Fire & Sword by Louise Turner (Book Tour) - Review & $20 Amazon Giveaway (US Only) -

On the 11th June in 1488, two armies meet in battle at Sauchieburn, near Stirling. One fights for King James the Third of Scotland, the other is loyal to his eldest son, Prince James, Duke of Rothesay.
Soon, James the Third is dead, murdered as he flees the field. His army is routed. Among the dead is Sir Thomas Sempill of Ellestoun, Sheriff of Renfrew, whose son and heir, John, escapes with his life.
Once John’s career as knight and courtier seemed assured. But with the death of his king, his situation is fragile. He’s the only surviving son of the Sempill line and he’s unmarried. If he hopes to survive, John must try and win favour with the new king.
And deal with the ruthless and powerful Lord Montgomerie…

Publication Date: September 19, 2013
Hadley Rille Books
Formats: eBook, Paperback  

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My Review:
Here we are in late 15th century Scotland, James the Third is dead.  Oh what dreadful times this was.  I loved John right from the first page, is was hard not to root for him.  The author has a wonderful way with words, whether it was feeling right in the middle of battle scenes or feeling compassion for those unjustly punished and even disliking certain characters, her words were quite visual.

Coming in at 454 pages it isn't a quick read but it was not hard to get lost in this story.  Knowing very little about Scottish history it was definitely an eye opener and the fact that John Sempill was a real person made it all the more interesting.  I love learning some history at the same time as being entertained.

The authors attention to detail shows that this is a well researched book and that Louise Turner is knowledgeable with this time period.  I love debuts and this was one I enjoyed, will recommend and be on the lookout for more by this author.

Praise for Fire & Sword

“Louise Turner skillfully brings to life the conflict-ridden world of 15th century Scotland. Based on the true story of John Sempill, the narrative takes us from near ruin to an uneasy but satisfying final triumph. Thomas is a wonderfully flawed character, not your typical knight-in-shining-armor, but a young man plagued by uncertainty, prone to dark moods, and keenly aware of the ax hanging over his head. Hugh Montgomery, at once John’s nemesis and eventual ally, is simply delightful in his charisma and ruthlessness. The principle women of the story, Mary, Margaret, and Helen, bring fresh and varied perspectives to the events at hand, each one admirable in her own way. Honestly, I found nothing to complain about in this novel. It is expertly written, kept me turning the pages and reading late into the night. A fantastic debut, recommended for all fans of historical fiction, medieval times, and romance. I look forward to seeing what Turner has to offer next.” – Karin Rita Gastrich, Amazon Reviewer

Buy the Book

Amazon UK (Ebook)
Amazon UK (Paperback)
Amazon US (Ebook)
Amazon US (Paperback)

Born in Glasgow, Louise Turner spent her early years in the west of Scotland where she attended the University of Glasgow. After graduating with an MA in Archaeology, she went on to complete a PhD on the Bronze Age metalwork hoards of Essex and Kent. She has since enjoyed a varied career in archaeology and cultural resource management. Writing has always been a major aspect of her life and in 1988, she won the Glasgow Herald/Albacon New Writing in SF competition with her short story Busman’s Holiday. Louise lives with her husband in west Renfrewshire.

Author Links

Website
Blog
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Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Monday, May 5
Review at The Mad Reviewer
Review at Flashlight Commentary
Tuesday, May 6
Interview at Flashlight Commentary
Monday, May 12
Interview at The Mad Reviewer
Tuesday, May 20
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession
Wednesday, May 21
Guest Post at Historical Fiction Obsession
Monday, May 26
Review at The Most Happy Reader
Tuesday, May 27
Guest Post at Book Lovers Paradise (with Kathy Fischer-Brown and Juliet Waldron)
Monday, June 2
Review at Just One More Chapter
Thursday, June 5
Interview at Caroline Wilson Writes
Tuesday, June 10
Review at Princess of Eboli
Thursday, June 12
Review at bookramblings
Monday, June 16
Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews
Monday, June 23
Review at Book Nerd
Monday, June 30
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Giveaway

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Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on June 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on July 1st and notified via email.
Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
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