York, 2nd July 1644. Five armies. Forty-six thousand men. One crown. The biggest battle of the age is about to begin…

Oliver Cromwell and Prince Rupert face each other across a field that will decide the fate of three kingdoms. It is a day that will change history. And into the cannon smoke and chaos marches Major Innocent Stryker, scarred veteran of the war that has been ripping England apart.

His orders are simple: lead his men through the bloody carnage and emerge victorious. But in the Royalist ranks, something is rotting. A traitor moves unseen among the King’s men, and if Stryker cannot root him out before the fighting starts, no army on earth will save him.

The battle of Marston Moor was the decisive turning point in the English Civil Wars. This is the thrilling, gritty and authentic story of that battle, 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.’ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐