PLAGUE AND RAGE a gripping medieval historical adventure

by Paul Bannister

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 30, 2026

About the author

A recovering journalist who worked for national publications on both sides of the Atlantic, and who has freelanced for magazines worldwide, Bannister began writing historical fiction in 2012 and is still working at the craft.

He authored the autobio 'Tabloid Man & the Baffling Chair of Death' which details his life as the National Enquirer's chief reporter of the paranormal, when he worked worldwide on stories such as the Stanford Research Institute's decade-long investigation into psychic spying; he traveled with astronaut Dr Edgar Mitchell for months during his time founding the Institute of Noetic Sciences and with Guy Playfair during his investigation into the Enfield poltergeist case.

Bannister uses his research and investigative training to provide exhaustive and accurate detail in his Roman and Crusader suites of novels and posits that the hero of 'Arthur Britannicus,' the usurper emperor Carausius (CE 286 - 293) is the real source of the Arthurian legends.

Reviews

[Paul Pope]

This should have just been titled Rage. There was not enough plague to warrant a titular mention.

The Plague aspect was mostly just oblique references, not a character of the story. And the Rage elements were mostly tepid, passive. No story arc.
I mean, even if we had more of the quarter-staff presence it would have been a bit more rage-y.

Cannot recommend.

[Greg D]

Plague and Rage by Paul Bannister is a medieval historical adventure following Tom Thatcher, a young English peasant struggling under harsh laws, poverty, and social inequality. After an accidental death forces him to flee his home, Tom embarks on a turbulent journey that takes him to the siege of Caffa, where he experiences warfare, forms friendships, and develops new skills. Against the backdrop of war, plague, and widespread suffering, Tom becomes increasingly committed to the growing struggle for peasants’ rights and freedom from starvation and oppression.

This read almost like a diary from a historical figure. Overall a decent read, full of historical landmarks and important figures, along with a few medieval-era words thrown in. At times a bit choppy, and character development seems to be lacking. But it was fairly easy to follow with plenty of action and drama to keep the reader engaged.

[barbara]

Really good read with plague from rats and mossies ,to high taxes and hard life with wars going on in Engalnd and was nice to here of it being based in England and know of same places in Kent .
People starting to rebel of low wages and just scraping by because of high taxes and low wages .
Reminds me a bit of how it's getting today tax on everything .

[Will Cook]

excellent read

Certain parallels of the situation of today! The people, so called in charge don’t understand the feelings of the people they govern.