Explore the latest books of this year!
Bookbot

Ian Ross

    Ian Ross focuses on late antiquity and its armies, combining an obsessive regard for accuracy and detail with a devotion to the craft of storytelling. His works on the later Roman world reflect a fascination with this period, reawakened during his time in Italy. Having studied painting before turning to fiction, Ross's extensive travels and varied careers have informed his perspective. He brings a unique approach to historical fiction, blending deep research with compelling narrative.

    War at the Edge of the World
    Battle for Rome
    The Mask of Command
    Umbria
    Joe from Winnipeg
    Triumph in Dust
    • 2024

      King's Enemy

      • 432 pages
      • 16 hours of reading

      Set against the backdrop of a monumental siege in English history, Adam de Norton confronts his most challenging ordeal. As the conflict unfolds, he must navigate the complexities of loyalty, bravery, and survival. The narrative explores themes of honor and sacrifice, highlighting the intense struggles faced by individuals caught in the turmoil of war. Rich in historical detail, the story immerses readers in a vivid portrayal of the era's battles and the personal trials of its characters.

      King's Enemy
    • 2023

      Land of My Fathers

      A Travel Journal by Douglas Nisbet, 1851 - A Journey To His Scottish Homeland

      • 96 pages
      • 4 hours of reading

      Set in 1851, the story follows Douglas Nisbet, a 30-year-old man from Kirkcudbright, Scotland, who returns home after an 11-year journey in America. His return marks a significant moment of reconnection with his roots, exploring themes of identity, belonging, and the impact of time on personal and cultural ties. The narrative delves into his experiences and reflections as he navigates the changes in his homeland and within himself.

      Land of My Fathers
    • 2023

      A vivid historical adventure which follows Adam de Norton, a naive and landless squire who falls in with the devilish knight, de Dunstanville, and learns the trade of violence in the tourneys of 13th century Europe, before applying them to real war.

      Battle Song
    • 2023

      Sir Adam de Norton gained his knighthood and his lands for fighting for de Montfort at Lewes. Now de Montfort calls in that debt and Adam must once more in this gripping historical adventure.

      War Cry
    • 2021

      The Third Colour

      • 72 pages
      • 3 hours of reading

      Two ancient spirits, reborn as Indigenous women Agatu and Head Full of Lice, navigate their pasts and the complex history of Indigenous-settler relations in Canada. They must relearn their identities and the land's history through allegorical tales, confronting themes of colonialism, trauma, and cultural disconnect. Ian Ross blends humor and absurdity to explore the tensions between reconciliation and radical change, prompting questions about bridging two worlds or starting anew.

      The Third Colour
    • 2021

      Helen Nicol Nisbet

      Her Letters and Notebook 1830-1856

      • 340 pages
      • 12 hours of reading

      The letters and notebook of Helen Nicol Nisbet offer a poignant glimpse into the life of a 19th-century Scottish woman who faced significant trials, including the loss of seven of her thirteen children. Born in Kirkcaldy and married in 1796, she spent much of her life on St. Mary's Isle, where her strong religious faith provided solace amidst her struggles. Her writings reflect the resilience and challenges of motherhood during a tumultuous era, making her story both touching and historically significant.

      Helen Nicol Nisbet
    • 2019

      Beached in Calabria

      • 220 pages
      • 8 hours of reading

      Ian Ross finds to his dismay that he is only left a pittance by his dead mother and it's not going to make the difference to the lives of his huge family. So he wrings his hands and decides to set out and find a holiday home they could at least all benefit from. And so his quest begins. As luck or destiny - or who knows what - would have it he stumbles on the perfect beach on a crystal-clear bay in the deeply southern province of Reggio Calabria, an area he is soon advised is `Bandit Country'. Just how wrong can things go in southern Italy for an English fish-out-of-water, out of his depth in a whirlpool of incomprehensible rules and regulations, family systems, conflicting advice and linguistic conundrums?

      Beached in Calabria
    • 2019

      Triumph in Dust

      • 480 pages
      • 17 hours of reading
      4.6(11)Add rating

      In the final instalment of the Twilight of Empire series, Aurelius Castus is ordered out of retirement to confront the King of Persia's challenge to Rome's authority in the east.

      Triumph in Dust
    • 2018

      The fifth novel in the Twilight of Empire series sees Aurelius Castus caught between loyalty to the Emperor Constantine and the plotting of his son.

      Imperial Vengeance
    • 2016

      The narrative centers on Herbert Victor Wiley, a distinguished naval officer from Missouri, whose character is shaped by his Midwestern upbringing. Notable for his intelligence and courage, he excels as an airship officer and earns recognition during World War II for his leadership of destroyers and the battleship USS West Virginia in combat. Alongside his military achievements, Wiley navigates personal challenges with resilience, striving to be a devoted father while serving his country. His story highlights themes of bravery, duty, and family.

      Such is Life in the Navy - The Story of Rear Admiral Herbert V. Wiley - Airship Commander, Battleship Captain