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The Broken Sword
You only discover what dangers you can overcome when you're tested to the limit...
Tudor England
When Mary Fox is ordered to marry a sadistic older man, she decides instead to strike out on her own. As a woman in a man's world, no-one expects her to survive, but Mary is determined to prove them wrong.
Challenged to return the Broken Sword talisman and so break a centuries-old curse, she soon learns how to scheme, fight and outwit those who would drag her back to a life of servitude.
And in doing so, she becomes more than a match for any man.
Tudor England
When Mary Fox is ordered to marry a sadistic older man, she decides instead to strike out on her own. As a woman in a man's world, no-one expects her to survive, but Mary is determined to prove them wrong.
Challenged to return the Broken Sword talisman and so break a centuries-old curse, she soon learns how to scheme, fight and outwit those who would drag her back to a life of servitude.
And in doing so, she becomes more than a match for any man.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2022
About the author
Jonathan Posner
17 books43 followersJonathan has been an avid reader of fiction ever since he was old enough to own a torch. As a schoolboy he virtually lived in Narnia, and as he got older, he got into historical fiction - particularly Phillipa Gregory, Susan Kay, C J Sansom and the Flashman Papers.
He loves creative writing, and has written the book and lyrics for three full-scale Musicals, all of which have been performed by community or professional casts. There have also been two plays, some dubious-quality poetry and several short stories.
In 2015 he upcycled the plot of one of the Musicals into The Witchfinder's Well, a full-length Elizabethan action and adventure novel, available on Amazon as eBook, paperback and hardback.
This was followed by the second part of the trilogy - The Alchemist's Arms - in 2019. In Summer 2022 the third part - The Sovereign's Secret was published.
Jonathan's other series, set in the early 16th century, starts with The Broken Sword. The second in the series, The Tudor Prince, is slated for publication in 2023.
Jonathan has two adult sons and lives in Exeter. His love of Musicals has led to him presenting shows on local community radio stations featuring songs from stage musicals - for over thirteen years on Marlow FM, and lately on Phonic FM in Exeter.
He loves creative writing, and has written the book and lyrics for three full-scale Musicals, all of which have been performed by community or professional casts. There have also been two plays, some dubious-quality poetry and several short stories.
In 2015 he upcycled the plot of one of the Musicals into The Witchfinder's Well, a full-length Elizabethan action and adventure novel, available on Amazon as eBook, paperback and hardback.
This was followed by the second part of the trilogy - The Alchemist's Arms - in 2019. In Summer 2022 the third part - The Sovereign's Secret was published.
Jonathan's other series, set in the early 16th century, starts with The Broken Sword. The second in the series, The Tudor Prince, is slated for publication in 2023.
Jonathan has two adult sons and lives in Exeter. His love of Musicals has led to him presenting shows on local community radio stations featuring songs from stage musicals - for over thirteen years on Marlow FM, and lately on Phonic FM in Exeter.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 15, 2023
I love Mary Fox's quick thinking, prowess with a sword, and independence. She reminds me of Eloise in ARCHER'S GRACE by Anne Beggs. (Except Eloise has a bow instead of a sword) This story was even more intriguing because the story doesn't end when the quest is over.
December 30, 2023
Wow! Lots of "out of the frying pan into the fire" moments as this sword-wielding, brave and intelligent young lady escapes her evil stepfather and avoids an arranged marriage not to her liking. There's never a dull moment, and I was cheering her on all the way. It appears there will be more adventures to follow. Can she maintain her independence in a place and time that considered women property, either of their fathers or their husbands?
October 22, 2024
Swashbuckling tale of daring do with a difference
A fun read that leads you through many a testing situation. As with all similar tales, you need to leave credulity at the door and be willing to be drawn into the tense escapades that rapidly follow one after the other. Here the skilled hero is in fact a young heroine with a sad life story behind her. But what lies ahead? Will she be beguiled by love or adventure?
A fun read that leads you through many a testing situation. As with all similar tales, you need to leave credulity at the door and be willing to be drawn into the tense escapades that rapidly follow one after the other. Here the skilled hero is in fact a young heroine with a sad life story behind her. But what lies ahead? Will she be beguiled by love or adventure?
January 9, 2021
Great story, thrilling adventure, cliffhanger ending!
June 13, 2023
Posner has a great mind for adventure and his heroine's are no fainting damsels, they are right there leading the action. Looking forward to the next adventure starring Mary.
August 31, 2025
Mary Fox chooses adventure over an arranged marriage and adventure is what the book delivers. A tale of action, love, friendship, honour and so much more. A great read.
July 31, 2023
Caution...This Woman Fights Back!
Although this story is set in the Tudor period, Mary Fox's struggle for her identity is easy to understand. She simply doesn't fit the preconceived idea of what kind of life is proper or even natural for a woman. Of course, the patriarchal society made the rules...some things never change. Mary Fox refuses to live by anyone's rules but her own and luckily has the skills to pull it off. Great twist on the last page! I look forward to a sequel.
Although this story is set in the Tudor period, Mary Fox's struggle for her identity is easy to understand. She simply doesn't fit the preconceived idea of what kind of life is proper or even natural for a woman. Of course, the patriarchal society made the rules...some things never change. Mary Fox refuses to live by anyone's rules but her own and luckily has the skills to pull it off. Great twist on the last page! I look forward to a sequel.
December 31, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and read it in less than 24 hours. I’m obviously going to be attracted by the idea of a feisty female protagonist, and one that lives in the Tudor world is even better. Mary Fox not only kicks over all the traces, she jumps up and down on them until they disappear into the ground. I see her as a cross between Errol Flynn and Legolas. The acrobatics she performs in order to best her opponents throughout the book are incredible. The sword-fighting is described in such detail that I did wonder whether the author had dabbled in the art of fencing at some point in his youth.
The level of research into Tudor England is evident and I found myself engrossed in the sights and sounds of the time, without at any time feeling it was an information dump. (And that’s coming from someone who gave up history in order to study sciences at school and rarely reads anything set earlier than the mid-twentieth century.)
But the thing I particularly like about the book is the depth of Mary’s character and her inner dialogues. She’s brave, without a doubt, and a skilled fighter and strategist. But she has a very strong sense of right and wrong – despite the fact that in the opening scene she is responsible for the death of a young man. She is continually debating with herself as to exactly what she wants out of life and the lack of a mother throughout her childhood is clear from the way she reacts to any older woman who shows her any kindness.
But Mary is only seventeen and that shows in her naivety on occasion. When you escape from a sticky situation, the sensible thing to do is to keep running. Mary, in her innocence, will stop, rest, and take stock. Even when she can’t afford to do so.
Jonathan Posner has created a great character and, having read the whole series, I can attest to the fact that she continues to develop very nicely in books 2 and 3 as well.
The level of research into Tudor England is evident and I found myself engrossed in the sights and sounds of the time, without at any time feeling it was an information dump. (And that’s coming from someone who gave up history in order to study sciences at school and rarely reads anything set earlier than the mid-twentieth century.)
But the thing I particularly like about the book is the depth of Mary’s character and her inner dialogues. She’s brave, without a doubt, and a skilled fighter and strategist. But she has a very strong sense of right and wrong – despite the fact that in the opening scene she is responsible for the death of a young man. She is continually debating with herself as to exactly what she wants out of life and the lack of a mother throughout her childhood is clear from the way she reacts to any older woman who shows her any kindness.
But Mary is only seventeen and that shows in her naivety on occasion. When you escape from a sticky situation, the sensible thing to do is to keep running. Mary, in her innocence, will stop, rest, and take stock. Even when she can’t afford to do so.
Jonathan Posner has created a great character and, having read the whole series, I can attest to the fact that she continues to develop very nicely in books 2 and 3 as well.
May 17, 2023
The main character is teenager, Mary Fox, who is desperately trying to escape the prospect of an arranged marriage and unhappy home life. A resourceful and independent young lady, whose skill with a sword stands her and companions in good stead on more than one occasion, she gained my sympathy early on as details of her life unfolded.
With this fast-paced, action-packed story, the reader is taken into a variety of situations where Mary encounters dangers but also appreciation and hospitality. Presented with the task of making difficult decisions, the routes Mary takes to achieve her aims, and thwart enemies, are never predictable and this keeps the reader guessing throughout.
The Broken Sword is a very well- written, exciting and enjoyable book which portrays life in 16th century England from a slightly different perspective, and I would definitely recommend it to readers whose interests embrace historical and adventurous topics.
With this fast-paced, action-packed story, the reader is taken into a variety of situations where Mary encounters dangers but also appreciation and hospitality. Presented with the task of making difficult decisions, the routes Mary takes to achieve her aims, and thwart enemies, are never predictable and this keeps the reader guessing throughout.
The Broken Sword is a very well- written, exciting and enjoyable book which portrays life in 16th century England from a slightly different perspective, and I would definitely recommend it to readers whose interests embrace historical and adventurous topics.
March 4, 2026
Full review: https://girlswithguns.org/broken-swor...
On the plus side, romance is very heavily back-burnered. While Mary does eventually grow to respect Robert, after initially referring to him in her mind as “Weed,” she decides not to remain with the Fitzwilliams, instead choosing admirably to carve out her own path. This does cause problems, not least her decision to stick around the very same inn, where she had just escaped from Sir Reginald’s clutches. [I’ve rarely come closer to yelling at my Kindle!] But it does also lead to the opportunity which will be covered in the second volume. I suspect more cross-dressing is going to be in her future there, and I have questions about that too, e.g. You want someone to imitate a boy… why use a girl? All criticism aside, the bottom line is: I was entertained by this, and can see myself investing in the sequel down the road.
On the plus side, romance is very heavily back-burnered. While Mary does eventually grow to respect Robert, after initially referring to him in her mind as “Weed,” she decides not to remain with the Fitzwilliams, instead choosing admirably to carve out her own path. This does cause problems, not least her decision to stick around the very same inn, where she had just escaped from Sir Reginald’s clutches. [I’ve rarely come closer to yelling at my Kindle!] But it does also lead to the opportunity which will be covered in the second volume. I suspect more cross-dressing is going to be in her future there, and I have questions about that too, e.g. You want someone to imitate a boy… why use a girl? All criticism aside, the bottom line is: I was entertained by this, and can see myself investing in the sequel down the road.
July 13, 2024
Mary Fox is a swashbuckling heroine in the Tudor era. Quick-witted and independent, Mary Fox does not conform to her strict, patriarchal society. When her evil stepfather betroths her to an equally malicious man, she takes matters into her own hands. Thus, meeting a man and his son on a mission to save their family and lands. Danger, treachery and intrigue dog the threesomes’ steps.
But Mary Fox is no superficial maiden, she contemplates her world and her life choices deeply, figuring out as she goes, and enduring the consequences of her actions.
What is more exciting than this? It is book one, and Mistress Mary Fox’s adventures continue in the Tudor Prince. ENJOY!
But Mary Fox is no superficial maiden, she contemplates her world and her life choices deeply, figuring out as she goes, and enduring the consequences of her actions.
What is more exciting than this? It is book one, and Mistress Mary Fox’s adventures continue in the Tudor Prince. ENJOY!
January 7, 2024
A young lady (Mary) promised in marriage to a hideous older man, and who hates wearing gowns.
This is her story of escape and the quest she stumbles upon along the way.
Full of swash-buckling action and clever ways of evading capture.
And a hint of magic.
The interactions between Mary and the supporting characters is fab.
Well-rounded characters, fun storyline and adventure.
And I like the way the end opens up the possibility of more whilst concluding this story.
A fun read.
This is her story of escape and the quest she stumbles upon along the way.
Full of swash-buckling action and clever ways of evading capture.
And a hint of magic.
The interactions between Mary and the supporting characters is fab.
Well-rounded characters, fun storyline and adventure.
And I like the way the end opens up the possibility of more whilst concluding this story.
A fun read.
December 31, 2023
Old time fiction
Reminds me of the old early movies of swashbuckling heroes righting the wrongs and paying the dues to correct indignities. Only this time, it’s a young woman who bests the evil doers.
Reminds me of the old early movies of swashbuckling heroes righting the wrongs and paying the dues to correct indignities. Only this time, it’s a young woman who bests the evil doers.
May 6, 2024
This was a fun read about a strong and brave heroine. I enjoyed the twists and turns. Looking forward to reading more of the series as well as other books by this talented author.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews