W.J. Small
Historical Fiction Author
Explore the captivating world of historical fiction through the works of W.J. Small. Explore five intriguing novels, including her newest release, 'The Hag Stone,' set during the bubonic plague of the turbulent 14th century. Delve into 'A Knight's Duty' portraying the life of medieval knight Thomas Gray. Immerse yourself in the Tudor-court Will Patten thrillers - 'The Failed Apprentice', 'To Kill a Queen', and 'A Shaft of Light'. Experience history like never before with W.J. Small's vivid storytelling and rich characters.
NEW RELEASE!
1347 England. Cecily Heaton, mistress of Rowan Manor, faces a devastating turn of events when her husband dies and she is ousted from her home by her brother-in-law. Grief-stricken and alone, she turns to a childhood friend, only to experience a shocking betrayal that forces her to reevaluate her beliefs. Seeking fresh start, Cecily moves to York to become a healer just as the Bubonic Plague sweeps through the country, compelling her to confront difficult choices life, death, and sacrifice. "The Hag Stone" explores the challenges faced by widowed and childless women in medieval Europe and the emergence of women as healers during this tumultuous time.
Experience the gripping journey of Thomas Gray, a 14th-century knight, in "A Knight's Duty." This captivating tale delves into his unwavering commitment to family and homeland, showcasing the true essence of knighthood. Follow Gray as he navigates the complexities of medieval life, forming vital alliances and protecting those he loves. With each page, immerse yourself in the valor and challenges that define a knight's legacy.
From an Amazon reviewer:
"The author obviously did a lot of research for this book and was able to take us all into a vibrant fourteenth century when politics were settled by broadswords. The debut novel is a great take on the woes of the Scots when pitted against the British superior strength. Battles aside, the author manages to instill the drama of everyday life so that we could even see the streets of the towns and smell the stables. Very enjoyable."
In "The Failed Apprentice," the first installment of the Will Patten trilogy, readers are transported to the tumultuous world of Tudor England. Young Will's life takes an unexpected turn when his master is brutally murdered, pulling him into the dangerous intrigues of Henry VIII's court. To navigate this perilous landscape, Will must embrace a life of espionage, aligning himself with powerful figures like Richard Rich and Thomas Cromwell in a high-stakes game to undermine Thomas More. Join Will on gripping journey filled with betrayal, ambition, and the fight for survival.
From an Amazon reviewer:
"I thoroughly enjoyed WJ Small’s The Failed Apprentice. Will Patten is a great protagonist - flawed, conflicted, trying to do the right thing while trying to survive in 16th century London. From the grimy brothels in Southwark to the opulence of Thomas More’s home in Chelsea, Small writes an evocative and historically immersive book. The characters are well developed and multi-dimensional. I look forward to the next book in this series. Strongly recommend!
In a tumultuous period marked by political intrigue and personal strife, Will Patten, once again, finds himself entangled in the complexities of the Tudor court. Aligned with the cunning Thomas Cromwell and the ambitious Richard Rich, Will must navigate treacherous waters after suffering a significant loss. As he grapples with the challenges of court life, his own family's struggles weigh heavily on him, with destitute parents and a brother caught in a forbidden romance. Will's journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of power in a world where nothing is certain.
From an Amazon reviewer:
"I absolutely loved the second book in this series! I found myself once again cheering for Will Patten and hoping that he makes the right decisions not only for himself but for his family. The author gives such wonderful detail about every day life during that era. I loved reading about the food, the medicinal cures and the clothing. Another excellent read and I highly recommend this series!! Looking forward to the next book!!"
In the gripping third installment of the Will Patten series, Will flees the chaos of London with his partner, Clemence Reed. Upon arriving in York, they find themselves in the midst of the Pilgrimage of Grace, a fervent uprising against Henry VIII's controversial dissolution the monasteries. As tensions escalate between the Pilgrims and Royalists, Will faces a harrowing choice that will test his loyalties and determine his fate. He must chose what will ultimately benefit him, his family, and his country.
From an Amazon reviewer:
"A Shaft of Light* is a remarkable achievement. W.J. Small has crafted a novel that is not only a gripping story but also a profound meditation on the resilience of the human spirit. It is a book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading, and one that I cannot recommend highly enough."