Featured Civil War Novella -The King's Spy by Mark Turnbull
Mark Turnbull's previous book, 'Allegiance of Blood' (2019), has become one of my favourite 17th century related novels, and was also pleased to arrange an author interview a few months ago. Mark Turnbull's new novella 'The King's Spy' , is the first offering from 'The Rebellion Series' that he is currently working on. A kindle version has appeared, available on 'Amazon' , and can be borrowed via 'Kindle Unlimited' , a paperback edition will be published by Sharpe Books shortly.
A most superb novella indeed. Opens with the battle of Naseby ( 14th June of 1645) , and ends with the first bout of fighting at Rowton Moor near Chester (24th September 1645). And in the aftermath of Naseby, the Royalist cause is starting to wane, setbacks on the battlefield mean that their chances of outright victory are reducing. Friction is also developing between King Charles and Prince Rupert.
There is spying, treachery, battle scenes, tragedy and a turncoat or two.The fortunes of the lead character, Royalist soldier spy Maxwell Walker change in quick succession. In fact Maxwell is also staging his own Jacobean type of revenge drama, tracking down the Roundhead who killed his wife. And faces the dilemma of having to encounter the murderer, but needing to find the right moment to get even.
The tale moves swiftly between said battle to various locations, including Raglan Castle, Worcester, and the siege of Hereford where the Royalist garrison face a Scottish Covenanter army. And the great tension the Crown is losing control of the realm, and with a drift towards uncertain future is depicted well. Just really admire the way the story can open with the defining battle of Naseby and then start to draw in far lesser known, but still quite significant scenes of conflict.
The author has this great knack of looking at both the characters' emotions, sensations, but also actions. Showing sword fighting along with the use of muskets and pistols in great detail within the Civil War setting. It's almost if the author is trying to encourage the reader to try to understand what is really taking place. He manages to impart a great deal of historical knowledge without holding up the main story, and only occasionally does one feel that the author is taking on the role of teacher by presenting facts that would be outside the character's knowledge. The fighting scenes are brutal but never exaggerated for extra effect.
Compared with 'Allegiance of Blood', I think that the author's sympathy more toward the Royalist cause is far more evident but certainly does not cause any issues.
As a reader, I really appreciate the how visual the novel is. Such as when lead character, after long solitary hours on horseback, finds the sunset reflected in a puddle, and is compelled to stop and drink from it. And the almost poetic phrases which appear at times such as when Maxwell tries to shoot a man- " It all seemed in slow motion. The flint struck the frizzen and dancing sparks ignited the priming powder, sending forth a small pistol ball."
And one is reminded that this is an age where even gaining advantage can not replace the desperate sadness that War brings.
As an aside, recommend the British Civil Wars Project website search facility if want to know more about the course of the War, the forces and individuals involved.
Author on line resources
Mark Turnbull runs the CavalierCast- The Civil War in Words group on Facebook, highly recommended.
Mark Turnbull Author @1642author on Twitter,
As well as the allegianceofblood.com website.
Other blogs run by Michael Bully
13th Century History ( No longer in operation )
As ever hope that all blog visitors are as safe and well as can be expected during there turbulent times.
Michael Bully
Brighton, England, 9th January 2021
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