Captain Sir Thomas Kydd must face an old enemy and tackle a new threat in Julian Stockwin’s latest novel in the acclaimed KYDD series, THE IBERIAN FLAME. The landmark twentieth novel in this exciting series is published in the UK today in hardback and ebook by Hodder, and in audiobook by W F Howes. KYDD fans are in further luck as today also marks the paperback release of THE BALTIC PRIZE, the nineteenth novel in the series.

THE IBERIAN FLAME begins in 1808. With the Peninsula in turmoil, Napoleon Bonaparte signs a treaty to dismember Portugal and put his brother, Joseph, on the throne of Spain. Meanwhile, Nicholas Renzi, the Lord Farndon, undertakes a deadly mission to stir up partisan unrest to disrupt this Napoleonic alliance with Spain.

Thrust into the crucible of the uprising, Captain Sir Thomas Kydd is dismayed to come up against an old foe from his past – now his superior and commander – who is determined to break him. Faced with a ruthless enemy, Kydd will soon face the greatest decision of his professional career.

Bonaparte, incensed by the reverses suffered to his honour, gathers together a crushing force and marches at speed into Spain. After several bloody encounters the greatly outnumbered British expedition have no option other than make a fighting retreat to the coast. Only the Navy can save them.

But the flame of insurrection has been lit – and the Peninsular War has begun.

About the Author

At the age of fourteen Julian Stockwin went to a tough sea-training school, then joined the Royal Navy, later transferring to the Royal Australian Navy when his family emigrated. He saw active service in the Far East, the Antarctic, the South Seas and Vietnam, and was on board the Melbourne at the time of its disastrous peace time collision with the Voyager. Later he worked for NATO on the strategic development of merchant shipping.

He is now completing the twenty-first Kydd novel A SEA OF GOLD. He is also the author of two historical fiction standalones with Allison & Busby, THE SILK ROAD and THE POWDER OF DEATH, which examine and reimagine in gripping fashion certain turning points of the past.

Find out more about Julian on the Blake Friedmann website and on Julian’s website.

Follow Julian on Twitter here.

Praise for Julian Stockwin and the KYDD series

‘KYDD is a very readable and enjoyable story; the best part is that there is more to come! I can only recommend that you go out, beg, borrow or buy, and enjoy.’ — Bernard Cornwell

‘The brightest star in the firmament of today's nautical fiction authors, Julian Stockwin has been compared favourably to all-time greats like Patrick O'Brian and C.S. Forester. He is the preeminent living historical naval fiction writer on either side of the Atlantic.’ — George Jepson, Quarterdeck

‘The books, which incorporate actual historical events, are well-written mixtures of high-seas adventure and character-based drama ... Impossible not to enjoy – even newcomers to the series will be caught up in the spectacle, in Stockwin’s colorful characters.’ — Booklist

‘Elegantly plotted …The writing has the power of a broadside at close range.’ — Oxford Times

‘A pacy read … the book will probably be seen as his best so far. It places his hero right up there alongside C S Forester’s Horatio Hornblower and Patrick O’Brian’s Jack Aubrey.’ — Western Morning News

‘Stockwin is a master teller of grand historical fiction tales. Pick one, any one, and you will be highly entertained…He writes brilliantly, bringing wonderful characters to life in a wholly realistic setting exploring history and times in thoroughly researched detail.’ — Alan Eggleston, Booksville

‘His vantage point of a common sailor gives the nautical novel a fresh twist. In Stockwin’s hands the sea story will continue to entrance readers across the world.’ — The Guardian

‘There is no disputing Stockwin’s ability to tell a good yarn backed by meticulous research. Stockwin’s eye for authentic detail is faultless.’ — Pennant

‘Julian Stockwin takes this tale and turns it into a fascinating story, full of colour and incident.’ – Historical Novel Society

Thomas Blackstone’s story continues in SCOURGE OF WOLVES, the compelling fifth novel in David Gilman’s acclaimed MASTER OF WAR series, published on 8 February in hardback by Head of Zeus, with audiobook by W.F. Howes Lamplight. The fast-paced historical fiction series has gone from strength to strength since the first instalment was published in 2013. The series has been praised by the Historical Novel Society as a ‘stunning work’… ‘historical fiction at its best’. The Daily Mail described its realistic depictions of medieval warfare as ‘gritty…sparing nothing’ and the fourth title in the series, VIPER’S BLOOD, has just been published in Germany by Rowohlt, hitting Number 6 in the German paperback bestseller list.

It is in the winter of 1361. After two decades of conflict, Edward III has finally agreed to a treaty with the captive French King, John II. In return for his freedom, John has ceded vast tracts of territory to the English. But for five long years mercenary bands and belligerent lords have fought over the carcass of his kingdom. They will not give up their hard-won spoils to honour a defeated king's promises.

If the English want their prize, they'll have to fight for it.

As he battles to enforce Edward's claim, Thomas Blackstone will see his name blackened, his men slaughtered, his family hunted. He will be betrayed and, once again, he'll face the might of the French army on the field. But this time there will be no English army at his back. He'll face the French alone.

The MASTER OF WAR series has sold in Germany, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Spain and Hungary. David’s riveting standalone novel THE LAST HORSEMAN, set during the Boer War, was shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize 2017.

David Gilman has had many careers, including firefighter, soldier and photographer, before turning to writing full time. He is an award-winning author and screenwriter.

Visit David’s website.

Follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

Praise for the MASTER OF WAR series:

‘A gripping chronicle of pitched battle, treachery and cruelty.’ — Robert Fabbri, author of the Vespasian series.'

‘I'm totally bedazzled. I'd never thought that another writer could rival Bernard Cornwell when it came to dramatizing battles, but David is giving him a real run for his money. The battle scenes are so realistic it is almost like time-traveling, though definitely not for the faint of heart. Thomas is an incredibly appealing and sympathetic character. And the level of suspense is ratcheted up to a truly brutal level, for it is impossible for a reader to predict what will be coming next' — Sharon Penman.

‘His words strike like a bodkin point straight to the torso, the clangour of battle and the suspense of intrigue immersive and visceral, and all wrapped up in some of the most evocative prose that you will ever discover.’ — Ruadh Butler, author of the Invader series

‘Move over Bernard Cornwell!…Historical fiction at its best.’ — Historical Novel Society

‘Historical fiction has been made all the richer by Sir Thomas, his people and their adventures. Do please treat yourself if you haven't read MASTER OF WAR by David Gilman or any of the series that came afterwards.’ — Ani Johnson, The Bookbag

‘The bone-crunching intensity of this series shows no signs of abating.... an excellent series.’ — Parmenion Books

‘The author has clearly carried out extensive research on the period, and his detailed knowledge of weapons, military strategy and the dismal living conditions of the English army makes for gripping reading. I can thoroughly recommend to both individual readers and book groups with an interest in history, as well as fans of Bernard Cornwell. A superb read.’ — Ruth Ginarlis, Nudge Book