I picked this up expecting a straightforward historical yarn, but found a surprisingly personal story about loyalty and identity.

The Story

The book follows Tom o' the Glebe, a young man from a farming family in 17th-century England. His quiet life is shattered when the conflict between King and Parliament reaches his village. Forced to choose a side to protect his home, Tom is thrust into a world of intrigue, secret missions, and shifting allegiances. He's not a trained soldier or a nobleman—he's just a clever, stubborn young man using his wits to survive. The plot turns on whether he can navigate this dangerous new world without losing himself in the process.

Why You Should Read It

What really grabbed me was Tom himself. Gough writes him with such honesty. He's scared, often in over his head, but fiercely loyal. The book asks big questions about what we owe to family, to country, and to ourselves when those things clash. It’s a story about finding your own path when society is telling you to pick a side. The historical setting feels alive, but never overwhelms the human drama at the center.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven historical fiction. If you enjoy stories where the history serves the characters, not the other way around, you'll appreciate this. It’s a quiet, thoughtful adventure that proves you don't need a title or an army to be a hero. A great find for a lazy weekend.