AN ARMY veteran based in Conwy was joined by re-enactors to celebrate the release of his first novel with a book signing at Caernarfon Castle on Saturday (August 6).
Charles Cordell released “God’s Vindictive Wrath”, published by Myrmidon, on Tuesday, July 12.
He then signed copies of the book at the castle last weekend, and also gave a talk on North Wales in the British Civil Wars.
Joining Charles were re-enactors from Sir John Owens Regiment of Foote, dressed and equipped as soldiers of the British Civil Wars.
The re-enactors are members of the Sealed Knot – the largest living history organisation in Europe – dedicated to re-creating the battles of the British Civil Wars.
The event was hosted by the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.
“God’s Vindictive Wrath” is set during the first weeks of the English Civil War written by Charles, who has served as a career soldier and diplomat on the ground in the Middle East, South Asia and North Africa.
He said: “This story is not based on a single hero. It does not take sides. Its voices, ordinary men and women, face each other in the chaos of Britain in civil war.
“Hardship, inequality, injustice, scar each character.
“Each faces the brutal reality and human emotions of war, the bloodiest in British history - a war fought in our towns, villages and fields, a war that forged the United Kingdom and many political divisions that persist today.
"One of the characters is a Denbighshire herdsman-turned-musketeer from Cyfylliog. The role that North Wales played in the Civil Wars was huge.
"The book also includes some Welsh dialogue and song."
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Charles will be signing copies of the book in Waterstones, Llandudno today (August 12) from 11am, and will give a talk on the novel at Conwy Library on September 1.
He has also pledged that two per cent of all royalties from the sales of “God’s Vindictive” Wrath will be donated to Armed Forces charities.
This will include the Royal British Legion Industries programme for homeless veterans, a cause close to his heart.
In March, Charles raised more than £1,000 for homeless veterans by taking part in the “Great Tommy Sleep Out” along with fellow veteran Marcus Williams (ex-Royal Welsh).
This UK-wide, month-long fundraiser challenge involved participants braving the cold for one night to support the roughly 6,000 military veterans living on the streets in the UK.
For more information about the book, visit: www.waterstones.com/book/gods-vindictive-wrath-2022/charles-cordell/9781910183311.
For more on Charles, go to: facebook.com/CharlesCordellAuthor.
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