A Man of Honor, or Horatio's Confessions

Finalist, Literary Fiction – 14th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards (2020). Top 100 - Notable Indie Books, Shelf Unbound (2020). Double Silver Medal Winner – Best First Book, Fiction & Best Cover, Fiction awarded by the Independent Book Publishers Association (2020). 

"A Man of Honor begins where the tragedy [of Hamlet] concludes. Nelson provides Horatio with agency and depth…. New characters are well integrated and the historical setting is vivid." Critic's Report, The BookLife Prize (2020) Publishers Weekly

Nelson has developed a timeless story.... A MAN OF HONOR's narrative builds speed and takes off into an often gripping adventure of love, war, and discovery." 4.4 out of 5 stars, IndieReader

"With its literary flourishes and exciting scenes, A Man of Honor addresses ethical questions in fascinating ways.... A literary novel featuring taut action and strong characters who address questions about the nature of integrity." 4 out of 5, Clarion Reviews

"The story of Hamlet survives, truthfully told.... Horatio is the perfect character to carry on Hamlet's story.... An intriguing twist...."  Recommended by the US Review

How far would you go to keep a deathbed promise?

Surrounded by the bodies of slain monarchs, a dying prince extracts a promise from his friend, Horatio: "Tell my story."

Rival kings of warring nations strive to lay claim to the throne, now vacant, but what will happen to the people who live there, at Helsingør's Krogen Castle? How will Horatio preserve his honor and the prince's legacy while surviving this murderous kingdom and the men who would rule it?

Despite the odds and threats against him, Horatio persists, weaving the story of his dear friend into the fabric of one of their oldest and most revered medieval texts.

But when a nefarious Spaniard thwarts his plans, Horatio must once again risk everything to fulfill his oath.

With the help of some unexpected allies in the form of Margrete, a courageous lady-in-waiting, and Lanier, a disgraced French nobleman, Horatio undertakes this perilous quest that will lead him on a journey none of them could have ever predicted, to a place none of them ever thought they would see.

And after their hard-fought journey will it all be for naught?

Will Hamlet's glory be Horatio's downfall?

A Man of Honor tells the fictional tale of how one man's oath gave birth to the legend of Hamlet.