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Here is an archive of my historical fiction book reviews. Although I read broadly, I primarily enjoy reading historical fiction that is set in a period over 50-100 years ago. The traditional “cut off” point for historical fiction is 50 years or more, but to me, “historical” fiction should be older than I am.

Portrait of a young Francis Drake

Who Was Francis Drake? Exploring the Legend Behind the Historical Fiction Novel Sic Parvis Magna

The tiny, cramped bay of San Juan de Ulúa erupted into chaos as the sun approach its zenith overhead. The air, moments ago filled with the gentle lapping of waves in between closely moored ships, now crackled with cannon and musket fire and the clash of steel. Francis Drake, barely twenty-eight, burst from his cabin aboard the Judith, sword in hand. This was his first command as a captain. His eyes widened at the sight of Spanish Marines swarming over the rails, their faces twisted with rage. “Heretics!” they cried, their blades flashing. As Drake parried a vicious thrust, his mind raced. How had it come to this? The truce, the promises of safe harbor – all shattered in an instant. San Pedro’s cannon roared. In that moment, as the smell of gunpowder and blood filled his nostrils, Francis Drake knew that his life would never be the same.

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Sir Francis Drake with his Coat Of Arms with the inscription of Sic Parvis Magna

Sic Parvis Magna Meaning

The meaning of Sic Parvis Magna is from small beginnings, greatness. This is the title of the first book of the historical fiction series Adventures of Francis Drake.

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Historical Fiction Novel Sic Parvis Magna part of cover

Historical Fiction Novel Sic Parvis Magna

The historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna is the coming of age story of Francis Drake—a farm boy before his notoriety as a pirate who spectacularly raided the Spanish Main, or his fame as a circumnavigator and bold admiral who “singed Phillip’s beard.”

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Cover of the historical fiction novel Ben's Bones by Joseph C. Gioconda

Historical Fiction Book Review: Ben’s Bones by Joseph C. Gioconda

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Ben’s Bones is a lesson in medical history within the covers of a historical fiction novel. It paints an account of a brilliant young anatomist and a friend of Benjamin Franklin who sets up a medical school in London of 1750s. As part of his research, he grapples with the moral costs of scientific discovery.

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cover of the historical fiction novel Trust and Treason by JR Tomlin

Historical Fiction Book Review: Trust and Treason by JR Tomlin

In JR Tomlin’s historical fiction novel Trust and Treason, Sir Archibald “The Grim” Douglas returns home following the disastrous battle at Neville’s Cross. He finds his land overran by the English and fights a personal guerrilla war to to rid Scotland of her invaders. However, he soon finds a deeper treachery, one that forces him to choose where his loyalty lies.

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