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Betrayal: Historical Stories Kindle Edition
"Loyalty breaks as easily as a silken thread."
Misplaced trust, power hunger, emotional blackmail, and greed haunt twelve characters from post-Roman Britain to the present day. And betrayal by family, lover, comrade can be even more devastating.
Read twelve tales by twelve accomplished writers who explore these historical yet timeless challenges.
AD455—Roman leader Ambrosius is caught in a whirlpool of shifting allegiances
AD940—Alyeva and cleric Dunstan navigate the dangers of the Anglo Saxon court
1185—Knight Stephan fights for comradeship, duty, and honour. But what about love?
1330—The powerful Edmund of Kent enters a tangled web of intrigue
1403—Thomas Percy must decide whether to betray his sovereign or his family
1457—Estelle is invited to the King of Cyprus’s court, but deception awaits
1483—Has Elysabeth made the right decision to bring Prince Edward to London?
1484—Margaret Beaufort contemplates the path to treason
1577—Francis Drake contends with disloyalty at sea
1650—Can James Hart, Royalist highwayman, stop a nemesis destroying his friend?
1718—Pirate Annie Bonny, her lover Calico Jack, and a pirate hunter. Who will win?
1849/present—Carina must discover her ancestor’s betrayer in Italy or face ruin.
“I read this anthology from start to finish in a matter of days…. Each story is gripping.”– Discovering Diamonds Reviews
- LanguageEnglish
- Publication dateNovember 13, 2020
- File size931 KB
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"Every snippet of a story was a smash hit, but collectively as a whole, this anthology was a triumph. To take twelve different tales that don't have much in common and to join them in a common theme, such as betrayal, is extraordinary." --Adventures of a Tudor Nerd
Product details
- ASIN : B08NGJXM6L
- Publisher : Historical Fictioneers (November 13, 2020)
- Publication date : November 13, 2020
- Language : English
- File size : 931 KB
- Simultaneous device usage : Unlimited
- Text-to-Speech : Enabled
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Not Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 344 pages
- Best Sellers Rank: #9,825 Free in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #4 in Historical Biographical Fiction
- #14 in Historical European Fiction
- #24 in Historical British Fiction
- Customer Reviews:
About the authors
Hello, welcome to my Amazon Author Page. I am Helen Hollick a USA Today bestselling author. You can find my website (which has all my other links) by searching for Helen Hollick. Thank you so much if you were kind enough to click the 'follow' button above. Your support is very much appreciated.
Please do consider leaving a review or comment for any or all of my books.
ABOUT HELEN HOLLICK
Known for her captivating storytelling and rich attention to historical detail, Helen’s historical fiction, nautical adventure series, cosy mysteries – and her short stories – skilfully invite readers to step into worlds where the boundaries between fiction and history blend together.
Her historical fiction spans a variety of periods, with a particular focus on the ‘Dark Ages’ and the Early Medieval period. Works like The Pendragon's Banner series offer vivid portrayals of both historical events and the fantastical elements that shape them. Her gift lies in her ability to bring historical figures and settings to life, while in her Sea Witch Voyages, she subtly weaves in elements of magic, myth, and hauntings, creating an immersive experience that transports readers to a time when the people of the past might very well walk among the living.
In addition to her historical fiction, Helen has written several short stories, further exploring themes of historical adventure or the supernatural with her signature style.
Whether dealing with the echoes of the past or the weight of lost souls, her stories are as compelling as they are convincing. Through her work, she invites readers into a world where the past never truly lets us go.
Helen started writing as a teenager, but after discovering a passion for history, was published in 1993 in the UK with her Arthurian Pendragon’s Banner Trilogy and two Anglo-Saxon novels about the events that led to the 1066 Battle of Hastings, one of which, The Forever Queen (USA title – A Hollow Crown in the UK) became a USA Today best-seller. Her Sea Witch Voyages are nautical-based adventures inspired by the Golden Age of Piracy. She also writes the Jan Christopher cosy mystery series set during the 1970s, and based around her, sometimes hilarious, years of working as a North London library assistant. Her 2025 release is Ghost Encounters, a book about the ghosts of North Devon.
Helen, husband Ron and daughter Kathy moved from London to Devon in January 2013 after a Lottery win on the opening night of the London Olympics, 2012. She spends her time glowering at the overgrown garden and orchard, fending off the geese, helping with the horses and wishing the friendly, resident ghosts would occasionally help with the housework...
'Lege Feliciter' (read happily)
Helen
Born in St. Louis MO with a degree from University of Missouri, Mercedes Rochelle learned about living history as a re-enactor and has been enamored with historical fiction ever since. A move to New York to do research and two careers ensued, but writing fiction remains her primary vocation. She lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.
Had Anna been allowed to choose, she'd have become a professional time-traveller. No luck there, so instead she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests; history and writing. These days, Anna combines an exciting day-job with a large family and her writing endeavours. Plus she always finds the time to try out new recipes, chase down obscure rose bushes and initiate a home renovation scheme or two.
Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga , set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy.
Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients. Her September 2020 release, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty and love set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales in the late 13th century.
Her most recent release, The Whirlpools of Time , is a time travel romance set against the backdrop of brewing rebellion in the Scottish highlands.
All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of several Reader’s Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.
If you want to know more about Anna, why not visit her website, https://www.annabelfrage.com
Judith Arnopp's novels are set during the War of the Roses and the Tudor era. They focus on women like Margaret Beaufort, Anne Neville, Elizabeth of York, Anne Boleyn, and Mary Tudor.
She has a Master's degree in medieval studies and a BA in English and creative writing from the University of Wales, making Historical Fiction the only obvious career choice.
She lives on the coast of West Wales with her husband, John, and now her family have flown the nest she writes full time from her home overlooking Cardigan Bay.
Her early books were set in the Anglo Saxon period but since switching to the Tudor era her career has flourished and she now has a substantial collection of titles in her catalogue. All books are available on Kindle and in paperback, some are on Audible.
Judith also writes non-fiction, her most recent published by Pen and Sword is a study of Tudor clothing and fashion, How to Dress Like a Tudor. Her work features in several anthologies and magazines.
You can find more information on judithmarnopp and follow her blog on juditharnoppnovelist blogspot and most social media
platforms.
Alison Morton writes award-winning thrillers set in an imaginary European country where a remnant of the ancient Roman Empire still exists and is ruled by women who face conspiracy, revolution and heartache but with a sharp line in dialogue.
The Historical Novel Society selected SUCCESSIO, AURELIA, INSURRECTIO and JULIA PRIMA as Editor’s Choices. AURELIA was a finalist in the 2016 HNS Indie Award. SUCCESSIO featured as Editor’s Choice in 'The Bookseller'.
Alison has misspent decades clambering over Roman sites throughout Europe, especially French ones. A former soldier and translator, she holds an MA History, blogs about history, social media and writing. Alison lives in Poitou in France, the home of Mélisende, the heroine of her two contemporary thrillers, Double Identity and Double Pursuit.
To get the latest news, subscribe to her newsletter (https://alison-morton.com/newsletter/) and receive 'Welcome to Alison Morton’s Thriller Worlds’, a FREE eBook, as a thank you gift when you sign up to Alison’s monthly email newsletter.
Derek lives in Dorset but was born in Hampshire and spent his teenage years in Auckland, New Zealand, where he still has strong family ties. For many years he taught history in a Berkshire secondary school, but took early retirement to concentrate on his writing. Apart from writing, he spends his time walking, watching films and taking part in archaeological digs.
Interested in a wide range of historical themes, Derek began his writing career with the late medieval period. He writes character-driven, action-packed fiction which is rooted in accurate history. His debut historical novel, Feud, is the first of a series of eight books and one novella entitled The Wars of the Roses which follows the fortunes of the fictional Elder family.
Derek has also written an Amazon bestselling trilogy set largely in post-Roman Britain. The Last of The Romans focuses on the real Romano-British character of Ambrosius Aurelianus during the fifth century AD.
Recently, Derek has published Rebel Sword, the first of a new historical fiction series set during the Anarchy of twelfth century England.
In 2024 Derek has broken new ground with the publication of his first crime thriller, Eyes Like Blades. It’s very different from his historical fiction, but still rooted in strong characters and action.
Another new venture for 2024 will be the publication by Pen and Sword of a non-fiction history book entitled: A Guide to the Wars of the Roses.
Derek has written and produced over 40 podcasts on the Wars of the Roses. With historian, Sharon Bennett Connolly, he also co-hosts the podcast series, A Slice of Medieval, which is a fusion of history and historical fiction featuring popular historical novelists and medieval historians.
Apart from his writing, he enjoys travelling – sometimes, but not always, to carry out research for his books. He also spends his time walking, swimming and taking part in archaeological digs.
He was a regular presence at the Harrogate History Festival, is an active member of the Historical Novel Society and for many years was a regular at the Chalke Valley History Festival outside Salisbury, talking to readers, as well as selling and signing books.
Derek welcomes feedback from readers and you can order signed paperbacks from his website.
[Author image courtesy of Roving Eye Photography]
Elizabeth St.John’s critically acclaimed historical fiction novels tell the stories of her ancestors: extraordinary women whose intriguing kinship with England's kings and queens brings an intimately unique perspective to Medieval, Tudor, and Stuart times.
Inspired by family archives and residences from Lydiard Park to the Tower of London, Elizabeth spends much of her time exploring ancestral portraits, diaries, and lost gardens. And encountering the occasional ghost. But that’s another story.
Living between California, England, and the past, Elizabeth is the International Ambassador for The Friends of Lydiard Park, an English charity dedicated to conserving and enhancing this beautiful centuries-old country house and park. As a curator for The Lydiard Archives, she is constantly looking for an undiscovered treasure to inspire her next novel.
Elizabeth's works include The Lydiard Chronicles, a trilogy set in 17th-century England during the Civil War, and The Godmother's Secret, which unravels the medieval mystery of the missing princes in the Tower of London. Her latest release, The King’s Intelligencer, follows Franny Apsley's perilous quest to uncover the truth behind the sudden discovery of the princes' bones. In Charles II's court of intrigue and deceit, Franny must decide what she’ll risk—for England’s salvation, her family's safety, and her own happiness.
Charlene Newcomb, aka Char, writes historical fiction and science fiction. Her award-winning Battle Scars trilogy is set in the 12th century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Her writing roots are in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (aka Legends) where she published 10 short stories in the Star Wars Adventure Journal. She published the scifi/space opera Echoes of the Storm in 2020, and returns to medieval times with her latest novel Rogue in 2023.
Librarian (retired).
U.S. Navy veteran.
Mom to 3, grandma to 3.
Amy Maroney lives in the Pacific Northwest with her family, and spent many years as a writer and editor of nonfiction before turning her hand to historical fiction. When she's not diving down research rabbit holes, she enjoys hiking, dancing, traveling, and reading. Amy is the author of the award-winning Miramonde Series, a trilogy about a Renaissance-era female artist and the modern-day scholar on her trail. Amy's new romantic suspense series, Sea and Stone Chronicles, is set in medieval Rhodes and Cyprus. To receive a free prequel novella to the Miramonde Series, join Amy's readers' group at www.amymaroney.com. (Just copy and paste into your browser.)
I am a historical fiction writer and 17th Century enthusiast, with a particular interest in the English Civil War (ECW) and romantic fiction. I blog about English history and storytelling at my site, the 17th Century Enthusiast, and I'm involved with the English Historical Fiction Authors blog site and a member of the Romantic Novelist Association (RNA) and the Historical Novel Society (HNS).
My absolute favourite books are romantic adventures, steeped in history, that take me to another time and place. I hope you enjoy my stories.
Annie Whitehead is a prize-winning writer, historian, and elected Fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and has written four award-winning novels set in ‘Anglo-Saxon’ Mercia. She has contributed to fiction and nonfiction anthologies and written for various magazines. She was the winner of the inaugural Historical Writers’ Association/Dorothy Dunnett Prize 2017 and is now a judge for that same competition. She has also been a judge for the HNS (Historical Novel Society) Short Story Competition. She has twice been a prize winner in the Mail on Sunday Novel Writing Competition, and won First Prize in the 2012 New Writer Magazine's Prose and Poetry Competition. She has been a finalist in the Tom Howard Prize for non-fiction, and was shortlisted for the Exeter Story Prize and Trisha Ashley Award 2021. Her nonfiction books, Mercia: The Rise and Fall of a Kingdom and Women of Power in Anglo-Saxon England, are published by Amberley Books and Pen & Sword Books. She has recently signed a contract to contribute to a new history of English monarchs, to be published by Hodder & Stoughton in 2023.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the stories engaging and well-written. They describe the book as a nice collection of short stories by various authors. Readers find the stories gripping and enjoyable, exploring themes of betrayal.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers enjoy the storytelling. They find the stories intriguing and gripping, with a fantastic historical backdrop that provides a wonderful sense of time and place. The historical aspect is well-researched and appreciated by readers.
"...I particularly enjoyed the early stories that covered the period from the end of the Romans to the middle ages...." Read more
"A nice collection of short stories by a variety of authors. The price was surely right. it was free! Judith Arnopp is a favorite author...." Read more
"...It provided a delicious amount of suspense knowing there is a betrayal in the works somewhere, and trying to guess who is the betrayer, who the..." Read more
"...fiction will find that every one of these stories is a well-told window to a different era, some with historical figures, others with fictional..." Read more
Customers enjoy the book's readability. They find the stories engaging and recommend them as quick reads that transport them to another world. The collection of novellas explores themes of betrayal.
"...I also enjoyed Anna Belfrage’s and Judith Arnopp’s. Highly recommended quick reads that will take you to another world...." Read more
"...go on, but suffice it to say that every one of these stories is well worth reading." Read more
"...ENJOY this excellent collection of novellas exploring the theme of "betrayal" and don't forget to write a review!" Read more
"...An others were just dead pan. They had no ending. Not a bad read." Read more
Reviews with images
![An Award Winning Read](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/G/01/x-locale/common/transparent-pixel._V192234675_.gif)
An Award Winning Read
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on March 15, 2021I've dipped into these stories over recent weeks, reading them between my other books. They've made great escapes on the train or when stuck in a traffic jam too. The lineup of authors is terrific and I've enjoyed all the different takes on history through the ages. I particularly enjoyed the early stories that covered the period from the end of the Romans to the middle ages. One of my favourites was Annie Whitehead's, whose historical knowledge and authentic settings are backed up by years of academic research. I also enjoyed Anna Belfrage’s and Judith Arnopp’s. Highly recommended quick reads that will take you to another world. These authors really know their history and give the reader a marvellous sense of time and place.
- Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2021A nice collection of short stories by a variety of authors. The price was surely right. it was free!
Judith Arnopp is a favorite author. ( and the others were great too!) Wishing many of them were longer. Maybe six authors next time?
- Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2020I really enjoyed this anthology of historical short stories focused on betrayal. It provided a delicious amount of suspense knowing there is a betrayal in the works somewhere, and trying to guess who is the betrayer, who the victim, and where, what, and how it will happen. Some of the forwards gave a pretty good hint, but some left you guessing. Needless to say, there is plenty of back-stabbing, twists, turns, and surprises. Sometimes the hero or heroine thinks they are doing the right thing only to find out they have played right into someone else's schemes. Friends betray friends, lovers betray lovers, family members betray parents, children, brothers, nephews, siblings. etc. No one is immune. The historical aspect provided a fantastic backdrop. The political machinations of men (and sometimes women) scrabbling for power, money, influence, or a crown made my head spin. I am so glad not to have lived in that time. I was particularly fascinated by the way loyalties changed, and how losing didn't necessarily mean death, and the way changing power structures could mean allies today were enemies tomorrow, then allies again the next day. The stories themselves were intriguing snapshots, some were poignant, some were sad. Not really any HEAs. The narrator of each story usually ends up getting the short end of things. I loved the characters and how sometimes fate didn't give them much choice in their decisions. Many of the stories made me want to look for the author's related books to learn more.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2020How many ways are there to double-cross someone? This collection of short stories from a dozen historical novelists covers more than a few of them. Of course, there are one or two pirates involved, more than a few competitors for thrones, loves won and lost, and the impetuous making careless choices. Life lessons from these stories include: keep your plans quiet, think carefully before you act, and choose your friends wisely.
Fans of historical fiction will find that every one of these stories is a well-told window to a different era, some with historical figures, others with fictional characters. I enjoyed them all tremendously, but one that filled out my knowledge of English history was Anna Belfrage's story of Edmund, the son of Edward I, who was the Earl of Kent. His betrayal and execution would have been momentous at the time, although he's just a footnote in the history books now.
I could go on, but suffice it to say that every one of these stories is well worth reading.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2021The title of this multi-author anthology should have prepared me as I found myself with “Oh, please, no!” at the end of each chapter; my investment in the main characters was that deep, the storytellers are that good.
I enjoyed the almost lyrical cadence of these historical fiction stories where language and settings are so appropriate to the chosen era; something only achieved through painstaking research and love of subject. Despite each story’s brevity, the authors skillfully transport the reader into their fictional realm where, alas, murder, mayhem and Betrayal reign.
Kudos to all.
So, why “only” four stars? Four is excellent for an anthology.
I highly recommend you now check out these twelve five-star authors and their works.
- Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2022It was a novel focused on betrayal."Trust no one".Enjoyed this excellent collection of novellas! I devoured this book and can't wait to read more from this new and inspiring author .I read this in one sitting. I could not put it down.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 19, 2020Betrayal runs rampant at all levels of society, but most significantly among royalty and politicians. "Trust no one" (among the characters presented) as you read this book!
I am a long-time fan of Alison Morton's ROMA NOVA mystery / thrillers, set in a fictional "modern Rome," so it's not surprising that her story is my favorite in this anthology. However, the 11 other stories introduced me to some "new" authors (new to me) that I will now want to explore.
ENJOY this excellent collection of novellas exploring the theme of "betrayal" and don't forget to write a review!
- Reviewed in the United States on November 30, 2020If I have one complaint about Betrayal, it would be the brevity of its chapters. I know they are individual short stories - or parts of longer works - but they were intriguing and left me wanting more.
Top reviews from other countries
- Michael BullyReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 6, 2020
5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful collection of historical fiction looking at betrayal in myriad forms
Impressed by the high standard of the collection and don't feel that there were any 'fillers' amongst them. All the writers are accomplished and already published, and whilst I appreciated some stories more than others, gained a great deal from reading them. Decided to take one story each evening and felt a bit sad when reached the end.
Starting with 5th century England ,Derek Birks' ' Death at the Feet of Venus', a tale unfolding amongst the ruins left behind by the Romans. And ends with Alison Morton creator of the 'Roma Nova' series with ' The Idealist', set partly in the 19th century and also in the future, concerning a small Roman republic that survives and changes throughout the centuries. The collection also takes in Elizabeth St John's chilling 'Road to the Tower' , the seizure of power by Richard Duke of Gloucester in 1485, from the point of view Edward V's godmother, Lady Elysabeth Scrape, an ancestor of the author. Cryssa Bazos 'Honour of Thieves, a tale of a Royalist during the English Commonwealth is another highlight, and I could easily review each of the stories on offer. Will be exploring a lot more of these writers' individual works.
- Terry TylerReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 2, 2020
4.0 out of 5 stars 4.5* - A Journey Through Time
This is a fine collection—it is rare to find an anthology by many authors without a weak moment here and there, but this is such. The stories follow on through time, chronologically, starting with Death At Feet of Venus, set in Roman times, by Derek Birks, and ending with a modern day story featuring alternative history, The Idealist by Alison Morton.
The stories you like best will depend on your preferences for writing style and the periods that interest you most; my favourites were House Arrest by Judith Arnopp, about Margaret Beaufort, who is one of my historical heroes—I highly recommend Ms Arnopp's series about her, incidentally—and Love to Hatred Turn'd by Annie Whitehead, set in the 10th century; Ms Whitehead has that knack of making you feel as though you are sitting within the king's great hall in the kingdom of Wessex, as you are reading. I also very much liked All Those Tangled Webs by Anna Belfrage, which covers the time in 1330 just after Edward II had died, and Road to The Tower by Elizabeth St. John, about the lead up to the imprisonment of Princes Edward and Richard, who famously disappeared from the Tower of London.
I bow with respect to all involved. Highly recommended.
- aprilReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 4, 2020
3.0 out of 5 stars Good price!
Some stories, as always in anthologies, better than others...some failed to engage me at all, others have led me to look for more texts by their authors...so, a mixed bag, with a bit of something for everyone (?)...exasperating, annoying, irrelevant, cool, uninteresting, as well as fun, exciting, and amusing...try it, see what you think....
- LisaReviewed in the United Kingdom on March 24, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars A great collection of stories from some of the best historical fiction writers around.
I enjoyed this anthology very much. It would serve as an introduction to some of the best contemporary historic authors around and the stories were all entertaining and well written. I especially liked the way they progressed chronologically from Britain in the dark ages, though Anglo Saxons, Plantagenets, Tudors and pirates to an alt history modern Roman State. All the blood thirsty intrigues I vaguely remembered from school were beautifully brought to life with living breathing characters.
- BarbaraLReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 3, 2021
4.0 out of 5 stars Well-written collection of historical short stories
Inevitably, in a collection of short stories by different writers set in a wide range of historical periods, I found some more interesting than others. Many of the authors publish independently and I was familiar with a number of them and so was interested to see what they made of the short story format. On the whole they were well-written, although in some cases the endings were abrupt and unsatisfactory. Nevertheless this was an enjoyable collection and I'll be looking out for more writing from some of the authors.