To Remain Vigilant

The Epic of Hotspur #1

by Liz Sevchuk Armstrong

As Sir Harry Percy patrols England’s rugged North, even the Scots, his frequent adversaries, admire his audacity and courage. Claiming his ceaseless vigilance means his spurs never cool, they call him Hotspur. Yet when Harry questions royal corruption, Richard II bestows another traitor.

Escaping death, Harry joins Duke Henry Bolingbroke, whose fortune Richard stole and who leads a campaign to improve Richard’s governance. Soon, though, Henry, too, acts despotic, ordering executions without fair trials and plotting to seize power directly. Alarmed, Harry exacts a vow from him to not oust Richard. But Henry violates his oath, inciting a mob to force Parliament to make him King Henry IV. Harry boycotts Henry’s coronation but, realizing he serves the nation regardless of who wears the crown, later returns to duty, with Henry’s backing.

Will their reconciliation last? And can Harry’s newfound love with an ex-abbess protect him not only from threats on the borders but those in dark palace corners? Never has his motto, Esperance—Hope—mattered more!

EDITORIAL REVIEW by Victoria Chatham
To Remain Vigilant by Liz Sevchuk Armstrong

The popular view of Medieval Europe, particularly England, often romanticizes the era with its lords, ladies, chivalrous knights in armour, and courtly love. However, Liz Sevchuk Armstrong's 'To Remain Vigilant' presents the harsh truth of these brutal times.

King Richard II is barely holding on to his throne. Henry Bolingbroke claims to have documentation proving that the throne is rightfully his. Courtiers plot to replace Richard behind palace doors. Only one man, Sir Harry Percy, named Hotspur by the Scots for the readiness and speed of his attacks, tries to maintain an honourable position. From France to the Scottish Borders, Ireland and Wales, Hotspur wins one accolade after another. Friendships and loyalties are tried, tested, and ultimately betrayed.

Armstrong excels at weaving the facts of this historical period into a compelling tale, making her novel an enthralling read for modern audiences.

332 pages, Paperback

Published August 16, 2024

About the author

Liz Sevchuk Armstrong

(pen name for Liz Schevtchuk Armstrong)

At age 12, Liz heard the name “Hotspur” in Shakespeare’s play Henry IV—and it changed her life forever. Within hours, she began paging through encyclopedias and scouring libraries to learn about the real-life Sir Harry and King Henry. She didn’t find much, beyond discovering that Shakespeare, in exercising artistic license, distorted key details. (For instance, he turned Hotspur, an experienced and respected commander, about 40 years old, into a headstrong youth.) So she gave up, for a time—a long time.

After majoring in journalism at Indiana University, Liz spent decades as a reporter and news editor, focusing on government institutions ranging from tiny village councils to the U.S. Congress, White House, and Supreme Court. Along the way, she won more than 20 awards for news coverage, including in-depth or investigative reporting, and also picked up honors (in stints away from news) for editorial work for non-profit organizations. In addition, she earned a graduate degree in history and, years after first pursuing Hotspur and King Henry, made their clash the subject of her master’s project. Her scholarly research into obscure elements of medieval British politics and her background as a journalist chronicling contemporary government provided valuable insights for writing the Epic of Hotspur.

Book I, To Remain Vigilant, from BWL Publishing Inc., won Chanticleer Reviews and Media’s international Chaucer Award for best 2024 historical novel set in the dark ages-medieval era. The second volume, To Be Worthy in Honor, also from BWL, debuted in May. Efforts now proceed on the final book in the trilogy, tentatively titled To Tread on Kings.

Liz lives in Cold Spring. NY, a small village in the Hudson River Valley and welcomes ideas, questions, and feedback from readers or prospective readers.

For more on Liz and her literary work, see her website:
https://www.hotspurtrilogy.net/

She also welcomes comments, inquiries, and ideas from readers via e-mail:
hotspurs.scribe@gmail.com

Reviews

[Liz Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

AMAZON

5 global ratings

• 5 star 74%

• 4 star
26%
• 3 star
0%
• 2 star
0%
• 1 star


5.0 out of 5 stars Great historical novel
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
Frank F
I thoroughly enjoyed To Remain Vigilant. It’s a great read, filled with political intrigue, ambition, greed, courage, and love, all dressed up in the clothes, language, and armaments of turn-of-the-15th Century England. Liz Sevchuk Armstrong immerses us with total credibility in the people and sense of the times (even as they resonate with today). Incredible detail of dress, architecture, armaments – even underwear – and her use of language and patterns of speech that approach Shakespearean in tone deftly draw us in. The research required for the book is awesome. Sevchuk Amstrong is an effective storyteller, knowing how to keep her readers wondering about the outcome of her cast of characters. The story focuses on Sir Harry Percy, aka 'Hotspur', one of Shakespeare's best-known characters in his historical plays. The number of historical characters can become challenging at times, and I hope in the next two offerings of her Hotspur trilogy she offers a cast of characters and a map for reference. I look forward to reading them.


5.0 out of 5 stars a superb page-turner
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024
Heidi A. Wendel

This is such an engrossing page-turner and beautifully-written book. The characterization is excellent, the plot is so well-crafted and fast-paced, and the historical detail is fascinating. I could not put this book down from the moment I started reading it. I can't wait to read the second volume of this wonderful epic novel!


5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary Historical Fiction!
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024
Eileen Charbonneau

What Hilary Mantel does for Tudor England and Thomas Cromwell, Armstrong does for a pivotal character among the Plantagenets. In the last year of the 14th century, England is in turmoil. Her greatest knight, the dashing Sir Harry Percy, known as Hotspur struggles to navigate between court intrigues as plots and counterplots vie for the kingship. Harry has been raised with both the reigning king, Richard II and the man seeking to dethrone him, Henry Bolingbroke. Harry Percy's life has been eventful, from overcoming a stutter and underestimation that plagued his childhood, to a steady rise, proving himself a worth heir of his powerful father though service in the crusades, wars, and tournaments. But nature-loving Harry is most comfortable as Warden of wild and beautiful Northunberland, his home. He has a passion for justice in governing, which often puts him at odds with less principled people at court, including his estranged wife. Told with humor and heart as well as well-researched detail, To Remain Vigilant was a great pleasure to read. Characters and conflict jump off the pages, defying the time that separates us. Book One of this trilogy even contains a touch of magic, as Harry finds true and lasting love. By the end, you may want to transport valiant and chivalrous Hotspur to the present, to help us with our own troubled times. I can't wait for Book 2!


Memorable Medieval biographical fiction.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2024
Rosemary Morris
Verified Purchase

When the author studied for her degree in medieval history her required research project was the conflict between Sir Harry Percy – Hotspur - and King Henry IV.

Son of Henry Percy, first earl of Northumberland, Harry, the bravest and staunchest knight in all England, was an English nobleman and military commander during Richar II’s and Henry IV’s reigns in the lead up to the War of the Roses

I enjoyed the description of a tourney in which Hotspur excelled but refused to celebrate because he wanted to hunt and find out what the Scots were up to on the border. Life at Westminster paled in comparison to “…long gallops through the windswept Cheviots, wandering alone, seeking the year’s first woodland flowers in a final dusting of snow, swimming in isolated lakes, or watching the sun stab itself on western peaks, to blend crimson across the moors.”

Hotspur was not a legendary hero, he was a real one. All England rang with his fame. “Educated and keen of mind,” Harry told Richard II he would never abandon his duties toward his people – the king’s subjects – he could not misuse them.

Men said Hotspur was the greatest knight in England since the Black Prince and even Richard the Lionheart.

I congratulate Ms Serchuk Armstrong for bringing Harry to life and guiding the reader through the era in which he lived.

My only negative comment is that I would have liked a few details such as what the main protagonists looked like and what they wore.

If you like medieval historical fiction based on fact you will enjoy To Remain Vigilant. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading The Epic of Hotspur Book 2 when it is published.

BARNS AND NOBLE
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 5 out of 5 stars. Read reviews for To Remain Vigilant 5.0
1 Review

Editorial Reviews
The popular view of Medieval Europe, particularly England, often romanticizes the era with its lords, ladies, chivalrous knights in armour, and courtly love. However, Liz Sevchuk Armstrong's 'To Remain Vigilant' presents the harsh truth of these brutal times. Armstrong excels at weaving the facts of this historical period into a compelling tale, making her novel an enthralling read for modern audiences.

Editor - Victoria Chatham

[Rosemary Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the author studied for her degree in medieval history her required research project was the conflict between Sir Harry Percy – Hotspur - and King Henry IV.
Son of Henry Percy, first earl of Northumberland, Harry, the bravest and staunchest knight in all England, was an English nobleman and military commander during Richar II’s and Henry IV’s reigns in the lead up to the War of the Roses
I enjoyed the description of a tourney in which Hotspur excelled but refused to celebrate because he wanted to hunt and find out what the Scots were up to on the border. Life at Westminster paled in comparison to “…long gallops through the windswept Cheviots, wandering alone, seeking the year’s first woodland flowers in a final dusting of snow, swimming in isolated lakes, or watching the sun stab itself on western peaks, to blend crimson across the moors.”
Hotspur was not a legendary hero, he was a real one. All England rang with his fame. “Educated and keen of mind,” Harry told Richard II he would never abandon his duties toward his people – the king’s subjects – he could not misuse them.
Men said Hotspur was the greatest knight in England since the Black Prince and even Richard the Lionheart.
I congratulate Ms Serchuk Armstrong for bringing Harry to life and guiding the reader through the era in which he lived.
My only negative comment is that I would have liked a few details such as what the main protagonists looked like and what they wore.
If you like medieval historical fiction based on fact you will enjoy To Remain Vigilant. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading The Epic of Hotspur Book 2 when it is published.

[Eileen Charbonneau · Rating 5 out of 5]

What Hilary Mantel does for Tudor England and Thomas Cromwell, Armstrong does for a pivotal character among the Plantagenets. In the last year of the 14th century, England is in turmoil. Her greatest knight, the dashing Sir Harry Percy, known as Hotspur struggles to navigate between court intrigues as plots and counterplots vie for the kingship. Harry has been raised with both the reigning king, Richard II and the man seeking to dethrone him, Henry Bolingbroke. Harry Percy's life has been eventful, from overcoming a stutter and underestimation that plagued his childhood, to a steady rise, proving himself a worth heir of his powerful father though service in the crusades, wars, and tournaments. But nature-loving Harry is most comfortable as Warden of wild and beautiful Northunberland, his home. He has a passion for justice in governing, which often puts him at odds with less principled people at court, including his estranged wife. Told with humor and heart as well as well-researched detail, To Remain Vigilant was a great pleasure to read. Characters and conflict jump off the pages, defying the time that separates us. Book One of this trilogy even contains a touch of magic, as Harry finds true and lasting love. By the end, you may want to transport valiant and chivalrous Hotspur to the present, to help us with our own troubled times. I can't wait for Book 2!

[Frank Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed To Remain Vigilant. It’s a great read, filled with political intrigue, ambition, greed, courage, and love, all dressed up in the clothes, language, and armaments of turn-of-the-15th Century England. Liz Sevchuk Armstrong immerses us with total credibility in the people and sense of the times (even as they resonate with today). Incredible detail of dress, architecture, armaments – even underwear – and her use of language and patterns of speech that approach Shakespearean in tone deftly draw us in. The research required for the book is awesome. Sevchuk Amstrong is an effective storyteller, knowing how to keep her readers wondering about the outcome of her cast of characters. The story focuses on Sir Harry Percy, aka 'Hotspur', one of Shakespeare's best-known characters in his historical plays. The number of historical characters can become challenging at times, and I hope in the next two offerings of her Hotspur trilogy she offers a cast of characters and a map for reference. I look forward to reading them.

[Catherine Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The deep scholarly study of the period is reflected in story told of Henry Hotspur, a legendary figure of English history. Despite a few slow parts, it is a fascinating read. Unlike many other books about Hotspur, this book posits that Hotspur and his wife do not love each other.