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Blood's Revolution
In an age of treachery everyone must pick a side . . .
It's 1685 and after the victory of Sedgemoor by King James II's men and the Bloody Assizes that followed, the British Isles faces an uneasy time. Many powerful men have grown tired of Catholic James's brutal, autocratic rule and seek to invite William, the Protestant Prince of Orange, to seize the thrones of the Three Kingdoms.
When Lieutenant Holcroft Blood, a brilliant but unusual gunnery officer in His Majesty's Ordnance, discovers that a sinister French agent, known only by his code name Narrey, has landed on English soil, he discovers a plan that could threaten the stability of the nation even further.
While revolution brews in the gentlemen's clubs of London, Holcroft faces a deadly choice - fight for his king, or fight for his friends.
Every decision has a consequence - would you be willing to pay the price?
It's 1685 and after the victory of Sedgemoor by King James II's men and the Bloody Assizes that followed, the British Isles faces an uneasy time. Many powerful men have grown tired of Catholic James's brutal, autocratic rule and seek to invite William, the Protestant Prince of Orange, to seize the thrones of the Three Kingdoms.
When Lieutenant Holcroft Blood, a brilliant but unusual gunnery officer in His Majesty's Ordnance, discovers that a sinister French agent, known only by his code name Narrey, has landed on English soil, he discovers a plan that could threaten the stability of the nation even further.
While revolution brews in the gentlemen's clubs of London, Holcroft faces a deadly choice - fight for his king, or fight for his friends.
Every decision has a consequence - would you be willing to pay the price?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 11, 2018
20 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 20, 2018
I loved book one in this series and rated it 5 stars! It totally made my day reading that book. And while this sequel wasn’t necessarily a bad book, it was a bit disappointing in comparison…
My main problem with the book is that it was incredibly slow paced. It seemed like not much was happening for the first fifty percent, and then when things did happen it was all a bit underwhelming. I never felt the high stakes like I did with the first book. But at the same time, it was pretty good with including the main historical elements while fictionalising some. I would recommend reading the author’s note to see what truly happened and what has been fictionalised at the end. Having studied the Glorious Revolution in history though, I understand that it isn’t the easiest time period to make very exciting. (Although that isn’t to say it isn’t an important time in history or that the people who died due to the disagreements at the time wasted their lives or anything. They are still important.)
What I also loved about book one was the political games included, but especially the psychological games and strategizing that went on. There were manipulations, betrayals and incredibly high stakes. It was a mental game and you had to be incredibly intelligent to make it out alive. But in this one, it was watered down and the mind games were removed. All that was left was the politics – which can get a little dry when standing alone. There was also the war and fighting, but I don’t really like my warlike political books when there isn’t a need for mental scheming and strategy involved. It got boring for me but that is personal taste! If war fighting and politics is your deal, you might like this one more than I did!
Holcroft… in the first book I loved him. His mild Asperger’s syndrome seemed to be well represented, and he was an innocent boy who just wanted to live honestly. But here he has grown up. Which is fair enough. But he has lost some of that inherent good nature, and a lot of the innocence. He didn’t seem as righteous as he did in book one. Also, the mild Asperger’s representation… in some situations that called for it, it seemed like it was overlooked? Or removed for just that one moment. Which… maybe it happens as people get older and more able to handle their situation. I don’t know because I don’t know enough about the developments of Asperger’s syndrome. But it didn’t sit right with me for some reason… I didn’t love his character as much as in the first book. There was still some of the good guy in there.
I loved the moments where it was focused on Jack Churchill and Holcroft’s friendship! Bromances are something I will never get enough of in books. I just wish it was featured more. I didn’t like the way Elizabeth was treated at all… I understand part of that comes with who Holcroft is and their situation, but at the same time I’m not surprised she acted the way she did. I would’ve been even angrier.
The overall plot was okay. I felt like it never really reached a climax, and then was a bit too easily resolved. But some of the action-y battles were so fun to read. And there was one moment where the odds were clearly not in Holcroft’s favour and I loved that battle. Like in book one, he had to use all his strength and his intelligence to try and worm his way out of that one.
All in all, it’s a decent read! But it just doesn’t compare to the first book, which made it a bit disappointing. I still definitely recommend book one though! Give it a go.
Relevance to today: What this book clearly showed me is that you should always do what you believe is right. It doesn’t mean you will always be right. But we can only do the best we can and make our choices on that fact. Stay opened minded, always question your intentions and who it will affect. Then go for it and be the best you can be.
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2018/1...
My main problem with the book is that it was incredibly slow paced. It seemed like not much was happening for the first fifty percent, and then when things did happen it was all a bit underwhelming. I never felt the high stakes like I did with the first book. But at the same time, it was pretty good with including the main historical elements while fictionalising some. I would recommend reading the author’s note to see what truly happened and what has been fictionalised at the end. Having studied the Glorious Revolution in history though, I understand that it isn’t the easiest time period to make very exciting. (Although that isn’t to say it isn’t an important time in history or that the people who died due to the disagreements at the time wasted their lives or anything. They are still important.)
What I also loved about book one was the political games included, but especially the psychological games and strategizing that went on. There were manipulations, betrayals and incredibly high stakes. It was a mental game and you had to be incredibly intelligent to make it out alive. But in this one, it was watered down and the mind games were removed. All that was left was the politics – which can get a little dry when standing alone. There was also the war and fighting, but I don’t really like my warlike political books when there isn’t a need for mental scheming and strategy involved. It got boring for me but that is personal taste! If war fighting and politics is your deal, you might like this one more than I did!
Holcroft… in the first book I loved him. His mild Asperger’s syndrome seemed to be well represented, and he was an innocent boy who just wanted to live honestly. But here he has grown up. Which is fair enough. But he has lost some of that inherent good nature, and a lot of the innocence. He didn’t seem as righteous as he did in book one. Also, the mild Asperger’s representation… in some situations that called for it, it seemed like it was overlooked? Or removed for just that one moment. Which… maybe it happens as people get older and more able to handle their situation. I don’t know because I don’t know enough about the developments of Asperger’s syndrome. But it didn’t sit right with me for some reason… I didn’t love his character as much as in the first book. There was still some of the good guy in there.
I loved the moments where it was focused on Jack Churchill and Holcroft’s friendship! Bromances are something I will never get enough of in books. I just wish it was featured more. I didn’t like the way Elizabeth was treated at all… I understand part of that comes with who Holcroft is and their situation, but at the same time I’m not surprised she acted the way she did. I would’ve been even angrier.
The overall plot was okay. I felt like it never really reached a climax, and then was a bit too easily resolved. But some of the action-y battles were so fun to read. And there was one moment where the odds were clearly not in Holcroft’s favour and I loved that battle. Like in book one, he had to use all his strength and his intelligence to try and worm his way out of that one.
All in all, it’s a decent read! But it just doesn’t compare to the first book, which made it a bit disappointing. I still definitely recommend book one though! Give it a go.
Relevance to today: What this book clearly showed me is that you should always do what you believe is right. It doesn’t mean you will always be right. But we can only do the best we can and make our choices on that fact. Stay opened minded, always question your intentions and who it will affect. Then go for it and be the best you can be.
This review and others can be found on Olivia's Catastrophe: https://oliviascatastrophe.com/2018/1...
December 1, 2018
Book Reviewed by Mike on www.whisperingstories.com
Blood’s Revolution is about Holcroft Blood, a Lieutenant in the King’s Ordinance, and his race to prevent a plot to destroy the monarchy, whilst also facing an adversary from the past.
I have read a few books based around the same era and I found the settings and author’s historical knowledge in this book a joy. His passion for that period in history clearly shows.
However, I found the characters under-developed. This could be because many of them were based on actual people (which I only found out about in the historical note at the end) and maybe the author felt he didn’t need to go into too much detail, or perhaps he had covered that in his first novel in the series, but this meant I didn’t care much for them. This was very apparent with his protagonist: it felt like the author was unsure of how he wanted him to be; anti-hero, coward or gentleman, although it was nice to have a few subtle touches in his character such as his attention to detail and love of numbers and patterns.
The story itself starts very fast, which can be a positive, but there were so many characters and things to digest I found it difficult to take in. The chapters dart from one month to the next and although the author uses the chapter headings to explain the time of year and setting, I found myself turning back and fourth to check the timeline as it feels like you’ve missed a huge piece of information.
The story picked up, for me, when it got to part three, but by then I felt like so little had happened prior to this, that the reveal was a let down and each loose end remained untied and therefore irrelevant.
I possibly would have enjoyed the book more had I read the historical note first, and I would recommend anyone who wishes to read this to do so but as I did not, it sadly doesn’t make me want to read the first in the series or wait for the next and as such I give Blood’s Revolution 2.5 stars.
Blood’s Revolution is about Holcroft Blood, a Lieutenant in the King’s Ordinance, and his race to prevent a plot to destroy the monarchy, whilst also facing an adversary from the past.
I have read a few books based around the same era and I found the settings and author’s historical knowledge in this book a joy. His passion for that period in history clearly shows.
However, I found the characters under-developed. This could be because many of them were based on actual people (which I only found out about in the historical note at the end) and maybe the author felt he didn’t need to go into too much detail, or perhaps he had covered that in his first novel in the series, but this meant I didn’t care much for them. This was very apparent with his protagonist: it felt like the author was unsure of how he wanted him to be; anti-hero, coward or gentleman, although it was nice to have a few subtle touches in his character such as his attention to detail and love of numbers and patterns.
The story itself starts very fast, which can be a positive, but there were so many characters and things to digest I found it difficult to take in. The chapters dart from one month to the next and although the author uses the chapter headings to explain the time of year and setting, I found myself turning back and fourth to check the timeline as it feels like you’ve missed a huge piece of information.
The story picked up, for me, when it got to part three, but by then I felt like so little had happened prior to this, that the reveal was a let down and each loose end remained untied and therefore irrelevant.
I possibly would have enjoyed the book more had I read the historical note first, and I would recommend anyone who wishes to read this to do so but as I did not, it sadly doesn’t make me want to read the first in the series or wait for the next and as such I give Blood’s Revolution 2.5 stars.
November 19, 2019
Holcroft has grown up in this one, which was a surprise, and we find him 15 years after the end of the previous book and he is now a lieutenant in the King's Ordnance (fusiliers - canons).
This was very interesting, and I enjoyed the mystery of Narrey, the Frenchman hellbent on killing Holcroft.
The complex scheme that the author had created to include the Warming Pan Incident (http://www.historynaked.com/warming-p...) was ingenious, as well as a closer look at the Glorious Revolution (https://www.history.com/topics/britis...) was really intriguing.
Trigger warnings for: blood, gore, death of children, and alcohol use.
This was very interesting, and I enjoyed the mystery of Narrey, the Frenchman hellbent on killing Holcroft.
The complex scheme that the author had created to include the Warming Pan Incident (http://www.historynaked.com/warming-p...) was ingenious, as well as a closer look at the Glorious Revolution (https://www.history.com/topics/britis...) was really intriguing.
Trigger warnings for: blood, gore, death of children, and alcohol use.
December 20, 2018
I tried, I really did. I keep picking the book up, reading a couple (or ten) pages and then putting it back down again. This has been going on since Halloween and I'm still not in triple figures page count wise.
Is it because I haven't read the first in the series?
No, I don't think so, never been a problem before I can usually figure it out and manage to get into a book even when it is a few deep in to an established series.
Is it the setting?
I like historical novels and I've read quite a few and even given some of them 5 star reviews so it can't be that.
Is it the writing?
The writing is actually quite good, the early battle scene was actually quite tense and you got a real sense of the musket fire and the cannon smoke and boom.
Is it the characterisation?
Could be, but then again they feel like fully rounded people on the page and normally that's all I need.
I am now officially giving up on it though - at page 81. I am usually never beaten by a book but this one feels like a chore every time I pick it up and after 10 days of persevering I've officially had it; I'm done.
I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READERS FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
Is it because I haven't read the first in the series?
No, I don't think so, never been a problem before I can usually figure it out and manage to get into a book even when it is a few deep in to an established series.
Is it the setting?
I like historical novels and I've read quite a few and even given some of them 5 star reviews so it can't be that.
Is it the writing?
The writing is actually quite good, the early battle scene was actually quite tense and you got a real sense of the musket fire and the cannon smoke and boom.
Is it the characterisation?
Could be, but then again they feel like fully rounded people on the page and normally that's all I need.
I am now officially giving up on it though - at page 81. I am usually never beaten by a book but this one feels like a chore every time I pick it up and after 10 days of persevering I've officially had it; I'm done.
I RECEIVED A FREE COPY OF THIS BOOK FROM READERS FIRST IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
October 21, 2018
Not my cup of tea but excellent for the genre
While this book may have not been my cup of tea in terms of the specifics of the historical fiction in which it is set, I cannot deny it is a fascinating story that got my thinking and educated me.
It is set in a period of history that I, myself would not have wanted to live through as it seems, although exciting and fun, filled with fear and danger. I found scenes set in the battlefield very exciting and taught me lots of things about the history period and made me want to learn even more!
While i may have not enjoyed as it is not my typical read I appreciate the brilliance of this author's writing as at times it was very compelling and made the plot so very exciting that it made me want to read on!
While this book may have not been my cup of tea in terms of the specifics of the historical fiction in which it is set, I cannot deny it is a fascinating story that got my thinking and educated me.
It is set in a period of history that I, myself would not have wanted to live through as it seems, although exciting and fun, filled with fear and danger. I found scenes set in the battlefield very exciting and taught me lots of things about the history period and made me want to learn even more!
While i may have not enjoyed as it is not my typical read I appreciate the brilliance of this author's writing as at times it was very compelling and made the plot so very exciting that it made me want to read on!
December 24, 2019
The “Glorious Revolution” was when William of Orange was invited into England (by the Protestant English elite) to replace James II over fears of Catholic influences. Into this difficult and pivotal time, author Angus Donald places his character Holcroft Blood. We met Blood in the previous book in the series (you don’t need to read it, but you should) where his infamous father tried to pinch the Crown Jewels.
Holcroft is a tad unusual, on the “spectrum” he struggles with relationships and is comfortable with an almost OCD like sense of order. Being a Lieutenant in the Royal Ordnance suits his sense of order and structure but his role also places him close to those who want change, both friends and enemies. This was not a time for honest men who just want to follow the rules. So we see this important time through the eyes of Holcroft Blood and those around him as he tries to dodge politics and root out French spies.
Sadly, schools don’t seem to teach English/British history and this is another occasion where I have been educated and motivated to read up on the era and background. It is fascinating stuff and, once again, history is brought to life by the author. It is such a page turner that I even checked the page count thinking it might have been a shortish novel, as I was getting through it so quickly. I preferred this to the previous book, maybe because the theft of the Crown Jewels had to feature prominently and there was a balance of characters between Holcroft and his father. The story here has more pace and confidence with the characterisation and is a gripping adventure.
Highly recommended.
Holcroft is a tad unusual, on the “spectrum” he struggles with relationships and is comfortable with an almost OCD like sense of order. Being a Lieutenant in the Royal Ordnance suits his sense of order and structure but his role also places him close to those who want change, both friends and enemies. This was not a time for honest men who just want to follow the rules. So we see this important time through the eyes of Holcroft Blood and those around him as he tries to dodge politics and root out French spies.
Sadly, schools don’t seem to teach English/British history and this is another occasion where I have been educated and motivated to read up on the era and background. It is fascinating stuff and, once again, history is brought to life by the author. It is such a page turner that I even checked the page count thinking it might have been a shortish novel, as I was getting through it so quickly. I preferred this to the previous book, maybe because the theft of the Crown Jewels had to feature prominently and there was a balance of characters between Holcroft and his father. The story here has more pace and confidence with the characterisation and is a gripping adventure.
Highly recommended.
February 8, 2020
Second entry in Angus Donald's Holcroft Blood series (that started with Blood's Game) and, in many respects, you could be forgiven for thinking that this had a different central character.
Since the events covered in that novel, the young Holcroft Blood has grown up, and is no longer quite as naïve, perhaps, as he was before. The 'Merry Monarch' (Charles II) has also passed on, with his crown passing to his Catholic brother James II, as his Holcroft's father Colonel Thomas Blood (who attempted to steal the Crown Jewels in the previous novel).
The majority of this novel thus concerns itself with Holcroft being caught up in the events surrounding James II increasing alienation of Britain's Protestant political elite, while being hunted by a brutal French spy for his time doing the similar for Charles II in France.
I'm interested in seeing where this goes, and how Holcroft gets caught up in the later events, especially since The Battle of the Boyne (in which William, the Prince of Orange, defeats King James II) is still remembered every July 12th here in my homeland of Northern Ireland!
Since the events covered in that novel, the young Holcroft Blood has grown up, and is no longer quite as naïve, perhaps, as he was before. The 'Merry Monarch' (Charles II) has also passed on, with his crown passing to his Catholic brother James II, as his Holcroft's father Colonel Thomas Blood (who attempted to steal the Crown Jewels in the previous novel).
The majority of this novel thus concerns itself with Holcroft being caught up in the events surrounding James II increasing alienation of Britain's Protestant political elite, while being hunted by a brutal French spy for his time doing the similar for Charles II in France.
I'm interested in seeing where this goes, and how Holcroft gets caught up in the later events, especially since The Battle of the Boyne (in which William, the Prince of Orange, defeats King James II) is still remembered every July 12th here in my homeland of Northern Ireland!
April 6, 2020
This is the second book on the ‘Blood’ series and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
It follows on Blood's Game and Holcroft is now a more seasoned soldier and no longer ‘spies’.
The story begins with the Battle of Sedgemoor, with the expectation and planning of a battle. Holcroft has strategies for his cannon and not always inline with his seniors. The story continues to Revolution of 1688 and the overthrowing of King James. There are historical facts mixed with the fiction which gives this such a believable feel and authenticity to the story.
There is the usual intrigue, exciting and frightening battles and even murder to keep you turning the pages. A real romping, war and glory tale
It follows on Blood's Game and Holcroft is now a more seasoned soldier and no longer ‘spies’.
The story begins with the Battle of Sedgemoor, with the expectation and planning of a battle. Holcroft has strategies for his cannon and not always inline with his seniors. The story continues to Revolution of 1688 and the overthrowing of King James. There are historical facts mixed with the fiction which gives this such a believable feel and authenticity to the story.
There is the usual intrigue, exciting and frightening battles and even murder to keep you turning the pages. A real romping, war and glory tale
November 20, 2019
I really, really enjoyed this! Time has moved on since Blood's Game and Holcroft is now a well-respected soldier, his spying days behind him. The Battle of Sedgemoor begins the novel and it's an excellent start before we move on to the events leading up to the Glorious Revolution of 1688. Intrigue, thrills, battles (especially involving Holcroft's beloved cannon), murder and much more fill these pages. Personally, I much preferred this to Blood's Game and I'm looking forward to seeing how the series develops. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
July 10, 2021
It's great to see a novel set during the reign of James II and particularly appreciated having a fictional portrayal of Aphra Behn , the playwright and poet. The account of the Battle of Sedgemoor towards the start of the book was excellent. Very convincing attitudes and dialogue and well written. But somehow felt that the story line began to get more improbable as the book went on -even though accept that this is fiction and a certain element of disbelief has to be suspended. Can't really discuss more without delivering a whopping great spoiler but for me the novel peaked too soon.
April 6, 2020
Great follow-up to part one of the Blood Series. This time Holcroft is up against the Monmouth Rebellion, a devious French spy called Narrey, and the machinations of his own friends during the Glorious (or not so) Revolution...
Cracking read, full of action and bombast, with a seriously good protagonist in one of the most interesting periods in British history. Highly recommended.
Cracking read, full of action and bombast, with a seriously good protagonist in one of the most interesting periods in British history. Highly recommended.
September 24, 2020
Great fun and as exciting as the Robin Hood books. Holcroft Blood, older, than in Bloods Game, of course, is quite a likable sort, and in my mind is a very honest and proud principled Englishman, speaking posh in an endearing way. I loved it. A great view of the past as it could have been.
Thanks again Angus for a very entertaining read.
Thanks again Angus for a very entertaining read.
May 5, 2023
Another good read
I stuffed the order up on this series so it took some of the suspense away as I already knew the outcomes, but regardless it was a pretty solid novel. This time frame seemed like a very Brutal time to be alive and I like the way that parts of history are told nearly as they occurred in this book, it makes the skin crawl some of it.
I stuffed the order up on this series so it took some of the suspense away as I already knew the outcomes, but regardless it was a pretty solid novel. This time frame seemed like a very Brutal time to be alive and I like the way that parts of history are told nearly as they occurred in this book, it makes the skin crawl some of it.
March 2, 2021
Easy read
An easy read historical fiction. Filled with historical facts, this book is entertaining and enjoyable to read. I'm starting the sequel immediately after writing this review.
An easy read historical fiction. Filled with historical facts, this book is entertaining and enjoyable to read. I'm starting the sequel immediately after writing this review.
July 19, 2020
Became more interesting the more you read but took some time to personally get involved in the story.
March 30, 2022
2.5 starzzz
November 1, 2022
Solid read. I like it. Interesting main character. I'm planning to read rest of the series.
February 24, 2023
Couldn't be bothered to finish this.
August 10, 2024
Good plot and good characters
December 22, 2018
I received a free copy from Readers First in exchange for an honest review.
This is book 2 in the series, and it has jumped quite far forward in time from the first book, which was all about Blood as an 11 year old (or thereabouts). When we start this off Blood is in his 20s so there is a lengthy period the author could return to in the future to flesh out the series. I read Book 1 in a couple of days to prepare for this, and although i did enjoy that i don't think it was necessary to be able to dive right in at book 2. If anything Blood's idiosyncrasies have been toned down a bit in book 2, or is that more because he has grown up and so knows better how to hide them. The author does talk about him being on the autism scale.
Anyway the meat of this story is Blood becoming embroiled in the political machinations of King James II, who's skint and facing the prospect of an invasion by William of Orange from Holland. France is whispering in his ear, but can they be trusted either? Meanwhile Blood gets on the wrong side of his commanding officer by disobeying a stupid order not to move artillery pieces into a better position in the heat of battle, and even though he saved hundreds of lives, they are sticklers for the fact he disobeyed an order so want to punish him. Blood doesn't have time for such things so sticks to his guns and gets sent away for his troubles to oversee the fortifications at several different bases around the country, thus keeping him away from the troublesome officer. But on his return to London and a swift marriage his friend Churchill invites him to a dinner where he meets a bunch of high ranking lords who are all atalk of sedition and treason against the King, this goes against all of Bloods loyalties so he leaves, but stays quiet about their plan out of his loyalty to Churchill. Things take a turn when William of Orange does eventually invade and Blood is again with the same ordnance troop he disobeyed previous orders with, but all of the treasonous officers he met at that dinner are also in the marching army, will they fght against William of Orange who they so secretly support? What will Blood do if that happens? I'll not spoil the ending.
Also happening parallel to this is the French spy Narrey who has a personal grudge against Blood for making a fool out of him in front of King Louis when Blood was a spy in France. Narrey is on British soil, in London no less, and is up to something with a local crimelord in one of the no go slum areas. Once Blood discovers this he has to find out what he's up to and stop him again.
It's a thoroughly entertaining journey, but I'm docking a star merely for the massive jumps in time it takes with only brief mentions of what happens. Blood spent some years working in France as a spy, could almost be a book's worth there (or i hope that is a future plan), several years re-inforcing several forts for the king. These are all dealt with by mere paragraphs, and we know by now there is no quiet boring time for Blood, he's always getting himself into trouble, so i need to know more about these times, i'm not satisfied with a small paragraph and just a massive jump in dates to move the story along.
This is book 2 in the series, and it has jumped quite far forward in time from the first book, which was all about Blood as an 11 year old (or thereabouts). When we start this off Blood is in his 20s so there is a lengthy period the author could return to in the future to flesh out the series. I read Book 1 in a couple of days to prepare for this, and although i did enjoy that i don't think it was necessary to be able to dive right in at book 2. If anything Blood's idiosyncrasies have been toned down a bit in book 2, or is that more because he has grown up and so knows better how to hide them. The author does talk about him being on the autism scale.
Anyway the meat of this story is Blood becoming embroiled in the political machinations of King James II, who's skint and facing the prospect of an invasion by William of Orange from Holland. France is whispering in his ear, but can they be trusted either? Meanwhile Blood gets on the wrong side of his commanding officer by disobeying a stupid order not to move artillery pieces into a better position in the heat of battle, and even though he saved hundreds of lives, they are sticklers for the fact he disobeyed an order so want to punish him. Blood doesn't have time for such things so sticks to his guns and gets sent away for his troubles to oversee the fortifications at several different bases around the country, thus keeping him away from the troublesome officer. But on his return to London and a swift marriage his friend Churchill invites him to a dinner where he meets a bunch of high ranking lords who are all atalk of sedition and treason against the King, this goes against all of Bloods loyalties so he leaves, but stays quiet about their plan out of his loyalty to Churchill. Things take a turn when William of Orange does eventually invade and Blood is again with the same ordnance troop he disobeyed previous orders with, but all of the treasonous officers he met at that dinner are also in the marching army, will they fght against William of Orange who they so secretly support? What will Blood do if that happens? I'll not spoil the ending.
Also happening parallel to this is the French spy Narrey who has a personal grudge against Blood for making a fool out of him in front of King Louis when Blood was a spy in France. Narrey is on British soil, in London no less, and is up to something with a local crimelord in one of the no go slum areas. Once Blood discovers this he has to find out what he's up to and stop him again.
It's a thoroughly entertaining journey, but I'm docking a star merely for the massive jumps in time it takes with only brief mentions of what happens. Blood spent some years working in France as a spy, could almost be a book's worth there (or i hope that is a future plan), several years re-inforcing several forts for the king. These are all dealt with by mere paragraphs, and we know by now there is no quiet boring time for Blood, he's always getting himself into trouble, so i need to know more about these times, i'm not satisfied with a small paragraph and just a massive jump in dates to move the story along.
November 11, 2018
Following on from the acclaimed Blood’s Game, we find our hero Holcroft Blood now in his thirties and recently returned from France.
King James II is facing an invasion from the Dutch William of Orange, with the French waiting in the wings. As an aside we also have Narrey a French spy who holds a grudge against Blood and who is in London seeking revenge. Can Blood stop him??
Opening with the wonderfully drawn out battle of Sedgefield where Holcroft disobeys orders thus making an enemy of William Glanville and so begins a beautifully told story full of Political intrigue and religious undertones.
Invited by his friend Churchill to a dinner where he meets Lords, the talk is of treason against the King. Blood is loyal to the King, however, he is also loyal to his freind Churchill so does not speak out, will William invade and if so where will loyalties lie, who can you trust?
To find out read the book it doesn’t disappoint.
Angus Donald knows how to write Historical fiction with a veritable cast of wonderfully drawn out characters, especially the booming Elizabeth whom for me we could have seen and heard more.
The execution scene is horrifically brutal and gruesome with its sense of realism.
Blending fact with fiction, superbly plotted as the action moves from London to Hull.
Angus Donald writes with a style that makes the reader feel as though you are there on the pages lurking in the background taking in the sights, smells and sounds as the action unfolds.
Be prepared to be immersed and mesmerised into 17th century England. It is easy to find yourself hooked from the opening pages with a story that is both compelling and gripping.
You do not have to have read Blood’s Game to enjoy Blood’s Revolution as the story lends itself to a standalone, however, once read you will want to go out and buy the former.
Highly recommend not only for fans of Historical fiction but those who love a cracking adventure.
King James II is facing an invasion from the Dutch William of Orange, with the French waiting in the wings. As an aside we also have Narrey a French spy who holds a grudge against Blood and who is in London seeking revenge. Can Blood stop him??
Opening with the wonderfully drawn out battle of Sedgefield where Holcroft disobeys orders thus making an enemy of William Glanville and so begins a beautifully told story full of Political intrigue and religious undertones.
Invited by his friend Churchill to a dinner where he meets Lords, the talk is of treason against the King. Blood is loyal to the King, however, he is also loyal to his freind Churchill so does not speak out, will William invade and if so where will loyalties lie, who can you trust?
To find out read the book it doesn’t disappoint.
Angus Donald knows how to write Historical fiction with a veritable cast of wonderfully drawn out characters, especially the booming Elizabeth whom for me we could have seen and heard more.
The execution scene is horrifically brutal and gruesome with its sense of realism.
Blending fact with fiction, superbly plotted as the action moves from London to Hull.
Angus Donald writes with a style that makes the reader feel as though you are there on the pages lurking in the background taking in the sights, smells and sounds as the action unfolds.
Be prepared to be immersed and mesmerised into 17th century England. It is easy to find yourself hooked from the opening pages with a story that is both compelling and gripping.
You do not have to have read Blood’s Game to enjoy Blood’s Revolution as the story lends itself to a standalone, however, once read you will want to go out and buy the former.
Highly recommend not only for fans of Historical fiction but those who love a cracking adventure.
December 26, 2018
This is the second in Angus Donald's series featuring Holcroft Blood during the time of Charles II and James II in jolly olde England which was anything but jolly. The Protestants hated the Catholics, the Catholics hated the Protestants and you know eventually war will break out. And it does, with James hightailing it out of the country and William of Orange taking over as king. Exit the Protestant, enter the Catholic and don't forget to take time to count the bodies.
I was a bit apprehensive about this book, since the first in the series "Blood's Game" wasn't the author's best work. The period of William and Mary, isn't exactly one of those periods of English history that get people excited - especially when the author's previous work had been so good and about a character beloved by everyone, Robin Hood. And, the first in the series made it necessary to keep a dictionary handy to look up all the terms related to card games. However, not being one to quit a series, and because I enjoy Donald's writing I decided to give the second installment a shot and am glad I did.
Filled with battles, both on the battlefield and away from it, political intrigue and Blood's rather unpleasant marriage (which reminded me of my own in many respects), Angus Donald has shown himself once again to be a writer to be reckoned with in the field of historical fiction. With luck, the third in the series will continue Blood's adventures and not get bogged down in the action, or lack of same, at the card tables.
All in all, it's an interesting, well-researched book that, unlike it's predecessor, holds your attention and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next and that's the mark of a good book - one that's well worth the reader's time.
I was a bit apprehensive about this book, since the first in the series "Blood's Game" wasn't the author's best work. The period of William and Mary, isn't exactly one of those periods of English history that get people excited - especially when the author's previous work had been so good and about a character beloved by everyone, Robin Hood. And, the first in the series made it necessary to keep a dictionary handy to look up all the terms related to card games. However, not being one to quit a series, and because I enjoy Donald's writing I decided to give the second installment a shot and am glad I did.
Filled with battles, both on the battlefield and away from it, political intrigue and Blood's rather unpleasant marriage (which reminded me of my own in many respects), Angus Donald has shown himself once again to be a writer to be reckoned with in the field of historical fiction. With luck, the third in the series will continue Blood's adventures and not get bogged down in the action, or lack of same, at the card tables.
All in all, it's an interesting, well-researched book that, unlike it's predecessor, holds your attention and keeps you turning the pages to see what happens next and that's the mark of a good book - one that's well worth the reader's time.
October 18, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series (Blood's Game) and was very pleased to see that the quality of the story and writing was just as high in this latest outing from Angus Donald.
Centred around the character of Holcroft Blood, the novel brilliantly spans the tricky balance of mixing historical facts with fiction. There is a sufficient amount of historical fact to make some of the assumed fiction seem extremely plausible and probable.
With a fantastic cast of characters (I especially loved his booming wife Elizabeth) the story moves at a cracking pace - from the Battle of Sedgemoor to the overthrow of King James.
A basic knowledge of French will mean that you can work out who Holcroft's nemesis, Narrey, is before it is revealed in the book. This revelation though is only one strand of a storyline in a book full of different angles.
From French spies, his outlaw of a brother, an avowed enemy in the ordnance and a brotherhood in the lawless Liberty of the Savoy the pace never stops from beginning to end. Holcroft is such a likeable character, full of integrity amongst a viper's nest, that you really root for him and will him to succeed.
A really cracking read - I can't wait for the next instalment!
Centred around the character of Holcroft Blood, the novel brilliantly spans the tricky balance of mixing historical facts with fiction. There is a sufficient amount of historical fact to make some of the assumed fiction seem extremely plausible and probable.
With a fantastic cast of characters (I especially loved his booming wife Elizabeth) the story moves at a cracking pace - from the Battle of Sedgemoor to the overthrow of King James.
A basic knowledge of French will mean that you can work out who Holcroft's nemesis, Narrey, is before it is revealed in the book. This revelation though is only one strand of a storyline in a book full of different angles.
From French spies, his outlaw of a brother, an avowed enemy in the ordnance and a brotherhood in the lawless Liberty of the Savoy the pace never stops from beginning to end. Holcroft is such a likeable character, full of integrity amongst a viper's nest, that you really root for him and will him to succeed.
A really cracking read - I can't wait for the next instalment!
November 25, 2018
//I received a copy of this book from Readers First in exchange for an honest review//
Let me start this review by saying, this book is not bad by any means. I found it okay.
The writing is well done and the characters are well written. (I quite enjoyed reading a story with the protagonist being autistic, though this is not stated in the book, because the diagnosis did not exist in the period of time it is set)
I just didn't find the book that enjoyable. The narrative is complex but it feels as though nothing is happening while everything is happening.
I think this is partially due how to it is written. Though beautifully done, the writing style does slow down your reading speed. It took me forever to get into the story, taking weeks of me reading it on and off to get through the first 150 pages. However, the second half does pick up a bit, and I managed to read the 200 pages in a day, although I still did find a fair portion of it slow and uninteresting. This may be the nature of the style of plot it is as a revolution is complex, everything happens but it is often not obvious and is a slow process.
If you enjoy slower paced books or historical fiction, I would probably recommend this, I just don't think it was for me.
Let me start this review by saying, this book is not bad by any means. I found it okay.
The writing is well done and the characters are well written. (I quite enjoyed reading a story with the protagonist being autistic, though this is not stated in the book, because the diagnosis did not exist in the period of time it is set)
I just didn't find the book that enjoyable. The narrative is complex but it feels as though nothing is happening while everything is happening.
I think this is partially due how to it is written. Though beautifully done, the writing style does slow down your reading speed. It took me forever to get into the story, taking weeks of me reading it on and off to get through the first 150 pages. However, the second half does pick up a bit, and I managed to read the 200 pages in a day, although I still did find a fair portion of it slow and uninteresting. This may be the nature of the style of plot it is as a revolution is complex, everything happens but it is often not obvious and is a slow process.
If you enjoy slower paced books or historical fiction, I would probably recommend this, I just don't think it was for me.
December 30, 2018
Bloods Revolution - Book 2 in the Holcroft Blood series By @donald.angus . Thank you to the publishers for the proof .
Hocroft Blood returns to England and the court of King James II after spending years working in Paris as a spymaster for the late Charles II.
The year is now 1685 and Lieutenant Holcroft finds himself getting deeper and deeper into secret conspiracy groups which he was introduced to by his long term friend Jack Churchill .
Whilst the Revolution is brewing in these gentlemen’s ‘clubs’, Holcroft must hunt down an elusive Murderous French Spymaser that has been causing all kinds of problems!
.
A fantastic follow up to Bloods Game. It had all the bloody battles, mysteries and murders which made the first book a hit for me. And I love the way Donald weaves fact and fiction into his novels perfectly. Looking forward to the next instalment!
Go read this series!
Hocroft Blood returns to England and the court of King James II after spending years working in Paris as a spymaster for the late Charles II.
The year is now 1685 and Lieutenant Holcroft finds himself getting deeper and deeper into secret conspiracy groups which he was introduced to by his long term friend Jack Churchill .
Whilst the Revolution is brewing in these gentlemen’s ‘clubs’, Holcroft must hunt down an elusive Murderous French Spymaser that has been causing all kinds of problems!
.
A fantastic follow up to Bloods Game. It had all the bloody battles, mysteries and murders which made the first book a hit for me. And I love the way Donald weaves fact and fiction into his novels perfectly. Looking forward to the next instalment!
Go read this series!
October 18, 2018
This is another enjoyable work of historical fiction from Angus Donald, perhaps not quite as much fun as the first in the series, Blood's Game but a page-turner nevertheless. The unconventional hero, Holcroft Blood, has matured somewhat and despite his Aspergers-related wish for an ordered life makes a credible and likeable man of action, with some special talents all his own. The various supporting characters are also convincingly and often sympathetically drawn, including the women.
This was an easy way to absorb some knowledge of the history of the time, helped by the author's note at the end of the book which explains where history and fiction meet in the plot.
There were some pointers as to where the story will move next and I look forward to the next installment.
This was an easy way to absorb some knowledge of the history of the time, helped by the author's note at the end of the book which explains where history and fiction meet in the plot.
There were some pointers as to where the story will move next and I look forward to the next installment.
November 20, 2018
I struggled with this book at first as I'm not usually a fan of historical fiction solely focussed on military escapades. However, the author kept me reading with his portrayal of Holcroft Blood, who reminded me in a way of a 17th century James Bond. I wanted to see how the various strands of his story (like his past as a French spy) would mesh with the events of the books, mainly The Glorious Revolution. I also enjoyed seeing real-life people as characters, especially Aphra Behn. My only criticism would be the way the chapters sometimes skip around with dates, but any confusion was probably my own, caused by too much late-night reading! I would recommend this to anyone with an interest in British history, especially its lesser known twists and turns.
April 23, 2019
Being the second in the series I have to be honest I wasn't getting my hopes up too much. Often the second book in a series after a really good first is pretty lame. But not so.
This book set in the later time of James II is a little slow to start but picks up the intrigue quickly and is all action right through to the end. I have had a lot to do in the last week or so but HAD to set aside time for this one. Angus Donald has a flair for characters and the humour evident throughout shows he knows people. He also knows his history as far as I can tell. I knew nothing about this historical period before but feel I have a basis for it but without actually reading the history book.
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy (hoping I get the next in series if it comes up - please!)
This book set in the later time of James II is a little slow to start but picks up the intrigue quickly and is all action right through to the end. I have had a lot to do in the last week or so but HAD to set aside time for this one. Angus Donald has a flair for characters and the humour evident throughout shows he knows people. He also knows his history as far as I can tell. I knew nothing about this historical period before but feel I have a basis for it but without actually reading the history book.
Thank you Netgalley for the review copy (hoping I get the next in series if it comes up - please!)
September 17, 2019
I rarely give 5-star ratings since I reserve those for genuinely outstanding reads but, as it happens, this has been one of my favourite books of 2019. Maybe it's the authenticity of the period, since the author paints the turmoil of 1680s England in a way that quite gripping. Maybe it's the conflicted personality of Holcroft Blood, a real-life character for whom Angus Donald fills in the huge gaps in the archive records with a blood-curdling tale of espionage, war and revenge. But from the Monmouth Rebellion to the strange but true story of last successful invasion of England, by William of Orange during the Glorious Revolution, this is a real page-turner. Fabulous!
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