A Queen's Spy by Sam Burnell

A Queen’s Spy

Mercenary For Hire Series book 1

A Medieval Historical Fiction Novel

by Sam Burnell

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Meet Richard Fitzwarren – A mercenary with a dubious past, questionable morals but unswerving loyalties. AVAILABLE ON AUDIBLE

Two Queen’s, Two Brothers… and a secret that unites them all
The Fitzwarren brothers share no great love for each other, but disinherited, hunted for treason, wanted for murder, circumstance and opportunity lead them into the shadowy world of Royal Court intrigue. Caught up between two sisters in a battle for an uneasy crown, the Fitzwarren brothers grudgingly find their survival and fortune depends on each other.

If you like Bernard Cornwell then this is a read for you

Jack Fitzwarren, Richard’s displaced bastard brother, seeks a place at his brother’s side. Impulsive and hot headed, his attempts to gain his brother’s acceptance and approval often end badly. Finally they are brought head to head when Richard tries to foil a plot against Elizabeth I.

Can Jack murder his brother to save a woman he’s never met?

Will Richard accept his fate and fight? Or will he run?

As Tudor England erupts following the death of Edward VI, can one young spy protect his queen? International bestselling author Sam Burnell takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with this magnificent new epic, A Queen’s Spy.

In 1553, England is torn apart by religious conflict. Power shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty and brotherly love.

Richard Fitzwarren, caught in the middle of a cruel family feud, wants nothing more than to make his own way in the world. A childhood friend of the Princess Elizabeth, he cannot forget his loyalty in her time of need. Pressured by her sister, Mary, Elizabeth’s continued existence remains precarious throughout her reign. The divide between Catholic Mary and Anne Boleyn’s Protestant daughter Elizabeth is a deep one.

A Word from the Author

Recently re-vamped the new second edition carries over another 50% of content, more action and more of what readers liked. The book has begun to attract a cult following among lovers of historical fiction, readers loving the new angle, the indepth research and the gritty no-frills approach to the time period when they are set.

My novels deal with the difficult relationship between two brothers, one of them legitimate, the other raised as bastard. In 1553, England is torn apart by religious conflict. Power shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash, testing friendship, loyalty and brotherly love.

The two main characters are Richard and Jack Fitzwarren. Although they are brothers they have experienced very different upbringings. Richard, a childhood friend of Elizabeth I, remains loyal to her and works behind the scenes to help her tread a safe path through Tudor politics and schemes. Jack works as his lieutenant, navigating the streams of living in his brother’s shadow while watching his back. The themes of acceptance and loyalty are deeply explored throughout the series.

The truth about Richard is revealed slowly to the reader. A capable man, possessing both charm and ruthlessness, whose actions often seem cruel and callous as he tries his best to keep his future Queen safe and provide his brother with the skills he needs to survive.

This Tudor saga is populated with intriguing characters and wit, all set against a well researched historical background. Many of my readers have enjoyed Bernard Cornwell’s books and those of Philippa Gregory, however my novels are not historical romances.

(Sam Burnell, March 2019)