Thirty Years' War Story

February, 1623. Nine months after Matthew Lock established his legend – and avenged his family – sinister forces are once again on the move. The Raven has expanded his powers, and seems hellbent on seizing Lock for his insidious ends. Meanwhile, from the shadows, the enigmatic Black Prince watches and waits, his Masks never far away. To unravel the complex mystery surrounding his family, Captain Lock enlists in a new army, loyal to Frederick, the outlaw who was once the second most powerful man in the Holy Roman Empire. But in this Thirty Years' War, trustworthy allies are difficult to find, and treacherous Rogues lurk where they are least expected. Matthew Lock must answer for his crimes. He must confront the sins of his father. He must channel the rebel within. Matchlock and the Rebel is the second instalment in a historical fiction series, brought to you by Zachary Twamley, host of When Diplomacy Fails Podcast.

Spring, 1622. Matthew Lock sets sail from Bristol, determined to learn the truth about the brutal murder of his parents. Armed with only vague instructions, he is watched and shadowed by forces more sinister than he could ever imagine. Guided by his father's mysterious legacy, Lock lands in The Hague, and prepares to go to war. His allies will consist of ruthless rebels and desperate soldiers, each one more brutal than the next. But with villainous rogues lurking around every corner, who can be trusted? To survive a terrifying conspiracy, and to save his family, Lock must lean on years of training in the art of war. More than that, he must question his deepest beliefs, and confront the fears which have haunted him since childhood. Above all, he must become something else. He must become a legend. Matthew Lock must become Matchlock. Matchlock and the Embassy is the first instalment in a new historical fiction series, brought to you by Zachary Twamley, host of When Diplomacy Fails Podcast.