The Year of Three Kings: A Story of War, History and Giving Back
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Set during one of the most turbulent periods in British history, The Year of Three Kings is a gripping historical adventure set against the final, violent years of the Wars of the Roses.
In 1483, the English crown passed in rapid succession from Edward IV to his young son Edward V, and then to Richard III. Against this backdrop of political uncertainty, shifting loyalties and conflict, the novel follows Robert, a young Scottish adventurer caught between loyalty to his clan and the ambitions of powerful rulers.
Robert’s journey takes him across a dangerous medieval Britain, involving secret missions, stolen gold, attempted assassinations and a failed rebellion in Wales. When a duchess is placed in danger, Robert finds himself risking everything to rescue her, navigating a world where alliances can change quickly and survival often depends on knowing who to trust.
Blending historical events with an action-packed fictional story, The Year of Three Kings brings the political and military upheaval of 1483 vividly to life. It is a story of courage, loyalty, betrayal and survival, rooted in the known history of the period.
The novel has already received praise from figures with considerable experience of military history. Sir Kevin Tebbit, former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Defence, described it as an enthralling novel that brings an important and little-understood chapter of history to light, while Justin Maciejewski DSO MBE, Director of the National Army Museum, praised its combination of detailed research and storytelling. -
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Supporting Combat Stress
There is another important reason why The Year of Three Kings deserves attention.
All royalties from the book during its first year of publication are being generously donated to Combat Stress, the UK charity dedicated to supporting the mental health of veterans.
Combat Stress has been supporting former service personnel for more than a century. Founded in 1919, the charity was established at a time when the psychological impact of military service was poorly understood. Today, its work focuses on helping veterans dealing with the effects of military trauma, including conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression.
The charity provides specialist mental health treatment and support to veterans from every service and conflict. Its services include evidence-based psychological therapies, occupational therapy and psychiatric care, alongside peer and family support where appropriate. Support is available both online and in person through its regional services.
Importantly, Combat Stress recognises that the impact of military service can be different for every individual. Its treatment is therefore tailored to the needs and circumstances of each veteran, with veterans involved in decisions about the support they receive.
The charity also provides support beyond clinical treatment. Its Veterans Recovery Network offers opportunities for veterans to connect with others who understand their experiences, through community-based and virtual peer support. Family support and self-help resources are also available.
For veterans who are unsure whether they need help, Combat Stress emphasises that they do not need to have all the answers before making contact. Its free Helpline is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, providing a place to talk and find out what support may be available.
Free Combat Stress Helpline: 0800 138 1619
Text: 07537 173683
More information about the charity and the support it provides can be found on the Combat Stress website.The world depicted in The Year of Three Kings is one shaped by conflict, military ambition, loyalty and the consequences of war. While the story takes place more than 500 years ago, its themes of courage, service and the human cost of conflict remain relevant.
By donating all royalties from the first year of publication to Combat Stress, The Year of Three Kings is able to support an organisation working with veterans today.
For readers who enjoy historical fiction, the novel offers an exciting journey into the Wars of the Roses and one of the most dramatic years in medieval British history. For those looking for a book with an additional purpose, purchasing The Year of Three Kings during its first year also helps support the work of Combat Stress and its commitment to helping veterans recover from service-related trauma.
As Major General Charles Vyvyan, CB, CBE, says of the novel:
“Full of colour and energy, and hugely enjoyable.”
The Year of Three Kings is a story of medieval conflict, political intrigue and adventure and, through its first-year royalties, an opportunity to help support those who have experienced conflict in our own time.
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Christopher Wilkins
The Year of Three Kings
