Assassin's Reign by Michael Arnold

Assassin's Reign, the fourth installment in Michael Arnold's gripping Civil War Chronicles, plunges readers into the heart of the English Civil War. Captain Stryker, a seasoned warrior known for his prowess, finds himself in a desperate mission to infiltrate Gloucester, a city under Royalist threat. As the Parliamentarian forces struggle to hold their ground, Stryker's loyalty is put to the test when he encounters his former commander, now fighting for the opposing side. The story unfolds with intense action and political intrigue, as Stryker uncovers a hidden menace that threatens not only his life but also the fate of King Charles himself. Arnold's vivid historical detail and compelling character development bring the era to life, making Assassin's Reign a thrilling addition to the series. The novel's exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the complexities of war offers a rich tapestry of human drama against the backdrop of one of history's most tumultuous periods.

Reviews

Hachette · History Today and Sunday Times · 2025-12-05

fantastic 4.25

The book is compared favorably to the Sharpe series, praised for its fun and engaging narrative. The protagonist is noted as a standout character, adding to the book's appeal.

The reviewers from History Today and the Sunday Times draw comparisons between the book and the popular Sharpe series, highlighting its fun and engaging narrative. The protagonist, Captain Stryker, is particularly praised for being a standout character, adding to the book's appeal. The historical setting is well-executed, providing a rich backdrop for the story. The reviewers appreciate the author's ability to create a compelling and enjoyable read, making it a strong addition to the historical thriller genre. The book is seen as a fun and engaging read, with a well-crafted protagonist and a rich historical setting.

Quick quotes

The book is compared favorably to the Sharpe series, praised for its fun and engaging narrative.

The protagonist, Captain Stryker, is particularly praised for being a standout character.

The historical setting is well-executed, providing a rich backdrop for the story.

Goodreads · Various · 2025-12-05

good 3.75

Readers appreciate the book's fast-paced action and historical setting, making it an enjoyable read. The character development is noted as a strong point, though some find the plot predictable at times.

The reviewers on Goodreads generally praise the book for its fast-paced action and historical setting, which makes it an enjoyable read. The character development is particularly highlighted as a strong point, with readers appreciating the depth and complexity of the main characters. However, some reviewers find the plot to be somewhat predictable, which slightly detracts from the overall experience. The historical accuracy and attention to detail are also commended, adding to the book's authenticity. Despite some criticisms about the predictability of the plot, the book is well-received for its engaging narrative and well-crafted characters, making it a worthwhile read for fans of historical thrillers.

Quick quotes

The character development is particularly highlighted as a strong point.

The historical accuracy and attention to detail are commended.

The plot is somewhat predictable, which slightly detracts from the overall experience.

Blackpool Gazette · 2025-12-05

excellent 4.00

The book is praised for its fast-paced action and historical authenticity, making it a thrilling read for fans of the genre. The character development is noted as a standout feature, adding depth to the narrative.

The reviewer highlights the book's ability to blend historical facts with a gripping narrative, making it a compelling read. The action sequences are particularly praised for their intensity and realism, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The characters, especially the protagonist, are well-developed, adding emotional depth to the story. The reviewer also appreciates the author's attention to historical detail, which enriches the overall reading experience. However, they note that some of the secondary characters could have been fleshed out more to enhance the story's impact. Overall, the book is seen as a strong addition to the historical thriller genre, with its engaging plot and well-crafted characters.

Quick quotes

The action sequences are particularly praised for their intensity and realism.

The characters, especially the protagonist, are well-developed, adding emotional depth to the story.

The author's attention to historical detail enriches the overall reading experience.

Appears in Lists

English Civil War Books