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The Breton Horse Warriors #1
Ravensworth
Luc De Malvais is the leader of the famed Breton Horse Warriors, a legend in battle, a feared and ruthless swordsman who has spent months quelling the rebellions in Northumberland in Northern England. It is 1071, in an England now harshly ruled and occupied by the Normans. Peace is a distant memory for the Saxon people as rebellions and retribution ravage the land and decimate the population.
Luc suddenly finds himself in the eye of the storm when Alain Rufus orders him to manage and control a large rebel area around Ravensworth. However, it is not long before he is experiencing the full violence of the maelstrom that breaks around his head.
This Breton Horse Warrior faces the most dangerous challenges of his life when he finds unexpected forbidden love with a beautiful rebel but encounters a savage and merciless enemy. A brutal Saxon leader intends to take revenge against these invaders. Full of hatred and rage, he resolves not only to drive out the Normans and destroy Luc De Malvais, but he wants to make the Horse Warrior suffer before taking both his life and the woman he loves.
Luc suddenly finds himself in the eye of the storm when Alain Rufus orders him to manage and control a large rebel area around Ravensworth. However, it is not long before he is experiencing the full violence of the maelstrom that breaks around his head.
This Breton Horse Warrior faces the most dangerous challenges of his life when he finds unexpected forbidden love with a beautiful rebel but encounters a savage and merciless enemy. A brutal Saxon leader intends to take revenge against these invaders. Full of hatred and rage, he resolves not only to drive out the Normans and destroy Luc De Malvais, but he wants to make the Horse Warrior suffer before taking both his life and the woman he loves.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 14, 2021
83 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
S.J. Martin
11 books19 followersS.J.Martin- Author Bio
I have loved history from a very early age reading dozens of historical novels in my teens. This interest not only influenced my academic choices at university but also my life choices and careers. I spent several years with my trowel in the world of archaeology before finding my forte as a storyteller in the guise of a history teacher. I wanted to encourage young people to find that same interest in history that had enlivened my life.
I always wanted to write historical fiction. The opportunity came when I left education; I then gleefully re-entered the world of engaging and fascinating historical research into the background of some of my favourite historical periods.
There are so many stories still waiting to be told, and my first series of books on ‘The Breton Horse Warriors’ proved to be one of them. The Breton Lords, such as my fictional Luc De Malvais, played a significant role in the Battle of Hastings and helped to give William the Conqueror a decisive win. They were one of the most exciting troops of cavalry and swordmasters in Western Europe.
The Papal Assassin Series is a spin-off from that successful series but has far more intrigue.
I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
I have loved history from a very early age reading dozens of historical novels in my teens. This interest not only influenced my academic choices at university but also my life choices and careers. I spent several years with my trowel in the world of archaeology before finding my forte as a storyteller in the guise of a history teacher. I wanted to encourage young people to find that same interest in history that had enlivened my life.
I always wanted to write historical fiction. The opportunity came when I left education; I then gleefully re-entered the world of engaging and fascinating historical research into the background of some of my favourite historical periods.
There are so many stories still waiting to be told, and my first series of books on ‘The Breton Horse Warriors’ proved to be one of them. The Breton Lords, such as my fictional Luc De Malvais, played a significant role in the Battle of Hastings and helped to give William the Conqueror a decisive win. They were one of the most exciting troops of cavalry and swordmasters in Western Europe.
The Papal Assassin Series is a spin-off from that successful series but has far more intrigue.
I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 3, 2022
This five-book series was a surprising discovery of well-researched historical fiction. I have probably averaged four hours of sleep the last several nights because I could not put these books down. I am always on the lookout for something as captivating as the Elizabeth Chadwick Wild Hunt Series 4 Books Collection Set and now The Breton Horse Warrior series is on my list of recommendations for fellow fans.
The first two books are good, a wee bit melodramatic, but they kept me engaged in the story arc. Luc is an ideal hero, mentally scarred, chivalrous, yet fallible. I fell for him fast and hard; it was easy to follow the same path when his brother Morvan was introduced. Merewyn, the heroine in Books 1 & 2, on the other hand, is not very compelling. *NOT A SPOILER* There are far better female characters to come in the series. Early on, I feared this would be a series in which Luc chases after his lady love while she engages in all sorts of anachronistic shenanigans. However, this is not the case.
Persevere, friends! The last two books of the series are historical fiction gems as the author's style is further refined. Books 3-5 are packed with period-appropriate historical details/intrigue, fighting, and just the right amount of sexy times. I don't think any of these can be read as standalone. However, I will gladly go back and reread them all and may do so in the near future. Especially, if the author starts a new series involving the offspring/cousins. (Fingers crossed)
**I think these would be fantastic audiobooks. In the meantime, all five are available on KU.
The first two books are good, a wee bit melodramatic, but they kept me engaged in the story arc. Luc is an ideal hero, mentally scarred, chivalrous, yet fallible. I fell for him fast and hard; it was easy to follow the same path when his brother Morvan was introduced. Merewyn, the heroine in Books 1 & 2, on the other hand, is not very compelling. *NOT A SPOILER* There are far better female characters to come in the series. Early on, I feared this would be a series in which Luc chases after his lady love while she engages in all sorts of anachronistic shenanigans. However, this is not the case.
Persevere, friends! The last two books of the series are historical fiction gems as the author's style is further refined. Books 3-5 are packed with period-appropriate historical details/intrigue, fighting, and just the right amount of sexy times. I don't think any of these can be read as standalone. However, I will gladly go back and reread them all and may do so in the near future. Especially, if the author starts a new series involving the offspring/cousins. (Fingers crossed)
**I think these would be fantastic audiobooks. In the meantime, all five are available on KU.
April 13, 2021
As one of this new author's beta readers, I was blown away by this book and am definitely looking forward to beta-reading the next in the series - and beyond if she'll have me.
A very clever, well-crafted mash up of fact and fiction, this novel is set in the North of England during the occupation of Britain by the Normans following 1066 and has it all - engaging characters, both fictional and based on real, a gripping storyline, loads of tension, plenty of action, a wonderful love story holding it all together and even a bit of steam.
The main male character is the charismatic leader of the famed Bretton Horse Warriors and yes - every woman will want him and every man will want to be him!
I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the authenticity and I loved the easy style of writing.
A very clever, well-crafted mash up of fact and fiction, this novel is set in the North of England during the occupation of Britain by the Normans following 1066 and has it all - engaging characters, both fictional and based on real, a gripping storyline, loads of tension, plenty of action, a wonderful love story holding it all together and even a bit of steam.
The main male character is the charismatic leader of the famed Bretton Horse Warriors and yes - every woman will want him and every man will want to be him!
I loved the story, I loved the characters, I loved the authenticity and I loved the easy style of writing.
April 15, 2021
A northern village awaits the arrival of the feared Norman conquerors five years on from Hastings. The scene is set for this thrilling tale of love, hate and reconciliation in Ravensworth and the surrounding countryside. The author's background as an historian shows through in the believable evocation of early Norman England, with their customs and laws being imposed on their new subjects. New Lord of the Manor, Breton Luc de Malvaise, falls for the charms of a local beauty, but this leads to many complications that test them both to their limits. A well researched and written novel that promises much for the unfolding series. Highly recommended.
June 14, 2021
I usually read thrillers, classics or humour. This had me fully invested in the relationship and escapades of the main characters from the off. The story kept me page turning and the plot twists were not signalled as they often are elsewhere. Historical details well researched and shows that the author is a history teacher/academic. Well done and I am looking forward to the rest of the Breton Horse Warrior series.
May 30, 2022
Bodice ripper set 1000 years ago.
Some historical interest but primarily a bodice ripper with a fairly predictable story line and outcome. Don't bother to read
Some historical interest but primarily a bodice ripper with a fairly predictable story line and outcome. Don't bother to read
July 20, 2024
The only other book by this author that I have read is his book The Papal Assassin. I preferred that book more than this one due to the fact that in this book the author spent a little too much time describing the story from the viewpoint of the beautiful rebel than that of Luc De Malvais like the summary of the book described it. The book did have some interesting action scenes and the story did flow along well.. I got this book as a free promotion and would only continue to read the series if I can find it available for check out from a library or another free promotion.
March 2, 2022
DNF
3.7/5
I liked the tension between the village and the Norman's, including Luc and Merewyn's enemies to lovers romance that was brewing. Their struggle to get along (personally and with the villagers and soldiers) was interesting to read.
The reason I DNF'd was because the spice was a little too much for me.
But if you like historical fiction, romance, enemies to lovers, and spice, this book is for you!
3.7/5
I liked the tension between the village and the Norman's, including Luc and Merewyn's enemies to lovers romance that was brewing. Their struggle to get along (personally and with the villagers and soldiers) was interesting to read.
The reason I DNF'd was because the spice was a little too much for me.
But if you like historical fiction, romance, enemies to lovers, and spice, this book is for you!
July 5, 2022
Great story of untold history
I really enjoyed this book and did a bit of my own research on the historical figures and the places mentioned in this book. I love the fictional characters intertwined with the historical people. More please.
I really enjoyed this book and did a bit of my own research on the historical figures and the places mentioned in this book. I love the fictional characters intertwined with the historical people. More please.
August 6, 2025
Really love these historic book with both fact and fiction ,the characters are intesting and love the the Brenton Horse title .
Can't get enough of these book and look forward to reading the rest of the series .
Can't get enough of these book and look forward to reading the rest of the series .
October 22, 2025
good read
Not often is the Harring g of the North and its aftermath covered in literary fiction but this does it well. Well drawn, believe able characters and well drawn action. What’s not to love
Not often is the Harring g of the North and its aftermath covered in literary fiction but this does it well. Well drawn, believe able characters and well drawn action. What’s not to love
May 11, 2022
3,5 stars
Want to read
May 16, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/16/2023)! 🎁
December 16, 2024
A bit too romancey and too little sword play
January 7, 2025
Good read.
Great story,well reached worth reading and continue with the full set. Will be trying them all. Looking forward to it.i
Great story,well reached worth reading and continue with the full set. Will be trying them all. Looking forward to it.i
April 27, 2022
A great start to this series, full of local history about Richmond, Ravensworth and north Yorkshire. A gripping plot when the Normans arrive in a Saxon area and take their land. Once started, it was a real page-turner that I found I could not put down.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews