Simon the Coldheart

In a 14th-century England torn by war and feudal intrigue, Simon, the illegitimate son of a nobleman, grows up without love or protection. Determined to earn his place in the world, he shows from an early age a relentless will, an unshakable heart, and a ruthless intelligence. With iron determination, Simon rises through the ranks as a soldier and strategist—but the true challenge comes when he meets Lady Margaret, a proud young noblewoman as fierce as he is. Amid duels, sieges, and pride, Simon must decide whether to remain loyal to his cold heart or surrender to the turmoil of emotion.
Written in 1925, Simon the Coldheart belongs to Heyer’s early and more experimental phase. Unlike her famous Regency novels, its tone is stark and devoid of irony; the setting is medieval, ruled by war and honor; and the characters, driven by pride and discipline, are solemn rather than sparkling. A hard-edged, epic historical novel—far from the romantic comedies that made her name.