“Why would an entire English Civil War battle have been covered up? Why would both sides prefer to pretend that it had never happened?”
An archaeological dig outside the small town of Sharpeton turns up some surprising results when hundreds of skeletons are discovered. Convinced that she has discovered the site of a previously forgotten battle, Doctor Mary Baker sets out to learn the truth about a horrific event that took place more than three centuries earlier.
Meanwhile, a few miles away, a little girl makes a shocking discovery deep beneath the desolate moor. Nykolas Freeman, one of the most notorious figures in English history, is about to rise from the grave once again. This time, however, his experience of the modern world is going to push him to the brink of madness, and a deadly prophecy warns that a great tragedy will soon strike the English countryside.
What really happened at the Battle of Sharpeton in 1644? Why was it erased from history? And what links one of England's most notorious monsters to a scared little girl?
Battlefield is the second book in the Nykolas Freeman series, which began with The Priest Hole.
Amy Cross writes novels and short stories in a number of genres, mainly horror, paranormal and fantasy. Books include The Farm, Annie's Room, The Island, Eli's Town and Asylum.
This was pretty good, although neither continuity with nor consistency of characters from the first book in the series seem to have been overwhelmingly important. And, unfortunately, it sets up a third book which has yet to be written.....
Battlefield is the second book in the Nykolas Freeman series, which began with The Priest Hole. But, it's not like we weren't expecting it. Because book 1 makes it clear that Nickolas Freeman is yet to be resurrected.
“Nykolas Freeman died four hundred years ago. On a cold night, you can still hear his victims screaming. Some even say that, for Freeman, death was not the end.”
In book 1. Nickolas Freeman is this fearsome, infamous horrifying man, known to hunt catholic priest and witches. Beheading them if needed. Be it a kid, he doesn't seem to give a hoot. In book 1 Nickolas Freeman was murdered but, well, not accordingly. Now, it's the 21st century in Book 2 and he's back once more. This time, however, his experience of the modern world is going to push him to the brink of madness, and a deadly prophecy warns that a great tragedy will soon strike the English countryside.
But, whats surprising is that the Nickolas Freeman in book 2 is pretty rational. Like, really rational, although yes, he doesn't seem to understand modern age technology and calls it a work of witchcraft.
“And this thing,” Freeman continued, stepping over to the TV. He paused, watching the images, before suddenly raising his ax. “It must be destroyed and -”
“No!” Craig shouted, running past and holding his hands out to protect the screen. “Dude, don't wave that thing around in here, even as a joke! This is a widescreen plasma TV, for fuck's sake!”
“Your use of language is crude,” Freeman sneered, with the ax still raised. “Are you mentally crippled?”
I believe there's no better way this book could have been written. Great read, great surprising turn of events, can't wait for book 3.
This book was something along the lines of Amy Cross meets Dr Who. It was both ridiculous and fascinating, funny and horrific. Certainly, it was an entertaining tale.
This is the second book in this series, and I can’t wait for the third! The story of a witch & catholic priest hunter. And extremely cruel man. Who wakes up again in our time.
I really liked the 2nd book in the Freeman books, the first being The Priest Hole. There's plenty of horror but there's also some moments I found quite humourous! Looking forward to the continuation of this series.
A story that at times seems like a real mystery, and at others like some mad ramblings of a teenage horror freak. But the maestro of imagination pulls a work of weird brilliance out of the hat full of mud and blood. Weird fog, time loops, zombies with a twist. What's not to like? What Amy may lack in literary style she more than makes up for in surreal creativity! As someone fascinated by the English Civil War, I found this battle lost to history, but existing in alt-history, engrossing. And gross!
A very good second book in this series full of well rounded characters, great atmosphere and plot twists. Much more adult than most of this authors books and all the better for it and not an annoying female protagonist in sight (that is the authors usual stock character). There are still a few Americanisms and inconsistencies in the story but this is easily the strongest work I have read from her.
Amy Cross sure now's how to spin a tale of horror! I was glued to it from beginning to end. This was an intense story line with some really gruesome parts, but absolutely riveting. I couldn't put it down for long! Missed a few tv shows(thanks for on demand) and some sleep. Absolutely a phenomenal series! Can't wait for book #3 Avalon to come out!
I liked this better than the first one. There are new characters along with some of the old ones. I was disappointed more wasn't done with characters from the first book. It is filled with horror, and some humor. There is also a mystery. I look forward to the next book.
I can not wait for book 3! I loved Freeman's determination to help little Becca. He actually made my eyes tear, considering what he did in the first book almost made me vomit. Keep these awesome stories coming Ms. Cross!!!
I couldn't put it down just like most of books I have to read till it's finished. Full of suspense I miss reading about the characters when the book is finished. I love all her books so far
I liked this book and could see it easily made into a great movie. I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars due several grammar and wrong or left out word errors.
Wow Amy Cross never fails to give me chills this is the 2nd in what I assume is a trilogy and I can't wait for the last story. This time a girl called Becca is freed from her alcoholic and lecherous father by Freeman. You'll need to read the rest to understand more but a battle is coming.
I found myself unable to stop reading, as the storyline was filled with so much detail it was gripping. Amy cross is a very talented writer as this and many of her books prove. Its great to be able to read a different type of horror which this book most definitely was!
Gripping Read from first to last page Links up so well with the first book. Very clever presentation From the author. The most evil vile creature from the first book Has you willing him on as the most unlikely hero You must read Priests Hole first before jumping on this Rollercoaster of a read