Tuesday, 4 February 2025

Diomedes in Kyprios by Gregory Michael Nixon

  

Diomedes in Kyprios
By Gregory Michael Nixon


Publication Date: November 19th, 2024
Publisher: Historium Press
Pages: 243 Pages
Genre: Mythico-Historical Fiction

This is a historically-based novel with authentic, mythic, and fictional characters interacting across the extraordinary panorama after the Fall of Troy and the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age Collapse. Diomedes leads his Akhaians (Achaeans) to the Isle of Kyprios (now Cyprus) to meet his lost love, Lieia, the ex-queen of the Hittites. Kyprios is where the Peoples of the Sea have gathered before their final assaults on Canaan and Aigyptos (Egypt).

But Diomedes unexpectedly meets the avatar of the Goddess Aphrodite at her Temple in Paphos, the city of her birth. Will she take him from Lieia? Will his wanderings end, or will he head back to sea to seek redemption from the past in the further unknown? Aphrodite must also deal with the beautiful, impetuous youth, Adonis, who swears he would die for her. 

The Bronze Age Collapse was a time of such chaos that empires fell, royalty was overthrown, palaces and temples were destroyed, and the hierarchy of the gods was doubted, yet people's self-reliance emerged like never before, and the ancient Great Goddess of the Cycles of Time, who had been suppressed, began to regain her former dominance.

Pick up your copy of
 Diomedes in Kyprios

Gregory Michael Nixon


Gregory M. Nixon is a retired university professor who, after spending his professional years publishing academic papers, was pleased to discover he still had an active imagination. He moved alone to a nice cottage overlooking magnificent Okanagan Lake in western Canada to create his mythico-historical novels set after the Trojan War and the fall of the Hittite Empire during the Bronze Age Collapse. Nigel, an outdoor cat, also sometimes lives with him.

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A Turbulent Peace by Paul Walker

 


A Turbulent Peace
By Paul Walker


Publication Date: 22nd June 2022
Publisher: Sharpe Books
Page Length: 305 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

January 1919.

Following the armistice, Mary Kiten, a volunteer nurse in northern France, is ready to return home to England when she receives a surprise telegram requesting that she report to Paris. The call comes from her Uncle Arthur, a security chief at the Peace Conference.

Within minutes of arriving at the Majestic Hotel in Paris, Mary hears a commotion in the street outside. A man has been shot and killed. She is horrified to learn that the victim is her uncle. The police report the attack as a chance robbery by a known thief, who is tracked down and killed resisting arrest.

Mary is not convinced as circumstances and the gunshot wound do not indicate theft as a motive. A scribbled address on Arthur’s notepad leads to her discovery of another body, a Russian Bolshevik. She suspects her uncle, and the Russian, were murdered by the same hand.

To investigate further, Mary takes a position working for the British Treasury, headed by J M Keynes.

But Mary soon finds herself in the backstreets of Paris and the criminal underworld.

What she discovers will threaten the foundations of the congress.

Pick up your copy of
A Turbulent Peace

Paul Walker


Paul is married and lives in a village 30 miles north of London. Having worked in universities and run his own business, he is now a full-time writer of fiction and part-time director of an education trust. His writing in a garden shed is regularly disrupted by children and a growing number of grandchildren and dogs.

Paul writes historical fiction. He inherited his love of British history and historical fiction from his mother, who was an avid member of Richard III Society. The William Constable series of historical thrillers is based around real characters and events in the late sixteenth century. The first two books in the series - "State of Treason" and "A Necessary Killing" - were published in 2019. The third book, titled, "The Queen’s Devil", was published in the summer of 2020.

He took a diversion to the early 20th century and wrote a thriller based at the peace conference in Paris at the end of the First World War. "A Turbulent Peace" was published in 2022. Now, it's back to the sixteenth century and more Elizabethan intrigue for William Constable and his confederates.

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The Muse of Freedom: a Cévenoles Sagas novel (The Huguenot Trilogy Book 1) by Jules Larimore

 

The Muse of Freedom: a Cévenoles Sagas novel
 (The Huguenot Trilogy Book 1)
By Jules Larimore


Publication Date: 13th September 2022
Publisher: Mystic Lore Books 
Page Length: 464 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

IN THE MYSTERIOUS CÉVENNES MOUNTAINS OF LANGUEDOC, FRANCE, 1695, Jehan BonDurant, a young nobleman forcibly held in a Dominican prieuré as a child, comes of age only to inherit a near-derelict estate and his Huguenot family’s dangerous legacy of secrets. While he cherishes his newfound freedom apprenticing as an apothecary, his outrage mounts over religious persecutions led by King Louis XIV’s Intendant Basville, who is sent to enforce the King’s will for “One King, One Law, One Faith”.

The ensuing divisions among families and friends and the gradual revelation of his own circumstances lead Jehan to question his spiritual choices. He embarks on an odyssey, in pursuit of his life’s purpose and the meaning of love, that unfolds in a way he least expects. Deep in the enchanting Gorges du Tarn, he discovers his muse and soul mate, Amelia Auvrey, a free-spirited, mystic holy woman who offers guidance, revealing ancient healing practices and spiritual mysteries.

Along the way, they befriend young Huguenot peasants and inspirés, a Roma couple, and the Commandeur of the Knights of Saint Jean Hospitallers, and learn of Jehan’s Jewish and Cathar ancestors. Together, Jehan and Amelia quest for peace and spiritual freedom by aiding the persecuted until the Intendant’s spy reports their activities and the King’s dragoons are sent out after them. To retain their freedom, they must choose to live in hiding in a remote wilderness, join a festering uprising or fight against it, or flee their cherished homeland with thousands of other refugees in search of hope.

Inspired by the true story of Jean Pierre Bondurant dit Cougoussac, distilled and blended with Cévenole magic lore, this is a vividly told coming-of-age adventure and family saga of courage, tenacity, and the power of love.

Pick up your copy of
The Muse of Freedom

Jules Larimore


Jules Larimore is the author of emotive, literary-leaning historical fiction with a dose of magic, myth, and romance to bring to life hopeful human stories and inspire positive change. She is a member of France’s Splendid Centuries authors’ collaborative, a board member of the Historical Novel Society of Southern California, and lives primarily in Ojai with time spent around the U.S. and Europe gathering a rich repository of historical research in a continued search for authenticity.

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Raleigh: Tudor Adventurer (The Elizabethan Series, Book 3) by Tony Riches




 Raleigh: Tudor Adventurer
(The Elizabethan Series, Book 3) 
By Tony Riches


Author: Tony Riches
Narrator: Nigel Peever
Publisher: Preseli Press
Publication Date: 2nd January 2025
Series: The Elizabethan Series, #3
Listening Time: 11 hours, 4 minute
Edition description: Unabridged

Tudor adventurer, courtier, explorer and poet, Sir Walter Raleigh has been called the last true Elizabethan.

He didn’t dance or joust, didn’t come from a noble family, or marry into one. So how did an impoverished law student become a favourite of the queen, and Captain of the Guard?

The story which began with the Tudor trilogy follows Walter Raleigh from his first days at the Elizabethan Court to the end of the Tudor dynasty.

Pick up your digital copy of
 Raleigh: Tudor Adventurer

Tony Riches


Tony Riches is a full-time UK author of Tudor historical fiction. He lives with his wife in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is a specialist in the lives of the early Tudors. As well as his new Elizabethan series, Tony’s historical fiction novels include the best-selling Tudor trilogy and his Brandon trilogy, (about Charles Brandon and his wives). For more information about Tony’s books please visit his website tonyriches.com and his blog, The Writing Desk and find him on Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky and Twitter @tonyriches. 




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Monday, 3 February 2025

Twilight of Evil by George Alexander



Twilight of Evil 
By George Alexander


Publication Date: 10th January 2025
Publisher: Old Monk Publishing
Page Length: 242 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

What if Adolf Hitler cheated death in the ruins of Berlin? Prepare to be shaken as we delve into the controversial tale of Adolf Hitler's escape from the ruins of Berlin, his dreams of a thousand-year Reich still fuelling his dark ambition.
Did the Fuhrer truly perish in the crumbling capital, or did he evade capture and flee to the distant shores of South America?

Twilight of Evil delves into the controversial and intriguing tale of Adolf Hitler's escape from Berlin during the closing days of the Third Reich and his post-war life. Join David Hazel, a young Jewish researcher, as he probes into the shocking truth behind Hitler's disappearance through the work of the renowned American scholar, Dr. Peter Alex.

The novel transports readers to the chaotic final days of the Nazi regime, where the crumbling empire and the desperate measures taken by its leaders are depicted. The book probes into the dramatic exploration of Hitler's ultimate fate, revealing the truth behind his disappearance and the people who crossed his path.

Witness the secret escape of Hitler, Eva Braun, Martin Bormann, and Gestapo Chief Heinrich Müller—a select group of Nazi officials. From secret alliances to deadly betrayals, this novel takes you on a journey through the escape and post-war life of some of history's most notorious figures.

Pick up your copy of
Twilight of Evil 

George Alexander 



George Alexander is a writer, orator, human resource trainer and a former Pan-orthodox Christian activist. He holds a Master in Social Work and Masters by Research in Social Sciences. He has penned several books and numerous articles. His areas of interest include human resources and community development.


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Blog Tour - Lalji’s Nairobi by Nitin Nanji

 


Lalji’s Nairobi
By Nitin Nanji


Publication Date: 30th August 2023
Publisher: Independently Published
Pages: 282 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

British Gujarat, 1905.

Despairing of the social injustices and crippling taxes under the British Raj, Lalji, 19, flees to British East Africa hoping to build a better life using his natural business skills and acumen. But he soon finds unexpected dangers in his new home- turbulent politics and war with German East Africa- as well as some surprising opportunities. A combination of luck, coincidence, and his flair for commerce lead to early success. 

Then, just as he is at his most vulnerable, a new threat emerges from where he least expects: from within his own family. 

Can Lalji beat overwhelming odds to fulfill his hopes and ambitions?

A story about survival, faith, ability, humanity, and a deep desire to succeed.


Excerpt


The Mombasa-Nairobi train was due to leave at six in the evening. Premlal had prepared a light meal they could have for supper and a bag of mangoes with bananas for breakfast. He provided the details of his friend Raman Bhatt who ran a guest house for vegetarian travellers in Nairobi.

The ticket office sold first, second and third-class tickets. First was for whites only, Second had bunks and accommodated three to a compartment while Third Class was hard bench seating with barred open windows. Being on a budget they opted for Third and were relieved to see three other groups of new immigrants on the platform. One was a newly married couple. The husband had been in Nairobi a year and just returned by a European steamer with his bride.

Lalji was intrigued to see the contrast between the man and his wife. He was dressed no different from most who wore either a dhoti (traditional attire for men) and shirt with a pugdi (turban), or substituted the dhoti with a cotton patloon (trousers). The wife, however, was wearing a scarlet and gold sari pulled down at the front into a veil so no more than her mouth and nose stud were visible. She was heavily bedecked with gold bangles and a Mangal Sutra, her matrimonial necklace. She could have been wearing her wedding outfit, thought Lalji. They were clearly going to be received in Nairobi by relatives and he wondered when he would be bringing Janki here the same way. To his surprise, the newlyweds had also purchased third-class tickets.

Goodbyes were exchanged on the platform after the carriages rolled in alongside the platform. The engine driver was a middle-aged Sikh dressed in black overalls. His turban was blackened with soot and grease but a glint of orange showed in each fold on one side revealing the original colour. The noise from the steam vents and valves from the engine roared deafeningly and the black steel wheels, almost as tall as a man, slowly ground to a halt. Anyone about to board the train was struck in awe of the Raj who could not only make the machinery but transport it across the world, then commission it to run in a new country. Ramji noticed a group of white soldiers smoking on the platform. Like in India they were on duty for train security and would accompany the guard in his compartment.

Nizar and Ramji were in deep conversation with Premlal about stopping and praying at the tomb of Seyyid Baghali located two hours out of Mombasa. Seyyid Baghali was a Muslim indentured labourer who had worked on the railway when it was constructed. He was well known for his physical strength and various miraculous feats were ascribed to him. It was becoming customary for the train to stop on request at the place of his tomb. The place was known as “McKinnon Road,” and passengers were allowed off the train to pray for a safe journey. If no stop had been requested the train drivers would slow down to a crawling pace and blow a long whistle in salute. Premlal suggested the four travellers should stop and pray at the tomb. Lalji reflected on the prayers said at the Socotra crossing a few days earlier for the same purpose. At precisely six o’clock, the whistle was blown by the station master. The guard was dangling out of his compartment with his green flag ready to wave it once everyone was on board. The engine driver blew two loud and long whistles to encourage any stragglers to get on board. 

Once on their way, the train seemed to linger at a man’s walking pace for some considerable time. There was an immediate incline to start with and it would remain much the same all the way to Nairobi, sitting at an altitude of five and a half thousand feet. The journey took between 13 to 14 hours; much depended on wild animals on the tracks. 

The sun had gone down quickly and it had become pitch dark, with a cool breeze blowing in their faces. On reaching McKinnon Road they, along with a few others, were escorted by two soldiers to the tomb of Seyyid Baghali where they bowed in respect. Nizar led the prayer asking for a safe journey to Nairobi. Within minutes they were back on the train, the soldiers stubbing out their cigarettes on the side of their wagon.

The carriage was quiet, each one lost in their thoughts or dozing off. Lalji found himself thinking more of Janki, her eyes and her anklets. Bhasker was humming a tune absent-mindedly.

A few hours after the McKinnon Road stop there was a sudden screeching of the brakes and whistle blowing from the engine, outside a place called Voi. All in the third-class compartment had been asleep, some with blankets covering bodies and faces to keep out the mosquitoes. They looked like corpses lined up in a morgue. Startled, everyone sat up as the guard and two soldiers rushed up to the front of the train on the outside. Someone in the dark asked the guard what the matter was and he whispered back, “Elephants!”.

 #Free on Kindle from February 4th – 8th, 2025
Pick up your copy of
Lalji’s Nairobi
This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Nitin Nanji


Historical novelist of Indian parentage, born and raised in Kenya, educated in England, writing about India and East Africa under the British Empire.
Nitin has come to writing his debut novel after retiring as a doctor. Born in Kenya before its independence he came to England at the age of fifteen. His parentage is Indian, his grandfather having moved during the British Raj from Gujarat in India to Colonial East Africa as an economic migrant.

'Lalji's Nairobi' is set in the early part of the last century, inspired by the stories of Indian migrants who settled in East Africa. A 'rags to riches' story of the experiences of Lalji as a determined young businessman who grapples with the challenges of living in the new colony.

Within the backdrop of a racist administration, Nitin immerses the reader into the times and norms of colonial society and shows how Lalji achieves rapid success despite difficult odds, leading a team of four compatriots from his village.

The novel is well-researched and retains the undertones of the era. Nitin's intimate knowledge of the three cultures of the colony (British, Indian, and African) succeeds in making this an enjoyable and authentic read.

'Lalji's Nairobi' is now an award-winning novel that recently won acclaim from the prestigious New Generation Indie Book Awards as a 'Finalist'. It also earned Five Stars and the 'Highly Recommended' award of excellence from The Historical Fiction Company, which has recently also awarded the book with a silver medal in the Blixen Africa Category.

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No Good Deeds by E.J. McKenna



No Good Deeds
By E.J. McKenna


Publication Date: November 5th, 2024
Publisher: Historium Press
Pages: 330 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction / Western Fiction

Annie Schaeffer is no stranger to violence. Born of an outlaw father, she was sold to a traveling show at the age of six, now finally escaping as an adult.

On the run and wounded, she finds an unlikely ally In Nathan Healey - a member of the Needham Boys gang.

As she earns her place among the outlaws, Annie’s survival hinges on her lethal skills and growing bond with Nathan.

Nate's moral compass shifts with his circumstances, especially when those he loves are involved. Upon meeting Annie, he finds himself drawn to a woman determined to live differently to the expectations others place upon her; to live freely and fairly. The way he has always wanted.

Annie's quest for independence takes a dark turn as the gang begins to collapse. Betrayal runs deep, and the cost of trust is high.

No Good Deeds is a gripping tale of resilience and retribution in the untamed West, where loyalty is fleeting and justice is won at the barrel of a gun. Annie Schaeffer's story is one of fierce determination, as she battles her past and the outlaws who seek to control her fate.

Pick up your copy
No Good Deeds

E.J. McKenna


E.J. McKenna is a freelance writer in the UK with a great interest in American History, and a degree in English and American Literature with Creative Writing from the University of Kent. 

At the end of 2023, she co-created a creative writing app for people of all ages to improve their writing skills in a fun, relaxed environment.

Born and raised in the UK, but a lover of traveling, she has a fascination with all social history across different countries and cultures. One of her favourite historical periods is the Victorian era, especially with United States history. 

"The juxtaposition between the established countries of Europe, and the new world of America is fascinating to me. So many people trying to survive harsh frontier life, while trying to continue the uptight decorum of Victorian society."

A huge advocate for feminism and human equity, her writing centres around determined female protagonists in traditionally male roles, tackling the perceptions of women in history. Her strong female protagonists go out of their way to change their society's expectations for the fairer.

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Oscar's Tale by Chris Bishop

 

Oscar's Tale 
By Chris Bishop


Publication Date: 19th December 2023
Publisher: Historium Press 
Page Length: 183 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction

'For is it not the wish of every man that his son will achieve more in life than he did?'

The story of a Saxon boy who sets out to find and rescue his father who has been taken by Viking slavers.


Set in 877 as the people of Wessex are forced to fight not just for their very lives, but for their freedom, their religion and for their right to live as Saxons, Oscar relates all that which befalls him on his all but impossible quest. This is set against the backdrop of King Alfred’s desperate attempt to regain his kingdom which culminates in a victory at the Battle of Edington which is very much against the odds. 


But this is not just a story about bloody battles and fearsome warriors, it’s about a boy struggling to live up to his father’s reputation as a warrior and trying to find his place in a turbulent and uncertain world. For that, Oscar is forced to confront many dangers, earn the respect of others far above his station and even find love – albeit the cost to him is far higher than most men would have been willing to pay.


Pick up your copy of
Oscar's Tale

Chris Bishop


Chris was born in London in 1951. After a successful career as a Chartered Surveyor, he retired to concentrate on writing, combining this with his lifelong interest in Anglo Saxon history.

His first novel, Blood and Destiny, was published in 2017 and his second, The Warrior with the Pierced Heart, in 2018, followed by The Final Reckoning in 2019 and Bloodlines in 2020. Together they form a series entitled The Shadow of the Raven, the fifth and final part of which - The Prodigal Son – was published in 2023.

Chris has also published numerous blogs about his work.

His other interests include travel, windsurfing and fly fishing. 

Chris is a member of the Historical Writers Association.

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Sunday, 2 February 2025

The Cross of Ciaran by Andrea Matthews


 The Cross of Ciaran
By Andrea Matthews


Publication Date: 18th June 2020
Publisher: Inez M. Foster 
Page Length: 362 Pages
Genre: Time Travel Romance

When a fifth century pagan priest is unearthed in Ireland fifteen hundred years after being entombed, archaeologist Caitlin O’Connell is convinced it’s the find of the century. The body is in perfect condition, right down to the intricate tattoos adorning the Celt’s skin. In fact, if scientific data hadn’t proved otherwise, she would swear he hadn’t been interred more than a few hours. Eager to discover more about the mysterious Celt, Caitlin accompanies the body back to the New York museum where she’s employed, but before she has time to study him, the priest disappears without a trace. Rumors surrounding the event begin to circulate and result in the excavation’s benefactor pulling the plug on the entire expedition. The rumors are not far off the mark though. After being buried alive for betraying his goddess and his priesthood in the dawning age of Christianity, Ciarán wakes to a strange new world. Alone and frightened in an unforgiving city, he stumbles upon the only thing familiar to him and seeks sanctuary within the church walls. With the help of the parish’s pastor, Father Mike, Ciarán slowly grows accustomed to his surroundings, though he’s plagued by dark dreams and the disturbing sensation that an evil from his past has followed him into the future. But a more immediate danger lurks on his doorstep. Caitlin is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery concerning her missing Celt, and when she meets her Uncle Mike’s new handyman, Ciarán Donnelly, she’s convinced the handsome Irishman knows more about the theft than he’s letting on. Yet, even she can’t deny the attraction between them, simmering below the surface and blurring the lines between her personal and professional life. But will Ciarán’s secrets draw them together or shatter their future forever.

Pick up your copy of
The Cross of Ciaran
HERE!

Andrea Matthews


Andrea Matthews is the pseudonym for Inez Foster, a historian and librarian who loves to read and write and search around for her roots, genealogical speaking. She has a BA in History and an MLS in Library Science, and enjoys the research almost as much as she does writing the story. In fact, many of her ideas come to her while doing casual research or digging into her family history. She is the author of the Thunder on the Moor series set on the 16th century Anglo-Scottish Border, and the Cross of Ciaran series, where a fifteen hundred year old Celt finds himself in the twentieth century. Andrea is a member of the Romance Writers of America.

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