About the Author
**Matthew Betley** is an American author known for his powerful and immersive historical fiction. Born in Washington D.C., Betley's passion for history and storytelling began at a young age. His debut novel, **The King's Mercy**, was published in 2014. An epic tale set during the Thirty Years' War, the novel received critical acclaim for its vivid depiction of the era and its complex characters. Betley's subsequent works include **The Hanged Man's Daughter** (2019) and **The Emperor's Orphans** (2022). His novels have earned him praise for their rich prose, historical accuracy, and thought-provoking themes. In 2019, Betley received the Colorado Book Award for Historical Fiction for **The Hanged Man's Daughter**. His work has also been longlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction. Beyond his writing, Betley is a dedicated educator and historian. He teaches writing and history at Colorado State University and has lectured extensively on historical topics.