"It has the feel of a classic." - The Glasgow Herald

A remarkable tale of courage and hope, intrigue and deceit; of knights and corsairs, missions and codes; and of one boy's journey through adversity into adulthood, grasping life from the setbacks of fortune.

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Welcome

Slave to Fortune is an award-winning historical novel, purportedly based on the 17th century adventures of Tom Cheke.

On this website you’ll find lots of information about the colourful people and places that feature in Tom’s memoir. You can learn about the variety of ships that feature in his voyages and discover ancient maps and other fascinating insights into Tom’s world.

You can also find information about the author, a free sample chapter and options for purchasing the book. You can even have a go at cracking a I7th century code. I hope that you’ve enjoyed the novel or are just about to!

Take a browse around the website and let me know what you think on the comments page or send me an email at djmunro.author@gmail.com.

Slave to Fortune was a #1 best-selling Historical Thriller on Kindle (UK) in October 2017 and also a #1 best-seller for YA Historical Fiction.

It was a first place winner for historical fiction at the Chanticleer International Book Awards (2017) and won the Grand Prize for young adult fiction (Dante Rossetti Award).

It scores around 4.4 out of 5 stars on goodreads.com and slightly higher on Amazon.

Best wishes,

DJ Munro

Click on any of the links below to find out more about the novel and to explore Tom’s world.

Now an award-winning novel

#1 Bestseller for both Historical Thrillers and YA Historical Fiction on Amazon (UK)

What age group is Slave to Fortune suitable for?

Areas of interest for American readers

The Order of St John – the Knights Hospitaller

Can you crack the code?

Ships that feature in Slave to Fortune

Glimpses into life in 17th century England

How Slave to Fortune parallels Robert Louis Stevenson’s masterpiece: Kidnapped

Ternary and Code-breaking

Holy War: a message for our time

I am so glad to have found this book!!!! It is by far the best book I have read and I don't say that lightly. Full of historical facts and a little fiction as well. Buy the book, you will be glad you did!!! Chris Gordon (on Amazon.com)

Truly excellent. An extremely well written account of a young Englishman's trials and tribulations. Great characterization, that was well researched and developed. The intrigue and intensity kept you turning the pages with anticipation. - S. Chapin, Chaplain, Amazon.com

I read hundreds of books a year, primarily historical fiction. This is at the top of my list - great story. - F. Menser, Amazon.com

READ THIS BOOK ! If you like Mr Cornwell , Mr Hosker, Mr Ashman and, Mr Jecks and other Historical Writers ---YOU WILL surely enjoy this book by DJ Munro. - howard, Amazon.co.uk

Wonderful writing and story. I felt like I was in the exotic places so beautifully described and walking with Tom and Edward - Jean, Maryland, USA

Probably one of the best books I have ever read on galleons and pirates with lots of twists in the plot. The splendour of Algiers, Malta and Venice
skilfully captured... A whirl-wind ride of well researched historical facts that you don't normally hear about in countries not many of us have had the chance to visit. - J Seifert (on Amazon Australia)

A very rare gem for all readers. This book really is excellent. I read a couple of books each week and I've not come across such a quality read since the Aubrey/Maturin series years back. - Rog, Nottingham (on Amazon UK)

Best book for me this year and I read three books a week. Now and again you find a book that takes over your life and you can travel the world whilst sat in your favourite chair. This for me was such a book. - mash, (on Amazon UK)

One of the best books I have read. This book made me realize what modern man has lost, mainly the ability to make the best of extremely difficult times and how these difficult times that may come your way are real opportunities for growth and knowledge, let alone gaining the ability to survive. - B Kiper, (on Amazon USA)

A worthwhile read and future classic. I picked up Slave to Fortune and couldn't put it down. The characterization is first rate, the plot riveting with interesting and unexpected ups and downs. You see the growth of the main character Tom Cheke from a scared boy to a man of the world. If you are looking to for not just a good read; but a book with some lessons you can use in your own life, I highly recommend Slave to Fortune.
S J Tonissen, Chicago IL (on Amazon.com)

Probably one of the best books I have read. Full of historical fact (as well as a good dose of fiction) - Dave, Bristol (on www.goodreads.com)

The writing is so very exciting I could not stop reading until done - even while sitting on the beach at Myrtle Beach, SC. - Charles, Richmond, VA

Excellent read, one of the best books I've read. - Alison A. (on www.amazon.co.uk)

If you are the type of person who wants to know what is over the next hill, around the next corner or what lies beyond the sun set each day this book if for you. I am that type of person, and I guess that is why I served in the U.S. Navy many years ago. So I could see those foreign ports and cities I had only read about. I got to see a lot of them and now 50 odd yrs. later that desire still burns within me. GREAT BOOK. - Everett S. (on www.amazon.com)

Unable to put down. I had my head stuck in my kindle. Found it fascinating and a real gripping story. - Mr G Sharp. (on www.amazon.co.uk)

I couldn't put this book down. Though it's not my usual era or genre of book, once I opened it I was hooked. - Mrs S Wilby (on www.amazon.co.uk)

...reminded me of the serials I would watch at the Saturday morning cinema when I was lucky enough to go. Definitely worth the 6d I paid. This book was likewise great value. I'd recommend it wholeheartedly. The places described spring to life in your imagination and you find yourself running down the old streets and sitting in the old inns... the heroes and villains portrayed appear vividly almost as if they are real. A fantastic read, thank you. - R. Sk. (on www.amazon.co.uk)

Absolutely fascinating stuff!! Fantastic... just disappointed it's finished! - Garry, Aberdeenshire.

It's a real 'page-turner' and on several occasions made me late for appointments as I just had to read one more chapter! - Anne, Teacher (retired), Isle of Wight.

I can't rate this highly enough! Engaging, exciting, intelligent, brilliantly researched - very much looking forward to the next book. - C Seymour, Cambridgeshire.

An exciting and insightful account of piracy, slavery and of politics in the Middle East and Europe. The author is appropriately respectful of Islam... He shows a sound understanding of the perils of currency debasement and the evils of inflation... This work is much more than a novel in the style of Daniel Defoe or Robert Louis Stevenson; but it is also a great read. - John F. (on www.amazon.com)

It's great... a good read! - Ryan, Commander, Royal Navy (retired), Plymouth.

One of the best novels I have ever read, a must for anyone who likes a good tale well told. - Mrs D S Watts, Amazon.co.uk

Excellent Read. Enjoyed this book immensely... Great book very well written by a master. MCA, Amazon.co.uk.