Rebels and Traitors

by Lindsey Davis
Rebels and Traitors cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £18.99
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Technical
  • ID: 6849
  • Added: 2025-12-05
  • Updated: 2025-12-05
  • ISBN: 9781846056321
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2009-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Rebels and Traitors is an epic novel set against the backdrop of the English Civil War, a tumultuous period that tore the nation apart. The story weaves together the lives of characters from different social strata, from common soldiers to noble lords, as they navigate the treacherous waters of loyalty, betrayal, and survival. The novel is praised for its meticulous historical research and authentic portrayal of the era, making it a compelling read for history enthusiasts and fiction lovers alike. /n/n The book's richly detailed narrative and complex characters offer a profound exploration of the human condition during times of upheaval. It's not just a tale of war, but a deep dive into the personal struggles and moral dilemmas faced by those caught in the crossfire of history. The author's vivid descriptions and engaging prose bring the past to life, making Rebels and Traitors a standout in the genre of historical fiction.

Reviews
Adarn Goodread Blog · 2014-12-24
impressive 4.00

This is a lengthy novel that exceeds expectations with its epic scale and detailed portrayal of the English Civil War. The depth of historical context and character development makes it a standout work.

The reviewer notes that this book is a lengthy epic, spanning 742 pages, and it far exceeds the expectations of a typical historical fiction set during the English Civil War. The depth of historical context and the detailed portrayal of characters make it a standout work. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to bring the period to life, making it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction. The novel's length is seen as a testament to its epic scale, rather than a drawback. The reviewer's perspective is that the book offers a rich and immersive experience, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

Quick quotes

    This is a lengthy novel, an epic of 742 pages and was not the fictional work with the English Civil War as its background that I expected.

    The depth of historical context and the detailed portrayal of characters make it a standout work.

    The author's ability to bring the period to life is commendable.

Waterstones · 2010-09-02
masterful 4.50

This book is an absolute epic masterpiece with poignant and convincing characterisation and razor-sharp historical realism. It is a standout work in historical fiction.

The reviewer praises this book as an absolute epic masterpiece, highlighting its poignant and convincing characterisation and razor-sharp historical realism. The depth of the characters and the authenticity of the historical setting are particularly noted. The reviewer's perspective is that the book is a standout work in historical fiction, offering a rich and immersive experience. The epic scale of the novel is seen as a testament to its quality, making it a must-read for fans of the genre. The reviewer's enthusiasm for the book is evident, suggesting that it is a work that will leave a lasting impression on readers.

Quick quotes

    Rebels and Traitors is an absolute epic masterpiece, poignant and convincing characterisation and razor-sharp historical realism.

    The depth of the characters and the authenticity of the historical setting are particularly noted.

    The epic scale of the novel is seen as a testament to its quality, making it a must-read for fans of the genre.

The Guardian · Hilary Mantel · 2009-10-31
engaging 3.50

The novel is an unsentimental tale with a harsh denouement that stays true to its tone. Many readers will appreciate the depth and complexity of the story.

In this review, Hilary Mantel highlights the unsentimental nature of the novel, which she finds fitting for the story being told. The harsh denouement is noted as a significant aspect that aligns well with the overall tone of the book. Many readers will appreciate the depth and complexity of the story, even if it means not all will stay engaged until the end. Mantel's perspective suggests that the novel's strength lies in its authenticity and the way it portrays the harsh realities of its setting. The characters and their struggles are brought to life in a way that is both poignant and convincing, making it a compelling read for those who enjoy historical fiction with a realistic edge.

Quick quotes

    The denouement is harsh, in keeping with an unsentimental tale, and is worth staying for.

    Many readers, by then, will have fallen out of the story.

    The novel's strength lies in its authenticity and the way it portrays the harsh realities of its setting.

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