David Wragg – författare

Dark, thrilling, and hilarious, The Black Hawks is an epic adventure perfect for fans of Joe Abercrombie and Scott Lynch. Life as a knight is not what Vedren Chel imagined. Bound by oath to a dead-end job in the service of a lazy step-uncle, Chel no longer dreams of glory – he dreams of going home.When invaders throw the kingdom into turmoil, Chel finds opportunity in the chaos: if he escorts a stranded prince to safety, Chel will be released from his oath.All he has to do is drag the brat from one side of the country to the other, through war and wilderness, chased all the way by ruthless assassins.With killers on your trail, you need killers watching your back. You need the Black Hawk Company – mercenaries, fighters without equal, a squabbling, scrapping pack of rogues.Prepare to join the Black Hawks.

Rejoin fantasy’s most deadly and dysfunctional mercenaries in the sequel to debut sensation THE BLACK HAWKS. Bound by oath and honour, Vedren Chel found himself drawn to the heart of a deadly rebellion. With him stood the mercenaries of the Black Hawk Company, who were only ever in it for the money.But the uprising failed. Now, Chel and the sell-sword Rennic languish in prison, watching as their comrades are taken one by one for execution.A daring escape will set them free, but with the combined forces of vengeful church and voracious crown arrayed against them, Chel and the Black Hawks must embark on a desperate search for new allies.Journeying from frozen wastes to towering cities, from drug-riddled fleapits to opulent palaces, THE RIGHTEOUS is the thrilling and riotous second adventure from one of fantasy’s most exciting new voices.

Book one of the thrilling new fantasy series from David Wragg, acclaimed author of THE BLACK HAWKS. She’s on the run. They’re out to kill. But what happens when you catch a hunter? Ree is a woman with a violent past – a past she thought she’d left behind. After years of wandering, she and her niece Javani have finally built a small life for themselves at the edge of the known world.But sometimes the past refuses to stay there, and Ree’s is about to catch up with her. This time, there will be blood.For the land is in turmoil and professional killers have arrived in their town looking for an older woman and child, setting off a desperate chase through deserts, mountains, and mines. Ree will have to discover her former self if she is to keep them both alive. From a master of modern fantasy comes a new thrilling trilogy, full of intrigue, bloodthirsty stakes – and a heroine who just won’t quit.

Full of David Wragg’s unique blend of humour, heart, and high stakes, The Company of the Wolf is the epic next instalment in the Tales of the Plains trilogy.Seeking a better life, Ree and Javani have travelled west into the mountains, and left their pasts – and their troubles – behind. But new places bring new problems, and when they stumble across a lone traveller under bandit attack, they make the mistake of lending a hand.Forced to take refuge in the traveller's village, they quickly find allies among the lush, wooded hills. But then the true nature of the bandits is revealed.With winter approaching and a vengeful company of mercenaries circling like wolves, Ree and Javani must uncover the secrets of this peaceful valley … or risk the ruin of it all."Gritty, sharp, and yet criminally funny!" Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book Eaters"Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for." Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn"A tale full of heart: heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure. I love Wragg's wild, western-inspired world and its rabble of humorously and sensitively crafted characters, the kind that keep you company long after reading." Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle"A story about growing up, growing old, dreams, betrayal, greed and consequences, all wrapped up in a neat package of action and tied off with a perky bow of banter. I enjoyed hating the villain almost as much as I enjoyed rooting for Ree and Javani." Peter Newman, Gemmell Award-winning author of The Vagrant and The Deathless

Full of David Wragg’s unique blend of humour, heart, and high stakes, The Company of the Wolf is the epic next instalment in the Tales of the Plains trilogy.Seeking a better life, Ree and Javani have travelled west into the mountains, and left their pasts – and their troubles – behind. But new places bring new problems, and when they stumble across a lone traveller under bandit attack, they make the mistake of lending a hand.Forced to take refuge in the traveller's village, they quickly find allies among the lush, wooded hills. But then the true nature of the bandits is revealed.With winter approaching and a vengeful company of mercenaries circling like wolves, Ree and Javani must uncover the secrets of this peaceful valley … or risk the ruin of it all."Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for." Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn"A tale full of heart: heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure. I love Wragg's wild, western-inspired world and its rabble of humorously and sensitively crafted characters, the kind that keep you company long after reading." Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle"A story about growing up, growing old, dreams, betrayal, greed and consequences, all wrapped up in a neat package of action and tied off with a perky bow of banter. I enjoyed hating the villain almost as much as I enjoyed rooting for Ree and Javani." Peter Newman, Gemmell Award-winning author of The Vagrant and The Deathless

The epic finale to the unmissable Tales of the Plains trilogy from the master of modern fantasy, David Wragg. Rebellion’s about the journey, not the destination. 'This explosive trilogy closer is a masterclass in humour and heart; sandwiched around one of the most exciting, non-stop action set pieces in recent memory are emotional beats that destroyed me and quips I wish I could write. David Wragg is everything glorious about modern fantasy.' Ed Crocker, author of Lightfall 'The hilarious and heartbreaking conclusion to The Tales of the Plains brings Ree and Javani's story to an epic, incredible conclusion. Full of all the heart, hope, and horrible deaths you'd expect, with a hefty dose of pathos for good measure. A must read – and must reread – series from a great modern voice in fantasy.'Anna Stephens, author of The Songs of the Drowned Ree is at war. Determined to free the townships from the Guild's larcenous rule, she can’t take her eyes off victory. Not now, with the scent of blood in the air. Not for her consort, not even for her kid.Javani is ready for her own adventures. She’s no longer a child and determined to blaze her own trail, even if that means leaving Ree behind.With rebellion stirring, the past Ree's been running from and the future Javani’s striving for will collide. As tensions rise between mother and daughter, Guild and rebels – and with the fate of the Plains on the line – all that's certain is an explosive finale on the Iron Road.Praise for the Tales of the Plains series:'Gritty, sharp, and yet criminally funny!' Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book Eaters'Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for' Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn'Heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure' Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle

The epic new finale to the unmissable Tales of the Plains trilogy from the master of modern fantasy, David Wragg. Rebellion's about the journey, not the destination.

The epic finale to the unmissable Tales of the Plains trilogy from the master of modern fantasy, David Wragg. Rebellion’s about the journey, not the destination. 'This explosive trilogy closer is a masterclass in humour and heart; sandwiched around one of the most exciting, non-stop action set pieces in recent memory are emotional beats that destroyed me and quips I wish I could write. David Wragg is everything glorious about modern fantasy.' Ed Crocker, author of Lightfall 'The hilarious and heartbreaking conclusion to The Tales of the Plains brings Ree and Javani's story to an epic, incredible conclusion. Full of all the heart, hope, and horrible deaths you'd expect, with a hefty dose of pathos for good measure. A must read – and must reread – series from a great modern voice in fantasy.'Anna Stephens, author of The Songs of the Drowned Ree is at war. Determined to free the townships from the Guild's larcenous rule, she can’t take her eyes off victory. Not now, with the scent of blood in the air. Not for her consort, not even for her kid.Javani is ready for her own adventures. She’s no longer a child and determined to blaze her own trail, even if that means leaving Ree behind.With rebellion stirring, the past Ree's been running from and the future Javani’s striving for will collide. As tensions rise between mother and daughter, Guild and rebels – and with the fate of the Plains on the line – all that's certain is an explosive finale on the Iron Road.Praise for the Tales of the Plains series:'Gritty, sharp, and yet criminally funny!' Sunyi Dean, Sunday Times bestselling author of The Book Eaters'Wragg's brand of fantasy deserves its own name: grassroots fantasy. Small in scale, large in heart, with underdog heroes you can't help but root for' Amber A. Logan, author of The Secret Garden of Yanagi Inn'Heart warming, wrenching and stopping in equal measure' Cari Thomas, Sunday Times bestselling author of Threadneedle

The daring British air raid that inspired the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.In November 1940 Britain was isolated in its stand against Nazi Germany and its ally, Italy. The country could not afford to lose control of the Mediterranean, but the Royal Navy was already overstretched by the U-boat war and the threat of invasion. Italy's fleet of modern battleships presented a grave threat to our communications with Egypt and the Suez Canal.On the night of 11 November 1940, 42 members of the Fleet Air Arm took off in 21 obsolete 'Swordfish' biplanes, launched from HMS Illustrious. Their target: the Italian fleet anchorage at Taranto. Pressing home their attack in the face of intense anti-aircraft fire and searchlights, they torpedoed and sank three battleships. Incredibly, all but two of the biplanes survived. The Italian fleet was crippled and the world took note that Britain was far from defeated. No-one was more impressed than the Japanese, who noted how a fleet in harbour could be demolished by air attack.In this new account of the Royal Navy's most daring operation of the Second World War, David Wragg draws on British and Italian records as well as interviews with the aircrew, to tell the full story of a night that changed the course of the war.

How much can you really find out about the War at Sea during the First World War in five minutes? This handy little history book will surpass all your expectations and leave you well versed on all you wish to know, and maybe even a little bit more… Which was stronger, the German or British navy? What was the biggest battle? Who were the heroes? Who led the navies? And how successful were they? Jam-packed with facts, stats and first-hand accounts of the action, all woven together in an accessible way by an expert in the field, this 5 Minute History is a valuable addition to anyone’s bookshelf, ready to be delved into at a moment’s notice.

The London Midland & Scottish Railway was the largest of the Big Four railway companies to emerge from the 1923 grouping. It was the only one to operate in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as having two short stretches of line in the Irish Republic. It was also the world’s largest railway shipping operator and owned the greatest number of railway hotels. Mainly a freight railway, it still boasted the best carriages, and the work of chief engineer Sir William Stanier influenced the first locomotive and carriage designs for the nationalised British railways. Packed with facts and figures as well as historical narrative, this extensively illustrated book is a superb reference source that will be of interest to all railway enthusiasts.

For many the GWR was synonymous with holidays by the sea in the West Country, but it was built to serve as a fast railway line to London, especially for the merchants and financiers of Bristol. Its operations stretched as far as Merseyside, it provided most services in Wales, and it was the main line to Cardiff, Bristol, Cornwall and Birmingham. This book, a classic first published in 2006, reveals the equipment, stations, network, shipping and air services, bus operations including Western National, and overall reach and history of the GWR. Forming part of a series, along with The LMS Handbook, The LNER Handbook and The Southern Railway Handbook, this new edition provides an authoritative and highly detailed reference of information about the GWR.

Renowned for its express locomotive Mallard setting a world speed record (126mph) for steam locomotives that endures to this day, the London & North Eastern Railway was the second largest of the ‘Big Four’ railway companies to emerge from the 1923 grouping and also the most diverse, with its prestigious high-speed trains from King’s Cross balanced by an intensive suburban and commuter service from Liverpool Street and a high dependence on freight. Noted for its cautious board and thrifty management, the LNER gained a reputation for being poor but honest. Forming part of a series, along with The GWR Handbook, The LMS Handbook and The Southern Railway Handbook, this new edition provides an authoritative and highly detailed reference of information about the LNER.

The Southern Railway may not have been the most glamorous of the ‘Big Four’ companies that emerged from the grouping of 1923, but it was the great innovator. In the 1930s the Southern pioneered the first main-line electrification and created the largest electrified suburban railway network in the world. It was also one of the few to offer regular departures and the first to run true international services, introducing the ‘Night Ferry’ through-trains from London to Paris using special ferries. Forming part of a series, along with The GWR Handbook, The LMS Handbook and The LNER Handbook, this new edition provides an authoritative and highly detailed reference of information about the Southern Railway.

Long-awaited, the Normandy landings were the largest amphibious operation in history. Success was achieved by the advent of specialised landing craft, heavy naval firepower and the creation of two artificial harbours and an underwater pipeline. Operation Neptune: The Prelude to D-Day tells the story of this incredible feat using eyewitness accounts of the landings and the breaching of Hitler’s famed ‘Atlantic Wall’.David Wragg explores the earlier Allied and Axis experiences with amphibious operations and the planning for Neptune and Overlord. He reveals the naval support needed once the armies were ashore and before continental ports could be captured and cleared of mines, with operations such as minesweeping off the Normandy coast, which led to one of the worst ‘friendly fire’ incidents of the war. This is the must-read book to understand what made D-Day possible.

The London, Midland & Scottish Railway (LMS) claimed to be the largest private enterprise concern in the British Empire. It was Britain’s largest steam railway and the only one to operate in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, as well as having two short stretches of line in the Irish Republic. It was the world’s largest owner of railway hotels and the world’s largest railway shipping operator. Mainly a steam railway, it had a significant electric service out of Euston in London, and on Merseyside and Manchester. One of the leaders in diesel shunting locomotives, the company was a pioneer of using mechanical handling equipment, including large coaling towers. The LMS was mainly a freight railway, but it was still able to boast the best railway carriages, even on suburban services, where there was more legroom than was offered by other companies. Full of little-known facts, illustrated throughout and including a useful timeline, The LMS Story is the latest addition to this successful series.

The steam locomotive was a British invention and even today, the world speed record for steam remains with a British locomotive, Mallard. Steam’s first significant contribution to British industry was through powering pumping engines for mines. When steam was applied to the railways, the ‘railway age’ began. The steam locomotive went through several distinct phases during its long life, which came to an end on regular service in the late 1960s. The early phase was followed by the trend for large single driving wheels, then compound locomotives with connected driving wheels once steel became strong enough for the connecting rods. Further developments included tank engines that could run equally well forwards and backwards; the 4-6-0 and 4-6-2 expresses; the passion for speed records and streamlining; and the standardisation years of British Railways. This insightful, fully illustrated story book follows the history of the steam locomotive and will delight all those interested in the steam age.

The strategic importance of Malta sitting astride both the Axis and Allied supply routes in the Mediterranean was obvious to both sides during WW2. As a result the Island became the focal point in a prolonged and dreadful struggle that cost the lives of thousands of servicemen and civilians. After setting the scene for the action, this book tells the story of the Island's stand against the might of the Axis powers that led to the unprecedented award of the George Cross to the whole by King George VI. It not only covers the struggle by the British and Maltese forces on the ground but the vicious fighting in the skies above. At one point the Island's only aircraft were the three antiquated Gloster Gladiators, nicknamed Faith, Hope and Charity. Then of course there was the naval effort to run convoys through with essential supplies not just of war material and oil but food for the starving population. The losses endured were appalling but repeated attempts to run the gauntlet had to be made. This was indeed a great siege involving every man and women on the Island.David Wragg tells the story using many first hand accounts and yet skilfully explains the strategic situation. The result is an inspiring book worthy of the courage shown by the Islanders and their defenders.

In 1914, the Royal Navy was the largest in the world, as the 'two power standard' meant that it had to be equal to the combined strength of any two other fleets. Yet, the Royal Navy had also suffered from almost a century without war. This handbook tells the story of how the 'Senior Service' adapted to the demands of war.

Today, there are so many airlines operating throughout the world that even the most knowledgeable enthusiast can soon become confused as to which airline flies from where to where. David Wragg provides over 500 entries listed in alphabetical order by country, describing every airline comprising more than five aircrafts with more than 19 seats, or equivalent cargo capacity. For each nation, he includes: civil aviation history, airline name, history, bases, aircraft operated, routes flown and data on passenger numbers and cargo tonnage flown annually. This is an invaluable reference source for the general reader, aviation enthusiasts and those working in the aviation industry.

'Jacky' Fisher (1841-1920) was a man with a mission: to prepare the Royal Navy that he loved so much and that had been his life for war. He saw war in Europe as inevitable and incredibly predicted accurately the date when war would break out.An enthusiast for change, Fisher knew that the Royal Navy was fast losing its superiority over the Germans, with a massive reserve of old and hopelessly antiquated ships held ready in case of war, but aptly described by Fisher as 'unable to fight or run away'. Instead, he set out to impose on the Royal Navy his philosophy of the all-big-gun battleship, the 'dreadnought', while also recognising that the future of warfare at sea lay in underwater weapons and in the air.In Fisher: The Admiral who Reinvented the Royal Navy, David Wragg examines Fisher's life and work, his ambitions and plans, his relationships with those around him, and the legacy he bequeathed to the Royal Navy. The book will be invaluable to those interested in maritime history and strategy, and especially that of the First World War and the plans that were made for it.

The role of the bomber has proved to be on of the most controversial aspects of twentieth-century warfare. Bombers tells the story of the bomber with a blend of narrative and personal accounts, recording the history of the principle bombing raids and the skill and courage of those who flew them. David Wragg begins with a brief overview of the origins of the concept of aerial bombardment, which astonishingly go back several thousand years. He then describes the early raids of the First World War and the use of the bomber between the wars by the Germans in the Spanish Civil War, the Italians in Abyssinia and by the Japanese in China. The Second World War marked the massive deployment of the bomber by the main combatants as a major tactical and strategic weapon and, bringing this in-depth study up to date, Wragg examines the United States controversial campaign of extensive bombing in Vietnam during the 1960s and 70s. He also discusses whether, with the growing use of cruise missiles, the manned bomber may soon be the first element of air power to be made redundant in this age of high technology. Fully illustrated with a wide selection of photographs, Bombers will appeal to all with an interest in this key weapon of twentieth-century warfare.

From the American Civil War onwards, railways have been an important aspect of war. So important were the railways that in the First World War, the state took control of the railways, and then repeated this exercise in the Second World War. Wartime on the Railways describes the part played by Britain's railways during the Second World War, dealing not simply with operational matters or the impact of enemy actions on the railways, but also looking at financial arrangements, the part played by railway workshops in producing equipment for the military, the wartime experience of the railways' ships, with the narrative augmented by personal accounts from railwaymen, and women as the war years saw much change.The book includes chapters on the railways during the final years of peace, and on each of the 'Big Four' companies, London Transport's underground system, the impact of wartime restrictions on travel and scheduling, the role of the railway workshops, and ports and shipping, as many railway ships were lost during the battle for France and at Dunkirk.