Meet Richard Fitzwarren – A mercenary with a dubious past, questionable morals but unswerving loyalties. RECENTLY OPTIONED FOR NEW GAME OF THRONES STYLE SERIES – AVAILABLE ON AUDIBLETwo Queen’s, Two Brothers… and a secret that unites them allThe Fitzwarren brothers share no great love for each other, but disinherited, hunted for treason, wanted for murder, circumstance and opportunity lead them … wanted for murder, circumstance and opportunity lead them into the shadowy world of Royal Court intrigue. Caught up between two sisters in a battle for an uneasy crown, the Fitzwarren brothers grudgingly find their survival and fortune depends on each other.
If you like Bernard Cornwell then this is a read for you
Jack Fitzwarren, Richard’s displaced bastard brother, seeks a place at his brother’s side. Impulsive and hot headed, his attempts to gain his brother’s acceptance and approval often end badly. Finally they are brought head to head when Richard tries to foil a plot against Elizabeth I.
Can Jack murder his brother to save a woman he’s never met?
Will Richard accept his fate and fight? Or will he run?
As Tudor England erupts following the death of Edward VI, can one young spy protect his queen? International bestselling author Sam Burnell takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with this magnificent new epic, A Queen’s Spy.
In 1553, England is torn apart by religious conflict. Power shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty and brotherly love.
Richard Fitzwarren, caught in the middle of a cruel family feud, wants nothing more than to make his own way in the world. A childhood friend of the Princess Elizabeth, he cannot forget his loyalty in her time of need. Pressured by her sister, Mary, Elizabeth’s continued existence remains precarious throughout her reign. The divide between Catholic Mary and Anne Boleyn’s Protestant daughter Elizabeth is a deep one.
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I am frankly not a big fan of novels about Tudor England, largely because I find the period overdone, but I did enjoy this one. Set in pre-Elizabethan England, it deals with the complexity of laws of succession. Its characters are well rounded and the book is full of action on every page.
It really brought the Tudor period to life.
The Tudor dynasty is dominated by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Little is written about the time of Edward VI and Mary I who reigned between them. This book follows the Fitzwarren sons and a small band of mercenaries during those tumultouos times. A fascinating look at an often overlooked time.
Extraordinary characters in one of the most difficult times of human history.
Highly recommend this book.
I particularly like novels on this period and this dealt with a part of Elizabeth’s story that is often passed over. The two major characters were so realistic I looked to see if they had actually existed. Well written with period detail that held my attention. This one was so good I bought the second book in the series. I read both in about two days.
Great book and I love historical fiction.
Thanks for not turning it into a romance novel. This is a terrific tale.
Well written historical fiction. Interaction of the brothers interesting as dictated by the times. well worth he read
A Queen’s Spy is a Medieval mystery/thriller that will keep you guessing. The seven-book series has the hero chasing all over Europe as he tries to do his duty for Queen and Country. Good historical context and nice character interplay.
A bit violent, so be forewarned. Sam Burnell, likes it rough.
Just love historical novels
It was interesting to see how people of low birth used the nobles squabbling between themselves to financially benefit themselves.
Although I gave this book 4 stars, I may be willing to give it a higher rating if the author can pull everything together and give his readers a finish worthy of the build-up in the fist two books in the series. RIght now, that is at the end of Book 2, things are in a right old mess. What has happened to Richard? Will he and Jack ever reach a true understanding and accept each other as brothers? What about the Princess Elizabeth? Will she survive Mary’s retaliation for the rising in Elizabeth’s behalf and will Elizabeth ever sit on the English throne? Oh, wait a minute, history has already answered those questions, but what we don’t know is what sort of role in these affairs our heros Jack and Richard will play in this historical drama. Mr. B. the stage is set. Are you and the actors ready?
This is a story of half-brothers, politics, and royal succession. Set in the era of Mary I and Princess Elizabeth, the storyline follows the events when Edward VI died and Mary became queen. Two of the brothers live and fight together. One is an anti-hero who acts as a double agent and assassin to support Elizabeth. Add a feisty orphan noble girl who finds herself in their care. The author has a skill of putting them into tense and sometimes hopeless situations and finding a way out.
Loved the book. The series is great reading.
Can’t wait for the next book.
Great book part of a series
A most interesting sequel with the characters remaining true to form but maturing and becoming more “likeable” in many ways. Still a very informative insight into the caste system and the powers held by nobility – earned by birth and certainly not by intelligence, contribution or capability. A good reminder of the gifts of freedom and of education for all. Worth the read!
This is way more than your average historical novel. The leading characters, Richard and Jack, have a complex relationship which is cleverly drawn out in this book and its sequels. The plot takes many twists and turns. The historical setting is richly developed and filled with accurate detail. the author has done the homework. Highly recommend any volume of the series for an entertaining weekend read.
A pretty good read but plot drags at times. There are sufficient twists to keep the reader guessing.
This is probably the third or fourth book of historical fiction set in the troubling times when Anne and Mary were vieing for control of the nation. A good read!
This series is compelling, entertaining and worth the time.