Outcast

Alpine Warrior #1

by Peter Darman

Leon Muller, resident of the city of Bern, has it all – a wealthy family, an excellent education and a very bright future. But he throws it all away on a rash impulse and as a result is thrown into a world that is totally alien to him. Cast out of his home city, he is forced to join an army of impoverished, half-starved soldiers that is fighting for the freedom of the Swiss people.
Derided as ‘alpine shepherds’ by their aristocratic enemies, Leon and his comrades are plunged into a life-and-death struggle as the nobles and armies of the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Habsburgs circle the Swiss Confederation like ravenous wolves, united in their determination to wipe out the Swiss nation once and for all. It is a war of no quarter and great butchery.
‘Outcast’ is the first volume in the ‘Alpine Warrior’ series – the story of Swiss soldier Leon Muller in the wars of the 15th Century when Europe was torn apart by civil, dynastic and imperial conflicts.
Maps of 15th Century Switzerland and the Rhine Valley are available to view and download on the maps page of my website.

Genres: Historical Fiction

501 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2021

About the author

I was raised in Grantham, Lincolnshire and attended the King's Grammar School after passing the Eleven Plus exam. In the latter I clearly remember writing an essay on Oliver Cromwell – my first piece of military writing.

Then came a BA in history and international relations at Nottingham followed by a Master of Philosophy course at the University of York. The subject was the generalship and cavalry of Prince Rupert of the Rhine, my boyhood hero, during the English Civil War. The year I spent researching and writing at York, Oxford and at the British Library in London was a truly wonderful time.
I moved to London and eventually joined a small publishing company as an editor. Thus began my writing career.

Reviews

[michael edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best first read in ages

I read at least three books a week ,preferably with an historical element. I have not read Mr Darman before but will certainly do so again. The book is entertaining with good characterisations and historical detail.

[Rino Hashim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its my first book by this author. Honestly, Its been a long time I haven’t read something like this. I really love the way, storyline progress. This is my new favourite series.

[Lelia Howell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Start of a good story

The story is good and the main character is easy to follow. You need to develop him more and center the book on him.

[Paige Moulton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peter Darman's Outcast is a gripping work of historical fiction that combines military adventure, political conflict, and compelling character development into an immersive journey through fifteenth century Switzerland. Rich in historical detail, the novel captures both the brutality of medieval warfare and the resilience of those who fought for freedom.

One of the book's greatest strengths is Leon Muller's transformation from a privileged young man to a hardened soldier. His personal journey is both believable and engaging, allowing readers to witness his growth through hardship, sacrifice, and the realities of war.

The vivid battle scenes, authentic historical setting, and exploration of loyalty, courage, and survival create a story that remains compelling from beginning to end. Rather than focusing solely on warfare, Outcast also delivers a thoughtful coming of age narrative set against one of Europe's most turbulent periods.

For readers who enjoy military historical fiction, medieval history, and character driven adventures, Outcast offers an exciting and rewarding reading experience that skillfully blends action with historical authenticity.

[Michael Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outcast is an engaging historical fiction novel that takes readers into the turbulent world of fifteenth-century Europe, where political ambition, warfare, and struggles for independence shape the lives of ordinary people. Peter Darman creates a vivid setting for Leon Muller, a young man whose privileged life changes dramatically after a reckless decision leaves him cast out from everything he once knew.

What stood out to me was Leon's transformation from a wealthy and educated young man into a soldier fighting alongside impoverished men for the survival of the Swiss Confederation. His journey provides an interesting perspective on the harsh realities of medieval warfare, while the conflict involving the Holy Roman Empire and the Austrian Habsburgs gives the story a strong sense of historical scale and danger.

Overall, Outcast is a compelling choice for readers who enjoy medieval historical fiction, military adventure, European history, and stories of personal transformation. The combination of Leon's difficult journey, detailed historical setting, and brutal conflicts makes it an immersive introduction to the Alpine Warrior series.

[John Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

GOOD READ. Ive read all authors books. Great historical novel during period he writes about

See above. As Historical novels go he writes a story you can enjoy and see true facts during those times

[John Carstairs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good read after a slow start.

I was a bit disappointed at the beginning but after the first couple of chapters everything seemed to fit into place and is a really good novel with some true facts interlaced.

[mark chadwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

In going to carry on with this series of books.
From the first page to the last this has been a more than entertaining read and the fact that these books are somewhat historical is right up my alley so on to the next chapter.

[Mike F · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining story.

I was able to sit back and read the story with relative ease and I was totally entertained. I would recommend this book to any one. Peter Cadman is a good writer.

[Rhodri Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book. Likable characters, set in a less well known area of Europe for us Brits as its getting a bit too far east for my historical knowledge. So its fairly historical information new to me and more enjoyable.