Blood Divide
In 1513, the Battle of Flodden Field, one of the bloodiest battles on English soil, was fought between the Scots, led by King James IV, and the English, led by Sir Thomas Howard, Earl of Surrey. The story is told by Sir Thomas, along with Johnny Heron, a swaggering, disreputable man who rides as a scout for the English; Lord Hume, a leader of one of King James’s armies; and finally by Isabella Hoppringle, Abbess of Coldstream, who has been a known spy for the English while living in Scotland. She serves as a nurse and helps the wounded Scottish soldiers during and after the battle.
Sadler has written a war novel that’s compelling from the opening pages. His research is impeccable: he has traveled the battlefields as a tour guide and is able to convey his expertise in describing the Battle of Flodden Field. He is able to distinguish between the four main characters while writing their stories in the first person. It’s an entertaining read, even with all the blood and gore of medieval battle, which is described in great detail. I highly recommend this novel to English and Scottish history buffs who wish to learn more about this major battle between these two antagonists during the reign of Henry VIII.
