Read my review of Eternal Dominion (The Eden Vault, Book One) by Dan Hardez #Fantasy #EpicFantasy #Dinosaurs @RABTBookTours

Eternal Dominion

(The Eden Vault, Book One)

By Dan Hardez

In a continent shaped by ancient secrets and forgotten science, power is measured not only in armies—but in monsters.

For centuries, the Kingdom of Valkalor has ruled through terror, harnessing prehistoric creatures to crush rivals and expand its dominion. Bound beneath the reign of the ruthless King Gadrion, the realm teeters on the edge of total war. When a new external threat emerges—one powerful enough to destroy the fragile balance restraining Gadrion’s ambition—the king seizes his moment.

But his plans begin to unravel when his daughters, Kendra and Cerelia, uncover the horrifying truth behind their father’s designs.

Forced into exile and hunted across savage lands, the sisters must navigate a brutal world of political intrigue, assassins, mercenaries, and carnivorous saurians. Their only hope lies in the Eden Vault—a legendary and ancient chamber rumored to wield power over creation itself.

As rival kingdoms march toward genocide and war threatens to consume the known world, impossible choices loom:

● Will uniting their father’s enemies ignite an even greater catastrophe?

● Can the Vault stop the coming war—or unleash a force far worse?

● And who is truly manipulating events from the shadows of Valkalor’s rise?

Blending epic fantasy, science fantasy, and high-stakes thriller pacing, Eternal Dominion launches The Eden Vault Series—a sweeping saga of dynastic power struggles, dinosaur-driven warfare, dark magic-adjacent mythologies, and deeply personal journeys of love, loyalty, and rebellion.

Perfect for readers who love:

● Epic fantasy with political intrigue

● Dark fantasy with moral complexity

● Monster and dinosaur-driven worlds

● Strong heroine-led narratives

● High-action, cinematic storytelling

Content Warning: Written for mature adult readers. Includes graphic violence, trauma, war, strong language, an intimate scene, and occasional drug use.

The war is coming.

The Vault is real.

And time is running out.

Genre: Epic Fantasy
Page Length: 422

Grab a copy HERE!

MY THOUGHTS

Gadrion has commanded his armies through battle after battle, but the fight he finds himself facing next is a lot closer to home. The Kingdom on Valkalor holds it’s ground firmly, protected by powerful forces much stronger than mere men. Abilities to meld with different creatures provides a distinct advantage, allowing soldiers to command the large and ruthless beasts against their enemies. But, amongst the excitement of a gladiatorial tournament in the lead up to Gadrion’s birthday, a truth begins to come to light that he must contain before it’s damage is irreversible.

Cerelia may not be the strongest of her siblings, but her first love has always been knowledge. She would rather spend her time reading, than training like her older sister, Kendra. However, when she begins to unravel hidden secrets within the kingdom, even she can’t sit by and let things play out without finding out the truth behind what her father’s true plans are. 

In the midst of family tragedies and drama, danger unfolds. Rival kingdoms add an intense layer of political intrigue to this novel, with forces stepping forth into the kingdom unbeknownst to the king, and more action happening further afield. Treachery burns bright within a few characters, and a fierce battle between loyalty and following the heart rings true. Careful strategy, spies, traitors, and not knowing who to trust – this book is packed full of intrigue and certainly keeps your attention held throughout! 

There are a lot of characters in this book. To begin with, it can be a little difficult to keep track of them all, but once you have got the main names down, everything slots into place and the story unfolds easily. Tensions rise throughout, as you follow multiple threads of the same story, things happening in different places, all leading up to one event – the tragedy of Northshard. From court dealings to sea battles, from dinosaurs to mermaids, this book doesn’t leave anything out. With incredible world building, the setting truly comes to life, and you can picture everything as and when it happens. In particular, the scenes of action, of life and death fighting, whether against men or dinosaurs, are written so amazingly, I quickly found myself lost in the pages. This is the kind of book that you read late into the night because you don’t want to put it down.

It would be impossible to talk about every aspect of the novel I want to, because to do so would include spoilers, and explanation into who each character is and their role in the story. So instead, I will narrow it down. Gadrion is, without a doubt, one of the most spine-tinglingly evil characters I have read about in a long time. He is without emotion, his only link to human pain and suffering through the crown he wears, allowing him to feel the emotions of others around him. And the worst part? The fear and pain are the emotions he most enjoys feeling radiating off others. He is not afraid to kill or maim to get what he wants, and his ambitions stretch far beyond what he lets those around him see. He is ruthless, deadly, and quite frankly terrifying. On the other hand, his youngest daughter, Cerelia, was one of my favourite characters of this book. She is brave, not because she is without fear, but because she pushes through it to try and do what is right. She protects those who she feels needs protecting, and tries to do right by everyone she meets. She is kind, caring, and a genuinely nice person. The differences between her and Gadrion are so stark, it is almost difficult to see how they are related.

There is so much I could say about this book, but this is certainly the kind of book you need to read for yourself to truly appreciate. With a vast mix of ancient civilisations, with a science fantasy twist of powerful objects and dinosaurs thrown into the mix, this is an truly fabulous epic fantasy novel with top-tier storytelling and world building that draws you into the story and holds you captive throughout.

Dan Hardez is an epic fantasy and science-fantasy author, lifelong learner, and storyteller whose work blends cinematic action, political intrigue, and speculative science into immersive secondary worlds.

An avid reader from childhood, Dan’s imagination was ignited early by novels that fused science, history, and suspense—sparking a lifelong fascination with worldbuilding and high-stakes storytelling. He completed his first novel-length story at age eleven and dreamed of crafting sweeping epics that explored power, discovery, and the cost of ambition.

Life eventually pulled him away from writing as he pursued a career and raised a family, but during the COVID pandemic—amid isolation and personal transition—Dan returned to the page after nearly two decades away. What began as an experiment quickly reignited his creative drive, evolving into The Eden Vault Series, a sprawling saga shaped by years of lived experience and deep research.

Dan is the author of Eternal Dominion, the flagship novel of the series, along with three prequel anthologies—Spectra, Cinderr, and Azemar—with the sequel, Fallen Crescents, currently in progress. His stories draw heavily from history, politics, paleontology, anthropology, and emerging scientific concepts, woven into dark, character-driven fantasy worlds.

A self-described “pantser,” Dan writes without rigid outlines, allowing characters to steer the narrative in unexpected directions. He often says he knows how the saga will end—but not always how the characters will get there.

By day, Dan balances a full-time career and raising two incredible kids. By night, he continues building the world of Valkalor, driven by a passion for storytelling and a deep appreciation for the readers who step into his worlds.

When he’s not writing, Dan enjoys traveling, following professional sports, and escaping into Colorado’s outdoors.

Readers can explore more about The Eden Vault Series, upcoming releases, and exclusive content at danielhardez.com, and connect with him on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and beyond.

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Read an excerpt from Strings by Jan Merritt #ContemporaryRomance #Romance @RABTBookTours

Strings

By Jan Merritt

With a national lockdown looming, a Southern journalist flees north, determined to jumpstart her career in the safety of a Minnesota wilderness, feisty and wary of entanglements, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star.

A pandemic is spreading across the globe. A national lockdown looms in the United States. A Southern journalist sees a chance to protect her health and jumpstart her career by escaping north to a Minnesota wilderness. Feisty and wary of entanglement, she piques the interest of a bored Native American rock star on his way home.

Robby Song’s career may be on hold, but Grace Wheeler is on a mission to build hers. To Robby, she’s an intriguing challenge. To Grace, he’s a distraction she’s not ready to handle. But the brutal Northwoods winter is coming. Grace flees back south . . . to soul-searching isolation and a puzzling middle-of-the-night call.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romantic Drama, Women’s Fiction

Pages: 414

Grab a copy HERE!

EXCERPT

“Interesting.” He looked out at the lake. “This is so different.”

“Different from what?”

“What I’m used to . . . when I come home. I’m not used to having conversations anymore with people I don’t know or who don’t know who I am. I’ve been away for sixteen years . . . living a totally different life. Normally, when I’m here, I have a sort of agenda. I know who I’m going to see — family and old friends. This time, I have no schedule, no pending dates, nothing to make me leave. I hadn’t realized I’ve been so isolated from dealing with people . . . with strangers . . . like you.” He leaned forward to get up and looked over at Grace. “And the women I’m around don’t treat me like you do. They’re much more agreeable.” He stood up. “I need food. You want to come or not?”

Grace looked up at him, pulling her hair back away from her face with her right hand. “I can imagine how the women you meet act, now that I know who you are. You’ve been living in a bubble, but who you are doesn’t mean a thing to me. And if you think I’m disagreeable, you’re in for a bad time if this pandemic lasts. In the real world, women have lives, and they’re not all focused on stroking . . . male . . . egos.” She stood up. “Not every woman is interested in being your groupie. The world has changed while you’ve been in your bubble.”

“Well, if you’re any indication, I should invest in a suit of armor.”

“Probably not a bad idea.”

 

Jan Merritt is passionate about teaching both in the classroom and on horses, but brain cancer changed her life. Surgeries and treatments have left her with a new brain, one that does not have skills to teach middle school English or balance to ride horses . . . but loves to create stories.

Jan lives on the coast of South Carolina with strong ties to northern Minnesota. Growing up was filled with rich but conflicting narratives. Her dad told stories about his pioneering Minnesota family, egalitarian values, and the importance of self-reliance. They made annual trips to family cabins on a lake north of Duluth. But in her friends’ homes back in Charleston, she was immersed in plantation lore, tales of the Confederacy, and exclusive traditions of a social set that she was not born into. She is married to a musician who is also a mental health therapist. They have three children.

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Read an excerpt from Code of Honour by Rosemary Hayes #NapoleonicWars #Spies #HistoricalAdventure @HayesRosemary @cathiedunn

Code of Honour

By Rosemary Hayes

1812

Britain’s war against Napoleon continues.

Will Fraser and Duncan Armstrong have served their country well as spies, exposing traitors and rescuing betrayed royalists.

Now they are asked to support military operations in the Peninsular War. The French are using a new code which is proving impossible to decipher. Will and Armstrong must work with Spanish guerrillas to intercept messages between French Commanders and pass them to Wellington’s codebreakers.

Will is reluctant, however. Portugal was where he was falsely accused of cowardice and desertion and forced to leave the army. And Captain Harcourt-Browne, the jealous and vengeful officer who caused his downfall, is still serving there.

But Will is given a compelling – and personal – reason to carry out the operation. If he does so, there’s a slim chance he could be reinstated.

Enemy agents are soon on their trail; agents who want them dead. Somehow Will and Armstrong must evade them and join the guerrillas in a daring attempt to uncover Napoleon’s battle plans.

But Will’s troubled past catches up with him. Four years ago he lied to protect the woman he loved.  Now he must own up to that lie to save himself.

Praise for Rosemary Hayes:

‘Rosemary Hayes' Soldier Spy is a first-rate historical thriller, full of period detail, fascinating characters, unexpected twists, mystery, intrigue and action. It reminds me of Berrnard Cornwell's brilliant, Regency-set Gallows Thief. I am pleased to see that it is the first of a trilogy and look forward to reading more about the dashing Will Fraser.’
~ Peter Tonkin, author of The Richard Mariner thrillers

‘One of the very best historical novels I have ever read.’
~ Sandra Robinson, Huguenot Ancestry Expert

‘An absorbing tale told with sensitivity. The forgotten struggles of Huguenot refugees come to moving, heartrending life.’ 
~ Steven Veerapen, author of A Dangerous Trade

Genres: Historical Adventure / Spy Fiction

Pages: 251

Book 1, Traitor's Game

Book 2, The King's Agent

Book 3, Code of Honour

EXCERPT

‘You can trust me, Mademoiselle.’

She met his eyes. ‘Yes, Will Fraser,’ she said quietly. ‘I believe I can.’ Then she went on, speaking very quietly. ‘Last night I discovered more vital information.’ She grinned suddenly. ‘I have developed the art of lip reading and become quite expert at interpreting whispered conversations. De Menou revealed much when he was in close conversation with Fouché.’

‘You play a dangerous game, Mademoiselle.’

She nodded. ‘I pray that I shall soon be able to leave this place and return home in safety. She rose from her chair. ‘Now go back to your duties and make sure it is you who comes to fetch my tray. I will have a note ready and tell you where to take it.’ 

On impulse, Will took her hand and kissed it then he let it drop and strode to the door where he paused and looked back. She was still looking at him.

‘I am glad you are here, Will Fraser.’

He could not read the expression on her face.

Will ran down the stairs to the kitchen and resumed his duties but his mind was elsewhere. 

My God, she must have steel nerves. If she is discovered, de Menou will show her no mercy. 

He had not been in the kitchen more than fifteen minutes when he noticed that the butler was limping along the passage and heading for the stairs. Will jumped up and intercepted him. ‘Shall I save you a climb, sir? I can fetch the lady’s tray.’

‘Thank you, Etienne. Your legs are younger than mine.’

Will smiled and walked past him. He was aware that the butler was watching him from below so he paused at the top, straightened his clothes, put a hand through his hair and then turned left and knocked on the lady’s door.

‘Come!’ Her voice held a distinct note of irritation and Will was instantly alert. He turned the handle and entered, seeing at once that she was not alone. De Menou was in the room.

Catherine’s colour was heightened and they were staring at one another across the fireplace, de Menou’s arm resting on the mantelpiece as he leant towards her.

Keeping his expression neutral and subservient and his eyes downcast, Will coughed discreetly. ‘May I take your tray, Mademoiselle?’

It seemed she hardly noticed him. It was de Menou who replied. ‘Yes, take it away and be quick about it.’

In the silence that followed, Will picked up the tray and walked quietly to the door. He could feel de Menou’s eyes following his progress.

Once he was back in the kitchen he resumed polishing the silver but his hands were shaking. As casually as he could, he remarked to the butler that the Master had returned early from his dinner appointment. 

‘Yes, and in a rare bad mood, too,’ he said. ‘It appears that the evening was not enjoyable.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that.’

The butler shrugged. ‘He and his friends are jumpy now that Napoleon is in Paris. There’s always the worry that the royalists might be brewing some plot. It may be the Master’s heard some rumour or other.’

Will just nodded in response and continued with his work but his thoughts were focussed on how he could find a way of seeing Catherine and delivering her note. It would be foolhardy to go to her room again without a reason. 

But he had reckoned without her ingenuity. Some time later, he heard de Menou descend the stairs, call for brandy and walk through the salon and towards the back of the house. And a few minutes later, Catherine came down the stairs holding a candelabra. The candles within it were worn down to stubs, though they had been tall and burning brightly when Will was in her room. She did not look at him but asked one of the other servants to replace the stubs and bring it back to her.

‘It could use a polish, too,’ she said.

Catherine turned on her heel and headed for the stairs. One of the maids busied herself replacing the candles. She was about to take it up when Will said. ‘Let me give that candelabra a polish for the lady; she’s right, the silver is badly tarnished.’

He took his time to give it a thorough polish and then stood up. He made to give it to the maid who was sitting on a stool, yawning, then he smiled at her. ‘You look all in. I’ll take it to the lady,’ he said.

When Catherine opened the door, she pulled him inside.

‘We must act fast. De Menou was in a fury just now. When I tried to calm him he spluttered something about damn royalists and a plot to assassinate the Emperor.’

Rosemary Hayes has written many books for children in a variety of genre, from edgy teenage fiction, historical fiction and middle grade fantasy to chapter books for early readers and texts for picture books.  Many of her books have won or been shortlisted for awards and several have been translated into different languages.

Rosemary has travelled widely but now lives in South Cambridgeshire. She has a background in publishing, having worked for Cambridge University Press before setting up her own company Anglia Young Books which she ran for some years. She has been a reader for a well-known authors’ advisory service, runs creative writing workshops for both children and adults and reviews for historical publications.

Rosemary has now turned her hand to writing adult fiction. Her historical novel ‘The King’s Command’ is about the terror and tragedy suffered by a French Huguenot family during the reign of Louis XIV.

Traitor’s Game is the first book in the Soldier Spy trilogy, set during the Napoleonic Wars. The King’s Agent is the second and the third, Code of Honour, has recently been published.

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Read an interview with Ian Hunter, author of Quetzalcoatl: Time Stones Book II #TimeStones #HistoricalFantasy #YardeBookPromotions @IanHunterAuthor @maryanneyarde

Quetzalcoatl: Time Stones Book II

By Ian Hunter

Jessie Mason lives with her nose in the pages of history. But she is discovering that the past is a dangerous place where she doesn't belong, and knowledge alone is not going to save her.

Jessie’s life has become a series of terrible challenges. Now she must lead her friends in the hopeless task Grandfather set them: hunt down and destroy the Time Stones. But her leadership has already failed. Tip has left them and Abe has simply disappeared, while she and Kes are trapped in the heart of an ancient empire in turmoil.

Thrust into a fractured, threatened Mexica nobility, Jessie is immersed in a way of life, fascinating and disturbing in equal measure, yet powerless before the approaching Conquistadors and the impending clash of cultures.

Even as the fabulous city of Tenochtitlan descends into savage violence, Jessie’s determination to succeed is undiminished. But with world history taking a new, bloody direction before her, she is finally forced to decide which is more important: continuing the task or simply surviving.

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Print Length: 277 Pages

Grab a copy HERE!

This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

INTERVIEW

Writing Interview Questions.

What inspired you to write this book?

For as long as I can remember I have found history fascinating, whether that is visiting buildings, towns or places of interest, watching history play out on the screen, or simply reading it. But the more I read, the more I realized how narrow my knowledge was. So, I expanded the range of my reading and at some point, came across the Spanish conquest of Mexico. Obviously, I knew it had taken place, but I had never read the history. I found it such an inconceivable outcome, that a handful of soldiers, criminals in the eyes of the nearest Spanish authorities, could topple a military empire of millions, that I decided I had to investigate further. I was already working on the first book of the series and felt that this was a story which, despite the tragedy it ushered in, deserved to be more widely understood. Although the book doesn’t cover it, the Spanish conquest of central and south America, was arguably the first step towards the imperialistic capitalism that would dominate the following centuries and laid a path towards our modern world. 

Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?

Jessie and Kes are thrown into court life in Texcoco, the second city of the Mexica. Their interactions with Cacamatzin, the king, Tonauac, his secretary, Ixtli, a priest, and the servants in the palace, helps them understand the society they suddenly must navigate. They get to travel across the lake to Tenochtitlan, the capital of the empire, and see it at its most glorious, before it becomes a battleground for a clash of cultures. This position in Texcoco also enables Jessie and Kes to see the frustration and fear within the Mexica nobility as the Spanish approach and see the political divisions and jealousies playing out. At the same time, Tip and Abe are having different experiences, having been dropped into different Spanish camps, and only once the four friends are re-united can they try to extract themselves from a dangerous and escalating situation.

If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?

Jessie is loyal to her friends. Despite them all having been summoned from wildly different cultures and time periods, it is Jessie’s first real friendship group, and her sense of belonging is deeply rooted. They tend to squabble and bicker, which is often due to her stubborn and opinionated view of the world. In Jessie’s eyes, the modern world is the pinnacle of human achievement, although her young age means she has little real knowledge of the modern world, and needs time to appreciate the achievements and societies of the past. Finally, Jessie is brave. Not heroic, she won’t go seeking trouble. But trouble finds them with disturbing regularity, and Jessie faces it when she is finally forced to, with a clear head and decisive action.

What was the most challenging part about writing your book?

I think it was two-fold. Firstly, I wanted to try and capture and explain the events which led to the overthrow of the Mexica, but it was a complex set of events, over an extended period, and the stage of many hundreds of miles. On the other hand, once the conquistadors had been thrown out of Tenochtitlan once, I felt the following 12 months would be somewhat repetitive. By finishing Jessie’s involvement on “La Noche Triste”, I left that story unfinished, but I think it was the correct point for her and her friends to leave.

Also, I had to undertake a lot of background research to understand the structure, beliefs and characters of the Mexica society at the time. They had a complex hierarchy, with a busy pantheon and significant political fissures. I wanted to reflect this as far as possible within the book without it becoming overwhelming, whilst maintaining the narrative. Hopefully I achieved that goal.  

Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?

I had strangely different experiences with my first two books. In the first, I think I edited about a third of it out in the end but kept the story mostly intact. Because of the challenges which I mentioned above for the second book, I spent much time with up-front planning. There were changes and adjustments of course, some aspects of Mexica life that I had wanted to show didn’t make the cut. But I had almost a chapter-by-chapter plan, and I stuck closely to it, which meant when I came to the end, I had covered everything I thought was important, and nothing of importance had not made the cut.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on the third book in the series. As I said earlier, there are so many important and interesting places and points in history that get so little coverage; I have thousands of years and the whole world to pick from. But our modern era also has a story to tell, so there is every chance that Jessie and her friends will have an adventure or two here as well.

What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?

I would say just go for it. At least, if you are able, get a professional editor to take a look. They will give you constructive and useful feedback without any judgement. Within my extended family, there are some avid readers, and each has their own favourite author and author style. There are some very well-respected authors whose style I cannot get along with. On the other hand, I will read books that others will not pick up. So, there is no one correct style to a work of fiction. There are so many ways to get your work to an audience these days. If you have tried the traditional publishing route and had no joy, then try another. If you want your books to be read, at some point you will have to take a leap of faith.

Personal Interview Questions.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Well, I still work full-time, so that is something I (have to) do when not writing. We have been renovating our house slowly over the past 20 years, and there are still jobs pending which I turn to whenever I can muster enthusiasm. I have also started gardening with purpose over the past few years, seeing as it was never high on the list of things to do. That means more reading, as I’m new to it. My mother has always been a keen gardener, so she offers constant advice. Aside from that, I try to go skiing at least once a year; living in southern Germany makes that much easier to achieve. Travel is always welcome. We had a fortnight whistle-stop tour of Ireland in September and plan a few days in Vienna in February. I frequently have more than one book on the go, often nonfiction history as research and background for my books, but enjoying the subject means it is more relaxation than chore.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

I never really knew. I think I suffered at school by being a bit of a generalist, generally good at most subjects, but excelling at none. So, there was no obvious job or career path screaming at me. I think I just fell into things. I was born in Australia, and I do remember announcing once, that I would play football for England in the winter and cricket for Australia in the summer. Two other things where I could hold my own but ultimately didn’t excel at.

What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?

That is a pertinent question as I’m writing this. We have neglected to defrost the freezer for too long and now the drawers are so difficult to pull out that I broke the front of one earlier this week. Therefore, I need to empty and defrost. Plus, it’s getting late, so I’m afraid it will be a pizza night, and fish and chicken over the coming days – until the freezer is empty. This probably will not sit well with vegan or vegetarian readers, but the best steak I ever had was in a relatively non-descript hotel on the Moselle River near Cochem in Germany. I rarely eat steak, but that was perfect and nothing since then has really compared. I think I would enjoy that meal once again. Or a good curry.

What would be a perfect day?

A hot country, probably in the mediterranean somewhere. Breakfast on the terrace in the sun, then reading for the morning. When it gets too hot, maybe a quick dip to cool off. Then off for lunch and to explore an ancient town or an historic building, or some spectacular view of nature. Then back for a nice dinner, one where you can sit outside in shorts and t-shirt and still be too warm, with no mosquitoes and a walk home so I can enjoy the local wine or beer without having to worry about driving. Then go to sleep knowing the next day holds the same treats.

What is the best part of your day?

Definitely not the morning. Probably after 7pm, especially in winter when it gets dark early. Work is finished, chores are done, meal is eaten and cleared up, so now my time is sometimes my own. Time to relax.

Either or!

Tea or coffee: Morning coffee, afternoon tea

Hot or cold: Hot

Movie or book: Book

Morning person or Night owl: Very late-night Owl

City or country: Country

Social Media or book: Book

Paperback or ebook: Hmm, always paperback except for travelling when space/weight forces my hand.

Books have been an important part of my life as long as I can remember, and at 54 years old, that’s a lot of books. My earliest memories of reading are CS Lewis’, “The Horse and His Boy” – by far the best of the Narnia books, the Adventures series by Willard Price, and “Goalkeepers are Different” by sports journalist Brian Glanville. An eclectic mix. My first English teacher was surprised to hear that I was reading, Le Carré, Ken Follett, Nevil Shute and “All the Presidents’ Men” by Woodward and Bernstein at the age of 12. I was simply picking up the books my father had finished.

School syllabus threw up the usual suspects – Shakespeare, Chaucer, Dickens, Hardy, “To Kill a Mockingbird” – which I have reread often, and others I don’t immediately recall. By “A” level study, my then English teachers were pulling their hair out at my “perverse waste of talent” – I still have the report card! But I did manage a pass.

During a 35 year career, briefly in Banking and then in IT, I managed to find time, with unfailing family support, to study another lifelong passion, graduating with an Open University Bachelors’ degree in History in 2002. This fascination with all things historical inspired me to begin the Time Stones series. There is so much to our human past, and so many differing views on what is the greatest, and often the saddest, most tragic story. I decided I wanted to write about it; to shine a small light on those, sometimes pivotal stories, which are less frequently mentioned.

In 1995, my wife, Michelle, and I moved from England to southern Germany, where we still live, with our two children, one cat, and, when she pays us a visit, one chocolate labrador. I have been fortunate that I could satisfy another wish, to travel as widely as possible and see as much of our world as I can. Destinations usually include places of historic and archaeological interest, mixed with a large helping of sun, sea and sand for my wife’s peace of mind.

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Read an excerpt from Rogues & Kings by Charlene Newcomb #HistoricalFiction #RobinHood #MedievalEngland #KingJohn @cathiedunn

Rogues & Kings

By Charlene Newcomb

Deadly secrets. Hidden identities. A true enemy.

Silence is the only shield.

The year is 1216 and civil war rages in England. King John ravages the countryside against rebellious barons and a French invasion. Unbeknownst to him, his newest squire, Richard, is in fact the son of a man the king would hang without a second thought. A man the common folk call Robin Hood.

For years, Robin has lived as a knight in exile. But when his son is ensnared in the treachery of the royal court, Robin is forced out of the shadows, aided by his outlaw friends in the Hood.

There is no question for Richard where his loyalties lie but it’s more than his own life at risk. He has the trust of a dangerous king. Can he serve the Hood better from within John’s inner circle, or will schemes against the crown unravel? 

Rob from the rich, give to the poor takes on a whole new meaning.

Rogues & Kings is a sweeping tale of courage and betrayal in a kingdom on the edge of ruin, of a boy coming of age in the midst of war, and of legends being born.

Publication Date: 4th February, 2026

Publisher: self-published

Pages: 394

Genre: historical fiction

Grab a copy HERE!

This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

EXCERPT

Chewing on the smoky cheese Richard wandered to the open tent flap. Cooks at the fires nattered on, laughter peppering their words. A squire sat outside Marshal’s tent cleaning boots and two others polished saddles by the stables. No one else was in sight. And no Godfrey…

Richard still had to set the camp stools, benches, and trestles up. “Let’s to it.” Before he started he swiped another piece of cheese, his gaze caught on coffers lining the tent wall behind the king’s ornate chair on the dais. The one by the sideboard held the king’s good wine—he’d seen that yesterday. But these three chests had chains and locks, one hanging loosely from a metal clasp…not secured.

Richard’s gaze flicked to the open tent flap. Noises sounded from near the cooks’ fires. And the king’s clerks—his eyes turned to the trestle—they’d left their work sitting out. Surely they’d return at any moment. No guards, no priests, no squires…

He hopped back onto the dais. The boards creaked and coins rattled as he stepped close to the chests.

Holding his breath, Richard lifted the unsecured lid a hand’s width. Metal straps and the chain on it chinked. He tipped the lid back. Coin had spilled from a leather pouch. More than he’d ever seen. Rubies, too, and gold rings and jewel-studded necklaces.

Rob from the rich… 

Charlene Newcomb, aka Char, is a retired librarian, a U.S. Navy veteran, mom to 3 amazing humans, and grandma to 3. She writes historical fiction and science fiction.

Her award-winning Battle Scars trilogy is set in the 12th century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Her writing roots are in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (aka Legends) where she published 10 short stories in the Star Wars Adventure Journal, and published the original novel Echoes of the Storm. 

Char returned to medieval times with Rogue and her latest novel Rogues & Kings, both in her Tales of Robin Hood series.

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Read an excerpt from West of Santillane by Brook Allen #HistoricalFiction #HistoricalRomance #BooksWorthReading @1BrookAllen @cathiedunn

West of Santillane

By Brook Allen

Desperate to escape a mundane future as a Virginia planter’s wife, Julia Hancock seizes her chance for adventure when she wins the heart of American hero William Clark. Though her husband is the famed explorer, Julia embarks on her own thrilling and perilous journey of self-discovery.

With her gaze ever westward, Julia possesses a hunger for knowledge and a passion for helping others. She falls in love with Will’s strength and generous manner, but, like her parents, he is a slave owner, and Julia harbors strong opinions against slavery. Still, her love for Will wins out, though he remains unaware of her beliefs.

Julia finds St. Louis to be a rough town with few of the luxuries to which she is accustomed, harboring scandalous politicians and miscreants of all types. As her husband and his best friend, Meriwether Lewis, work to establish an American government and plan to publish their highly anticipated memoirs, Julia struggles to assume the roles of both wife and mother. She is also drawn into the plight of an Indian family desperate to return to their own lands and becomes an advocate for Will’s enslaved.

When political rivals cause trouble, Julia’s clandestine aid to the Indians and enslaved of St. Louis draws unwanted attention, placing her at odds with her husband. Danger cloaks itself in far too many ways, leading her to embrace the courage to save herself and others through a challenge of forgiveness that will either restore the love she shares with Will or end it forever.

Praise for West of Santillane:

'"West of Santillane" is not just an account of historical events but also a story of love, resilience, and self-discovery. Brook Allen successfully blends romantic, historical, and adventurous elements, offering readers a captivating and memorable reading experience. The book is a warm recommendation for those who appreciate well-documented historical fiction and engaging life narratives.'

~ The Historical Fiction Company

'Brook Allen’s novel West of Santillane is guaranteed to tug at your heartstrings, so have some tissues nearby. This book is so captivating that it begs to be adapted into a movie. Seeing these characters brought to life on the big screen would be amazing. This book will definitely be remembered as one of my favourite reads of the year.'

~ Ellie Yarde, 5* Editorial Review, The Coffee Pot Book Club

Publication Date: March, 2024

Publisher: Dawg House

Pages: 373

Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance

Grab a copy HERE!

EXCERPT

Sheheke prodded the fire, and Lodge plopped down next to his mother, shaking a buffalo-bladder rattle and grinning playfully with his sparse teeth. Yellow Corn spoke some solemn-sounding words to Sheheke, and he nodded in obvious agreement, not taking his eyes off of me. 

Clearing his throat, he said, “I learn much from these years on this journey to see the Great White Father, but my greatest lesson is that the season of my people is changing. It is a storm I cannot stop. None of the Hidatsa, Lakota, Arikara, or Omaha can stop it. This storm is a blizzard of white men that will change these lands forever.”

I glanced at Yellow Corn, dismayed to see her cheeks wet with tears.

“Jefferson, your Great White Father, spoke peace,” Sheheke continued, “but he also spoke power. My own eyes saw the white man’s cities, armies, and people who number like kernels of corn at harvest. Jefferson’s words invited peace—or it will be war. Americans have more guns, more people, more warriors. I saw this. I know this to be true.”

My pulse pounded, for Sheheke saw what Will saw—what I saw now too. The west’s gateway had been flung open, and nothing would ever be the same. How long the process of transition and change would take, none of us knew, not Sheheke and certainly not me. Would it be peaceful or forceful, with lives lost? Would it come in my lifetime? In Will’s? Would there be enough room for white settlers and Indians to share? 

Yellow Corn had risen and gone to a satchel, rummaging. She pulled out a long calumet—the traditional sacred pipe smoked by the Plains peoples, solemnly presenting it to her husband. Sheheke removed dried plant matter from a pouch at his waist, tamping it down into the clay pipestem. It made me smile, thinking of Papa or Meriwether doing the same thing. 

He raised the pipe, a long eagle feather dangling from the stem and strings of buffalo-horn beads and a bushy coyote tail embellishing its length. In a high, mournful voice, he began crooning, chanting. 

I bowed my head. There was no telling what his song was about, other than the sound of it was moving, reverent, timeless—a sort of blessing.

When it ended, I looked up, and Sheheke slowly brought the pipe back down. Yellow Corn brought over a braid of smoldering sweetgrass to light it. When I could smell its earthy scent at last, Sheheke placed it to his lips, inhaling deeply and pausing before releasing a lengthy exhale. 

He spoke, “Lone Man—a great spirit—did not bring us the pipe. No, our people and those of other tribes say that a woman brought us the first pipe and taught us to use it. It was sacred and good. Since then, we share pipes with those we wish to trust and call our own.”

He extended the pipe to me with both hands, and tentatively I accepted, bringing it to my mouth. I inhaled a little—not much. I didn’t want to dishonor myself or Sheheke by coughing, thereby not meeting his expectations. 

Acrid, bitter—a gag started at the base of my windpipe, but I held my breath and sat motionless until the sensation eased, blowing the smoke out in a swift puff. Forcing myself to swallow hard, I took several rapid breaths, preventing myself from hacking, swallowing several more times, my eyes watering.

I gave the pipe back. He took another draw, waiting again and then sighing the smoke back out with relaxed ease, handing it over to me again. This went on a while until finally, after eight or nine exchanges, Sheheke handed the calumet back to Yellow Corn. He stood, motioning me to rise too, and as I did our hands joined above the small fire that continually burned inside the lodge. 

I wasn’t at all sure where this was leading. 

“We have not traveled too far a distance together, but we have come many miles, we four,” Sheheke said, nodding at his family. “Today, you brought news making my heart glad. Today, you have become my daughter. From now on, I will call you Óti shí Mííhe—Kind Lodge Woman, for you have come bringing goodness through your gifts and your time. You have helped us make a home where we were not welcome.”

On the other side of the lodge, Yellow Corn began singing in the same high-pitched, wailing sort of vocalese with which they made music. 

It was the most moving experience I’d ever had in my life.

While riding home, I cried off and on. I was so filled with wonder and pride. What would Mama and Papa think? Their youngest daughter from Santillane being adopted by Sheheke—Chief of the Mandans.

Author Brook Allen has a passion for history. Her newest project, West of Santillane spotlights history from a little closer to home in Botetourt County, Virginia. It’s the story of Julia Hancock, who married famed explorer, William Clark. Each character of this thrilling, adventurous period was researched throughout southwest Virginia and into Kentucky, Missouri, Montana, Idaho, and North Dakota. It launched in March of 2024.

 

Brook belongs to the Historical Novel Society and attends conferences as often as possible to study craft and meet fellow authors. In 2019, her novel Antonius: Son of Rome won a silver medal in the international Reader’s Favorite Book Reviewers Book Awards, then won First Place in the prestigious Chaucer Division in the Chanticleer International Book Awards, 2020. West of Santillane garnered international attention in Summer 2025 by becoming a Silver Medalist in the Independent Publishing Book Awards for best Mid-Atlantic Fiction. Also, it was a finalist for the Virginia Romance Writers Holt Medallion. Most recently, Brook appeared in Season 8 of Blueridge PBS’s WRITE AROUND THE CORNER.

Though she graduated from Asbury University with a B.A. in Music Education, Brook has always loved writing. She completed a Masters program at Hollins University with an emphasis in Ancient Roman studies, which helped prepare her for authoring her award-winning Antonius Trilogy.

Brook recently retired from public education and her personal interests include travel, cycling, hiking in the woods, reading, and spending downtime with her husband and big, black dog, Jak. She lives in the heart of southwest Virginia in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains.

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Read an interview with Heidi Gallacher, author of A Theory in Vienna #ATheoryInVienna #Semmelweis #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub @HeidiGallacher @cathiedunn

A Theory in Vienna

By Heidi Gallacher

‘I bring to light a truth, which was unknown for many centuries with direful results for the human race.’ – Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis. 

Imagine you’d discovered something. Something that could save hundreds of thousands of lives. But they wouldn’t let you tell anyone. Wouldn’t it drive you mad?

Young Hungarian doctor Ignaz Semmelweis uncovers the real reason thousands of young women are dying after childbirth. Yet, in mid-19th century Europe, his simple methods are ridiculed. Semmelweis faces the battle of his life to convince others that the cause is simple… 

Based on the true story of a forgotten hero, A Theory in Vienna brings the remarkable story of this man to life.

Publication Date: 28th October 2025

Publisher: The Book Guild

Pages: 305

Genre: Historical Fiction

Grab a copy HERE!

INTERVIEW

Writing Interview Questions.

Why did you choose to write your book in this era?

I didn’t so much as choose the era as follow the story where it had to go. Once I decided to write about

Ignaz Semmelweis, the mid-19th century wasn’t optional - it was the crucible that made his story possible. This was a moment when modern medicine was almost within reach, but not yet ready to accept it. Germ theory hadn’t taken hold, hierarchy mattered much more than evidence, and new ideas were often experienced as personal attacks. Writing the novel in this era allowed me to explore not just what Semmelweis discovered, but why discovery alone isn’t enough. The era isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an active force in the story.

Did you find researching this era difficult? Did you come across anything surprising?

Researching the era was demanding. The challenge wasn’t a lack of material - it was learning to think inside a 19th-century mindset. What surprised me most was how reasonable the resistance to Semmelweis often seemed from within the period. The politics of reputation and institutional fear felt unsettlingly modern. Visiting a museum in Budapest and glimpsing the C19th obstetrical implements was pretty unsettling too.

Can you share something about the book that isn’t in the blurb?

One thing that isn’t obvious from the blurb is how much of the novel is about loneliness rather than discovery. Semmelweis isn’t just fighting institutions - sadly he is slowly losing his place within the human world around him.

If you had to describe your protagonist in three words, what would those three words be and why?

Driven. Isolated. Tragic. Driven because he couldn’t unsee the truth once he found it. Isolated because being right pushed him further away from others. Tragic because of his early death: those very same qualities ensured he would not live to see recognition of his achievements.

What was the most challenging part of writing the book?

The hardest part was balancing fidelity to history with the emotional truth. I had to resist the urge to protect Semmelweis. I had to allow some of his difficult, obsessive traits onto the page.

Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?

Not anything drastic. There were a couple of sub-plots involving side characters that I decided to remove as I felt they took the reader away from the main plot and themes. 

What are you currently working on? 

I’m working on editing my third novel which is a modern thriller set in Switzerland and the UK. I’m also working on a short story compilation where all the stories are set in Wales.  

What would you tell an aspiring author who had doubts about their writing abilities?

Doubt isn’t a sign you shouldn’t be writing; at all! It’s often a sign that you care. Writing improves through persistence and revision, not confidence. If you are able, take some writing courses and obtain feedback on your writing. If a story keeps returning to you, that’s usually the one to work on.

Personal Interview Questions. 

What do you like to do when you are not writing? 

I like to be outdoors. Swimming, hiking, or eating al-fresco with friends and family.

What did you want to be when you grew up?  

A scientist or a singer! I have sung in bands and choirs and have written my own songs.

What’s for dinner tonight? What would you rather be eating?  

Dinner tonight will be soup. I like to eat lighter meals in the evenings. I’d rather be eating something Swiss like a cheesy fondue, or a raclette with lots of grilled veggies!

What would be a perfect day? 

A perfect kind of day would involve lunch and a long walk up in the mountains on a sunny day, summer or winter! Followed by dinner at home and a games evening with good friends.

What is the best part of your day? 

Each day is different. Sometimes it’s the joy of waking when I have something to look forward to and the sun is warm outside. Or it could be the time of day after I’ve worked hard on something, say a chapter, or even just my accounts. It’s that feeling of having achieved something. It can also be lying in bed at the end of the day - the luxurious feeling of having tied up the loose ends of the day and drifting off to sleep. 

Either or!

Tea or coffee: English breakfast tea! Although I love coffee too.

Hot or cold: Hot. I can do +30 degrees much better than -30!

Movie or book: A big part of my life is books, so a movie would be perfect for relaxing to.

Morning person or night owl: More night owl.

City or country: Country, by the sea.

Social Media or book: Book.

Paperback or eBook: Paperback at home, eBook when travelling. 

Heidi was born in London in the Sixties. She grew up in South Wales, UK and moved to Paris as a young adult where she taught English for two years. She currently lives in Switzerland and recently completed an MA in Creative Writing.

Her first short story was published in Prima magazine (UK) in 2018. Heidi now writes historical fiction. Her first novel, Rebecca’s Choice is set in Tredelerch – an old house in Wales that belonged to her family generations ago. This novel won an award from The Coffee Pot Book Club in 2020, Debut Novel Bronze Medal. 

Her second novel, A Theory in Vienna, is set in 19th century Vienna and Budapest. It tells the incredible story of unsung hero Ignaz Semmelweis, whose life-saving discovery was ridiculed at the time.

Heidi enjoys travelling (the further North the better!), singing and writing songs, and spending time reading and writing at her Swiss chalet where the views are amazing. 

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