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Anstey’s Kingdom #1
Surviving Anstey
Fleeing from war in the Auriga Constellation, alien refugees travel through a rift in time and space to a secret location in planet Earth's distant history. Exploiting the rush to escape the conflict on their home-world, Anstey, the vicious leader of the exiles forces those who accompany him to sign away their lives in work-contracts that bind them and their children to him indefinitely. For those who try to escape and fail there is only death - and worse - at the hands of Anstey's ruthless personal guards. Instead of finding freedom in their new home, the exiles find imprisonment and the promise of a lifetime of servitude, trapped within a complex hidden deep beneath the cliffs of sixteenth-century Devon.
It is there that Kat meets Thomas and their perilous adventure begins.
One born on earth, one born on the far side of the galaxy, they find that they are linked by the strange blue swirls that mark their skin and reveal their shared heritage. Kat and Thomas must join forces in an epic bid for survival - if she can trust him enough - as they battle the terror of a man from the future who is dedicated to destroying their very existence, body and soul. As star children, they can be bonded by love -- and obsession -- or driven apart by the extraordinary power only Kat can wield. Will her strength be enough for both of them when Anstey strikes at Thomas, and would Thomas willingly sacrifice his own life to save hers?
The first in an on-going trilogy of novels Surviving Anstey arises where speculative sci-fi meets the historical world of sixteenth-century England. Although will shortly be two further books in the Anstey's Kingdom trilogy, this first is complete in itself.
It is there that Kat meets Thomas and their perilous adventure begins.
One born on earth, one born on the far side of the galaxy, they find that they are linked by the strange blue swirls that mark their skin and reveal their shared heritage. Kat and Thomas must join forces in an epic bid for survival - if she can trust him enough - as they battle the terror of a man from the future who is dedicated to destroying their very existence, body and soul. As star children, they can be bonded by love -- and obsession -- or driven apart by the extraordinary power only Kat can wield. Will her strength be enough for both of them when Anstey strikes at Thomas, and would Thomas willingly sacrifice his own life to save hers?
The first in an on-going trilogy of novels Surviving Anstey arises where speculative sci-fi meets the historical world of sixteenth-century England. Although will shortly be two further books in the Anstey's Kingdom trilogy, this first is complete in itself.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2020
17 people are currently reading
324 people want to read
About the author
Susan Hancock
7 books30 followersSusan Hancock PhD, is a former University Lecturer who has written and published academic non-fiction over a number of years. She gave up teaching in order to concentrate on her battle with a cancer which is now fortunately dormant. Fingers crossed.
In a surprising move, she became obsessed with the idea of writing a novel for adults and ended up writing three, the Anstey’s Kingdom trilogy. She has discovered that characters are hard taskmasters, determined that their stories should be told. It is not uncommon to find her in tears at the laptop when something dreadful happens to one or other of them. But they and she understand that some things cannot be changed.
In a surprising move, she became obsessed with the idea of writing a novel for adults and ended up writing three, the Anstey’s Kingdom trilogy. She has discovered that characters are hard taskmasters, determined that their stories should be told. It is not uncommon to find her in tears at the laptop when something dreadful happens to one or other of them. But they and she understand that some things cannot be changed.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 27, 2021
I loved the complex world building of SURVIVING ANSTEY. A group of alien refugees escaping their war-torn planet have used special technology to travel through time and space to Elizabethan England. Because of this, there is an interesting mix of 1600’s level tech in places, and sci-fi advanced tech in others. The leader of the group, Anstey, is brutal and rules with an iron fist. The scenes with him are chilling.
I immediately grew to love Thomas and Kat, the main characters. After a close call rescue scene near the beginning of the book, they quickly fall in love and are married in a special ceremony that uses their alien race’s ability to read minds to bond the two partners. I loved the way mind-reading was integrated throughout the novel, both as a way of expressing intimacy, and also as a weapon. But Kat is not quite who she seems and she is in grave danger from Anstey. All the characters had really interesting backstories that are revealed as the story goes on. I loved the way this novel was a mix of sci fi, historical fantasy, and a swoony romance. Kat and Thomas fall for each other fast, and their connection is intense! Very excited to see what comes next in the series!
Trigger Warnings:
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
I immediately grew to love Thomas and Kat, the main characters. After a close call rescue scene near the beginning of the book, they quickly fall in love and are married in a special ceremony that uses their alien race’s ability to read minds to bond the two partners. I loved the way mind-reading was integrated throughout the novel, both as a way of expressing intimacy, and also as a weapon. But Kat is not quite who she seems and she is in grave danger from Anstey. All the characters had really interesting backstories that are revealed as the story goes on. I loved the way this novel was a mix of sci fi, historical fantasy, and a swoony romance. Kat and Thomas fall for each other fast, and their connection is intense! Very excited to see what comes next in the series!
Trigger Warnings:
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
December 9, 2021
This is a thoroughly well-written and gripping book from start to finish, and I can hardly wait to progress with Book 2.
The blend of times and spaces, of romance, sci-fi, and Elizabethan England make for a fascinating setting for our protagonists' adventures and hardships. This is not a book for the faint of heart as it addresses some tough topics, but it has been refreshing for me as a reader to finally read a book which has not been sanitized and does not comply with whatever "rules" people made up about what should belong into a book or not.
Raw, gritty, and with an antagonist who is unapologetically an unredeemable evil, this adventure made my heart thump in my chest. The love and passion blooming between the protagonists brought warmth into this anxiety filled world and shed a light of hope on the story, and their future.
The blend of times and spaces, of romance, sci-fi, and Elizabethan England make for a fascinating setting for our protagonists' adventures and hardships. This is not a book for the faint of heart as it addresses some tough topics, but it has been refreshing for me as a reader to finally read a book which has not been sanitized and does not comply with whatever "rules" people made up about what should belong into a book or not.
Raw, gritty, and with an antagonist who is unapologetically an unredeemable evil, this adventure made my heart thump in my chest. The love and passion blooming between the protagonists brought warmth into this anxiety filled world and shed a light of hope on the story, and their future.
March 5, 2021
This is a very well-written novel that bridges genres, which was definitely a plus for me! There is a great blend of romance, sci-fi, adventure, with a healthy dose of Elizabethan England thrown into the mix, and just enough erotic interactions between Thomas and Kat that it balances with the more violent moments. The story itself is brutal-the author pulls no punches here. Anstey is strictly evil. I would like to have seen the character of Anstey flushed out a bit further simply because he is so vile in this story. Perhaps in the second installment, we will learn what drove him to such madness. But the main characters will certainly capture your attention. Thomas, especially; I found myself really rooting for him to beat his demons, overcome the evil that he experiences, and find some semblance of happiness. His journey is a strong one. Kat's as well, despite the contrast in their experiences and what they must overcome. At times, the story spends a bit too much time concerning our heroes worrying about their relationship and loses focus on moving the plot forward. The story itself, however, is so well written. I love a novel that reads like poetry at times; the word choice, the tone, the feeling of it all is so well done. Just beautifully written and a fantastic and unique concept!
April 3, 2022
I like sci-fi and I like historical fiction — particularly 15th and 16th century based — but I don’t often find them in one package.
This book does that, because we have a group of alien refugees in a 16th century coastal setting, ruled by an unwaveringly evil villain: Anstey. That said, this book is also a romance, a fast-burn, high-heat romance, between the two main characters Kat and Thomas. Both the action and romance plots move quickly, as the characters try to escape the technologically advanced underground complex where Anstey holds them captive. A brief content warning here: Anstey is a nasty piece of work and there are references to rape, torture and plenty of violence. The protagonists’ determination to beat him and create a safe haven for the rest of the alien refugees is what kept me reading, as well as rooting for Kat and Thomas to both end up alive and together.
I won’t spoil what actually happens to them, but I look forward to revisiting some of these characters in the other books in the series! I’d recommend this to anyone who likes a touch of history with their sci-fi.
This book does that, because we have a group of alien refugees in a 16th century coastal setting, ruled by an unwaveringly evil villain: Anstey. That said, this book is also a romance, a fast-burn, high-heat romance, between the two main characters Kat and Thomas. Both the action and romance plots move quickly, as the characters try to escape the technologically advanced underground complex where Anstey holds them captive. A brief content warning here: Anstey is a nasty piece of work and there are references to rape, torture and plenty of violence. The protagonists’ determination to beat him and create a safe haven for the rest of the alien refugees is what kept me reading, as well as rooting for Kat and Thomas to both end up alive and together.
I won’t spoil what actually happens to them, but I look forward to revisiting some of these characters in the other books in the series! I’d recommend this to anyone who likes a touch of history with their sci-fi.
January 14, 2022
the premise of this story is fascinating: a colony of aliens has established itself on 16th century earth, led by a megalomaniac who rules with terror and brutality. and that's how he treats his own people--never mind the poor English peasantry who must suffer his mercurial whims. Anstey is seriously one of the most unpleasant characters committed to paper and reasoning for the title of this book is apparent almost from the opening moments.
fortunately the story isn't Anstey's--it belongs to Kat and Thomas who are fleeing for their lives from the wretched world that Anstey has build around them. every step of their escape is perilous and between the two every bit of trust on their journey toward love is hard-earned. and all the secrets that get revealed in the process lead to more suffering, but also more hope.
Hancock's story is not for the faint-hearted and those sensitive especially to sexual violence should read with care, but ultimately, this is a story of survival.
fortunately the story isn't Anstey's--it belongs to Kat and Thomas who are fleeing for their lives from the wretched world that Anstey has build around them. every step of their escape is perilous and between the two every bit of trust on their journey toward love is hard-earned. and all the secrets that get revealed in the process lead to more suffering, but also more hope.
Hancock's story is not for the faint-hearted and those sensitive especially to sexual violence should read with care, but ultimately, this is a story of survival.
June 6, 2021
Lots of interesting, well drawn characters
I liked Surviving Anstey
There is something for everyone in this story. Sci-fi with other world gadgets. Historical drama and romance. Then there’s the adventure of escaping and fighting back. Much more violence than I had expected but tastefully done. Lots of interesting, well drawn characters.
I liked Surviving Anstey
There is something for everyone in this story. Sci-fi with other world gadgets. Historical drama and romance. Then there’s the adventure of escaping and fighting back. Much more violence than I had expected but tastefully done. Lots of interesting, well drawn characters.
August 25, 2021
Love defeats hate
Love has always had the power to defeat hate. Susan Hancock has shown us this is this book that love is the most important thing. Love can unite people against anything even tyranny. I loved this!
Love has always had the power to defeat hate. Susan Hancock has shown us this is this book that love is the most important thing. Love can unite people against anything even tyranny. I loved this!
December 26, 2020
I wasn't sure if this would be too much of a woman's book (it was recommended and I'm a family member). Anyway, it turned out to be a great (and thought-provoking) adventure. I really liked the juxtaposition of sci-fi (refugees from an alien planet) and historical detail (they end up hiding in Elizabethan England.) I also like reading historical fiction (C. J. Sansom etc) and fantasy (G.R.R Martin) and the world that was created in this book was convincing.
The villain is irredeemably evil. I particularly liked Thomas, the male hero. He was brave and loyal but didn't see that in himself. Kat the female hero was more confident as the book progressed. It's dark towards the end, and definitely an over 18 read (explicit - language, sex, violence) The explicit content matched the story and setting, so wasn't gratuitous. The really terrible things that happened were either catalogued but not graphically described, or were part of a controlled retrospect.
The villain is irredeemably evil. I particularly liked Thomas, the male hero. He was brave and loyal but didn't see that in himself. Kat the female hero was more confident as the book progressed. It's dark towards the end, and definitely an over 18 read (explicit - language, sex, violence) The explicit content matched the story and setting, so wasn't gratuitous. The really terrible things that happened were either catalogued but not graphically described, or were part of a controlled retrospect.
April 13, 2021
A highly enjoyable book.
July 4, 2022
Hypnotic reading!
Regaining consciousness after a close encounter with death, Katharine Wrenn was rescued by Thomas who was now her protector against Anstey.
Ruling his world with power and influence, Anstey gained allegiance through threats, punishments, brutality and killings. Children were separated from their parents and brainwashed to keep generations loyal.
For both Thomas and Katharine to remain safe, the joining of minds was their only chance to escape, but what dark secrets lie in waiting.
A captivating story, thrawt with danger at every turn with decisions heavily influenced by love. There were snippets of joy, although shortlived, as another storm would soon be brewing and lives would again be at risk. This author has a talent of capturing the mood and emotions of her characters in the dilemmas they all relentlessly face, pulling in the reader and keeping the suspense at a high level. A fantastic read, thoroughly enjoyed and will definitely be reading the follow ons.
Regaining consciousness after a close encounter with death, Katharine Wrenn was rescued by Thomas who was now her protector against Anstey.
Ruling his world with power and influence, Anstey gained allegiance through threats, punishments, brutality and killings. Children were separated from their parents and brainwashed to keep generations loyal.
For both Thomas and Katharine to remain safe, the joining of minds was their only chance to escape, but what dark secrets lie in waiting.
A captivating story, thrawt with danger at every turn with decisions heavily influenced by love. There were snippets of joy, although shortlived, as another storm would soon be brewing and lives would again be at risk. This author has a talent of capturing the mood and emotions of her characters in the dilemmas they all relentlessly face, pulling in the reader and keeping the suspense at a high level. A fantastic read, thoroughly enjoyed and will definitely be reading the follow ons.
September 30, 2022
Great story and would make it a great movie. Well developed characters and places. Great work. Can’t wait to read the next chapters of this book.
December 8, 2022
Very good for a first book by a new author however, far too much sex in it for my liking :(
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews