My Books
Here you'll find an overview of my completed works and works in progress.
Available to buy: Amazon
Blackwell's
Available now!
A King's Gamble:
The Neville's Cross Campaign, 1346
Ambition. Betrayal. Bloodshed.
In 1346, with Edward III battling the French at Crécy, Scotland's King David II sees his chance. England's armies are overseas. The northern border is wide open and victory seems inevitable.
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However, what starts as an opportunistic invasion quickly unravels. Questionable leadership, internal rivalries and English resilience combine to turn the campaign into one of the worst disasters in Scottish history.
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A King’s Gamble is a narrative driven non-fiction book that tells the gripping true story of the 1346 campaign in England's northern border counties. From the siege of Liddel Strength to the final clash at Neville’s Cross, it brings to life the chaos, courage and cruelty of medieval warfare.
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Nick McLean blends vivid storytelling with sharp historical insight. Written with dark humour and a soldier’s eye for detail, this is a fast-paced account that refuses to sugar-coat the reality of war. Readers will meet kings, knights, raiders and rogues and witness one of Britain’s most decisive but least remembered battles.
What to expect:
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A vivid, no-nonsense account of the 1346 campaign in northern England
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Ground-level scenes through fictional foot soldier perspectives
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Strategic analysis without academic overkill
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Clear, accessible writing for history fans of all levels
Perfect for readers of Bernard Cornwell, Dan Jones and Michael Livingston. A must-read for anyone interested in the medieval period, Anglo-Scottish warfare and the brutal campaigns that shaped Britain.
Praise for a King's Gamble
"This book is an extraordinary achievement... the book I wish I had written."
Reader Reviews
"A masterpiece of true historical events."
"Provides the facts, the story and a laugh along the way...Highly Recommended"
"A superb book about a local battle, well researched and entertaining to read"
"A great read, the perfect way to absorb history!"
"Clear, concise writing with a hint of humour brings the thorough research from this book to life."
"Exceedingly well researched and a gripping read!"
Also Available
Forged in the North
The Border Warriors: Book 1
Northumberland, 1317
Rebellion smoulders on the edge of a fractured realm.
When Sir Gilbert de Middleton turns against the Crown, the borderlands erupt in violence. Castles burn, nobles fall, and the king’s authority falters. Into this storm rides Walter de Selby, a seasoned soldier and reluctant rebel navigating treacherous alliances, ruthless enemies, and the brutal reality of medieval war.
From covert ambushes to desperate sieges, Walter’s choices will shape his fate and the future of the north itself. Based on real events, Forged in the North blends meticulous historical research with visceral storytelling, dark humour, and unforgettable characters.
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A King's Ambition: The Crécy Campaign
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The follow up to A King's Gamble.
Set during the opening years of the Hundred Years War, A King’s Ambition follows Edward III’s bold campaign into France — a sweeping and brutal incursion that would culminate in the legendary Battle of Crécy.
From the windswept coasts of Normandy to the muddy fields of Picardy, this gripping narrative traces the march of the English army as it faces overwhelming odds, dwindling supplies, and the looming threat of the French host.
Told through vivid storytelling and grounded historical insight, the book brings to life the personalities that shaped the campaign: Edward III, chasing glory and a crown; Philip VI, scrambling to hold his kingdom together; and a host of lords, archers, and foot soldiers trying to survive one of the most decisive battles in medieval history.
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Status: In Progress – Estimated Completion: Q2 2027
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Fear's Accomplice
My short story Why Always Me? appears in this highly rated Horror Anthology.​​
To buy: Amazon