Blood Divide: A Novel of Flodden Field by John Sadler

Publication Date: January 27, 2015
Lion Fiction
Paperback; 352p
ISBN: 978-1782640899

Genre: Historical Fiction





Gripping, visceral, and accessible historical fiction.

The Battle of Flodden in September 1513 was one of the bloodiest battles ever fought on British soil, in which James IV, King of Scots, and virtually the whole of his nobility and gentry were annihilated in an afternoon along with 15,000 soldiers. Five centuries later, the slaughter still occupies a core position in the Scottish nationalist debate and in the pantheon of heroic failures. This novel puts you in the heart of the action; you’ll feel the sweat and the fear, the curtain of red mist.

The narrative covers April through September 1513, focusing around a handful of key characters: John Heron, Bastard of Ford, swaggering, violent, and disreputable, the black sheep of a good English family; Sir Thomas Howard, leader of the English forces and skilled strategist; Alexander, 3rd Lord Hume, leader of the Scots, bold but impetuous; Isabella Hoppringle, Abbess of Coldstream, hub of a web of influential women throughout the Scottish borders, a woman of significant influence and charisma.

Laced with dark humor and fascinating period detail, Blood Divide reminder readers that political intrigue and human folly are timeless.

My Review

Four Stars

Copy received from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for an honest review

First, I have to make a couple of confessions. One I'm still a newbie to the historical fiction community so the The Battle of Flodden was new to me.  I had a little bit of a hard time wrapping my mind around what the battler meant and how it fit in Scottish and English history.  Although I knew of the contentious relationship between England and Scotland this story really gave me a very well rounded understanding.  One I did that I really began to enjoy the story.  Isabella was a fantastic character. I really enjoyed reading about her and she added to an already enjoyable story.  I don't know why I didn't expect the vivid descriptions in the story, they took me a little by surprise but it made the scenes all that much more realistic. I also wasn't expecting the cliffhanger ending but I really liked it.  The Tudors are always fascinating to read about and Henry VIII is never boring.  Sadler really showed is blood thirsty side in this story.  The difficulties of establishing political relations, the very fragile line of death and triumph  . 

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About the Author

John Sadler is an experienced military historian, a fellow of the Royal Historical Society, and the author of more than two dozen books. He is also a much traveled battlefield tour guide covering most major conflicts in the UK, Europe, and North Africa.

For more information please visit John Sadler's website.

Blood Divide: A Novel of Flodden Field Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, January 26
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews
Spotlight & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, January 27
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, January 28
Spotlight & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Connection

Friday, January 30
Spotlight at Layered Pages

Sunday, February 1
Spotlight & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

Monday, February 2
Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Tuesday, February 3
Spotlight & Giveaway at Words and Peace

Thursday, February 5
Interview and Review at A Virtual Hobby Store and Coffee Haus

Saturday, February 6
Review at Book Nerd

Monday, February 9
Review at Just One More Chapter

Tuesday, February 10
Review at Broken Teepee
Spotlight at Historical Fiction Obsession

Wednesday, February 11
Review at Forever Ashley
Review at The Mad Reviewer
Spotlight at CelticLady's Reviews

Thursday, February 12
Interview at Books and Benches

Friday, February 13
Spotlight at Caroline Wilson Writes