I've just spent the last few days in 1670 and absolutely loved it! I was transported to 17th century London with its salubrious sights and very dubious smells, I had an audience with King Charles II in the sumptuous royal quarters with his many pampered dogs - I even met Nell Gwynn!
"Blood's Game" written by Angus Donald is an excellent action story and historical re-telling of a really interesting time in history that I thoroughly devoured and enjoyed.
Colonel Thomas Blood, has fallen on hard times. A man used to fighting, he lives by his wits and survives by whatever means necessary. When he's asked to commit treason by stealing the Crown Jewels, he puts himself and his family in a dangerous situation - one that may end at the gallows.
The hero of the story is the Colonel's young son Holcroft Blood - shy, awkward, rather odd but an absolute whizz with numbers and coding and was probably by today's diagnosis mild Aspergers. But he was a great character that made me smile and I loved reading how he managed to survive all the cloak and dagger skullduggery within the royal court. So much in the Kings court was lies and deceit, debauchery and treachery, it was a real eye opener and quite worrying!
The author admits the novel is based on his take of a true event in history (the stealing of the Crown Jewels), and he believes this story may even belong in his own ancestral heritage - how fascinating and if correct what a fabulous story to have connected to your family tree.
I haven't read any books by Angus Donald before but I know he is an established writer with his compelling 'Robin Hood' series coming highly recommended. I shall definitely be seeking to read these in the near future.
If you like historical fiction then "Blood's Game" is a must read for you, it's not overly heavy like some novels, is highly entertaining and an absolute joy to read.
A brilliant 5 stars for a excellently written and impressive book, in the start of hopefully a brand new series.
"Blood's Game" written by Angus Donald is an excellent action story and historical re-telling of a really interesting time in history that I thoroughly devoured and enjoyed.
Colonel Thomas Blood, has fallen on hard times. A man used to fighting, he lives by his wits and survives by whatever means necessary. When he's asked to commit treason by stealing the Crown Jewels, he puts himself and his family in a dangerous situation - one that may end at the gallows.
The hero of the story is the Colonel's young son Holcroft Blood - shy, awkward, rather odd but an absolute whizz with numbers and coding and was probably by today's diagnosis mild Aspergers. But he was a great character that made me smile and I loved reading how he managed to survive all the cloak and dagger skullduggery within the royal court. So much in the Kings court was lies and deceit, debauchery and treachery, it was a real eye opener and quite worrying!
The author admits the novel is based on his take of a true event in history (the stealing of the Crown Jewels), and he believes this story may even belong in his own ancestral heritage - how fascinating and if correct what a fabulous story to have connected to your family tree.
I haven't read any books by Angus Donald before but I know he is an established writer with his compelling 'Robin Hood' series coming highly recommended. I shall definitely be seeking to read these in the near future.
If you like historical fiction then "Blood's Game" is a must read for you, it's not overly heavy like some novels, is highly entertaining and an absolute joy to read.
A brilliant 5 stars for a excellently written and impressive book, in the start of hopefully a brand new series.