Hawker and the King's Jewel

HAUNTED BY A SIN

August, 1485. Grizzled knight Sir John Hawker carries a heavy burden on his soul: a decision taken, a deed committed that cannot be undone. When his liege lord, King Richard III, charges Hawker with two secret missions, a chance for atonement beckons.

A RACE ACROSS EUROPE...

Then Richard falls at the Battle of Bosworth Field, and Hawker puts spurs to his horse, ready to discharge his final duty to the king. But the usurping Tudors have discovered Hawker’s quest, and are hot on his heels.

...FOR THE FATE OF A KINGDOM

The Tudors know that Hawker carries with him two things; the king’s priceless ruby, rumoured to be cursed, and a Plantagenet heir...

And they know where he’s going.

A breath-taking cat and mouse chase across medieval Europe, from Bosworth to Venice. Packed with intricate plotting and beautifully realised characters, this is perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and David Gilman.

‘A brutal, brilliant tale, told with verve and pace. Hawker is a terrific creation’ Bernard Cornwell

‘Bale takes the reader from the terror of battle where a crown is lost and won to the sparkling jewel that is Venice, teeming with intrigue and treachery. Great storytelling’ David Gilman, author of the Master of War series

'An absolute gem of a novel. I was taken aback by Bale's skill and talent. Meticulously researched, with a totally authentic medieval feel, the novel fizzes with action, romance and intrigue. A gripping yarn' Angus Donald, author of the Outlaw series

‘Hawker is an ageing, flawed character and it is in his description of the man's inner turmoil, his bursts of energy and, above all, loyalty that the author has created a living soul... Compelling, authentic characters, a tight narrative which drives the story with verve; dialogue which is neither mock Gothic nor anachronistic, all allow the reader to feel part of the sounds and sights of the late fifteenth century. The novel deserves high praise’ The Ricardian