Arrows of Fealty, Long-awaited Stand Alone Sequel, Launches in September

We have recently celebrated the launch of The Arrows of Fealty by Jill MacLean, the sequel to The Arrows of Mercy that tells the story of Edmund of Flintbourne’s son. Haukyn is a serf who owes fealty to the lord of the manor and whose life is tied to the soil, yet he craves adventure beyond the boundary stones of his village. In 1373, he leaves for John of Gaunt’s campaign in France. There, during five months of combat and loss, futility and atonement, he learns how armour-clad knights can be brought as low as any serf. Home again, he is caught between two women, pretty Annabel and Ilotte of the sloe-black eyes. Neither marriage nor fatherhood tames his restless spirit. When a knight who was his sworn enemy in France becomes the new lord of the manor, Haukyn leads his neighbours in rebellion against ancient custom and unjust taxation. England’s southern counties march in open revolt on London, where Haukyn witnesses the king grant freedom to every serf in the country. Unimaginable freedom. A freedom that will bring consequences.

"Deepy immersive, The Arrows of Fealty pierces the heart. The novel's world, at once strange and familiar -- yet ultimately different -- coaxes us into what the best historical fiction can do: form deep empathetic connections at once created and strengthened by the very strangeness. Paradoxical? Not in the hands of Jill MacLean. A treat for history fans, The Arrows of Fealty also welcomes every reader with universal themes of longing and love. Quiet and often subtle, written with great care, The Arrows of Fealty shines with the brilliance of fire at night." Michelle Butler Hallett, author of Constant Nobody, winner of the 2022 Thomas Radall Atlantic Fiction Award.

Our virtual book tour began in the lead up to the September 21 launch and continues on. Here are some of the stops we have and will make on the tour. As reviews, interviews, and spotlights post, we will update the links.

If you're a reviewer and would like an advance review copy, send me a message at anne@ocpublishing.ca!

The Arrows of Fealty Tour Line-up:

Readers' Favorite - book review - August 1

Goodreads - Adam Brahosky (via Book Sirens) - book review - August 14

Living the Next Chapter podcast with Dave Campbell - author interview - August 29

Interviews with Writers - interview - September 9

The Book Network (UK) - Discover New Reads - launch spotlight - September 11

Dartmouth Book Exchange - Author Spotlight - September 12-19 and give away raffle draw Sept. 19

The Author Journey hosted by Anne Louise O'Connell - author interview, September 16

The Seaboard Review - book review, September 17

Swirl & Thread with Mairéad Hearne - launch announcement and spotlight - September 18

South Branch Scribbler - book review/author spotlight - September 20

The IndieView - author Q&A - October 24

Historical Novel Society - book review - November 1

Atlantic Books Today - Fall issue

Books at the Bottom of the Stairs - Review, November 19, 2025

Consumed by Ink with Naomi MacKinnon - book review (date TBD)

More to come!

Learn more about Jill on her author page on the OC Publishing website. The Arrows of Fealty is available now on Amazon Canada, Amazon US, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, and can be ordered into your local bookstore.

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