Monday, May 5, 2025

A Code of Knights and Deceptions by Eliza Hampstead

 



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Eliza Hampstead will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Welcome to It's Raining Books. Tell us your latest news?

Right now, I’m deep in edits and preparing for the release of A Code of Knights and Deception! It’s been a long journey—over a decade in the making—but I finally feel like it’s the right time to share this story with the world. I’m also working on the next book in the series, so readers can expect more medieval intrigue, romance, and unexpected twists soon!

When and why did you begin writing?

I’ve always had stories in my head, but I seriously started writing over a decade ago. The idea for A Code of Knights and Deception came to me first, but I put it on hold when I struggled to finish it. In that time, I wrote The War of the Nephilim, my spicy fantasy romance series, and learned so much about storytelling. Looking back, I think I needed that experience before I could do justice to this book.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?

When I published my first book. Before that, writing felt like something I just did, but after putting my work out into the world and seeing readers connect with it, I finally embraced the title.

What inspired you to write your first book?

A Code of Knights and Deception started with a simple but intriguing question: What if I woke up in medieval England? From there, my research spiraled, and the story took shape. I wanted a time-travel romance that felt fresh—something different from all the Scotland-based stories set in the same era. And, of course, my love for medieval England made it the perfect setting!

What would you like my readers to know?

That I pour my heart into every book I write. Whether it’s A Code of Knights and Deception or The War of the Nephilim, I love blending romance, history, and fantasy in a way that feels immersive and emotional. My books aren’t just stories; they’re journeys. I hope readers lose themselves in them, fall in love with the characters, and maybe even see history in a new light.

Outlander meets Black Mirror in this sizzling dark time travel romance.

She thought it was real. She was wrong.

When Sophia wakes up in 15th-century England, she expects hardship—but nothing prepares her for this brutal, unforgiving world. Lost, alone, and desperate to return to her husband and son, she vows to find a way home. But as the days turn into months, Sophia begins to build a new life, finding unexpected kinship and purpose in this strange land.

After a violent attack, she takes fate into her own hands, disguising herself as a man to train under Henry, the castle’s enigmatic master-at-arms. As steel clashes and their connection deepens, forbidden desire ignites.

Yet Henry is not who he claims to be. His real name is Ethan, and this is the least of the lies he tells her. Falling for Sophia was never part of the plan—but the closer they become, the more he realises how wrong it is to keep her in the dark.

As danger closes in and the lines between reality and deception blur, Sophia must uncover the truth about Henry—and herself—before she runs out of time.

*Warning: strong language, steamy scenes, and graphic violence inside. Mention/Description of, but not limited to, abduction, blood, death, amputation, childbirth, death, sexual assault, suicide, violence against children, rape, and torture.*

The book is the first in a duology and ends with a cliffhanger.


Read an Excerpt

I tensed up, unsure of what would happen next. Would they really go through with it? Beating someone up for a believable story was one thing, but they wouldn't kill an actor, would they? No, they wouldn't go that far; I was sure of it.

Before I could process the thought, two soldiers brought forth a rope, swinging it over the tall branch of an oak in the square. They couldn't possibly stage this, could they? Hanging someone without harm wasn't possible. Using the fake hand and stage blood was one thing, but hanging someone? That could go wrong very quickly! Surely, any moment now, a rider would burst through the crowd, interrupting the execution. But no such intervention came. The dreadful scene continued.

Helpless and sick, my stomach churned as the farmer was led to the tree, and the noose was placed around his neck. A priest stepped forward, reciting a brief Latin prayer, his voice audible amidst the oppressive silence. Was this really happening? They couldn't just sentence him one minute and hang him the next! There had to be some sort of protocol or waiting period, right?

As time ticked by and nothing happened, it became clear that this was not a show or a performance. This was a real execution, taking place right before our eyes in a matter of minutes.

About the Author:
Award-winning author Eliza Hampstead, a scientist by training, lives with her family in the UK. When she's not writing, she spends her time as a geek. Playing all sorts of games (board games, video games, RPGs) and being a big fan of medieval history are only a few of the many hobbies she has. Passionate about fantasy, she’s always planning her next adventure.

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5 comments:

  1. If your main character came to life for one day, what would you do together?

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    Replies
    1. I would hang out with Sophia and chat about all the scientific research before we drifted off to books. And with Henry... well, I would have other things to do... I mean sword fighting, of course 😂

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    2. I love this and thanks for such an insightful response! I wish you much success in the coming months!

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  2. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete

So... inquiring minds want to know: what do you think?