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Hawker and the King's Jewel
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The Swords of the White Rose series

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About this series

‘Hawker is a terrific creation’ Bernard Cornwell

Are they saving a prince, or unchaining a monster?

December 1476. The infamous Vlad the Impaler – Dracula – is reported killed in a Turkish ambush: the brutal scourge of the Ottomans is no more…

November 1485. Nine years later, mysterious Hungarian noblewoman Maria Hunyadi lays a quest at the feet of Sir John Hawker, loyal retainer to the fallen King Richard III and protector of Richard’s illegitimate son, Sir Giles Ellingham. The mission: to liberate her father from imprisonment in a remote Wallachian mountain fortress. The prisoner: Vlad Dracula.

Indebted to Maria for saving his men’s lives in Venice, Hawker reluctantly accepts her story and agrees to come to her aid. But any rescue will be fraught with danger. There are powerful forces at work who would not want the great warlord found alive.

But is Maria really who she says she is? Is she looking for more than just her father? And is the Impaler truly alive, after all this time – a lost prince?

From the fringes of the Hungarian empire to the dark mountain forests of Saxon Transylvania, Hawker must contend with enemies on all sides, and those unseen within the company itself. The exciting sequel to Hawker and the King’s Jewel – described by Bernard Cornwell as ‘brilliant’ – perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and David Gilman.

Praise for Hawker and the King’s Jewel

‘A brutal, brilliant tale, told with verve and pace. Hawker is a terrific creation’ Bernard Cornwell

‘Bale takes the reader from the terror of battle where a crown is lost and won to the sparkling jewel that is Venice, teeming with intrigue and treachery. Great storytelling’ David Gilman, author of the Master of War series

'An absolute gem of a novel. I was taken aback by Bale's skill and talent. Meticulously researched, with a totally authentic medieval feel, the novel fizzes with action, romance and intrigue. A gripping yarn' Angus Donald, author of the Outlaw series

‘Hawker is an ageing, flawed character and it is in his description of the man's inner turmoil, his bursts of energy and, above all, loyalty that the author has created a living soul… Compelling, authentic characters, a tight narrative which drives the story with verve; dialogue which is neither mock Gothic nor anachronistic, all allow the reader to feel part of the sounds and sights of the late fifteenth century. The novel deserves high praise’ The Ricardian

What readers are saying about Hawker and the King's Jewel

‘I bought this to read on holiday on the back of a friend's recommendation. I don't normally read historical fiction like this but was blown away by the experience - it was a great story, told at a good clip with wonderful characters, action and lovely historical touches that made you really “feel” and appreciate the period but without weighing down the whole. I more than surprised myself by sneaking in the odd hour of reading here and there in ways that I never normally do. It was an absolute treat’

‘The characterisation and period detail are superb and with plenty of action. The pace is just right, making it a really good and engaging read’

‘A rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns’

‘I can honestly say the book grabs the reader’s attention and draws them in from the opening pages. It opens your mind to all sorts of possibilities to where the narrative is heading, then suddenly switches track, leaving you grasping for answers. It certainly had me riveted and enthralled’

‘You will be drawn into the political intrigues of15th century Europe. Very informative and not too heavy. I would thoroughly recommend it.’

‘Beautifully researched; an exciting & gripping tale of what might have been’

‘Breathless and rollicking… This reader could hardly bear to put it down’

LanguageEnglish
Release dateJul 21, 2022
Hawker and the King's Jewel

Titles in the series (1)

  • Hawker and the King's Jewel

    1

    Hawker and the King's Jewel
    Hawker and the King's Jewel

    ‘A brutal, brilliant tale, told with verve and pace’ Bernard Cornwell In the twilight of the Wars of the Roses, one knight carries out a final mission for his fallen king… HAUNTED BY A SIN August, 1485. Grizzled knight Sir John Hawker carries a heavy burden on his soul: a decision taken, a deed committed that cannot be undone. When his liege lord, King Richard III, charges Hawker with two secret missions, a chance for atonement beckons. A RACE ACROSS EUROPE... Then Richard falls at the Battle of Bosworth Field, and Hawker puts spurs to his horse, ready to discharge his final duty to the king. But the usurping Tudors have discovered Hawker’s quest, and are hot on his heels. ...FOR THE FATE OF A KINGDOM The Tudors know that Hawker carries with him two things; the king’s priceless ruby, rumoured to be cursed, and a Plantagenet heir… And they know where he’s going. A breath-taking cat and mouse chase across medieval Europe, from Bosworth to Venice. Packed with intricate plotting and beautifully realised characters, this is perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and David Gilman. Praise for Hawker and the King’s Jewel ‘A brutal, brilliant tale, told with verve and pace. Hawker is a terrific creation’ Bernard Cornwell ‘Bale takes the reader from the terror of battle where a crown is lost and won to the sparkling jewel that is Venice, teeming with intrigue and treachery. Great storytelling’ David Gilman, author of the Master of War series 'An absolute gem of a novel. I was taken aback by Bale's skill and talent. Meticulously researched, with a totally authentic medieval feel, the novel fizzes with action, romance and intrigue. A gripping yarn' Angus Donald, author of the Outlaw series ‘Hawker is an ageing, flawed character and it is in his description of the man's inner turmoil, his bursts of energy and, above all, loyalty that the author has created a living soul… Compelling, authentic characters, a tight narrative which drives the story with verve; dialogue which is neither mock Gothic nor anachronistic, all allow the reader to feel part of the sounds and sights of the late fifteenth century. The novel deserves high praise’ The Ricardian

Author

Ethan Bale

Ethan Bale was a defence journalist in both Washington and London before he turned to writing historical novels, non-fiction and short stories. Despite covering modern military technology for much of his professional career, he was always passionate about times past, particularly the Renaissance and early modern Europe. Indeed for many years he donned full medieval armour to participate in fighting tournaments in the US and UK. These days, he is usually found wielding a pen and not a sword. www.ethanbale.com @EthanBaleAuthor

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