For a decade, the Northern Dukedom of Blakemore has endured the iron-fisted rule of Duke Dominic Samael Blakemore, a ruthless ruler who conceals his face behind a menacing horned mask. Those who have seen him described him as a towering and slender man with hair as dark as the depths of midnight. An unsettling and almost unholy shade. Throughout his reign, the Duke's authority faced numerous challenges, from dissatisfied subjects, rival Dukedoms, the formidable influence of the Holy Church, or even the power of the Holy Emperor himself. Yet, despite all odds, none had managed to dislodge him from his position of power. In this backdrop of seemingly insurmountable control, a courageous group emerged from the Western Dukedom, determined to topple the Duke's oppressive regime. The odds were overwhelmingly against them, and one might wonder what chance they honestly had. Surprisingly, against all expectations, they not only survived their audacious assault but also managed to infiltrate the forbidding obsidian walls of his fortress. However, the outcome was far from a victory as only three of the four daring infiltrators emerged from the shadowy abyss of the Duke's sinister castle. This is their tale. A story of the life they led within the Duke's castle and the many secrets it holds. Magical Rose Mini Awards | Best characters

** Marian, a thieving nobleman's daughter with too big a heart, meets Robin Hood, a daring thief with a huge ego. Will they be able to overcome pain, longing, and, finally the cruel Sheriff of Nottingham? Or will the legend end before it begins? ** "Hope, be it never so faint, bringeth a gleam into darkness, like a little rushlight that costeth but a groat." ― Howard Pyle, The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood - In the heart of Nottinghamshire, the noblewoman Maid Marian has a secret double life as a thief by night. She steals from the chests of embezzlers and distributes her loot to the poor. When she crosses paths with the self-proclaimed King of Thieves, past and present collide, soon forcing her to choose between loyalty to the crown and the law - or rebellion. But it's not only the dangerous raids that swirl her life: soon she is torn between her feelings for the charming Robin Hood and the honourable Guy of Gisborne. Will Marian be able to bring justice to the kingdom? Will she lose her heart to the King of Thieves or will the righteous Guy of Gisborne be able to preserve her honour? In a story of love, courage and resistance, Marian's fate interweaves with the legends of Sherwood Forest. **** Part 1 of the Sherwood-Dilogie **** Wattys2023 GERMAN WINNNER + Special Price for Most Engaging World Cover/Banner by Thinkerling *** 🥇1st Place Literary Book Award - Adventure 🥇1st Place Lavender Awards - Historical Fiction 🥇 1st Place Ambrosia Awards - Best Cover 🥇 1st Place Ambrosia Awards - Historical Fiction 🥇 1st Place Phoenix Award - Best Cover 🥈 2nd Place - Tricolor Triennial Awards - Historical Fiction 🥈 2nd Place - The Wonder Awards - Fanfiction 🥈 2nd Place - The Nebula Awards - Historical Fiction 🥈 2nd Place - The Aster Awards - General Fiction ****

As the war for America's freedom stretches on, Emmeline Reed is sure that she knows exactly what she stands for. Her brothers fight in the British Royal Army. Her father is a British Major. In every way, she is the ideal example of what a Loyalist young lady ought to be. But when a soldier encourages her to form her own beliefs, she begins to question all she knows. Now she must decide who she will trust, how she will fight for what she believes in, and what she is willing to sacrifice.