June 1645: Roundheads and Cavaliers clash. The country is in the grip of the English Civil War.
Born of noble blood, Merriweather Pryce finds her beloved home, the manor of Compton Blaize, under siege. Cromwell’s army looks set to strip the pride of the Pryce family name. It appears that her stepmother is intent upon giving up Compton Blaize without a fight, but Merriweather has other ideas. She has no intention of reneging on the solemn promise which she made to her father before he left to fight for King Charles 1: to uphold the Pyce family honour and do all she can to protect their home.
Disguised as a boy, she sets off in search of her father, accompanied by her faithful feathered friend, Merlin. Merriweather finds a country in chaos, villages ransacked, homes and livelihoods destroyed. In a land filled with soldiers, turncoats, spies and opportunists, where should she place her trust? Who is a friend and who is a foe?
This is a fast-paced, immersive historical middle-grade adventure suitable for ages 9+. The characters are convincing and Abenazar Shine is a chilling antagonist. I enjoyed learning about a period of history I knew little about and was interested enough to engage in further research.
Suzanne Chinnock
Rebel Heart by Ally Sherrick
Chicken House Ltd
ISBN 9781915026996
£7.99
Published 2025
