Ned seizes the opportunity to lie low, if only briefly, but will the secrets he’s keeping destroy the chance of happiness he’d never imagined?

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/MyFairLord

My Review

My Fair Lord is an engaging romance set, in the later 19th century.

Our two main characters meet in the first sentence, and their tale then takes us from Liverpool to New York. Elizabeth Wakechild is an outspoken young, wealthy American woman, determined against marrying a British titled lord with no money. Ned is somewhat of a mystery – a man who can move in quite exulted company but is also not out of place in a dockyard pub. Elizabeth’s desire to show her father’s determination that she marry into a title is based on little more than conceit, bringing them together. With the aid of Ned, Elizabeth intends to show her father that a man can be taught about manners and societal norms without having been born to them and sets about teaching him with forthright determination.

Both hot-headed, and with agendas of their own, the two but heads, but also remain determined to fulfil their respective bargains, no matter what, and even if it means travelling to New York. The narrative is split between the pair and moves at quite a brisk pace.

Ned and Elizabeth are both fun characters. Elizabeth is educated in the correct forms of address for every member of British society; Ned isn’t, or at least, he pretends not to be. They fall in love with one another, which accounts for why they refuse to part ways, even if it might be better for them to do so, even though, as it stands, they could never be together.

I enjoyed the story. Elizabeth is perhaps the more-rounded character. Her secrets are freely shared with the reader, whereas Ned’s aren’t. This does allow for the ending to be quite unexpected.

This is sure to appeal to fans of historical romance of all time periods.

Meet the author

Elisabeth writes romantic Historical fiction as Elisabeth Hobbes and Historical folklore/fantasy romance as Elisabeth J. Hobbes.

She teaches Primary school but would love to write full time because unlike five-year-olds her characters generally do what she tells them. She spends most of her spare time reading and is a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book.

Elisabeth hails from York but lives in Cheshire because the car broke down there in 1999 and she never left. Elisabeth has two almost grown kids, two cats, two dogs and a husband. The whole family are on the autistic spectrum and that probably includes the pets! She dreams of having a tidy house one day.

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Today, I’m reviewing The Spy Across The Water #blogtour #TheSpyAcrossTheWater

Here’s the blurb

From one of our most treasured BBC broadcasters, The Spy Across the Water is the third instalment in James Naughtie’s brilliant spy series, woven around three brothers bound together through espionage.

We live with our history, but it can kill us.

Faces from the past appear from nowhere at a family funeral, and Will Flemyng, spy-turned-ambassador, is drawn into twin mysteries that threaten everything he holds dear.

From Washington, he’s pitched back into the Troubles in Northern Ireland and an explosive secret hidden deep in the most dangerous but fulfilling friendship he has known.

And while he confronts shadowy adversaries in American streets, and looks for solace at home in the Scottish Highlands, he discovers that his government’s most precious Cold War agent is in mortal danger and needs his help to survive.

In an electric story of courage and betrayal, Flemyng learns the truth that his life has left him a man with many friends, but still alone.

Purchase Link

https://geni.us/TSATWRRR

My Review

The Spy Across the Water is a complex political thriller set in 1985. As such, it is ‘almost’ historical fiction, my ‘go to genre.’

Not so much a fast-paced spy thriller, this is instead a slow and somewhat dense read, following Flemyng and also others of his associates as they uncover a web of secrets surrounding his youngest brother’s murder, and other events which are about to culminate. There is a great deal of obfuscation. Our main character knows everything, or at least, nearly everything, but details are only fed slowly to the reader. Key names and details are not given, which, while adding to the conspiracy, also managed to confuse me on more than one occasion.

The author has adopted a somewhat ‘quirky’ writing style – there is much conversation, and equally, much summarising of some elements of the same discussions. I found it jolted me from the narrative, and often just as things were getting interesting.

The narrative slowly sucked me in as the web of lies and politicking reaches another level. It recreates a real sense of the ‘time,’ ‘place’ and the snail-like speed of passing information to those who need to know, while doing away with our more modern apparatus of mobile phones, allowing the sharing of intelligence to be immediate.

An intriguing novel of ‘what-ifs’ and ‘might have beens’ deeply embedded in the era of heightened tensions as the Soviet Union draws to an end, while matters in Ireland ‘could’ be resolved to the satisfaction of everyone. This is a novel that will appeal to fans of ‘old school’ spy stories.

Meet the author

James Naughtie is a special correspondent for BBC News, for which he has reported from around the world. He presented Today on BBC Radio 4 for 21 years. This his third novel, and his most recent book is an account of five decades of travel and work in the United States – On the Road: American Adventures from Nixon to Trump. He lives in Edinburgh and London.

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Twitter: @naughtiej Facebook: @James Naughtie

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I’m delighted to be reviewing The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick #blogtour #dualtimeline #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

1671 – London

The Civil War is over and Charles II, the ‘Merry Monarch’, is revelling in the throne of his murdered father and all the privileges and power that comes with it. Sharing the spoils is his favourite companion, the celebrated beauty, actress Nell Gwyn. Beloved of the English people, Nell has come a long way from selling oranges and a childhood in a brothel, but as her fortunes have turned, her sister Rose has taken a different path. Marriage to a feckless highwayman has left Rose in the grim Marshalsea prison and now she needs her sister’s mercy to help get her out. But Nell needs Rose too. A plot to steal the Crown Jewels has gone tragically wrong, and Nell’s future with her protector King is at risk. If Rose can’t solve the riddle of the jewels both Gwyn sisters will head straight to the Tower.

Present Day

Librarian and history enthusiast Jess Yates has hit rock bottom. With her ex behind bars for fraud, Jess needs to lay low – easier said than done with a celebrity sister. But Tavy has her uses. Her latest TV project involves renovating Fortune Hall, and she needs a house sitter while she’s jetting around the world. The opportunity is too good to miss, especially when Jess discovers that Fortune Hall has links to the infamous Nell Gwyn.

Slowly the house begins to reveal its mysteries, and secrets that have laid buried for centuries can no longer be ignored. Jess hears echoes from a tragic past and as she struggles to understand her sister, Jess feels ever closer to Rose Gwyn, the sister forgotten by history but who had the fate of her family in her hands.

Bestselling author Nicola Cornick is back with a captivating, gripping, unforgettable tale of treachery and treason, love and loyalty, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Elena Collins and Christina Courtenay.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/gwyngirlsocial

My Review

The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick is a dual-timeline novel taking place in the present day and the early 1670s, offering an account of the life of The Other Gwyn Girl, Rose, as opposed to Nell, mistress of Charles II, although Nell does have a role in the book.

Beginning with events in the 1670s, the historical element of the story is well woven and told in a 1st person POV, taking in the theatre, London, the king, and indeed, the theft of the crown jewels as well as the delight of the Marshelsea prison. I was firmly invested in Rose’s story and, as often with dual-timeline tales, felt a little resentful that the whole tale was not about Rose:)

That said, our modern timeline, told from a 3rd person POV, is still intriguing, encompassing the Bodleian Library, ancient letters, and a little bit of ‘otherworldlyness’. The parallels between the two narratives, both ‘the unfamous’ sisters, worked well.

The narrative is certainly engaging, and I whipped through the book in only a few sittings, quite desperate to find out what would happen to Rose in the historical timeline.

A really enjoyable tale, well pieced together, and thrilling.

(I would have loved some historical notes at the back – sorry, it’s the historian in me).

Meet the author

Nicola Cornick is a historian and author who works as a researcher and guide for the National Trust in one of the most beautiful 17th century houses in England. She writes dual time novels that illustrate her love of history, mystery and the supernatural, and focus on women from the footnotes of history. Her books have appeared in over twenty five languages, sold over half a million copies worldwide and been described as “perfect for Outlander fans.” Nicola also gives writing and history talks, works as a consultant for TV and radio, and is a trustee of the Wantage Literary Festival and the Friends of Lydiard Park.

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Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing Anne O’Brien’s new novel, A Court of Betrayal #bookreview #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR…

The Welsh Marches, 1301

Strong-willed heiress Johane de Geneville is married to Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, at just fifteen years old.

Soon Johane finds herself swept up in a world of treacherous court politics and dangerous secrets as her husband deposes Edward II and rules England alongside Queen Isabella.

Yet when Roger is accused of treason, she is robbed of her freedom and must survive catastrophic events in her fight for justice – with her life, and her children’s, hanging in the balance…

Will she pay for her husband’s mistakes, or will she manage to escape from a terrible fate?

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3P5PPcN

My Review

A Court of Betrayal sees Anne O’Brien returning to the early 14th century, finding for her readers a wonderful character, Johane de Geneville. We all know the story of Queen Isabella and her lover, Roger Mortimer, but what about the wife left behind in the Welsh Marches?

There is much of Johane and Roger’s life to cover before the tumultuous events that see Roger fleeing England for his life – 12 children for a start – and this period of Johane’s life is given full coverage by our fabulous author. Johane is fully formed. What I’ve always appreciated about Anne’s characters is that they are women of the time, with all the restrictions that bring with it. Yet, her female characters remain strong-willed and independent, doing what they can within societal norms. Sometimes we might not like Johane (the treatment of her sisters for one), but we are still very much invested in her, and her story. And this is her story. The children are, of course, mentioned, but we hear Johane’s thoughts and fears. Johane drives the narrative, even when she is held in captivity with little outside knowledge of events at the king’s court..

Through Johane’s eyes, we see her husband cast low at the pretensions of the Despenser’s, only to rise too high, too quickly, and we also hear of the many conspiracy theories surrounding his actions – particularly concerning what happened to Edward II. The symmetry between Roger’s actions and those of Edward II’s favourites is beautifully evoked, and the reader is left feeling that if a woman had been instrumental in all this chaos, she would have had much more sense than to upset everyone in the same way that Roger was previously disgruntled—a lovely touch.

I flew through this book in 2 days. Reading a new Anne O’Brien novel is an absolute treat. Just like Constance of York in a Tapestry of Treason, Johane will long live with the reader.

A Court of Betrayal is a wonderful, evocative novel that will delight readers.

Check out my reviews for

A Tapestry of Treason

The Queen’s Rival

Visit Anne online at https://www.anneobrienbooks.com/

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It’s my turn on the Thor’s Revenge by Donovan Cook #blogtour #newrelease #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

A kingdom without a crown.

A boy forsaken by his God.

A warrior bent on revenge.

After the bloody Battle of Jelling, Denmark’s throne lies empty and chaos reigns as Jarls jostle for power.

Sven survives the bloodshed only to return home to find Ribe sacked by those he trusted and Charles, a pawn in a much bigger political game, kidnapped.

Consumed by the loss of Charles, Sven is shocked by the arrival of the Abbess Hildegard, daughter of his nemesis King Louis of East Francia, who seeks the whereabouts of Charles, her son, and also the cross of Charlemagne.

But whilst others want revenge for the chaos Sven has caused, Denmark burns and Sven must stand in the shield wall one more time if he is to survive and rescue his grandson.

Outnumbered and outmaneuvered, Sven and Charles must put their fate in the hands of the gods if they ever want to see each other again.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/thorsrevengesocial

My Review

Thor’s Revenge is the third book in the Charlemagne’s Cross series by Donovan Cook. I have read the previous two books.

Thor’s Revenge begins immediately after the previous book’s events, with Sven the Boar recovering from the events of the great battle. At the same time, conspiracy and secrets continue to swirl around him and his grandson, Charles.

In book 3, we learn more answers to the secrets and also meet a few new characters who have previously been alluded to but not ‘seen’ on stage, as it were.

The many threads take a while to get into, but when I did, I flew through the story, really enjoying how well they connect. I also greatly enjoy the ‘light’ touch adopted for the competing religions of paganism and Christianity. Questions are asked by those of both faiths, especially Sven and Charles, who can perhaps see that not everything is as black and white as might be believed. The conniving members of the royal family in East and West Frankia add a layer of ‘sophisticated’ conspiracy above that of the more ‘immediate’ concerns of Sven and Charles.

There are also several battles and fights, and I’m looking forward to Book 4, where I hope we may find some resolution for Sven and Charles.

It is a fine addition to the series that develops depth as the story progresses and has an ending, making me desperate to read more. So, get on with it Donovan:)

Fans of the genre will delight in the continuing tale of Sven the Boar and Charles.

Check out my reviews for Odin’s Betrayal and Loki’s Deceit and Valhalla’s Fury.

Meet the author

Donovan Cook is the author of the well-received Ormstunga Saga series and the Charlemagne’s Cross series, both of which combine fast-paced narrative with meticulously researched history of the Viking world and are inspired by his interest in Norse Mythology. Donovan was born in South Africa but raised in England.

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It’s paperback publication day for #TheLastTrueTemplar #blogtour #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

The thrilling new historical adventure from New York Times bestselling author Boyd Morrison and expert medievalist Beth Morrison. Fox and Willa find themselves on a dangerous quest for the treasure of the Templar Knights.

A Perilous Quest. A Deadly Legacy.

Italy, 1351. English companions, knight Gerard Fox and the resourceful Willa, have come through a death-defying journey across war-torn Europe. Now looking towards a future together, they must first find a way to reconcile with their difficult pasts.

In a small village between Florence and Siena, Fox and Willa are caught up in a deadly ambush. After rescuing Luciana, the target of the attack, they take refuge in her opulent villa and learn her heartbreaking story – a tale of loss, deception, and a burning desire for freedom.

Soon, Fox and Willa are involved in a perilous quest to save Luciana’s family legacy. To do so, they will have to solve a mystery that points the way to the fabled lost treasure of the Knights Templar.

‘Complete with mysteries, secrets, and adventure, rich in detail, delivering exactly what a reader craves. This writing duo knows all the right chords to touch.’ Steve Berry, #1 New York Times bestselling author
‘A mesmerizing sequel to the hugely entertaining The Lawless Land…. There is action galore. What a ride!’ Elizabeth George, #1 New York Times bestselling author
‘Any lover of historical mysteries or great tales of adventure will find much delight in this novel!’ James Rollins, #1 New York Times bestselling author
‘A triumphant follow-up to The Lawless Land, with a puzzle that will dazzle fans of The Da Vinci Code. There’s so much breathtaking excitement that the book should come with an oxygen tank.’ Lee Goldberg, #1 New York Times bestselling author

Purchase Link

https://geni.us/TLTTPBRRR

My Review

The Last True Templar is a thrilling journey through fourteenth-century Italy, taking our two heroes to Siena, Florence and Venice (and somewhere else, but spoilers) as they attempt to assist Luciana in her bid to finally solve the mystery of her father’s last letter, sent to her over forty years ago, and which it’s believed, will lead to the lost Templar treasure.

And they’re not alone, for as with all good thrillers, there is another side to this story, and someone else wants to get their hands on the Templar treasure just as much as they do: Luciana’s ruthless husband.

This is an Italy in recovery following the devastation of the Black Death, where few, it seems, have been left unscathed. Ironically, two Englishmen, Gerard and Armstrong, are most involved in the hustle and bustle of the quest, with the aid of some quick-witted and intelligent women.

This story is well-grounded in the historical architecture of the time, as our characters race to solve clues, riding from city to city, some loyal to Luciana’s husband and some to Luciana, all needing to look at or visit various important buildings – many of the well-known ones still being built, or heavily renovated. There is intrigue aplenty. Those characters trying to stop Gerard, Willa, and Luciana are ruthless and ambitious, and all this while Gerard and Willa are trying to determine their future.

This is book 2 in the series – I haven’t read book 1 – I don’t necessarily think you need to read the first book to enjoy this one, as we’re given snippets of what’s happened before, but this is very much an isolated ‘quest’. And I did enjoy it. The Last True Templar is very much in the mould of a Dan Brown thriller, only set in the distant past, with an eye to what the cityscapes would have looked like in 1351, and with three feisty women to ensure the narrative never gets bogged down in more purely violent bouts between our two sides.

A rollercoaster of a journey, it’s sure to appeal to fans of historical fiction, historical mysteries and old-fashioned action and adventure stories- (as well as to fans of The Curse of Oak Island:))

Meet the authors

Boyd Morrison is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of twelve thrillers, including six with Clive Cussler. His first novel, The Ark, was an Indie Next Notable pick and was translated into over a dozen languages. He has a PhD in industrial engineering from Virginia Tech.
Follow Boyd on: @BoydMorrison IG: @BoydMorrisonWriter http://www.facebook.com/BoydMorrisonWriter

Beth Morrison is Senior Curator of Manuscripts at the J. Paul Getty Museum. She has curated major exhibitions including ‘Imagining the Past in France, 1250-1500’, and ‘Book of Beasts: The Bestiary in the Medieval World’. She has a PhD in the History of Art from Cornell University.
Follow Beth on: @BethMorrisonPhd IG: @BethMorrisonWriter http://www.facebook.com/BethMorrisonWriter

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Boyd

Twitter: @BoydMorrison. Instagram: @BoydMorrisonWriter
Facebook: Boyd Morrison Writer. Website: https://boydmorrison.com/

Beth

Twitter: @BethMorrisonPhd. Instagram: @BethMorrisonWriter

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I’m delighted to share my review for Murder in the Library by Anita Davison #bookreview #blogtour #historicalmystery #newrelease

Here’s the blurb

A body in a hospital isn’t so unusual. Unless they’ve been murdered!

1916, London: Keen to support the war effort, bookshop manager and sometime amateur sleuth Hannah Merrill has taken a volunteer role in the library of the nearby military hospital. But arriving at the hospital one cold winter’s morning, she is horrified to find the body of a dead soldier in the library.

What’s more, a beautiful young nurse confides in Hannah that she thinks she’s being followed, and then she abruptly disappears. Hannah can’t shake the suspicion that the two cases are connected, but she can’t solve the case alone. She’ll once again need to call upon her delightful, demanding, only-occasionally devious aunt, Violet. The two women know they must find the missing nurse before it’s too late… but they don’t realise they’re now both in the killer’s sights.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/MurderLibrarySocial

My Review

Murder in the Library is the second book in the Miss Merill and Aunt Violent cosy crime mystery series. I have read the first book.

Events begin quickly in this one when Hannah finds a body in the hospital library where she volunteers. Although she doesn’t intend to, Hannah quickly finds herself embroiled in the investigation to uncover who killed the dead man and why. Along the way, she finds herself involved in a few tricky situations as the toll of World War I begins to be felt in Britain.

All the familiar characters from Book 1 reappear, and I’m enjoying the relationships that are developing between Aunt Violet and Hannah.

The mystery is intriguing, although it seems to be resolved fairly quickly. Although, fear not, for there is more at play and more to uncover.

It’s a really enjoyable historical mystery. Hannah is a fun character, as is her aunt, and I’m enjoying reading about the two women flouting the social constraints of the era.

It’s sure to appeal to fans of a good historical who dun it.

Check out my review for Murder in the Bookshop.

Meet the author

Anita Davison is the author of the successful Flora Maguire historical mystery series. Previously published by Aria, she is writing a new cosy mystery series for Boldwood, the first title of which, Murder in the Bookshop, will be published in August 2023.

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Today, I’m excited to share my review for Death at Lovers’ Leap, the third book in Catherine Coles delightful 1940s cozy crime series #blogtour #MarthaMillerMystery

Here’s the blurb:

Westleham Village 1948

As Valentine’s Day rolls around, Martha Miller finds herself unusually melancholy at the state of her own love life. With husband Stan still missing and with her growing feelings for Vicar Luke still shrouded in secrecy, there’s only one place Martha can go – famous local beauty spot, Lovers’ Leap.

Legend has it that those with a broken heart throw themselves off the bridge that spans the river, but Martha is certainly not about to do such a thing! But it looks like someone else has had other ideas…. Because there in the river, Martha finds a body. But is this misadventure, a moment of lovesick madness, or is foul play afoot? Martha knows one thing…the villagers of Westleham have another crime to solve! Let the investigation commence! Find out if Martha and Luke can catch the killer in a brand new Martha Miller mystery from bestselling author Catherine Coles.

My Review

Death at Lovers’ Leap is a welcome return to the village of Westleham and Martha Miller (and her trusty dog). An innocent walk quickly turns to tragedy for Martha, as she ends up, not only coated in mud from head to toe, but discovering the body of one of the local young men.

As ever, Martha is determined to discover the culprit, and with the aid of the vicar, Luke, and her two trusty nosy neighbours, she begins to do just that, uncovering a web of deceit which extends even to the grave.

Death at Lover’s Leap is another really well thought out cosy mystery, where a cup of tea is never far from the lips of our characters, and where the privations of post-war Britain are kept firmly in mind.

A delightful mystery. I’ve been reading Catherine Coles books for a good few years now. Martha is a great creation, and this is another really good addition to the series. Fans of cosy crime will really enjoy the mystery.

Check out my reviews for book 1 and book 2.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/loversleapsocial

Meet the author

Catherine Coles writes bestselling cosy mysteries set in the English countryside. Her extremely popular Tommy & Evelyn Christie series is based in North Yorkshire in the 1920’s and Catherine herself lives in Hull with her family and two spoiled dogs.

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Follow the Death at Lovers’ Leap blog tour with Rachel’s Random Resources

Today, I’m delighted to welcome Spellbound by Gretchen Rue to the blog, with a little bit of #witchy #cosycrime #blogtour #bookreview

Here’s the blurb

Since moving to Raven Creek, Phoebe Winchester has had a lot on her plate.

She’s renovating the Victorian manor she inherited from her Aunt Eudora, running a tea shop (and secret magical apothecary), and learning to be a witch. But when she discovers a dead body at an estate sale, and suspicion falls on her, even Phoebe wonders if this is simply too much.

Forced to take action to clear her name, Phoebe enlists Rich Lofting, handsome private detective and childhood friend, to assist with her investigation, all while sorting out her unresolved feelings for him.

Is there something more sinister lurking in the shadows of this small tight-knit town? And does Phoebe really want to find out?

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3veTT3

My Review

Spellbound is a cosy crime featuring our main character, Phoebe, who is a book-shop owner, bread-baker, owned by a cat, and a little bit of a modern-day witch. This isn’t spell-casting witchcraft, but rather a woman with some additional powers with which to imbue her teas and cakes.

When not baking, fixing up her house, being a general ‘good-egg’ and deciding whether or not to risk a romance with a new man, Phoebe manages to embroil herself in a crime, which somehow, finds her, and her cat implicated.

What ensues is a small-town, feel-good, crime busting episode, as Phoebe, determined to clear her name, gets into one or two scrapes before finally finding the true culprit.

This is an enjoyable, light-hearted read, with enough intrigue to keep the reader intrigued.

Meet the author

Gretchen Rue lives in the Canadian prairies, which affords her ample time to read during six months of winter. She plays cat mom to four mostly indifferent fur children, and plant mom to roughly 100 very demanding flora. When she isn’t sipping tea and working on her next novel, she enjoys swimming, hiking, and watching baseball.

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I’m delighted to share my review for Adam Lofthouse’s new Roman-era historical fiction novel, Usurper, which is released today

Here’s the blurb

Wall of Hadrian. Britannia, 382 AD

War is creeping back into the land. As silent as snowfall, as inevitable as winter. They’ve had sixteen years of peace, but all things must end.

Tribune Sixtus Victorinus has grown old, complacent. Blind to the truth that stares him in the face, he contents himself with what he has. He runs errands for the Dux Britanniarum Flavius Maximus and watches with joy as his boys grow to become men.

It is his friend, Prefect Gaius Felicius, who first spots the signs. Once more, the Caledonian tribes are rearing their heads in the north, but the greatest danger does not lie with them.

For there is a new pretender to the throne of the West. Another man who seeks to drape himself in purple. Caught up in a scheme they cannot comprehend, Victorinus and Felicius must navigate their way through both a war in the depths of winter, and a treasonous plot that will shake the Roman Empire to its core.

A new age dawns on the men of Britannia. For Victorinus, he must fight for the right to see the sun rise over it.

Purchase Link

https://amzn.to/3OfYAAn

My Review

I’ve just been checking my review for book 1 in this series, and I see I also gave it five stars. Adam is a lucky author because I’m always told that I don’t often hand out a 5-star review. (Check out my review for Valentia here).

And he’ll be pleased to know he’s done it again with Usurper.

I will say that this era – the coming end of Roman Britain fascinates me. Adam’s recreation of it speaks to me. We know what’s coming. The people in these books do not, although perhaps they suspect it.

Usurper continues the story from Valentia, but we move forward 16 years. Our two main characters remain Tribune Sixtus Victorinus and Felicius. Felicius is still a career Roman. Sixtus is not. They are both older, perhaps wiser, and contending with the results of their decisions as younger men.

Sixtus has finally given up the drink, but he is beset with heartache at the breakdown of his marriage and the long-ago death of his small son, which he missed because he was away fighting. Sixtus is a man trying to do his best in a world where the Roman influence of his younger days seems to have bled away. He’s still a friend and ally of Theodosius, the younger emperor, and indeed, they remain in contact via letter – a fabulous device ensuring the reader knows what’s happening beyond the shores of Britannia.

With all that said, this is an action-packed novel. There is barely a chapter that goes by without one fight or another. As we travel from Londinium to many locations on the Wall and even further north, Sixtus gets an absolute beating. Drost makes a welcome reappearance, and conspiracies abound. The set-up for book 3 in this trilogy is impeccably well-paced – I didn’t know how the book would end – although I had some suspicions. It didn’t do what I thought it would, and now I can’t wait for the concluding volume in the trilogy.

It is a fabulous Roman-era action and adventure story that rings with conviction and conspiracy, which readers of the genre will devour.

Meet the author

Adam has for many years held a passion for the ancient world.
As a teenager he picked up Gates of Rome by Conn Iggulden, and has been obsessed with all things Rome ever since.

After ten years of immersing himself in stories of the Roman world, he decided to have a go at writing one for himself, and hasn’t stopped since. Check out the books on the website, or follow Adam on Social Media for regular updates.

Follow Adam on Twitter: @AdamPLofthouse
Find him on Facebook: facebook.com/AdamPLofthouse
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https://www.adamlofthouse.com