Read my review of The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven (The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy) by Jennifer Ivy Walker

 

The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven

(The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven trilogy)

By Jennifer Ivy Walker

Publication Date: 1st May 2025

Publisher: Green Mermaid Publications

Print Length: 522 Pages

Genre: Arthurian Fantasy / Historical Romance Fantasy / Paranormal

In this paranormal fantasy adaptation of the medieval legend of Tristan and Isolde, the rightful heir to the Irish crown must flee the wicked queen, finding shelter with a fairy witch who teaches her the verdant magic of the forest. Fate leads Issylte to the otherworldly realm of the Lady of the Lake and the Elves of Avalon, where she must choose between her life as a Celtic healer or fight to save her ravaged kingdom from the ruthless Black Widow Queen.

Tristan of Lyonesse is a Knight of King Arthur's Round Table who must overcome the horrors of his traumatic past and defend his kingdom of Cornwall against a Viking invasion from Ireland. When he becomes a warrior of the Tribe of Dana, a gift of Druidic magic might hold the key he seeks.

Two parallel lives, interwoven by fate. Haunted and hunted by the same Black Widow Queen.

Can their passion and power prevail?

Praise

“A sensational, well-crafted, fantasy fiction novel, with a perfect blend of magic, mysticism, romance, tragedy, drama, and suspense.”  Finalist Award from Reader’s Choice Book Awards

“I loved the world-building, the drama…fantasy settings from actual places like France, Ireland, and Britain.”  Jennifer Ibiam, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards

“An incredible tale of love, courage, sacrifice, and the everlasting fight between good and evil.”  Pikasho Deka, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards

Review - Five Stars

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s been a while since I last wrote a review, but The Wild Rose and the Sea Raven turned out to be a lovely book to return to. I enjoy Arthurian-inspired stories, and this one brings in a strong Celtic atmosphere with magic, prophecy, and court intrigue woven through the narrative.

Issylte is an easy character to root for. She begins the story surrounded by expectations and political tension, yet there’s a quiet strength about her that gradually comes to the surface. Watching her grow and start to understand her own gifts was one of the things I enjoyed most.

I have to admit, Ronan was the character who really won me over. He feels grounded, loyal, and sincere, and I liked the warmth in the scenes between him and Issylte. In fact, I found myself rooting for Ronan more than Tristan and, if I’m being honest, part of me was hoping Tristan might quietly disappear from the picture.

The book blends adventure, magic, and court politics well. There are knights, rivalries, and darker forces moving behind the scenes, but there are also quieter character moments that give the story heart.

 I found this book a very engaging read, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.

Universal Buy Link 
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Jennifer Ivy Walker

Jennifer Ivy Walker is an award-winning author of medieval Celtic, Nordic, and paranormal romance, as well as contemporary romance, historical fantasy, and WWII romantic suspense.

A former high school teacher and college professor of French with an MA in French literature, her novels encompass a love for French language, literature, history, and culture, including Celtic myths and legends, Norse mythology, Viking sagas, and Nordic lore.

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In the spotlight today is Code of Honour (Soldier Spy, Book #3) by Rosemary Hayes

Code of Honour

(Soldier Spy, Book #3)

By Rosemary Hayes

Publication Date: February 2nd, 2026

Publisher: Sharpe Books

Pages: 251

Genre: Historical Fiction

'A first-rate historical thriller, full of period detail, fascinating characters, unexpected twists, mystery, intrigue and action.’
~ Peter Tonkin

1812

Britain’s war against Napoleon continues.

Will Fraser and Duncan Armstrong have served their country well as spies, exposing traitors and rescuing betrayed royalists.

Now they are asked to support military operations in the Peninsular War. The French are using a new code which is proving impossible to decipher. Will and Armstrong must work with Spanish guerrillas to intercept messages between French Commanders and pass them to Wellington’s codebreakers.

Will is reluctant, however. Portugal was where he was falsely accused of cowardice and desertion and forced to leave the army. And Captain Harcourt-Browne, the jealous and vengeful officer who caused his downfall, is still serving there.

But Will is given a compelling – and personal – reason to carry out the operation. If he does so, there’s a slim chance he could be reinstated.

Enemy agents are soon on their trail; agents who want them dead. Somehow Will and Armstrong must evade them and join the guerrillas in a daring attempt to uncover Napoleon’s battle plans.

But Will’s troubled past catches up with him. Four years ago he lied to protect the woman he loved. Now he must own up to that lie to save himself.

Rosemary Hayes has written over forty books across different genres, from historical fiction to chapter books for early readers and texts for picture books.

Praise for Rosemary Hayes:

‘Rosemary Hayes' Soldier Spy is a first-rate historical thriller, full of period detail, fascinating characters, unexpected twists, mystery, intrigue and action. It reminds me of Berrnard Cornwell's brilliant, Regency-set Gallows Thief. I am pleased to see that it is the first of a trilogy and look forward to reading more about the dashing Will Fraser.’
~ Peter Tonkin, author of The Richard Mariner thrillers

‘One of the very best historical novels I have ever read.’
~ Sandra Robinson, Huguenot Ancestry Expert

‘An absorbing tale told with sensitivity. The forgotten struggles of Huguenot refugees come to moving, heartrending life.’ 
~ Steven Veerapen, author of A Dangerous Trade

Soldier Spy Series Universal Buy Links:

Book 1 – Traitor’s Game

Book 2 – The King’s Agent

Book 3 – Code of Honour

This series is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Rosemary Hayes

Rosemary Hayes has written over fifty books for children and young adults. She writes  in different genres, from edgy teenage fiction (The Mark), historical fiction (The Blue Eyed Aborigine and Forgotten Footprints), middle grade fantasy (Loose Connections, The Stonekeeper’s Child and Break Out) to chapter books for early readers and texts for picture books. Many of her books have won or been shortlisted for awards and several have been translated into different languages.

Rosemary has travelled widely but now lives in South Cambridgeshire. She has a background in publishing, having worked for Cambridge University Press before setting up her own company Anglia Young Books which she ran for some years. She has been a reader for a well known authors’ advisory service and runs creative writing workshops for both children and adults.

Connect with Rosemary:

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Read an excerpt from Rogues & Kings: Tales of Robin Hood by Charlene Newcomb

Rogues & Kings

Tales of Robin Hood

By Charlene Newcomb

Publication Date: February 4th, 2026

Publisher: independently published

Pages: 394

Genre: Historical Fiction

Deadly secrets. Hidden identities. A true enemy.

Silence is the only shield.

The year is 1216 and civil war rages in England. King John ravages the countryside against rebellious barons and a French invasion. Unbeknownst to him, his newest squire, Richard, is in fact the son of a man the king would hang without a second thought. A man the common folk call Robin Hood.

For years, Robin has lived as a knight in exile. But when his son is ensnared in the treachery of the royal court, Robin is forced out of the shadows, aided by his outlaw friends in the Hood.

There is no question for Richard where his loyalties lie but it’s more than his own life at risk. He has the trust of a dangerous king. Can he serve the Hood better from within John’s inner circle, or will schemes against the crown unravel? 

Rob from the rich, give to the poor takes on a whole new meaning.

Rogues & Kings is a sweeping tale of courage and betrayal in a kingdom on the edge of ruin, of a boy coming of age in the midst of war, and of legends being born.

Excerpt

Allan gave Robin a crooked smile. “Would serve John right if we stole the treasury from right under his nose.”

Robin butted him with a clenched fist.

“Which of course you said don’t even think,” Allan added, rubbing his arm.

“Too dangerous,” Little John agreed as he cracked the first of five eggs into water boiling in the pot over the fire.

A gleam lit Allan’s eyes. “They’ll be putting more coin in the coffers on the morrow.” He tapped the coin pouch hanging from his belt. There was not a clink to be heard. “All those vassals paying their due at the feast.”

Little John smiled mischievously. “Guess he’ll get no coin from you.”

Allan lifted his flagon to that truth.

“Let me make sure you’re nowhere near my son,” Robin teased. He finished his bread in one bite.

“I hate to tell you, but Richard doesn’t need me at hand to nudge him on. Hood’s in his blood,” Allan said.

Robin grabbed the flagon from him and took a long slow draw of the watered wine. How would he ever tell Marian both his sons were Hood?

“Marian…” Henry lowered his head as if he’d heard Robin’s thoughts. He scrubbed his hands over his eyes, and then turned to Robin. “She’s in Lincoln.”

Robin choked, spewing his drink and dampening his friends. “What?” He could feel blood rushing from his face.

“Marian’s come to attend Little John’s daughter,” Henry said. “I told her about Richard. She knows our ruse, and helped me convince Lady Nichola to ask the king about retaining Richard’s service.” He chuckled. “She isn’t ready to draw and quarter you yet.”

Robin threw up his hands. “I won’t deny she has every reason to do that.” He shared a laugh with his friends but then furrowed his brow. “If there is a god he’s testing me. Richard and Marian beneath the king’s eye. I’d rather face a dozen Saracens than have them there.”

Buy Link:

Universal Buy Link

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Charlene Newcomb

Charlene Newcomb, aka Char, is a retired librarian, a U.S. Navy veteran, mom to three amazing humans, and grandma to three. She writes historical fiction and science fiction.

Her award-winning Battle Scars trilogy is set in the 12th century during the reign of Richard the Lionheart. Her writing roots are in the Star Wars Expanded Universe (aka Legends) where she published 10 short stories in the Star Wars Adventure Journal, and published the original novel Echoes of the Storm.

Char returned to medieval times with Rogue and her latest novel Rogues & Kings, both in her Tales of Robin Hood series.

Author Links:

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