Armada: The Fire: Power, Faith, and the Road to the Spanish Armada

by Robert Oliver

483 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2026

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). Being a huge fan of British history, and pretty familiar with Elizabeth the First, I was instantly interested by the blurb of this book. It's mostly nonfiction; naturally, creative license had to be taken in dialogue and certain events; but for the most part it's straight history, teaching me so much I didn't know, while still reading as a novel. It's a hefty book, but I didn't find it too slow... mostly, I was fascinated by the silent war between Elizabeth and Philip. There were a handful of sections that were written so oddly they unsettled me and I wondered if they were natural or generated, and then others were so well done I was impressed. I particularly enjoyed getting an "up close and personal" view of the Tudors... I've never felt sorry for Mary I before, and never admired Elizabeth as much as I do now, while also understanding more of what she lived through. While it chronicles both the protestant and catholic side of things, it's remarkably neutral and embraces neither religion, leaving the reader to form their own conclusion as to the rightness of choices and beliefs. Overall, I really appreciated this book; it enlightened me a good deal; and I'm deeply interested in the sequel.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*