Historical Fiction
Who Was Francis Drake? Privateer, Explorer, and Elizabethan Legend
Discover the real Francis Drake behind the legend — a man of daring voyages, ruthless ambition, and moral complexity. This in-depth historical fiction profile explores Drake's rise from humble beginnings to privateer, circumnavigator, and Spanish nemesis. His life inspires the adventures in my historical fiction novel Sic Parvis Magna, where Tudor politics, personal ambition, and the harsh realities of the Age of Discovery collide. Dive into Drake's world of high-seas adventure, betrayal, and shifting loyalties that helped shape England's naval empire.
Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel The Order by Peter Portelli
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.
Mystery Book Review: Vicar Brekonridge by Richard Helms
A review of Vicar Brekonridge, a gripping historical mystery novel that retells the real-life M'Naughten trial—a turning point in British legal history. Set in the period of real political unrest and radical ideas, this story blends criminal intrigue with 19th-century social upheaval which challenged the meaning of justice.
Villain Sketch: Pirate Captain Guy Alfonse Guichenot
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.
Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Ben's Bones by Robert Gioconda
In this richly layered historical fiction novel, Joseph Gioconda explores the dawn of modern medicine through the eyes of William Hewson, a real-life anatomist caught between scientific discovery and moral sacrifice. Set in 1750s London, Ben's Bones intertwines medical breakthroughs, personal ambition, and ethical dilemmas—perfect for fans of historical fiction vividly grounded in true events.
Sic Parvis Magna Meaning: Francis Drake's Motto Explained
In this post, I look at how the phrase became linked to Drake, what it suggests about his rise, and why it became the title of my Tudor-era historical fiction novel.
Historical Fiction Villain Sketch of James Reynard
Historical fiction thrives on complex characters shaped by real events. In this exclusive character sketch from Sic Parvis Magna, explore the troubled past of James Reynard—a fictional villain born amid the brutal upheavals of Tudor England. Inspired by history, Reynard's personal tragedy, betrayal, and violent path offer a gripping portrait of survival, ambition, and revenge in a world torn by religious and political turmoil.
St. Elmo's Fire by Oliver Theakston: Historical Fiction Review
Oliver Theakston's St. Elmo's Fire is a maritime historical fiction novel about Magellan's 1519 voyage in search of a westward route to the Spice Islands. It is a sober, thoughtful story of ambition, violence, mutiny, and empire, with strong period detail and an unsentimental view of Magellan's command. Readers interested in Magellan, Elcano, sea voyages, and exploration will find it a worthwhile read.
Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Trust and Treason by JR Tomlin
In this gripping work of historical fiction, JR Tomlin brings 14th-century Scotland to life through the eyes of Sir Archibald Douglas, a warrior torn between loyalty, betrayal, and survival. Set amid the fallout of Neville's Cross and the ravages of the Black Plague, Trust and Treason immerses readers in a vivid world of political intrigue and personal sacrifice. A must-read for fans of medieval historical fiction seeking rich atmosphere and emotional stakes.
Fantasy Book Review: Alchemy Thief by R A Denny
A reader's review of The Alchemy Thief, a richly layered historical fiction novel with elements of time travel and historical fantasy. Follow Peri, a modern college student, as she's thrust into 17th-century New England and Morocco, crossing paths with pirates, Puritans, and more. Fans of immersive historical fiction and character-driven fantasy will find much to enjoy in this well-researched story.
AI-Generated Illustrations for Historical Fiction: A Visual Experiment
In this visual experiment, I explore how AI-generated illustrations can support the worldbuilding of historical fiction. Using prompts inspired by 16th-century sailing, piracy, and Sir Francis Drake, I tested how well an image generation model interprets historical themes. The results range from surreal abstractions to surprisingly accurate graphics. While hardly final covers, the images offer inspiration and serve as creative aids for artists.
Book Review: Historical Fiction Novel Wall of Tears by David Kerr
In Wall of Tears, David Kerr weaves Holocaust legacy, biblical allegory, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into a powerful tale of love, loss, and forgiveness. Rich with emotional depth and historical resonance, this novel offers a rare lens into generational trauma and cultural reconciliation—making it a must-read for fans of the best historical fiction books.