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[[Category:New Reviews|Historical Fiction]]==Historical fiction==__NOTOC__<!-- Remove --> <!-- INSERT NEW REVIEWS BELOW HERE-->{{newreviewFrontpage|author=Rhidian BrookTananarive Due|title=The AftermathReformatory|rating=5|genre=Historical Fiction|summary= Gracetown, Florida. June 1950. After a scuffle with a white boy, twelve year-old Robbie Stephens Jr is sentenced to six months at the Gracetown School for Boys, otherwise known as the Reformatory. It's a place with a brutal and dark reputation. But the segregated reformatory is a chamber of horrors, haunted by the boys that have died there. In order to survive the school governor and his Funhouse, Robert must enlist the help of the school's ghosts – only they have their own motivations...|isbn=1803366532}} {{Frontpage|author=Katherine Howe|title=A True Account

|genre=Historical General Fiction|summary=''The Aftermath'' Hannah Masury is set amongst the devastated ruins living in the fire-bombed city Boston, having been sent to live with a family who run an inn, and being made to work there from a young age. When she hears there is to be a hanging of Hamburg some pirates in 1946the town, she decides to go and watch. The British have occupied the ruined city Enthralled and Colonel Lewis Morganhorrified in equal measure, an officer and Hannah finds herself embroiled in a gentleman, is charged with overseeing young boy's death at the restoration hands of ordertwo vicious pirates. However She hides away, so that they don't find and kill her too, and then to escape them completely she runs away to sea, Colonel Morgan must first deal with dressing as a boy and joining the human cost of notorious Ned Low's pirate ship as a cabin boy. She soon finds herself in the bombing including remnants thick of fanatic Nazisthings when there is a mutiny on board, and from there we are caught up in her rip roaring tale of life on the ''trummerkind'' - children ocean waves.|isbn=0861547438}}{{Frontpage|author=Sarah Marsh|title=A Sign of Her Own|rating=3.5|genre=General Fiction|summary=After a bout of the rubblescarlet fever as a child, and the starving civil populaceEllen Lark loses her hearing. He also Suddenly plunged into a world of silence, everything about her life changes. Living in 1943a time when the use of sign language was seen as something only savages do, lost Ellen is sent to a child due school where she is taught to lip read, but physically restrained from signing. From here, she ends up in another school studying under Alexander Graham Bell who has been teaching the deaf and using a Luftwaffe bomb system called Visible Speech. At the same time, Bell is working on other inventions and he must support his deeply grieving wifeideas, Rachel, when she arrives after months and Ellen finds herself unwittingly caught up in a complicated tangle of separation with their surviving twelve year old boy, the impressionable Edmundespionage.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0670921122</amazonuk>1035401614

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Diana SouhamiClaire North|title=Coconut ChaosHouse of Odysseus

|genre=Historical Literary Fiction|summary=Our anonymous narrator has a chaos-theory-theory about the mutiny on the Bounty. It can all be traced back to Fletcher Christian stealing a coconut. Armed with this thought and the intrepid spirit of many Britons before her, she sets off for Pitcairn Island, the isolated home of Christian and his band of dissenters 3,000 miles from New Zealand. She leaves behind a beloved but delusional mother, her partner and all the comforts of civilisation as she travels with hope and the inimitable Lady Myre. Meanwhile we listen to true stories about the mutiny, the aftermath and the fact that there weren't really many heroes, just a group of flawed individuals fighting for survival.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780878745</amazonuk>}}'What could matter more than love?''

{{newreview|author=Robert Wilton|title=TraitorThe follow-up to the excellent ''s Field|rating=5|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=ItIthaca's 1648 and the embers of Charles I's reign start to fade as Britain slowly turns picks up a few months after where we left off. In the monotone colour palace of Oliver Cromwell's Commonwealth. HoweverOdysseus, Royalist passion still exists and it's up with delicate care Queen Penelope continues to Sir Mortimer Shay, the Comptrollerate-General for Scrutiny and Surveyrule without her husband, who sailed to gather the intelligence, maintain his spy network war at Troy and fan then by divine intervention never returned home. As ever she remains surrounded by suitors vying for the embers towards throne of the Royalist victory for which he longsWestern Isles. He's a wily veteran so not easily stopped but among Having survived – politically and physical – the confusion and brutality chaotic storm that tears Britain in half, former lawyer CromwellClytemnestra brought to Ithaca's spymaster John Thurloe shores, Queen Penelope is on the man charged brink of a fragile peace. One that shatters however with the taskreturn of Orestes, King of Mycenae, and his sister Elektra, seeking refuge.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1848878192</amazonuk>0356516075

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Paul LynchB0C7J9D21B|title=Red Sky In MorningA Captive in Algiers (Muhammed Amalfi Mysteries)|author=A J Lewis|rating=4.5

|summary=It’s 1832 and Coll Coyle and When we first meet our hero, his humble family are to be turfed out of their home in Donegal name is Ettore and Coll is just angry enough to confront the landowner’s son who is responsible. he lives at The repercussions House of Coll’s actions are huge Beautiful Swallows. Idyllic as this might sound, it's a bordello and Coll is forced to go on the runEttore's mother died when he was born. He attempts to escape across the unforgiving and desolate landscape 's not been short of North West Irelandmothers, the brutal Atlantic Ocean and the plains though - but for someone of North Americahis background in late-eighteenth-century Amalfi, all it's difficult to obtain decent employment. The stint working with the while stalked by the incredibly dangerous preparation of anchovies didn't work out and violent John Fallerbastards are considered bad luck on fishing boats. Red Sky in Morning is Paul Lynch’s debut novel Ettore was nothing if not resourceful - and determined - and it is was not long before he had a successful business as a real hitguide for visitors. He was even saving some money.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780879164</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Patricia WatkinsEssie Fox|title=Trick of Fate: Connell O'Keeffe and The Pen Caer LegacyFascination

|summary=Connell OThe Victorian era is incredibly over-romanticised as a setting for historical fiction (matched only, perhaps, by the Second World War) which has often led to more than a few writers mishandling it. There'Keeffe was s such a gentleman actor and on 23 February 1797 he was on his way from Haverfordwest glut of media set in Pembrokeshire to catch the ferry home era that the hallmarks we've come to Ireland. Unable associate with it are familiar to speak Welsh he was unaware that the French had invaded Pen Caer and rode into a situation which would change his life forever. The man who had set off to make his leisurely way home, taking in some point of the local landmarks suffered a life-threatening injurybeing cliched, was unjustly accused of a foul murder and became a fugitivehackneyed even. It was difficult All this is simply to see that he could survive his current situation - fitter men than he were dying - and if he did, what was the point? What was there illustrate that he could do when his chosen profession it would no longer be open an easy thing to him?do poorly. But despite that, something about it still grabs me – and something about this book's description did as well.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0957210450</amazonuk>1914585526

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Michael EnnisNicole Jarvis|title=The Malice of FortuneA Portrait in Shadow|rating=3|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=Michael Ennis sets his ''The Malice of Fortune'' in Italy in the early part of the 1500s. Ennis is a history lecturer so unsurprisingly, his book is full of evidence of detailed research and understanding of the times. And what fascinating times they were. With the Borgia family dominating both the papacy and several political regions, fighting for power and land, a number of family led mercenary armies, and several great figures who would leave a lasting legacy, notably Leonardo Da Vinci and Niccolò Machiavelli, the latter of whom narrates a very large part of this novel. The real life political wrangling of the times would stretch the imagination of most novelists and Ennis bases his tale on a huge number of real, documented happenings. What he seeks to add to the party is an insight into why and how these events occurred and certainly there are some unexplained gaps in the relationships of the key players4. The core story is an attempt to discover the identity of the murderer of the pope's son, Juan Borgia, Duke of Gandia. Candidates range from his brother, Cesare Borgia, Juan's courtesan, Damiata to the heads of various powerful, mercenary families. It's historical fiction meets crime fiction.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780890974</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Tim Leach|title=The Last King of Lydia|rating=5

|summary=Ancient mythology seems to be enjoying a surge in popularity ''I want all of late, with a plethora of books, movies and games based on these ancient legends and fabled heroes. There is something in the collective consciousness that enables these stories to resonate with each subsequent generation, allowing ancient wisdom Florence to put out new roots in fresh soil.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0857899171</amazonuk>}}know my name''

{{newreview|author=James Benmore|title=Dodger|rating=4|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=That loveable rogueCast out from Rome, Artemisia Gentileschi arrives in Florence seeking an oasis in which her art can find a home and where her future can thrive rather than stagnate. But as some as she enters Florentine society she faces great opposition from the Artful Dodgerpowerful Accademia, is one the self-proclaimed guardians of the most memorable healing magics that through paintings have the power to protect the city and its citizens from plagues and amusing characters in curses. The all of English literature. ''Oliver Twist'' ended with Dodger Jack Dawkins arrested -male Accademia has hoarded power over art and architecture for the theft of a silver snuff box centuries and transported to Australiaguard it above all else. But what happened next? James Benmore explores that idea in ''Dodger''To them, which takes up the story six years after the events of ''Oliver Twist''Artemisia – an ambitious young woman who promises trouble and change – has no place amongst them and their society.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1780874650</amazonuk>1803362340

{{newreview|author=Elizabeth Gill|title=Miss Appleby's Academy|rating=3.5|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=After forsaking her own chance Set in the near-distant future, in a world on the verge of happiness to care for her aging fatherclimate collapse, Emma Appleby’s life Britain is thrown into turmoil when he dies suddenly, leaving her fate entirely in great peril. The British Isles desperately needs a hero (or several) to save the hands of her callous brother Laurenceday and rescue what little remains. Laurence and his wife view the middleWhat no-aged spinster as a burden and are keen to marry her off to an elderly neighbour to free themselves one expected was that one of responsibility. With seemingly nowhere to turn, Emma flees America to make a new life for herself in her childhood home the Knights of County Durhamthe Round Table would answer the call.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1780878478</amazonuk>0356518523

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Jenny MandevilleG K Holloway|title=A Crown In the Shadows of DespairCastles

|summary=By We begin after the age of 31 Katherine, Lady Latimer, had been married momentous battle in 1066 and widowed twice. Her first match to an elderly, sickening baron ended at on the age day of William of 16, Normandy's coronation as miserably as it had started two years earlierKing of England. William's position is not secure and the new king has many challenges. Imposing authority through a coronation is important. Her second marriage And William is right to John Neville, Lord Latimer, had been more comfortableworry. On his death she found love for While the first time in her lifeprevious king, Harold, but to no avail. The monarch had seen Katherine is dead and would claim her for himself no matter what her wishes may be. This forced marriage would make her famous, for down the centuries history would recount the story likelihood of Lady Latimer using her other name: Katherine Parrmore pitched battles is over, the sixth rebels are stirring and final wife much of Henry VIIIthe country does not wish to recognise a new overlord.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>071980857X</amazonuk>1800422466

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Anne O'Brien3949666079|title=The Forbidden QueenNoema|author=Dael Akkerman

|genre=Historical General Fiction|summary=Katherine de Valois ''This is the young and innocent girl betrothed a story about some things that happened to Henry V of Englandme about twelve thousand years ago. While Henry doesn't love her, she thinks she can be happy with him. Unfortunately, though, she quickly finds herself trapped in a loveless marriage, then finds an even worse fate in store as Henry is killed and she is left a lonely young widow. With political machinations dogging her every step as men like Edmund Beaufort and Owen Tudor catch her eye. Can she be happy with one of them, or will those people at court who don't want to see any man gain the power that would come with marrying the mother of the young king foil her hopes?|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1848452152</amazonuk>}}

{{newreview|author=E A Dineley|title=The Death Maya is a young girl living in a hunter gatherer village during the Mesolithic era. Climate change is occurring, the Sea of Lyndon Wilder Grass encroaches further and the Consequences Thereof|rating=4|genre=Historical Fiction|summary= Anna Arbuthnot moves to Ridley Hall as governess for Lord and Lady Charles Wilderfurther into Maya's granddaughterforest home, Lottieand food is becoming more and more scarce. Lottie's mother died years before and her father Lyndon has just been killed What to do? Can the law givers in the Napoleonic Wars. Lady Charles has all but beatified Lyndon as no one could ever be as wonderful, caring or heroic. In fact she only tolerates Lottie because federation of her family likeness but things are about villages muster peaceful ways to change. Lyndon's younger brothercope? Can the Traveller, Thomasa spiritual figure who interprets the wisdom of All Life, returns from the war accompanied by the secrets that stalk him and intentions that will shake Ridley Hall.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1780332270</amazonuk>provide solutions?

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=William Palmer1529125898|title=The Devil is WhiteGodmersham Park|author=Gill Hornby

|summary=Just off ''If it were not for the West coast casual dereliction of Africa is the island odd gentleman's duty, there would no women to teach well-bred daughters at all.'' Anne Sharpe was thirty-one years old when she arrived at Godmersham Park to take up the position of Murandagoverness to twelve-year-old Fanny Austen. It is uninhabited, She had no experience of teaching but previous attempts at settling it mean there are buildings available for usethis was a case of necessity. There is wild game for huntingUntil the death of her mother, fruits on the trees Anne had a comfortable life and was loved by both parents although her father was frequently absent from the climate suggests that the land could be cultivatedhousehold. A group of gentlemen, not liking the slavery rules they are living under in late Eighteenth Century EnglandWhen her mother died, her father cast her off and would have nothing more to do with her. No explanation was offered but she would receive an idea annuity of claiming this island as £35 a kind of Utopia where there are no slaves and everyone lives year. Her maid, Agnes, would receive nothing but was fortunately taken in comfort and equalityby some neighbours.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0224096826</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=V M WhitworthMelissa Fu |title=The Traitors' Pit: (Wulfgar 2)Peach Blossom Spring |rating=3.5|genre=Historical Fiction|summary= WystanI loved the prelude to Peach Blossom Spring, one of Wulfgara short chapter entitled ''Origins''s brothers, has always been an honest, sturdy farmer. Not Unfortunately it is the sharpest sword in the armoury perhaps, but he pays his taxes and remains well-respectedonly truly poetic part of a book that I expected more from. However that seems Covering Chinese history from 1938 to have changed. Wystan is accused of plotting against King Edward of Wessex2005 as viewed through one family's perspective. Wulfgar knows Wystan When their home city is innocent and has three months to prove it; three months to stop Wystan being hanged and hurled into set ablaze during the openwar with Japan, unconsecrated grave that is the Traitors' Pita young mother (Meilin) and her four-year-old son (Renshu) are among those who flee. Not an easy task to begin withThe story follows them on their journey across China, it becomes considerably harder when Wulfgarand in Renshu's liege Lady Fleda asks him case eventually to go on a mission he can't refuse; a mission that could take more time than he hasAmerica. |amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0091947189</amazonuk>1472277538

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Julian Lees1916072038|title=The House of Trembling Leavesin the Hollow (The Talbot Saga)|author=Allie Cresswell

|summary= To many it may just be another skirmish We meet part of the Talbot family in Yorkshire in November 1811. Twenty-seven-year-old Jocelyn Talbot and her mother have travelled in some discomfort from their home at Ecklington, to the longstanding clan war house in the Malaysia hollow. The two women are angry with each other and Jocelyn is well aware of 1936 but the explosion destroys Lu Seeher mother's village dam strengths and over 30 lives. As far as Lu Seeweaknesses: 's concerned, it's time for her to leave anyway. Rather than face an abhorrent arranged marriage she escapes to CambridgeShe is practiced at subterfuge, England with her Tibetan servantat concealing, Sum Sum, seeking beneath a future that combines study with her forbidden true lovefacade of respectability, Adrian Woo. Adrian comes from a rival family in the village so this isndeplorable truth't a match that pleases everyone. For now Lu See and Sum Sum think they've left trouble and conflict behind but their futures testify differently.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1908737174</amazonuk>}}

{{newreview|author=V M Whitworth|title=The Bone Thief: (Wulfgar 1)|rating=5|genre=Historical Fiction|summary= ItHester is furious about Jocelyn's 900AD. Fleda is the Lady of Merciarefusal to do as she was asked, taken from her native Wessex to marry Merciawhich has precipitated ''s Lord 15 years ago, her childhood friend, secretary this violent and wanna-be-priest Wulfgar being one of her few existing links with the past. Their country is far from united as whispers of unrest come from all directions. Perhaps the only way to strengthen Mercia and increase its importance is to acquire a saintunexpected removal''s relics? As a result of this thought process, Wulfgar is sent to Baldney in order to steal the bones of St Oswald. Despite having the company of young Ednoth of Sodbury (who can just about handle a sword), Wulfgar beings to realise that stealing bones is the easy bit. Staying alive may be a tad harder.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0091947235</amazonuk>}}

{{newreview|author=Ella March Chase|title=The Nine Day Queen|rating=4|genre=Historical Fiction|summary= The young monarch, Edward Tudor, is dying and Then we are told of the Protestants birth of England fear a return to Catholicism through his sisterchild and, Mary Tudor. Howeversoon after, the Dukes of NorthumberlandHester Talbot departs, Pembroke and Suffolk seize the opportunity to promote self-interest leaving Jocelyn in the form of Suffolk's 16 year old daughter, Jane. His eldest shame and 4th in line to the throne is also young enough to do as she's told. In this way the door closes harshly on Jane's childhood, for history knows her as Lady Jane Grey; a name that will be written isolation in bloodYorkshire.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0091947170</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Shiba RyotaroAnnabel Abbs|title=Clouds above the Hill: A Historical Novel The Language of the Russo-Japanese War, Volume 2Food

|summary=If Volume 1 built up Eliza Acton is a poet who has never had the characters of Masaoka Shiki and the Akiyama brothers, Volume 2 is slightest inclination to boil an egg. When tasked with writing a cookery book more about war than about people, at least as individualsshe recruits Ann Kirby, a local woman with a troubled home life. Very early in this volumeTogether, they test, craft, Masaoka Shiki passes away at a very young age refine and so fades from reshape the story. Shortly afterwardsworld of domestic cookery, as reinventing the war with Russia becomes more inevitable recipe book and Japan's preparations for this really kick into gear, the Akiyama brothers blend a little more into changing the cast face of characters working on the war effort and whilst their names appear fairly regularly, we don't follow their stories as closely as beforecookery writing forever. |amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0415508843</amazonuk>1398502227

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Patricia WatkinsFreya Marske|title=The Wayward Gentleman: John Theophilus Potter and the Town of HaverfordwestA Marvellous Light

|summary=In 1778 John Theophilus Potter (Theo Robin Blyth is nudged into a job in the Civil Service, much to his friends) came to Haverfordwest from Dublin with a group of actors to put on two performances of ''Romeo chagrin. There he meets Edwin Courcey and Juliet''. A careless accident left him unable to return with learns that the other players - and then he met Elizabeth Edwardes, from a family streets of local gentryLondon are threaded with magic. Friendship turned Desperate to love and whilst some in the town wondered (in remove a rather loud voice) curse that threatens to swallow him, Robin follows Edwin to the Edwardes should allow Elizabeth's friendship with an actorcountryside, Theo was no strolling player without a penny to his name. He was a 'gentleman player' where the hedgegrows bristle with a considerable fortune incantations and a very respectable incomethe people shimmer with power. He was also There they uncover a restless man, constantly driven to achievesinister plot that threatens the lives of all magicians in the British Isles.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>0957210442</amazonuk>1529080886

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=Pam JenoffB09F4CTKJR|title=The Ambassador's DaughterFlights for Freedom|author= Steven Burgauer|rating=34.5

|summary=In 1919 It's the Great War - the First later stages of World War - was over I and all that was left was to work out the terms of United States has just entered the peace treatyconflict. Margot Rosenthal accompanied her father, Petrol Petronus is a diplomat, to Paris, where he young American who has signed up and joined the 17 Aero Squadron. This company was part of the German delegation and first US Aero Squadron to be trained in Canada, the invidious position of being disliked by first to be attached to the French because he was ''the enemy'' RAF and mistrusted by fellow members of the delegation because he was Jewish. They'd previously been in England where they'd simply been first to be sent into the enemy. Margot could have gone home skies to Berlin but that would have taken her back to her fiance, who'd been seriously injured fight the Germans in the waractive combat. She'd rather fallen into the engagementBut before that can happen, feeling that it was what she ought Petrol has to do. Passion played no partmaster flying the notoriously difficult but majestic Sopwith Camel.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1848452039</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Annabel LyonChristophe Medler|title=The Sweet GirlMadrigal: A Closely Guarded Secret|rating=34

|summary=''The Sweet Girl'' is a novel fictionalising Set against the life backdrop of Pythiasthe English Civil War, a secret plan (code-named Madrigal) is discovered by Sir Robert Douse in the Greek philosopher Aristotle's daughtersummer of 1642. The reader looks at As a loyal servant of the world through Pythias’ eyesKing, from and Head of the age of 7 until her late teensSecret Service, starting in Athens, and ending up in Chalcis. One gets it is Robert's duty to delve into uncover the experience details of life in the household plan and follow the clues to uncover one of a highly esteemed ancient philosopher, and the uncertainty which most guarded secrets in history—especially since the main characters are thrown into after plot could affect the death of King Alexander, making life unsafe for anyone previously affiliated with him – this includes Aristotle, who was once his teacher.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>085789952X</amazonuk>B095HY8SXQ

 {{newreviewFrontpage|authorisbn=C W Gortner1471187179|title=The Queen's VowA Beautiful Spy|author=Rachel Hore

|summary=Queen Isabella of Spain will always be regarded as Minnie is an 'ordinary' girl living an unexciting life in a bit of an enigmaleafy provincial suburb. On The book is set in the one hand, contemporary sources claim that she was wise1930s and Minnie is expected to live up to her mother's expectations and find a nice young man to marry, kind produce children and gentle, hating any kind of cruelty, including spend the popular sport rest of bullfightingher days looking after her husband and their home. Her rule brought about the unification of Spain Unfortunately, this isn't what she wants to do at all and heralded neither does she want to continue working as a new era of peace for its peoplesecretary. On the other side As a result of the coina chance meeting, she and her husband Fernando sanctioned finds herself drawn into espionage, working for the infamous Spanish Inquisition secret service and effectively living a double life - attempting to infiltrate the expulsion Communist Party of all Jews from SpainGreat Britain. Her most vehement critics may also point out that Minnie finds herself torn between what she perceives as her sponsorship of Columbus brought untold misery to the inhabitants of duty and the Americas, although in her defence, there is no way that friends she could have predicted has made - and likes - whilst working for the eventual consequences of his pioneering voyageCommunist Party.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1444720805</amazonuk>

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Shiba RyotaroAfonso Cruz and Rahul Bery (translator)|title=Clouds above the Hill: A Historical Novel of the Russo-Japanese War, Volume 1|rating=5|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=I've long been a lover of Japan, ever since a brief visit to the country more than a decade ago. Whilst I've read several Japanese crime thrillers in translation, I've never really investigated the history of the country. Now available in English for the first time, Shiba RyotaroKokoschka's ''Clouds Above the Hill: A historical Novel of the Russo-Japanese War'' provides just that opportunity.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0415508762</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Jack Wolf|title=The Tale of Raw Head and Bloody BonesDoll|rating=4.5|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=It doesn’t take long for Jack Wolf’s extraordinary pastiche eighteenth century novel 'The Tale of Raw Head and Bloody Bones' to show its true stripes. Narrator Tristan Hart’s best friend Nathanial is handsome, charming and athletic, and also prone to ‘snatching blue Tits from the Hedges, and consuming them direct upon the Spot.’ In that phrase you see both the heart-stopping nastiness that pulses through ''Raw Head and Bloody Bones'' and the fascinating attitude to Gothic duality that lies at its core2.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0701186879</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Ayana Mathis|title=The Twelve Tribes of Hattie|rating=5

|summary= Teenager Hattie Shepherd moves with her husband AugustWell, parents and siblings this looked very much like a book I could love from the colour apartheid get-go, which is why I picked my review copy up and flipped pages over several times before actually reading any of the southern US it. I found things to Philadelphia potentially delight me each time – a weird section in search of the middle on darker stock paper, a better life. Unfortunately this is 1920's America chapter whose number was in the 20,000s, letters used as narrative form, and so 'better life' is a mirage for Hattieon. By It intrigued with the age subterranean voice a man hears in wartorn Dresden that what little I knew of 15 she's pregnant and subsequently gives birth to twins Jubilee and Philadelphiait mentioned, the first two of 11 childrentoo. As much joy as they bring, But you've seen the twins are destined to provide a tragedy star rating that will flavour Hattie's comes with this review, and August's outlook and relationship for decades. Each later Shepherd baby will develop with their own characteristics but each will also be tarnished by the pastcan tell that if love was on these pages, irrespective of their attempts to escape itwas not actually caused by them. So what happened?|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>009194418X</amazonuk>1529402697

 {{newreviewFrontpage|author=Sharon PenmanChristina Hammonds Reed|title=LionheartThe Black Kids

|genre=Historical FictionTeens |summary=Christina Hammonds Reed''Lionheart'' s debut novel is set against the latest book in backdrop of the ''Devil’s Brood'' series1992 Los Angeles riots, which focuses on a reaction to the dysfunctional Angevin branch absolution of the Plantaganetsfour police officers for beating a black man, Rodney King, nearly to death. As Told from the title suggestsperspective of Ashley Bennett, the story is novel follows her evolution from a richly detailed account silent bystander when confronted with matters of the life of Richard Irace, covering the period from his coronation up to the end of the third crusadea woman finding her voice and embracing her heritage.|amazonukisbn=<amazonuk>1447205367</amazonuk>1471188191

{{newreview|author=Geling Yan and Nicky Harman (translator)|title=The Flowers of War|rating=4|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=1937, Nanking. The war between the Republic of China and Japan has ended in defeat for China, and now Japanese soldiers are moving in to bloodily occupy the capital city. In a small American mission church, fifteen Chinese schoolgirls are hiding, trapped until the priests who look after them can smuggle them to safety. Into this already fraught atmosphere come desperate Chinese citizens looking for shelter – a rowdy group of Nanking prostitutes, a colonel Move on the run and two more soldiers who have survived a horrendous secret massacre. As the Japanese atrocities gather pace, the safety and survival of each of the church’s disparate members becomes uncertain, and the initially hostile girls begin to realise that there may be common ground between them and the prostitutes they have been taught to despise.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0099569620</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=Joanna Hickson|title=The Agincourt Bride|rating=4|genre=Historical Fiction|summary= Baker's daughter Guillaumette Dupain, aged 15, mourns for her still-born baby but her tragedy becomes others' gain. Young Mette is sent to the Hotel de San Pol, home of the French royal family to become wet nurse to the latest child produced by the sickly Charles VI and his wife, Isabella of Bavaria. The infant is Catherine de Valois; destined to be the mother of an English dynasty. But first she must live long enough to marry an English king and being a 15th century royal is a dangerous existence when your greatest enemies are in your own family.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>0007446977</amazonuk>}} {{newreview|author=David Kent-Lemon|title=Blockade Runner|rating=4|genre=Historical Fiction|summary=London shipbroker's clerk Tom Wells is hungry for promotion. Seeking responsibility where ever possible he's still unprepared for a proposition from his employer Mr Pembroke. The company is to operate five cargo ships, shuttling between the Bahamas and America's southern states and he wants Tom to be on board as shipping agent; a dangerous enterprise. Why? It's 1861 and the south is at war with the Yankee north. President Lincoln has blockaded ports like Charleston and Wilmington in the Carolinas in an attempt to prevent revenue-providing cargo leaving or supplies (including uniforms and arms) arriving. Mr Pembroke plans to illegally 'run' the blockade, something not unattractive to Tom partially due to the vastly increased wage attached but mostly because he has a certain interest in a certain American lady.|amazonuk=<amazonuk>1781590648</amazonuk>}}[[Newest History Reviews]]