It’s May 1643, and the Royalist cause is reeling. In the bloody aftermath of Sourton Down, Captain Stryker and his men are retreating across the wild borderlands of Dartmoor – fighting just to survive.

Then Stryker captures a Parliamentarian ammunition wagon from under the nose of ruthless Colonel Wild, and gains two powerful enemies. Wild swears to hunt him down, and at his side rides Osmyn Hogg, a fanatical witchfinder with his own deadly score to settle.

Soon Stryker’s dwindling company have been driven onto a remote granite tor, outnumbered and outgunned. And if they can break free, a harder fight still lies ahead. For the road from Dartmoor leads to the village of Stratton, where an outnumbered Royalist army must storm an entrenched enemy position and break the Earl of Stamford’s grip on the South-West…

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