Two kings. Two nations. One crown. The start of an epic historical espionage series by master authors A.J. Mackenzie.
1328. After years of civil unrest between England and France, Charles IV dies, leaving no apparent heir. His closest heir to the throne is Edward III of England, but it passes instead to Charles’ cousin, Phillip, spurring both countries on to war.
1346. Landing at Normandy, Edward’s immense army makes inroads into French territory, burning everything in their path. But the mysterious assassination of an English knight reveals a terrible truth: there is a traitor in their midst. The king charges Simon Merrivale, the Prince of Wales’ herald, with solving the case.
As the army marches on towards its destiny, at the awesome scenes of the Battle of Crcy, Simon will uncover a conspiracy that goes to the heart of the warring nations. Among the ashes and the rubble, their fate will be decided: on the battlefield… and in the shadows.
A scintillating medieval adventure of warfare and espionage, steeped in years of research, perfect for fans of David Gilman and Conn Iggulden.
Praise for A Flight of Arrows
Like one of those exquisite tapestries with interlacing strands in an array of vivid colour […] a truly enthralling account of the events leading up to Crcy. Compulsory reading for all who enjoy that most fascinating period of English history’ Paul Doherty, author of The Nightingale Gallery
‘A rip-roaring story and devilish plot with outstanding historical detail […] Mackenzie has created a character who will surely take his place in the canon of historical literary detectives’ C. B. Hanley, author of the Mediaeval Mysteries series
Embark on a thrilling journey into the heart of the Hundred Years' War with A.J. Mackenzie's "A Flight of Arrows," the captivating first installment in an epic historical espionage series. This gripping tale plunges you into a world of kings, nations, and a fiercely contested crown, where political intrigue and battlefield brutality collide. Step back into 1328, as the death of Charles IV of France throws the nation into turmoil, igniting simmering tensions with England. With no clear successor, the throne is claimed by Charles' cousin, Phillip, bypassing the claim of Edward III of England and setting the stage for a decades-long conflict. Years later, in 1346, Edward's formidable army lands on the shores of Normandy, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Amidst the chaos of war, a shocking assassination rocks the English ranks, revealing a traitor lurking in their midst. King Edward entrusts Simon Merrivale, the astute and resourceful herald of the Prince of Wales, with the perilous task of uncovering the truth. As the English army marches inexorably towards the fateful Battle of Crcy, Simon delves deeper into a web of deceit and conspiracy that threatens to unravel the very fabric of the warring nations. His investigation leads him through the ravaged French countryside, uncovering secrets that powerful figures will stop at nothing to protect. He must navigate treacherous alliances, decipher cryptic clues, and confront deadly adversaries to expose the traitor and prevent further bloodshed. "A Flight of Arrows" is more than just a war story; it's a meticulously researched and vividly rendered portrayal of medieval life, blending historical accuracy with heart-pounding suspense. Mackenzie masterfully recreates the atmosphere of 14th-century Europe, immersing readers in the sights, sounds, and political machinations of the era. The characters are compelling and complex, each with their own motivations and secrets, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. Perfect for fans of historical fiction masters like David Gilman and Conn Iggulden, "A Flight of Arrows" offers a thrilling blend of warfare, espionage, and intricate mystery. Experience the clash of armies, the cunning of spies, and the weight of destiny in this unforgettable medieval adventure. Prepare to be swept away by A.J. Mackenzie's masterful storytelling and immerse yourself in a world where the fate of nations hangs in the balance. This is a must-read for anyone seeking a historical thriller that combines meticulous research with a relentlessly gripping plot. Simon Merrivale is a character you won't soon forget, and "A Flight of Arrows" is a journey you won't want to miss. A truly enthralling account of the events leading up to Crcy. Compulsory reading for all who enjoy that most fascinating period of English history. A rip-roaring story and devilish plot with outstanding historical detail, Mackenzie has created a character who will surely take his place in the canon of historical literary detectives.