How does a fiction writer tackle the well-known myths attached to historical figures? Especially when the protagonist was an expert in self-promotion, and the other person involved was Gloriana herself, Queen Elizabeth of England? Author RN Morris found an ingenious answer, as he tells Historia. The one thing everyone knows about Walter Raleigh is that […]
Fortune’s Hand by RN Morris
Adventurer, soldier, courtier, poet, prisoner – outsider. Drawn by ambition to Elizabeth’s court, Walter Raleigh soon becomes the queen’s favourite. But his meteoric rise attracts the enmity of powerful rivals. Sir Francis Walsingham, the queen’s spy master, proves a dangerous enemy. While the Earl of Oxford is an equally dangerous friend. Even Elizabeth’s favour is […]
(Re)writing the Spanish Armada
“Everybody thinks they know the story of the Spanish Armada,” says historian and novelist JD Davies. Yet, as he tells Historia, this is a story that has been reinterpreted and embellished for over 400 years. Which made his own retelling of the Armada story in his new novel, Armada’s Wake, both an opportunity – and […]
The Last Blast of the Trumpet by Marie Macpherson
Scotland 1559. Fiery reformer John Knox returns to a Scotland on the brink of civil war. Victorious, he feels confident of his place leading the reform until the charismatic young widow, Mary Queen of Scots returns to claim her throne. She challenges his position and initiates a ferocious battle of wills as they strive to […]
Fortune’s Hand: The Triumph and Tragedy of Walter Raleigh by RN Morris
Adventurer, soldier, courtier, poet, prisoner – outsider. Drawn by ambition to Elizabeth’s court, Walter Raleigh soon becomes the queen’s favourite. But his meteoric rise attracts the enmity of powerful rivals. Sir Francis Walsingham, the queen’s spy master, proves a dangerous enemy. While the Earl of Oxford is an equally dangerous friend. Even Elizabeth’s favour is […]
Armada’s Wake by JD Davies
It’s 1588. The greatest naval force of its age bears down upon England. As a devastating battle looms, a nation holds its breath. Jack Stannard, grandson of the original Jack, is stationed on Drake’s warship Revenge. His father, Tom, commands his own vessel and even his grandfather is close by. Each must be ready for […]
The Queen’s Devil by Paul Walker
It’s 1583. William Constable, recently married astrologer and mathematician, has settled into routine work as a physician when he is requested to attend two prisoners in the Tower of London. Both are accused of separate acts treason, but their backgrounds suggest there may be a connection. Sir Francis Walsingham and Lord Burghley urge William to […]
Royal Blood: a Tudor-era HWA short story collection
Royal Blood is a diverse collection of informed and entertaining short stories set in the Tudor period. Read about some of your favourite characters from established series, or be introduced to new writers in the genre. The stories in Royal Blood bring the Tudor era richly to life, presenting suspense, rivalry, espionage and historical drama. […]