God’s Vindictive Wrath – English Civil War novel
God’s Vindictive Wrath is an English Civil War novel by Charles Cordell. It is the first in the historical fiction series Divided Kingdom.
God’s Vindictive Wrath
From the carnage of Edgehill, via Oxford and the clash at Aylesbury, to the barricades at Brentford – each character must face the brutal reality of war. This story is not based on a single hero. It does not take sides. Its voices – ordinary men and women – face each other in the chaos of Britain in civil war. All have answered a call to save England. Now only an English mile separates them on the battlefield.
‘Stirring. A great read! You can almost hear the cannon roar and the thunder of hooves. Do not miss this evocative account of the start of the English Civil War.’
Ben Kane, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Forgotten Legion, Hannibal, Spartacus and The Lionheart series
‘Charles Cordell, a former soldier, writes with bravura confidence.’
Antonia Senior, The Times
God’s Vindictive Wrath is available in store and online as a paperback or Kindle ebook. The paperback cover price (RRP) is £8.99 (US$9.97). The Amazon Kindle price is £5.48 (US$6.59). However, retail prices do vary.
You can buy this book in store at Waterstones, Blackwells, Foyles and WHSmith, as well as good independent bookshops. If you have the time, please do support your local bookshop by visiting and asking for a copy, or order via their website at:
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God’s Vindictive Wrath was published by Myrmidon, in English, on 12 July 2022 under ISBN: 1910183318.
Read Sample – First Chapters – FREE
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Endorsements for God’s Vindictive Wrath
‘Stirring. A great read! You can almost hear the cannon roar and the thunder of hooves. Do not miss this evocative account of the start of the English Civil War.’ Ben Kane, Sunday Times bestselling author, The Forgotten Legion, Hannibal, Spartacus and The Lionheart series
‘Of all the many novels set in the English Civil War that I have read, this was the one that described most perfectly the use of the different arms, and the experience of the face of battle. It was also the one that made me care most about the characters.’ Professor Ronald Hutton CBE FRHistS FSA FLSW FBA
‘A fast-paced read that brilliantly captures the fear, confusion and luck of battle for the soldier.’ General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE
‘Fast-paced and authentic. With characters that are colourful and believable. There are not enough tales like this.’ Michael Arnold, author of the Civil War Chronicles and Highwayman series
‘As only a soldier could, Charles Cordell does not flinch from drawing attention to the shear terror of battle, in a way that emphasises detailed research woven meticulously into this gripping first book. I am certain there will be many more.’ Jeremy Ravenshaw Fowler, Adjutant General of The Sealed Knot Society
Editorial Reviews of God’s Vindictive Wrath
‘Charles Cordell, a former soldier, writes with bravura confidence.’ Antonia Senior, The Times
‘An exciting minute-by-minute story of the English Civil War … from the soldiers’ point of view … the historical accuracy is fantastic.’ Historical Novel Society
‘VIVID! … you can smell it … original, interesting, entertaining, thought-provoking – an excellent read.’ Dr Beth Rogers, John Hampden Society
”Visceral’ historical fiction.’ The Bookseller
‘Quite outstanding – historical fiction at its very best.’ General Stuart Skeates CB CBE
‘Like Game of Thrones without the dragons.’ Julian Humphrys
Reader Reviews and Ratings
Readers’ reviews are posted on the God’s Vindictive Wrath pages at Goodreads and Amazon, including:
‘Brutally realistic’
‘Visceral and exciting’
‘New, different and good’
‘A fantastic read, gripping and thought provoking’
‘Original and insightful … easily the most enjoyable book I have read this year.’
‘Read it and you will never again be able to pass through an unassuming English town without wondering about violent secrets in the past.’
‘For years, my favourite novelisation of battle was Michael Shaara’s Pulitzer Prize winning account of Gettysburg – Killer Angels. But this is better.’
If you enjoy reading God’s Vindictive Wrath, please do post your own review. Positive reviews are really important to new authors. Without them there is little chance of being published again. The best place you can do this is via your bookshop website, Amazon or Goodreads. I really hope you will want to read more of the Divided Kingdom series.
Divided Kingdom – English Civil War historical fiction series
The Divided Kingdom books take a fresh approach. They are not based on a single hero. They do not take sides. Their voices – ordinary men and women – face each other in the chaos of Britain in civil war. They are both relatable and sharply relevant today.
Hardship, inequality, injustice – issues that echo today – scar each character. Each faces the brutal reality and human emotions of war – the bloodiest in British history – a war fought in its towns, villages and fields. A war that forged the United Kingdom.
More Praise for the Divided Kingdom series
‘Heart-pounding action, heart-breaking loss as a nation tears itself apart. You can smell the sweat of fear. … Not to be missed.’ David Gilman, award-winning author of the Master of War series, The Last Horseman and The Englishman.
‘I have been waiting for this second novel in Charles Cordell’s series, and am not disappointed. Once more he evokes the experience of the Civil War soldier, in every branch of arms, more vividly than ever before, and gives us characters whom we are eager to follow through the story.’ Professor Ronald Hutton CBE FRHistS FSA FLSW FBA
Divided Kingdom books in order
Each Divided Kingdom book can be read as a stand-alone story. Together, they tell the bloody saga of the first English Civil War as accurately and as authentically as possible. However, if you prefer to read them in historical sequence, this is their order:
God’s Vindictive Wrath – Divided Kingdom book #1. From the carnage of Edgehill, via Oxford, the clash at Aylesbury and peace talks at Colnbrook to the barricades at Brentford – ordinary men and women are plunged into the chaos of Britain in civil war. Autumn 1642.
Desecration – Divided Kingdom short story #1.1. A desperate ride, a city stormed, a final stand, a forlorn hope. Civil war, a cleansing fire and bitter wind sweep through Winchester’s streets, cathedral close and sacred aisles. Now brother must kill brother. December 1642.
The Keys of Hell and Death – Divided Kingdom book #2. From the brutal Battle of Lansdown Hill, via the Siege of Devizes, Roundway Down and Bath to the Storming of Bristol – familiar characters and new are dragged to the edge of Hell. All must face the brutal reality of war. Summer 1643.
Divided Kingdom characters, historical notes & maps
I hope you will get to know all of the God’s Vindictive Wrath characters. This website includes character notes on each of them. You can find historical notes and maps to accompany their story at Notes and Maps.
They include background articles on The General Crisis of the 17th Century, the English Revolution and Great Rebellion, and Pike and Shot Warfare. They also include notes to accompany the text of each book detailing the historical events and battles.
More from Charles Cordell
You can also find posts on Early Modern history, Living History and re-enactment at News & Events. You may also wish to read about the English Civil War history talks and battlefield walks I give.
Alternatively, check out Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for more posts on my historical research, Living History and English Civil War fiction. These include upcoming events and opportunities to meet. Or, follow on social media at #DividedKingdomBooks at:
Additionally, if you would like more literary news and updates, you can find and follow me at:
Instead, why not join us in the Divided Kingdom Readers’ Club for FREE access to unpublished short stories, opportunities to meet, email and more. Click the link to sign up and join the Clubmen.
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