The Dogs of War


Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
382 Pages
Reviewed on 12/10/2023
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Author Biography

I was raised in the United Kingdom, Spain and Italy. From an early age, I was an avid reader of military history and my chief interest has always been the stories of men and women at war. I wrote my first full-length novel aged 18, while an undergraduate at university. I studied History at University of London and later joined the British army. During my time in the military, I have deployed to Kenya, the Falkland Islands, Afghanistan and the Middle East. I am still serving today.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite

The Dogs of War by Thomas Roke pulls readers into the chaotic world of 1427 when wars were rampant and hunger and poverty a constant for the masses. France is rocked by the Hundred Years’ War and, in other parts of Europe, upheavals are brewing. It is against this backdrop that Italy enlists the services of two mercenaries, men hardened by the experience of the wars in France, Scotland, and Italy, and who are criminals on the run. Robert Blackbourne and Giulio Berdini might escape jail. The authorities require them to travel to France and retrieve a precious relic linked to an ancient prophecy. For two skilled criminals and war veterans, this offer presents the best opportunity to become rich and to find redemption. However, not long after they set out on their mission, they discover dark and powerful forces are also after the relic and will destroy anything that stands in their way. What chances do Blackbourne and Berdini have?

Thomas Roke has created a unique historical tale in which the setting feels real such as the descriptions of places, the political atmosphere, and the disorder that characterized the time in which the story takes place. There are strong elements of political intrigue. The relic creates a sense of mystery and keeps readers asking questions as they follow the key characters on this perilous mission. The descriptions are terrific and the author has the extraordinary ability to conjure up compelling images in the minds of readers. Readers notice the unique quality of the writing from the very first paragraph. The Dogs of War features superior storytelling, sophisticated characters, and nuanced worldbuilding. It is intense and pulsating with action.