Kingdom of Rebels

The Wars of the Roses #3

by Derek Birks

England in 1468 is a nervous kingdom. King Edward IV has fallen out with his chief ally during the Wars of the Roses, the powerful Earl of Warwick.

Ned Elder, a young lord whose sword helped to put Edward on the throne, has been forced out of England by Warwick. Far away on the Scottish border, a beleaguered fort, Crag Tower, desperately awaits Ned’s return. Led by his fiery sister, Eleanor, the dwindling garrison is all that remains of his brave army of retainers.

Unknown to all except the loyal knight, Ragwulf, Eleanor has Ned’s young son in her charge - a son who has never seen his father. But, as border clansmen batter the gates with fire, the castle seems certain to fall.

One by one Ned’s family and friends are caught up in Warwick’s web of treason. The fate of the Elders and those who serve them lies once more in the balance as all are drawn back to Yorkshire where they face old enemies once more.

Eleanor can only hope that Ned will soon return. She must fight to keep that hope alive… and when Lady Eleanor fights, she takes no prisoners... Kingdom of Rebels has recently been selected as an Editor's Choice by the Historical Novel Society.

Genres: Historical Fiction

528 pages, Paperback

First published August 31, 2014

About the author

Derek lives in Dorset but was born in Hampshire and spent his teenage years in Auckland, New Zealand, where he still has strong family ties. For many years he taught history in a Berkshire secondary school, but took early retirement to concentrate on his writing. Apart from writing, he spends his time walking, watching films and taking part in archaeological digs.
Interested in a wide range of historical themes, Derek began his writing career with the late medieval period. He writes character-driven, action-packed fiction which is rooted in accurate history. His debut historical novel, Feud, is the first of a series of eight books and one novella entitled The Wars of the Roses which follows the fortunes of the fictional Elder family.
Derek has also written an Amazon bestselling trilogy set largely in post-Roman Britain. The Last of The Romans focuses on the real Romano-British character of Ambrosius Aurelianus during the fifth century AD.
Recently, Derek has published Rebel Sword, the first of a new historical fiction series set during the Anarchy of twelfth century England.
A new venture is the publication by Pen and Sword of a non-fiction history book entitled: A Guide to the Wars of the Roses.
Derek has written and produced over 40 podcasts on the Wars of the Roses. With historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly, he also co-hosts the podcast series, A Slice of Medieval, which is a fusion of history and historical fiction featuring popular historical novelists and medieval historians.

Reviews

[Paul Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read book 1, Feud, I enjoyed it and felt that the Elder clan was nothing if not resilient in the face of turmoil and trouble, When I read book 2, A Traitor's Fate, I enjoyed it even more and felt that the Elder clan couldn't possibly stand much more in the way of turmoil and trouble. I have finished book 3, Kingdom of Rebels, and really enjoyed it and am convinced that the Elder clan has reached the limit of human endurance and could use a little peace and quiet; though I'm pretty sure that given the way book 3 ends that book 4 will offer little in the way of peace and quiet. At the end of book 2, Ned Elder has been exiled from England for 5 years...his return is much anticipated not only by those who need him to set things right but also by those who need him dead. The story is full of action, intrigue and cover to cover excitement. The author does a splendid job of story telling of a time of civil unrest, personal feuds and plots to dethrone a King, This is not a world and time of instant communication; rather it is a fact of life that plans go awry frequently and this makes for some rather nice plot twists for the reader while often spelling doom for the participants. The characters, those who survive as well as those who do not are well developed and believable and the ones who have been around since the beginning continue to evolve nicely. If you are looking for a series of books filled with stressful situations and passionate, determined characters set into a historical framework then look no further than Feud. I am looking forward to book 4...there is more to come in the Elder story. 5 stars.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a rollercoaster ride through the Kingdoms & Brothers series and this book is no exception. Following Ned and the rest of the Elders through the Warwick Rebellion against Edward IV and culminating with the Battle of Tewkesbury, the family fights to survive, mending some – but not all – bridges along the way, and still making new enemies.

As ever, the story telling is fast-paced and masterful, and the finale frenetic. A worthy final chapter to what has been a magnificent series.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:

'Third in the Rebels and Brothers series, Kingdom of Rebels can easily be read as a stand-alone, but I strongly advise starting at the beginning with Feud and A Traitor's Fate. Full of action, and very well written, this magnificent story captures life in the 15th Century life with wonderful skill.'

Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs

[gj indieBRAG · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are proud to announce that KINGDOM OF REBELS by Derek Birks is a B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!