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Mercenary For Hire #2
A Queen's Traitor
Richard grinned and grasping his brother's wrist said, “Terrible apart and even worse together – that would make us a fine family moto. Et mirabilia absque peius.”
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 the brothers are brought head to head when Richard tries to foil a plot against Elizabeth I.
Jack Fitzwarren, fearing his brother has died embarks on a reckless path, and whether or not Richard can save him remains to be seen.
Branded a traitor to the Crown for helping to foil a plot to remove the Princess Elizabeth from the succession, now he will risk all to save her from a plot to snatch her from England.
Protestant Reformers need a figurehead for their cause, and Elizabeth. is it. They truly believe the Princess will be safer in Europe away from her sister Mary’s cruel hand, but the lady does not want to go.
Elizabeth knows her destiny lies with England, and Jack’s lies with his brother – or so he hopes.
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 the brothers are brought head to head when Richard tries to foil a plot against Elizabeth I.
Jack Fitzwarren, fearing his brother has died embarks on a reckless path, and whether or not Richard can save him remains to be seen.
Branded a traitor to the Crown for helping to foil a plot to remove the Princess Elizabeth from the succession, now he will risk all to save her from a plot to snatch her from England.
Protestant Reformers need a figurehead for their cause, and Elizabeth. is it. They truly believe the Princess will be safer in Europe away from her sister Mary’s cruel hand, but the lady does not want to go.
Elizabeth knows her destiny lies with England, and Jack’s lies with his brother – or so he hopes.
428 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2017
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Blurb:
Meet Richard Fitzwarren - An anti-hero with a dubious past, questionable morals but unswerving loyalties
Richard grinned and grasping his brother's wrist said, “Terrible apart and even worse together – that would make us a fine family moto. Et mirabilia absque peius.”
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 the brothers are brought head to head when Richard tries to foil a plot against Elizabeth I.
Jack Fitzwarren, fearing his brother has died embarks on a reckless path, and whether or not Richard can save him remains to be seen.
Branded a traitor to the Crown for helping to foil a plot to remove the Princess Elizabeth from the succession, now he will risk all to save her from a plot to snatch her from England.
Protestant Reformers need a figurehead for their cause, and Elizabeth. is it. They truly believe the Princess will be safer in Europe away from her sister Mary’s cruel hand, but the lady does not want to go.
Elizabeth knows her destiny lies with England, and Jack’s lies with his brother – or so he hopes.
Blurb:
Meet Richard Fitzwarren - An anti-hero with a dubious past, questionable morals but unswerving loyalties
Richard grinned and grasping his brother's wrist said, “Terrible apart and even worse together – that would make us a fine family moto. Et mirabilia absque peius.”
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 the brothers are brought head to head when Richard tries to foil a plot against Elizabeth I.
Jack Fitzwarren, fearing his brother has died embarks on a reckless path, and whether or not Richard can save him remains to be seen.
Branded a traitor to the Crown for helping to foil a plot to remove the Princess Elizabeth from the succession, now he will risk all to save her from a plot to snatch her from England.
Protestant Reformers need a figurehead for their cause, and Elizabeth. is it. They truly believe the Princess will be safer in Europe away from her sister Mary’s cruel hand, but the lady does not want to go.
Elizabeth knows her destiny lies with England, and Jack’s lies with his brother – or so he hopes.
April 11, 2018
‘It was a slow journey and it was three days before he even had a sense of his surroundings.’
If you’ve read the first book (‘A Queen’s Spy’) in Ms Burnell’s series ‘The Tudor Mystery Trials’ set in 16th century England, you’ll be familiar with the main characters Jack Fitzwarren and his brother Richard. If you haven’t read the first book, I strongly recommend that you do: this book is a continuation of that story. As the novel opens, Queen Mary is on the throne and her half-sister Princess Elizabeth is next in line to rule, unless Queen Mary has a child. Elizabeth is in danger: Protestant reformers see her as the figurehead of their cause, while Catholic traditionalists would like nothing better than to remove her from the succession.
Richard Fitzwarren has already foiled one attempt to remove Elizabeth from the succession (and been branded a traitor as a consequence). Some of the Protestant reformers believe that Elizabeth would be safer in Europe, but she does not wish to leave England.
At the beginning of the novel, Jack Fitzwarren believes that his brother Richard is dead. He also knows that William Fitzwarren is his father and, armed with proof and acting impulsively, seeks a lawyer’s help. Things do not go well for Jack, and he finds himself in Marshalsea as a debtor. Unless he pays the debt against his name, he’ll be left there to die. Can Jack be saved? By whom, and how?
Ms Burnell has crafted another intricately plotted novel, blending fiction around history. Jack frustrates me at times with his impulsive actions, but the story held my attention from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the new addition to the team: Lizbet, and I’m very curious to see where Ms Burnell takes this story next.
If you enjoy fiction set in Tudor England, you may enjoy this novel. I certainly did.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
If you’ve read the first book (‘A Queen’s Spy’) in Ms Burnell’s series ‘The Tudor Mystery Trials’ set in 16th century England, you’ll be familiar with the main characters Jack Fitzwarren and his brother Richard. If you haven’t read the first book, I strongly recommend that you do: this book is a continuation of that story. As the novel opens, Queen Mary is on the throne and her half-sister Princess Elizabeth is next in line to rule, unless Queen Mary has a child. Elizabeth is in danger: Protestant reformers see her as the figurehead of their cause, while Catholic traditionalists would like nothing better than to remove her from the succession.
Richard Fitzwarren has already foiled one attempt to remove Elizabeth from the succession (and been branded a traitor as a consequence). Some of the Protestant reformers believe that Elizabeth would be safer in Europe, but she does not wish to leave England.
At the beginning of the novel, Jack Fitzwarren believes that his brother Richard is dead. He also knows that William Fitzwarren is his father and, armed with proof and acting impulsively, seeks a lawyer’s help. Things do not go well for Jack, and he finds himself in Marshalsea as a debtor. Unless he pays the debt against his name, he’ll be left there to die. Can Jack be saved? By whom, and how?
Ms Burnell has crafted another intricately plotted novel, blending fiction around history. Jack frustrates me at times with his impulsive actions, but the story held my attention from beginning to end. I really enjoyed the new addition to the team: Lizbet, and I’m very curious to see where Ms Burnell takes this story next.
If you enjoy fiction set in Tudor England, you may enjoy this novel. I certainly did.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
June 8, 2018
As much as I enjoyed the first instalment, this book is by far the better. I feel I really get to know Jack and Richard in this book, and the characters are more likeable.
I can’t wait to read the 3rd instalment - ‘A Queen’s Mercenary’ 👍
I can’t wait to read the 3rd instalment - ‘A Queen’s Mercenary’ 👍
March 5, 2018
Danger and drama at every turn.
In writing, I love all things adventure, from sword fights and political plots to exhilarating excursions through vast wildness. Ancient, medieval , or renaissance—which is when this story takes place—if the writing is clear, the action is fast and the setting well described, then I'm all in. All of those things were at play in this tale. Like the first book, this was full of court politics and nasty duels, and the tension started in just the first few pages, with a gripping scene between Jack and Dan. What's more to say? I'm off to look for more.
In writing, I love all things adventure, from sword fights and political plots to exhilarating excursions through vast wildness. Ancient, medieval , or renaissance—which is when this story takes place—if the writing is clear, the action is fast and the setting well described, then I'm all in. All of those things were at play in this tale. Like the first book, this was full of court politics and nasty duels, and the tension started in just the first few pages, with a gripping scene between Jack and Dan. What's more to say? I'm off to look for more.
January 21, 2018
An historical fiction novel with a fresh take on the Tudor Period. I loved the first book in the series, and the second, unusually, was an even better read. Jack suffers, boy does he suffer for his brother, but finally the rocky relationship between the two ends on a firmer footing. There are some interesting scenes when Jack finally gets to meet his father and his other brother, the loathsome Robert.
The dialogue between the two is excellent, and there is plenty of humour, so much so that in a couple of places I found myself laughing out loud. It's British humour and sarcasm abounds.
A new and interesting female character, Lizbet, is introduced. She's believable, and not the normal historical fiction female lead. I am very much hoping she remains in the series.
The book ends well, with the pair escaping from England and the state is certainly set for the next book in the series A Queen's Mercenary.
The dialogue between the two is excellent, and there is plenty of humour, so much so that in a couple of places I found myself laughing out loud. It's British humour and sarcasm abounds.
A new and interesting female character, Lizbet, is introduced. She's believable, and not the normal historical fiction female lead. I am very much hoping she remains in the series.
The book ends well, with the pair escaping from England and the state is certainly set for the next book in the series A Queen's Mercenary.
February 4, 2018
I read this a few months ago but got mixed up with book 1. I started on number 2 by accident. I enjoyed this book, though it would have had further meaning if read in the correct sequence! It is action packed, and an interesting tale of ordinary lives interweaving with the royalty. A great read!
December 7, 2017
I also read the first book of this series, and truth to be told I liked both of them.
December 11, 2017
Marshalsea or bust.
Great book cementing the brotherhood together, now Sam has laid down the foundations. Looking forward to the adventures to come.
Great book cementing the brotherhood together, now Sam has laid down the foundations. Looking forward to the adventures to come.
July 8, 2024
Good
An interesting story. I have always found that period in history very interesting and full of controversy. The characters are well written.
An interesting story. I have always found that period in history very interesting and full of controversy. The characters are well written.
January 10, 2018
Riveting
I picked this rating as I found the stories of the two brothers really caught my imagination. I loved the wry comments from brother to brother and I veered from backing jack with sympathy for his treatment in prison and admiring Richards classy humour. Can't wait for next book
I picked this rating as I found the stories of the two brothers really caught my imagination. I loved the wry comments from brother to brother and I veered from backing jack with sympathy for his treatment in prison and admiring Richards classy humour. Can't wait for next book
January 8, 2018
Easy read
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories of the 1500s in England. Lots of characters to keep track of without difficulty.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys stories of the 1500s in England. Lots of characters to keep track of without difficulty.
December 9, 2017
Great read
I am thoroughly enjoying Jack and Richard. Lizbet is a welcome addition.
I can't wait for number 3!
This kindle edition does need a bit more proof reading.
I am thoroughly enjoying Jack and Richard. Lizbet is a welcome addition.
I can't wait for number 3!
This kindle edition does need a bit more proof reading.
July 29, 2025
The beginning of the book carries on from where the previous one ended. Jack Fitzwarren believes his brother Richard has been killed and has left him to fend for himself. He has no idea what to do or where to go. He heads for London and finds himself in Marchalsea prison, a debtor's prison courtesy of his eldest obnoxious brother Robert. Catherine de Bernay whom the brothers rescued in the last book finds Richard and tells him that Robert has managed to get Jack imprisoned and they set out to free him. But Richard is at the same time dealing with the new Queen, Mary, who is now on the throne and is hearing that her half sister Elizabeth is about to be brought into the palace to live with Mary her and her husband Philip of Spain, Elizabeth and her supporters still want the catholic Mary dethroned and the protestant Elizabeth made Queen in her place. Richard's job is to keep Elizabeth living in her own place and keep her living basically in readiness to become Queen when the time is right.
In the meantime he has to get his brother Jack out of prison before he dies in there. He does and it's rather complicated, Jack is almost at death's door when Catherine and he get him out of prison and into a hostelry and he and Catherine are taking care of him. Both of them are not rating his chances of survival as good. This is another fantastic story in the continuing saga of Richard Fitzwarren and his half brother Jack, a man who manages to get into trouble at the drop of a hat if left unattended, that boy really needs to mature a lot.
Richard hears of the plot to remove Elizabeth from out of her home and live with Mary and Philip and she is due to soon be smuggled out of England and into The Netherlands and Elizabeth's supporters are against this, as a newly installed queen cannot rule from another country, particularly an unmarried one at that. Richard knows he is to escort her to a boat leaving for The Netherlands in a few months when the weather is good and he and Jack, and their horses are sailing too!
The book can be brutal in parts when the circumstances need to be but the newly found relationship between the brothers is just beginning to gel and they are feeling more secure in that. The book goes deeper but you need to read it for yourself! This is book 2 of a 10 part series and you do need to read each book as the next one continues where the one before left off!! Just a warning! They are not really stand-alone books.
In the meantime he has to get his brother Jack out of prison before he dies in there. He does and it's rather complicated, Jack is almost at death's door when Catherine and he get him out of prison and into a hostelry and he and Catherine are taking care of him. Both of them are not rating his chances of survival as good. This is another fantastic story in the continuing saga of Richard Fitzwarren and his half brother Jack, a man who manages to get into trouble at the drop of a hat if left unattended, that boy really needs to mature a lot.
Richard hears of the plot to remove Elizabeth from out of her home and live with Mary and Philip and she is due to soon be smuggled out of England and into The Netherlands and Elizabeth's supporters are against this, as a newly installed queen cannot rule from another country, particularly an unmarried one at that. Richard knows he is to escort her to a boat leaving for The Netherlands in a few months when the weather is good and he and Jack, and their horses are sailing too!
The book can be brutal in parts when the circumstances need to be but the newly found relationship between the brothers is just beginning to gel and they are feeling more secure in that. The book goes deeper but you need to read it for yourself! This is book 2 of a 10 part series and you do need to read each book as the next one continues where the one before left off!! Just a warning! They are not really stand-alone books.
January 12, 2019
A Queen's Traitor (The Tudor Mystery Trials #2) by Samantha Burnell
As I started the book, not knowing this was the second installment, I was lost. It felt that I had missed something. This is my biggest complaint about books that are part of a series but do not stand alone.
I tried hard to get into the main characters: The brothers Robert, John (Jack), and Richard Fitzwarren but never could. The characters never felt real and I never cared for any of them. They are set in Elizabethan England, written in the British English -- thus complaints of misspelling by a few reviewers--at the time that Mary has succeeded Edward VI, son of Henry VIII. She's Catholic and married to Phillip of Spain. Elderly, Mary is pregnant and must secure the succession if Catholicism is to survive in England. Elizabeth is Protestant, so the Protestant factions, to which Richard Fitzwarren has sworn allegiance, must protect Elizabeth.
The book has no ending, since it's a set up for the third installment. I was never engaged. The narrative is poor -- there is an attempt to use the third person point of view which fails miserably. I finished it, only because I like to read.
I would not recommend this book.
As I started the book, not knowing this was the second installment, I was lost. It felt that I had missed something. This is my biggest complaint about books that are part of a series but do not stand alone.
I tried hard to get into the main characters: The brothers Robert, John (Jack), and Richard Fitzwarren but never could. The characters never felt real and I never cared for any of them. They are set in Elizabethan England, written in the British English -- thus complaints of misspelling by a few reviewers--at the time that Mary has succeeded Edward VI, son of Henry VIII. She's Catholic and married to Phillip of Spain. Elderly, Mary is pregnant and must secure the succession if Catholicism is to survive in England. Elizabeth is Protestant, so the Protestant factions, to which Richard Fitzwarren has sworn allegiance, must protect Elizabeth.
The book has no ending, since it's a set up for the third installment. I was never engaged. The narrative is poor -- there is an attempt to use the third person point of view which fails miserably. I finished it, only because I like to read.
I would not recommend this book.
June 17, 2024
Good story, poor editing
Don’t know who edited these two books (1 & 2 in series by Sam Burrell), but the editing needs to be done with somebody with a sharper eye. A lot of verbatim repetitions, but more annoying are the missing letters, words and other things, I guess could be passed off as sloppy copy editing. But really, somebody who knows how to write and read better would do this narrative a huge service, even if it costs a bit more to get it done. Yes, I’m a retired English teacher/editor and writer. But don’t hold that against me. I’m a full-time reader now and I think I must have more respect for the craft than the editing demonstrates here. Sorry. Like I say, good story-telling, characters who deserve more than they’re getting here in the seamless read department.
Don’t know who edited these two books (1 & 2 in series by Sam Burrell), but the editing needs to be done with somebody with a sharper eye. A lot of verbatim repetitions, but more annoying are the missing letters, words and other things, I guess could be passed off as sloppy copy editing. But really, somebody who knows how to write and read better would do this narrative a huge service, even if it costs a bit more to get it done. Yes, I’m a retired English teacher/editor and writer. But don’t hold that against me. I’m a full-time reader now and I think I must have more respect for the craft than the editing demonstrates here. Sorry. Like I say, good story-telling, characters who deserve more than they’re getting here in the seamless read department.
March 4, 2019
Fantastic Read
If you love history about what happened after King Henry VIII died, you should definitely sit down and read this. The descriptive way the surroundings are explained makes you feel you are right there in the story, smelling the stake beer of the taverns, feeling the cold dampness of winter in London, hearing the waves slap against the side of the ship. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
If you love history about what happened after King Henry VIII died, you should definitely sit down and read this. The descriptive way the surroundings are explained makes you feel you are right there in the story, smelling the stake beer of the taverns, feeling the cold dampness of winter in London, hearing the waves slap against the side of the ship. This was a thoroughly enjoyable read.
September 2, 2019
Set in the middle of the turbulant Tudor era, Mary is on the throne; Elizabeth is in the wings trying to stay alive, unwed, and out of the Tower, as conspiracies swirl around the her. Meet Richard Fitzwarren and his strange family as they choose sides and fight their own personal wars with each other. This is the second book in the Tudor Mystery Trials Series, ultimately there are to be eight. Six are avaiable now.
July 28, 2019
This Tudor based story continues with Mary on the throne and Princess Elizabeth in danger. Can Richard Fitzwarren and his elder brother Jack save her. Especially as both are recovering from life-threatening wounds and what of the rest of the Fitzwarren family.
An enjoyable thriller with its likeable characters.
An enjoyable thriller with its likeable characters.
January 23, 2024
Good story with interesting historical detail
Good story that kept me interested throughout, though not that much happened. Characters are well described, the likeable protagonists are remarkably lucky, winning all their fights. Good interesting historical detail about Tudor times. I’ll definitely read the next one in the series to find out about their next adventure.
Good story that kept me interested throughout, though not that much happened. Characters are well described, the likeable protagonists are remarkably lucky, winning all their fights. Good interesting historical detail about Tudor times. I’ll definitely read the next one in the series to find out about their next adventure.
June 27, 2018
Can't wait for the next one
If you like well-written historical fiction, this series is for you. Believable characters that make you care about them. Great storyline that draws you right in. Tudor history is one if my favorites. I am an historical reenactor.
If you like well-written historical fiction, this series is for you. Believable characters that make you care about them. Great storyline that draws you right in. Tudor history is one if my favorites. I am an historical reenactor.
August 30, 2018
The ending was a bit abrupt. Just enough vernacular of the day_
or what I suppose would be the language of the period to help sink into 16th century England. A happy romp plus interestingly drawn brothers. Love Lisbet. I'll read more.
or what I suppose would be the language of the period to help sink into 16th century England. A happy romp plus interestingly drawn brothers. Love Lisbet. I'll read more.
November 12, 2018
Fast paced
Good story line and well researched. Only ordered it because it was a recommendation available on Kindle Unlimited and I'm so glad I did. The characters are believable and their stories intertwine very well
Good story line and well researched. Only ordered it because it was a recommendation available on Kindle Unlimited and I'm so glad I did. The characters are believable and their stories intertwine very well
December 26, 2018
An excellent read
A well written book with realistic scenes for the time. Seems to accurately follow history.
The action is a little slow, as it delves deep into the feelings of the men, but it remains riveting.
A well written book with realistic scenes for the time. Seems to accurately follow history.
The action is a little slow, as it delves deep into the feelings of the men, but it remains riveting.
January 3, 2019
A Queen's Traitor
This is an excellent story. It kept my mind busy even when I was doing something else. History changed. This is what made this historical fiction adventure story so entertaining. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes a swashbuckling adventure.
This is an excellent story. It kept my mind busy even when I was doing something else. History changed. This is what made this historical fiction adventure story so entertaining. I would recommend this book to everyone who likes a swashbuckling adventure.
February 5, 2019
Better than the first!
Non stop action woven in Medieval English history! If yo thought Richard and Jack were done in book 1 you will be surprised reading book 2! I am looking at purchasing Book 3. Enjoy!
Non stop action woven in Medieval English history! If yo thought Richard and Jack were done in book 1 you will be surprised reading book 2! I am looking at purchasing Book 3. Enjoy!
March 15, 2019
Integriguing Tale
I haven't read the other books in this series, but I liked this one. It jumped straight into the action. I learned everything I needed to as I read. I liked the characters and their tales and how it all comes together as you read. Enjoyable!
I haven't read the other books in this series, but I liked this one. It jumped straight into the action. I learned everything I needed to as I read. I liked the characters and their tales and how it all comes together as you read. Enjoyable!
May 24, 2019
OK now.
This turned òut to, happoly, much better than I feared. Historical fiction really isn't my thing, but this one tirned out rather nice, so I definately recommend it to everyone. Enjoy.
This turned òut to, happoly, much better than I feared. Historical fiction really isn't my thing, but this one tirned out rather nice, so I definately recommend it to everyone. Enjoy.
August 21, 2019
Very interesting and enjoyable story
The author has written a very interesting story about English Royalty and the conniving and plotting for power and one man’s actions to foil their treacherous plot. Fast action and enjoyable reading.
The author has written a very interesting story about English Royalty and the conniving and plotting for power and one man’s actions to foil their treacherous plot. Fast action and enjoyable reading.
November 13, 2019
Slightly better
The writing has improved somewhat; however, the editor, if there was indeed such a person involved in the process, slept through their work again... At least the characters are developing, albeit slowly.
The writing has improved somewhat; however, the editor, if there was indeed such a person involved in the process, slept through their work again... At least the characters are developing, albeit slowly.
March 21, 2020
Cliffhanger!
It was a really good book until it just stopped. No ending. Everything left up in the air. They are in the middle of the sea on the way to Holland and it just stopped. Totally ridiculous!
It was a really good book until it just stopped. No ending. Everything left up in the air. They are in the middle of the sea on the way to Holland and it just stopped. Totally ridiculous!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews