About this book
Crown and Sceptre: A West Country Story by George Manville Fenn sweeps listeners into the turbulent age of the English Civil War with the salty air of Devon coombes and the creak of ancient manor doors. Fenn’s historical fiction blends adventure and travelogue as two neighboring families—the Markhams of The Hall and the Forresters of The Manor—are pulled onto opposite sides of the conflict between Cavaliers and Roundheads. At the center are Scarlett Markham and Fred Forrester, two teenage officers whose friendship, courage, and discoveries of secret passages set the stage for tense confrontations and daring escapes.
Richly atmospheric, the novel captures mid-seventeenth-century England: the politics of Parliament and crown, the rhythms of rural West Country life, and the moral tests that shape young men coming of age. Themes of loyalty, honor, and divided allegiance play out against vivid moors, hidden chambers, and the high stakes of war—without giving away the twists that make Fenn’s storytelling so satisfying.
Ideal for listeners who love historical fiction and classic young-adult adventure, or anyone drawn to travel-rich settings and spirited, character-driven tales. Listen for an immersive, fast-paced journey through a bygone England.
