The Keys of Hell and Death – English Civil War novel
The Keys of Hell and Death is an English Civil War historical fiction novel by Charles Cordell set at the Battle of Lansdown Hill and Storming of Bristol in 1643.
The Keys of Hell and Death
From the brutal Battle of Lansdown Hill, via the Siege of Devizes and Roundway Down to the Storming of Bristol in 1643, book #2 of the Divided Kingdom series takes some of the characters of God’s Vindictive Wrath to the edge of Hell and drags others into the Civil War that racks Britain. All 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 – fight to save England in the chaos that is the 17th Century.
‘Heart-pounding action, heartbreaking loss as a nation tears itself apart. The ground shudders from cavalry attack and cannon fire. 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
The Keys of Hell and Death is available in bookshops and online as a paperback or Kindle ebook. The paperback cover price (RRP) is GBP £8.99 (USD $9.97). The Amazon Kindle price is £5.48 ($6.59). However, retail prices do vary.
You can buy this book from Waterstones, Foyles, Blackwells and WHSmith bookstores, 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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The Keys of Hell and Death was published by Myrmidon, in English, on 4 June 2024 under ISBN: 978-1910183335.
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Book Endorsements for The Keys of Hell and Death
‘Heart-pounding action, heartbreaking loss as a nation tears itself apart. You can smell the sweat of fear. … Knife edge sharp scholarly knowledge combined with the skill of a natural storyteller. The depth of insight and research makes The Keys of Hell and Death vividly rich in historical detail. 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
‘From page 1 Cordell plunges you into the fast-flowing battlefields of 1643, full of fear, tension and the relief of surviving. He brilliantly captures the plight of soldiers in realistic detail in and around battle.’ General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE
‘Charles Cordell’s second book maintains the same level of well-researched detail that we’ve come to expect. The characters on both sides of the conflict are believable, and the fast-paced and brutal nature of the conflict immerses you in the smoke, blood, and smell of burnt powder and death. The author seamlessly transitions between both sides almost in real-time. A remarkable and unique talent, Charles Cordell holds his reader transfixed in a book that simply cannot be put down.’ Jeremy Ravenshaw Fowler, Adjutant General of The Sealed Knot Society
Book Reviews of The Keys of Hell and Death
‘Plunges the reader into the very trenches, hedgerows, ridges and streets of the war.’ Miranda Malins, The Protector’s Pen
‘This is not a book for the faint-hearted. It is civil war with all its atrocities and madness.’ Dr Beth Rogers, John Hampden Society
Reader Reviews & Ratings of The Keys of Hell and Death
Readers’ reviews are posted on The Keys of Hell and Death book pages at Goodreads and at Amazon UK, including:
“We feel the heat of the battle, the pain, fear, death and lice”
“A soldier’s-eye view of the English Civil War”
“The absolute best of military historical fiction”
“An extraordinary work of historical fiction that transports readers deep into the tumultuous era of the English Civil War.”
“With meticulous research and vivid storytelling, Cordell skilfully brings to life the complexities of this historic conflict, crafting a narrative that is both gripping and emotionally resonant.”
“What truly sets The Keys of Hell and Death apart is its ability to provoke thought about the human condition amid conflict.”
“Cordell raises profound questions about honour, sacrifice, and the consequences of our choices, making this not just a story about war, but a poignant exploration of what it means to be human in the face of chaos.”
“A breathtaking achievement in historical fiction that will leave you both entertained and introspective.”
“A must-read for fans of the genre. Highly recommended!”
If you enjoy reading The Keys of Hell and Death, 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 enjoy and want to read more of the Divided Kingdom series.
The Keys of Hell and Death book trailer video
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 book series
‘Stirring. A great read! You can almost hear the cannon roar and the thunder of hooves.’ Ben Kane, Sunday Times bestselling author, The Forgotten Legion, Hannibal, Spartacus and The Lionheart series
‘Heart-pounding action, heartbreaking 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
‘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
‘From page 1 Cordell plunges you into the fast-flowing battlefields of 1643, full of fear, tension and the relief of surviving. He brilliantly captures the plight of soldiers in realistic detail in and around battle.’ General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE
‘A remarkable and unique talent, Charles Cordell holds his reader transfixed in a book that simply cannot be put down.’ Jeremy Ravenshaw Fowler, Adjutant General of The Sealed Knot Society
‘Like Game of Thrones without the dragons.’ Julian Humphrys
Divided Kingdom books in order
Each Divided Kingdom book is 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.
FIRELOCK – Divided Kingdom novella #2.1. A castle scaled, a churchyard massacre, a bitter siege, storm and execution. From the taking of Beeston Castle, to the massacre at Barthomley and the Siege of Nantwich. Veteran soldiers and schoolboy militiamen must fight for Cheshire. Winter 1643/44.
Battle of Lansdown Hill, Roundway Down & Storming of Bristol 1643
The Divided Kingdom books are as historically accurate as possible. There are so many extraordinary stories from English Civil Wars. They just need to be told. There is no need for fictional dragons! The Divided Kingdom books try to tell these stories through its authentic, relatable characters.
You will find historical notes and maps to accompany their story at English Civil War Notes & Maps. These include background articles on The General Crisis of the 17th Century, the English Revolution and Great Rebellion, and Pike & Shot Warfare.
This website also includes historical notes to accompany the text of each book. These include detailed notes on the battles of Lansdown Hill and Roundway Down, the Siege of Devizes and the Storming of Bristol in 1643. Together, they provide the history behind the story of The Keys of Hell and Death.
Divided Kingdom book news, reviews & readers’ club
If you want to receive news of upcoming books by Charles Cordell, offers and editorial reviews, you can find the latest updates and follow the story at Divided Kingdom News. Alternatively, check out the reader reviews and ratings, and follow Charles Cordell on Goodreads and Amazon, or social media at #DividedKingdomBooks.
If you want to meet the author, you can find a calendar of upcoming author talks and battlefield walks at Charles Cordell Events. If you want even more, join us in the Divided Kingdom Readers’ Club for FREE access to unpublished short stories, email and more. Click the link to sign up and join the Clubmen.
Alternatively, why not check out more Books by Charles Cordell.
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