TARNISHED ARMOR, by Ed Slavin, is a richly researched 18th century historical novel, loosely based on his own family tree. We feel sorry for the lad of ten who suffers the loss of his entire family, we sympathize with the young man who becomes a legendary one-legged hero at the age of 18, and we're shocked as our "hero" shows his true colors and leaves a trail of shame throughout the hills of Ireland. This book introduces the rogue, Sean Hickey--born of potato-picking tenant farmers--who becomes a collector for the Crown and hero to those who believe he will lead them to freedom from the English. His wife and only true love, Maggie, shares a life-long friendship with the Dominican nun who not only saves Sean's life, but continues to fantasize about her "hero." You will be left wanting more and thankful the story continues to unfold in Slavin's second novel, CAPTAINS AND LORDS. All of Ed Slavin's novels take us on an endless adventure, showing their characters' virtues and blemishes as they fight in bloody battles, wander in and out of barrooms and bedchambers, sail the high seas, struggle against raging hormones, or give full reign to their most passionate impulses. Babies are born, sons and mothers die, and virginal lasses become lustful lovers. Legacies as well as journals are handed down, revealing much about these men and women who lived their lives to the fullest. TARNISHED ARMOR is where it all begins.