Today is release day for War Lord: Scourge of Rome by Adam Lofthouse!

I’m very privileged to be able to kick off the blog tour to celebrate the release!!

Here’s the blurb.

And so we have reached the end of my tale. But what are endings if not new beginnings?

Alaric has been home for a year. He went north and saved the Cimbri, just as he said he would. But the cost has been higher than he ever thought. A shadow of the War Lord he once was, he now trades in amber and dotes on his children.

A simple life. And with it, contentment. But he knew this couldn’t last forever; peace isn’t for someone like him, and sure enough trouble finds him once again. A routine journey south turns into a new and unknown wave of danger as red-cloaked legionaries attack, causing confusion and carnage.

Warriors dressed as Romans have been scouring the country, slaughtering innocent people, and leaving Roman footprints wherever they march. But things are not what they seem, and it falls to Alaric to don his armour once more, and march his Ravensworn in pursuit of a mysterious enemy that could destabilise his world beyond repair.

Review

Oh how I’ve been waiting for this one! We are back with Alaric!

Alaric and his Ravensworn were once the most feared enemy of Rome but after a crushing defeat things have changed.. forced to keep a low profile Alaric has mellowed a little I guess.

The old warlord we know and love is just under the surface though.. just waiting to be set free again.

While he may not command an army there are still those loyal to Alaric.. his name is still well known and when his men are attacked Alaric along with an old friend Balomar soon see signs that something is off.. the men who’ve attacked them appear to be from Rome…but not everything is at it seems.

Who would want to attack the tribes and why? It can only lead to rising tensions..and if not stopped soon war will follow.

Alaric sets off at first to see an old enemy.. someone who will have just as much to loose if war is to come but this comes with it’s own dangers. This leads to a conspiracy but little hint as to who is pulling the strings but the outcome is clear.. war is coming.

War Lord has a smart plot, we explore Alaric’s past and what made him the man he is.. the pain he suffered that turned into steel. We glimpse the effect all this stress and fighting has done to the man too.. there’s a venerability to him.. you adhere to his views and goals.. and we see his future.. while Alaric may only have one eye he sees pretty clearly what’s to come and he’s given his time to shine once again!

The writing flows well, pace is steady and gripping but it’s clever too..broken up nicely with detail, development and a pinch of Alaric’s dark humour.. I loved him remembering the men he’s lost along the way showing another side to him too.

I loved the battle scenes, again clever with the detail..twists and turns but I really loved that Lofthouse showed Alaric as both the man he is, older and less nimble.. but no less sharp.. along with his legend.. the effect his name.. his banner can have.

For fans of the author you’ll know this book has been a needed…. Alaric has to be my favourite character ever to date, the author has developed him like no other and I yearned for more.

Adam Lofthouse is one to watch, he’s established himself in the historical fiction genre as one of the best and he continues to write tales that grip the reader from the first page to the last!

5*

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour!

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Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

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Tempted yet?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/WarLord

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Author Bio –

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. He lives in Kent, UK.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @AdamPLofthouse

Twitter: @AdamPLofthouse

Instagram: @adamplofthouse

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/AdamLofthouseNews

Bookbub profile:@AdamLofthouse

Today I’m reviewing Return of the Wolf, book 5 in The Forest Lord series by Steven A. McKay!

Here’s the blurb.

England’s greatest ever hero is back, but for how long?

AD 1331 – Wakefield, England
It’s been five long years since Robin Hood’s heart-breaking funeral. Since then, his friends have moved on with their lives, having adventures of their own, and becoming respected figures in the local community. But, as Christmas bells rang out last December, to everyone’s shock, Robin returned home to Wakefield, alive and well.

He believes all his old enemies are dead and gone, and is looking forward to living a peaceful life with his wife and young children. Things rarely work out as we plan them though, and it’s not long before a deadly new threat raises its head.
The Coterel gang are notorious throughout England, committing all kinds of heinous crimes including extortion, prostitution, kidnapping, and even murder. They appear untouchable, with noblemen and even Members of Parliament amongst their members. When Robin and his friends attack a cruel extortionist in nearby Notton they find themselves on the wrong side of the Coterels, and it seems Robin will be forced to live either as an outlaw again, or be viciously hunted down like an animal.

Although his choices are limited, one – seemingly mad – option presents itself and, before long Robin takes sail for the first time ever, on the trail of the legendary lost treasure of King John.
With John Little, Will Scaflock, Friar Tuck, and two loyal Hospitallers in tow, Robin travels across Europe to Flanders, Aachen, and finally the mythical, legend-haunted mountain known as the Untersberg. Will he find England’s lost crown jewels there, or will he find only danger and death?

Review

I can’t believe it’s been 9 years since I read Blood of the Wolf and thought I was saying goodbye to Robin forever!

In that time the author has treated us to some wonderful mystery/supernatural tales involving some of Robin’s friends.. Tuck, John and Will.. oh how I’ve loved these novels keeping the memory of this wonderful series alive but at the same time giving the reader something new and exciting..

Imagine my joy to find out a new book was coming… I knew Robin wasn’t dead! Robin faked his death to give himself a chance at a real life.. a quiet life with his family…

Yeah that was never going to last…

Robin has returned to Wakefield and while most are glad to see him back Robin feels a little out of place.. its hard to remember his old life as an outlaw.. but some things never leave you..

When Robin helps John collect some money in his role as Bailiff he ends up getting himself in a bit of bother which serves to remind him.. he’s technically a Wolf’s Head again.. an outlaw.. no one who knows him would ever turn him in but he’s quickly got himself on the wrong side of the Coterel gang..the Coterel’s are very well connected and won’t think twice about slaying him where he stands.

Robin needs to keep a low profile but he’s also at a loss as to what to actually do with himself.. that’s when the old tale of the old King’s lost treasure comes in..it might be just a story but who knows.. it could be real and if so it could be his way to earn himself a pardon from the current King and secure himself from the Coterel’s reach.

With his old friends in tow Robin heads away from England to go on the farthest journey he’s ever made.. unfortunately they aren’t the only ones making the journey so Robin will need to watch his back…

To make matters worse as they follow the breadcrumbs in a land quite unknown to themselves they inadvertently show their intent and a local lord sends his own men out on a path to reach the treasure before Robin.

Can Robin and the others make it to the treasure first? Hang on.. does the treasure even exist? If it does will it be enough to win a pardon? Can they make it out of this mess alive?

What I really enjoyed was the tone and development of the plot. Robin has been away for a while and the author doesn’t shy away from that.. rather embraces it, allowing them to develop Robin afresh.. you see him grow and gain his confidence back.

I also really enjoyed the nostalgia, instantly taking me back to the very first time Robin become a wolf’s head.. it really made me miss the series.. especially some the characters like Alan-a-Dale.. I really think I’m going to need to revisit the series to relive everything again.

I loved that the author didn’t ignore the fact that everyone has aged too..they aren’t as young and fresh as they once were.. but still pack a punch when needed and those action scenes were bloody fantastic. The camaraderie too was super with some real moments of hilarity even in the face of danger.

Overall I loved this one. The author manages to mix mystery and the legend that is Robin Hood effortlessly, it was fresh, fun and does the series proud!

A triumphant return for our hero.. 5*

To find out more head to Amazon or Goodreads!

Today I’m kicking of the blog tour for Camelot by Peter Gibbons!

Here’s the blurb

Can one-man unite Britain and secure its future?

Dark Age Britain

Britain slides into darkness. A splintered land ruled by brutal Kings in their hilltop fortresses and besieged by Saxon invaders.

Wielding Excalibur, Arthur Pendragon, king of kings is all that stands between Britain and Saxon conquest.

His call to arms to unite against the Saxon invasion as one army is rebuked. Ancient rivalries, jealousy, and bitterness prevent Arthur from uniting his countrymen in defiance of the savage Saxon warlords who have seized Britain’s east and south coast.

Arthur must face and defeat enemies within his own kingdom, and then unite the kingdoms of Britain in a war that will shake the country’s very foundations

Can Arthur succeed with vicious enemies all around him? Merlin, Lancelot, Bors, Gawain and Kai join their swords to Arthur’s iron will as they do battle for Britain’s very existence.

The continuation of the compelling, fast-paced series from bestselling writer Peter Gibbons. Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell.

Review

We are back with Arthur as he stands against the Saxon threat.. he’s Pendragon, the protector of Britain..but can he face a threat closer to home?

Arthur and his men have been pushing back the Saxons for what seems like forever…it’s finally time to rest as the weather turns and stops the Saxons from crossing the sea.

A well earned rest then??? yeah that’s not possible. Merlin arrives and confirms the newest threat.. there are kingdoms within Britain who don’t support him.. they see him as usurper.. but the only way to defeat the Saxons truly is to band together.. what can he do?

Well Arthur marches his men across Britain to bring the kingdoms to heel… by any means necessary.

This is where the authors talent really shines through and his words sing off the page.. Arthurs torment.. he still doesn’t see himself as the person to unite Britain.. he doesn’t want to fight his fellow countrymen..he wants to reason with those against him.. he just needs support for a little longer so they can finally see off the Saxons.. he doesn’t crave power… but they won’t listen…so he needs to let the inner rage out, at times let savage energy overcome him to crush those who refuse to accept him… he’s left with no other choice.. you can see the inner turmoil.

That’s not the only thing on his mind.. his Queen.. Guinevere..they both long for a child but have not been blessed…this brings its own tension.. amplification comes with the change in religion sweeping the land.. Christianity has taken hold and the Druids of the past are struggling to keep their place.. Arthur is in a hard place.. Merlin..the druid obviously doesn’t hold any nice thoughts for these vermin.. but his Queen on the other hand.. she’s listened to their words can their God grant them a child?

There’s a battle to be had no matter which way he looks!

Speaking of battle, they come thick and fast and I loved the detail added, the stress of battle, the stench.. the urgency… it’s beautifully brutal and exhilarating but also moving.. The excitement tapered with Arthurs struggles.. too many have died along the way and he’s not here for glory.. he’s there to protect Britain.

Camelot is book 3 in the series and it was lovely to see Arthur reflect on his journey, allowing the author to throw in details so fans of the series can reminisce but also allows new readers to join now with some understanding allowing readers to understand his emotions and motivations.

The only way to describe Camelot is “rich”.. its rich is detail, battles, development in characters and plot, emotion.. brutality and kindness, struggles, pain.. oh my..

I’m sure not there’s much better in the genre.. Peter Gibbons shows exactly how to write a historical fiction novel, balanced perfectly.. it’s a bloody delightful read.

5*

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour!

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Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

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Tempted yet?

Purchase Link –
https://mybook.to/CamelotSocial

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Author Bio –

Peter Gibbons is a financial advisor and author of the highly acclaimed Viking Blood and Blade trilogy. He originates from Liverpool and now lives with his family in County Kildare.

Social Media Links

Facebook: @PeterGibbonsAuthor

Twitter: @AuthorGibbons

Instagram: @PeterMGibbons

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/PeterGibbonsNews

Bookbub profile:@petermgibbons1

Today is my turn on the blog tour for A Mirror Murder – First In The Jan Christopher Cozy Mystery Series by Helen Hollick!

The first in a series of quick-read, cozy mysteries set during the 1970s in North East London and North Devon, featuring the characters of Jan Christopher, her Aunt Madge, her uncle, DCI Toby Christopher and romantic interest DC Lawrence Walker – plus several other endearing, regular characters.

The background of Jan’s career as a library assistant is based on the author’s own library years during the 1970s, using many borrowed (often hilarious!) anecdotes, her life in suburban north east London on the edge of Epping Forest, and her present life in rural North Devon…

Here’s the blurb

July 1971
Eighteen-year-old library assistant Jan Christopher’s life is to change on a rainy evening, when her legal guardian and uncle, DCI Toby Christopher, gives her a lift home after work. Driving the car, is her uncle’s new Detective Constable, Lawrence Walker – and it is love at first sight for the young couple. But romance is soon to take a back seat when a baby boy is taken from his pram, a naked man is scaring young ladies in nearby Epping Forest, and an elderly lady is found, brutally murdered… Are the events related? How will they affect the staff and public of the local library where Jan works – will romance survive and blossom between library assistant Jan Christopher and DC Walker? Or will a brutal murder intervene?

Review

I’ve heard many a goof thing about Helen Hollick so was really looking forward to getting to grips with this one.

The story follows Jan Christopher is a young librarian. She’s got an inquisitive mind and takes note of the little details in life.

Her Uncle Toby is a DCI in the local police force and introduces her to a colleague DC Laurie Walker… you can tell Uncle Toby planned this.. the little ploy works and they agree to go on a date.

whilst walking home a murder is discovered and Jan turns amateur sleuth.. she’s perfect for the role.. who knows the people in the area better than her?

This is where it gets fun and the cosy element of the tale really kicks in.. we quickly learn while Jan has noted the little quirks people have there’s a lot more to them that.. and some are a little more suspicious than others… you can’t help but get sucked in and get excited to see what Jan can find out!

I really liked Jan and how we are introduced, it sets the tone and pace nicely and puts the reader in a relaxed mode.. you really can curl up on the couch with a cuppa for this one and enjoy.

I feel the setting really played to the cosy feel of the story, the connections that perhaps we don’t have these days with our neighbours etc, noting the little thing in life. There’s also a lot of little titbits of info putting you nicely in the time period.

I won’t spoil Jan’s adventure but it’s certainly an engrossing read, the pace perfect and light..super easy to read and enjoy. If you like the idea of an old school mystery you’ll love this..

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour!

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Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

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Tempted yet?

Purchase Links

A Mirror Murder Amazon Universal Link https://getbook.at/MirrorMurder

Amazon Author Page Universal Link: https://viewauthor.at/HelenHollick

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Want to know more about the rest of the series?

Episode 2: A MYSTERY OF MURDER

set in rural Devon, Christmas 1971

Library Assistant Jan Christopher is to spend Christmas in Devon with her boyfriend, DS Laurie Walker and his family, but when a murder is discovered, followed by a not very accidental accident, the traditional Christmas spirit is somewhat marred…What happened to Laurie’s ex-girlfriend? Where is the vicar’s wife? Who took those old photographs? And will the farmer up the lane ever mend those broken fences?

“There are lots of things to enjoy in the second in the Jan Christopher cosy mystery series” Best-selling cozy mystery author Debbie Young

“A laid back sort of novel, the kind that you can relax while reading, and simply let the story happen. This author has a particularly unique style of writing… this book wasn’t simply a story, but an experience. You almost have the feeling that the author is reading the book to you, and is adding in her own little quips every now and again. I loved every second… The whole mystery is well thought out… utterly amazing!” Review: I Got Lost In A Book Blog

“The pace is gently cosy, despite the murder… Jan is a wonderful character; young, naïve, but also savvy when needed. And Laurie is a gem. All the characters and their foibles and actions stay true to the era… a lovely, warm story.” Review: Ruins & Reading

More in the series:

Episode 3 A MISTAKE OF MURDER

Was murder deliberate – or a tragic mistake?

Episode 4 A MEADOW MURDER

Make hay while the sun shines? But what happens when a murder is discovered, and country life is disrupted?

Episode 5 A MEMORY OF MURDER

A missing girl, annoying decorators, circus performers and a wanna-be rock star to deal with. But who remembers the brutal, cold case murder of a policeman?

Episode 6 A MISCHIEF OF MURDER

The village Flower and Veg Show should be a fun annual event – but who added mischief and murder to the traditional schedule?

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Author Bio –

About Helen:

Known for her captivating storytelling and rich attention to historical detail, Helen’s historical fiction, nautical adventure series, cosy mysteries – and her short stories – skilfully invite readers to step into worlds where the boundaries between fact and fiction blend together.

Helen started writing as a teenager, but after discovering a passion for history, was initially published in 1993 in the UK with her Arthurian Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy and two Anglo-Saxon novels about the events that led to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, one of which, The Forever Queen (USA title – A Hollow Crown in the UK) became a USA Today best-seller. Her Sea Witch Voyages are nautical-based adventures inspired by the Golden Age of Piracy. She also writes the Jan Christopher cosy mystery series set during the 1970s, and based around her, sometimes hilarious, years of working as a North London library assistant. Her 2025 release is Ghost Encounters, a book about the ghosts of North Devon – even if you don’t believe in ghosts you might enjoy the snippets of interesting history and the many location photograhs.

Helen and her family moved from London to Devon after a Lottery win on the opening night of the London Olympics, 2012. She spends her time glowering at the overgrown garden, fending off the geese, chasing the peacocks away from her roses, helping with the horses and wishing the friendly, resident ghosts would occasionally help with the housework…

Social Media Links –

Website: https://helenhollickauthor.blogspot.com/

Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/helen.hollick

Twitter/X: @HelenHollick  https://x.com/HelenHollick

Blog: supporting authors & their books

https://ofhistoryandkings.blogspot.com/

Bluesky:

@helenhollick.bsky.social

Monthly ‘newsletter’ blog:

Thoughts from a Devonshire Farmhouse.

https://thoughtsfromadevonshirefarmhouse.blogspot.com/

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Valour by Richard Cullen!

Here’s the blurb.

Estienne Wace is forced to play a desperate game of cat and mouse, where the only way to win is to survive.

Burzenland 1223 AD

King András II of Hungary has invited the Teutonic Knights to secure his eastern frontier against the nomadic Cuman raiders, establishing fortresses along the Carpathian Mountains to quell the constant incursions by pagan clans.

Estienne Wace, has found purpose serving at the Order’s fortress of Rosenau, and he has earned respect through his unflinching courage. When a Christian mission, led by Fabrisse of Avallon, arrives determined to convert a pagan clan beyond the mountains, Estienne’s warnings of danger fall on deaf ears.

News soon arrives of Fabrisse’s capture and Estienne, along with a small band of knights, undertake a desperate rescue mission through hostile territory where Estienne will face trials beyond endurance.

In the ensuing crucible of violence, he must decide what price he is willing to sacrifice for survival, justice, and redemption, in a land where mercy is a luxury few can afford.

Review

Valour is book 3 in the Chronicles of the Black Lion series and I would highly recommend you read the rest of the series first to truly understand the journey Estienne Wace has been on.

Wace is now serving the Order of Saint Mary.. after the events that played out in book 2 of the series his faith has been shaken too many times.. he’s struggled to find purpose.. but with the help of his friend, Amalric, he has a place in life. Theirs is a friendship forged in the heat of battle.

You know things aren’t going to be quiet for Wace and that’s confirmed when Fabrisse of Avallon arrives, she’s on mission to convert the pagans and to spread Gods word..what’s Wace’s job you might ask.. he’s to escort her and the bishops to a meeting point where the latest tribe ready to convert await. He thinks its a stupid idea.. he knows what the pagans are like but he’s bound to do as commanded.

It was never going to be that simple was it…

The clan themselves are facing struggles a question of faith.. loyalty.. courage… their very way of live hangs in the balance. Things start off okay when Fabrisse arrives and Wace heads back, as intrusted, to the fortress.. but things soon sour.

Internal conflict within the clan sees their leader killed and Fabrisse and the bishops taken hostage.. they are to suffer a fate worse than any…

Luckily for Fabrisse, Wace and the knights are alerted to their predicament and set out to save them!

This will be the biggest test so far for Wace and his friends but can they save Fabrisse?

I won’t spoil it for you but Valour had to be finest offering from the author yet.. exciting but gut wrenchingly brutal..

Richard Cullen knows exactly how to wrap the reader around his finger.. how to get the reader invested in the characters and did a wonderful job of adding new characters to the ensemble not only do they bring fresh blood to the story but also play their own pivotal parts in Wace’s journey.

The plot is engrossing so it was difficult to look beyond that excitement in the heat of the moment but when you decompress at the end of a chapter you can see just how much was packed in, detail of locations, weather, the people, their motivations, all the little bits needed to understand what the people must be facing, painting a vivid picture of their lives.

There’s plenty of battles, blood and death for the action fans too but what really makes it stand out is the raw emotion in those scenes.. every death matters.

I feel what makes this book the 5* read it is has to be the characters and their impact.. a few stand out.. Rotger for example..this massive man left a lasting impression.

The main character that stood out for me was Jurgen.. he’s a trapper.. he knows the land well and is sought to help Wace and the knight’s track the clan down. Jurgen along with his faithful companion Clovis.. I mean I really would love to read about Jurgen’s life and how he came to be where he is, we know he’s felt the pain of loss but I just feel there’s a story there somewhere..

Again no spoilers but another character left a lasting impression…Carsten.. that ending.. wow!!

I can’t praise this book enough..the author nailed everything.. the story is Wace’s journey but it’s so much more than that.. each character has their own journey.. they mean something.. Wace doesn’t overshadow them but I felt his pain, every emotion.. every death just like Wace did.

This will easily make my top 5 books for 2025!

My thanks go to the author, publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour!

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Why not check out the rest of the stops on the tour?

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Tempted yet?

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/Valour

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Author Bio –

Richard Cullen is a writer of historical adventure and epic fantasy. His historical adventure series Chronicles of the Black Lion is set in thirteenth-century England.

Social Media Links –

Facebook: @Wordhog-100064278872214

Twitter: @rich4ord

Instagram: @thewordhog

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RichardCullenNews

Bookbub profile:@rich4ord