Jack Ludlow Books In Order

Publication Order of Conquest Trilogy Books

Publication Order of Contraband Shore Books

Publication Order of Crusades Trilogy Books

Publication Order of John Pearce Books

Publication Order of The Last Roman Trilogy Books

Publication Order of Midshipman Wormwood Books

Publication Order of Nelson and Emma Books

Publication Order of Privateersman Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Republic Books

Publication Order of Road to War Books

Publication Order of SAS Boat Troop Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Writing under a variety of different pseudonyms, the Scottish writer of largely nautical historical novels David Donachie, writes from an informed perspective, something which definitely shows within his writing. Producing stories of camaraderie and derring-do on the open seas, he definitely knows the codes and conventions of his genre, something which he plays with over the course of his novels and their narratives. He is also known for his unique take on history, as he has managed to provide an insight into such eras as the Roman era, as he mainly focuses on the Roman Republic, along with his fascination in the nautical history of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. This passion for history is what has lead to him becoming one of the most prolific authors currently working within the industry to date, with a whole host of long-running series and novels behind him. It is not just his attention to detail, though, that has the critics talking, but also his passion for character development and how people overcome particular hardships and obstacles throughout their lives. Writing under the pen-names of ‘Tom Connery’, whereby he writes about the Naval Marines, as well as ‘Johnny ‘Two Combs’ Howard’, which he largely uses to focus on more contemporary SAS fare. One pseudonym that he’s particularly well known for is ‘Jack Ludlow’, which he mainly uses to write about the Roman Republic at the rise of the Caesars. Creating five different series under this particular name, he has produced perhaps his most extensive backlog of work to date under this specific name. Featuring not just history, but adventure and action too, he really takes the reader on a journey into another world filled with danger and excitement, as well as detail. Despite its period setting, he also ensures that his characters have fully developed personalities, along with arcs that progress over the course of the novels, as they are easy to relate to for the reader whoever they are.

Early and Personal Life

Born in Edinburgh in 1944, the future writer to be David Donachie, aka Jack Ludlow, was born and raised with a strong passion for the written word. With a love of both reading and writing he would come to harness his passion for literature over the years, as he’d focus himself on his writing, developing both his style and tone. Over the years he would also come to educate himself to a high standard, getting a background in history, something which he would take into his writing, giving it an extra degree of authenticity and realism throughout.

Going through a variety of jobs prior to becoming a full-time writer, he would gain a vast amount of experience, all of which he would put back into his work. This would allow him to become one of the most versatile voices working within the industry to date, as he sharpened a style that would be replicated for years to follow. Currently living in Deal with his wife the novelist Sarah Grazebrook and their two children, he still writes full-time to this very day, as it appears that there’s plenty of books still yet to come on into the foreseeable future.

Writing Career

Bringing out his first book in 2007 under the Jack Ludlow name, Donachie introduced readers to his Ludlow brand of fiction with the title ‘The Pillars of Rome’. Not only would this be the first book under this pseudonym, but it would also mark the first in his ‘Republic’ series of novels, which would also come to make his name. With five series in total written under Ludlow, he would also bring out the ‘Conquest’ trilogy, the ‘Road to War’ series, the ‘Crusades’ trilogy and the ‘Last Roman’ trilogy too.

With a strong interest in history and the nautical, Donachie mainly focuses on history for his Jack Ludlow novels, setting aside a brand that is primarily oriented towards Romans. Highly regarded by both the critics and the general public alike, he has had a high level of success over the course of his writing career that many other writers aspire to. Gaining worldwide recognition he has managed to garner acclaim from all across the globe due to the universality of his themes and ideas, something which shall continue for many years to come yet.

The Gods of War

Brought out through the ‘Allison and Busby’ publishing label, this was first released in 2008 on the 1st of November to much acclaim, both critically and commercially. Finishing the ‘Republic’ trilogy of books, this would mark the third title in the ongoing series, charting a period of time set during the history of Rome. Developing all the characters as well as building upon the world itself, it would further establish both the style and tone of the franchise overall, creating a conclusion that would appease its many fans from all across the world.

Mourning the death of their most powerful senator, the entire nation Rome is dealing with the passing of Lucius Falerius, as his son, Marcellus, takes the reigns of his ever important legacy. Looking to restore the rights of the Sicilian slaves, he wants to ensure that their Rome gives them what they promised, something which many within the establishment aren’t willing to compromise on at all. It also appears that there is trouble brewing on the Roman borders, as there is a threat by the Celts currently underway, with legions heading north in order to effectively neutralize it. Will Marcellus succeed? Can he guarantee some relative freedom for the slaves? Just who are the gods of war?

Hawkwood

Released through the ‘Allison and Busby’ publishing label once again, this was initially published in 2016 on the 19th of May as a stand-alone title. Telling its own story it’s one of the only books under the Jack Ludlow name that isn’t connected to any larger series, giving an entirely self-contained narrative. Historical once again too, it manages to fully utilize many of the hallmarks of the unique brand of fiction that the Ludlow brand has come to be highly regarded for.

Not returning to England after following King Edward III into battle, Hawkwood decides to remain abroad. Joining up with other assorted longbow men, they all plan to lay waste to France and Italy. That’s when them and the rest of the mercanaries hear of a large sum of money being transported and decide to take it for themselves. Will they succeed? Can they emerge victorious? What will become of Hawkwood?