A Cruel Fate

by Lindsey Davis
A Cruel Fate cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 6815
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781444763188
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2014-02-03
  • Reviews: 3

A Cruel Fate plunges readers into the dark and brutal world of Oxford Castle during the English Civil War. Martin Watts, a humble bookseller, and Jane Afton, a determined young woman, find themselves entangled in a web of cruelty and despair when they are captured by Royalists. Their suffering is exacerbated by the sadistic jailor, William Smith, who inflicts unimaginable torture, starvation, and deprivation upon his helpless victims. As Jane fights to rescue her ailing brother from the clutches of this monstrous man, Martin must find the courage to escape the horrors of the prison. /n/nBased on real events, Lindsey Davis's gripping narrative sheds light on the stark abuses of power that occurred in Oxford prison during this tumultuous period. The story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Through vivid and harrowing details, Davis brings to life the grim reality of the time, making A Cruel Fate a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
New2Writing · 2018-07-15
engaging 4.50

The story is engaging and well-crafted, offering a unique perspective on historical events. The characters are well-developed and the narrative is both humorous and insightful.

This short story is a gem within the Quick Reads series, offering a compelling historical fiction experience. The characters are intriguing and three-dimensional, and the whole is told with a humour and insight which means the reader will find the book impossible to put down. The author's ability to blend historical facts with engaging storytelling makes this a standout read.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed this short story and was pleased to find a historical fiction novel within the quick reads series.

    The characters are intriguing and three-dimensional, and the whole is told with a humour and insight which means the reader will find the book impossible to put down.

    The story gives a small but powerful insight into what it would have been like living under those conditions.

Caliburnus Rises · 2016-01-13
powerful 4.00

The story provides a powerful insight into the harsh realities of life during the English Civil War. The narrative is gripping and the characters are well-drawn.

This book offers a small but powerful insight into what it would have been like living under the harsh conditions of the English Civil War. The story is gripping and the characters are well-drawn, making it a compelling read. The author's ability to convey the grim realities of the time period is commendable, and the narrative is both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    The story gives a small but powerful insight into what it would have been like living under those conditions.

    The characters are well-drawn and the narrative is gripping.

    The author's ability to convey the grim realities of the time period is commendable.

Sprinkled With Words · 2015-02-15
recommended 4.20

The book is highly recommended for anyone interested in the English Civil War. The tagline on the front of the book is accurate and the story is well-told.

This book is a great choice for anyone interested in the English Civil War. The tagline on the front of the book really is accurate, and the story is well-told. The characters are engaging and the narrative is both informative and entertaining. The author's ability to bring historical events to life is impressive, and the book is a valuable addition to the genre.

Quick quotes

    All in all, I would recommend this book for anyone interested in the English Civil War.

    The tagline on the front of the book really is accurate.

    The characters are engaging and the narrative is both informative and entertaining.

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