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POUR THE DARK WINE an utterly compelling and engaging Tudor historical saga
‘A cracking good plot.’ The Times
A court where power is fleeting, passions are deadly, and one misstep can cost you your life.
In the turbulent reign of Henry VIII, four Seymour children climb Merlin’s Mound, said to grant wishes, and boldly declare their destinies.
Edward, the ambitious eldest, vows to possess every acre he surveys.
Thomas, charming and reckless, dreams of wedding the highest woman in the land.
Elizabeth, their cunning half-gypsy cousin, seeks the wisdom of Merlin himself.
And Jane, quiet and overlooked, dares to wish that one day she will marry a king.
But wishes come with a price.
As the Seymours rise, their lives become entangled with the ruthless king’s dangerous desires and the deadly intrigues of his court. Each sibling will see their wish fulfilled — yet each will discover that power, once gained, can destroy as easily as it elevates.
In a world ruled by ambition and betrayal, can the Seymours survive the bloody reign of Henry VIII — or will they, too, fall to his wrath?
Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Fremantle, Janet Wertman, Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory.
PRAISE FOR DERYN
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I like Deryn Lake's work very much and for me this is one of the best historical novels I have read.' Lady SS.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This author is worth looking out.' AM Young.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The author has skilfully merged in facts, research and characters that bring the history to life while creating a romping good story.' Mrs JEP.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I would recommend to lovers of the Tudor period.' Pamandpete.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A great historical novel.' Amanda M.
A court where power is fleeting, passions are deadly, and one misstep can cost you your life.
In the turbulent reign of Henry VIII, four Seymour children climb Merlin’s Mound, said to grant wishes, and boldly declare their destinies.
Edward, the ambitious eldest, vows to possess every acre he surveys.
Thomas, charming and reckless, dreams of wedding the highest woman in the land.
Elizabeth, their cunning half-gypsy cousin, seeks the wisdom of Merlin himself.
And Jane, quiet and overlooked, dares to wish that one day she will marry a king.
But wishes come with a price.
As the Seymours rise, their lives become entangled with the ruthless king’s dangerous desires and the deadly intrigues of his court. Each sibling will see their wish fulfilled — yet each will discover that power, once gained, can destroy as easily as it elevates.
In a world ruled by ambition and betrayal, can the Seymours survive the bloody reign of Henry VIII — or will they, too, fall to his wrath?
Perfect for fans of Elizabeth Fremantle, Janet Wertman, Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory.
PRAISE FOR DERYN
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I like Deryn Lake's work very much and for me this is one of the best historical novels I have read.' Lady SS.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'This author is worth looking out.' AM Young.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The author has skilfully merged in facts, research and characters that bring the history to life while creating a romping good story.' Mrs JEP.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I would recommend to lovers of the Tudor period.' Pamandpete.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A great historical novel.' Amanda M.
636 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
154 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
About the author
Deryn Lake
64 books101 followersDeryn Lake is a well-known historical novelist who joined the popular ranks of historical detective writers with her gripping John Rawlings Mysteries, Death in the Dark Walk, Death at the Devil's Tavern, Death on the Romney Marsh, Death in the Peerless Pool and Death at Apothecaries' Hall.
Deryn also writes popular historical romances including the acclaimed The King's Women, Sutton Place and Pour the Dark Wine.
Deryn Lake lives near Hastings, East Sussex
Deryn also writes popular historical romances including the acclaimed The King's Women, Sutton Place and Pour the Dark Wine.
Deryn Lake lives near Hastings, East Sussex
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
October 24, 2025
Fabulous
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived! That old nursery rhyme comes alive in this sweeping novel of Tudor England. An engrossing history lesson that truly compels you to keep turning the pages. Do yourself a favor and start reading early in the day or you will be up all night reading!
Divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived! That old nursery rhyme comes alive in this sweeping novel of Tudor England. An engrossing history lesson that truly compels you to keep turning the pages. Do yourself a favor and start reading early in the day or you will be up all night reading!
October 3, 2025
thoroughly enjoyed this book
It was a very good read. I really couldn’t put it down, just needed to find out what was going to happen
It was a very good read. I really couldn’t put it down, just needed to find out what was going to happen
October 19, 2025
I enjoyed this a lot. I thought it was well written and the characters were well done.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews