'Hawker is a terrific creation' **Bernard Cornwell** Unfinished business, and a soul in search of redemption.
Europe, Spring 1486. Facing a grisly death if captured alive, veteran mercenary and Plantagenet henchman Sir John Hawker and his unlikely band of misfits return to Venice to attempt to free the woman he left behind there months before. Braving the spies and militia of the Serene Republic, Hawker must somehow reach his beloved Chiara, overcome her captors and spirit her off the island. Hope hangs by a slender thread.
But his conscience already carries a heavy burden: the weight of a lifetime of dubious deeds, bad decisions, dead friends and lost loves. If he survives the coming days, can he make amends and start a new life? Or will his unwavering loyalty to the White Rose and his friend Sir Giles Ellingham - illegitimate son of Richard III - lead him back to England to join the new rebellion against Henry Tudor?
The epic conclusion to The Swords of the White Rose trilogy by master wordsmith Ethan Bale. Perfect for readers of Christian Cameron and David Gilman. Praise for the series
'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 the series
'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'