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Steven A. McKay
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Sworn to God: An exciting medieval thriller based on a real religious cult (The Forest Lord) Kindle Edition

by Steven A. McKay (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 592 ratings
"Sworn to God is a marvellous, entertaining and engaging read. It provides a wonderful diversion in these trying times – escapism at its best. I loved it!" - Sharon Bennett Connolly, historian and author

Yorkshire, AD 1329
A new religious group moves into an abandoned church just north of the village of Altofts, but when men start dying under strange and suspicious circumstances the local bailiff decides to investigate.
The Disciples of God and their charismatic leader, Lady Alice de Staynton, appear truly holy, but something sinister seems to be going on within the walls of the newly refurbished St Joseph's. Certainly the bailiff, John Little, has his suspicions about some of the warrior-like male acolytes, but are his fears justified? Infiltrating the group seems to be the best course of action, although the volatile Will Scaflock is none too happy about being nominated for the job by Friar Tuck...
Following on from 2019's Faces of Darkness, this standalone story sees three legendary heroes battling invisible 'Black Lords' and far more dangerous earthly foes, but can they figure out what's really going on in St Joseph's before anyone else dies? With twists and turns aplenty, and based on real events, historical fiction fans are sure to enjoy this medieval thriller as much as they did the author's previous bestsellers The Druid, Lucia and Wolf's Head.

"Sworn to God is developed from stories of real life religious cults, showing how a charismatic leader can evince the loyalty of their followers, and get people to do things they would never normally do. In this way, Sworn to God is not just a medieval mystery, but also a study of human nature and how these cults can develop, even today." - Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of Silk and the Sword

PRAISE FOR STEVEN A. McKAY
"...the historical detail is seamlessly melded into a plot bursting with adrenaline and suspense...To my mind this novel is everything historical fiction should be and more." - JAMES VELLA-BARDON, author of The Sheriff's Catch
"as a storyteller McKay is up there with the best of them." - David's Book Blurg
"Can you hear that? No? Nothing? Yeah, nothing at all, because that silence is the sound of all the Historical Fiction competition – so far behind Steven A. McKay these days, that you can’t hear them!" - STEVE DENTON/SPEESH READS "Dark age adventure at its gripping best." - MATTHEW HARFFY, author of Wolf of Wessex
"Lucia is a story that is at once desperate and uplifting, a story that touches you deep in your soul. If you only read one more book this year, it should be Lucia." - Sharon Bennett Connolly
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  1. Print length
    237 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    November 27, 2020
  5. File size
    3.1 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08NH2Y39M
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Broadsword Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ November 27, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.1 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 237 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 592 ratings

About the author

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Steven A. McKay

Steven A. McKay

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I was born in Scotland in 1977 and always enjoyed studying history. I decided to write my Forest Lord novels after seeing a house called “Sherwood” when I was out at work one day. Since then I've started a new series, the Warrior Druid of Britain Chronicles, and just completed a trilogy about Alfred the Great.

In 2021 the Xbox game HOOD: Outlaws and Legends was released, featuring my writing, and that was a fantastic experience.

I used to be in a heavy metal band although I tend to just play guitar in my study these days. I did use those guitars to write the theme song for the podcast I co-host, Rock, Paper, Swords! with Matthew Harffy, though. Give it a listen, we've interviewed great guests like Diana Gabaldon, Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell, Dan Jones and more!

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
592 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's story compelling and full of mystery and adventure, with one review noting it's always unpredictable and quick-moving. The book receives positive feedback for its readability and character development, with customers describing the characters as marvelous.

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10 customers mention "Story quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, describing it as a wonderful adventure with mystery and adventure elements, and one customer notes it's always unpredictable and quick-moving.

"...From the first page to the last this is an excellent tale. Now I'm on to the next one and I can't wait." Read more

"...A fun story that kept me wondering almost to the very last page! Highly recommended!" Read more

"A fun little adventure for Friar Tuck, Little John and Will Scarlet...." Read more

"...These novella sequels are very enjoyable and, as long as the price point is reasonable vs a full novel, I’ll keep buying them...." Read more

7 customers mention "Readability"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be an excellent read.

"This is a very good book. It's more of a mystery novel than an adventure one and the better for it...." Read more

"...Another EXCELLENT series of his is the Druid books, which for some reason, I was unable to leave review for, though I will try again...." Read more

"Absolutely love this author, the writer opens brilliant pictures with words about times and places not known and makes it a wonderful adventure...." Read more

"Enjoyed every minute I spent reading this book. The intriguing story grabs you right from the start and doesn't let go the whole way through." Read more

4 customers mention "Character development"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...The main characters were very interesting both the good and the bad ones. There was an astonishing ending." Read more

"...His characters are exceptionally well portrayed, and his stories compelling, and fastmoving. I'd read ANYTHING he wrote...." Read more

"...Always unpredictable quick moving stories with memorable characters...." Read more

"...being overwhelming, the mystery is interesting, and the characters are marvelous." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • S. Storter
    5.0 out of 5 stars A mystery with a little adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This is a very good book. It's more of a mystery novel than an adventure one and the better for it. I read this in one day because I just couldn't put it down! From the first page to the last this is an excellent tale. Now I'm on to the next one and I can't wait.
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  • Mercedes Rochelle
    4.0 out of 5 stars A dark tale
    Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Here we have a story about Friar Tuck, Little John and Will Scarlet (Scaflock) in their post-Robin Hood days, after they’ve become honest men—reformed, you might say. Little John is even a bailiff, working for the Sheriff of Nottingham. Needless to say, they are older and wiser, although their history has certainly made them acceptable to the people they live amongst. Our protagonists have gotten themselves mixed up with a strange religious cult, and everything is not as it seems. “Mixed up” might not be a correct way of saying it; they are suspicious of mysterious deaths related to this cult, and Will infiltrates it in order to get an insider’s view. The leader of the cult, Lady Alice, had an irresistible charisma that attracted people of both sexes, and our heroes just can’t figure her out:

    "It appeared to be certain types who were drawn to her with earnest looks and eager questions: widows and widowers; those who’d suffered some personal tragedy recently; younger folk who hadn’t yet found their place in the world; men who found Lady Alice physically alluring, of which there were more than John would have expected. He looked on with great interest as the various people spoke with the Holy Mother and wondered just how many new recruits the Disciples of God would have after this meeting."

    When the deaths start to pile up, something must be done but Lady Alice proves a tough nut to crack. Trust and betrayal play a big part in the story, and interestingly enough, no one comes out smelling like a rose. It’s a dark tale and I found it interesting though a little dispiriting.
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  • A Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Forest lord mystery for 2022!
    Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Steven McKay's Forest Lord Christmas mysteries are habit-forming! My favorite characters from the legend of Robin Hood, now in retirement from those years, continue their good deeds in tracking down evil doers! This year's evil doer is different from your typical Snidely Whiplash type - a homely, middle-aged woman leading a group of religious devotees - and instigating a few murders along the way!

    A fun story that kept me wondering almost to the very last page! Highly recommended!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Laure of Locksley
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mystery and adventure
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2023
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    A fun little adventure for Friar Tuck, Little John and Will Scarlet. I love the concept of the remnants of Robin Hood's gang still out there righting wrongs and battling evil wherever they find it.
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  • Kenneth Thompson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I’m a big enthusiast of the Robin Hood legend, especially as told by McKay.
    These novella sequels are very enjoyable and, as long as the price point is reasonable vs a full novel, I’ll keep buying them.
    Speaking of which, I’d love to see another “Forest Lord” novel. Prequel? Sequel? I don’t care! Bring it!
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  • DigitalDiva
    5.0 out of 5 stars Unusual and Interesting
    Reviewed in the United States on February 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This was a very interesting story. I learned how cults can get going and that there is both good and bad involved. The main characters were very interesting both the good and the bad ones. There was an astonishing ending.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Transparent Dream
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another great Forest Lord story by McKay
    Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I love this author's writing. It rarely takes me more than a day to read one of his books...not due to their length, but simply because I can't put them down. Another EXCELLENT series of his is the Druid books, which for some reason, I was unable to leave review for, though I will try again. His characters are exceptionally well portrayed, and his stories compelling, and fastmoving. I'd read ANYTHING he wrote. Probably even be enraptured by his grocery list. He writes THAT well!
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Kindle Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Absolutely love this author, the writer opens brilliant pictures with words about times and places not known and makes it a wonderful adventure. Always unpredictable quick moving stories with memorable characters. I am always sad when his books come to a conclusion, but look forward to the next with eager anticipation.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • David Baird
    5.0 out of 5 stars A really fun way to develop the characters and it just bloody works brilliantly!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Steven A. McKay is back and he’s revisiting some of our favourite characters from his Forest Lord Series.

    Friar Tuck has been pulled into a couple of mysteries over the years along with Little John but in Sworn to God we see the lovely addition of Will “Scarlet” Scaflock.

    It’s been a few years since the notorious group of men lead by Robin Hood gained their freedom and lives back. Little John has settled into the life of a bailiff, his stature and presence make it very unlikely he’s going to walk away without the money he’s owed but on one fateful day his job casts lights on the Disciples of God.. There is something strange going on.

    The Disciples of God are a new order in the area and John wants to know what they are about.. even more so when one of their order takes their own life… John is soon introduced to the charismatic Lady Alice. She’s got this aura about her that draws people to her.

    I won’t spoil all the details but lets just say things don’t smell right and when another suicide occurs John, along with Tuck know it’s time to dig deeper into the disciples.

    Will is enlisted into the group as an unknown to Lady Alice, this way he’s able to infiltrate the group. What he learns is that for the most part the disciples are honest individuals and believe in the work they do.. but there is still something not sitting right…but what is it.

    Things come to a head, and a few discoveries are made that shake the disciples to the core. For the most part you feel as our heroes do.. we know whose behind it all.. but we don’t know the motivations or how to prove anything... you can feel the frustration.

    The author throws in a final twist and all becomes clear..

    Wow. That ending..

    I really enjoyed the plot from start to finish, it really explores the affect that individuals can have on those most in need…when times are tough..how you can be blind to what is going on all around you.

    I love this series of books, there is simply no denying that. It’s the thrilling plot mixed with some characters we know and love, it puts a real twist on the normal style of mystery you’d read. It’s fresh and fun, thrilling and brutal all in one.

    Overall a really fun way to develop the characters and it just bloody works brilliantly!

    More of the same please!
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  • kindle Lady
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    A different sport of book to those I read but Gerry enjoyable.Will read more of this author's work again ....
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  • John Francis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cracking read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 21, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this short story. It's good fun having Robin Hoods band of close brothers investigating heinous crimes. The story romps along at great pace.
    Really really enjoyed it.
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  • Mr. R. Collings
    5.0 out of 5 stars More than a novella
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 9, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Mr McKay has done it again ! A great little mystery to be solved by Tuck ,John and Will, this is longer than a normal novella it is more of a half sized book and for that I am thankful, the problem with a novella is that as soon as you start to get really into it the story is over, with this one it lasts a little longer and gives time for the story to develop more. This tale has twists and turns in it like all great mystery books and keeps you wondering where it is going to go and who the real baddies are. I will not give away the plot but I will say that it is a mighty fine read from a mighty fine writer and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
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  • davebailey
    5.0 out of 5 stars A great book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 3, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I love the way these books are written. The author has taken characters we all know and given them a back story that really brings them to life. I love how he’s combined historical and crime fiction to form a genre all of its own. I bought it as a historical novel but really enjoyed the mystery side to it. It’s a great read by a great author.
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