Matchlock and the Embassy: A Thirty Years' War Story

Matchlock #1

by Zachary Twamley

Spring, 1622.

Matthew Lock sets sail from Bristol, determined to learn the truth about the brutal murder of his parents. Armed with only vague instructions, he is watched and shadowed by forces more sinister than he could ever imagine.

Guided by his father's mysterious legacy, Lock lands in The Hague, and prepares to go to war. His allies will consist of ruthless rebels and desperate soldiers, each one more brutal than the next. But with villainous rogues lurking around every corner, who can be trusted?

To survive a terrifying conspiracy, and to save his family, Lock must lean on years of training in the art of war. More than that, he must question his deepest beliefs, and confront the fears which have haunted him since childhood. Above all, he must become something else.

He must become a legend.

Matthew Lock must become Matchlock.

Matchlock and the Embassy is the first instalment in a new historical fiction series, brought to you by Zachary Twamley, host of When Diplomacy Fails Podcast.

Genres: History

595 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2021

Reviews

[Red Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Takes a bit to get going, but an enjoyable setup

The author’s historical familiarity with the period is certainly not in doubt, and the vivid descriptions of warfare and broad knowledge of period minutiae makes this very clear.

I suspect later novels in the series will feel a little less uneven in characterisation - setting up a series plot of this level of complexity and getting the characters into their necessary positions within it while still delivering an actual novel’s plot is a tough job. It is clear the author is learning his craft as a writer of fiction - I felt I could certainly see the writing improving over the course of it.

I am not entirely sure Matthew Lock quite convinces as a man of his time - parts of his views and concerns seem rather too modern for a man of the 17th century, though I have the feeling this, again, will soften as the series progresses and he seems set to fit more naturally into the world.

I also rather hope the next novel also involves a wider and more diverse range of characters than mostly wealthy to well-off cishet abled white men, the endless succession of which definitely felt rather unrealistic and dull after a while.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this book, as is my way with historical fiction.

I found the adventures of Matthew Lock to be a great way to explore a historical period I have often found difficult in the past because the primary sources are overwhelmingly those of the States or Clergy of the period. To get into the brogues of a more everyday person of the time, even as he does find himself swept up into the flow of historical events was to be valuable in the same way as the Sharpe series was in conceptualizing the life of a hard-bitten Napoleonic Rifleman.

If you are a fan of historical fiction like the aforementioned Sharpe novels or Patrick O'Brian's nautical stuff, you may very well find this to be in your wheelhouse (sorry). Probably less so for fans of Michael Hirst teledramas. There is a romantic plot, but it is not an HBO bodice-ripper. To me this is a bonus.

By all means pick up a copy of this book and give an ambitious young author experimenting with a popular format a leg-up. Though I was given a free review copy I will be buying a physical copy when they become available.

[Martin Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Thirty Years War seems to be largely ignored in the English speaking world. I firstcame across substantial information about it in Zachary Twamley's first pass at the subject in his "When Diplomacy Fails" podcast. I then wanted to know more. This book is the first in a series that will place the hero among the people at the heart of the war. I look forward to reading the subsequent books in the series.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book I’ve read in so long. I can’t wait for more! Zachary Twamley is brilliant.

[09/01 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard going,but a good read

Initially I found it hard going to get to sympathise with the characters. But I persevered and then became engrossed. So onwards to matchlock's next instalment.

[Ron Nurmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good first book in a planned series set during the 30 Year War period. So if you are interested in historical fiction, or The 30 Year War it should be read as there aren't many other fiction books covering this period.

The book begins with a night of terror for Matthew Lock and his family resulting in the death of his older brother James seemingly caused by his inaction. He has his teen years on the family estate in England where his father is a diplomat for the royal government and is instrumental in the signing of the 13-year peace between Spain and the Dutch. His parents are killed in the Hague and the story now begins with him trying to solve the death of his parents. There are a series of adventures, battles, and a period of learning before he apprenticed to his godfather Sir Henry Vere. This all sets the stage for the next book in the series.

This is clearly a first novel but is a promising attempt and I look forward to the next book.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've listened to many episodes of Zach Tramley's podcast, When Diplomacy Fails, so I very much respect his historical research. I received a free copy of this book but was a bit leery about reading it since writing fiction is very different from writing history books. At first the characters and story reminded me of G.A. Henty's books from the late 19th century. But our main character is very flawed, and must mature a lot. The story itself pulled me along and the supporting characters were interesting. I look forward to the further adventures of Lock.

[Rotem · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I'm a long time patron for Zack's wdf podcast.
I got the book for free and wasn't expecting much as this is his first non history book (as far as I know).
I got hooked up.
Truly a great book with a very fascinating story, but one that also catches how it was to be in the 17th century.
I listened to it during my commute to work, actually enjoying the traffic for a change.

Can't wait for the next part.

[Dermo · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little slow to start, but unsurprising really,considering the world- and character- building necessary in the first few chapters. Once I settled into the author's narrative style I found the book romping along, and was particularly gripped by action scenes which were visceral and vivid. The characters feel realistic, and the problems of multilingualism which are often glossed over are dealt with here. (Sometimes made into a plot point)

Having once or twice started to attempt to write fiction, I think this first novel is definitely a sign of great things to come.

[Cathy Dineen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely. Historical fiction without some science fiction angle isn’t my usual go to, but once I was drawn into the story I couldn’t put it down. I’m already looking forward to the next one!

[Yan · Rating 2 out of 5]

I rarely don't finish reading a book and love historical fiction, but sadly, this time I lost patience - abandoned at the two thirds mark. A very confused plot, flat characters... Maybe the sequel is better, but I have no desire to check it out.

[Daniel Maigler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait for more

An excellent first novel with a number
of twists and a great background in historical research. I look forward to more of Locks adventures

[Donald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. Very well written for a first novel and I look forward to reading the sequel(s).