The Last Roundhead by Jemahl Evans

In the midst of the English Civil War, Blandford Candy finds himself entangled in a web of espionage and intrigue. Sent to London after an illicit affair, he joins the Roundhead army and becomes a spy, uncovering Royalist plots and earning both enemies and patrons. His love for wine and women complicates his mission, but his wit and luck help him survive. /n/n Blandford's adventures are not just about war and espionage; they also involve navigating the treacherous waters of family politics, where his relatives prove to be more duplicitous than any rival agent. As he struggles to survive, Blandford must choose a side and confront the consequences of his actions. The Last Roundhead is the first in a series of novels that chart Blandford's daring escapades during this tumultuous period in history.

Reviews

Historical Novel Society · 2025-12-05

fun 4.25

The novel is described as a rollicking good read with a protagonist who leads an exceptionally charmed life. The research is impeccable and the writing full of verve.

This reviewer found The Last Roundhead to be a great fun and a rollicking good read. They were particularly impressed by the protagonist, Blandford Candy, who leads an exceptionally and somewhat unlikely charmed life. The reviewer praised the meticulous research that went into the novel, which brought the historical setting to life. The writing was described as full of verve, making the story engaging and entertaining. The reviewer also appreciated the balance between historical accuracy and a thrilling narrative, which made the book a standout in the genre of historical fiction.

Quick quotes

It is great fun and a rollicking good read, while Candy lives an exceptionally and, somewhat unlikely, charmed life in surviving the perils and vicissitudes of ...

The research is impeccable and the writing full of verve.

The novel is meticulously researched, but Evans doesn't allow the history to stall the narrative which is dramatic, brutal and very funny in equal measures.

Air and Sea Stories · 2017-10-27

delightful 4.50

The novel is praised for its engaging narrative and well-developed main character, making it one of the best historical novels in recent times. The story is a delightful romp that doesn't take itself too seriously.

This reviewer found The Last Roundhead to be one of the best historical novels they've read in a long time. They were particularly impressed by the voice of the main character, Blandford Candy, which brought the story to life. The novel's blend of history and fiction is seamless, making it a thoroughly enjoyable read. The reviewer also appreciated the humor and lightheartedness of the story, which balanced the more serious themes of ambition, survival, betrayal, and revenge. Overall, it's a highly recommended read for fans of historical fiction.

Quick quotes

The Last Roundhead, by Jemahl Evans, was one of the best historical novels I've read in a long time.

The voice of the main character and the historical setting are brilliantly brought to life.

It is thoroughly delightful, and I recommend it to all.

The Mself · 2015-07-06

excellent 4.75

The Last Roundhead is described as the best historical fiction in years, with a tale that is both thrilling and highly recommended. The protagonist's journey is captivating from start to finish.

This reviewer was thoroughly impressed by The Last Roundhead, calling it the best historical fiction they've read in years. They were particularly drawn to the tale of Blandford Candy, the last Roundhead alive in 1719, and his adventures. The reviewer found the novel to be a thrilling and captivating read, with themes of ambition, survival, betrayal, and revenge that kept them engaged from beginning to end. The historical accuracy and the way the story was woven around real events were particularly praised. The reviewer highly recommended this book to anyone looking for a great historical fiction read.

Quick quotes

The Last Roundhead is the best historical fiction I have read in years!

This is the tale of Blandford Candy, the last roundhead alive in 1719, and his adventures.

With themes of ambition, survival, betrayal and revenge, The Last Roundhead does not fail to enthral from beginning to end.

Appears in Lists

English Civil War Books