A Queen's Spy

A Medieval Military Historical Fiction Novel (Mercenary For Hire, Book 1)

By: Sam Burnell

Narrated by: Nathaniel Williams

Length: 14 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's Summary

Optioned for new Game of Thrones-style series.

Meet Richard Fitzwarren: a mercenary with a dubious past, questionable morals, but unswerving loyalties.

Two queens, two brothers...and a secret that unites them all.

The Fitzwarren brothers share no great love for each other, but disinherited, hunted for treason, and wanted for murder, circumstance and opportunity lead them into the shadowy world of Royal Court intrigue. Caught up between two sisters in a battle for an uneasy crown, the Fitzwarren brothers grudgingly find their survival and fortune depends on each other. 

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, they are brought head-to-head when Richard tries to foil a plot against Elizabeth I.

Can Jack murder his brother to save a woman he’s never met?

Will Richard accept his fate and fight? Or will he run?

As Tudor England erupts following the death of Edward VI, can one young spy protect his queen? International best-selling author Sam Burnell takes us deep into the treacherous world of powerful monarchs, intrigue, murder, and treason with this magnificent new epic, A Queen’s Spy.

In 1553, England is torn apart by religious conflict. Power shifts precariously between Catholics and Protestants, royalty and commoners clash testing friendship, loyalty, and brotherly love. 

Richard Fitzwarren, caught in the middle of a cruel family feud, wants nothing more than to make his own way in the world. A childhood friend of the Princess Elizabeth, he cannot forget his loyalty in her time of need.

If you like Bernard Cornwell then this is a story for you.

©2017 Samantha Burnell (P)2019 Samantha Burnell

Medieval Adventure. Historical Fiction. Wonderful!

Great series. Listened with Audible. Takes the edge off of my long road trips. Narrator Nathaniel Williams, with his authentic British sound, breathes real life into Burnell's medieval characters.

Enjoyed watching the relationship evolve between bastard brothers Richard and Jack. Wonderful twists in the book and plenty of action. Richard's charisma and eidetic memory give him confidence bordering on arrogance. Calloused and often dislikable, Richard redeems himself just often enough that a reader can't quite come to loathe him. Jack on the other hand is the brutish and impatient half brother who would rather lower his head and charge like an angry bull at a problem rather than go through the mental contortions necessary to think around the problem. Jack also exhibits a vulnerability in his somewhat one-sided interest in establishing a more open and honest relationship with his brother Richard. Despite their extreme differences, the one thing they have in common is their violent, loathsome brother Robert who would like nothing more than to see both their heads on a spit in order to fully secure his immense wealth and standing in society. Who will prevail?

Historical fiction full of mystery

This is a review of the entire series. The series consists of fictional stories during the Tudor succession, though loosely related. As factual as any YouTube documentary. No magic. No war. Entirely political treachery. Plenty of gore. The book is well written and well narrated. If you have some interest in this time period in English history, the book's seedy characters will keep you listening.

Action Packed

The story is a complex mix of the political and social setting in the 1550’s and against this background Richard and Jack play out their lives as they try to make the most of the turmoil England is thrown into after the death of Henry VIII’s son, Edward.

Good audible choice

Enjoyed this from start to finish. The action is dynamic, fast paced and has you holding your breath!

Fast Paced I Liked it

Good English narrator, which fits in with the setting, and a good mystery plot keeps you on your toes. Lots of characters and woven into the story is lots of interesting historical facts – I checked a few out on-line and was surprised to find out they were true! Good listen – can recommend.

Engaging

Loved the tale of these two dynamic and capable brothers as they try to make the best of their difficult lives in the times of the Tudors. Their relationship starts out as a distrustful one but after a series of events that bring them closer together they stand eventually side by side.

It’s read so awfully I am requesting a refund

Utterly awful - if a mannequin could read it would be like this. It’s so awful I haven’t even finished 10 mins

Elizabethan Intrigue

Set before the time of Glorianna this details the period of her rise to the throne. The plots against her and the very real danger Elizabeth was in during the reign of her sister, Mary.

Good Audio Listen

A good long book with plenty of intrigue and plot twists. Enjoyed the historical details and mix of real and fictional characters.

Hugely Entertaining

I started off not particularly liking Richard Fitzwarren, his acts seemed random and his treatment of his brother cruel but as the book progresses it becomes very clear why this is and I am a convert.

Boring

Unusual for me but I struggled with this book despite trying twice, I just could not find the characters interesting enough.