‘Evocative’ Sarah Perry‘Immersive’ Katherine May‘Profoundly moving’ Mark HaddonDiscover Catherine Coldstream’s compelling account of life as a nun in the 1990s, and the dramatic events which led to her flight from the monastery.After the shock of her father’s death, and with the rest of her family scattered, Catherine was left grieving and alone at twenty-four. A search for meaning led her to the nuns of Akenside Priory.Here she found a tight-knit community of dedicated women and peace in an ancient way of life. But as she surrenders to her final vows, all is not as it seems behind the Priory’s closed doors.Catherine comes to realise that divine authority is mediated through flawed and all-too-human channels. She is faced with a dilemma: should she protect the serenity she has found, or speak out?‘Gripping… A rich memoir’ Daily Telegraph‘Absorbing and beautifully written’ Financial Times Read more

THE PREACHER (Detective Jason Smith #32) by Stewart GilesFrom bestselling author: Stewart Giles comes another brilliant addition to the Detective Jason Smith.The Preacher has spoken. The Preacher knows everything.A teenage suicide leads Detective Sergeant Smith into a waking nightmare. The girl was his daughter's best friend, and she had no reason to want to end her life.A string of suicides follow, and all of them share a common denominator.Some who calls himself The Preacher is playing God and Smith has no idea where to start looking.The Preacher has his own delusional agenda, and the more Smith learns, the more he realises that he can't stop this monster the old-fashioned way.The Preacher is a predator with no conscience. There are no moral boundaries he won't cross. This is a psychopath who will stop at nothing to fulfil his sick, twisted desires, and Smith realises he will have to forget everything he's ever learned about detection if he wants to stop the most depraved murderer of his career.What readers are saying about THE PREACHERAbsolutely brilliant once again I loved it. Now I need a pie and pint.Well done to this unique author. – Booklover BevI loved the striking cover which I thought quite unusual. So many red herrings to consider [which add to the overall enjoyment] and a cliffhanger ending, leaving me in suspense and anxious not to miss the next episode. – Carol A superb, belter of a read. Can’t wait for the next one. – Misfits FarmI always look forward to a new book in this series and the series certainly isn’t getting old. The author has such a wonderful imagination and comes up with surprising, twisty plots. A series of suicides sets off a complex investigation. - MaureenBOOKS BY STEWART GILESDS JASON SMITH SERIESBook 0.5 - PhobiaBook 1 - SmithBook 2 - BoomerangBook 3 - LadybirdBook 4 - Occam’s RazorBook 5 - HarlequinBook 6 - SeleneBook 7 - HorsemenBook 8 - UnworthyBook 9 – VenomBook 10 – SeveredBook 11 – DemonsBook 12 - DeadeyeBook 13 - MotiveBook 14 – AustraliaBook 16 – WishboneBook 17 – GhostsBook 18 – The ScarecrowBook 19 – The BluesmanBook 20 – The LibrarianBook 21 – The ViaductBook 22 – The TwinBook 23 – The DogwalkerBook 24 – The FlytrapBook 25 – The ElectricianBook 26 – The CellarBook 27 – The LonerBook 28 – The PainterBook 29 – The HitchhikerBook 30 – The CreedBook 31 – The WorkshopBook 32 - The PreacherDI O’REILLY MYSTERIESBook 1 - Blood on the IslandBook 2 - Lies on the IslandBook 3 - Fear on the IslandBook 4 - Malice on the IslandBook 5 – Revenge on the IslandBook 6 – Christmas on the IslandBook 7 – Silence on the IslandBook 8 – Secrets on the IslandBook 9 – Chaos on the IslandBook 10 - Sadness on the IslandBook 11 – Danger on the IslandBook 12 – Evil on the IslandBook 13 – Fire on the IslandBook 14 – Madness on the IslandBook 15 - Fury on the IslandDC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIESBook 1-The BeekeeperBook 2-The Perfect MurderBook 3-The BackpackerDS JASON SMITH &DC HARRIET TAYLOR SERIESBook 1 - The EnigmaBook 2 – DropzoneBook 3 – The Raven GirlTHE MIRANDA TRILOGY (psychological thrillers)MirandaMistressMedusaSTANDALONE NOVELSHorror - The DivideThriller - The GhostwriterThriller – The Guests Read more

A captivating tale of witches, women and the will to survive…⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'A spellbinding tale…pure witchy perfection'1600s, The village of Weybourne, NorfolkBrigid Netherwell is accused of witchcraft and condemned to death in front of her young daughter Willow who vows to record her family's story.Decades later, twin sisters Myrtle and Marigold Netherwell are forced to confront the dark secrets of the past and the legacy of the Netherwell women…Step into their world and awaken your own magic.Readers are falling under the spell of The Weybourne Witches:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'If you love stories steeped in magic and family legacies, The Weybourne Witches is a must-read — especially for fans of witchy stories such as Practical Magic'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I love tales of witches…a richly descriptive and atmospheric tale'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'A spellbinding read that delves into the lives of women who must confront the darkness and secrets of their heritage. It's a story of survival, love, and the strength found in family bonds''Nothing short of enchanting…poignant and powerful, leaving a lasting emotional impact that lingers long after the final page is turned''I wasn't expecting the plot in this book. It was fantastic!!!''If I had to describe this book I would call it “cozy fantasy”…a great porch read on a cool fall evening'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'The atmospheric imagery in this allows the reader to be transported to their world and I felt like the pages came alive as I read''What an exciting plot, vivid storytelling and relatable, rich characters. I couldn't put this book down – absolutely loved it''A fantasy story about troubled twin sisters…There are ancient curses, a magical tree, spells, a real sense of place and the history of witchcraft. Suspend belief and enjoy!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I thoroughly enjoyed this different and special book…Very atmospheric' Read more

WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE YEAR 2024'Engaging and enjoyable' - THE SCOTSMAN'Utterly compelling' - HEAT MAGAZINEBeing a woman was her only crime.Scottish Highlands, 1727. In the aftermath of a tragic fire that kills her father, Aila and her mother, Janet, move to the remote parish of Loth, north-west of Inverness. Blending in does not come easily to the women: Aila was badly burned in the fire and left with visible injuries, while her mother struggles to maintain her grip on reality. When a temporary minister is appointed in the area, rather than welcome the two women, he develops a strange curiosity for them that sets them even further apart from the community.Then arrives a motley troupe of travelling entertainers from Edinburgh, led by the charismatic but mysterious Jack. It is just the distraction Janet, and particularly Aila, needs: for the first time in a long while, their lives are filling with joy and friendship, and a kind of hope Aila hasn't known since her father's death. But in this small community, faith is more powerful than truth, and whispers more dangerous even than fire.Haunting and deeply moving, The Last Witch of Scotland is a story of love, loyalty and sacrifice, inspired by the true story of the last person to be executed for witchcraft in Britain.Perfect for fans of Outlander, The Mercies and The Witches of Vardo, or for anyone with an interest in the history of witchcraft, late renaissance Scotland and Highland history.'Compelling, evocative, heart-wrenching' - FIONA VALPY, author of The Storyteller of Casablanca'Paris's affecting novel imaginatively fills in the gaps with family tragedy, first love, a roving troupe of players, embittered neighbours, sacrifice and loss.' - THE SCOTSMAN Read more

"To me, being a witch is about connecting with nature, appreciating all of the sensations of life, opening up to the vastness and beautiful complexity of experience, and stepping into our power..."Iris Beaglehole, author of the Myrtlewood Mysteries, invites you to awaken the wild and delightful magic within. This enchanting guide blends humour, heart, and wisdom to lead you on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment. Whether you are new to the path of witchcraft or a seasoned practitioner, Awakening the Wild Witch will help you claim your power and awaken further to your own wild magic.Tap into the innate magic that resides within you by connecting deeply with your intuition and the wisdom of your body.Create meaningful rituals, craft ceremonies and spellwork and embrace change with grace and intention.Work with the elements, harness the power of the natural world, and align with the rhythms of nature.Deepen your understanding of magical herbs, crystals, astrology and kitchen witchery.Explore the powerful potential of your shadow, delve into the depths of your psyche to heal and empower yourself, transforming shadows into sources of strength and insight.Awakening the Wild Witch is an invitation to step into your wild magic and embrace the vast possibilities that lie within you. With practical exercises, rituals, and meditations, Iris invites you on this journey of deepening awareness and and opening to a life filled with wild magic, purpose, and inspiration. Read more

'This book really, really will stay with me forever. It's not only laced with the most incredible wisdom, but it's also gentle and beautiful and eloquent. It brought me so much joy and so much comfort' FEARNE COTTON'Life-changing. This book is sensational. If you're struggling, feeling a little lost, anxious or in need of a mental lift, please read it' ELLA MILLS, FOUNDER OF DELICIOUSLY ELLAThe Sunday Times bestselling book of comfort and timeless wisdom from former forest monk, Björn Natthiko LindebladWe like to think we can determine the path our life takes, but events rarely unfold the way we plan for or expect. In this international bestseller, former forest monk Björn Natthiko Lindeblad draws on his humbling journey towards navigating uncertainty – helping you, with kindness and good humour, to:- Let go of the small stuff - Accept the things you cannot control - Manage difficult emotions- Find stillness at busy times- Face yourself – and others – without judgment Infusing the everyday with heart and grace, this is a wise and soothing handbook for dealing with life's challenges. Read more

When she inherits a cottage in a Yorkshire village from someone she hardly knows, Flora is surprised to find a wildflower meadow behind it - perfect for her Natural Healing business. Yet a bigger surprise awaits, as she finds she has a family there that she didn't even know existed - and they have a secret or two. Or three. Perhaps she should have guessed. After all, the village was home to the legendary Witches of Farstone.Out on the moors surrounding the remote village and reputedly home to the Faestone - a mythical portal into the Faery world - she comes across a Byronic hero. Ridiculously good-looking but as scary as hell at first sight and riding his coal-black steed with a galumphing giant hound following him. It makes her wonder what sort of a place she's landed in.Join Flora as she navigates the revelations with a calm good humour - and finds that, along the way, she has discovered somewhere she truly belongs. Meet the slightly eccentric characters she gets to know - and love. A feel-good, romantic, funny book with that mystical twist, for you to lose yourself in. Read more

In god is Not Great Hitchens turned his formidable eloquence and rhetorical energy to the most controversial issue in the world: God and religion. The result is a devastating critique of religious faithgod Is Not Great is the ultimate case against religion. In a series of acute readings of the major religious texts, Christopher Hitchens demonstrates the ways in which religion is man-made, dangerously sexually repressive and distorts the very origins of the cosmos. Above all, Hitchens argues that the concept of an omniscient God has profoundly damaged humanity, and proposes that the world might be a great deal better off without 'him'. Read more

'A profoundly moving, beautifully written and emotional story' Louise DouglasA tale as old as time. A spirit that has never rested.Present dayAs a love affair comes to an end, and with it her dreams for her future, artist Selena needs a retreat.  The picture-postcard Sloe Cottage in the Somerset village of Ashcombe promises to be the perfect place to forget her problems, and Selena settles into her new home as spring arrives.  But it isn’t long before Selena hears the past whispering to her. Sloe Cottage is keeping secrets which refuse to stay hidden.1682Grace Cotter longs for nothing more than a husband and family of her own. Content enough with her work on the farm, looking after her father, and learning the secrets of her grandmother Bett’s healing hands, nevertheless Grace still hopes for love. But these are dangerous times for dreamers, and rumours and gossip can be deadly. One mis-move and Grace’s fate looks set…Separated by three hundred years, two women are drawn together by a home bathed in blood and magic. Grace Cotter’s spirit needs to rest, and only Selena can help her now.USA Today bestselling author Judy Leigh writing as Elena Collins, brings you this unforgettable, heart-breaking, gripping timeslip novel set in a world when women were hung as witches, and fates could be sealed by a wrong word. Perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Diana Gabaldon and Louise Douglas.Praise for Elena Collins:'A profoundly moving, beautifully written and emotional story that skilfully combines two time frames into one unputdownable book. I was completely immersed in Grace’s story from the beginning: despite it taking place 400 years ago. The modern day storyline was also delightful with some wonderful characters. In short a wonderful book by a fabulous author, very highly recommended' Louise Douglas'With two storylines beautifully woven together to create a seamless tale of love, loss, betrayal and, above all, hope, it’s a must-read. Collins’s detailed knowledge of the period trickles through the tale wrapping the reader in a vivid shifting world as it moves between the 14th century and present day. Cleverly researched and exquisitely written, The Lady of The Loch is a timeless story of hope, family and love. I loved it' Alexandra Walsh'Such a lovely story of love, hardship, loss & renewal. Heartbreaking yet comforting. A place where I would love to go to and be lost in its memories' ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Reader Review Read more

THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'The world's most successful history podcast . . . Holland and Sandbrook have pretty much reinvented popular history for the modern age' The TimesFrom the podcast legends who brought you The Rest is History comes The Rest is History Returns!This time Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook bring you an alphabetical miscellany, taking on some of history's best and most bizarre moments. Charge forth against the traitors of the American Revolution, journey through Baghdad to discover the origins of the Arabian Nights and head to Sicily to witness the first face-off between Carthage and Rome. Along the way you'll find the answers to questions like: - Who was Jesus's wife? - What would it have been like to live-tweet through the eruption of Vesuvius? - Why did the Romans inspire so much American science fiction? - Which Mitford sister tried to seduce her girlish crush, Adolf Hitler? - Who are history's top 10 monkeys? - Was Henry V's great-grandfather, Edward III, the biggest 'lad' in British history? But that's not all – this book also includes puzzles and a pub quiz. So dust off your tricorne hat, grab your lasso and get ready for a rollicking rollercoaster through the past . . . Read more

Do you want to live a life with more meaning, purpose and connection? In this inspirational handbook, moon mentor, soul alignment and spiritual coach, Kirsty Gallagher, takes us through the year season by season to help us reconnect with nature. Sacred Seasons shows us how to find balance and a deep connection with the seasons, the astrological cycles and the lunar phases in order to live well and thrive. Packed with nourishing moon rituals, crystals and altar set-ups, journal prompts and practices and Kirsty's trademark wisdom, Sacred Seasons will show you how to draw on inspiration from nature's events, including the Spring Equinox, the Summer Solstice, the Autumn Equinox and Imbolc. You'll learn about the Wheel of the Year and the best moments to pause and reflect and look inwards, as well as when to tap into your abundant energy and achieve all your goals. Live your best year yet with Sacred Seasons. Read more

A vicious attack. An enraged warrior-druid. A relentless hunt for vengeance!Following a cowardly raid on Dun Breatann the Saxon attacker, Saksnot, rides back to rejoin his bretwalda, Hengist, in far-off Garrianum. Bellicus, outraged by the savage attack on his people and his closest friend, follows the perpetrator with just one thing on his mind: bloody justice!As the towering druid hunts his prey across the summer fields and streams, Arthur, Bear of Britain, seeks to make a lasting peace with the new immigrants from across the sea. Hengist has no such plans however, instead working alongside his terrifying volva, Thorbjorg, to bring only blood, fire, and death to the embattled Britons.As the brutal struggle for supremacy rages between the two warlords and their armies, Bellicus will find himself drawn into an adventure he could never have foreseen. An adventure that may seal the fate of Britain for generations to come.An adventure that fans of Bernard Cornwell, Griff Hosker, David Gemmell, and Joe Abercrombie will love!Praise for Steven A. McKay's WARRIOR DRUID OF BRITAIN CHRONICLES"His tales are exhilarating, the characters believable and exciting, and the action hard hitting. This series is a must!" - David's Book Blurg"If you like fast paced thrilling historical adventure then this book is highly recommended." - Desibookstagrammer"Thrilling? An emotional roller coaster? Page-turning suspense? A plethora of characters to love and hate? A twisting pathway of plots and subplots? Well, my peeps and fellow Druids, the author has ticked all of those boxes and more in this piece of the Bellicus tale." - Hoover Book Reviews Read more

Cast out into the wilds of the North Yorkshire moors, Tess has been sent on a mercy mission to her dragon of a great aunt, who has just found her brother's body at the bottom of the stairs of Rook Hall. Was it really an accident?Convinced from an early age that her aunt was a witch, this enforced stay at Wykeham Grange is pleasing to neither of them. She hopes that her aunt's bark is worse than her bite, though she has grave doubts.Worse still, it seems the Wykeham family powers are now passing on to Tess, against her will.Will aunt and niece find something in common as they become amateur sleuths, searching for a lost dog and the family Balefire Ring? They are helped by the devastatingly handsome but deeply sarcastic detective Luke, who Tess does her best to ignore, with limited success.The reopening of the Folklore Museum and the Apple Day festival brings changes to the inhabitants of Wykeham Grange.Can Tess find an affinity with the village and countryside she comes to see as beautiful - and is Weaver's Green about to weave its spell on her too?Leave your worries behind and immerse yourself in this feelgood, happy and humorous story of an ancient village with its lovable cast of diverse characters - including two donkeys and an adorable dog. Read more

From city life to country life. What would you do if your old family cottage - home to generations of Norwoods, including the odd witch or two - was up for sale? Well newly single Sadie ups sticks from London to the Yorkshire Dales village where her eccentric aunt lives - and buys the property. Hoping for a new start, she aims to create a community craft business in her barns whilst restoring the cottage to live in.The authentic Gypsy caravan on her land is a bonus until she realises it is owned by her grouchy neighbour Raff. Their first meeting was anything but pleasant so this doesn't bode well. This funny, feelgood romance is about finding your true place in life - and the people to share it with. Read more

REVELATIONS FROM THE Z’S ABOUT WHAT LIES AHEAD Humanity is facing an unprecedented phase of evolution, planetary revolution, and the acceleration of time. More and more people are seeking guidance as they wake up to a connection with something far bigger than what they were taught about human life. Channeled by Lee Harris and prompted by Regina Meredith’s incisive questions, Lee’s guides, the Z’s, expose the lies promulgated throughout history and explain the past and the future, including: • why consciousness is driving you faster than your mind • the positive and negative effects of artificial intelligence and other technology on intellect and the brain • the changing landscape of relationships, sexuality, and self-awareness • why the next decade will be a genuinely revelatory time on earth • why the most significant influencer in the development of humanity’s new potential is you The Z’s remind us that everyone on Earth is being affected by the waves of higher consciousness now flooding the planet. Meant to be experienced, absorbed, and understood, the message from the Z’s is unequivocal: creating a new world is your job. The Future Human tells you why and how. Read more

"A master storyteller...Steven A. McKay is the standard to which other Dark Age authors strive to attain." - GRIFF HOSKERThe brand new instalment in the Warrior Druid of Britain Chronicles sees Bellicus of Dun Breatann facing not only bloodthirsty enemies but also the biggest decision of his life in this fast-paced historical thriller!AD 434 – Caer Legion, Western BritainA heinous crime is perpetrated against the druids of Britain and a grief-stricken Bellicus suddenly finds his world changing in ways he never expected. Before he can begin to make sense of things the terrible news that the Picts have allied with the Saxons and now march on Dun Breatann together spurs the warrior-druid into action, and soon he and his companions are racing homewards.Horsa, fearsome leader of the sea-wolves, promises to use any tactic – including torture and dark magic – against Bellicus’s terrified Damnonii people who are being slaughtered and dragged from their burnt out villages to please the Saxons’ brutal gods.Bellicus, his friend Duro, and the great war-dog Cai will need all their bravery, experience, and cunning to stand against the insane cruelty of the raiders which even shocks their own allies in the Pictish army.Many will fall as the fighting rages, but can bonds of loyalty, friendship, and family be enough to save Queen Narina and the people of Dun Breatann from the grim fate their enemies have planned for them?This new Warrior Druid of Britain adventure is sure to delight lovers of fast-paced historical fiction, especially readers of Peter Gibbons, Griff Hosker, and Bernard Cornwell.Saxons and Picts come together to conquer Northern Britain, but when the war is over they must face the vengeance of Merlin!"The emotion pours off the page affecting the reader as much as those within the tale. The Vengeance of Merlin has your heart in your throat from the first page to last." - David's Book Blurg Read more

“For the expert investigation of the human will to believe, we recommend The Encyclopedia of Superstitions.”—The New York Times Why is it said that breaking a mirror or walking under ladders will bring bad luck and misfortunate? Ever wonder why so many people throw salt over their shoulders after spilling it, or wish on shooting stars? The Encyclopedia of Superstitions holds the answers to these questions and more. This classic and captivating reference book catalogs the origins of hundreds of superstitious beliefs and includes a rich history of charms, spells, folklore, and rural remedies drawn from cultures around the world used to commemorate births, marriages, deaths, to ward off evil, or invite good fortune. Edwin and Mona A. Radford uncover why catching a falling leaf in autumn is believed to stave off colds all winter and explain the traditional Norse mythological roots of kissing under the mistletoe at Christmas. They explore the myriad of beliefs surrounding the moon or what spotting a rainbow portends and why. This thought-provoking collection provides a wealth of entertaining entries—stories that have the power to thrill, intrigue, and perhaps send a chill down the spine of even the most skeptical of readers. Read more

“The most original and probably the most important writer on Magick since Aleister Crowley."—Robert Anton Wilson, author of the Prometheus Rising and other worksPeter Carroll’s classic work has been profound influence on the Western magical world and on the practice of chaos magick in particular. In Liber Null and Psychonaut, Carroll presents an approach to the practice of magic that draws on the foundations of shamanism and animism, as well as that found in the Greek magical papyri, the occult works of Eliphas Levi and Aleister Crowley, and the esoteric meditative practices of classical India and China. Also very much at work in the text are 20th century scientific ideas of quantum physics and chaos theory.The result is a profoundly original work of magical studies that also includes a selection of extremely powerful rituals and exercises for committed occultists with instructions that lead the reader through new concepts and practices to achieve Carroll’s definition of magic itself: the raising of the whole individual in perfect balance to the power of infinity.This Weiser Classics edition is a thoroughly revised republication of Liber Null and Psychonaut, first published by Weiser in 1987, and includes a new foreword by Ronald Hutton, a leading authority on modern witchcraft and paganism. Read more

'Exquisitely written, this vivid story may just bewitch you' Woman'Utterly spellbinding' Natasha Lester'Exquisitely written, this vivid story may just bewitch you' Woman's WeeklyAn enchanting mystery kept hidden for hundreds of years... 1700s Rowan Caswell leaves her village to work at the home of an English silk merchant. Very soon, she finds herself thrust into a dangerous world, where her talent for herbs and healing starts to attract unwanted attention. Mary-Louise Stephenson dreams of becoming a silk designer, a path that has remained largely forbidden to women. A length of fabric she weaves with a pattern of deadly flowers will have shocking consequences for all who dwell at the Silk House. Present Day Thea Rust arrives at an exclusive boarding school in the British countryside to look after the first intake of girls in its history. She is to stay with them in the Silk House, a converted silk factory from the 18th century, where the shadows hide secrets waiting to be discovered... Read more

Will Britain take him in... or mark him as its enemy?'A brilliantly realised world of Imperial ambition and native resistance' Simon Scarrow'Wonderful, distinct characters' Conn IgguldenFaustus Valerianus is the son of a Roman father and a British mother, a captive sold among the spoils after Claudius’s invasion.Now both parents have died within a month of each other, and so he sells the family farm and enlists, joining legendary general Agricola’s campaign to conquer the entirety of the British Isles culminating in a devastating battle amongst Caledonia's dark mountains.But Faustus will have to contend with more than ferocious British warriors and whip-cracking elements. For the bonds of blood can weigh heavy on one’s soul. The call of his mother’s true people. His father’s restless shadow. Faustus must carry them with him…A deeply moving, gripping, epic historical drama, perfect for fans of Rosemary Sutcliff, Ben Kane and Simon Scarrow.Praise for Shadow of the Eagle'Faustus is a fascinating character and it’s a treat to see how he negotiates the challenges he faces. His duties in the service of Rome comprise a truly Faustian pact!' Simon Scarrow'I adored Faustus and Constantia in particular. Great sense of humour throughout. This is a terrific read' Conn Iggulden'I only need one word to describe this stunning novel: masterful' Anthony Riches, Sunday Times bestselling author of Wounds of Honour‘Blood, steel, honour, and a deep and gripping tale of the Roman army on the frontier of the empire. Hunter has created an instant classic' S J A Turney, author of the Marius' Mules series'A haunting, historical epic' Gordon Doherty, author of Sons of Rome'Enthralling and authentic historical roman fiction, that brings the period alive and keeps you turning the page' Alex Gough, author of Emperor's Sword Read more