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Roseblood
Master historian Paul Doherty brings to life the brutal world of London in 1455 as he tells the epic story of the advent of the Wars of the Roses England, 1455: a kingdom on the brink of civil war. The Red King Henry of Lancaster's days are numbered. Deemed unfit for rule, even by his own mother, he surely cannot last on the throne for long. Simon Roseblood—London lord, taverner, and alderman—is one of few loyal servants left to fight his cause. The White Ruthless Richard of York has his eye firmly set on the crown, and plenty of powerful allies who will do anything to help him win it. Henchman Amadeus Sevigny makes no bones about enforcing his own authority and asserting law and order at York's command. When Roseblood is summoned by Sevigny to stand trial for a crime he knows he didn't commit, their paths cross in ways that alter them both forever. And as the Wars of the Roses looms, an even greater foe is poised to rock the foundations of England, and wreak horror in a hotbed of political unrest.
352 pages, Paperback
First published June 5, 2014
40 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Paul Doherty
236 books606 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
He has been published under several pseudonyms: P.C. Doherty, Celia L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas, Vanessa Alexander, Michael Clynes and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name.
Paul Doherty was born in Middlesbrough (North-Eastern England) in 1946. He had the usual education before studying at Durham for three years for the Catholic priesthood but decided not to proceed. He went to Liverpool University where he gained a First Class Honours Degree in History and won a state scholarship to Exeter College, Oxford, whilst there he met his wife Carla Lynn Corbitt. He continued his studies but decided that the academic world was not for him and became a secondary school teacher.
Paul worked in Ascot, Nottingham and Crawley West Sussex before being appointed as Headmaster to Trinity Catholic School in September 1981. Trinity is a large comprehensive [1700 on roll] which teaches the full ability range, ages 11-18. The school has been described as one of the leading comprehensives in the U.K. In April, 2000 H. M. Inspectorate describe it as an 'Outstanding School', and it was given Beacon status as a Centre of Excellence whilst, in the Chief Inspector’s Report to the Secretary of State for January 2001, Trinity Catholic High School was singled out for praise and received a public accolade.
Paul’s other incarnation is as a novelist. He finished his doctorate on the reign of Edward II of England and, in 1987, began to publish a series of outstanding historical mysteries set in the Middle Age, Classical, Greek, Ancient Egypt and elsewhere. These have been published in the United States by St. Martin’s Press of New York, Edhasa in Spain, and Eichborn, Heyne, Knaur and others in Germany. They have also been published in Holland, Belgium, France, Italy, Romania, Estonia, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Bulgaria, Portugal and China, as well as Argentina and Mexico.
He has been published under several pseudonyms (see the bibliography): C. L. Grace, Paul Harding, Ann Dukthas and Anna Apostolou but now writes only under his own name. He recently launched a very successful series based around the life of Alexander the Great, published by Constable & Robinson in the U.K., and Carroll and Graf in the U.S.A., whilst his novels set in Ancient Egypt have won critical acclaim. Paul has also written several non-fiction titles; A Life of Isabella the She-wolf of France, Wife of Edward II of England, as well as study of the possible murder of Tutankhamun, the boy Pharaoh of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty, and a study on the true fate of Alexander the Great.
Paul and Carla live on the borders of London and Essex, not far from Epping Forest and six of their children have been through his own school. His wife Carla currently owns two horses and is training, for showing and dressage, a beautiful Arab filly named Polly.
Paul lectures for a number of organisations, particularly on historical mysteries, many of which later feature in his writings. A born speaker and trained lecturer Paul Doherty can hold and entertain audiences.
His one great ambition is to petition the Privy Council of England to open the Purbeck marble tomb of Edward II in Gloucester Cathedral. Paul believes the tomb does not house the body
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
August 18, 2017
This was a fascinating page-turner with head-spinning plot twists and a rather predictable ending. The cast is made up of mostly fictional characters, including the two protagonists.
Simon Roseblood is a loyal chancery clerk of John Beaufort’s Lancastrian household, who are staunch supporters of King Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou. Amadeus Sevigny is a chancery clerk of the ambitious York household (Duke of York, his wife Cecily Neville and their nephew Richard Neville) who have set their eyes on the throne. Rivalry between Roseblood and Sevigny is further complicated by intrusion on the scene of a vengeful group of French mercenaries who are bent on annihilating the Beauforts, whom they blame for the massacre in a French village years before. After many twists and turns, Sevigny finds himself in love with Roseblood’s beautiful daughter and being hated by Cecily Neville for a blame he is innocent of. It is enough to make him decide to change allegiance.
Real historical characters are barely featured throughout the novel until the final two chapters.
Overall, it was an entertaining read with very meticulous descriptions of gore, stench and filth of medieval London. I’m giving it 4 stars.
August 18, 2017
Rape, pillage, plunder, kill. You think it's was just the Vikings? The History books are full of massacres, but when you mess with the wrong village, you need to watch out for vengeance - especially if you were not responsible or even present during the crime. Simon Roseblood and his family are being stalked by LeCorbeil. They will not stop until everyone involved is laying dead beside their calling card, a dead crow.
Set at the time of the start of the war of the Roses, which plays a bit of a background to this main plot. Short but engaging, this book has a little bit of everything and gives the reader an inside peek into the streets of London ,1455, the gullibility of the people and the power of the coin.
Set at the time of the start of the war of the Roses, which plays a bit of a background to this main plot. Short but engaging, this book has a little bit of everything and gives the reader an inside peek into the streets of London ,1455, the gullibility of the people and the power of the coin.
July 22, 2014
Set in 1455 at the dawn of what history calls the War of the Roses, or, more accurately, the Cousins War, "Roseblood" is a bit of a change for Paul Doherty. It isn't really a mystery, what is truly is is a medieval political thriller.
Simon Roseblood is a taverner, alderman, career criminal, and loyal servant of the House of Lancaster. Amadeus Sevigny is a clerk indentured to Richard, Duke of York, leading light of the House of York.
Amadeus' masters want Simon Roseblood bought down, but as a much larger threat looms over both houses, Amadeus and Simon join forces to protect England and themselves, regardless of personal allegiances.
There are a lot of plot threads in this book, and I admit that at times I got very lost and very confused. Mostly, I think, because I was expecting a murder mystery, when the book really is a political thriller. Each type of book really needs a different mindset when reading. Frankly, I was in the wrong headspace when I started the book.
This is certainly one of the best books Paul Doherty has written in a while.
It stands alone, but Paul has ended it so that it is possible that it may be continued further into the War of the Roses.
"Roseblood" has interesting and engaging original characters, and his take on historical characters is fascinating.
I highly recommend it.
Simon Roseblood is a taverner, alderman, career criminal, and loyal servant of the House of Lancaster. Amadeus Sevigny is a clerk indentured to Richard, Duke of York, leading light of the House of York.
Amadeus' masters want Simon Roseblood bought down, but as a much larger threat looms over both houses, Amadeus and Simon join forces to protect England and themselves, regardless of personal allegiances.
There are a lot of plot threads in this book, and I admit that at times I got very lost and very confused. Mostly, I think, because I was expecting a murder mystery, when the book really is a political thriller. Each type of book really needs a different mindset when reading. Frankly, I was in the wrong headspace when I started the book.
This is certainly one of the best books Paul Doherty has written in a while.
It stands alone, but Paul has ended it so that it is possible that it may be continued further into the War of the Roses.
"Roseblood" has interesting and engaging original characters, and his take on historical characters is fascinating.
I highly recommend it.
August 13, 2016
It's 1455 and England is heading towards civil war. Henry VI is still on the throne but he is a weak ruler and there are many who think he is not fit to be King. The Duke of York believes his claim is stronger than Henry's and with the support of some of England's most powerful noblemen he is determined to win the crown for himself. The scene is set for the period of history that will become known as the Wars of the Roses.
In Roseblood we meet two men who are on opposite sides of the conflict. Simon Roseblood is a Lancastrian, loyal to Henry VI and his wife, Margaret of Anjou. As the owner of a busy London tavern, Roseblood is in an ideal position to be able to obtain information and intelligence that will help the Lancaster cause. But while Roseblood is doing all he can in support of his king, he also has business of a more personal nature to attend to. Five years earlier, his brother, Edmund Roseblood, was murdered during a rebellion led by Jack Cade. Simon has reason to believe that the men responsible were members of the mysterious gang known only as LeCorbeil and he knows he must find a way to avenge his brother's death.
Amadeus Sevigny is the nephew of the Sheriff of London and clerk to Richard, Duke of York. As a loyal Yorkist, Sevigny is in direct opposition to Simon Roseblood and they are first drawn together when Sevigny tries to frame Roseblood for a crime he didn't commit – only to discover that Roseblood is his equal when it comes to plotting and scheming. Their paths cross again in a race to hunt down a man who possesses information which would be damaging to both Lancaster and York, but it could be Roseblood's daughter, Katherine, who holds the key to bringing their rivalry to an end. And throughout all of this, LeCorbeil wait in the background for their chance to complete their destruction of the Roseblood family...
I have read a lot of novels set during the Wars of the Roses (it's one of my favourite periods of history) but Roseblood is not like any of the others I've read and is actually quite a difficult book to describe. It's a mixture of history, mystery and intrigue with a large cast of colourful characters – many with Dickensian names such as Candlemas, Wormwood and Skulkin. It's an unusual novel and not really what I'd expected at all! While I found it confusing at the beginning (we are given a lot of historical information in the opening sections, and being thrown straight into one of Sevigny's schemes and Roseblood's attempts to thwart it, I struggled to follow exactly what was happening) I eventually found myself drawn into this fascinating, complex story.
Although the novel is set at the beginning of the Wars of the Roses and historical figures such as Henry VI and the Duke of York do make brief appearances, the focus is always on the lives of the fictional characters. Much of the story is told from the perspectives of Roseblood and Sevigny, but there are also some chapters which give us the points of view of Roseblood's son, Raphael, and daughter, Katherine. I didn't find Raphael very interesting, but I thought Katherine, with her obsession with Arthurian legend and her imaginary friend, Melisaunde, was a much more memorable character.
Doherty seems to be an author who knows London well – not just London as it is today but as it was in medieval times too – and each location, whether it's a marketplace, a church or a tavern, is described in minute detail. It was actually a bit too descriptive for me at times – almost like walking down a busy street and having your senses assailed by so many sounds, sights and smells that you start to feel overwhelmed – but I'm sure other readers will love the level of detail he goes into. I was certainly left with the impression that he had thoroughly researched every aspect of both the setting and the time period, which is obviously a good thing!
I'm surprised that I've never come across Paul Doherty before, as he appears to have written a huge number of historical novels, many of them mysteries, under several different pseudonyms. I would like to try more of his books, though as there are so many I have no idea where I should start. I'll also be looking out for a sequel to Roseblood – the way it ended with so much still unresolved, I'll be disappointed if there isn't one!
In Roseblood we meet two men who are on opposite sides of the conflict. Simon Roseblood is a Lancastrian, loyal to Henry VI and his wife, Margaret of Anjou. As the owner of a busy London tavern, Roseblood is in an ideal position to be able to obtain information and intelligence that will help the Lancaster cause. But while Roseblood is doing all he can in support of his king, he also has business of a more personal nature to attend to. Five years earlier, his brother, Edmund Roseblood, was murdered during a rebellion led by Jack Cade. Simon has reason to believe that the men responsible were members of the mysterious gang known only as LeCorbeil and he knows he must find a way to avenge his brother's death.
Amadeus Sevigny is the nephew of the Sheriff of London and clerk to Richard, Duke of York. As a loyal Yorkist, Sevigny is in direct opposition to Simon Roseblood and they are first drawn together when Sevigny tries to frame Roseblood for a crime he didn't commit – only to discover that Roseblood is his equal when it comes to plotting and scheming. Their paths cross again in a race to hunt down a man who possesses information which would be damaging to both Lancaster and York, but it could be Roseblood's daughter, Katherine, who holds the key to bringing their rivalry to an end. And throughout all of this, LeCorbeil wait in the background for their chance to complete their destruction of the Roseblood family...
I have read a lot of novels set during the Wars of the Roses (it's one of my favourite periods of history) but Roseblood is not like any of the others I've read and is actually quite a difficult book to describe. It's a mixture of history, mystery and intrigue with a large cast of colourful characters – many with Dickensian names such as Candlemas, Wormwood and Skulkin. It's an unusual novel and not really what I'd expected at all! While I found it confusing at the beginning (we are given a lot of historical information in the opening sections, and being thrown straight into one of Sevigny's schemes and Roseblood's attempts to thwart it, I struggled to follow exactly what was happening) I eventually found myself drawn into this fascinating, complex story.
Although the novel is set at the beginning of the Wars of the Roses and historical figures such as Henry VI and the Duke of York do make brief appearances, the focus is always on the lives of the fictional characters. Much of the story is told from the perspectives of Roseblood and Sevigny, but there are also some chapters which give us the points of view of Roseblood's son, Raphael, and daughter, Katherine. I didn't find Raphael very interesting, but I thought Katherine, with her obsession with Arthurian legend and her imaginary friend, Melisaunde, was a much more memorable character.
Doherty seems to be an author who knows London well – not just London as it is today but as it was in medieval times too – and each location, whether it's a marketplace, a church or a tavern, is described in minute detail. It was actually a bit too descriptive for me at times – almost like walking down a busy street and having your senses assailed by so many sounds, sights and smells that you start to feel overwhelmed – but I'm sure other readers will love the level of detail he goes into. I was certainly left with the impression that he had thoroughly researched every aspect of both the setting and the time period, which is obviously a good thing!
I'm surprised that I've never come across Paul Doherty before, as he appears to have written a huge number of historical novels, many of them mysteries, under several different pseudonyms. I would like to try more of his books, though as there are so many I have no idea where I should start. I'll also be looking out for a sequel to Roseblood – the way it ended with so much still unresolved, I'll be disappointed if there isn't one!
April 19, 2015
I liked this as an adventure story. There was lots of action and intrigue, some great shady but good-hearted characters and just a tad of romance. All perfect ingredients for a such a book.
December 29, 2018
This exciting book by Paul Doherty is a book that will certainly entertain everyone who are interested in the "Wars of the Roses", where lives and dangers of people will mean nothing within this period of history, because dreadful and horrible times are approaching.
The Historical Note by this fine author is as ever very well documented and explained in a superb clear fashion, so much so that's easy to understand the surroundings behind this story.
Story-telling is as usual of a top-notch quality, simply because this author certainly has the ability to keep you gripped from beginning till end with his wonderful historical tales.
After a short prologue, which is set in London in the year AD 1450, the main story is set in and around London during the months of April/May of the year AD 1455.
The main characters of the book are Simon Roseblood, owner of the Roseblood and loyal servant of King Henry VI of Lancaster, his daughter Katherine, and his son Raphael on the one hand, while on the other hand we find Amadeus Sevigny, who's Richard of York's henchman and thus a fierce enemy of the Roseblood's.
The tale is about Simon Roseblood, who's summoned to stand trial by Sevigny for a crime he didn't commit, but when the case gets going their lives get linked in more than one way, and thus as enemies at first their fight is fierce and hard before their animosity will finally turn into an opposing friendship.
What is to follow is a story of love and hate, fighting courage and cowardice, loyalty and betrayal towards royalty, as well as strength and weakness in dealing with hardship and pain, and all that for glory, for power and for that ultimate goal, to survive in an England which is in a turmoil of hostilities.
Really recommended, for Paul Doherty is a synonym for quality and entertainment, and that's why it made me call this book "Absorbing as a Bloodthirsty Rose"!
The Historical Note by this fine author is as ever very well documented and explained in a superb clear fashion, so much so that's easy to understand the surroundings behind this story.
Story-telling is as usual of a top-notch quality, simply because this author certainly has the ability to keep you gripped from beginning till end with his wonderful historical tales.
After a short prologue, which is set in London in the year AD 1450, the main story is set in and around London during the months of April/May of the year AD 1455.
The main characters of the book are Simon Roseblood, owner of the Roseblood and loyal servant of King Henry VI of Lancaster, his daughter Katherine, and his son Raphael on the one hand, while on the other hand we find Amadeus Sevigny, who's Richard of York's henchman and thus a fierce enemy of the Roseblood's.
The tale is about Simon Roseblood, who's summoned to stand trial by Sevigny for a crime he didn't commit, but when the case gets going their lives get linked in more than one way, and thus as enemies at first their fight is fierce and hard before their animosity will finally turn into an opposing friendship.
What is to follow is a story of love and hate, fighting courage and cowardice, loyalty and betrayal towards royalty, as well as strength and weakness in dealing with hardship and pain, and all that for glory, for power and for that ultimate goal, to survive in an England which is in a turmoil of hostilities.
Really recommended, for Paul Doherty is a synonym for quality and entertainment, and that's why it made me call this book "Absorbing as a Bloodthirsty Rose"!
May 24, 2017
Roseblood is set in London 1455 just before the start of War of the Roses. We are introduced to Simon Roseblood who is a staunch supporter of the Lancastrian King Henry VI. Simon is a lord and alderman (an alderman is a member of a municipal assembly or council) and owner of Roseblood Tavern and a vast network of underground information.
Corrupt city officials have indicted Simon, led by Amadeus Savigny a city clerk who works for Richard Duke of York. The indictment is based on trumped up charges in an attempt to weaken King Henry by gaining Roseblood’s network of contacts.
Amadeus Savigny has done his homework and knows almost everything about Simon and the Roseblood family. The cat and mouse chase begins and we are thrown into a world of spies, double agents, secrets and lies and a tangled web of intrigue. It’s violent and gruesome like only Doherty can write.
We get teasing glimpses of the conflicting motivations that drive Amadeus Savigny between fulfilling his duties to Duke Richard and Duchess Cecily and his love of beautiful fey Katherine Roseblood. As the story progresses the web of intrigue gradually untangles on both sides – the Roseblood family secrets are revealed as the story progresses.
To make matters worse a sinister group known as LeCorbeil are on a path of vengeance assassinating anyone associated with past atrocities committed in France at the time of Joan de Arc - the Roseblood family are on the hit list.
Doherty has never been one to shy away from painting 14th century London in all its gruesome, gory and violent detail. This is necessary to give the reader an insight into medieval life and its political intrigue and Roseblood is no exception.
At first Amadeus Savigny and Simon Roseblood are both just as dedicated in their beliefs and just as ruthless in dispatching enemies, but for opposing causes. Savigny is very astute and more cold-blooded in achieving his goals, but gradually begins to undergo a change. On the other hand Simon is only cold blooded when it’s necessary and he’s not sure who to trust least of all Savigny. In the end the two must find a way to work together if they are to survive.
Roseblood is an absorbing historical novel from a writer who is passionate about the period and knows how to tell a story. There is a very ambiguous ending, leaving the possibility of a sequel to Roseblood.
Corrupt city officials have indicted Simon, led by Amadeus Savigny a city clerk who works for Richard Duke of York. The indictment is based on trumped up charges in an attempt to weaken King Henry by gaining Roseblood’s network of contacts.
Amadeus Savigny has done his homework and knows almost everything about Simon and the Roseblood family. The cat and mouse chase begins and we are thrown into a world of spies, double agents, secrets and lies and a tangled web of intrigue. It’s violent and gruesome like only Doherty can write.
We get teasing glimpses of the conflicting motivations that drive Amadeus Savigny between fulfilling his duties to Duke Richard and Duchess Cecily and his love of beautiful fey Katherine Roseblood. As the story progresses the web of intrigue gradually untangles on both sides – the Roseblood family secrets are revealed as the story progresses.
To make matters worse a sinister group known as LeCorbeil are on a path of vengeance assassinating anyone associated with past atrocities committed in France at the time of Joan de Arc - the Roseblood family are on the hit list.
Doherty has never been one to shy away from painting 14th century London in all its gruesome, gory and violent detail. This is necessary to give the reader an insight into medieval life and its political intrigue and Roseblood is no exception.
At first Amadeus Savigny and Simon Roseblood are both just as dedicated in their beliefs and just as ruthless in dispatching enemies, but for opposing causes. Savigny is very astute and more cold-blooded in achieving his goals, but gradually begins to undergo a change. On the other hand Simon is only cold blooded when it’s necessary and he’s not sure who to trust least of all Savigny. In the end the two must find a way to work together if they are to survive.
Roseblood is an absorbing historical novel from a writer who is passionate about the period and knows how to tell a story. There is a very ambiguous ending, leaving the possibility of a sequel to Roseblood.
February 5, 2020
Absorbing and intense. A very different take on this turbulent and violent period of history. The strong characters and intricate plots are cleverly interwoven to keep you immersed. You get a strong sense of the period, the squalor and cruelty. It is left very much open ended by this clever and descriptive writer,who has clearly researched this era meticulously. What becomes of the rosebloods and Amadeus sevigny ? We will have to wait and see.
September 24, 2019
An entertaining read which stuttered occasionally. While it was possible for the deaf mute manservant to communicate with individuals, I'm not sure he could've mustered a small army. I did like the main characters however, and feel it had the potential be the first book in the series. I've given it 3 stars but 3.5 would've been closer to the mark.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2017
This is the first book of Doherty's based in the 15th century, at the start of the Wars of the Roses, and it was extremely engrossing. I hope we will see more of the Rosebloods and Amadeus Sevigny.
July 2, 2019
Usual Paul Doherty excellence. Brilliantly described events, fights and mysterious activities bring the story of the 1455 dynastic struggle in the Wars of the Roses to life. Simon Roseblood and family are supporters of the Crown and are heavily involved in this exciting tale.
August 6, 2019
If you like historical fiction (and especially mediëval) than this is fun to read.
August 19, 2019
The Roseblood
Fabulous read with believable characters who lead you through the days leading up to the war of the roses. A great mix of fact and fiction.
Fabulous read with believable characters who lead you through the days leading up to the war of the roses. A great mix of fact and fiction.
February 13, 2022
Gruesome in part, but the characterisation is superb, and the evocation of time and place is superb
October 11, 2024
Solid historical tale
June 22, 2014
Roseblood, by Paul Doherty, is a tale of historical fiction that brought to mind the fantasy fiction of Game of Thrones. Written by a history scholar it exudes accuracy and detail, showing that George R.R. Martin did his research before embarking on that epic tale. This book seems even more shocking though, as the story has been woven around known facts. The intrigue, deception, cruelty and loss of life happened as depicted, even if many of the characters and their interactions have been created by the author. It is a fascinating insight into a time that we can all be glad has passed.
Set in the year 1455, with the Wars of the Roses imminent, we are introduced to the Roseblood family. At its head is Simon, a war veteran who has profited from his turbulent past and now enjoys the comforts and prestige of his position as a trusted lord, taverner and alderman, sworn to serve the King and the Red Rose of Lancaster. Into his life comes Amadeus Sevigny, asserting law and order at the Duke of York’s command, tasked with weakening Roseblood and thereby those the White Rose Duke regards as usurpers to a crown he believes is rightfully his.
The story introduces us to spies, double agents, family members with secrets, and a church that exerts power and fear whilst protecting its own web of intrigue. There is love and violence, gruesome deaths and betrayed trusts galore. We are teased with suspicions and then taken behind closed doors into hushed cells to learn the truth. It is rarely clear who can be trusted, who will be next to face death at the hands of a paid assassin or holder of a grudge that is yet to be fully explained.
The book is as entertaining as it is fascinating, disquietingly gruesome as escapades play out and vengeance for long past wrongs sought, satisfying as intricate plots and plans are revealed. The author takes the reader deep into this world of squalor and colour, stench and gore, death and deception, introducing characters whose strengths and weaknesses keep the tale alive and compelling.
With the history known the ending could be foretold, but not the victors and survivors amongst the fictional cast. I enjoyed the unremitting pace, the satisfying denouement which depicted the violence of the times unflinchingly. This is a story of a battle for power that is fought in the shadows as much as the field, a believable account of political intrigue, where those who play the game accept that they must win or they will die.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Headline.
Set in the year 1455, with the Wars of the Roses imminent, we are introduced to the Roseblood family. At its head is Simon, a war veteran who has profited from his turbulent past and now enjoys the comforts and prestige of his position as a trusted lord, taverner and alderman, sworn to serve the King and the Red Rose of Lancaster. Into his life comes Amadeus Sevigny, asserting law and order at the Duke of York’s command, tasked with weakening Roseblood and thereby those the White Rose Duke regards as usurpers to a crown he believes is rightfully his.
The story introduces us to spies, double agents, family members with secrets, and a church that exerts power and fear whilst protecting its own web of intrigue. There is love and violence, gruesome deaths and betrayed trusts galore. We are teased with suspicions and then taken behind closed doors into hushed cells to learn the truth. It is rarely clear who can be trusted, who will be next to face death at the hands of a paid assassin or holder of a grudge that is yet to be fully explained.
The book is as entertaining as it is fascinating, disquietingly gruesome as escapades play out and vengeance for long past wrongs sought, satisfying as intricate plots and plans are revealed. The author takes the reader deep into this world of squalor and colour, stench and gore, death and deception, introducing characters whose strengths and weaknesses keep the tale alive and compelling.
With the history known the ending could be foretold, but not the victors and survivors amongst the fictional cast. I enjoyed the unremitting pace, the satisfying denouement which depicted the violence of the times unflinchingly. This is a story of a battle for power that is fought in the shadows as much as the field, a believable account of political intrigue, where those who play the game accept that they must win or they will die.
My copy of this book was provided gratis by the publisher, Headline.
March 25, 2016
London in the fifteenth century and Roseblood is a successful tavern keeper who knows everyone and controls his local area. In a previous life he was a soldier fighting in France and witnessed the aftermath of a massacre. Now the survivors from the village are out for revenge against Roseblood and influential enemies closer to home are looking to bring him down.
This is seriously enjoyable novel from Doherty, the characters are well-formed and have personalities, the research is superb and the plot doesn't let up. There is a strongly intelligent approach to the writing and one feels as though one learns whilst being thoroughly entertained.
This is seriously enjoyable novel from Doherty, the characters are well-formed and have personalities, the research is superb and the plot doesn't let up. There is a strongly intelligent approach to the writing and one feels as though one learns whilst being thoroughly entertained.
July 22, 2014
This latest book is written in a more linear style, without a mystery for the reader to solve. It enjoyable and informative, but a bit heavy on the itemization. After the first 90 pages or so, which put the reader in the time frame, the action picks up and the book moves. (This book is more like one of his earlier novels; see the first few books on a Doherty list.
Did I enjoy it? Yes.
Did I enjoy it? Yes.
June 13, 2014
Something different from Paul Doherty. Not a mystery but first class historical intrigue played out against the first steps of the War of the Roses. Full review soon at classicmystery.wordpress.com
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January 21, 2015Great read cant wait for the next one
June 12, 2020
Loved it.
Great characterisations and gripping plots.
The sort of historical fiction that I really enjoy.
Great characterisations and gripping plots.
The sort of historical fiction that I really enjoy.
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