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’
Titles in the series (1)
- Hawker and the King's Jewel
1
‘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
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
Related to The Swords of the White Rose series
Related ebooks
Dollz #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsVincent Price Presents #06 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsglobo arte october issue 2021 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsMessages from the Heart of Love - Spirituality Basics in 144 Empowering Quotes Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIf I Were Born Here Volume II (Greece, India, Kenya, Mexico, Israel) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRoo and the World of Crum Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsExtreme Rhyming Poetry: Over 400 Inspirational Poems of Wit, Wisdom, and Humor (Five Books in One) Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThree-Fold Cord: Creation Redemption Dominion Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Runaway Knight Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Christmas Fish Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsRuth & Freddy #4 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTribute: Jerry Garcia Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBirds: Our Fine Feathered Friends: Seen by Sue and Drew Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsTales from William F. Nolan's Dark Universe Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsIntroductory Business Guide: No Better Time to Start Than Now Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBehind the Scenes at Sega: The Making of a Video Game Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsBlackbeard Legacy #2 Volume 1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsThe Accidental Warriors: The Accidental Warriors, #1 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsKyron and The Meadow Monster Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsVincent Price Presents: Tinglers Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings15 Minutes: Kim Kardashian Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFlying Saucers Vs. the Earth #2 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings10th use: Giant Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsVincent Price Presents #20 Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsFemale Force: Hillary Clinton: Road to Secretary of State Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOrion the Hunter: Giant Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsPolitical Power: Joe Biden Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Whispers From The Word Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsAs I Muse Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsOrbit: Jack Kirby: Co-Creator of Captain America to X-Men Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratings
Historical Romance For You
Bred By The King In Public: Dominant King Erotic History Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Pride and Prejudice Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Visitors Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Lover Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Kent Family Chronicles Volumes One Through Three: The Bastard, The Rebels, and The Seekers Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5The Lady's Tutor Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5When I Come Home Again: 'A page-turning literary gem' THE TIMES, BEST BOOKS OF 2020 Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Memory Keeper of Kyiv: A powerful, important historical novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Whitney, My Love Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Kingdom of Dreams Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Versions of Us Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Pride and Pleasure Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5True Alien Seduction: Outing the Flames of Passion Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Seven Years to Sin Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Dragonwyck: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Slave Girl Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Bound To Please Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Bastard Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A Dweller on Two Planets Rating: 0 out of 5 stars0 ratingsSomething Wonderful Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Forgotten Home Child Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Once Upon A Time: A Collection of Folktales, Fairytales and Legends Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Madame Serpent: A Catherine de' Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Secret Diaries of Miss Miranda Cheever Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Accidental Empress: A Novel Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5Barbarian's Concubine Rating: 3 out of 5 stars3/5Temptress Unbound Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5Dreaming of You Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Last Garden in England Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5The Devil’s Submission Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5
Related categories
Reviews for The Swords of the White Rose series
0 ratings0 reviews