The Castilians

A brutal murder. A castle under siege. A family torn apart by the Scottish Reformation.

Scotland, 1546. When Protestant rebels seize St Andrews Castle and assassinate Cardinal Beaton, the most powerful man in Scotland, young Will Seton joins the occupiers, convinced he is fighting for a better future.

His sister Bethia fears he has made a terrible mistake.

As the castle comes under siege and Scotland edges towards religious war, Bethia watches her family become caught between powerful forces beyond their control. While Will endures hunger, fear and mounting despair behind the castle walls, Bethia must decide how far she is willing to go to save the brother she loves—even if it means risking everything.

But this is more than a conflict between brother and sister. As Henry VIII pressures Scotland to surrender its independence and secure the marriage of the infant Mary Queen of Scots to his son, the future of an entire nation hangs in the balance.

Based on the dramatic true events of the Siege of St Andrews Castle, The Castilians is a gripping tale of faith, loyalty, courage and survival during one of the most turbulent periods in Scottish history.

The Castilians is Book One of The Seton Chronicles, an award-winning and best-selling historical fiction series spanning Scotland, Venice, France and Constantinople during the turbulent years of the Reformation

'Historical Fiction at its absolute best.' — Booklymatters

'By the end, I found myself hoping for a sequel, which shows how much I enjoyed this excellent novel.' — Historical Novel Society

'A clever blend of fact and fiction… gripping action, drama galore, and a dash of romance.' — Margaret Skea, Winner of the Beryl Bainbridge Prize

'I highly recommend this intriguing novel.' — Jean M. Roberts, The Books Delight

'The darker side of St Andrews Castle's history, written with such delightful detail I could almost taste and smell the medieval streets of the historic town.' — Lynsey Maxwell