Just as thieves have existed for as long as there have been things to steal, pirates have existed for as long as there have been things to steal… on, or from, a boat. Julius Caesar was captured and ransomed by pirates (he promised to have them crucified afterwards, which he kept his word on) andContinue reading “What was The Golden Age of Piracy?”
Author Archives: Spells and Spaceships
An Interview with RJ Barker
Today I’m delighted to have RJ Barker here on the blog. RJ is a popular fantasy author with his Tide Child Trilogy set on the high seas. He’s also written The Wounded Kingdom series and has released book 1 out of his Forsaken series, ‘Gods of the Wyrdwood’ Hi RJ and welcome to Spells andContinue reading “An Interview with RJ Barker”
Life on the Seas
There is evidence of humans taking to the waters on sea voyages between 50,000 and 65,000 years ago, with the voyage from Indonesia to Australia. It’s likely though that we were using small boats and rafts long before that; the remains of stone tools and human skeletons in Spain dating over a million years oldContinue reading “Life on the Seas”
The Words of Kings and Prophets
Author – Shauna Lawless Pages – 464 Publishing Information – Ad Astra, Head of Zeus, September 2023 Blurb The sequel to the critically acclaimed The Children of Gods and Fighting Men, The Words of Kings and Prophets is the powerful new historical fantasy novel by Shauna Lawless. Ireland, 1000 AD. Gormflaith is unhappily married toContinue reading “The Words of Kings and Prophets”
In Search of the Dark Ages – Review
Author – Michael Wood Pages – 384 Publication Information – BBC Books, 26th May 2022 (40th Anniversary Edition, Revised and Updated) Blurb In Search of the Dark Ages is an unrivalled exploration of the origins of English identity, and the bestselling book that established Michael Wood as one of Britain’s leading historians. Now, on the book’sContinue reading “In Search of the Dark Ages – Review”
The Weaver and the Witch Queen – Review
Author – Genevieve Gornichec Pages – 424 Publisher – Titan Books, 25th July 2023 Blurb The lives of two women—one desperate only to save her missing sister, the other a witch destined to become queen of Norway—intertwine in this spellbinding, powerful novel of Viking Age history and myth from the acclaimed author of The Witch’sContinue reading “The Weaver and the Witch Queen – Review”
A Woman of the Sword: An Interview with Anna Smith Spark
Hi folks, today I’m really excited to share my interview with quite possibly my favourite author, Anna Smith Spark! This is my second interview with Anna; you can check out the first right here! Anna is the author of the successful grimdark trilogy Empires of Dust and has this year published her new book, AContinue reading “A Woman of the Sword: An Interview with Anna Smith Spark”
The Others of Edenwell – Review
Author – Verity M. Holloway Pages – 441 Genre – Horror Publishing Information – Titan Books, 4th July 2023 The Blurb Norfolk, 1917. Unable to join the army due to a heart condition, Freddie lives and works with his father in the grounds of the Edenwell Hydropathic, a wellness retreat in the Norfolk brecks. PreferringContinue reading “The Others of Edenwell – Review”
A Sword of Bronze and Ashes – Review
Author – Anna Smith Spark Pages – 288 Genre – High Fantasy Folk Horror Publishing Information – Flame Tree Press, 12th September 2023 The Blurb A Sword of Bronze and Ashes combines the fierce beauty of Celtic myth with grimdark battle violence. It’s a lyrical, folk horror high fantasy. Kanda has a good life untilContinue reading “A Sword of Bronze and Ashes – Review”
An Interview with Ren Hutchings
Good day to you space travellers, today I’m delighted to share an Interview with Ren Hutchings. Ren is the author of the excellent twisty space time-travel book ‘Under Fortunate Stars’ which is OUT NOW in paperback! Hi Ren and welcome to Spells & Spaceships! It’s a pleasure to have you here; Under Fortunate Stars isContinue reading “An Interview with Ren Hutchings”
Spells and Spaceships 