The Blooding
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4.6 • 8 Ratings
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- £4.99
Publisher Description
Hawkwood’s in America for this gripping, action-packed follow up to the bestselling Ratcatcher – for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Igulden and Patrick O’Brian
DECEMBER, 1812
Britain is locked in a bitter war with America and Matthew Hawkwood, soldier turned spy, is stranded behind enemy lines.
A TERRIFYING PLOT
Hawkwood heads for the Canadian border, along with former comrade-in-arms, Major Douglas Lawrence. But as they men make their escape, the two men uncover a plot that could turn the British Empire to dust.
A PERILOUS JOURNEY
Pursued by a relentless enemy, Hawkwood and Lawrence set off across the Adirondack Mountains. But they are not alone. Buried deep in Hawkwood’s past is an old alliance – one which could save both their lives and turn the tide of war…
Reviews
Praise for James McGee:
'Irresistible… rambunctious entertainment' Observer'Rumbustious…a darkly attractive hero, terrific period atmosphere and action' The Times'Atmospheric and well researched… try it' Daily Mirror‘Breakneck pace, brutal action, clever characterisation and twisty plotting …' Reginald Hill‘Ratcatcher is a richly enjoyable and impressively researched novel – also very gripping. James McGee is clearly a rising star in the historical galaxy and I look forward to Hawkwood's return' Andrew Taylor, author of The American Boy
About the author
James McGee was born into an army family. He was educated in Gibraltar, Germany and Belfast. His career has encompassed banking, bookselling and thirteen years in the airline business. He has also presented book reviews for BBC local radio and several independent stations. In addition to the successful Hawkwood series, he has also written several thrillers. He lives in Somerset.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Matthew Hawkwood's heartbreaking past meets his hair-raising present in McGee's splendid fifth Regency thriller (after 2014's Rebellion). In 1812, chance takes Hawkwood, a former Bow Street Runner, to northeastern America, a dangerous place for a British operative given the fledgling nation's war with England. After he frees his friend, fellow British agent Maj. Douglas Lawrence, from a military prison near Albany, N.Y., the pair seek Canada's safety. They narrowly escape encounters with American soldiers, Oneida warriors, and other perils only to discover evidence of an American plan to invade Canada. Its success would mean disaster for the Crown, so Hawkwood and Lawrence must warn British authorities in time. Alternating segments depict Hawkwood's traumatic childhood in New York's Mohawk Valley, where the 12-year-old formed a transformative bond with the Mohawk chief Tewanias. Freshly illuminating Hawkwood's character, these boyhood glimpses are moving. Balancing moments of poignancy with swashbuckling action, historical interest, powerful suspense, and wry wit, McGee delivers all the delights of a classic adventure story.
