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S.J.Martin- Author Bio

I have adored all aspects of history from an early age, but I find the lawlessness, intrigue and danger of medieval times fascinating. This interest in history influenced my choices at university and my career. I spent several years with my trowel in the interesting world of archaeology before becoming a storyteller as a history teacher. I wanted to encourage young people to find that same interest in history that had enlivened my life.

I always read historical novels from an early age and wanted to write historical fiction. The opportunity came when I left education; I then gleefully re-entered the world of engaging and fascinating historical research into the background of some of my favourite historical periods.

There are so many stories out there still waiting to be told, and my first series of books, 'The Breton Horse Warriors' proved to be one of them. The Breton Lords, such as my fictional Luc De Malvais, played a significant role in the Battle of Hastings and helped to give William the Conqueror a decisive win. They were one of the most feared and exciting troops of cavalry and swordmasters in Western Europe, fighting for William the Conqueror and then for his son Duke Robert.

My second series of novels is based on a captivating character from the first series. My readers clamoured for the ruthless Papal Envoy, Piers De Chatillon, to have his own series, and so the Papal Assassin Series was born. It is amazing how an immoral, murdering, manipulative diplomat and assassin can seize the imagination as he cuts a swathe through Europe. Undoubtedly, he is an enthralling and mesmerising character; I will be sad to let him finally go.

I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I have enjoyed writing them.