Tag Archives: History

Chasseur à Cheval by Griff Hosker (Napoleonic Horseman Book 1) – Audio Review

Today I’m reviewing the audiobook Chasseur à Cheval by Griff Hosker the first book in the Napoleonic Horseman series!

Here’s the blurb

From rejection to revolution; the cavalry calls.

Robbie Macgregor is the bastard son of a French Aristocrat and a Scottish servant. Unwanted by his father and finding himself without wealth and power, he is still despised by the masses. Forced to join the French army to avoid the guillotine, his new career gives him chance to be reborn. As a Chasseur à Cheval and through action and heroism, Robbie is involved with the capture of the Dutch Fleet on the Texel and the conquest of Malta, catching the eye of a young French General, Napoleon Bonaparte, who is quickly rising to power.

“I was born Robbie Macgregor. To many people, I am a traitor. To the French people I grew up with, I certainly was. To the English I fought for, I probably was and to my Scottish relatives? I suppose it depends to whom you spoke. I take no blame for any of this; it was all an accident of birth and death.”

Fast moving and action-packed, Chasseur à Cheval follows the early days of the French Revolution and Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise to power and campaign through Italy, through the eyes of a young cavalryman.

Review

Robbie Macgregor doesn’t have the best start in life.. he’s the illegitimate son of a French aristocrat and a Scottish servant and as such never really feels he has a place in life..that is until revolution hits..

Forced to flee to save his own neck he enlists in the French army.. a new name.. a new persona..

The young lad needs to learn fast but quickly finds his place, solidifies friendships and becomes quite an accomplished solider.. so much so he gains the eye of the famous Napoleon Bonaparte!

Robbie and his comrades are sent on mission after mission.. they get the job done and Bonaparte needs men he can trust..

While the action heats up Robbie sees the brutality of war.. how fleeting life can be.. and all this does, is to remind him, to push him to find out the truth about what happened to his own family…there’s a truth that when exposed ignites the fire in Robbie.. I won’t spoil it but lets just say he won’t rest until things dealt with.. but he’s an army man now.. he can’t just waltz off.

Overall I really enjoyed this one, I listened to the audio version because I really enjoy seeing how the narrators add passion and gravitas to an authors words.. not to mention pronunciations which I’m terrible for in my own head ha ha.

Simon Aitchison the narrator was great and really made the words pop… I commute to/from work and I’m easily distracted, but the combination of Griff’s words and Simon’s tone kept me hooked and made my early morning walk something to look forward too!

If you love slow burners this isn’t for you.. it’s super fast paced but in a logical fashion.. nothing seems out of place and the pace just matched the pressure of war..there’s no time to rest.

Character wise there’s some decent development which isn’t easy given the pace of the plot, but what the development does is nicely setup scenes, interactions, which made those characters come to life a bit more, gave them some depth which again isn’t easy when there’s so much action.

The book itself is just under 10.5 hours which I felt was pretty good, nothing drawn out but nothing skimmed over either.. it was perfect when you’ve just got an hour or two to spare,, you’ll have it demolished in no time and will be left wanting more.

Credit where credits due, I don’t tend to listen many audiobooks but this one had me hooked from the start.

5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon, or any other local or online retailer!

BLOG TOUR – Rebellion by Richard Cullen

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

Here’s the blurb

The start of an epic new historical adventure series from Richard Cullen introducing The Black Lion

As war approaches, the lion will roar…

1213AD.

King Richard the Lionheart is dead, and his brother, John Lackland, sits uneasily upon the throne of England.

Across the sea, Prince Louis, heir to the powerful King Philip Augustus of France, looks to King John’s crown with a covetous eye.

But King John must be wary of rebellion, as well as invasion, for even his own barons would see their king unseated, and the French pretender put in his place.

Thrust amid this tumult is young Estienne Wace, orphan squire to Earl William Marshal – the greatest knight to ever serve the kings of England, and one of the few men who still holds faith in King John’s rule.

Raised by Marshal as his ward, Estienne must prove himself worthy of his adopted father’s name, but acceptance may be the least of his troubles. War is looming, as usurpers emerge from every quarter, determined to steal England’s crown from its most wretched king.

Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden.

Review

Oh wow.. what an opening. Brutal and gory from the off..

King Richard is dead and John is now on the throne but it’s not going to be easy sailing.. he doesn’t make any friends with his approach to ruling.

We see events play out from the eyes of Estienne, he’s just a young boy but little does he know how his life is about to change. Estienne is sent to Earl William, Marshal of England to foster and to be trained as a squire, to earn his footing in life.

It’s not an easy start.. not every one is as welcoming as Earl William.. in fact at times he sees pure hatred directed towards him but he knows given time he can prove his worth!

There’s a lot of action.. and the pace is fast.. but never rushed..as we see the downfall of King John.. rebellion and war with France.. the whole brutality of war quickly changes Estienne. He’s young and rash but William starts to tame the energy.. gives Estienne the focus he needs.

These early scenes really set the tone and give the depth to Estienne.. you actually see his growth and his nervous energy seeps from the pages.

The book is not for the faint of heart.. its brutal and grisly but never gratuitous.. it’s about Estienne becoming a man in the time he lived

What I really enjoyed was how easily the tale was woven.. John’s reign is a pivotal part of the tale but there’s more..and when the Earl dies a letter is found which changes Estienne’s life once again..

For me this was one of the best balanced books I’ve ever read with the setting and development perfectly mashed together.. there’s so much going on but at the same time so much under the surface and the author teases the reader.. oh my it’s a gloriously wonderful story and sets up the promise of what could be the best series I’ve ever read.. I’ve high hopes for this one.

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon.

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

Why not follow the tour..

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

Twitter: @rich4ord

Instagram: @thewordhog

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

BLOG TOUR – JULIA PRIMA A Roma Nova Foundation Story by Alison Morton plus 10 Question With…

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Today I’m pleased to be taking part in the blog tour for JULIA PRIMA A Roma Nova Foundation Story by Alison Morton.

I was also lucky enough to have the chance to ask the author some questions about their work so keep reading on for a 10 Questions With feature. I’ve not had one on the blog in a while so very esxcited!!

Here’s the book blurb.

“You should have trusted me. You should have given me a choice.”

AD 370, Roman frontier province of Noricum. Neither wholly married nor wholly divorced, Julia Bacausa is trapped in the power struggle between the Christian church and her pagan ruler father.

Tribune Lucius Apulius’s career is blighted by his determination to stay faithful to the Roman gods in a Christian empire. Stripped of his command in Britannia, he’s demoted to the backwater of Noricum – and encounters Julia.

Unwittingly, he takes her for a whore. When confronted by who she is, he is overcome with remorse and fear. Despite this disaster, Julia and Lucius are drawn to one another by an irresistible attraction.

But their intensifying bond is broken when Lucius is banished to Rome. Distraught, Julia gambles everything to join him. Following her heart’s desire brings danger she could never have envisaged…

Review.

Julia Prima is book 10 in the wonderful Roma Nova series by Alison Morton. It’s a foundation story so you don’t need to have read the previous books in the series to enjoy it but it could hurt to get them all if you haven’t already 🙂 .

We meet Julia, trapped in a system that allows a female little independence, and at a time when family honour was held above all.

Julia is legally divorced but stuck in an environment with battling religious system.

When the eye-catching Lucius arrives Julia finally finds what she’s been after, a natural attraction that builds, emotions, the kind that will make you do anything.

Word soon spreads and as Julia’s ex husband holds some sway Lucius soon has his orders to pack his bags.. he has to follow orders even if he doesn’t want to but does he really know how Julia feels?

Now, Julia’s father is clever.. he knows she can’t be a spinster for the rest of her life and he finds her a match he hopes will work.. it’s not for love.. it would be convenience for both.. but Julia isn’t one for letting a man tell her what she can and can’t do in life and she sets out to find Lucius.. a long and hard journey.

Along the way religious beliefs at the time play a big part.. she’s a young woman.. while she’s not alone she really needs to be careful and story is soon thought of to keep her identify unknown but how long can they last without someone finding her…. Or have they already found her?

Now to the nitty-gritty.. plot.. FANTASTIC. I’ve read a lot of the authors work and I really felt this one just packed an extra punch.. it’s more emotional.. a desperate journey which I found more intense and gritty.. LOVED IT!

Development wise everything is paced well and as always the author manages to mix plot and romance seamlessly. If you are a follower of my reviews you’ll know I’m not a fan of romance when it feels forced into a story but Alison Morton adds these aspects naturally allowing the story to feel real… you feel the connections between the characters.

While I loved the character of Julia and her shear strength & determination I also fell in love with Aegius and Asella who accompany Julia on her journey. I’m not one for spoilers but these 3 together are what makes this book work.

Wonderful writing with an easy flowing exciting plot. What more could I ask for!

A spectacular 5*

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon. Or any good bookseller. Keep it local if you can 😊

Now would you like to see a 10 Questions With feature, here we go….

10 Questions with…

Q1. I’ve absolutely fallen in love with the Roma Nova Series, so I loved the idea of a prequel. Was it hard to come up with the plot or did you always have this in mind as the next step in the series?

Thank you for your kind words about the series! Every country has a history that has impacted its people and entered their genes. The story of Julia Bacausa and Lucius Apulius has always been lurking in the background since the first book, INCEPTIO, when Karen/Carina fled to the safety of the Roma Novan legation. Gaia Memmia, the legation officer, is helping her adapt:

She gave me a kids’ history book that illustrated how Apulius and his four daughters had founded Roma Nova at the end of the fourth century. I laughed at the heroic little cartoon characters waving their swords around, but Gaia took it all seriously. Descended from the Julii and Flavians, both tough political families, according to Gaia, Apulius had married a Celt from Noricum. Although Romanised for several generations, women in her family made decisions, fought in battles and managed property.

That was over ten years ago. Although I never planned to write a whole novel, the need to write the foundation story has crept up on me year by year…

Q2. No spoilers, but a lot of description was packed in superbly, locations, methods of travel, clothes, attitudes and so on. Did you do a lot of research into anything specific to help you write Julia’s tale?

The short answer – yes, everything! I have a general knowledge of the period and I know the Alpine areas of Austria and Italy, and the Tuscany and Umbria areas of Italy. I’ve walked round a lot of Rome’s hard pavements. The most important thing to remember is that Ancient Rome lasted 1,229 years in the West. A great deal had changed by AD 370 even from the classical period of the first two centuries AD. We know our own world has changed out of recognition from, say the 1950s, yet many core elements are still there. Moving history on is something all historical fiction writers should be aware of, and I paid particular attention to those changes. By AD 370, togas had all but been abandoned along with the three dining couch convention and, horror of horrors, Roman soldiers wore trousers!

On the practical side, I had excellent help from Roman writing friends Ruth Downie on travel and Gordon Doherty on reference books for Late Antiquity.

Q3. I love a good prologue and JULIA PRIMA’s packs a punch! I heard recently some readers actually don’t enjoy a good prologue. What are your thoughts? For me, a prologue sets things up nicely, so when done right will hook the reader in from the first page.

Ha! Prologues. 🙂 Any two fiction writers or readers will argue about prologues! I’m neutral on them. If there’s one in a book, I always read it. If the author has put one in, then there must be a reason for it. In JULIA PRIMA, the prologue seemed to naturally fall into place. I needed to set the story up, but the incident wasn’t an integral part of the first part of Julia’s own story, although it becomes extremely important as it goes along. It also lets the reader be in on a secret that Julia doesn’t know…

Q4. One thing I’ve always loved about your characters is the strength and depth given to the female roles, turning society norms on their heads. In JULIA PRIMA this continues but we also see some wonderful development of a male character Aegius who plays a big role and you did a wonderful job painting his history. Did you find it easy writing his story?

I like portraying a strong male character who isn’t a love interest, but who is a typical tough nut. Their role is to be a friend/supporter who is straight-talking, stands no nonsense from the heroine, but is loyal. Lurio does this for Carina and Tertullius Plico for Aurelia. Whether any of them holds a candle for the heroine is for the reader to decide…

Q5. I know you’ve read some of my reviews previously and so you’ll know I’m not a romance man when it feels forced. Do you find it hard to balance the romance and plot within your stories, as it comes across effortlessly with just the right amount of detail to have things develop naturally.

I feel that a story without an emotional element is lacking; even the toughest thriller needs the characters to connect personally, even if not romantically, but it should be integral, not parachuted in as an afterthought. JULIA PRIMA is the most romantic novel I’ve written. It had to be, as the story is about two people who founded a dynasty. I’m a long-time member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association and they gave me my first lessons in novel writing. Whether you write steamy romance or adventure with a light romantic touch, the most important thing is to keep the characters and their feelings authentic within the plot of the story. Conflict, misunderstandings, separation, danger, heartache, persistence and courage work for me. It’s always about feelings, not mechanics!

Q6. Other than your wonderful Roma Nova series you’ve also stepped into the thriller genre with the Mélisende Thrillers series. How did it feel moving away from the comfort of Roma Nova?

Quite peculiar! It was Conn Igguldden who said I wrote a good riot and a great heroine when he gave me a cover endorsement for INSURRECTIO. He challenged me to write a modern European heroine with the same backbone. Obviously, I gave her failings as well. 😉 As I live in France and am both British and French, Mel/Mélisende developed naturally. I did six years in the British forces, so I could write her military background, except that the French Army has some interesting differences in recruitment, traditions and training! I did find a way to sneak Rome in with a chase round Trajan’s Market in Double Pursuit!

Q7. The Roma Nova series is a great example of alternative history done right. If you could go back, is there anything you aren’t 100% happy with?

I think every novelist looks back, tempted to go through their first book or first few books and change things, but I think it’s better to move forward. I’m equally sure that I write better than I did ten years ago and would probably get through several red pens if I went back. However, INCEPTIO, my first book, remains far and away my best seller.

Q8. So you’ve conquered alternative history, smashed thrillers. Is there any genre you’d love to try next? Or indeed any that you would stay away from?

Crumbs! That’s a difficult question. When I started, I was just writing a story that had been simmering away in my brain. Apart from general experience as a reader, I had no idea about genres. I loved, and still love, historical fiction, adventure, spy, thriller, international crime and conspiracy stories along with being a dedicated fan of Georgette Heyer Regency novels, so I’m really mixed up! I think my writing topics, interests and themes reflect this mix.

Periods of change fascinate me, as do the roles of women in history. I love stumbling upon stories of unsung heroines, or women who could have played a decisive part in history if they had been male. Anything slightly quirky, really, but not erotica!

Q9. What was the most recent book you’ve read yourself that you would recommend?

Currently, I’m re-reading Lindsey Davis’s epic Master and God. She stepped away from the Falco and Flavia Albia series and wrote a 480-page barnstormer about Emperor Domitian with two beautifully constructed fictional characters: pragmatic, effective, yet reserved vigilis turned Praetorian Gaius Vinius and freedwoman Flavia Lucilla, a capable and favoured hairdresser to the imperial family, yet a lonely young woman. All of Davis’s hallmarks are there – the research, the poignancy, the understatement, the compassion. And her drawing of Domitian is masterly. Highly recommended!

Q10. I ask this every time but that’s because I really need to know… What’s next? More books, I hope. 😊

Yes, more books. A second Roma Nova foundation story, this one set in AD 395, as I’ve only told half the story behind the origin of Roma Nova. This always happens to me. I write one book, then find I have too much story and need to write a second, or even a third! Then I’d like to tackle a third Mélisende modern thriller. Plenty to keep me busy!

Why not follow the blog tour?

Author Bio.

Bio

Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers featuring tough but compassionate heroines. Her nine-book Roma Nova series is set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the ancient Roman Empire has survived into the 21^st century and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with a sharp line in dialogue.

She blends her fascination for Ancient Rome with six years’ military service and a life of reading crime, historical and thriller fiction. On the way, she collected a BA in modern languages and an MA in history.

Alison now lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit. Oh, and she’s writing the next Roma Nova story.

Social media links

Connect with Alison on her Roma Nova site: https://alison-morton.com

Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/AlisonMortonAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/alison_morton @alison_morton

Alison’s writing blog: https://alisonmortonauthor.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonmortonauthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5783095.Alison_Morton
Alison’s Amazon page: https://Author.to/AlisonMortonAmazon

Newsletter sign-up: https://www.alison-morton.com/newsletter/

The Shadow of Troy by Gordon Doherty (Empires of Bronze Book 5) – Review!

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Next up on David’s Book Blurg is The Shadow of Troy, Book 5 in the Empires of Bronze series by Gordon Doherty.

Here’s the blurb

The war at Troy has raged for ten years. Its final throes will echo through eternity…
1258 BC: Surrounded and outnumbered by the army of Agamemnon, King Priam and his Trojan forces fight desperately to defend their city. In the lulls between battle, all talk inevitably turns to the mighty ally that has not yet arrived to their aid. Agamemnon will weep for mercy, the Trojans say, when the eastern horizons darken with the endless ranks of the Hittite Empire.
King Hattu has endured a miserable time since claiming the Hittite throne. Vassals distance themselves while rival empires circle, mocking him as an illegitimate king. Worst of all, the army of the Hittites is but a memory, destroyed in the civil war that won him the throne. Knowing that he must honour his empire’s oath to protect Troy, he sets off for Priam’s city with almost nothing, praying that the dreams he has endured since his youth – of Troy in ruins – can be thwarted. All the way, an ancient mantra rings in his head: Hittites should always heed their dreams.

Review

It’s been 10 long years but King Hattu has never forgotten the Hittite oath to Troy. One way or another Hattu will aid his friends.. the issue is the Hittite’s no longer have an army. He knows the danger.. not only to himself, but the struggling Hittite empire too. Hattu will do everything he can to uphold the oath his brother made to the people of Troy.

The journey to Troy doesn’t go quite as planned and there’s some wonderful interaction with Achilles, the champion within Agamemnon’s army. The early setup in the story describing the dynamic between Achilles and Agamemnon and the struggles they have in the army really worked well.

Hattu arrives at Troy thanks to an unlikely source, only to find things a little bit off. Troy have managed to stop Agamemnon at every step but it’s not been without loss… and the reason behind the losses is not clear cut.. there’s more at play here than we know and Hattu makes his own vow to get to the bottom of this.

The story of Troy’s fall is one most will have heard of, their fate is already sealed, but what Gordon Doherty offers is something new, something fresh, something god damn breath-taking! It felt like I was hearing the tale for the first time. It didn’t feel like a story I’d heard before, there’s so much more depth and emotion.

We see the tale from a different perspective woven expertly with the Hittite’s struggle. The Hittite empire has it’s own issues and I feel the author managed to capture both the struggles of Troy and the Hittites well, neither overshadowing the other.

What Gordon Doherty hit perfectly was the plot and character development, the story flows so naturally and we get depth added to a large number of characters in quick succession as he brings individuals such as Paris, Hector, Agamemnon and many others to life , it’s pure talent to give each character their own depth without moving too far away from the focus of the plot itself.

Doherty constantly brings history to life, uses his knowledge and storytelling skills in such a way that the story mesmerises you. I’m utter in awe of the author and what I’ve just read. The easiest 5* I’ll give this year!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

Gods of Rome (Rise of Emperors Book 3) by Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney

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September is turning out to be a very good month indeed with the release of Gods of Rome, book 3 in the Rise of Emperors by Gordon Doherty and Simon Turney!

Happy publication day!!!!

What better way to celebrate than with a 5* review by yours truly!!!

Here’s the blurb

312 AD is a year of horrific and brutal warfare. Constantine’s northern army is a small force, plagued by religious rivalries, but seemingly unstoppable as they invade Maxentius’ Italian heartlands. These relentless clashes, incidents of treachery and twists of fortune see Maxentius’ armies driven back to Rome.
Constantine has his prize in sight, yet his army is diminished and on the verge of revolt. Maxentius meanwhile works to calm a restive and dissenting Roman populace. When the two forces clash in the Battle of the Milvian Bridge, there are factors at work beyond their control and soon they are left with carnage.
There is only one way Constantine and Maxentius’ rivalry will end. With one on a bloodied sword and the other the sole ruler of Rome…

Review

When we last were with Constantine and Maxentius it looked like what could have been a lovely brotherhood had suffered irreparable damage that could only lead to war.

Maxentius still holds out hope but the die has been cast… Constantine will march on Rome.

Along the way the blood of many will be shed and the authors managed to wonderfully depict the toll this takes on both men.. it weighs heavy but neither are willing, or able to back down.

What I really find amazing about this series is how seamless each chapter flows into the next, these two authours’ styles blend perfectly together to give us one hell of a richly detailed and exhilarating tale! If you want to get excited about history you can’t go wrong with these two! Doherty and Turney make history come alive!

I also really loved how well the authors showed the discontent of the people, and the legions, with the growing religious tensions added its only a matter of time until the fists start flaying and the swords come out.

I think the most surprising thing is throughout the series I’ve never disliked either Constantine and Maxentius. You always expect to take a side.. but you can’t.. both actually seem to want to do right by Rome and truly believe they are the man to do it, in hindsight I don’t think either man would be able to reconcile the death toll and the pain this journey will cost. They both loose so much.

I’m a big fan of character development and Doherty and Turney are Gods themselves in this arena, not only do the main protagonists develop but they also manage not outshine the rest of the characters, there’s so much packed in it almost seems impossible.

This has been an amazing series to follow and I really hope to see more collaborations, Doherty and Turney bring the best out of each other and as a reader that makes me very lucky..it’s not often you get to read a true masterpiece.

For the lovers of detail and history this book ticks the boxes, for the plot driven lovers you get a detailed plot with beautiful twists along the way..everything flows naturally and damn is it good!

My thanks go to Netgalley and the publisher Aria & Aries, Head of Zeus for an advanced review copy. There’s no way I could pass up the chance to celebrate the release day with a review but as always I’ve bought my own copy too! There’s no free rides with David’s Book Blurg.

To find out more head to G oodread s or Amazon! Of course please do check any local booksellers too! and do let me know of some good ones to follow 🙂

BLOG TOUR – The Winter of Winters (The Histories of Sphax Book 2) by Robert M. Kidd.

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for The Winter of Winters (The Histories of Sphax Book 2) by Robert M. Kidd.

I eagerly signed up for the blog tour after reading the first instalment in the series so let’s see if it lived up to expectations :).

Here’s the blurb

Genre – Historical Fiction

218 BC. Hannibal’s exhausted army staggers down from the last Alpine pass like a rabble of half-starved savages, the remnants of a once magnificent army that had set out from the Rhodanus with such hope. Now there is no way back. With the legions of Consul Publius Scipio closing fast, Carthage needs its Gaulish allies like never before. But where are the Insubres? Where are the Boii? Where are the thousands of warriors pledged by solemn oath?In the maelstrom of battle, Sphax, nephew of Hannibal, forges a reputation as the scourge of Rome. But will his ingrained recklessness and quest for honour set him at odds with the forbidding genius of his uncle? Only one thing is certain in this winter of winters, a great battle is coming that will decide the fates of Rome and Carthage

Review

We are back with Sphax, former slave and nephew to Hannibal, as the Carthage army and their allies march on Rome!

Sphax suffered a lot in the first instalment, a slave to Rome who manages to escape to freedom to find love only for it to be taken away so cruelly. The pain of which is still raw with him at the beginning of the story..but there’s no time to dwell on this for long.. Rome must pay.

Soon enough Sphax has his chance to shed blood, the action is fast paced but subtle enough for any reader of the genre to enjoy and get engrossed.

As with any war, people will get hurt.. many will die and it’s only a matter of time before Sphax gets himself on the wrong end of a spear thrust..it could have been a lot worse but as young men do.. he ignores that.. rather he wants to get back out there.

The time to prove himself is now. Hannibal’s army lost many men in the last big battle and food is running low. Sphax sets out to see what can be gained from the immediate area.. he has two jobs, secure food.. and allies where possible.

Along the way Sphax will meet some interesting new characters, the most intriguing being Corinna, a prisoner of Rome, her husband killed and her son held hostage. The dynamic between the two was electric at times.

The addition of Corinna also allowed Hannibal to use his cunning. His words say one thing but there’s hidden meaning.. he’s a very clever man… when you get him in the right mood.

Battles will be fought.. blood will be shed and men will die. It’s one rough ride for Sphax with a few twists along the way to keep his mind sharp.

Overall I really enjoyed the latest instalment. You can see the progression since the first book, more development of the established characters and good additions but the author maintains his style of storytelling, its fast paced and flows super easy. There’s detail when needed but the author doesn’t let it outshine the plot, rather compliment it.

4/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

My thanks go to the author, the publisher and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the blog tour! I received an ARC of the book as part of the tour but I’ll be adding this to my purchased collection too 🙂

Why not follow the tour?

Author Bio – Robert M. Kidd

When Cato the Censor demanded that ‘Carthage must be destroyed,’ Rome did just that. In 146 BC, after a three year siege, Carthage was raised to the ground, its surviving citizens sold into slavery and the fields where this once magnificent city had stood, ploughed by oxen. Carthage was erased from history.

That’s why I’m a novelist on a mission! I want to set the historical record straight. Our entire history of Hannibal’s wars with Rome is nothing short of propaganda, written by Greeks and Romans for their Roman clients. It intrigues me that Hannibal took two Greek scholars and historians with him on campaign, yet their histories of Rome’s deadliest war have never seen the light of day.

My hero, Sphax the Numidian, tells a different story!

When I’m not waging war with my pen, I like to indulge my passion for travel and hill walking, and like my hero, I too love horses. I live in Pembrokeshire, West Wales.

Follow the author –

Website

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Want the chance to win a signed book?

Giveaway to Win Book 4 in The Histories of Sphax series to be dedicated to the winner, & a signed dedicated copy too (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

BLOG TOUR – The Fort by Adrian Goldsworthy – REVIEW

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Today I’m taking part in the blog tour for The Fort by Adrian Goldsworthy.

Why not follow the tour?

Let’s ger started!

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Historical Fiction

AD 105: DACIA
The Dacian kingdom and Rome are at peace, but no one thinks that it will last. Sent to command an isolated fort beyond the Danube, centurion Flavius Ferox can sense that war is coming, but also knows that enemies may be closer to home.
Many of the Brigantes under his command are former rebels and convicts, as likely to kill him as obey an order. And then there is Hadrian, the emperor’s cousin, and a man with plans of his own…
Gritty, gripping and profoundly authentic, The Fort is the first book in a brand new trilogy set in the Roman empire from bestselling historian Adrian Goldsworthy.

Review

Centurion Flavius Ferox is sent to an isolated fort beyond the Danube. From the moment he arrives he has a bad feeling about things. Many of the veteran soldiers are being recalled now Ferox has arrived, and the men he has brought with him are a ragtag bunch to say the least. Some even want to kill him!

Ferox is the main focus of the tale and I loved the man. He’s the kind of solider you know will make it through..but by the skin of his teeth.. it’s not going to be an easy ride for him. His relationship with his wife also gave extra depth to the man as we see a different side to him and this leads to some very humorous moments which I loved reading.

Hadrian was another fun character.. he’s very astute and ambitious, he’s not above using men’s lives to get what he wants.

Brasus is another character who stands out, he may be one of the enemy, his task to break into the fort and slaughter..but I feel he ends up being one of the most likable characters, there’s air of respect around him.

For me it’s all about the siege..it plays a big part in the tale but is paced so perfectly you are never bored. If anything you just feel the frustration Ferox must have felt, powerless, stuck and searching for an idea to get them out of this mess!

The approach of switching perspectives helped keep the storying flowing nicely too. The testing of the siege weapons is a particular favourite of mine and there was some wonderful detail added on what methods the defenders used to repel the attackers which really had the imagination firing. If you are a fan of siege craft you’ll enjoy this one for sure!

What I really enjoyed was the relationships, the character development and the fact the author held no love for anyone, with more than one meeting their end in a gruesome way which gave it the gritty realness of war.

The author showed a real talent being able to balance the plot with historic detail, it was perfectly mixed so the flow of the story was effortless and the chapter length just right. One night I even had to force myself to bed as it was after midnight and I had work in the morning but the story just sucks you in..its always “oh one more chapter”

Thoroughly enjoyable 5/5 Stars

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon

My thanks go to the author and the publisher Head of Zeus for the ARC and for allowing me to be part of the blog tour!

About the author

Adrian Goldsworthy , Author , Broadcaster , Historical consultant .Publicity photographs for general PR and bookcovers

Adrian Goldsworthy has a doctorate from Oxford University. His first book, THE ROMAN ARMY AT WAR was recognised by John Keegan as an exceptionally impressive work, original in treatment and impressive in style. He has gone on to write several other books, including THE FALL OF THE WEST, CAESAR, IN THE NAME OF ROME, CANNAE and ROMAN WARFARE, which have sold more than a quarter of a million copies and been translated into more than a dozen languages. A full-time author, he regularly contributes to TV documentaries on Roman themes.

Follow Head of Zeus:

Twitter: @HoZ_Books

Instagram: @headofzeus

Facebook: @headofzeus

Website: http://www.headofzeus.com

Blog Tour – A Time for Swords by Matthew Harffy

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Today is my turn on the blog tour for A Time for Swords by Matthew Harffy!

Follow the tour –

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Historical Fiction

Lindisfarne, AD793.

There had been portents – famine, whirlwinds, lightning from clear skies, serpents seen flying through the air. But when the raiders came, no one was prepared.

They came from the North, their dragon-prowed longships gliding out of the dawn mist as they descended on the kingdom’s most sacred site.

It is 8th June AD793, and with the pillage of the monastery on Lindisfarne, the Viking Age has begun.

While his fellow monks flee before the Norse onslaught, one young novice stands his ground. He has been taught to turn the other cheek, but faced with the slaughter of his brothers and the pagan desecration of his church, forgiveness is impossible.

Hunlaf soon learns that there is a time for faith and prayer . . . and there is a time for swords.

Review

Now we all know Matthew Harffy is a master wordsmith. The Bernicia Chronicles has to be one of my favourite sagas and The Wolf of Wessex packs a punch, so of course I couldn’t wait to get my hands on a copy of his latest work… A Time for Swords.

Word of warning, I don’t like spoilers but I can’t help but give little tit bits away on this one. Otherwise, I can’t do the review justice. Do not worry, I’ll be sure to keep it to a minimum 😊

This is a fresh tale for the author who moves away from his well-established characters to bring us the tale of Hunlaf, a monk, forced to stand tall when the Norse attack!

Oh, you miss Beobrand and his Black Shields just as much as me? Don’t worry.. the author adds some really nice touches to the tale.. it might not be Beobrand’s tale but his legend lives on! It’s this gentle nod the author gives to his tales that really make you appreciate the effort he makes.. he’s writing these tales for you.. he knows exactly what you want to hear.

Hunlaf, where to start. God I loved his character. He loves nothing more than a good book (who doesn’t? 😊 ) and lives a life under the protection of God. Along with his mentor Leofstan he visits Lindisfarne after a exciting discovery is made… only to have his life turned on end.

The Norse attack.. and it’s brutal.. savage.. gut wrenching. This might be a work of fiction but it’s based on real facts..The Norse really did attack, rape, pillage and murder and while we can never really know how it would have felt at the time to see it through Hunlaf’s eyes was hard to swallow.

This battle is a turning point in Hunlaf’s life as he makes a stand in order to save his cousin..he’s not a warrior though.. or does he hold that fire within him to run towards danger rather than away from it?

An unlikely ally emerges from the smoke and fire.. a heathen devil called Runolf. Hunlaf is torn..does he truly believe this man was brought to him by God to help..or does he just not want to see other people die needlessly.

Either way the Norse will return, of that is there is no doubt… they know the riches the monks have. Can Runolf and Hunlaf really stand up against an onslaught?

Help isn’t easy to come by. No one knows when the Norse will return. There’s just not enough fighting men to go around.. It’s all on Hunlaf and a small band of men to turn the tide.

This little band of men really bloody excited me, each have their own talent and purpose for being and they are here to defend those who cannot defend themselves.

Hereward, a man I loathed at first.. his role is to lead and on his head be it if Runlof should disgrace his lord.

Drosten, a man of few words.. he prefers to let his fists do the talking.

Gwawrddur, whose skill with a blade cannot be matched.

Cormac, the cocky one with skill but who also needs to keep his temper in check.

When the battle comes it’s intense and there’s a beauty of a twist thrown in. It’s a twist I hoped for if I’m honest..Let’s see if you can spot which twist I’m referring to 😊

Now the ending! Come on! It’s killing me already.. I need more ha. What the author manages quite brilliantly to do is to leave a cliff-hanger so perfect..it’s designed so well for the author he can either write a sequel or leave it as a standalone… Although I do hope this isn’t the end.

Truthfully, I’ve read everything Matthew Harffy has published. I’ve been a fan from day one. A Time for Swords is the best yet from him and quite easily a top read of 2020! Harffy never fails to deliver, every offering is new and refreshing but you instantly feel at home with his writing and warm to the characters.

Flawless!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

My thanks as ever go to the author, the publisher and also NetGalley for the chance of an advance copy of the book. As always I’ve purchased my own copy on the day of release.. there’s no free rides with me. I’ve even pre-ordered the hardback version for the collection 😊

About the author

Matthew Harffy grew up in Northumberland where the rugged terrain, ruined castles and rocky coastline had a huge impact on him. He now lives in Wiltshire, England, with his wife and their two daughters.

Follow Matthew

Twitter: @MatthewHarffy

Website: www.matthewharffy.com

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Twitter: @AriesFiction

Facebook: Aries Fiction

Website: http://www.headofzeus.com

Sworn to God by Steven A. McKay – Review

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So David’s Book Blurg has been absent of late. 2020 has been a tough year for us all and like many I’ve had my own share of personal events to deal with. While real life takes priority I’ve still been reading and I’m excited to get back to reviewing and sharing my thoughts with everyone.

I’m coming back with a bang!

Today I’m going to be reviewing Sworn to God by Steven A. McKay.

Here is the blurb –

Genre – Historical Thriller

Yorkshire, AD 1329
A new religious group moves into an abandoned church just north of the village of Altofts, but when men start dying under strange and suspicious circumstances the local bailiff decides to investigate.

The Disciples of God and their charismatic leader, Lady Alice de Staynton, appear truly holy, but something sinister seems to be going on within the walls of the newly refurbished St Joseph’s. Certainly the bailiff, John Little, has his suspicions about some of the warrior-like male acolytes, but are his fears justified? Infiltrating the group seems to be the best course of action, although the volatile Will Scaflock is none too happy about being nominated for the job by Friar Tuck…
Following on from 2019’s Faces of Darkness, this standalone new story sees three legendary heroes battling invisible ‘Black Lords’ and far more dangerous earthly foes, but can they figure out what’s really going on in St Joseph’s before anyone else dies?

Review

Steven A. McKay is back and he’s revisiting some of our favourite characters from his Forest Lord Series.

Friar Tuck has been pulled into a couple of mysteries over the years along with Little John but in Sworn to God we see the lovely addition of Will “Scarlet” Scaflock.

It’s been a few years since the notorious group of men lead by Robin Hood gained their freedom and lives back. Little John has settled into the life of a bailiff, his stature and presence make it very unlikely he’s going to walk away without the money he’s owed but on one fateful day his job casts lights on the Disciples of God.. There is something strange going on.

The Disciples of God are a new order in the area and John wants to know what they are about.. even more so when one of their order takes their own life… John is soon introduced to the charismatic Lady Alice. She’s got this aura about her that draws people to her.

I won’t spoil all the details but lets just say things don’t smell right and when another suicide occurs John, along with Tuck know it’s time to dig deeper into the disciples.

Will is enlisted into the group as an unknown to Lady Alice, this way he’s able to infiltrate the group. What he learns is that for the most part the disciples are honest individuals and believe in the work they do.. but there is still something not sitting right…but what is it.

Things come to a head, and a few discoveries are made that shake the disciples to the core. For the most part you feel as our heroes do.. we know whose behind it all.. but we don’t know the motivations or how to prove anything… you can feel the frustration.

The author throws in a final twist and all becomes clear..

Wow. That ending..

I really enjoyed the plot from start to finish, it really explores the affect that individuals can have on those most in need…when times are tough..how you can be blind to what is going on all around you.

I love this series of books, there is simply no denying that. It’s the thrilling plot mixed with some characters we know and love, it puts a real twist on the normal style of mystery you’d read. It’s fresh and fun, thrilling and brutal all in one.

Overall a really fun way to develop the characters and it just bloody works brilliantly!

More of the same please!

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or Amazon!

Blog tour – Sons of Rome by Simon Turney and Gordon Doherty – Review!

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Today its my turn on the blog tour for Sons of Rome by Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty, the 1^st book in a new series!

Follow the tour!

Here is the blurb –

Four Emperors. Two Friends. One Destiny.

As twilight descends on the 3rd century AD, the Roman Empire is but a shadow of its former self. Decades of usurping emperors, splinter kingdoms and savage wars have left the people beleaguered, the armies weary and the future uncertain. And into this chaos Emperor Diocletian steps, reforming the succession to allow for not one emperor to rule the world, but four.

Meanwhile, two boys share a chance meeting in the great city of Treverorum as Diocletian’s dream is announced to the imperial court. Throughout the years that follow, they share heartbreak and glory as that dream sours and the empire endures an era of tyranny and dread. Their lives are inextricably linked, their destinies ever-converging as they rise through Rome’s savage stations, to the zenith of empire. For Constantine and Maxentius, the purple robes beckon…

Review

Regular readers of my blog will no doubt recognise the names Simon Turney & Gordon Doherty, both have featured more than a few times and I must say they always know what I’m after as a reader. I’ve never read a jointly written book before but with these guys behind it I knew it would be a cracking read.

Sons of Rome follows the footsteps of Constantine and Maxentius as the grow from little boys into men fighting for the purple robe of the empire!

The prologue sets the scene for the series as we meet Constantine on the eve of battle against someone he once knew as friend.. how did they get here.. what happened to change those boys.

Power.. that’s what.. and paranoia.

As boys Maxentius and Constantine see Emperor Diocletian share his vision for the future, the empire is too big for one man to rule.. Diocletian wishes to create a new system to share power, A Tetrarchy, which will also inturn decide rightly who will rule when an Augustus dies.

The issue is both boys have fathers who are flawed and neither are really shown the love and affection a young boy needs.

As men both are overlooked and we see them navigate what can only be described as a nightmare of events for both of them..each always thinking of the other but never truly understanding the others motives..jealously and paranoia strike at every turn and while you hope for things to turn out ok nothing is going to stop the black events that are going to follow.

War and death stalk them…greed and the urge to show strength lead both men to do things they likely regret but can never admit.. to proud.. and scared to admit the truth…as they grow you see their hearts turn black, ever changed by the events that mould them into the men they are.

Knowing both authors styles I had no worries at all that the joint effort would be anything but a masterpiece, but they have surpassed all expectations and have given me a true highlight in what has been a pretty shitty year.. we’ve waited for this team up for sooooo long but it was worth the wait!

If you are a fan of the writers’ or just love the genre then I promise you will not be disappointed. It’s got the historic detail you won’t but mixed with a well woven and written plot that flowed almost effortlessly.

Oh, I loved it that much I pre-ordered a limtied editon signed copy from Parmenion Books (Parm was the 1st stop on the tour so do take a look and follow the tour)

5/5 Stars!

To find out more head to Goodreads or you can Pre-Order on Amazon!

My thanks go to both Simon and Gordon along with the publisher for the exciting opportunity to be one of the first to read the book but to also be part of the blog tour to celebrate the release!

About the authors

Simon Turney is the author of the Marius’ Mules and Praetorian series, as well as The Damned Emperor series for Orion and Tales of the Empire series for Canelo. He is based in Yorkshire.