Merciless Monarchs And Ruthless Royalty

Loyal subjects, watch out! Some of history's royal leaders were just as vicious as they were powerful. These kings and queens stole, tortured, and murdered. Read on to discover the gruesome ways these rulers terrorized their enemies, their own people, and even their own blood.

Does Ivan Vasilyevich, also known as Ivan the Terrible, deserve his menacing moniker? The grand prince of Moscow built an empire in the 16th century to become the first tsar of Russia in 1547. Though his achievements were considerable during his time in power, his suspicions about the loyalty of his subjects led to thousands of executions, casting a bloody pall over his entire reign. This story of an intriguing—though chilling—ruler will captivate readers as well as give them an understanding of the conflicts in Europe and Asia at this time.

Avast! Are ye' ready to sail the high seas with some of the world's most feared pirates? These accounts will do more than shiver your timbers. Nothing came between these scoundrels of the sea and their loot. They burned boats, lopped off ears, and killed those who dared to challenge them. Come aboard to witness the ruthless methods of history's most petrifying pirates.

Robbery, smuggling, gambling—gangsters did it all. They fought the law. They fought each other. And not all of them made it out alive. Find out the true stories of the United States' most feared hoodlums and mob bosses. Learn how a two-bit car thief built a criminal empire—and how the mob's top man wound up in prison. Are you bold enough to read on?

James Bond may be one of the good guys, but the spies in this book definitely aren't—nor are the traitors and assassins! These awful agents sold secrets to enemy governments, murdered presidents and political leaders, and fought for military groups that attacked the United States. Crack open this book to uncover more secrets about history's most terrible assassins, traitors, and spies.

Vlad III, the 15th century ruler of what is now southern Romania, had a terrifying nickname—the Impaler. It originated with the grisly way he dealt with his enemies: He demanded that their not-yet-dead bodies be impaled on stakes. Vlad’s reputation for brutality only grew and later became entwined with the legend of the vampire Dracula. This in-depth account presents the true story of Vlad the Impaler and his fight against the Ottoman Empire, a struggle that makes the villain a hero to some. An appealing design and features such as sidebars and fact boxes make this biography an especially high-interest read for young historians.

Hang on to your wallet—and watch your neck! You're about to encounter some of the worst gunslingers to wreak havoc on the Old West. The most notorious outlaws were known for their fearless drive, their quick shot with a pistol, their odd trademarks, and their way of escaping the law over and over again. Are you brave enough to read on?

Wielding a trio of enchanted Elven weapons to battle a dark wizard and a legion of diabolical dwarves, Tristan is faced with the impossible choice between saving the woman he loves or defending his endangered kingdom. Inexplicably compelled to remain in the sacred forest where he hears the voice of her heart, the heir to the throne of Cornwall incurs the wrath and scorn of his army when he decides to hunt for his captive mate. Her verdant magic greatly enhanced by the mystical Morgane la Fée, Issylte must summon a coalition of Naiad nymphs and celestial fairies to destroy a nascent evil as she fights to reclaim her rightful crown. When the Black Widow Queen unites with a malignant menace and a ghost from Tristan’s haunted past, the Emerald Fairy and the Dragon Knight must ally with a triad of shapeshifting warrior tribes to defeat a Viking Trident and defend their trinity of Celtic kingdoms. Interwoven fates. Otherworldly mates. Destiny awaits.