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Njal's Saga
By Leifur Eiricksson, Robert Cook. 1997
Written in the thirteenth century, Njal's Saga is a story that explores perennial human problems-from failed marriages to divided loyalties,…
from the law's inability to curb human passions to the terrible consequences when decent men and women are swept up in a tide of violence beyond their control. It is populated by memorable and complex characters like Gunnar of Hlidarendi, a powerful warrior with an aversion to killing, and the not-so-villainous Mord Valgardsson. Full of dreams, strange prophecies, violent power struggles, and fragile peace agreements, Njal's Saga tells the compelling story of a fifty-year blood feud that, despite its distance from us in time and place, is driven by passions familiar to us all. This Penguin Classics edition includes an introduction, chronology, index of characters, plot summary, explanatory notes, maps, and suggestions for further reading.The King's Return: (Thomas Hill 3) (Thomas Hill Novels #3)
By Andrew Swanston. 2015
The king’s coronation brings hope. Until a murderer strikes.Spring 1661: After years of civil war followed by Oliver Cromwell's joyless…
rule as Lord Protector, England awaits the coronation of King Charles II. The mood in London is one of relief and hope for a better future. But when two respectable gentlemen are found in a foul lane with their throats cut, it becomes apparent that England’s enemies are using the newly re-established post office for their own ends. There are traitors at work and plans to overthrow the king. Another war is possible. Thomas Hill, in London visiting friends, is approached by the king’s security advisor and asked to take charge of deciphering coded letters intercepted by the post office. As the body count rises and the killer starts preying on women, the action draws closer to Thomas – and his loved ones. He finds himself dragged into the hunt for the traitors and the murderer, but will he find them before it’s too late?King Harald's Saga
By Snorri Sturluson. 1996
This compelling Icelandic history describes the life of King Harald Hardradi, from his battles across Europe and Russia to his…
final assault on England in 1066, less than three weeks before the invasion of William the Conqueror. It was a battle that led to his death and marked the end of an era in which Europe had been dominated by the threat of Scandinavian forces. Despite England's triumph, it also played a crucial part in fatally weakening the English army immediately prior to the Norman Conquest, changing the course of history. Taken from the Heimskringla - Snorri Sturluson's complete account of Norway from prehistoric times to 1177 - this is a brilliantly human depiction of the turbulent life and savage death of the last great Norse warrior-king.Comic Sagas and Tales from Iceland
By Viðar Hreinsson. 2013
Comic Sagas and Tales brings together the very finest Icelandic stories from the thirteenth to the fifteenth centuries, a time…
of civil unrest and social upheaval. With feuding families and moments of grotesque violence, the sagas see such classic mythological figures as murdered fathers, disguised beggars, corrupt chieftains and avenging sons do battle with axes, words and cunning. The tales, meanwhile, follow heroes and comical fools through dreams, voyages and religious conversions in medieval Iceland and beyond. Shaped by Iceland's oral culture and their conversion to Christianity, these stories are works of ironic humour and stylistic innovation.Women of the Dunes: A Novel
By Sarah Maine. 2018
The new novel from the acclaimed author of The House Between Tides, winner of the Waterstones Scottish Book of the…
Year 2018!'Sarah Maine is a master of Scottish historical fiction' Sunday Post****It is the women who are keepers of tales.Atmospheric, intoxicating and filled with intrigue, this sweeping novel is an epic story spanning the centuries, that links three women together across history. Libby Snow spent her childhood hearing stories and legends from long ago. Now an archaeologist, her job is to dig deeper into the past, but her excavation at Ullaness, on Scotland's west coast has a very personal resonance. For the headland of Ullaness holds not only the secrets of the legend of Ulla, the Norsewoman, but also begins the strange story of Ellen.Libby's grandmother passed on these tales - of love, betrayal and loss - but the more Libby learns at Ullaness, the more twisted the threads become. When human remains are discovered in the dunes, it becomes clear that time, and intention, have distorted accounts of what happened there. Is it too late to uncover the truth? Or is Libby herself in danger of being caught up in this tangled web of fable and deceit? Praise for Sarah Maine:'An echo of Daphne du Maurier' - Independent'Maine adroitly weaves together the three strands of her novel' Sunday Times'Maine writes beautifully about the wilderness' - The Times'Maine skillfully balances a Daphne du Maurier atmosphere with a Barbara Vine-like psychological mystery...' - Kirkus'A fantastically gripping story of love and betrayal, told with the masterful skill of a passionate storyteller. It kept me…
riveted until the last page!' BARBARA ERSKINE'Anne O'Brien crosses swathes of time seamlessly. A gorgeous bouquet of a novel. Stunning' CAROL McGRATHALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR...The Welsh Marches, 1301Strong-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?Readers love Anne O'Brien:'I was spellbound throughout!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Vividly real and unforgettable' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Truly captivating' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you love historical heroines and women battling to survive against all the odds, this is for you!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Superbly written, a jolly good read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A fantastically gripping story of love and betrayal, told with the masterful skill of a passionate storyteller. It kept me…
riveted until the last page!' BARBARA ERSKINE'Anne O'Brien crosses swathes of time seamlessly. A gorgeous bouquet of a novel. Stunning' CAROL McGRATHALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR...The Welsh Marches, 1301Strong-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?Readers love Anne O'Brien:'I was spellbound throughout!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Vividly real and unforgettable' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Truly captivating' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you love historical heroines and women battling to survive against all the odds, this is for you!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Superbly written, a jolly good read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A fantastically gripping story of love and betrayal, told with the masterful skill of a passionate storyteller. It kept me…
riveted until the last page!' BARBARA ERSKINE'Anne O'Brien crosses swathes of time seamlessly. A gorgeous bouquet of a novel. Stunning' CAROL McGRATHALL'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR...The Welsh Marches, 1301Strong-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?Readers love Anne O'Brien:'I was spellbound throughout!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Vividly real and unforgettable' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Truly captivating' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you love historical heroines and women battling to survive against all the odds, this is for you!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Superbly written, a jolly good read!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Six Tudor Queens: Six Tudor Queens 2 (Six Tudor Queens #2)
By Alison Weir. 2017
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life' GuardianAnne Boleyn: A King's…
Obsession by bestselling historian Alison Weir, author of Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen, is the second captivating novel in the Six Tudor Queens series. An unforgettable portrait of the ambitious woman whose fate we know all too well, but whose true motivations may surprise you. Essential reading for fans of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.'Offers a spellbinding solution to the mystery of Anne's true nature . . . Enthralling' Sarah GristwoodThe young woman who changed the course of history.Fresh from the palaces of Burgundy and France, Anne draws attention at the English court, embracing the play of courtly love.But when the King commands, nothing is ever a game.Anne has a spirit worthy of a crown - and the crown is what she seeks. At any price. ANNE BOLEYN. The second of Henry's Queens. Her story. History tells us why she died. This powerful novel shows her as she lived.SIX TUDOR QUEENS. SIX NOVELS. SIX YEARS.Realm of Darkness (Hugh Corbett 23)
By Paul Doherty. 2022
Paul Doherty's twenty-third medieval mystery featuring Sir Hugh Corbett is a gripping and gruesome tale of murder and mayhem sure…
to appeal to fans of C. J. Sansom and Bernard Cornwell.Spring, 1312. Edward II of England is absorbed with his favourite, Peter Gaveston, while his young wife, Isabella, is with child. Isabella's father, the ruthless Philip of France, dreams of a grandson wearing the Crown of the Confessor and starts to meddle - even if that means murder...Amaury de Craon, Philip's Master of Secrets, is despatched to carry out his deadly deeds and Edward II summons Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, to intercept. Both master spies lodge at the Benedictine abbey of St Michael's in the forest of Ashdown. Supposedly a house of prayer, the abbey holds sinister secrets and treasures which include the world's most exquisite diamond, The Glory of Heaven. However, shortly after their arrival, the diamond is stolen and its guardian murdered. Other macabre incidents follow, Satan is seen walking through God's Acre and a nearby tavern is burnt to the ground and no one escapes. Corbett, assisted by his henchmen, prepares to navigate this hazardous maze of murder...What readers say about Paul Doherty:'Good plots, clever twists and mostly impossible to work out''Paul Doherty's depictions of medieval England are truly outstanding''Another brilliant story in the excellent Hugh Corbett series by a superb historical author'Realm of Darkness (Hugh Corbett 23)
By Paul Doherty. 2022
Paul Doherty's twenty-third medieval mystery featuring Sir Hugh Corbett is a gripping and gruesome tale of murder and mayhem sure…
to appeal to fans of C. J. Sansom and Bernard Cornwell.Spring, 1312. Edward II of England is absorbed with his favourite, Peter Gaveston, while his young wife, Isabella, is with child. Isabella's father, the ruthless Philip of France, dreams of a grandson wearing the Crown of the Confessor and starts to meddle - even if that means murder...Amaury de Craon, Philip's Master of Secrets, is despatched to carry out his deadly deeds and Edward II summons Sir Hugh Corbett, Keeper of the Secret Seal, to intercept. Both master spies lodge at the Benedictine abbey of St Michael's in the forest of Ashdown. Supposedly a house of prayer, the abbey holds sinister secrets and treasures which include the world's most exquisite diamond, The Glory of Heaven. However, shortly after their arrival, the diamond is stolen and its guardian murdered. Other macabre incidents follow, Satan is seen walking through God's Acre and a nearby tavern is burnt to the ground and no one escapes. Corbett, assisted by his henchmen, prepares to navigate this hazardous maze of murder...What readers say about Paul Doherty:'Good plots, clever twists and mostly impossible to work out''Paul Doherty's depictions of medieval England are truly outstanding''Another brilliant story in the excellent Hugh Corbett series by a superb historical author'The thrilling adventure story about history's greatest warrior: Richard the Lionheart Autumn 1192. At the end of the Third Crusade…
Jerusalem remains in the Saracens' hands, and a peace treaty is agreed with their leader Saladin. Richard the Lionheart is finally free to travel to England and restore peace to his kingdom, under threat from his treacherous brother John. However, the epic journey will test every limit of his endurance as it takes him deeper into lands controlled by his enemies. He is ultimately captured near Vienna, imprisoned for three years, which further fans the flames of unrest in England and beyond. If he finally returns home, what will remain of his kingdom? And what deadly price must he pay to restore order?The thrilling adventure story about history's greatest warrior: Richard the Lionheart Autumn 1192. At the end of the Third Crusade…
Jerusalem remains in the Saracens' hands, and a peace treaty is agreed with their leader Saladin. Richard the Lionheart is finally free to travel to England and restore peace to his kingdom, under threat from his treacherous brother John. However, the epic journey will test every limit of his endurance as it takes him deeper into lands controlled by his enemies. He is ultimately captured near Vienna, imprisoned for three years, which further fans the flames of unrest in England and beyond. If he finally returns home, what will remain of his kingdom? And what deadly price must he pay to restore order?Three glorious gripping novels - formerly known as The She-Wolves trilogy, now all in one volume for the first time…
as THE ROSE TRILOGY'Here is a novelist at ease with her subject. A compulsive read' Anne O'Brien'A real tour de force of gripping writing, rich historical detail and complex, fascinating characters' Nicola Cornick'Carol McGrath excels at sweeping the reader away on an engrossing journey through history . . . she brings her characters vividly to life' Jane Johnson'A wonderful little piece of time travel for any lover of historical fiction' Joanna Courtney'Full of intricate details, historical accuracy and complex plotting' Alexandra WalshThree queens of England - and three women who lived in their shadow.THE SILKEN ROSEThey called her the She-Wolf. She'd shape the destiny of England ...1236. Ailenor of Provence, cultured and intelligent, is only thirteen when she meets her new husband, Henry III of England. Rosalind, a commoner catches the young queen's attention and a friendship blossoms. But she is unprepared for the dangerous ramifications of winning the queen's favour ... THE DAMASK ROSEA beloved wife. A hated queen. A journey to her destiny ...1266. Eleanor of Castile, adored wife of the Crown Prince of England, is still only a princess when she is held hostage in the brutal Baron's Rebellion, and her baby daughter dies. As she rises to become Queen, Eleanor keeps Olwen - a trusted herbalist, by her side. But it is dangerous to be friendless in a royal household, and Olwen and Eleanor discover that the true battle for Europe may not be a matter of swords and lances, but one fanned by whispers and spies.THE STONE ROSEA queen must know her place, in a court of men . . . London, 1350. Agnes, daughter of a stonemason, is struggling to keep her father's trade in a city decimated by plague. And then she receives a mysterious message from the disgraced Queen Isabella: mother of King Edward III, and widow of Edward II. Isabella has a task that only Agnes can fulfil. She wants her truth to be told. But can either woman choose independence, follow her own desires, and survive?Three glorious gripping novels - formerly known as The She-Wolves trilogy, now all in one volume for the first time…
as THE ROSE TRILOGY'Here is a novelist at ease with her subject. A compulsive read' Anne O'Brien'A real tour de force of gripping writing, rich historical detail and complex, fascinating characters' Nicola Cornick'Carol McGrath excels at sweeping the reader away on an engrossing journey through history . . . she brings her characters vividly to life' Jane Johnson'A wonderful little piece of time travel for any lover of historical fiction' Joanna Courtney'Full of intricate details, historical accuracy and complex plotting' Alexandra WalshThree queens of England - and three women who lived in their shadow.THE SILKEN ROSEThey called her the She-Wolf. She'd shape the destiny of England ...1236. Ailenor of Provence, cultured and intelligent, is only thirteen when she meets her new husband, Henry III of England. Rosalind, a commoner catches the young queen's attention and a friendship blossoms. But she is unprepared for the dangerous ramifications of winning the queen's favour ... THE DAMASK ROSEA beloved wife. A hated queen. A journey to her destiny ...1266. Eleanor of Castile, adored wife of the Crown Prince of England, is still only a princess when she is held hostage in the brutal Baron's Rebellion, and her baby daughter dies. As she rises to become Queen, Eleanor keeps Olwen - a trusted herbalist, by her side. But it is dangerous to be friendless in a royal household, and Olwen and Eleanor discover that the true battle for Europe may not be a matter of swords and lances, but one fanned by whispers and spies.THE STONE ROSEA queen must know her place, in a court of men . . . London, 1350. Agnes, daughter of a stonemason, is struggling to keep her father's trade in a city decimated by plague. And then she receives a mysterious message from the disgraced Queen Isabella: mother of King Edward III, and widow of Edward II. Isabella has a task that only Agnes can fulfil. She wants her truth to be told. But can either woman choose independence, follow her own desires, and survive?'Gets under the skin of the man who is so often dismissed as a much-married monster and gives us an…
altogether more nuanced, compelling and human portrayal' TRACY BORMANSix wives. One King. You know their stories. Now it's time to hear his.The magnificent new Tudor novel from the author of the Sunday Times-bestselling Six Tudor Queens series. ---A second son, not born to rule, becomes a man, and a king... In grand royal palaces, Prince Harry grows up dreaming of knights and chivalry - and the golden age of kings that awaits his older brother. But Arthur's untimely death sees Harry crowned King Henry of England.As his power and influence extends, so commences a lifelong battle between head and heart, love and duty. Henry rules by divine right, yet his prayers for a son go unanswered.The great future of the Tudor dynasty depends on an heir. And the crown weighs heavy on a king with all but his one true desire. HENRY VIII. HIS STORY.Alison Weir's most ambitious Tudor novel yet reveals the captivating story of a man who was by turns brilliant, romantic, and ruthless: the king who changed England forever.---PRAISE FOR ALISON WEIR'S TUDOR FICTION'As always, Alison Weir is ahead of the curve - and at the top of her game. Her wide knowledge and unparalleled understanding of the Tudor era fuels a sympathetic, but never sycophantic, portrait of England's most compelling king' Sarah Gristwood'History has the best stories and they should all be told like this' Conn Iggulden'This is royal Tudor life both in broad scope and intimate detail and readers are in for a sumptuous journey' Elizabeth Chadwick'With Elizabeth of York, Alison Weir gives us her most compelling heroine yet... This is where the story of the Tudors begins and is historical fiction at its absolute best' Tracy Borman'This series is a serious achievement' The Times'Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life' Guardian'Profoundly moving... lingers long after the last page' Elizabeth Fremantle'Well researched and engrossing' Good Housekeeping'Vivid characters and a wonderful sense of time and place' Barbara Erskine'Hugely enjoyable . . . Alison Weir knows her subject and has a knack for the telling and textural detail' Daily MailThe Queen's Promise: A fresh and gripping take on Anne Boleyn’s story
By Lyn Andrews. 2012
She was the most infamous woman of the age. He was the man who would love her for all her…
life... The Queen's Promise by bestselling author Lyn Andrews sheds new light on the compelling story of Anne Boleyn and her first love, Henry Percy. Perfect for fans of Anne Baker, Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick.Alluring Anne Boleyn knows she is required to use her charm to her advantage - and secure the status of her family at the Tudor court. She easily captivates the noblemen, most notably Henry Percy, future Earl of Northumberland and, hopeful of her father's approval, Anne agrees to a secret betrothal.Controlling Cardinal Wolsey, though, will not countenance an alliance which could threaten his position. Exiled to the north, Henry is forced into a marriage of duty, whilst Anne's fortunes reverse when she bewitches the King himself. Unwilling to be simply his mistress, Anne will settle for nothing but the throne. But great power brings even greater enemies, and Anne's past actions - and long-kept secrets - might prove to be her undoing... What readers are saying about The Queen's Promise: 'This is a novel about Anne Boleyn with a difference...This is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys an historical novel which faithfully adheres to the historical facts. The characters are very carefully drawn and crafted to give the reader a real insight into the time. Highly Recommended!''This story covers everything; young love, friendships, betrayals, politics, power plays and more''An insightful book into the history of the Tudors. An unputdownable read''Alison Weir makes Henry VIII's story feel like it has never been told before' TRACY BORMANSix wives. One King. You…
know their stories. Now it's time to hear his.The magnificent new Tudor novel from the author of the Sunday Times-bestselling Six Tudor Queens series.---A second son, not born to rule, becomes a man, and a king...In grand royal palaces, Prince Harry grows up dreaming of knights and chivalry - and the golden age of kings that awaits his older brother. But Arthur's untimely death sees Harry crowned King Henry of England.As his power and influence extends, so commences a lifelong battle between head and heart, love and duty. Henry rules by divine right, yet his prayers for a son go unanswered.The great future of the Tudor dynasty depends on an heir. And the crown weighs heavy on a king with all but his one true desire. HENRY VIII. HIS STORY.Alison Weir's most ambitious Tudor novel yet reveals the captivating story of a man who was by turns brilliant, romantic, and ruthless: the king who changed England forever.---PRAISE FOR ALISON WEIR'S TUDOR FICTION'As always, Alison Weir is ahead of the curve - and at the top of her game. Her wide knowledge and unparalleled understanding of the Tudor era fuels a sympathetic, but never sycophantic, portrait of England's most compelling king' Sarah Gristwood'History has the best stories and they should all be told like this' Conn Iggulden'This is royal Tudor life both in broad scope and intimate detail and readers are in for a sumptuous journey' Elizabeth Chadwick'With Elizabeth of York, Alison Weir gives us her most compelling heroine yet... This is where the story of the Tudors begins and is historical fiction at its absolute best' Tracy Borman'This series is a serious achievement' The Times'Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life' Guardian'Profoundly moving... lingers long after the last page' Elizabeth Fremantle'Well researched and engrossing' Good Housekeeping'Vivid characters and a wonderful sense of time and place' Barbara Erskine'Hugely enjoyable . . . Alison Weir knows her subject and has a knack for the telling and textural detail' Daily Mail(P) 2023 Headline Publishing Group LtdREBEL. LEADER. BROTHER. KING.1179. Henry II is King of England, Wales, Ireland, Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine. The House of Plantagenet…
reigns supreme.But there is unrest in Henry's house. Not for the first time, his family talks of rebellion.Ferdia - an Irish nobleman taken captive during the conquest of his homeland - saves the life of Richard, the king's son. In reward for his bravery, he is made squire to Richard, who is already a renowned warrior.Crossing the English Channel, the two are plunged into a campaign to crush rebels in Aquitaine. The bloody battles and gruelling sieges which followed would earn Richard the legendary name of Lionheart.But Richard's older brother, Henry, is infuriated by his sibling's newfound fame. Soon it becomes clear that the biggest threat to Richard's life may not be rebel or French armies, but his own family...'A rip-roaring epic, filled with arrows and spattered with blood. Gird yourself with mail when you start.' Paul Finch'Ben's deeply authoritative depiction of the time is delivered in a deft manner.' Simon ScarrowLionheart: The perfect gift for Father’s Day
By Ben Kane. 2020
REBEL. LEADER. BROTHER. KING.1179. Henry II is King of England, Wales, Ireland, Normandy, Brittany and Aquitaine. The House of Plantagenet…
reigns supreme.But there is unrest in Henry's house. Not for the first time, his family talks of rebellion.Ferdia - an Irish nobleman taken captive during the conquest of his homeland - saves the life of Richard, the king's son. In reward for his bravery, he is made squire to Richard, who is already a renowned warrior.Crossing the English Channel, the two are plunged into a campaign to crush rebels in Aquitaine. The bloody battles and gruelling sieges which followed would earn Richard the legendary name of Lionheart.But Richard's older brother, Henry, is infuriated by his sibling's newfound fame. Soon it becomes clear that the biggest threat to Richard's life may not be rebel or French armies, but his own family...'A rip-roaring epic, filled with arrows and spattered with blood. Gird yourself with mail when you start.' Paul Finch'Ben's deeply authoritative depiction of the time is delivered in a deft manner.' Simon Scarrow