H A Culley

Follow to get new release updates and improved recommendations

About H A Culley

H A Culley served as an Army officer for twenty-four years during which time he had a variety of unusual jobs. He spent his twenty-first birthday in the jungles of Borneo, commanded an Arab infantry unit in the Gulf for three years, and was the military attaché in Beirut during the aftermath of the Lebanese Civil War.

After leaving the Army he spent twenty-one years in the education sector. He has served on the board of two commercial companies and has been a trustee of several national and local charities. His last job before retiring was as the finance director and company secretary of the Institute of Development Professionals in Education. Since retirement, he has been involved in several historical projects and gives talks on historical subjects. He started writing historical fiction in 2013.

For many years he and his wife lived between Holy Island and Berwick upon Tweed in northern Northumberland, the setting for many of his historical novels, but moved to Oxfordshire in 2020 to be nearer his children and grandchildren.

Griff Hosker

Matthew Harffy

S.J.A. Turney

Peter Gibbons

Steven A. McKay

Hector Miller

Are you an author?

Help us improve our Author Pages by updating your bibliography and submitting a new or current image and biography.

Learn more at Author Central

1 11 1

$3.99

Kindle Edition
$3.67

Kindle Edition
$3.95

Kindle Edition
$4.12

Kindle Edition
$2.99

Kindle Edition
$4.10

Kindle Edition
$4.10

Kindle Edition
$2.99

Kindle Edition
$4.24

Kindle Edition
$3.77

Kindle Edition
$1.38

Kindle Edition
$3.83

Kindle Edition

Author Updates

Titles By H A Culley

All Formats Kindle Edition Paperback Hardcover

THE WAY OF THE RAVEN: The Saga of Wessex (The Saga of Wessex and the Danes Book 4) Dec 20, 2020

by H A Culley

( 171 )

$3.99

REVIEWS OF OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

A wonderful story of English History that is not dry and withered, but alive and fresh. The characters are believable and the story flows as smooth as a river. I cannot wait for the next book.

The characters were easy to follow; the tale was crisp and to the point. The violence was well described but not overdone for the sake of it.

Intriguing and thrilling from the start; really looking forward to the next book. If it is as good as this one you will not be able to put it down.

BOOK DESCRIPTION
Jørren’s peaceful existence is disrupted when thousands of Vikings from Frankia invade Cent. After driving the invaders into East Anglia his dream of returning to a quiet life with his family is torn to shreds when his nemesis, Edward the Ætheling, is made Sub-king of Cent by his father, King Ælfred. It isn’t long before Edward replaces Jørren as ealdorman and seizes his lands.
Ælfred supports his son, much to Jørren’s disgust, and he’s forced to flee with his family to Mercia. He becomes Ealdorman of Cheshire only to discover that it’s something of a poisoned chalice. Not only has the old Roman city of Chester been occupied by Hӕsten’s Viking horde but the whole shire is a desolate and lawless land from which the Anglo-Saxon inhabitants have largely been driven out by Norse invaders.
Jørren becomes heavily involved in the war with Hӕsten and his Vikings as they rape and pillage their way through Wessex, Mercia and East Anglia, not once, but several times. Eventually, learning that Hӕsten had gone into winter quarters nearby, Jørren sets out for a final confrontation.
The Way of the Raven, set during the twilight years of Ælfred the Great’s reign, brings the four-book Saga of Wessex and the Danes to a thrilling conclusion.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

KING of ATHELNEY: The Saga of Wessex (The Saga of Wessex and the Danes Book 2) May 12, 2020

by H A CULLEY

( 197 )

$3.67

Jørren has risen high in the service of King Ælfred but when he is sent to forge an alliance with the King of Mercia he finds that his mission is doomed to failure from the start and he is taken prisoner by the Danes.
He escapes execution and returns to Wessex to find that he was assumed to be dead and another has been given his lands. When personal tragedy strikes he falls into a pit of despair, angry and bitter at his misfortune. However, when he is asked to establish a fleet of ships with which to fight the Vikings at sea he finds a new purpose in life.
Just when his fortunes seem to be restored he loses everything again. Ælfred is betrayed and he and Jørren are forced to flee into the marshlands of Athelney.
With only a handful of warriors and a few monks to aid them, will they be able to defeat the Danes and retake Wessex?
This is H A Culley’s second novel in the series The Saga of Wessex and the Danes.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

THE RIVEN REALM: The Saga of Wessex (The Saga of Wessex and the Danes Book 3) Aug 7, 2020

by H A CULLEY

( 225 )

$3.95

REVIEWS OF PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Intriguing and thrilling from the start, really looking forward to the next book, if it as good as this one you will not be able to put it down
I very much enjoyed the extremely well written sections on the battles.
I found the characters realistic & the historical references accurately portrayed. Looking forward to the next instalment.
Culley writes good historically accurate fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION
This third novel in the series the Saga of Wessex and the Danes takes Jørren into Mercia, the riven realm of the title, to arrange the betrothal of Ælfred’s daughter to its ruler, Lord Æðelred. In doing so he becomes involved in the recapture of the fortress of Chester, which has fallen to Norse Vikings. During the storming of the walls he is wounded and, whilst he is recovering, his young son Ywer is abducted. As soon as he is fit enough he ventures into Welsh territory to find and rescue him.
To help him in his quest he recruits a pretty waif to act as interpreter. Gradually he falls in love with her and wrestles with loyalty to his wife and family and his desire for the girl. Whilst he struggles to cope with this inner conflict his enemies within Wessex continue to threaten his very survival.
This thrilling follow-up to the Great Heathen Army and King of Athelney concludes with the battle to capture the mighty Danish stronghold of London. This is the first step towards achieving King Ælfred’s dream of uniting the four Anglo-Saxon kingdoms into one realm.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

CONQUEST OF THE DANELAW: The Birth of England Oct 25, 2021

by H A CULLEY

( 88 )

$4.12

Æthelflӕd, daughter of King Ælfred the Great, is elected Lady of the Mercians after her husband dies. Together with her brother, King Eadweard of Wessex, she embarks on a campaign to re-conquer Eastern Mercia (known as the Danelaw) from the occupying Danes. However, she must first deal with the threats from the ambitious Viking King in the North as well as the Welsh across the River Severn.

She is aided by her nephew and a thegn called Wynnstan. The latter has his own problems to deal with. He is devastated when a close friend betrays him and rapes his wife. She refuses to give up the resulting baby and, possessed by anger and despair, he sets off to join Æthelflӕd as she invades the Danelaw. He’s determined to end the desolation he suffers and die in battle but his friends are equally determined to save him from himself.

In this second instalment of four novels about the creation of England in the tenth Century, H A Culley brings Anglo-Saxon England, the political intrigue, the suffering of ordinary people and the incessant warfare that characterised the period, vividly to life.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

ALEXANDER: MACEDON BOOK 3 Apr 10, 2016

by H A Culley

( 26 )

$2.99

Reviews of Previous Books by H A Culley
• Great book to curl up with.
• There are very few novels written for this period. Culley has clearly mastered the genre and at the same time is a good story teller.
• One of the best books I have read. Mystery, excitement and a thrilling story all wrapped up in the woven threads of history.

Book Description
From the moment of his birth Alexander has to fight for his rights as heir to the throne of Macedon. His father is torn between pride in and antagonism towards his son and comes close to killing him more than once. Brought up in harsh competitive environment, Alexander emerges with a burning desire to conquer the known world.
H A Culley’s novel about Alexander’s boyhood and his path to the throne is a fast paced tale of intrigue and warfare. When his mother arranges his father’s assassination, Alexander is quick to eliminate his rivals and seize the crown for himself. With a speed that catches the other Greek states by surprise, he overcomes all resistance and makes himself the supreme ruler of Greece in just a few months.
However, he must still secure his route to the Danube, deal with insurrection in Illyria and the perfidy of Thebes before he can embark on his of conquest of Asia.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

After Bannockburn: Robert the Bruce Dec 15, 2014

by H A CULLEY

( 31 )

$4.10

REVIEWS OF H A CULLEY’S PREVIOUS BOOKSThe Winter King (Robert the Bruce Book 2)This is an intriguing piece of historical fiction and I couldn't stop devouring it from start to finish. Very well written with lots of intense action that has kept me interested the entire time. The characters were realistic and have really pulled me into this book. I loved the depictions of England and Scotland, and the turbulent political machinations of the time. Highly recommended.Other NovelsExcellent E book which I enjoyed enormously.The author really knows his British history and can tell a good story that should appeal to all ages from teen on up. Another solid, good read from H A Culley.I recommend these books to any lover of historical fiction.Good plot and characterisation.DESCRIPTIONAfter his decisive victory at Bannockburn Robert Bruce consolidates his rule over Scotland, but Edward II of England maintains his claim to be the overlord of the country and refuses to recognise Robert as King of Scots.Robert decides to put pressure on Edward by raiding northern England unmercifully and invading Ireland, ruled by Edward of England. He makes his brother, Edward, Earl of Carrick, High King of Ireland but when Carrick is killed at the Battle of Faughart, Robert’s dream of wresting control of Ireland from English rule is dashed.It leaves Robert vulnerable as the Bruce dynasty now has no male heir. Meanwhile Edward of England faces serious problems at home, not helped by the unpopularity of his relationship with his favourite, Hugh Despenser.‘After Bannockburn’ tells of the epic struggle between the two men, which dominates the rest of their lives. The story is told mainly through the eyes of two Northumbrian brothers who rise to knighthood in the service of King Robert and who are instrumental in securing the eventual independence of Scotland.

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Winter King: Robert the Bruce Oct 30, 2014

by H A CULLEY

( 33 )

$4.10

REVIEWS OF H A CULLEY’S PREVIOUS BOOKSExcellent E book which I enjoyed enormously.The author really knows his British history and can tell a good story that should appeal to all ages from teen on up. Another solid, good read from H A Culley.I recommend these books to any lover of historical fiction.Good plot and characterisation.SYNOPSISThis is the second book in H A Culley’ trilogy about Robert the Bruce, the King of Scots who wrested Scotland’s independence from England in the early fourteenth century. Robert has just been crowned King of Scots after the murder of his main rival, the Red Comyn, but he loses his first battle and becomes a fugitive with practically every man’s hand turned against him.In the first years of his reign he struggles for survival, becoming a fugitive a second time with just his squire by his side at one stage. Three of his brothers are executed in the most gruesome manner and his wife, daughter and sister are captured and held prisoner in England. However, his indomitable spirit refuses to submit to these reverses and, during the fight to recover his kingdom, he develops the art of guerrilla warfare and remarkable techniques for capturing castle after castle.Finally, in June 1314, he faces the army of his nemesis, Edward the Second of England, at Bannockburn. Despite being heavily outnumbered and without heavy cavalry, he inflicts a crushing defeat on Edward. Now he can begin the long and difficult process of re-establishing Scotland as an independent nation.

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

THE SACRED WAR: MACEDON BOOK 2 Feb 2, 2016

by H A Culley

( 23 )

$2.99

REVIEWS OF PREVIOUS BOOKS BY THIS AUTHOR
One of the best books I have read. Mystery, excitement and a thrilling story all wrapped up in the woven threads of history.
Well researched and well written; a very enjoyable read.
Culley is a good writer and excellent story teller.
The author's historical accuracy and his interpretation of the characters involved creates a great tale of life in the 12th century.
Don't pick up this book if you need a good night's sleep. You're going to be up all night until you finish it.

BOOK SYNOPSIS
When the Phocians sack the Oracle at Delphi and steal Apollo’s treasure, which belongs to Athens, Thebes and Corinth, the Greeks declare a sacred war against the defilers of the oracle. Philip allows Athens, Thebes and Phocis to exhaust themselves during a decade of fighting before stepping in to broker a peace between them.
Having brought most of the Hellenic world under his rule he fights one last battle against Athens and Thebes during which his son, the eighteen year old Alexander, plays a crucial role.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

Ælfred's Daughter: THE BIRTH OF ENGLAND May 28, 2021

by H A CULLEY

( 97 )

$4.24

REVIEWS OF H A CULLEY'S RECENT NOVELS

Great story by a very entertaining and knowledgeable writer.
I love this series of books. Fast-moving, action-packed and yet the story lets you into the minds of the men who made England. Highly recommended.
Another great story from this author. Waiting keenly for the next one.

DESCRIPTION

When the existence of Mercia is threatened a heroine emerges to fight for her people. That person is Æthelflӕd, daughter of Ælfred the Great. However, even the greatest heroes and heroines have to face their own demons and cope with opposition from within, failure and tragedy.
In this action-packed tale what is left of Mercia moves from the brink of extinction to a position of growing strength. However, when the Northumbrian Vikings invade all seems lost. Assisted by her nephew, Æthelstan, and a youth who grew up a feral child in the forest, Æthelflӕd faces a battle against an army of pagan Vikings to determine whether Anglo-Saxon England will survive.

Other Formats: Hardcover , Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

The Fall of the House of Æthelfrith: Kings of Northumbria Book 5 Jul 29, 2017

by H A CULLEY, Caroline Culley

( 60 )

$3.77

REVIEWS OF PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES
• Real page Turner. Hooked from the start. The whole series of the books are a great read.
• All in all an enthralling series. More please.
• A very exciting story, but then again I always expect that from this great author.
• Great book, historically accurate and well written.
• Fun read. Great historical series, engaging characters, intriguing plot lines and backstories
• Culley is a really talented writer of historical fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION
After King Ecgfrith eliminates his brother Alchfrith by devious means, he becomes the last uncontested King of Northumbria. His reign is punctuated by war with the Mercians in the south, the Picts in the north and with the rebellious Britons of Reghed. At home he enlists Bishop Wilfrid’s support to persuade his wife to become a nun so he can marry his mistress, but he remains childless.
Wilfrid proves to be a thorn in his side and, when he returns from exile with the Pope’s edict restoring him to his diocese, Ecgfrith imprisons him.
An ill-conceived raid on Ireland in which monasteries and churches are plundered loses the king the support of the Church and a year later, against the advice of Bishop Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, Ecgfrith leads an army against the Picts. As Cuthbert prophesied, he and his army are lured to annihilation in the mountains of Badenoch.
His illegitimate half-brother, Aldfrith, succeeds him, but Northumbria never regains its previous dominance over Scotland. His reign is mainly peaceful, apart from his struggle with Bishop Wilfrid, who is exiled yet again. When Aldrith dies Wilfrid returns and supports Eadwulf of Bebbanburg’s claim to the throne against that of Aldfrith’s nine year old son, Osred. Northumbria is faced with catastrophe as various contenders subsequently struggle to take the throne. Will be kingdom be able to survive?
Find out what happens by purchasing it as an e-book or a paperback.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

THE STRATEGOS: MACEDON BOOK 1 Nov 29, 2015

by H A Culley

( 38 )

$1.38

REVIEWS OF H A CULLEY’S RECENT TRILOGY ABOUT THE EMPEROR CONSTANTINE
There are very few novels written for this period. Culley has clearly mastered the genre and at the same time is a good story teller.
A great final book to the Constantine series. H A Culley has produced a realistic approach to the building of the Roman Empire and all the problems within and without. The reality that life was not easy for anyone from the elite to the lowest classes shines through quite clearly.
I enjoyed the Hammurabi series because, as well as being an easy read, it dealt with a subject that was relatively untouched. And I am happy to report that the author has done it again.
Great book. I love to read about the Roman Empire and this book was right up my alley. At times I felt I was there.
The author has researched the period very well and the appendix at the end of the book was excellent.
.
BOOK SYNOPSIS
This first novel in the trilogy charts the rise to power of Parmenion, one of history’s greatest generals, who was instrumental in helping Philip II to conquer Greece and Alexander the Great to conquer Persia.
Parmenion is the second son of a minor noble who sets out as a mercenary to make a name of himself. After a disastrous expedition to Egypt ,Parmenion overcomes assassination plots, treachery and betrayal at home and as well as battling against Macedon’s external enemies, who endanger the very survival of the kingdom.
Eventually Parmenion helps Philip to secure his throne and to win a stunning victory on the plains of Illyria.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

THE GREAT HEATHEN ARMY: The Saga of Wessex (The Saga of Wessex and the Danes Book 1) Feb 28, 2020

by H A CULLEY

( 201 )

$3.83

The Viking horde known as the Great Heathen Army invade Cent in the autumn of 865 AD and defeat the local Saxon fyrd at the Battle of Salteode. A youth called Alric is captured and his brother, thirteen year old Jørren, decides to undertake the seemingly impossible task of rescuing him. Accompanied only by a slave not much older than he is, Jørren sets out to find Alric.
His quest takes him into war-torn East Anglia and up through Northumbria as far as Hadrian’s Wall. On the way he gathers a rag-tag collection of orphans and welds them into a small, tightly-knit, warband.
They play a small, but important, part in the struggle against the Vikings before eventually reaching Wessex, where Alfred has just become king. Now older and an experienced warrior, Jørren joins him and over subsequent years rises in status to become one of Wessex’s ealdormen.
However, the Vikings are determined to defeat Alfred and complete their conquest of England. By 871 AD it is doubtful whether Jørren or Wessex itself can survive their onslaught.
This first novel in the Saga of Wessex series will enthral all readers who have come to love H A Culley’s previous books set in early medieval Northumbria.

Other Formats: Paperback

This title and over 1 million more available with Kindle Unlimited.

More Information

Are you an author? Visit Author Central to change your photo, edit your biography, and more

H A Culley

Similar authors to follow

About H A Culley

Customers Also Bought Items By

Are you an author?

Author Updates

Titles By H A Culley

REVIEWS OF H A CULLEY'S RECENT NOVELS

Great story by a very entertaining and knowledgeable writer.

I love this series of books. Fast-moving, action-packed and yet the story lets you into the minds of the men who made England. Highly recommended.

Another great story from this author. Waiting keenly for the next one.

DESCRIPTION

More Information

H A Culley

Similar authors to follow

About H A Culley

Customers Also Bought Items By

Are you an author?

Author Updates

Titles By H A Culley

REVIEWS OF H A CULLEY'S RECENT NOVELS

Great story by a very entertaining and knowledgeable writer.

I love this series of books. Fast-moving, action-packed and yet the story lets you into the minds of the men who made England. Highly recommended.

​​​​​​​Another great story from this author. Waiting keenly for the next one.

DESCRIPTION

More Information

Another great story from this author. Waiting keenly for the next one.