Sworn Secret (Royalist series Book 1)

The Secret Series

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Accompanied by her loyal companions - Mac, Jon and Bos - she embarks upon another riveting quest, braving pirates, desert thieves, and mountain gales through exotic new lands on a whole new continent to seek her fortune. But when an unusual treasure is discovered, the former duchess gains the sudden potential to become a future empress Continue the journey in this sequel to The Duchess Quest and the second book in C.

Is she destined to rule, or will she rule her destiny? Dainy never asked for an empire. But the battle to reclaim Jordinia from the oppressive New Republic is already underway. With a strategy in place to utilize her inheritance, the duchess's husband enlists the support of a foreign king, and a little help from their friends from the northern woods to the capital city.

Traitor's Blood (Civil War Chronicles, #1) by Michael Arnold

Defiant royalists rally, coups unite, and resistance awakens, even though danger, secrets, and betrayal threaten to destroy their cause at every dark street corner. As the landscape shifts and tension between the rebels and the revivalists builds, one thing is certain: War is waged, love is lost and found, and the future will forever be altered - for better or for worse - in this epic third volume of C.

This book can be read as a standalone novel. Over three decades have passed since the Ducelle Empire reclaimed the land, and Jordinia has never prospered more.

When the emperor negotiates a treaty among neighboring nations, Jordinia is awarded an archipelago of islands in the north. With intentions to colonize, His Majesty enlists his two underachieving nephews on an expedition to chart the wilderness. Reclusive Ludwig has his violin and no desire to travel, while his charismatic brother, Drew, is seduced by the grandeur of making history Desperate to flee a secret scandal of her own, their sister, Johanna, insists upon accompanying them.

With a team of soldiers - including longtime friend and royal guardsman, Bram Visigoth - the Cosmith siblings set off to conquer their uncle's newly-acquired territory. From an icy shipwreck to precarious encounters with the native inhabitants, almost nothing goes as planned in this fast-paced comedy of errors teeming with humor, fantasy and plenty of romance. Prepare to fall in love with Jordinia all over again! The heart knows no borders… The next generation of Jordinia returns for an unforgettable finale. Grand Duchess Raphaela has sworn off of men and matrimony, itching for independence beyond familiar Jordinian soil.

A mysterious invitation to the faraway Radshaji Palace in Al-Habar seems the perfect opportunity for adventure…if her father will let her go. In contrast, her sister, Benedicta, embraces the prospect of marriage, although she plans to make a positive difference in the world, even if small, before selecting a husband. The Ducelle sisters part ways for their separate journeys, Raphaela to the desert and Benedicta to the shores of Heppestoni. Abroad, each young woman discovers something more Michael Arnold has hit, with his first novel, that coveted spot where the history is well presented and feels solid and detailed, and yet never gets in the way of a speedy and exciting plot.

Another way to put it is that some works of historical fiction are pure literature and will always be, and while that is laudable, it doesn't necessarily make them interesting. Arnold's work reads like a high-budget, well-scripted movie. It is almost visual in its style and you can easily imagine it on the big screen. Someone who reviewed my own work said that they rated a book on its readability based on how long it took them to get through it.

The first time I read Traitor's Blood it took me a week which was fast for me at the time due to work. I just re-read it in three sessions. The characters are excellent. In such work, it is far better to have really knave-ish villains, dextrous thieves, hearty, noble officers and bloodthirsty soldiers. Arnold has, however, put genuine depth into all his characters which adds a dimension to the read. The main character, Captain Styker, who is the focus of the series beyond, is a hero with dark facets: He is feared and vicious, loyal and true.

He's the sort of man you can imagine serving on the Royalist staff. For those who have ever seen the fabulous costume drama 'The Devil's Whore', Edward Sexby in that 4-parter might well have been a fore-runner of Stryker. Good for me, since I loved Sexby and this means I get more of the same vein. The character stands out in the field of such stories and is instantly likeable and memorable.

Oh and for the record: I love Forry too! I will briefly delve into plot but, as always, will give away no spoilers. This story is set in the opening salvos of the war, beginning with Kineton. The story follows the first season of the war, from minor skirmish to major engagement in all the technocolour and blood and guts one might hope for.

Traitor's Blood

But the plot is more than this. It is a tale of revenge against an old adversary, a story of turncoats and spies, of Royalist agents and the one tiny item that could bring down the whole nation. My last comment will be this: There is a great tendency these days to portray the Parliamentarians of the civil war as God-fearing righteous men, and the Royalists as foppish, papist imbeciles with more fingers than brain cells.

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As a staunch Royalist myself, it has grated on me. I recently read Giles Kristian's Bleeding Land, and that book approaches both sides well. Traitor's Blood takes the bold leap to following the Royalist cause that we all know is eventually doomed.

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And it's bloody marvellous to read. I don't think I've ever read a book with so much action. From personal fights to skirmishes to battles and war there is never a dull moment in this story. Captain Stryker is a physically and emotionally scarred war hero asked by his Prince to complete an important task that could affect the outcome of the Civil War for the royalists. This is a good addition to the growing number of historical action hero novels. View all 4 comments. It is rather 3. Some characters esp Captain Eli could have been more developed for they seemed interesting and only some facts were given about their background.

Still the main problem is that I couldn't but feel sympathy for Parliament troops, not king's.

At the start of the English Civil War, Captain Stryker of the Royalist Army is given a mission by Prince Rupert to capture a spy who is selling secrets to the highest bidder. But a mole high up in the Royalist command structure sends another turncoat - one with a violent history with Stryker - to spirit the spy away first. Along with his band of trusted comrades, Stryker fights his way past Parliamentarian troops, encountering faces from his past on the way.

In this first instalment of the Stryk At the start of the English Civil War, Captain Stryker of the Royalist Army is given a mission by Prince Rupert to capture a spy who is selling secrets to the highest bidder. In this first instalment of the Stryker series, our hero is already a legend in the Royalist Army and a confidante of the king's nephew, Prince Rupert. As a seasoned veteran of the Thirty Years' War in Europe, Stryker has a reputation and the skills to back it up. Michael Arnold transports us back to the bloody battles and skirmishes of the civil war, painting a vivid picture and conjuring up a solid, flawed character you can root for in Stryker.

He's tough but has a chivalrous, softer side too. The supporting characters are also well-drawn. I'll definitely be picking up another Stryker book. This book is the first in the series, but the characters had so much backstory, it often made me feel as if I'd missed a previous book somewhere. Even if view spoiler [the idea of Str This book is the first in the series, but the characters had so much backstory, it often made me feel as if I'd missed a previous book somewhere. Even if view spoiler [the idea of Stryker thinking she was dead only for her to miraculously return and immediately restart their dysfunctional relationship Being part of one of the Civil War towns I have taken an interest in this particular point in history.

I wasn't sure what to expect from this novel but I really enjoyed it, the story is set around Captain Striker and his companions giving the battles and skirmishes from their point of view in this one it includes the battle of Edgehill Whilst trying to complete his special mission he has been given.

I found I was rooting for the good guys, disliking the bad and wondering how they were going to Being part of one of the Civil War towns I have taken an interest in this particular point in history. I found I was rooting for the good guys, disliking the bad and wondering how they were going to get out of the scrapes they found themselves in. The action was well described and non stop, where pretty much no one got away unscathed.

And the storyline I felt was well paced and thought out. Definitely looking forward to reading the next in the series. Ideal for those that like military or historical action stories. Jul 18, Steve Matheson rated it liked it. With the promise of sequels, the author introduces his disfigured protagonist as the Battle of Edgehill looms at the beginning of Britain's First Civil War in the cold autumn of The story moves with acceptable pace and the well-developed characters interact with ease.

Stryker is a bold figure, dogged and unflinching, easily followed and respected by all who have rubbed shoulders or crossed blades with him. Well written, the reader's attention glides through the pages until the end, where man With the promise of sequels, the author introduces his disfigured protagonist as the Battle of Edgehill looms at the beginning of Britain's First Civil War in the cold autumn of Well written, the reader's attention glides through the pages until the end, where many will look for continuing tales of our hero. Aug 20, John Willis rated it really liked it.

I really enjoyed this. In some ways I prefer it to Marston Moor as it explains the characters. It is very much the Sharpe of the Civil War. I particularly liked the Turnham Green section as I once lived looking on to the green! Dec 07, John rated it it was amazing.

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An excellent book in which the author is able to demonstrate his obvious vast knowledge of the period, weaving into it a group of great characters that you really connect with. This holds the title of 'My favourite book of ". Keep it up Michael. Jun 29, Ndf rated it it was amazing. The comparison is perhaps an obvious one to make, but frequently only serves as free advertising for the other persons book and in this instance does Michael Arnold and Captain Stryker a disservice—they are more than good enough to stand on their own merit. There is a real paucity of historical fiction that tackles the tricky but potentially fascinating subject of the English Civil War.

This is presumably because of the difficulty an author might have in reader identification and empathy with natural and obvious enemies. In the example of Sharpe , the English and French have traditionally been natural enemies, where heroes can easily be forged and made in the heat of battle. The idea of Englishmen killing Englishmen is less palatable perhaps than Englishmen fighting against the tyranny of the French.

Enter Stryker, a Captain in the Royalist forces under the direct command of Prince Rupert of the Rhine, a professional soldier and mercenary—a veteran of many previous wars and conflicts whose only concern is survival of himself and his fellow soldiers. They fight for themselves, he cares little for the rights or wrongs of the King or Parliament. Captain Stryker and his trusty Sergeant is sent on a mission by his Commander in Chief, Prince Rupert of the Rhine to capture a spy believed to hold crucial intelligence to both sides.

In doing so Captain Stryker not only comes face to face with the old enemy responsible for his face disfigurement and loss of an eye, but a new threat in in the shape of a puritan fanatic—Roger Tainton who is determined to snuff out the growing reputation of Captain One-eye. A terrific first in the series book from Michael Arnold who writes with real verve and energy.

The characters are beautifully drawn, the plot twists and turns like a snake. The battle scenes are vivid putting you right into the midst of the clang of steel on steel and acrid sulphurous stench of gunpowder. Arnold really knows this period of history and his passion for the subject really shines in his writing, a real page turner. I enjoyed this book so much, I immediately went out the next day and bought the sequel Devil's Charge , which was just as good. I must admit that I enjoyed the threads surrounding Elizabeth and the everyday people more than the historical battles.

I particularly liked the secrecy which surrounded The Knot and would have been happy if this had been a larger part of the book. This is a well put together debut novel which I am happy to recommend to readers who like their romance with a good dose of realistic historical fiction. Oct 28, Ruth Chatlien rated it liked it. If you enjoy those, this is probably a star book. Aug 18, Jenny Q marked it as historical-editorial Shelves: Jun 03, Julia Ibbotson rated it it was amazing. Set in England in , this debut novel recreates vividly the aftermath of the English civil war and portrays clearly the sense of suspicion and danger that lurks in every encounter.

I was unsure as to whether I would enjoy the story, as this is not a historical period I have studied or felt particularly intrigued by, as I am an early medievalist - but the world of the seventeenth century was brought to life in such an authoritative and captivating way by Cryssa Bazos that it drew me in complet Set in England in , this debut novel recreates vividly the aftermath of the English civil war and portrays clearly the sense of suspicion and danger that lurks in every encounter.

I was unsure as to whether I would enjoy the story, as this is not a historical period I have studied or felt particularly intrigued by, as I am an early medievalist - but the world of the seventeenth century was brought to life in such an authoritative and captivating way by Cryssa Bazos that it drew me in completely.

The author clearly knows her period and I love it when I am able to learn so much from a novel. I loved the characters who were so finely portrayed, especially Elizabeth and the fact that Ms Bazos made her so feisty and strong. The battle scenes and romantic episodes were equally well written. May 20, Allison M rated it really liked it. I loved the historical detail in this story!

It really brought the tumultuous English Civil War - Interregnum period home to me. As a Scot, I actually really enjoyed the sometimes oftentimes! I found the historical and adventure aspects of this book really compelling. James Hart, a Royalist captain, despite the hardening influence of three years at war, is shocked to his core when, in his escape from pursuing Roundheads, he discovers that the slaughter has extended even to the Royalist camp followers.

These were, for the most part, Welsh women following their men, providing care such as nursing, sewing, cooking and companionship. Five years on the King has been executed and the country is coming to uneasy terms with the new regime, struggling with their consciences, holding their tongues and making the adjustments necessary for survival in a world where both public and private life must be lived under the godly rules of the fervent Puritans governing the new Commonwealth.

Although James Hart is now a humble ostler at the Chequer and Crowne Inn in Warwick, he has not forgotten that those in power are still the enemy and what they are capable of, nor has he cast aside his loyalty to the Crown. When necessary, he indulges in highway robbery, relieving wealthy Puritans of their coin which he uses either to aid those suffering under the unfair imposts of the new regime, or to set aside for use when the exiled young king, Charles Stuart, makes his bid to claim his crown.

When he holds up a carriage carrying passengers to Warwick, the disguised Hart is challenged by a young woman, Elizabeth Seton. Elizabeth is angered by the terror Hart has created in another female passenger and reluctantly lets slip that her father was a Royalist sympathizer. Life over the past few years has been difficult for Elizabeth as she and her mother have been shunned since her father was killed in an abortive Royalist uprising in Weymouth.

After an initial coolness, Elizabeth finds her place with Isabel where she is able to both learn and to use her skills in herbs and physic on the many who come to her aunt for help with their ailments. But life cannot run smoothly in such unsettled times. Elizabeth has attracted the attentions of not only James Hart, but also of Lieutenant Ezekiel Hammond who has been appointed constable and is determined to capture the highwayman. Because of his position, Elizabeth is careful in her attempts to rebuff the excruciatingly godly Hammond, so careful that he misreads them as encouragement.

Wary of both men and their intentions, Elizabeth learns that there more far more to James Hart, and that in Ezekiel Hammond danger not only to herself but to those she cares about. To complicate matters further, the man to whom James Hart has pledged loyalty, Charles Stuart, lands in Scotland to claim his throne. Cryssa Bazos vividly brings the midth century to life in both its beauty and its squalor. Her characters are well-rounded and believable, people of their time, yet driven by dreams and hopes understandable to the modern reader.

The relationship of James Hart and Elizabeth Seton is so beautifully drawn that days after finishing the book, I am still thinking of them. More reviews at https: Sep 05, Mary Yarde rated it it was amazing. He is, in fact, a Royalist officer and a renowned highwayman. He is determined to see the rightful King back on the throne of England and if he has to steal from the Puritans pockets to do so, then so be it!

Elisabeth Seton has lost everything. Her home, her family, and her honour. She will live with the shame for that is her lot to bear, but then a chance meeting with a highwayman changes her life forever and gives her a reason to hope. There are some books that when you turn the pages, everything else is suddenly not so important. You get lost in the story, as you watch the events unfold in front of you. Set during the reign of Cromwell, Ms. Bazos takes you on the most fascinating and compelling journey as she weaves a story of what it was like to be a Royalist in the time of the Puritan rule.

The attention to historical detail has to be commended. It seems that nothing escaped Ms. The hours of research that have gone into this book has certainly paid off. Bazos has brought the era to life. This book has a large cast of characters, all of which were very well drawn. The two protagonists, James and Elisabeth, were so real in the telling that when someone brings up this era in conversation the first thing that will spring to mind, from now on, are these two fictional characters — that is how good they have been portrayed.

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I have to say bravo to Ms. Bazos at her portrayal of Hammond. Hammond is probably the best portrayal of an antagonist that I have ever read. His mind is so corrupted that he twists the teachings of the Bible to accuse innocent men and women of the most horrendous crimes, when the real crime was what he was committing. But of course, he is blind to his wrongdoing but sees evil in everyone else. He is the perfect character to go up against our brave heroes.

The story is very compelling. So much happens in this book and near the end I was dreading turning the pages, fearing what was going to happen next. The action is non-stop, from battles to marketplaces. From royalty to the poorest of the poor. From filthy jails to beautiful countryside. From violence to romance. This book has something for everyone. It had the same feel to it — that same desperate but compelling need to carry on turning those pages.

It would certainly be a must watch. It is certainly in the top 5 books I have read and reviewed so far this year. Aug 14, Roland Clarke rated it it was amazing Shelves: However, I was lucky enough to win a copy in a Giveaway — so many thanks, Cryssa Bazos. Growing up in England, it was hard not to take sides over the English Civil War so this excellent novel stirred all the right passions and unleashed memories.

As a child, I was a Royalist but then switched my loyalties to Parliament as I read more. Then I saw yet another side and wavered again. From the first page, I was swept into the past, drawn in by the characters and the action. I am convinced that Cryssa Bazos did a great deal of intense research. As a retired equestrian journalist, everything horse-related was accurate and one horse was a character in himself.

The plot was cleverly crafted, with the characters being carefully drawn together as events weaved fate. This was never going to be a smooth ride for James Hart and Elizabeth Seton, and the author made sure of that at every stage. One stirred my old animosities and I was ready to make him suffer — that takes great writing. But knots have ways too. Throughout, there was clever plot development and world building — constructing fiction that felt historical.

As a mystery writer, I enjoyed the twists and turns as the plot wove around and away from the obvious. Although I knew my English Civil War, so expected one inevitable outcome — no spoilers, there were unexpected turns of events and I could easily ignore what I knew from school.

This was on another more realistic level than dry history text books. The crafting of the climax was exceptional, building on the strands of the plot, weaving them together in an intricate knot. And the final denouement was so devious and edge of the seat thrilling that I was unable to put the book down even to get some work done.

I look forward to the next novel from Cryssa Bazos. Aug 10, Erika Messer rated it it was amazing. I am a huge fan of historical fiction books and this one definitely captivated me. I love the setting which is during the mid 's in England. Elizabeth Seton is an amazingly strong and well-written character - she boldly stands up to a highwayman who could kill her, and yet she also abides by the "rules" of her times regarding ladies.

I love that she was once part of a very important family until her father became a traitor and everyone shunned her. You can feel how she is feeling about her l I am a huge fan of historical fiction books and this one definitely captivated me. You can feel how she is feeling about her life and I think that is what makes her a great character - she is relatable. Interesting and full of life, she immediately captures the attention of Ostler James and he presses for a courtship but she keeps him at bay for a while.

I love the way their story is told, how they are ripped apart and have to find their way back together. All of the characters are richly designed and even if we don't get to see a lot of them in the book they somehow stick with us - like the highwayman. I love how James and Elizabeth are both very stubborn and fall in love in spite of that.

But she is quite the firecracker and would definitely be too much for some men to handle I believe at one point Isabel uses the word "insolent" , especially during that time period. And of course I like the fact that Elizabeth is strong and proud of her ties to her father even after being thrown away for his actions that had nothing to do with her. She overcomes and goes on and I like strong female leads who can show us that no matter what occurs, we can always keep going and not let it ruin you.

Overall I loved this book and I loved the complexity of each character, seeing their backgrounds helped me understand who they were. A true love story with some serious struggles along the way to get back together. With historical novels I find they are much more interesting when the author uses phrases and words from that specific time period, and this book had that.

When you read a historical fiction book you should be transported back to the time and place in every way, and this book did that for me - I was amused and saddened and finally But if you love historical fiction and an English setting then this is a great book to read! And of course this will be a series so I can't wait to read the other books. Apr 29, Clemens Schoonderwoert rated it it was amazing. This debut novel, by for me a new surprisingly talented author, is a very suspenseful and thrilling book to read. The historical details concerning this story are very well researched and documented in the Historical notes, as well as superbly implemented within this great book.

Story-telling is of a superb quality by this author, simply because she has the capability in bringing the English Civil War to you in a most wonderful lifelike fashion, and in as just a great manner as Giles Kristian did This debut novel, by for me a new surprisingly talented author, is a very suspenseful and thrilling book to read. Story-telling is of a superb quality by this author, simply because she has the capability in bringing the English Civil War to you in a most wonderful lifelike fashion, and in as just a great manner as Giles Kristian did with his books, "The Bleeding Land and Brothers' Fury", and also because she, Cryssa Bazos, lets her characters amazingly interact with one and other within this time of turmoil and animosity between different factions.

Also the atmosphere of these historical turbulent times comes incredibly well to the forefront, and not to forget all the loyalty, treachery, dangers and death that will follow for certain, in this the English Civil War. The main story is set between the years AD , after a nice prologue about the Battle of Naseby, of 14 June , and where we will find our two main characters, Royalist officer James Hart, and the Traitor's daughter, Elizabeth Seton.

Against the tyranny of this new Parliamentarian government, as well as the animosity between Royalists and Parliamentarians, and not to forget religion of course, Royalist James Hart will start a life as a highwayman, while Elizabeth Seton will try to redeem herself by sheltering and helping fugitives from Parliament, with her aunt Isabel and the maid Jennet in Warwickshire.

What will follow is a wonderful suspenseful historical journey for James and Elizabeth, where they will show each other loyalty and love, while at the same time they try to help others to avoid capture by Parliament, especially by Lieutenant Ezekiel Hammond, in these bloody hard, treacherous and deadly times in England.

Very much recommended, for if you readers love the books by Giles Kristian, than this book is a must read for you all, certainly, and that's why I call this book: Set in the years after the end of the English Civil War, the divisions of brother against brother are still causing disruption, with many royalist sympathisers either imprisoned or under heavy fines. Following the death of her beloved mother, and with her sister married to a Roundhead trooper, Elizabeth leaves her home town of Weymouth to live with her widowed aunt, Isobel, in Warwickshire.

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