This historical fiction series immerses the reader in the exciting period of Victorian Britain, Crimea, and Central America.
When Samuel witnesses the starvation, suffering, and death wrought by his aristocratic peers in Ireland's famine, he's appalled and resists their tyranny, sparking a vendetta that changes everything. This thriller laced with treason, intrigue, mystery, and action sweeps military history and adventure lovers back to the volatile time when race, class, and religion shaped the world we know today.
Crimea, 1854. Samuel Kingston seeks to escape the clutches of the ruling class. But already facing court martial for disobeying orders, the young lieutenant despairs when his father is imprisoned for a crime born of Samuel's clash with a powerful earl as a boy during Ireland's Great Famine. Now, his only chance to save both is accepting a commission assisting William Walker's bloody conquest of Nicaragua. But first, he must survive the Charge of the Light Brigade, ambush in backstreets of Britain, and the civil war in Nicaragua. Samuel faces betrayal at every turn, and when he discovers Walker's villainous post-war intentions, he must choose between doing what's right and his father's execution.
Anything but Treason is the first book in the thrilling Adventures of a Victorian Soldier military historical fiction series.
5 STAR REVIEWS. Reedsy Discovery- "MUST READ! The Crimean War is largely forgotten by all but academic circles and history enthusiasts. It is a war that laid the foundation for WWI and thus for WWII. To read a fictional piece set in the middle of it is a treat that an avid historical fiction reader can't pass up... War is never pretty. And the execution of it can be even worse. Those in charge of the war sometimes should not be anywhere a decision is being made. Those who know that and want to do the right thing sometimes are caught in the middle of power plays that decide the fates of each man. Those in charge are titled lords with no military experience. Yet men die under them. Honor is challenged on the field. Integrity is questioned. Boys turn into men.
This story is extremely well-written. The description of the camp scenes and battles scenes is not heavy yet paints the perfect picture to have the reader feel present in the heat of it all. All the senses are brought into play without making it "literary heavy". It is a modern tale written with depth.
The characters are rich and full of life. They gave the story color and direction. I thoroughly enjoyed reading them and following them as the story progressed. They were real. A story that goes beyond just a plot. This is history coming alive. You'll be wanting to know more about the war and the people in it after you read this book. Fiction? Yes, but it is based on history and full of tantalizing scenes. War is not pretty, neither are the parties involved."
