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Mercenary For Hire #0.5
The Tudor Heresy
A short story Introduction to the Tudor Mystery Trials
This short pre-quel sets the stage for the full length book - A Queen's Spy. Enjoy either as a short read on its own, or as an introduction to the Mystery Trials Series.
A gripping Historical Adventure set in 16th Century Tudor England. Elizabeth Tudor needs a hero. Murder, Mystery & Intrigue with a Splash of Romance.
Based on actual historical events, an epic tale of a young Tudor nobleman’s courage as he tries to keep his future Queen safe in one of England’s most turbulent eras.
If you enjoy Tudor Fiction by Phillipa Gregory and Alison Weir then 'A Queens Spy' is perfect for you. A fascinating insight into Tudor England and the life of Elizabeth I before she sets foot on the steps to the throne.
The story unfolds in 16th Century Tudor England
Richard Fitzwarren is a Tudor nobleman with a dubious past who takes risks for a living.
His close friendship with Princess Elizabeth leads to his banishment to France, but when he returns he remains loyal to her.
At his side is Jack, his bastard sibling, and their relationship is a troubled one due to a family secret and their opposite personalities.
Will he keep the future Queen safe?
This short pre-quel sets the stage for the full length book - A Queen's Spy. Enjoy either as a short read on its own, or as an introduction to the Mystery Trials Series.
A gripping Historical Adventure set in 16th Century Tudor England. Elizabeth Tudor needs a hero. Murder, Mystery & Intrigue with a Splash of Romance.
Based on actual historical events, an epic tale of a young Tudor nobleman’s courage as he tries to keep his future Queen safe in one of England’s most turbulent eras.
If you enjoy Tudor Fiction by Phillipa Gregory and Alison Weir then 'A Queens Spy' is perfect for you. A fascinating insight into Tudor England and the life of Elizabeth I before she sets foot on the steps to the throne.
The story unfolds in 16th Century Tudor England
Richard Fitzwarren is a Tudor nobleman with a dubious past who takes risks for a living.
His close friendship with Princess Elizabeth leads to his banishment to France, but when he returns he remains loyal to her.
At his side is Jack, his bastard sibling, and their relationship is a troubled one due to a family secret and their opposite personalities.
Will he keep the future Queen safe?
56 pages, ebook
Published July 14, 2017
164 people are currently reading
381 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 27, 2017
The Tudor Heresy is a short story introducing what I assume will be a series of fictionalised historical books set in 16th century Tudor England. The trick with this type of story is to make the fictional aspects sound legitimate. Samantha Burnell does a good job of this. The events, setting and characters all sit well in the period. It has sufficient authenticity to be a believable untold chapter of a well-trodden historical period.
As a story, it’s a flurry of activity: political machinations, mystery, murder, compromised relationships. It reads somewhat like a longer historical novel which has had the connecting bits taken out so you have a feast of the juicy bits all at once. This didn’t bother me, but I would have been equally happy with the connecting bits there too to flesh out the characters and story more.
As a stand alone work, the ending is somewhat blunt, requiring the reader to pick up the next book to find out what happens next, but I guess that’s what you get with a series. They ain’t over until the last page of the last book. There’s a lot of promise here and I guess I’ll have to take on the series as a whole to get the reward.
As a story, it’s a flurry of activity: political machinations, mystery, murder, compromised relationships. It reads somewhat like a longer historical novel which has had the connecting bits taken out so you have a feast of the juicy bits all at once. This didn’t bother me, but I would have been equally happy with the connecting bits there too to flesh out the characters and story more.
As a stand alone work, the ending is somewhat blunt, requiring the reader to pick up the next book to find out what happens next, but I guess that’s what you get with a series. They ain’t over until the last page of the last book. There’s a lot of promise here and I guess I’ll have to take on the series as a whole to get the reward.
October 27, 2017
Overall
I would like to start off by saying I love Tudor history. I jumped at the chance to read this and it was very enjoyable. It was a bit jerky at times following from one year to another without any introduction or transition, but I appreciated the writing style was very succinct and to the point. This made for a quick read. The brutality of the era was well depicted. I could for sure see reading and enjoying more about Jack and Richard as Elisabeth comes to power. There were a few POV shifts, but it felt more of a narration so it didn't feel jarring after the first time it happened. The verbiage felt right for the era and I was impressed with correct terminology being applied in more than one place.
Rating
4 stars
Overall a very enjoyable historical short story to whet ones appetite. If you are in need of a short story to pass the time - I'd recommend this one!
I received this book for a free and voluntarily review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
I would like to start off by saying I love Tudor history. I jumped at the chance to read this and it was very enjoyable. It was a bit jerky at times following from one year to another without any introduction or transition, but I appreciated the writing style was very succinct and to the point. This made for a quick read. The brutality of the era was well depicted. I could for sure see reading and enjoying more about Jack and Richard as Elisabeth comes to power. There were a few POV shifts, but it felt more of a narration so it didn't feel jarring after the first time it happened. The verbiage felt right for the era and I was impressed with correct terminology being applied in more than one place.
Rating
4 stars
Overall a very enjoyable historical short story to whet ones appetite. If you are in need of a short story to pass the time - I'd recommend this one!
I received this book for a free and voluntarily review. More reviews at creatingworldswithwords.wordpress.com.
October 3, 2017
This small novelette offers a more than adequate speculation of events leading to the throne of England. The author draws a clear line between historical fact and speculation, though the latter part is so well executed that one could plausibly say "why not?"
The language deployed is generally good (though some typos aren't absent) and conveys the atmosphere of the period without being overbearing. The topical focus is good, narrow enough to be interesting but not without a connection to the greater picture. A good achievement considering the short length of the story.
Overall, I think this novelette will more than satisfy fans of the genre - but others too - and probably inspire them to look for more related material.
The language deployed is generally good (though some typos aren't absent) and conveys the atmosphere of the period without being overbearing. The topical focus is good, narrow enough to be interesting but not without a connection to the greater picture. A good achievement considering the short length of the story.
Overall, I think this novelette will more than satisfy fans of the genre - but others too - and probably inspire them to look for more related material.
June 25, 2018
Pulled right in to the story, currently reading the next one.
August 19, 2017
REVEW OF THE TUDOR HERESY
By Sam Burnell
Samantha Burnell is a writer with potential, and it is evident in her excellent command of language and grammar. After viewing the cover of her book, I began reading with great expectations because I like historical novels. After reading a few pages, I found myself going back to read paragraphs and trying to discover who the characters were and their relationship to each other. I even made a few notes which didn’t seem to help very much. There are strong emotions involved in the relationships between most of the characters, but I couldn’t figure out exactly what was driving each of them. It is simply not enough for the author to say that the character hates, envies, or is afraid of another character. I need to see and feel what he feels. I don’t think it is unfair to the author to say that this is not a book, but more like a detailed plot the author intends to flesh out on the second pass. There are a few typos in the book, and it is not formatted very well creating a distraction for the reader. I would like to see some serious effort made to correct the problems, especially things that would flesh out the story. I need to hear, see, and experience the raw emotions mentioned in the story. The climax is sudden and unexpected. This is never a good idea in any book. This story is evidently intended as the introduction to the other books in the series that will follow. With a little work the story could be improved immensely, but as it now stands, I cannot give it more than a 3-star rating.
By Sam Burnell
Samantha Burnell is a writer with potential, and it is evident in her excellent command of language and grammar. After viewing the cover of her book, I began reading with great expectations because I like historical novels. After reading a few pages, I found myself going back to read paragraphs and trying to discover who the characters were and their relationship to each other. I even made a few notes which didn’t seem to help very much. There are strong emotions involved in the relationships between most of the characters, but I couldn’t figure out exactly what was driving each of them. It is simply not enough for the author to say that the character hates, envies, or is afraid of another character. I need to see and feel what he feels. I don’t think it is unfair to the author to say that this is not a book, but more like a detailed plot the author intends to flesh out on the second pass. There are a few typos in the book, and it is not formatted very well creating a distraction for the reader. I would like to see some serious effort made to correct the problems, especially things that would flesh out the story. I need to hear, see, and experience the raw emotions mentioned in the story. The climax is sudden and unexpected. This is never a good idea in any book. This story is evidently intended as the introduction to the other books in the series that will follow. With a little work the story could be improved immensely, but as it now stands, I cannot give it more than a 3-star rating.
December 13, 2017
1.5 stars. I really don't like giving bad reviews, but my best description of this one is "short but painful." I was looking forward to this series but if the main books are as poorly written as this prequel, I'm going to be sadly disappointed. I have to hope that this was thrown together to give some backstory to the series. Spelling and grammatical errors abound, not to mention at least one cringeworthy historical error when Seymour asks Elizabeth's governess Kat (though this uses "Kate," which I guess is a legitimate variation) Ashley whether she can write when she hesitates over signing a document. She was a very well-educated woman and taught Elizabeth until it was considered appropriate for her to be taught by scholars, and there is no way Seymour would not have known that. Also, at the time of Seymour's execution Kat was still in the Tower, not there for Elizabeth to address her (mangled in this book) statement about Seymour, “This day died a man of much wit, and very little judgment,” to. It may be fictionalized, but getting these small details right would add to the realism of even a fictionalized version.
The plot (insofar as there is a plot) is also very disjointed - it felt like the author wanted to put his "main event" in a book but didn't have enough material to justify even a very short ebook, so added all the material that came afterward to plump it up a bit.
The plot (insofar as there is a plot) is also very disjointed - it felt like the author wanted to put his "main event" in a book but didn't have enough material to justify even a very short ebook, so added all the material that came afterward to plump it up a bit.
December 24, 2017
As a Prequel, It Sets the Stage
An interesting introduction to the The Tudor Mystery Trials, where conflicts between brothers is taken to the max by Author and historical researcher, Sam Burnell. This novella wets the appetite for the intrigue to follow. 14-year old Elizabeth is causing havoc, in the true image of her father, in the Thomas Seymour and Katherine Parr, her stepmother, residence where deception, coercion, and manipulation to gain access to 'he who wears the crown' is the only motive for destroying and/or violently ending lives. Secrecy and cunning schemes abound; no one quite sure where loyalties lie, which changes like the wind over the Isle of Britain. The Seymour brothers conspire in direct conflict against young King Edward, resulting in the beheading of Thomas. A good parallel to the first scene of 'A Queen's Spy' which concludes this prequel. Some may wonder how the last scene connects to the tale told of Seymour's treachery, but laced in shadow is the Mystery to come. A good idea to purchase the prequel and first book in the series together to continue the intrigue set in place for generations by the historical conflicts of the true, infamous Tudor royal family.
An interesting introduction to the The Tudor Mystery Trials, where conflicts between brothers is taken to the max by Author and historical researcher, Sam Burnell. This novella wets the appetite for the intrigue to follow. 14-year old Elizabeth is causing havoc, in the true image of her father, in the Thomas Seymour and Katherine Parr, her stepmother, residence where deception, coercion, and manipulation to gain access to 'he who wears the crown' is the only motive for destroying and/or violently ending lives. Secrecy and cunning schemes abound; no one quite sure where loyalties lie, which changes like the wind over the Isle of Britain. The Seymour brothers conspire in direct conflict against young King Edward, resulting in the beheading of Thomas. A good parallel to the first scene of 'A Queen's Spy' which concludes this prequel. Some may wonder how the last scene connects to the tale told of Seymour's treachery, but laced in shadow is the Mystery to come. A good idea to purchase the prequel and first book in the series together to continue the intrigue set in place for generations by the historical conflicts of the true, infamous Tudor royal family.
August 7, 2017
I enjoyed reading The Queens Spy. The copy I read unfortunately had download problems so there were dropped letters, missing words and page numbers floating in the middle of the page. Time transitions within the story were disconcerting since there were no page breaks. That being said once I was able to get my reading rhythm I did enjoy the storyline. I would have liked more character development of the three brothers. What I mean is I would like to have understood better their feelings and thoughts about what was happening between them and what had happened in the past. I enjoy reading about that time and more explanation of the Tudor history would have helped with the storyline. Some of the time transitions between characters seemed a little disjointed and jarring. This being said I would like to read more about the brothers and what happens to them next. Maybe a prequel to really tell the story that started it all.
Read
August 12, 2025The prequel I should have read, to Burnell's first book in a series, 'A Queen's Spy'.
This novella sets the scene for what's to come, chronicling the ill health and death of Edward VI as powerful men with a great deal to gain or lose manoeuvre themselves into position, eyeing both the privy council and the throne.
It begins as Thomas Seymour sidesteps responsibility yet again, after the young Elizabeth almost falls prey to his sexual advances while under the supervision of Kat Ashley in the house of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's widow who Thomas strategically married. Scandal and rumours of scandal abound but Thomas manages to ensure that blame falls firmly on Richard Fitzwarren who we will meet in the full-length novel.
Stuffed with useful information as well as some conjecture, a helpful setting-the-scene prequel. Free on Kindle with a portion of 'A Queen's Spy' to whet your appetite.
This novella sets the scene for what's to come, chronicling the ill health and death of Edward VI as powerful men with a great deal to gain or lose manoeuvre themselves into position, eyeing both the privy council and the throne.
It begins as Thomas Seymour sidesteps responsibility yet again, after the young Elizabeth almost falls prey to his sexual advances while under the supervision of Kat Ashley in the house of Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's widow who Thomas strategically married. Scandal and rumours of scandal abound but Thomas manages to ensure that blame falls firmly on Richard Fitzwarren who we will meet in the full-length novel.
Stuffed with useful information as well as some conjecture, a helpful setting-the-scene prequel. Free on Kindle with a portion of 'A Queen's Spy' to whet your appetite.
Read
January 26, 2026Short story (prequel) set in 1548 to a series involving young Richard Fitzwarren, who was banished from England when set up as a fall guy for the lecherous Thomas Seymour, whose "relationship" with Princess Elizabeth in the house of his wife, dowager Queen Katherine Parr, created one almighty scandal, tarnishing the reputation of the young Elizabeth and sending Seymour to the scaffold.
This is his backstory.
This is his backstory.
January 21, 2018
This sets the scene and answers a few of the questions that come to mind when reading a Queen's Spy. I was actually sad to see the end of Thomas Seymour in this novella, he was thoroughly awful man and it would have been good to have seen him as an adversary in the next books. A worthy opponent for the equally charismatic Richard Fitzwarren.
August 5, 2022
The Tudor Heresy
I wish I could have read this prequel to the Mercenary for Hire series before I read the whole series. This book put the series in perspective and made understanding the story line easier.
Highly recommend reading "The Tudor Heresy" before reading the series. If a reader is already onto the series they should read this book before continuing with the series.
I wish I could have read this prequel to the Mercenary for Hire series before I read the whole series. This book put the series in perspective and made understanding the story line easier.
Highly recommend reading "The Tudor Heresy" before reading the series. If a reader is already onto the series they should read this book before continuing with the series.
March 5, 2018
An enjoyable enough prequel, though I didn't feel it was at the same standard as the two full-length books in the series. It was great reading the important scene as it happens, as it sets the story for the books to come.
March 18, 2019
Tudor Blood
Excellent rendition of this small but if English history in the form a narrative filled historical, action & even intrigue. Well written holding interest from start to finish!
Excellent rendition of this small but if English history in the form a narrative filled historical, action & even intrigue. Well written holding interest from start to finish!
March 26, 2019
Finally
Not don't but I had not read this until long after reading all but the latest of the the ensuing series. I enjoy the authors work and look forward to more. This prelude fully explains some of not all of. Pre mystery.
Not don't but I had not read this until long after reading all but the latest of the the ensuing series. I enjoy the authors work and look forward to more. This prelude fully explains some of not all of. Pre mystery.
July 26, 2019
1548 and Thomas Seymour has started his machinations to be the power behind the throne after the death of Henry VIII, as his own brother is proclaimed Lord Protector.
An interesting short story intoducing Richard Fitzwarren.
An interesting short story intoducing Richard Fitzwarren.
November 15, 2019
Ok
An surprisingly well put together and yet brief description of Thomas Seymour’s downfall. Informative, but nothing new. Not sure what the purpose was, it is we’ll know historical facts, after all...
An surprisingly well put together and yet brief description of Thomas Seymour’s downfall. Informative, but nothing new. Not sure what the purpose was, it is we’ll know historical facts, after all...
December 21, 2024
Exceptional series
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this as well as the first three books in the series. They are very well written and explore life in England during the mid sixteenth century. I kept reading to see what adventures Richard and Jack would have next!
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this as well as the first three books in the series. They are very well written and explore life in England during the mid sixteenth century. I kept reading to see what adventures Richard and Jack would have next!
December 30, 2018
Treachery and greed
Is this still what makes our government work. At least we don't behead someone. I only got to read a sample but am eager to read the rest of the book.
Is this still what makes our government work. At least we don't behead someone. I only got to read a sample but am eager to read the rest of the book.
April 22, 2019
I love the historical details and the way Samantha writes. I always feel like I am a part of the story and want to read more.
August 27, 2019
Audible Audiobook: unabridged
September 13, 2019
Was really into reading it but it ended too soon. But I loved what I read. You'll enjoy it too. Can't wait to read more from Samantha Burnell. Gave it 5 stars.
May 26, 2020
Excellent
Good introduction of the beginning of how Richard and Jack came together.Having read all six of their adventures l do hope that there will be many more?
Good introduction of the beginning of how Richard and Jack came together.Having read all six of their adventures l do hope that there will be many more?
February 6, 2024
good short back story to the series
good short back story to the series, interesting to learn what had happened between Richard and Elizabeth at the beginning.
good short back story to the series, interesting to learn what had happened between Richard and Elizabeth at the beginning.
April 30, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
Kinda boring ngl
Kinda boring ngl
October 3, 2017
I love reading books on the Tudor's and Plantagenet's, so I picked this one up. It was a short read, but a good one. I haven't read The Queen's Spy yet, but this sets the scene for it and the scene for possibly many other books if the author chooses to go that route.
The short story is, for the most part, historically accurate with what we do know and the parts we do not are completely plausible in the story. It could do with another quick edit but it was otherwise an enjoyable read and I will read the next book in the series to see where the author takes the story
The short story is, for the most part, historically accurate with what we do know and the parts we do not are completely plausible in the story. It could do with another quick edit but it was otherwise an enjoyable read and I will read the next book in the series to see where the author takes the story
October 22, 2017
Interesting and well written but very short.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews