Being the second in the series I have to be honest I wasn't getting my hopes up too much. Often the second book in a series after a really good first is pretty lame. But not so.
This book set in the later time of James II is a little slow to start but picks up the intrigue quickly and is all action right through to the end. I have had a lot to do in the last week or so but HAD to set aside time for this one. Angus Donald has a flair for characters and the humour evident throughout shows he knows people. He also knows his history as far as I can tell. I knew nothing about this historical period before but feel I have a basis for it but without actually reading the history book.

Thank you Netgalley for the review copy (hoping I get the next in series if it comes up - please!)

Another winner from Angus Donald! I’ve long been a fan of his, and this series featuring the brilliant Holcroft Blood is such a joy to read. He’s a main character unlike any I’ve read before - Donald’s portrayal of Bloods autism takes the book to another level. It adds a depth unlike any other iceberg come across.

It’s also such a joy to read another period of English history treated isn’t very rarely touched. This year alone I must have read 6/7 books set in the reign of Charles II, so to get an insight into the tumultuous reign of James II and into William amen Mart just adds to the enjoyment levels.

Can’t wait for book 3

Holcroft Blood is my hero!

What a fabulous character Angus Donald has created in this fabulous new series set during the Stuart era. Holcroft is not your typical swashbuckling hero, he is a young man who struggles with personal connections and the nuances of human traits. He is more comfortable with mathematics and his cannons, but he has a remarkable knack for sniffing out trouble and unravelling conspiracies. In Blood’s Game, the first book in this new series, Holcroft was a young boy thrown into the heart of the court as a page to the Duke of Buckingham. Now he is an officer in the Royal Ordnance of the Stuart army and in Blood’s Revolution, his loyalty to his king is tested as the country and society turn against the Catholic king James II (VII in Scotland).

Blood’s Revolution is set some 15 years after the conclusion of the first book, Blood’s Game, which means it can easily be read as a standalone – though for anyone who hasn’t read Blood’s Game I can heartily recommend it!

Opening with Monmouth’s rebellion and the Battle of Sedgemoor, the early action sets the pace for the rest of the book, barely leaving the reader any opportunity to breathe, as Holcroft attempts to unravel the plots against the King and expose the plotters – and the French masterspy backing them. And at the same time, Holcroft has his own personal life to deal with; changing friendships, marriage and an errant brother all serve to upset the young man’s well-ordered life.

The fiction is seeded with real historical characters, ranging from Holcroft’s friend John Churchill – the future Duke of Marlborough – to the doomed Duke of Monmouth himself. Holcroft’s story itself is woven within the historical narrative, so that it is hard to tell where the facts end and fiction takes over; always a sign of a good book – and an opportunity for research that is hard to ignore.

Angus Donald is a superb storyteller, drawing the reader in to the wonderfully wicked world he has recreated for Holcroft Blood to navigate his way through. It is hard to find a negative. The story is clever, imaginative and addictive. The characters are fascinating, full of life and vigour. The locations, especially 17th century London, are painstakingly recreated and brought to bustling life, the smells, sounds and atmosphere of a London, that is almost-recognisable to the 21st century reader, enhancing the story further.

It is going to be hard for the author to top this story with the next book in the series, but I cannot wait to find out what happens to Holcroft next…..

Blood's Revolution by Angus Donald is the follow up to the book Blood's Game and like its predecessor it is enjoyable historical fiction.

The story is set in 1685 with James II on the throne but facing enemies who don't want a catholic King on the throne.

Holcroft "Holly" Blood is an officer in His Majesty's Ordance and in between defending his King and country he also faces people who would prefer that he is dead.

The book has been well researched and is written in a style that is easy to follow. I also enjoy the fact that it is set in a rarer period of history; at least for fiction books.

Whilst I have read the previous book this one can still be read as a standalone as there is sufficient backstory to allow you to enjoy it.

Recommended