[Free eBook] Island of Shadows by Peter Tremayne [Irish Mythological Fantasy]

Island of Shadows by British author Peter Tremayne, perhaps best known as the author of the popular Sister Fidelma historical mystery series, is his standalone mythological historical fantasy novel, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press’ Venture imprint.

This was originally published in 1991 by Mandarin. The story is set in ancient Ireland, and loosely based upon a portion of the Ulster Cycle of classic Irish mythology.

This tells a tale about the early life of Scottish warrior woman Scáthach, who was teacher to the Irish hero Cú Chulainn, as she journeys to discover her mysterious past and also obtain revenge, after the adoptive father who raised her from a foundling babe is murdered by distinctively-marked strangers.

Offered worldwide, available at Amazon.

[Free eBook] Greenwode by J. Tullos Hennig [Historical Folklore Fantasy]

Greenwode by J. Tullos Hennig is 1st novel in her The Wode series of folklore-based historical fantasy with m/m romantic elements, free for a limited time courtesy of LGBT specialty publisher Dreamspinner Press’ DSP Publications imprint.

The series takes places in a reimagined druidic Robin Hood analogue of Merrie Olde England circa the 12th century, where the new Church clashes with the old pagan gods. This story sets up the future adventures of peasant siblings Rob and Marion, who will become champions of the old religion, of whom brother Rob is prophesied to become the sworn enemy of a devout nobleman’s son of the new religion who will battle him for an important avatar of the titular “greenwode”, but who instead tries to circumvent said prophecy by making love, not war, a tactic that may not work nearly as well as he hopes.

Offered in most regions worldwide, available at multiple retailers (some DRM-free), as a promotion for the upcoming release of the 4th novel.

[Free eBook] Broken Stone by Richard Monaco [Arthurian Historical Fantasy]

Broken Stone by Richard Monaco, a two-time finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, is the 2nd novel in his Leitus Sixtus duology of Arthurian-inspired historical adventure fantasy, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press’ Venture Press imprint.

This was originally published in 1985 by Ace Books. The duology is set in ancient Rome during the days when Britain was part of the Roman Empire and incorporates elements of Arthurian fantasy lore, starring an exiled Roman warrior and a Briton former slave girl with a special destiny. This volume wraps up their adventures, taking them on a further journey into the world of hidden Druidic magic as well as the farther reaches of the Empire, teaming them up with allies and enemies against a greater evil in a final confrontation.

Offered worldwide, available at Amazon.

[Free eBook] Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente [Russian Folktale Historical Fantasy]

Deathless by Catherynne M. Valente, a recipient of the Mythopoeic and James Tiptree, Jr. Award, is her standalone historical mythological fantasy novel, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Tor Books.

The story is a combination of Russian folklore and history, resetting the traditional fairy tale of Koschei the Deathless into the 20th century Russian Revolution.

Offered through April 16th, available in Canada & the US directly from the publisher as their Free Book of the Month Club selection.

[Free eBook] Raven of Destiny by Peter Tremayne [Irish Mythological Fantasy]

Raven of Destiny by British author Peter Tremayne, perhaps best known as the author of the popular Sister Fidelma historical mystery series, is his standalone mythological historical adventure fantasy novel, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press’ Venture imprint.

This was originally published in 1984 by Methuen. The story is set in ancient Ireland and loosely based on the mythology of the Ulster Cycle. This tale stars a young warrior under legendary King Conchobar Mac Nessa (of Deirdre of the Sorrows fame) who finds himself exiled for breaking an oath and embarking on an adventurous quest to regain his honour.

Offered worldwide, available at Amazon.

[Free eBook] The Golden Horde by Peter Morwood [Russian Folklore Historical Fantasy]

The Golden Horde by Irish author Peter Morwood is the 3rd novel in his Tales of Old Russia trilogy of historical adventure fantasy drawing upon Russian folklore, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press’ Venture imprint.

This was originally published in 1993 by Legend. The series is set in a fantasy version of historical Russia sometime during the 13th or 14th centuries, starring the popular folkloric hero Ivan Tsarevich. This installment sees the various Princes of the land joining forces against the historical Golden Horde of the nomadic Tatars, hoping to hold off the invaders with ancient dark magic which may prove the doom of them all.

Offered worldwide, available at Amazon.

[Free eBook] Runes by Richard Monaco [Roman Arthurian Historical Fantasy]

Runes by Richard Monaco, a Pulitzer Prize finalist for two of his other Arthurian fantasy novels, is the 1st novel in his Leitus Sixtus duology of historical adventure fantasy novels with Arthurian elements, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press’ Venture imprint.

This was originally published in 1984 by Ace Books. The series is set across the ancient Roman Empire, with this installment mostly taking place in Roman Britain and making use of lore from the classic Arthurian legends. This installment co-stars a Roman noble scion who has been falsely accused of a terrible crime by a malicious enemy, and a native Briton slave girl whose descendants are prophesied to have a great destiny, as they join forces against the evil which is revealed to them when they begin to access the hidden magical druidic world.

Offered worldwide, available at Amazon.

[Free eBook] Cinnabar by Graham Diamond [Arabian Folklore Adventure Fantasy]

Cinnabar by British author Graham Diamond is his standalone historical fantasy adventure novel based on Arabian folklore, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press’ Venture imprint.

This was originally published in 1985 by Fawcett as part of their Gold Medal line. The story stars off in a historical version of the city of Basra in Iraq, probably during later-medieval times when international exploration and trade had become more widespread The hero, Aladdin (who may or may not be encountering a helpful genie along the way), attempts to rescue the kidnapped fiancée of his friend the Sultan, embarking on a perilous and mysterious quest to a fabled faraway magical land in the company of his European sailor friends.

Offered worldwide, available at Amazon.

[Free eBook] Marrakesh: The Omnibus by Graham Diamond [Arabian Folklore Adventure Fantasy]

Marrakesh: The Omnibus: Books 1-2 by British author Graham Diamond is an omnibus edition of two of his fantasy adventure novels based upon Arabian folklore and history, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Endeavour Press’ Venture imprint.

These were originally published in 1981 & 1983 by Fawcett’s Gold Medal imprint. The setting is a magical version of the city of Marrakesh in Morocco, and while both novels take place there, they are otherwise unrelated standalones which can be read separately. Marrakesh is based upon the folktale of “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves” from the classic 1001 Nights aka Arabian Nights collection, and the heroine is a descendant who embarks upon a quest for a fabled magical treasure. Marrakesh Nights is based on history which has become legend, as the heroine finds herself the key to defeating the Assassins (who were feared during their heyday from the time of the Crusades up until the Mongol invasion) who are led by the Old Man of the Mountain.

Offered worldwide, available at Amazon.

[Free eBook] The Dark Days Club by Alison Goodman [YA Historical Urban Fantasy]

The Dark Days Club by Australian author Alison Goodman, a recipient of the Aurealis Award and a Tiptree Award honouree, is 1st novel in her Lady Helen trilogy of YA Regency historical urban fantasy, free for a limited time courtesy of publisher Walker Books.

This is also known as Lady Helen and the Dark Days Club, which was used by its original Australian publisher Angus & Robertson, and is being made free to promote the upcoming release of the 2nd novel The Dark Days Pact, due in January. The series is set in a magical version of the 19th century British Regency. This installment sees the debut of the heroine as she enters not only into London society for her first Season, but also the deeper, darker, and no less dangerous underworld of the supernatural.

Offered in the UK, Europe, and many other regions worldwide except North America, available at multiple retailers.