English Mercenary

An only child of Anglo-French descent, young James Bretherton has known a life of privilege; well-educated and mild mannered, his path is filled with promise. But when James suddenly finds himself orphaned and penniless, his future looks decidedly bleak. It is only when Fate intervenes in the guise of two English mercenaries, that James is given hope. Embarking on a new life as a soldier, he soon becomes embroiled in the religious war between Catholics and Protestants, The Empire and the German States; the war that was known as The Thirty Years war.

With ample fortunes garnered as a Sword for Hire and a loving wife now at his side, Captain James Bretherton at last looks to the prospect of leaving the world of war; instead, becoming a man who trains others to fight. Any plans for an easier life are soon thwarted however, when King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden seeks Bretherton's services. In his fight for the Protestant cause, Adolphus is eager to strengthen the backbone of his army and for that he needs Captain James; he needs a Captain of Horse.

As the clash of swords and the cries of the fallen resound through the valleys of Germany, King Gustavus Adolphus stands poised to change the course of history. Fourteen years of devastation sparked by religious tensions have left a scarred land and the Swedish monarch gathers his loyal army for a final, decisive strike against the tyranny of the Catholic Cause. Once again all hope is pinned on James Bretherton, now a senior commander in the Protestant Army, whose name has become synonymous with courage and leadership. After a brief respite in the company of his family, he is drawn back into the conflict -not just out of duty but compelled by a deeper calling to secure the religious freedom of the German Protestants and continue to serve one of the greatest military leaders in history: the Lion of the North. Yet, as Colonel Bretherton returns, he finds a world transformed by dark ambition and masquerading loyalties. Friends may not be as they seem, and enemies lurk behind every corner, ready to exploit a moment of weakness. As the battle for faith and freedom rages on, James must navigate a treacherous landscape of alliances, betrayal, and sacrifice. Can he honour his principles and protect the ones he loves in a time where trust is the rarest currency? Lion of the North is a gripping tale of bravery and conviction that explores the thin line between ally and adversary in an age of chaos. The exciting third instalment in the English Mercenary series by Griff Hosker. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and S. G. Maclean.