Fortunes of France Series

The fourth book in the bestselling Fortunes of France series, in a brand new look.

An uneasy peace reigns in France, but behind the scenes Catholics, Protestants and the agents of foreign powers are still locked in secretive, bloody combat as they struggle to control the country’s future. In this unstable atmosphere Pierre de Siorac again leaves his Perigord home for Paris, but his apparent employment as a doctor masks an even more serious and deadly occupation – as a spy working for King Henry IV, using fair means and foul to protect his rule and the peace of the realm.

As the plots against his king thicken, Pierre finds himself struggling to save not only his country, but the lives of his entire family. With his back to the wall, he will need a keen wit and as steady sword arm to fight his way to safety.

Behold the Prince is the fourth book in the swashbuckling Fortunes of France series.

1572: Returning from his studies in Montpellier, Pierre de Siorac is ambushed by a jealous Périgord nobleman. A duel ensues, and Pierre must subsequently travel to Paris, to seek his pardon from the King. The capital city and the royal court are a disorienting new environment for Pierre: a world of sweet words and fierce pride, where coquettish smiles hide behind fans, and murderous intents behind elegant bows; a world of genteel tennis matches and deadly swordplay, whose elaborate social graces mask a simmering tension that will soon explode to engulf the entire city in one of history’s most infamous bouts of butchery – and signal the dawn of a new and bloody era in the history of France.
Here, Pierre faces the greatest challenge of his young existence – to make his way through this deceptively dangerous milieu, to win a royal pardon, and finally to escape from Paris with his life, and the lives of his beloved companions, intact.

Montpellier in 1566 is one of the greatest seats of learning of the age, a cradle of Renaissance humanism. But even this proud city of philosophers is not safe from the menaces that endanger the peace of France–the city militia are struggling to contend with the lawlessness and religious hatred that threaten to tear the whole country in two. Only fools walk the streets at night unarmed, while a profession of faith in the wrong company can lead to a knife in the back. 
Now an adult, Pierre de Siorac must leave the family stronghold of Mespech, and travel south on dangerous roads to the great university city, accompanied by his strapping but naive brother Samson and the crafty Miroul. Well-armoured, with swords and pistols at their belts, the trio are confident of repelling any bandits who cross their path, but their new life away from the safety of their home will bring with it many other new dangers and delights.

Following on from The Brethren, City of Wisdom and Blood is the second book the sweeping saga, Fortunes of France.

A stunning new edition of the first novel in worldwide, bestselling historical fiction epic, filled with war, romance, and adventure in 16th-century France.

“A master of the historical novel.” – The Guardian

The Périgord of 16th century France (the modern-day Dordogne) is a wild region on the edge of the reaches of royal authority. Its steep, forested valleys are roamed by bands of brigands and travelers. The region’s communities are now divided in bitter conflict between Catholics and converts to the new Protestant faith, the Huguenots.

To this beautiful but dangerous country come two worn veterans of the French king’s wars, Jean de Siorac and Jean de Sauveterre, together known as The Brethren. They are as fiercely loyal to the crown as they are to their Huguenot religion. They make their home in the formidable chateau of Mespech, and the community they found prospers, but they are far from secure. Enemies are on all sides, invisible. Religious tensions are mounting and a hideous civil war looms on the horizon. The horrors of famine and plague stalk the land, and The Brethren must use all their wits to protect those they love from the chaos that threatens to sweep them away.

The Brethren is a lusty, exhilarating blend of adventure and romance set against the backdrop of France during England’s Tudor period. This is the novel that catapulted Robert Merle to fame and started what would become the bestselling, 13-volume Fortunes of France series.