Marilyn Washburn

Swords of the Spirit Marilyn Washburn

Swords of the Spirit is historical fiction set in 16th century England and Scotland. It is the sequel to A Rose Without a Thorn. This epic novel begins in the 1540's. It is set at the powerful but contentious Royal Courts of their Catholic Majesties James V and Queen Marie of Scotland, and Protestant England's infamous King Henry VIII. An aging Henry VIII is James V's royal uncle. Yet will blood-ties prove thicker than water as, with half drawn swords, Scotland and England stand on the brink of war? Protestant England is also secretly making a pack with the Holy Roman Empire to cross swords with Catholic France. It is an age where treachery and deceit prove deadlier than the point of a sword. Both the Scottish and English Royal Courts are embroiled in dangerous intrigues and betrayals. In hopes of gaining power over one another Catholics and Protestants hatch deadly plots designed to bring down the other. As the reformation of church perilously rages on, many innocent lives become at stake in Scotland and England, and also throughout Christendom. Chief Catholic and Protestant ministers at the English Royal Court scheme to wed a woman of their own choosing to the widower, Henry VIII. Yet while England schemes to find a new queen, the in fighting between Catholics and Protestants has torn the Scottish Royal Court into two embittered factions. Will James V successfully unite his realm in time before England's army thunders across the border with swords raised high above their heads?This riveting story brings to life a host of new compelling characters coupled with many of the original characters from A Rose Without a Thorn. All are soon joined together through much courtly intrigue as the exciting saga continues in Swords of the Spirit.