The Shadow of the Pyre
Iain Ord
Type: Beta project
Genre: Historical fiction, literary
Word count: 224,000
Warnings: Graphic violence, swearing
In 16th century England John Elliot witnesses the burning of his parents for heresy by the sheriff Sir Joseph Anstey. When the Anstey family intrigue against the crown, the adult John seeks to expose the plot, and bring the family down. At the same time, he becomes fascinated by the portrait of a girl in the Anstey library. Please note: this book is only available in PDF format. This book is over 180,000 words, so you will have four weeks to complete it, and the bonus will be £20.
In 16th century England John Elliot witnesses the burning of his parents for heresy by the sheriff Sir Joseph Anstey. John is adopted by the Anstey’s tenant, Amos Finch. He finds an abandoned baby, who the Finches adopt and call Margery.
The adult John seeks revenge upon the Ansteys after the rape by the Ansteys sons Roger and Edward of Margery, who leaves home in disgrace. The Ansteys plot against Queen Elizabeth.
John is besotted with the portrait of a girl from Antwerp, Rebecca, in the Anstey library. When the Ansteys travel to Antwerp to intrigue with the Spanish, John accompanies them. There he sets about trying to rescue Rebecca from the Spanish army’s sack of the city, and to expose the Anstey plot, at the same time as hoping to be reunited with Margery.
I am a 66 year old retired solicitor. I have been writing for pleasure for 40 years. My first novel Allies, which is set on the home front in the Second World War, was published in November. I am married with two daughters. My hobbies include travel, fell-walking and tennis.
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