TRAITOR: An Englishman sails with the Armada

by Geoffrey Monmouth

When the Spanish Armada sets sail to invade England in 1588, among its ranks is Edward Comyn—an English Catholic cavalry captain whose family lost everything under Elizabeth I's Protestant regime. After his father and brother were executed for alleged treason, Edward fled to Spain where King Philip II promised to restore his lands and titles if the invasion succeeds.
But when storms and English fire ships scatter the great fleet, Edward finds himself and his ship trapped on the Scottish coast and captured by Highland clan chieftains demanding an impossible ransom. He must navigate treacherous negotiations while encountering deadly betrayal.
From the storm-tossed seas around Scotland to the royal court in Edinburgh, from a Yorkshire manor house to the final confrontation with murderous traitors, Edward's journey becomes one of survival, justice, and ultimately forgiveness. Along the way, he discovers that loyalty, honour, and love are more complex than he ever imagined.
Set against the backdrop of one of history's most famous military disasters, "Traitor" weaves together maritime adventure, political intrigue, and personal redemption in a tale that explores the price of divided loyalties and the true meaning of home.
Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden, and Patrick O'Brian.

236 pages, Paperback

Published June 4, 2025

Reviews

[Sarah Milone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by this book. It's the most tense and morally complex thing I've read in years. Every chapter made me feel as though I was holding my breath, waiting for someone to lose it, for loyalty to waver, or for honor to be subordinated to survival instincts. But when betrayal did occur, it was terribly human rather than dramatic or cartoonish. I was most impressed by that. Monmouth describes betrayal as the outcome of fear, hunger, exhaustion, and the intolerable pressure of leadership rather than as some major, wicked decision. Even for the characters who behaved "wrongly," it made me feel sorry for them. Great literature, in my opinion, compels readers to sympathize with characters they would otherwise despise.

[Charlie Kirby · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy this book more than I actually did. The research is top-notch, the dialogue feels real, and the vibe is super lively. But there were times when things slowed down a bit. They dedicated whole pages to stuff like pistols, saddles, or how sailing works. I get that it’s accurate, but it kind of dragged the story down.

The characters were pretty solid, though. Eduardo's mixed loyalties, Bernardo's tough love, and the Scottish clan leaders later on in the book all felt real. The chats about faith and loyalty were definitely some of the highlights.

Yeah, it had its slow moments, but I still ended up respecting what the author was trying to do. It’s a book for those who are looking for more than just a story; it’s about diving into an experience.

[Anissa Cremin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geoffrey Monmouth vividly and poetically depicts the sea voyages and the conflicts between nations during the Armada. The claustrophobic air below deck, Eduardo's bitter sense of duty, and the agony of seasickness are all vividly described in the first few chapters.
The book's ability to strike a balance between the political and the personal is what I found most admirable. Indeed, it is about war, honor, and the Catholic faith, but it is also about friendships, brothers, and the peculiar camaraderie that develops in times of need. The author's ability to humanize each character in the story is demonstrated by the fact that I found myself caring just as much about the horses as the men.

[Abraham Lebsack · Rating 5 out of 5]

The idea of belonging was the aspect of Traitor that most impressed me. Despite being English, Eduardo is fighting for Spain. Despite being Catholic, he is viewed with suspicion. Despite being forced onto the sea, he is a cavalryman. It was an agonizingly human feeling of displacement.

The scenes involving the horses devastated me, but the sea passages were so intense that I nearly felt ill with him. The thought of noble creatures going through hardships in storms because they didn't choose to fight a war... It is the type of detail that leaves a lasting impression.

Although it's a true book, it's not a fast read. The loneliness of men divided between duty, faith, and home is depicted. I didn't anticipate crying while reading a war story, but I did.

[Dillan Lindgren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was thrilled to see this time period handled with such care because I am a huge fan of the Spanish Armada. In addition to providing names and dates, Geoffrey Monmouth immerses you in the turmoil caused by mishaps during navigation, a lack of supplies, and the sea's inexhaustible adversary.

The information regarding tactics and weapons was fantastic. I had never considered the reason why cavalry carried pistols in addition to swords, and it made me appreciate the soldiers of that era even more. This type of detail is what distinguishes a great historical novel from a good one.

Despite being a work of fiction, it has a sense of historical authenticity. I would suggest it to anyone who wishes to experience the Armada without having to open a dry textbook.

[Brian Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

In addition to narrating naval history, Geoffrey Monmouth immerses the reader in the commotion, noises, and smells of a 16th-century warship. I could practically taste the salty air and sense the ferocity of the storm.

The way Monmouth struck a balance between significant historical occurrences and personal character moments was what I found to be really effective. The story felt multi-layered and conflicted because of Eduardo's complex allegiances, he was born English but served Spain. It was not only about fighting; it was also about identity, duty, and conscience.

However, the book also had a moral significance, a subdued doubt about God's will and the pointlessness of war, which kept me thinking about it long after I finished reading it.

[Ernest Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thorough research is impressive. The level of detail regarding the Spanish Armada's politics, weapons, and naval life is astounding. But occasionally, especially when long technical descriptions broke up the narrative's flow, I thought the pacing slowed down.

Nevertheless, Eduardo is an intriguing lead character. His internal struggle, divided between his Spanish loyalty and English ancestry, bears the emotional burden of the book. He is a man who struggles with faith, loyalty, and survival rather than being a hero in the conventional sense.

This book is a treasure for readers who value authenticity and don't mind a more leisurely, immersive pace. Just be aware that the rewards are worth the patience required.

[Valentin Rupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was reminded by this book of the reasons I became enamored with historical fiction so many years ago. It's about people, not just fights and costumes. "Traitor" depicts the bonds between soldiers, the claustrophobia of life at sea, and the uneasy trust between comrades from different backgrounds and faiths.

The friendship between Eduardo, Iago, and Bernardo was especially endearing to me. The story had heart because of their loyalty, their banter, and even their arguments. They brought to mind friendships I had made in my own life, not on the battlefield, but under duress.

I was exhausted, seasick, and oddly hopeful by the end, as if I had accompanied them on their journey. That's what makes Monmouth's stories so captivating.

[Agnus Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

The degree to which faith influences the decisions made by the characters in "Traitor" is among its most striking features. The book is more than just a war story because of Eduardo's prayers, uncertainties, and sense of divine obligation. In the midst of chaos, man struggles with God's will.

I thought about how different and similar human faith was back then and now as a result of the chaplains, the masses celebrated on deck, and the continual invocation of the Virgin. To weather the storms of the sea and the soul, people held fast to their beliefs.

This book serves as a chilling reminder to religious readers of the age-old questions: Does God lead us or does He leave us to the storm?

[Michael Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geoffrey  Monmouth does something unique here: he allows us to experience the story through the eyes of an Englishman sailing with Spain. As a history buff, I've read more Armada fiction than I can count. I was immediately captivated by that twist.

The level of detail is what really struck me; the storms, the horse dung and vomit smell, the never-ending seasickness it's not glamorous, but it feels authentic. I could feel the cold spray on my face and almost taste the salty air.

It's a very human story, too. Eduardo is portrayed as a man divided between survival, faith, and loyalty rather than as a perfect hero. I genuinely liked him because of his candor.

[Martin Sanchez · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book like Traitor stays in your chest long after you've put it down. I anticipated a standard historical adventure, but I was caught off guard by the intense emotional pull. The inner struggle between loyalty and survival, the sense of desperation at sea, and the fear of being caught by circumstance all seemed all too real. At times, I wanted to turn away, but the writing prevented me from doing so. With his characters, Geoffrey Monmouth has a way of drawing you into the storm until you experience the same sense of seasickness and conflict that they do. I was exhausted by the end, but strangely appreciative as well. Although it's a necessary book, it's not a comforting one.

[Ryan Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really hit me hard. Not that it was bad — definitely not — but it just made me think about how pointless war can be. These guys faced storms, hunger, and fear, but in the end, a lot of it was just about luck and politics.

Eduardo has a lot going on that makes him pretty tragic. Born an English speaker, loyal to Spanish, stuck in the middle of different beliefs and countries. His story really highlights that history is always messy and complicated. There are always folks stuck in the middle.

This book isn’t a walk in the park, but it definitely matters. I doubt I'll forget it anytime soon.

[Elta Kessler DVM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought Traitor was a little erratic, even though I liked the historical setting. Although the detail about life on the ships is extensive, I found that it occasionally slowed down the plot. Less time spent on descriptions of vomiting and claustrophobic hammocks and more forward motion is what I wanted.

Nevertheless, the bonds between the soldiers were fascinating, particularly those between Eduardo, Iago, and Bernardo. They didn't feel like cardboard cutouts, but rather like flawed, funny men. This might be a better fit for readers who like to get a close-up look at the minutiae of life in the 16th century.

[Dr. Christa Prosacco · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does being a traitor entail? I kept getting that question from this book. Eduardo opposes his native England in favor of Spain. Is he betraying his faith or his birth? To his conscience or to his king?

I liked that the book never provided a simple solution. It's more than just a war story, in my opinion, because the characters are always battling conflicting allegiances. It concerns survival in a fractured world, identity, and belonging.

By the end, I understood that the true traitor isn't always the man who switches sides; it can also be the leaders, the storms, or even God, when He feels unheard. A thought-provoking and impactful read.

[Jackie Gledhill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The part that stuck with me was when they finally reached Scotland after the storms, thinking they were safe, only to find themselves cornered again. I loved the moment when they swam in the river, trying to feel human again after weeks of misery, only to be laughed at by local women on the riverbank. It was so human and almost funny, but it made me ache too—these were soldiers clinging to small moments of life before everything spiraled again. That balance of humor, humanity, and impending doom kept me hooked.

[Dot Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I came upon this book just in time. I've been having trouble feeling like I don't belong anywhere. I was deeply affected by Eduardo's conflict between Spain and England, between service to one country and allegiance to another.

On some nights, I had to put the book down, not because it was dull, but because it caused me to reflect on the history of migration and conflicting allegiances in my own family. It brought back memories I hadn't thought about in a long time.

I consider this to be more than just a book because of this. It's a mirror.

[Emmanuel Schmitt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I'll admit that it could have benefited from a more precise edit, there are many admirable aspects to this. The same emotions of storm and seasickness are repeatedly evoked in certain scenes. Rather than advancing the plot, I thought the author was occasionally flaunting his research.

Nevertheless, the reward in Scotland was worthwhile. I kept turning the pages because of the negotiations, the conflict with the local clans, and the feeling that they were always one mistake away from catastrophe. In the end, it delivers if you can tolerate a slower burn.

[Cinderella Escalante · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book's first third was excellent. I could hear the storms, smell the vomit, and sense the fear. I thought the pace slowed down in the middle, though, with too much negotiating and not enough action.

Nevertheless, the tension in the Scottish chapters was among the best in the entire book. The clan politics, the tense "hospitality," and the imminent ransom threat were all captivating.

Therefore, despite its flaws, it's a memorable read that I would still suggest to anyone curious about this intriguing historical period.

[Denis Linney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a rather mixed experience with this book. The storm chapters are visceral, and I really enjoyed the cultural clash between the soldiers and the Scots. On the one hand, the atmosphere is amazing.

However, there were also times when I felt overwhelmed by the technical details of horses and pistols. I quickly perused several pages. I can't dispute the story's power, though. I only wish it had gone a bit more quickly.

[Lupe Holm · Rating 4 out of 5]

The theme of conflicting allegiances caught my attention the most. Despite being English, Eduardo is fighting for Spain. Despite being set in the 16th century, that internal conflict struck a chord with me because it felt contemporary.

The gentle moments of care, the teasing between the men, and even the resentments all seemed genuine. It made me realize that people are always fighting to find their place in a chaotic world.

[Zelma Culver · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey! I was turning pages late into the night because of the storms, the betrayals, and the ongoing fear of English ships emerging from the fog.

The Scottish chapters were my favorites. The clan dynamics were fascinating, and the ransom negotiation was dramatic and tense. It worked flawlessly, but it felt like I was suddenly in a different book.

Political intrigue, moral quandaries, and maritime battles—this book has it all.

[Bruce Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small human touches like a comrade's smile, a joke told in the midst of suffering, or the reference to women who have been loved and lost were all things I cherished. I wasn't prepared for the quiet tenderness they showed the book.

It was moving to hear Eduardo's recollections of his wife Joan and his religious struggles. Even in the midst of conflict and turmoil, love endures in the heart. That struck a deep chord.

[Jeffery Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

What does being a traitor entail? Through Eduardo's conflicted identity as an Englishman fighting for Spain, this book repeatedly poses that question.

I always felt the consequences of his decisions, whether I admired him or had doubts about him. In historical fiction, moral ambiguity is uncommon.

I was left feeling uneasy in the best way possible, I'm still thinking about the word "traitor."

[Aaron Vinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the storms, illness, and moral dilemmas struck, I realized that this was more than just entertainment; it was about perseverance, loyalty, and how much a person can take before breaking. I closed the book feeling thankful for my warm bed and everyday life. I had expected an adventure story, but what I got was something much more emotional. The soldiers' moments of camaraderie—laughing, fighting, and drinking together—were lovely, and I could see my own friendships reflected there.

[Steven Helman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must admit that this was one of the most difficult books I had to read this semester for a historical fiction class. The themes are heavy, but the language isn't difficult. Here, betrayal is subtle, nuanced, and occasionally even comprehensible rather than melodramatic. It made me consider how flawed people making impossible choices, rather than "good" or "bad" men, make history. Even though I didn't enjoy the melancholy, I can't dispute that it's a potent teaching tool.

[Bryan Stephens · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I appreciate the ambition and know that many will find the depth rewarding, I personally prefer a little more light in my stories. I'll be honest I struggled with this one. It's unquestionably well-written, but the tone was too bleak for me. From the beginning, everyone seemed miserable, suspicious, or doomed, and I found it difficult to stay invested. Perhaps that's realistic, perhaps that's the point, but it left me cold.

[Brian Trevizo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everyone will enjoy this book. It's heavy, long, and filled with hopelessness. It felt alive, though, in scenes like Eduardo fighting Diego Gonsalez in a tavern to gain respect or the soldiers singing at the pumps to keep time while the ship leaked. The betrayals are not fabricated; rather, they stem from fear, hunger, pride, and exhaustion. And that's why they hurt so much. Though difficult to read, Traitor is a memorable book.

[Ashley Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a history buff, I gotta say, I'm really impressed by how thorough the research is here. The author really nails the strategy of the Armada while also diving into the real-life stuff — like seasickness, moving horses around, and the tension between Catholic and Moorish soldiers.

Sometimes the writing gets a bit too detailed, but honestly, it’s a small trade-off for that level of realness. It's fiction, for sure, but it's also some pretty important history.

[Lera Wiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I expected it to be dense and difficult to read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how readable it was. It was simpler to follow Eduardo because of his conversational and occasionally humorous voice.

Although I enjoyed the action sequences, I found the soldiers' banter to be the most entertaining. Men at war are still men, I was reminded—joking, fighting, and worrying about women. The history was made real by that humanity.

[Lindsey Keys · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a journey! Clinging to the rigging as the storm raged around me, I had the impression that I was actually on the deck. Every conflict and every last-ditch effort had my heart racing. Geoffrey Monmouth has a talent for action sequences.

He then returns you to Eduardo's inner doubts, just when you think it's all about cannons and bravery. This book will always stick in my memory because of its perfect mix of action and introspection.