The Licence of War by Claire Letemendia

Set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, 'The Licence of War' follows Laurence Beaumont, a nobleman with a shadowy past as a mercenary and spy. Hired against his will as an agent to the King's Secretary of State, Beaumont is sent into enemy-held London to track down a twisted spymaster. As power struggles seethe within the Royalist camp, Beaumont's faith in the King's cause is eroded, and he becomes haunted by nightmares portending the deaths of the King and the Prince of Wales. /n/n Beaumont's personal life is equally tumultuous, as he struggles with his love for the bewitching Isabella Savage and the pressure to choose a respectable wife to carry on his family's ancient line. A visitor from his mother's Spanish past arrives with a long-buried secret that could ultimately destroy the Beaumont family, adding another layer of complexity to Beaumont's already perilous situation.

Reviews

Penguin Books · 2015-05-07

engaging 4.00

The novel is a thrilling continuation of the adventures of Laurence Beaumont. The blend of history and fiction is executed with precision and creativity.

This book is a thrilling continuation of the adventures of Laurence Beaumont, the seductive and sardonic protagonist from The Best of Men. The author masterfully blends historical facts with fictional elements, creating a narrative that is both engaging and informative. The protagonist's character development is well-crafted, making him a compelling figure throughout the story. The pacing is excellent, and the plot twists are well-executed, making it a thrilling read from start to finish. The author's attention to detail and historical accuracy adds depth to the story, making it a standout in the genre of historical fiction.

Quick quotes

This second thrilling novel featuring Laurence Beaumont, the seductive, sardonic protagonist introduced in The Best of Men, blends history and fiction in a captivating way.

The author's attention to detail and historical accuracy adds depth to the story.

The pacing is excellent, and the plot twists are well-executed, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.

Goodreads · Community Review · 2014-01-01

thrilling 4.50

The novel blends history and fiction seamlessly, creating an engaging narrative. The protagonist, Laurence Beaumont, is both seductive and sardonic, adding depth to the story.

This book is a fantastic blend of historical facts and fictional elements, making it a compelling read. The protagonist, Laurence Beaumont, is introduced in a way that makes him both intriguing and relatable. His seductive and sardonic nature adds layers to the narrative, making it more than just a typical historical fiction. The author's ability to weave real events with fictional characters is commendable, creating a rich tapestry that keeps the reader engaged. The pacing is excellent, and the plot twists are well-executed, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.

Quick quotes

This second thrilling novel featuring Laurence Beaumont, the seductive, sardonic protagonist introduced in The Best of Men, blends history and fiction in a captivating way.

The author's ability to weave real events with fictional characters is commendable.

The pacing is excellent, and the plot twists are well-executed, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.

Claire Letemendia's Official Website · Claire Letemendia · 2014-01-01

captivating 4.20

The novel is a rich tapestry of historical events and fictional characters. The protagonist's journey is both captivating and thought-provoking.

This book is a rich tapestry of historical events and fictional characters, creating a narrative that is both captivating and thought-provoking. The protagonist, Laurence Beaumont, is portrayed in a way that makes him both intriguing and relatable. His journey is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader engaged. The author's ability to weave real events with fictional characters is commendable, making it a standout in the genre of historical fiction. The pacing is excellent, and the character development is well-crafted, making it a thrilling read from start to finish. The author's attention to detail and historical accuracy adds depth to the story, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike.

Quick quotes

This double portrait, painted by Van Dyck around 1635, shows the young George Digby (1612-77) with the then William, Lord Russell (1613-1700).

The author's ability to weave real events with fictional characters is commendable.

The pacing is excellent, and the character development is well-crafted, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.

Appears in Lists

English Civil War Books