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Thomas Berrington #7
The Promise of Pain: Thomas Berrington Historical Mystery, Book 7
When Revenge Is the Only Redemption
Thomas Berrington has come to the high mountains of Spain’s Sierra Nevada in search of an escape from the loss that haunts him. Standing at the boundary between life or death he cannot decide which to choose.
When his friend Jorge Olmos tracks him down Thomas tries to reject him, but Jorge cannot be rejected. Events draw Thomas back toward the world of the living, and he finds himself pursuing the men who stole all hope from him.
Thomas’s nemesis Abbot Mandana is working together with his son to gather an army. But for what purpose?
The Promise of Pain brings Thomas and Jorge together in what might be their final battle against the forces of evil that want to see the end of al-Andalus. Gathering those still loyal around him, Thomas makes one last throw of the dice. Life or death? Redemption or failure? Only the strongest will survive the battle to come...and Thomas doesn’t know if he’s strong enough anymore.
Thomas Berrington has come to the high mountains of Spain’s Sierra Nevada in search of an escape from the loss that haunts him. Standing at the boundary between life or death he cannot decide which to choose.
When his friend Jorge Olmos tracks him down Thomas tries to reject him, but Jorge cannot be rejected. Events draw Thomas back toward the world of the living, and he finds himself pursuing the men who stole all hope from him.
Thomas’s nemesis Abbot Mandana is working together with his son to gather an army. But for what purpose?
The Promise of Pain brings Thomas and Jorge together in what might be their final battle against the forces of evil that want to see the end of al-Andalus. Gathering those still loyal around him, Thomas makes one last throw of the dice. Life or death? Redemption or failure? Only the strongest will survive the battle to come...and Thomas doesn’t know if he’s strong enough anymore.
Audible Audio
Published November 28, 2019
255 people are currently reading
69 people want to read
About the author
David Penny
23 books122 followersBorn in London in 1950, David Penny began writing at a tender age after moving to Mid Wales. Initially obsessed with all things science-fiction he read avidly and wrote even more. His first publications came at the age of seventeen in small fanzines. At the age of twenty-three a short story was accepted by Galaxy magazine – his first payment for writing. This was followed by appearances in the UK magazine Vertex. At the age of 24 his first novel, The Sunset People, was accepted for publication by Robert Hale and David was taken on by the Leslie Flood Literary Agency. Three other science fiction novels followed: Starchant, Out of Time and Sunshine 43.
David enjoyed a dissipated and wasteful (but not wasted) youth, doing little other than writing, growing his hair (a pursuit sadly no longer available to him) and following an alternative lifestyle. Into such an idyllic existence real life rudely interrupted, and David spent the next 35+ years in a variety of jobs, eventually running his own software company.
As the years wore on he missed writing more and more, and eventually returned to it.
The Red Hill is his first novel in 35 years and introduces the surgeon-detective Thomas Berrington.
David enjoyed a dissipated and wasteful (but not wasted) youth, doing little other than writing, growing his hair (a pursuit sadly no longer available to him) and following an alternative lifestyle. Into such an idyllic existence real life rudely interrupted, and David spent the next 35+ years in a variety of jobs, eventually running his own software company.
As the years wore on he missed writing more and more, and eventually returned to it.
The Red Hill is his first novel in 35 years and introduces the surgeon-detective Thomas Berrington.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 8, 2019
This was enjoyable historical fiction covering Spanish warfare leading up to the fall of Granada. It looks like I tried one of the earlier books but I didn't say anything about it and don't remember. I think the author promises two more installments following the life and fighting of Thomas Berrington and his interesting sidekicks. Good old sword thrusting & axe wielding action with a touch of whirling dervish! Just the thing for reading between Chicago Blues Fest, Old Town Art Fair and Printer's Row Lit Fest. Tired, aching feet call for a sit down with a book between times.
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January 7, 2025
Another good book in a great series. Two to go.
June 8, 2019
Brilliant and exciting!
I love this series! It is so well written. David Penny has continuously composed a series of books where life in the late 15th century al-Andalus is described and made real.
Thomas Berrington is grief stricken and weak. Jorge is arrogant and staunchly loyal. Other characters come to life, some returning from previous books and some new. The wily Mandana presents again in another mysterious way.
Thomas needs the revenge that consumes him as he seeks to avenge Lubna. This journey causes him pain, emotionally and physically, as new strange circumstances regarding villages emptied of their men raises obvious questions.
The plot is exciting and intelligent. The characters continue to develop. And I am totally hooked! I would highly recommend to readers of historical fiction. Best to read all previous books in this outstanding series. Excellent reading!
I love this series! It is so well written. David Penny has continuously composed a series of books where life in the late 15th century al-Andalus is described and made real.
Thomas Berrington is grief stricken and weak. Jorge is arrogant and staunchly loyal. Other characters come to life, some returning from previous books and some new. The wily Mandana presents again in another mysterious way.
Thomas needs the revenge that consumes him as he seeks to avenge Lubna. This journey causes him pain, emotionally and physically, as new strange circumstances regarding villages emptied of their men raises obvious questions.
The plot is exciting and intelligent. The characters continue to develop. And I am totally hooked! I would highly recommend to readers of historical fiction. Best to read all previous books in this outstanding series. Excellent reading!
September 23, 2024
Still goor
The book is still good to read but the further I delve deeper into the assorted story arcs the more repetitive the action becomes. It's clear that Thomas Herrington is not going to be swiftly done to death but he does seem to draw death and destruction to himself as flies do to overripe meat. In and out of battles great and small he rarely places a foot wrong. However he's not indestructible, he does suffer injury and imprisonment on a regular basis. What might kill a weaker man only appears to embolden and sustain him.
All that is well and good but I'm finding myself just a bit bored by the certainty of each deadly encounter. It does seem as if you can skip ahead by large portions of text only to reach the inevitable outcome, that he is a man with otherworldly ability to survive against all odds.
I'm still enjoying the chpters but I'm ready to put into perspective the long overstated guilt, grief and endless reminiscent meandering thoughts and ever present spectre of his murdered wife. While it's a very real and painful phenomenon it's also played out just about enough for my taste.
I'm hoping the next in the series shows hero moving away from the too familiar and conflict driven stage of 14th century Spain and Andalusia, perhaps moving back to address conflict and trauma in his native England once again. Spain might be about done with Thomas Berrington. It would seem so.
The book is still good to read but the further I delve deeper into the assorted story arcs the more repetitive the action becomes. It's clear that Thomas Herrington is not going to be swiftly done to death but he does seem to draw death and destruction to himself as flies do to overripe meat. In and out of battles great and small he rarely places a foot wrong. However he's not indestructible, he does suffer injury and imprisonment on a regular basis. What might kill a weaker man only appears to embolden and sustain him.
All that is well and good but I'm finding myself just a bit bored by the certainty of each deadly encounter. It does seem as if you can skip ahead by large portions of text only to reach the inevitable outcome, that he is a man with otherworldly ability to survive against all odds.
I'm still enjoying the chpters but I'm ready to put into perspective the long overstated guilt, grief and endless reminiscent meandering thoughts and ever present spectre of his murdered wife. While it's a very real and painful phenomenon it's also played out just about enough for my taste.
I'm hoping the next in the series shows hero moving away from the too familiar and conflict driven stage of 14th century Spain and Andalusia, perhaps moving back to address conflict and trauma in his native England once again. Spain might be about done with Thomas Berrington. It would seem so.
November 10, 2019
I read the first seven books straight through. Having traveled to the South of Spain and visited most of the places in the book, held me enthralled . There was no way for me to stop reading until I had completed the seven books. I now look forward for Book 8!
I read all of the first seven books - one after the other. Having traveled to the South of Spain and visited the places highlighted in the books, held me enthralled. There was no way for me to stop reading until I had completed the seven books. Each told a story which held my attention throughout. I now look forward for Book 8!
I read all of the first seven books - one after the other. Having traveled to the South of Spain and visited the places highlighted in the books, held me enthralled. There was no way for me to stop reading until I had completed the seven books. Each told a story which held my attention throughout. I now look forward for Book 8!
June 28, 2020
Vengeance is mine.
Well told tale of Berringtons search for revenge against the killer of his wife and for personal salvation from his guilt in her death.
The story telling is as exciting as ever with a flowing list of well drawn characters, both old and new. Exciting, well written action scenes along with believable descriptions of domestic life, keeps the story speeding along, so much so that I was surprised at how quickly I reached the end.
The only thing missing was the series background of an actual historical event, which I found slightly disappointing compared to the other companion books.
Altogether, a great read.
Well told tale of Berringtons search for revenge against the killer of his wife and for personal salvation from his guilt in her death.
The story telling is as exciting as ever with a flowing list of well drawn characters, both old and new. Exciting, well written action scenes along with believable descriptions of domestic life, keeps the story speeding along, so much so that I was surprised at how quickly I reached the end.
The only thing missing was the series background of an actual historical event, which I found slightly disappointing compared to the other companion books.
Altogether, a great read.
February 24, 2025
Thomas,s seventh book in the series and a very good read to. Thomas has just lost someone very close to him(ref no 6 book no spoilers ) He is lost in himself and jorges must help him make the painful journey back to reality. Thomas,s arch enemy abbot mandana is looking for him and future looks grim for him, anyway folks i hope i have wetted your appetite to read the book so go out and BUY the book and ENJOY.
June 24, 2019
Although moving slightly more into the realms of fiction rather than historical fiction the stories keep getting better. The characters and their relationship are developing taking the reader on an emotional rollercoaster throughout the series. After the shocks of the last novel this had to be written and I can’t wait for the next instalment
August 17, 2019
A new perspective on history
These books, the Thomas Berrington series have been very educational. I have learned a lot about the 15th century never taught in the schools I attended. The many continuing characters are also really entertaining. Make sure you start with the first book and read them in order. Two more still to come. I can't wait!
These books, the Thomas Berrington series have been very educational. I have learned a lot about the 15th century never taught in the schools I attended. The many continuing characters are also really entertaining. Make sure you start with the first book and read them in order. Two more still to come. I can't wait!
January 18, 2020
Great read
Once again a fantastic book. I have read all of this series and can not wait for the next one. This book makes Thomas more a family man and a more caring man as it shows him beginning to realize he has things to lose as he has gained people to love and care for. I look forward to seeing his relationships grow especially with his children.
Once again a fantastic book. I have read all of this series and can not wait for the next one. This book makes Thomas more a family man and a more caring man as it shows him beginning to realize he has things to lose as he has gained people to love and care for. I look forward to seeing his relationships grow especially with his children.
March 19, 2022
It’s been a while since I read the elder books in the series but I got back into the world of Thomas Berrington and enjoyed it as much as the others. The descriptions of Granada are especially interested having visited a few years ago. A fascinating and beautiful place. Looking forward to reading the next 2 books mentioned at the end of this.if you haven’t read any of these I highly recommend
June 29, 2019
The Revenge
Thomas Berrington, back from the depths of grief, hunts the killer of his beloved Lubna. Nothing or no one can stop the inevitable, but they die trying. I adore this series and await the next installment. Enjoy!
Thomas Berrington, back from the depths of grief, hunts the killer of his beloved Lubna. Nothing or no one can stop the inevitable, but they die trying. I adore this series and await the next installment. Enjoy!
July 9, 2019
Excellent read
I have devoured this series. It is well written, well paced, with characters I have fallen in love with. If you like history and an engrossing read, you'll love this series
I have devoured this series. It is well written, well paced, with characters I have fallen in love with. If you like history and an engrossing read, you'll love this series
April 27, 2025
Grief and Revenge
Thomas struggles after Lubna's death and is slowly brought back to the world by the love of his friend.
Mad monks and murderers bring more danger. Duplicitous Sultans and officials thrown into the mix another thrilling tale well told.
Thomas struggles after Lubna's death and is slowly brought back to the world by the love of his friend.
Mad monks and murderers bring more danger. Duplicitous Sultans and officials thrown into the mix another thrilling tale well told.
June 12, 2019
Revenge
An expected fallow up to the last book. Thomas is still grieving so we'll have to wait for the next one for mystery.
An expected fallow up to the last book. Thomas is still grieving so we'll have to wait for the next one for mystery.
June 18, 2019
Excellent
This was a grand story. The characters are evolving in believable ways. I cannot wait to continue Thomas Berrington's story.
This was a grand story. The characters are evolving in believable ways. I cannot wait to continue Thomas Berrington's story.
July 1, 2019
Terrific
I feel as if I am actually in their company it all seems so real. All the characters are so familiar that it's a relief to know there is more to come Brilliant.
I feel as if I am actually in their company it all seems so real. All the characters are so familiar that it's a relief to know there is more to come Brilliant.
July 8, 2019
Brilliant
Another great story in the saga of Thomas Berrington. Thoroughly enjoyable,and hard to put down. Started one evening finished the next.
Another great story in the saga of Thomas Berrington. Thoroughly enjoyable,and hard to put down. Started one evening finished the next.
July 16, 2019
Great stand alone book, but I'd recommend reading the others in the series first or large parts may be a bit confusing. But as usual a great read.
July 17, 2019
Loved it!
November 3, 2022
Another great read by David penny .keeps you hooked from start to finish. I recommend reading the series in order and become invested with each character as the series progresses
November 16, 2024
loved it
November 30, 2024
1488 Suffering after the death of his wife Thomas Berrington is finally found by friend Jorge, only to discover that the man who killed his wife is nearby with an army.
Enjoyable historical thriller
Enjoyable historical thriller
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews