It is the dawn of a new world.

Henry Tudor has vanquished Richard III and claimed the throne of England, taking possession of a secret map. At the glittering court of the Medici in Florence, Lorenzo the Magnificent, ruler of the republic and head of the mysterious Academy, is engaged in a dangerous game of power with the Vatican. In Spain, the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella and Ferdinand, have declared a crusade against Islam, forcing the Moors from Granada. Europe stands upon the brink of war, at the edge of a discovery that will change everything.

Jack Wynter is clinging to the wreckage of the life he dreamed of living, his father's execution by Richard III destroying his hope of overcoming his status as an illegitimate son. The map entrusted to him by his father is gone, stolen by his hated half-brother, Harry Vaughan. Outlawed by Tudor, all Jack can do is follow his father's last words - and seek out the man who has answers to his past that will determine his future, Lorenzo de' Medici. But in the serpentine politics and renaissance splendour of Florence, he finds only danger. Lorenzo may have trusted Jack's father, but he is now surrounded by threats and conspiracies on all sides - not least from the rising power in the city known as the Court of Wolves.

Harry, meanwhile, heads to the Spanish court on a covert mission for Tudor, who intends to deflect Queen Isabella's interest in developing a trade route west with a sailor named Columbus.


Once again, Jack must risk all to prove himself, while his sworn enemy, Harry, finds himself fighting through Spain, seeking all the time to ingratiate himself with Tudor, and bring his brother down.

"Young's ability to conjure historical settings is reliably strong . . . fans of her work and historical adventure generally will love it. The action is well done and the characters' adventures entertain." - The Times

"Engrossing historical drama set in most tumultuous times" - Sun

"Robyn Young always writes so beautifully and with great empathy. Her prose is thoughtful and elegant . . . I'm looking forward to finding out what's next for Jack and Harry." - For Winter Nights blog

"Praise for Sons of the Blood, book 1 in the New World Rising series" - -

"Young has done her research and writes with her usual gusto. The battle scenes are gory and the plot twists sharp." - The Times

"The first novel in a new series by Robyn Young, and this in itself is a cause for celebration. Robyn Young is one of the finest writers I've read in recent years. Her prose is beautiful, her historical fiction enriched by meticulous research and great empathy for its characters." - For Winter Nights blog

"An astounding feat of historical fiction that breathes new life into a turbulent, exciting, and surprisingly relevant period of history. Crammed full with action, adventure, intrigue, politics and brilliant characters, this is a must read." - The Bookbag