It’s 1643, and the tide is turning for the Royalist cause. Bristol has fallen to the King, and eyes are fixed on neighbouring Gloucester.

Captain Stryker is still reeling from the losses at Stratton, and now he’s been ordered on a secret mission: infiltrate the rebel city of Gloucester, and discover if its governor, Sir Edward Massie, will surrender without a fight.

Alone and unarmed behind enemy lines, Stryker knows he might not make it out alive. But when catastrophe strikes, salvation comes from the last man he expected: Stryker’s former commander, a mercenary now under Parliament’s banner. As old friends navigate a civil war from opposite sides, Stryker begins to question his loyalties – until a chance discovery reveals a threat that reaches far beyond the walls of Gloucester, and to the throne of King Charles himself…

A gritty and authentic historical civil war adventure, perfect for fans of David Gilman, Giles Kristian and Bernard Cornwell’s Sharpe.

Reviewers love Michael Arnold!

‘A thumping good read… every last part of this book oozes authenticity.’ Ben Kane
‘I loved Sharpe. I am going to be equally at home with Captain Stryker.’ Historical Novels Review
‘You can smell the gunpowder and hear the cannon fire’ Robyn Young
‘A dark-hued romp, livid with the scents, sounds and colours of a country on the brink of implosion.’ Daily Express
‘Rollicking action and proper history… a cracking series.’ Anthony Riches
‘This is masterfully done.’ The Times

And so do readers:

‘One of the best historical authors out there today. 10/10’⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘A revelation – I was gripped from the very first page’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘One of the best pieces of war writing I have read from any era.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘I would put Michael Arnold up there with with Cornwell, Kane and Scarrow’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘The battle scenes will leave you blood-spattered.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐