Welcome to the official home of Simon Phelps, an author whose work is born from a lifelong fascination with history. A love for historical novels from his boyhood sparked a passion that now informs his writing.
The 'No Man's Son' Series
Simon's novels are set in the turbulent second half of the 11th century, a time defined by the Norman Conquest. He combines careful historical research with engaging characters and gripping stories to bring this era to life.
The journey begins with his debut novel, 'No Man's Son', a tale that immerses readers in this volatile period. The story continues in the subsequent books of the series, 'Blood on the Water' and 'Death in the Borderlands', as he further explores the dramatic events and human stories of this pivotal moment in British history.
Book 1: No Man's Son
No Man's Son is the story of a violently orphaned teenager's struggle to survive. Captured during Harold Godwinson's 1052 attack on his own king's lands, Sar finds himself alone in a world of political intrigue and brutal conflict.
A ruthless act draws him into a bitter blood-feud with an enemy who holds a secret that could change everything. As Harold's family seeks to regain their power, Sar must find his own way forward.
He finds friendship, love, and a will to fight while in constant fear for his life. But burdened by grief and guilt from his mother's death, Sar is driven by one purpose: to redeem himself by freeing his enslaved twin sister.
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Book 2: Blood on the Water
The year is 1053. England, for now, is united and at peace. But as winter approaches, dark clouds are gathering on the horizon.
Our young hero, Sar, is a fugitive. Forced to head north to escape his pursuers, he and his loyal friend Gyric are soon drawn into a maelstrom of great events.
To the north, the Scots are uniting under the fearsome warrior-king, Macbeth. To the west, Gruffydd ap Llywelyn is attempting to seize all of Wales. And further still, powerful warlords wait to steal England's wealth and people.
Sar and Gyric must struggle to survive and thrive amidst the havoc of war. Can they find a way to make it through the coming storm?
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Book 3: Death in the Borderlands
The year is 1055. Hereford lies in ashes, its ancient minster a smouldering ruin. Welsh King Gruffudd ap Llewellyn has brought the once-proud English city to its knees, leaving a trail of death and destruction in his wake. While England's powerful rulers debate how to respond, the true cost of the invasion is borne by those left behind.
Among them is Sar, a young survivor caught in the middle of the escalating border conflict. Driven by a desperate need to reclaim what was lost, he is drawn into a world of shifting allegiances and perilous choices. Sar must outwit new enemies and confront old friends to find his place in a war-torn world.
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