Marcus Pailing

Biography

Marcus Pailing took a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology where he specialised in the history of Alexander the Great and the Successor kingdoms. Later he took a Masters degree in Medieval History, specialising this time in 12th century historical writing and the Icelandic Sagas.

He worked for a number of years in the business training industry, including a stint as a writer of e-learning courses, before training to be a teacher. He now teaches History in Leicestershire, England.

He is a keen traveller, especially in the Middle East and Central Asia, where he busies himself visiting as many ancient and medieval sites as he can. In England, he thrives on visiting medieval castles and cathedrals!

Smashwords Interview

What are you working on next?
My latest novel, 'Kingdoms in Crisis', is now available on Smashwords - a few months later than intended, unfortunately. I am pleased with the finished product, so I hope my readers will be, too.

'Kingdoms in Crisis' will be followed by 'Irondale', which continues the story in the first book to some extent, but will be OK to read as a standalone. The first draft of 'Irondale' is about 50% completed, but I have had to put it on a back-burner because of pressures at work. I hope to get back to it soon, and will be aiming for a 2016 release. I have also started working on a couple of other projects, of which more at a later date!
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
I was brought up on 'classic' children's literature. The first book I really remember was Charles Kingsley's 'The Heroes', which my father used to read to me in bed at night. I suppose it must have had a profound impact, because I grew up passionate about Greek mythology and Ancient History ... so much so that I took my university degree in Ancient History and Archaeology.

In terms of the books I was able to read for myself, my greatest loves were the re-tellings of legendary and mythical stories by such luminaries as Roger Lancelyn Green, Rosemary Sutcliffe, Henry Treece and Geoffrey Trease. Lancelyn Green's 'The Adventures of Robin Hood' was my absolute favourite book until I was around ten years old. At that time I first read 'King Solomon's Mines', which set me off on a crusade to read as much Rider Haggard as I could. Then, when I was eleven, I discovered 'The Lord of the Rings', and the rest is history!
Read more of this interview.

Where to find Marcus Pailing online

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Books

Kingdoms in Crisis
Series: The Count of Trall. Price: $1.79 USD. Words: 114,180. Language: British English. Published: October 11, 2015 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Kingdoms in Crisis sees the return of the Count of Trall. Once again he finds himself pitted against feuding nobles, vengeful princes and murderous rogues, striving to rescue Hograth from the brink of disaster.
Questions of Allegiance
Series: The Count of Trall, Book 6. Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 57,290. Language: English. Published: March 23, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
Two short stories and a novella. Derian is a stable-lad in the royal castle of Gerroch. When the King and his court arrive at Gerroch, Derian encounters the famous Count of Trall for the first time. Youthful curiosity and a lack of common sense combine to put the lad in great danger as he overhears a terrible secret.
Conspiracy of Silence
Series: The Count of Trall, Book 5. Price: Free! Words: 8,900. Language: English. Published: December 30, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Historical, Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Derian is a stable-lad in the royal castle of Gerroch. When the King and his court arrive at Gerroch, Derian encounters the famous Count of Trall for the first time. Youthful curiosity and a lack of common sense combine to put the lad in great danger as he overhears some terrible secrets.
The Withered Rose
Series: The Count of Trall, Book 4. Price: $1.49 USD. Words: 97,970. Language: English. Published: September 8, 2012 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic, Fiction » Fantasy » Historical
The daughter of a prince and niece of a king, Atela is the most eligible young woman in the kingdom of Hograth. She has always known that her husband will be chosen for her, and she trusts that her father and uncle will select a good match.
Fields of Battle
Series: Fields of Battle, Book 3 · The Count of Trall, Book 3. Price: $1.79 USD. Words: 290,420. Language: English. Published: October 30, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Two great armies clash in Gilderaen. The south of Gilderaen reels as the massive army of Hussania sweeps into Barrowgrar, in the wake of a welter of treachery, treason and assassination. The only man who can prevent total Hussanian victory is Kieldrou, the Count of Trall. Yet, with rebellion brewing back in Hograth, the outcome of the war does not seem so assured …
The Demon's Consort
Series: Fields of Battle, Book 2 · The Count of Trall, Book 2. Price: $1.49 USD. Words: 150,960. Language: English. Published: October 29, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
Deep in the heart of the Great Og dwells a mysterious sect known as the Brotherhood of Sheoleth. The priests of this cult have been following the Count of Trall, pursuing a centuries old feud. When the priests of Sheoleth strike, Kieldrou must leave the fate of the southern kingdoms for a while, choosing instead to follow his devil-worshiping foes, even if it leads to his death.
The Death of Kings
Series: Fields of Battle, Book 1 · The Count of Trall, Book 1. Price: $1.79 USD. Words: 250,510. Language: English. Published: October 29, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Fantasy » Epic
In the northern kingdom of Luourn the young king, Raegin, languishes in a dungeon, his throne usurped by his own kinsman, Rothgar. Saved from a lingering death by a loyal friend, Raegin escapes from his stolen kingdom and seeks refuge on the island of Trall. From there, Raegin must face some startling revelations, and a journey beset by danger,before he can finally return to reclaim his kingdom.