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Alpine Warrior

The Alpine Warrior series follows Leon Muller, a young Bernese exile who becomes a Swiss mercenary in the middle of the fifteenth century. His career begins amid the Old Zürich War before carrying him into the wars of northern Italy, the fall of Constantinople in 1453, and the struggle between the Ottoman Empire, Wallachia, Hungary and the Habsburgs.

Across nine novels Leon rises from unwanted recruit to commander and political powerbroker. The series uses the mobility of professional soldiers to move through a Europe in which dynastic ambition, mercenary warfare and Ottoman expansion are reshaping old political boundaries. Real figures including Francesco Sforza, Constantine XI, Mehmed II, Vlad Dracula, John Hunyadi and Matthias Corvinus intersect with Leon's fictional career.

Reading order

Books in this series (9 books)

Outcast cover

1. Outcast

Peter Darman

First published 2021

4.3(1,691)

Set in the Swiss Confederation during the Old Zürich War in the mid-1440s, leon Muller, resident of the city of Bern, has it all – a wealthy family, an excellent education and a very bright future. But he throws it all away on a rash impulse…

The Wolf of Rimini cover

2. The Wolf of Rimini

Peter Darman

First published 2022

4.4(1,305)

Northern Italy, late 1440s. Leon Muller and his Swiss comrades march south to serve the Duchy of Milan in its wars with Venice. Leon has risen to command through battlefield skill, but Italy's princes, churchmen and condottieri treat mercenary soldiers as both essential weapons and dangerous…

Prodigal cover

3. Prodigal

Peter Darman

First published 2023

4.5(1,050)

Set in northern Italy around 1449–1450, as Francesco Sforza closes on control of Milan, being stabbed in the back is more painful than in the front. Leon and the Swiss stand triumphant after their victory over the Venetians. Their employer, Francesco Sforza, is now the most…

Count of Thrace cover

4. Count of Thrace

Peter Darman

First published 2023

4.6(1,026)

Set in Constantinople in 1453, during the final Ottoman siege of the Byzantine capital, a crumbling empire, a mighty city facing destruction, and a small army of mercenaries trying to keep the enemy hordes at bay. Leon Muller and his soldiers have been fighting for the…

Boyar cover

5. Boyar

Peter Darman

First published 2023

4.5(925)

In the mid-1450s, after the fall of Constantinople, Leon Muller and his mercenaries escape the ruined city only to find themselves without pay, patron or secure destination. Their fortunes change when Vlad Dracula, prince of Wallachia, offers Leon employment against enemies pressing on his unstable principality.…

Kingmaker cover

6. Kingmaker

Peter Darman

First published 2024

4.5(909)

In 1456 Leon Muller is at the height of his military power in Wallachia, but his position is increasingly dangerous. His relationship with Prince Vlad Dracula has deteriorated, rival rulers distrust the independence of his army, and the Ottoman advance under Mehmed II threatens Hungary itself.…

Nemesis cover

7. Nemesis

Peter Darman

First published 2024

4.6(819)

After the victory at Belgrade, Leon Muller has become one of the most formidable mercenary commanders in Hungary, but military success has made him a political problem as well as an asset. The Ottoman advance has been checked for the moment, yet Hungarian magnates and Habsburg…

Heathen cover

8. Heathen

Peter Darman

First published 2024

4.6(687)

In the late 1450s and early 1460s, Leon Muller has risen from Swiss mercenary to one of the most formidable commanders in Hungary. His success has also made him dangerous to powerful men. Rebellious nobles, Habsburg interests, Ottoman expansion and the violent rule of Vlad Dracula…

Homeland cover

9. Homeland

Peter Darman

First published 2025

4.7(723)

By the early 1460s Leon Muller has become one of the most powerful military figures in Hungary, commanding a seasoned force whose reputation reaches far beyond the kingdom. Peace has brought him influence but also jealousy from nobles and rulers who are uneasy with a mercenary…