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.
Death haunted Tudor England. Explore how memento mori, Francis Drake’s dangerous voyages, and religious fear shape the conflict in my historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Peter Portelli’s The Order offers a gripping, unvarnished retelling of the Great Siege of Malta. With sharp character portrayals and a spotlight on the often-overlooked role of the Maltese, this historical fiction novel challenges heroic myths and exposes the brutal cost of war. Read more to explore how power, pride, and sacrifice collide in one of history’s most dramatic sieges.
In the opulent and treacherous court of Henry VIII, a low-born musician Mark Smeaton strums a defiant, treasonous melody. His song, a veiled confession of a love that should never have been, drifts through the hall—its meaning hidden to most. However, the King…
What does Sic Parvis Magna mean? This Latin motto — “greatness from small beginnings” — captures both the rise of Francis Drake and the driving theme of my historical fiction series. In this article, I explore the origin of the phrase, its connection to Drake’s coat of arms, and how the gaps in his early life invite both historical mystery and creative storytelling.
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.”
Discover the historical fiction villain Captain Guichenot from Sic Parvis Magna. This behind-the-scenes character sketch reveals how the ruthless 16th-century privateer was originally crafted to challenge Francis Drake, embodying the brutal world of early modern piracy. Explore the creative process, historical details, and psychology that shaped this dark figure from the novel.
In Tudor England, could an abandoned, noble bastard become a murderous, thieving criminal?
Explore this character sketch of James Reynard, a villain of the historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna.
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.
Can an AI “Artist” create a theme-specific cover image or illustrations for a historical fiction novel?
“We sometimes criticize and point the finger at other people who do the same things we did, the things we’re ashamed to talk about.” In the Wall of Tears, author David Kerr offers us a “modern” historical fiction version of ancient biblical history.
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