Step into the thrilling world of Secret Histories, where a supernatural James Bond battles monsters with a golden torc and a sharp wit! Simon R. Green’s Secret Histories series blends urban fantasy, science fiction, and espionage, following Eddie Drood, a rebellious hero from an ancient family tasked with protecting humanity from otherworldly threats. With fast-paced action, quirky humor, and a magical twist on the spy genre, this series is a wild ride for fans of adventure and the arcane.
Centered on Eddie, who operates under the alias Shaman Bond, the series delivers a fresh take on the classic superspy. Whether you’re drawn to magical battles or intricate family drama, Secret Histories offers a captivating escape into a world where the stakes are cosmic and the laughs are plenty.
How Secret Histories Began
British author Simon R. Green, known for his Nightside and Deathstalker series, launched Secret Histories in 2007 with The Man with the Golden Torc. Inspired by Ian Fleming’s James Bond, Green reimagined the suave spy as a supernatural warrior, infusing the genre with magic and mythology. Originally planned as a trilogy, the series’ popularity led Green to expand it to twelve novels, ending with Night Fall in 2018. His love for blending genres and crafting quirky heroes shaped this unique saga, drawing from his background in fantasy and folklore.
The Heart of Secret Histories
The series kicks off with The Man with the Golden Torc, where Eddie Drood, a field agent for the Drood family, is declared rogue and must uncover a conspiracy within his own clan. Daemons Are Forever sees Eddie leading the Droods against soul-stealing parasites, the Loathly Ones, with help from eclectic allies. The Spy Who Haunted Me pits Eddie against rival supernatural spies in a deadly game, while Night Fall culminates in a crossover with Green’s Nightside series, as the Droods invade a chaotic magical realm.
Secret Histories thrives on themes of family loyalty, rebellion, and the balance between power and responsibility. Eddie’s golden torc, granting superhuman abilities, symbolizes the Droods’ duty to protect humanity, but also their internal struggles. The series’ London setting, laced with alternate dimensions and magical artifacts, creates a vivid backdrop. Green’s witty dialogue, paired with visceral action and horror-tinged fantasy, makes each book a rollercoaster of surprises, appealing to readers who love genre mashups.
Why Secret Histories Resonates
Secret Histories has carved a niche in urban fantasy, blending Bond-style espionage with supernatural flair. Fans praise its humor and Eddie’s relatable mix of cynicism and heroism, with reviews calling it “fun, funny, and action-packed” (Booklist). Its crossover with Nightside in Night Fall delighted readers, wrapping up both series with epic stakes. Green’s ability to craft strong female characters, like Eddie’s witch girlfriend Molly Metcalf, adds depth, setting the series apart from traditional spy tales.
Though not a cultural juggernaut, Secret Histories has a dedicated fanbase, with its blend of genres inspiring readers to explore Green’s other works. Its legacy lies in proving that fantasy and espionage can coexist, offering a playful yet gritty alternative to conventional urban fantasy.
- First Book: The Man with the Golden Torc (2007)
- Last Book: Night Fall (2018)
- Total Books: 12
- Setting: London and alternate dimensions
Grab The Man with the Golden Torc and dive into Secret Histories’ thrilling world of magic, spies, and supernatural showdowns!