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Ian Ross was born in England, and studied painting before turning to writing fiction. After a year in Italy teaching English and exploring the ruins of empire reawakened his early love for history, he returned to the UK with a fascination for the period known as late antiquity. His six-novel 'Twilight of Empire' series, set in the late Roman world, was published in the UK and worldwide between 2015 and 2019. More recently, he has turned his attentions to the medieval period, and in particular the tumultuous era of mid 13th Century England. He has been researching and writing historical fiction for over a decade, and his interests combine an obsessive regard for accuracy and detail with a devotion to the craft of storytelling. He lives in Bath, and travels widely.
Battle Song is stirring, evocative and richly immersive * Ben Kane * Ross's writing is both muscular and poetic, with immaculate representation of the era's gritty truths * Anthony Riches * Brutal times, rich in history, compellingly told. Great characters, wonderful historical detail and a hero who earns his spurs the hard way. A page turning winner * David Gilman * I loved the characters of Adam de Norton and Robert de Dunstanville. Despite being absolutely men of their own time with all that entails, they were appealing to a modern reader, without crossing that line and ever becoming modern people in fancy dress. The take on the Jewish situation was interesting and engaging, and the love interest was well realised too. The tournaments were brilliantly brought to life with chivalry and the pragmatism of reality juxtaposed. The battle scenes were powerful and visceral, but well woven into the whole so that they didn't unbalance the novel. I think this novel will attract both male and female readers. It has enough heart and emotional interest to engage those who aren't reading for endless pages of bash and slash, but enough gutsy material to satisfy the fight-orientated readers! Definitely one of my historical reads of the year. * Elizabeth Chadwick * Breathtaking in its attention to detail, Battle Song exudes authenticity as Ross brings the world of the 13th century to exciting, vivid, colourful life. With a perfect balance of rich historical atmosphere and a galloping pace, I couldn't put it down. Ian Ross's Roman books are great, but this is even better. Simply put Battle Song is wonderful and the best book I've read in a long time * Matthew Harffy * Such skilful writing, engaging storyline, brilliant characterisation and a thrilling ride alongside thirteenth century knights plunging headlong into chivalry and adventure. Echoes of this superbly researched and beautifully recounted story set during the thirteenth century de Montfort rebellion against the Crown will stay with me for a very long time. I was right there galloping amongst the colourful banners, captivated by Ross's vivid narration and completely caught in time within the pages of an unforgettable novel. Superb storytelling. Faultless research . An excellent, vivid and gripping Historical novel. I loved it * Carol McGrath * Another superb tale of chivalry, heartbreak and glory from the pen of a master . . . The telling of this tale embroils you in the finer detail of what life was like at the time in fascinating, brutal detail and immediately draws you into their world. It is a window into the past yet leads you with a subtle hand and within the first few pages, you find yourself living the journey alongside our heroes. The thrill of success, the disappointment of failure, the hardship of existence from pauper to king, all are experienced in vivid yet subtle detail from the first page to the last . . . I didn't simply read this book, I lived it, and I loved it * K.M. Ashman * An exciting and authentic novel of the Middle Ages; its tournaments and battles, politics and emotions. Hugely enjoyable. Like all good fiction, it leaves you wanting more * Harry Sidebottom *
