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The Sassana Stone Pentalogy #5
Ring Of Ruse
“a stunningly impressive historical adventure” – The London Economic
THE FINAL STANDOFF LOOMS LARGE.
The northern rebels of Dartry have seized a prisoner from their enemies’ grasp, a crucial witness who can seal the end of the Sheriff of Sligo.
Yet a series of devastating murders leave the MacGlannaghs in disarray, with further mayhem caused by an unexpected ambush. Suddenly everything is no longer what it once seemed, in a struggle where one wrong step could spell torment and death.
A new order is fast closing about the northern rebels, with a last battle against the Sheriff of Sligo at hand. Before long the MacGlannagh’s army marches off to counter a Sassenach incursion, with rebel and loyalist forces closing in for the final kill.
Amid the bloody fallout, Santiago finds himself back where he started, fleeing a sinister hand which extends far beyond Dublin and all the way from London. Before the end he must choose whether to save his own hide or pursue a fast-fading hope of personal redemption.
‘reminds me of works by today’s masters such as Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and Wilbur Smith’ – The Scotsman
‘history told from a totally fresh perspective’ – Reader’s Digest
‘swept away by the craftsmanship in his writing’ – The Pigeonhole online book club
THE FINAL STANDOFF LOOMS LARGE.
The northern rebels of Dartry have seized a prisoner from their enemies’ grasp, a crucial witness who can seal the end of the Sheriff of Sligo.
Yet a series of devastating murders leave the MacGlannaghs in disarray, with further mayhem caused by an unexpected ambush. Suddenly everything is no longer what it once seemed, in a struggle where one wrong step could spell torment and death.
A new order is fast closing about the northern rebels, with a last battle against the Sheriff of Sligo at hand. Before long the MacGlannagh’s army marches off to counter a Sassenach incursion, with rebel and loyalist forces closing in for the final kill.
Amid the bloody fallout, Santiago finds himself back where he started, fleeing a sinister hand which extends far beyond Dublin and all the way from London. Before the end he must choose whether to save his own hide or pursue a fast-fading hope of personal redemption.
‘reminds me of works by today’s masters such as Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and Wilbur Smith’ – The Scotsman
‘history told from a totally fresh perspective’ – Reader’s Digest
‘swept away by the craftsmanship in his writing’ – The Pigeonhole online book club
Kindle Edition
Published November 25, 2024
2 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
James Vella-Bardon
7 books86 followersA Sydney-based, award-winning author born and raised in Malta.
After reading law at the Universities of both Malta and Sydney, James qualified as a lawyer and also completed a doctoral thesis on the rights and freedoms of peoples at international law. Upon emigrating to Sydney in 2007, he also studied creative writing.
His debut novel THE SHERIFF’S CATCH is a highly acclaimed thriller, which recounts the adventures of a Spanish Armada castaway in Tudor Ireland, who joins in the great struggle to liberate western Ireland from brutal suppression.
Following its UK release in 2018, the novel was recommended as a ‘must-read of the week’ by leading British newspaper The Scotsman, with Reader's Digest also describing it as 'a remarkably confident literary debut' and 'the spectacular start to an epic five-book story.'
www.jamesvellabardon.com
After reading law at the Universities of both Malta and Sydney, James qualified as a lawyer and also completed a doctoral thesis on the rights and freedoms of peoples at international law. Upon emigrating to Sydney in 2007, he also studied creative writing.
His debut novel THE SHERIFF’S CATCH is a highly acclaimed thriller, which recounts the adventures of a Spanish Armada castaway in Tudor Ireland, who joins in the great struggle to liberate western Ireland from brutal suppression.
Following its UK release in 2018, the novel was recommended as a ‘must-read of the week’ by leading British newspaper The Scotsman, with Reader's Digest also describing it as 'a remarkably confident literary debut' and 'the spectacular start to an epic five-book story.'
www.jamesvellabardon.com
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 7, 2025
"Ring of Ruse" immerses readers in the intense and captivating world of 16th-century Ireland. At the heart of the story is the MacGlannagh family, torn apart by tragic murders and a shocking ambush. When the northern rebels of Dartry capture a crucial prisoner whose fate could spell disaster for the Sheriff of Sligo, Santiago—the series' bold protagonist—finds himself embroiled in a thrilling fight for survival against powerful forces that reach far beyond his homeland.
It’s bittersweet to see this incredible pentalogy come to a close; it's truly a one-of-a-kind series! Certain moments resonated deeply with me, showcasing how even the most heroic figures can succumb to greed and betray their principles. Still, I can’t help but feel proud of Abel’s journey. James Vella-Bardon masterfully elicits a whirlwind of emotions throughout this narrative. I genuinely believe Abel deserves a chance to build a meaningful life with the one he loves. Vella-Bardon’s deep historical insight enriches his storytelling, prompting me to reflect on Abel’s journey and envision an ending that truly honors his potential. This series has been an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to see where the world of literature will take us next!
It’s bittersweet to see this incredible pentalogy come to a close; it's truly a one-of-a-kind series! Certain moments resonated deeply with me, showcasing how even the most heroic figures can succumb to greed and betray their principles. Still, I can’t help but feel proud of Abel’s journey. James Vella-Bardon masterfully elicits a whirlwind of emotions throughout this narrative. I genuinely believe Abel deserves a chance to build a meaningful life with the one he loves. Vella-Bardon’s deep historical insight enriches his storytelling, prompting me to reflect on Abel’s journey and envision an ending that truly honors his potential. This series has been an unforgettable experience, and I can’t wait to see where the world of literature will take us next!
September 5, 2024
This is a bitter-sweet moment ... I have finished the Sassana Stone Pentalogy! And, oh my goodness, what a ride! Ring of Ruse continues to be as brilliant as the previous books in the series. In this episode, the ring itself takes centre stage, although it has already been guiding many of Santi's decisions along the way. Filled with action, betrayal and some redemption, this final instalment is gripping, resulting in my reading it perhaps too quickly. I'll be rereading the whole series more slowly, where the nuances of James Vella-Bardon's writing can be better appreciated. My heartfelt thanks to James for giving me the opportunity to read this wonderful series!
September 12, 2024
What a journey it has been.
James Vella-Bardon gave such a deserved ending to Santiago’s, the main character, saga.
It won’t be easy anyway, as the destiny of our hero and of his precious treasure will be in extreme danger till the very end.
What can I add? If you’ve met the Sassana Pentalogy with the fifth instalment, put it on hold, go back to The Sheriff’s Catch and begin a ride that you won’t forget. I already envy you, because you can read it for the first time.
I will definitely keep Vella-Bardon on my radar, waiting for his next book.
James Vella-Bardon gave such a deserved ending to Santiago’s, the main character, saga.
It won’t be easy anyway, as the destiny of our hero and of his precious treasure will be in extreme danger till the very end.
What can I add? If you’ve met the Sassana Pentalogy with the fifth instalment, put it on hold, go back to The Sheriff’s Catch and begin a ride that you won’t forget. I already envy you, because you can read it for the first time.
I will definitely keep Vella-Bardon on my radar, waiting for his next book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews