Martin Hyde, the Duke's Messenger

"Martin Hyde, the Duke's Messenger" by John Masefield is a gripping historical fiction about a young orphan named Martin Hyde, whose life transforms dramatically from the peaceful countryside of Suffolk to the dangerous underbelly of London in the 1600s. Initially enjoying an adventurous childhood, Martin's move to the city after his father's death thrusts him into a confusing world of shadowy figures and political unrest, where he struggles to find his place. He soon encounters Edward Jermyn, who pulls him into a secret plot against King James II, led by the ambitious Duke of Monmouth, which sees Martin becoming a key messenger in a high-stakes game of rebellion, loaded with risk, secrets, and thrilling exploits.