The Winds of Fortune Series by John Wiltshire, Gary Furlong

Most people in Aleksey Rider-Mikkelsen’s life would probably assert that at fifty honest living and sobriety were long overdue. But recovering in bed from the lingering after-effects of his leg injury, bored, in pain, and feeling entirely irrelevant, Aleksey doesn’t much care what Benjamin Rider-Mikkelsen thinks. He doesn’t appreciate the close monitoring either. Fortunately for Aleksey, therefore, the devil reliably makes mischief for idle hands with too much money... moreMost people in Aleksey Rider-Mikkelsen’s life would probably assert that at fifty honest living and sobriety were long overdue. But recovering in bed from the lingering after-effects of his leg injury, bored, in pain, and feeling entirely irrelevant, Aleksey doesn’t much care what Benjamin Rider-Mikkelsen thinks. He doesn’t appreciate the close monitoring either. Fortunately for Aleksey, therefore, the devil reliably makes mischief for idle hands with too much money. No one said he wasn’t allowed to buy an island, did they? Of course, he’s not planning to do anything nefarious in his new kingdom, but equally, Aleksey doesn’t expect such a thoughtless purchase to plunge them both into a nightmare of old allegiances that puts all his new promises to Ben to the ultimate test. less

One day, Aleksey’s life will be calm and peaceful. He’s almost looking forward to it. But this isn’t yet that day. However, always on guard, always prepared for mischief conjured by the gods of chaos and chance, even he couldn’t have predicted that it would be Ben’s work with homeless veterans that would plunge them into a terrifying situation where the stakes are not just their lives, but the fate of the entire world... moreOne day, Aleksey’s life will be calm and peaceful. He’s almost looking forward to it. But this isn’t yet that day. However, always on guard, always prepared for mischief conjured by the gods of chaos and chance, even he couldn’t have predicted that it would be Ben’s work with homeless veterans that would plunge them into a terrifying situation where the stakes are not just their lives, but the fate of the entire world.A cryptic message from a strange old man sets them on a path from which, good or bad, none of them will ever be the same again. less

When Aleksey lived in the shadows at the heart of the British Royal Family, he assumed he was the cuckoo in the nest, the one living a double life. He had no idea that he was surrounded by deceits even more deadly than his own. But now, buying Light Island has unearthed a long-buried secret so important that people are willing to kill for it. However, the first time in his life, this fight doesn’t actually affect Aleksey... moreWhen Aleksey lived in the shadows at the heart of the British Royal Family, he assumed he was the cuckoo in the nest, the one living a double life. He had no idea that he was surrounded by deceits even more deadly than his own. But now, buying Light Island has unearthed a long-buried secret so important that people are willing to kill for it. However, the first time in his life, this fight doesn’t actually affect Aleksey. He doesn’t need to risk everything he’s now got with Ben to battle the tempests of life once more. But,in the healing waters of Light Island, he’s come to understand that sometimes other people need a helping hand from one who understands the true meaning of storms.Word count approx :105,000 words less

Aleksey doesn’t like helpful sayings. He particularly doesn’t like Ben Rider-Mikkelsen pointing out that paranoid men can’t see the wood for the trees. There’s a truth to these wise words, however, that applies directly to him—when you’re paranoid that everyone is out to kill you, those who actually are can be easily overlooked. But for once, Aleksey ignores his instincts that something is threatening the family... moreAleksey doesn’t like helpful sayings. He particularly doesn’t like Ben Rider-Mikkelsen pointing out that paranoid men can’t see the wood for the trees. There’s a truth to these wise words, however, that applies directly to him—when you’re paranoid that everyone is out to kill you, those who actually are can be easily overlooked. But for once, Aleksey ignores his instincts that something is threatening the family. Tired of fighting windmills, imaginary or otherwise, he decides it’s time to kick back and just enjoy being Lord of Light Island. He should perhaps have remembered another helpful saying: the tide always turns. less

When you stop fighting windmills, imaginary or otherwise, you tend to end up with a lot of time on your hands. Of course, Aleksey Rider-Mikkelsen, Lord of Light Island, isn’t going to get bored. And if he did, he obviously wouldn’t join a preposterous hunt for sunken treasure with Ben and his annoying friends to keep himself entertained. He only has himself to blame, therefore, when a fun adventure suddenly turns deadly serious. There’s a reason some treasure should stay hidden... moreWhen you stop fighting windmills, imaginary or otherwise, you tend to end up with a lot of time on your hands. Of course, Aleksey Rider-Mikkelsen, Lord of Light Island, isn’t going to get bored. And if he did, he obviously wouldn’t join a preposterous hunt for sunken treasure with Ben and his annoying friends to keep himself entertained. He only has himself to blame, therefore, when a fun adventure suddenly turns deadly serious. There’s a reason some treasure should stay hidden. What he is about to unearth in the sub-tropical paradise of Scilly could have profound implications for the origins of all peoples of the world. And some of his companions are willing to kill to make sure that story is never told. less