1635: A Parcel of Rogues

By: Eric Flint, Andrew Dennis

Narrated by: George Guidall

Book 20 in the multiple New York Times best-selling Ring of Fire series.

When the diplomatic embassy from the United States of Europe was freed from the Tower of London during the Baltic War, most of its members returned to the continent. But some remained behind in Britain, including notorious enemy to the crown Oliver Cromwell. Now, the hunt for Cromwell is on, with King Charles himself demanding Cromwell's head.

When the diplomatic embassy from the United States of Europe was freed from the Tower of London during the Baltic War, most of its members returned to the continent. But some remained behind in Britain: Oliver Cromwell and a few companions, including the sharpshooter Julie Sims, her Scot husband Alex Mackay, and Cromwell's Irish-American self-appointed watchdog, Darryl McCarthy. Soon, the hunt is on for the most notorious rebel in English history, with King Charles himself demanding Cromwell's head.

The new chief minister Richard Boyle, Earl of Cork, brings over from Ireland a notorious crew of cutthroats led by the man called Finnegan to track down and capture the escapees from the Tower. The hunt passes through England and into Scotland, where the conflict between Cromwell and his companions and their would-be captors becomes embroiled in Scotland's politics, which are every bit as savage and ruthless as Finnegan and his men.

To make things still more conflicted and confused, the time Darryl McCarthy spends fighting alongside Cromwell forces him against his will to admire and respect - and even like - the man, despite Cromwell's demonic reputation among all self-respecting Irish nationalist families like Darryl's own. It's a Gordian knot anywhere you look - until Julie Sims brings out her rifle. Now it's the turn of Scot partisans and English lords and Irish toughs to learn the lesson already learned on the continent: A safe distance isn't what you think it is. Not after the American angel of death spreads her wings.

©2016 Eric Flint with Andrew Dennis (P)2016 Recorded Books

Inspired me to find out more about my own family'.

Goes out with a bang! Great pacing! Probably my 5th favorite in the series after the first 2 novels, the baltic war, and Galileo. Again I love history versus modern thought and as a girl, the role of the female cast especially from the middle to the end is very satisfying. Gale is great as is our favorite sniper! Darryl is also well loved as is Alex. It's a good read and being a possible distant distant descendent of Richard Boyle's siblings, relations or the man himself, this book has inspired me to go seeking information on my own family's genealogy & history! To find out what is true and what is rumor? Which now I think, no higher compliment can I give to a historical fiction novel? Then that of how it has made me, making another person interested in real Scottish, Irish, Welsh and English history! So well done!

More please

I really hope Eric writes a follow up to this novel, I want to know if Oliver gets his wish and shortens James Staurt by one head.

Slow to catch my interest, but then...

I loved it. been following the Granville crew since the beginning this was very enjoyable.

A Tour de Force

Excellent writing, catching us up from where threads had been left previously. A good amount of humor, character development and hints about the future.

More tension and action than many "Ring of Fires"

More of the previous Ring of Fire titles': quality time shifting, patient examination of class distinction motives, and both 15th and 21st century mind-sets. The front side has a fair amount of turncoats, backstabbers, fighters, lovers, and strategic action. The back half of this one was a bit more edge of my seat worry and concerns about fates of favored characters. No spoilers, for that's what makes it a very good read to listen to!
Mr. Guidall is one of my personal top-three narrators. This book is IMO, a good listen for anyone who has enjoyed a Ring of Fire series audiobook.