Traitor's Blood

by Michael Arnold
Traitor's Blood cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Historical Fiction
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  • ID: 6835
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781848544055
  • Publisher: Hachette UK
  • Published: 2010-08-19
  • Reviews: 3

Captain Stryker, a seasoned veteran of the Low Countries wars, returns to England with a singular purpose: to avenge himself against the man who left him for dead. Driven by loyalty rather than political conviction, Stryker assembles a small band of trusted men, including the eccentric Lancelot Forreseter and the foul-mouthed Sergeant Skellen. When a high-stakes spy is discovered within the Royalist establishment, Prince Rupert tasks Stryker with capturing the traitor before he can flee./n/nStryker's mission leads him across a war-torn country, fraught with danger and betrayal. Unbeknownst to him, his nemesis, Captain Eli Makepeace, is also on the hunt for the same quarry. As the race against time intensifies, Stryker must confront not only the spy but also the ghosts of his past.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-05
brilliant 4.75

Michael Arnold has hit the coveted spot where the history is well presented and feels solid and detailed, and yet never gets in the way of the story.

This novel is a stellar example of historical fiction that balances detailed research with a compelling narrative. The author's ability to present history in a way that feels authentic and engaging is commendable. The story never feels bogged down by historical details, but rather uses them to enhance the overall reading experience. The characters are well-developed, and the plot is engaging, making it a book that is hard to put down. It's clear that the author has a deep understanding of the period and a talent for storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Michael Arnold has hit, with his first novel, that coveted spot where the history is well presented and feels solid and detailed, and yet never gets in the way of the story

    The history is well presented and feels solid and detailed

    A compelling story that keeps readers engaged

Ancient and Medieval Mayhem · 2014-11-04
great 4.00

The book is an action adventure in every sense, with skilful writing that strings together the fluid story. It's a gripping read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

This novel is a thrilling action adventure that doesn't disappoint. The writing is skilful and fluid, making it easy to get lost in the story. The author has a knack for keeping readers engaged and on the edge of their seats. The historical setting is well-researched and adds depth to the narrative. While the scope of the writing may not be vast, the author's ability to craft a compelling story is evident. It's a book that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and action adventures alike.

Quick quotes

    The book is an action adventure in every sense

    The writing while not of vast scope was skilful in the way it strung the very fluid of the story

    It's a pretty gripping read

Eurocrime · 2011-01-09
excellent 4.50

The book is an intensely interesting, plot-driven, historical novel of superb quality. It is the first book of a long series of stories built around a compelling protagonist.

This novel stands out as a top-tier historical fiction piece, with a gripping plot that keeps readers engaged. The author's attention to detail and ability to weave a compelling narrative around a well-researched historical backdrop is commendable. The protagonist is particularly well-developed, making the story even more engaging. It's clear that this is the start of a promising series, and readers will likely be eager to follow the character's journey in subsequent books.

Quick quotes

    An intensely interesting, plot-driven, historical novel of superb quality

    The first book of, hopefully, a long series of stories built around the character of Captain Stryker

    A gripping tale that captures the essence of the English Civil War

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