One of the most successful German Protestant generals, Bernhard was extremely influential during the middle part of the war, especially in the years following Gustav Adolf’s death in battle. He’s also an intriguing and somewhat controversial figure, and another one …

Major Player: Bernhard of Weimar Read more »

For someone who was involved in the Thirty Years War a mere two years, Gustav Adolf left an oversized impression. But that was par for for course for a man who spent his life virtually racing from one unqualified success …

Major Player: Gustav II Adolf, King of Sweden Read more »

It’s been a while since I’ve done one of these posts, but now that I’m in the process of editing Valley of the Shadow, it’s time to start introducing some of the new characters and the historical figures they’re based …

Major Player: Christian IV of Denmark Read more »

The fantasy version of this guy wasn’t going to come into play until the second book, but he’s just too much fun to leave out. Christian, Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg and Bishop of Halberstadt, was the same age as Frederick and …

Major Player: Christian of Brunswick Read more »

The mere mention of musketeers brings to mind attractive men wearing large hats, tall boots and fighting with swords. And yet, we are not here just to stare at pictures of such. Although it was a hazard of my “research.” …

Badass of the Month: Musketeers Read more »

Since the majority of my main characters are based on historical figures, I thought I’d profile some of them, and then let you figure out who’s who. No, actually I’ll totally hit you over the head with the who’s who. …

Major Player: Ferdinand II, Holy Roman Emperor Read more »