The Book
Novel 'Heroes and Traitors' by B B Elsin
In the final battle of a bloody civil war, Yonnis, the successful General of the Rebel Army of Truth, shocks himself by committing a reckless act of vengeance. Full of repentance, he commits to a quest for peace, and starts with an unlikely marriage.
Resentment and suspicion swirl around him and his new wife. Rich and poor, plotters and spies, idealists and cynics are all jostling for opportunities for gain or for revenge. The prospects for healing are fading.
With old friends and loyalists turning on Yonnis and the new regime losing its way, who will help Yonnis to restore hope?
Inspired by the aftermath of the English Civil War, the story re-invents characters and events from the turmoil of early modern Europe.
About the author
B B Elsin is the pen name of a retired academic and Chair of a historical society who loves to explore the “what ifs?” of the past. She started writing fiction to help cope with sudden hearing loss and late-diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder. She has had short stories broadcast on BBC Upload and Haiku poems published in anthologies. B B Elsin grew up in the Chilterns, and is now based in Marlow. Some scenes and characters in her novel are inspired by local history. This is her first novel.
Why you should read this book
B B Elsin explains: “Creative writing helped me to adjust to changes in my life caused by sudden hearing loss and new understanding of my emotional difficulties from my autism diagnosis. It enabled me to enjoy new relationships with imaginary characters facing extraordinary circumstances. I wanted to explore revolutionary change through the hearts of those swept up in it, those who lose, those who gain and those who are just trying to survive it.”
What We Thought
B B Elsin weaves together the story of Yonnis, the General of the victorious Rebel Army of Truth as the guilt ridden General feels he overstepped himself in the final battle and wants to make amends and bring peace. As things deteriorate who can the injured Yonnis turn to save the rapidly failing peace and restore faith in the Republic. While reading I felt every moment of the story. Natalie Key for Female First
RELEASE DATE: 28/10/2025 ISBN: 9781836285038 Price: £9.99
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