As twilight descends on the third century AD, the Roman Empire is but a shadow of its former self. Decades of usurping emperors, splinter kingdoms and savage wars have left the people beleaguered, the armies weary and the future uncertain. And into this chaos Emperor Diocletian steps, reforming the succession to allow for not one […]
HWA Crown Awards 2020: the shortlists
The 2020 HWA Crown Awards shortlists are announced, with 18 outstanding books in three categories: Gold Crown, Non-fiction Crown and Debut Crown. The judges on all three panels found it hard to choose from the longlisted books; nevertheless their shortlists represent the breadth – and depth – of recent historical writing. Congratulations from all at […]
The Return by Harry Sidebottom
145BC: Calabria, Ancient Rome. After years of spilling blood for Rome, Gaius Furius Paullus has returned home to spend his remaining days working quietly on the family farm. But it seems death has stalked Paullus from the battlefield. Just days after his arrival, bodies start appearing – murdered and mutilated. And as the deaths stack […]
Fortress of Fury by Matthew Harffy
War hangs heavy in the hot summer air as Penda of Mercia and his allies march into the north. Caught unawares, the Bernician forces are besieged within the great fortress of Bebbanburg. It falls to Beobrand to mount the defence of the stronghold, but even while the battle rages, old and powerful enemies have mobilised […]
Summer of the Three Pagodas by Jean Moran
Hong Kong, 1950. Now the war is over, Dr Rowena Rossiter is ready to plan a new life with her great love, Connor O’Connor. But before they can, bad news arrives. A female doctor is urgently needed in Seoul and the powers that be want Rowena to go. She refuses until rumours begin to swirl […]
Blood’s Campaign by Angus Donald
August 25, 1689. The English Army is besieging Carrickfergus in Ireland. Brilliant but unusual gunner Holcroft Blood of the Royal Train of Artillery is ready to unleash his cannons on the rebellious forces of deposed Catholic monarch James II. But this is more than war for Captain Blood, a lust for private vengeance burns within […]
Historical fiction writing course: special offer for Historia readers
We’re delighted to announce a special offer for Historia readers who’d like to join the first Writing Historical Fiction course run by Curtis Brown Creative (CBC). The six-week online course is tutored by Stephanie Merritt, who, as SJ Parris, writes the best-selling and much-loved Giordano Bruno spy thrillers. Steph spoke to Curtis Brown Creative about […]
Burke in the Peninsula by Tom Williams
Things getting a bit messy in Spain. Lots of irregulars. Civilians joining in the fighting. That sort of thing. Wellesley needs all the help he can get. They need a man who can pass for a Spaniard. Someone who can make himself useful with the irregulars. Someone who is prepared to fight dirty if it […]