The Fatal Oath

The Fatal Oath is the third book in the Oath series, set in 1957 at an elite public school for boys in Yorkshire. Jonathan Simon, 16, is self-conscious about being Jewish and having a birthmark on his cheek. He meets Bobby Stuart, an American transfer student, and they become friends. As the pressure mounts, ambitions grow, friendships become closer, and scheming increases. Jonathan must navigate the dangerous world of prejudice and hatred at Blackleigh, where the school code of conduct mandates no snitching, the student Prefects have absolute power to discipline, and Mr. Paul Wood, the temporary Headmaster, is weak and ineffectual.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2022
Publisher: The Book Guild Ltd

The Fatal Oath, the third installment in the Oath series, delves into the tumultuous world of Blackleigh, an esteemed public school for boys in Yorkshire. Within these hallowed halls, prejudice and simmering hatreds often lie just beneath the surface, ready to explode into acts of violence against those deemed unfit by the Seniors. At the center of this narrative is Jonathan Simon, a 16-year-old student in his third year, grappling with self-consciousness stemming from his Jewish identity and a birthmark on his cheek. He is well aware of the school's code of conduct, which strictly prohibits snitching, the absolute authority held by the student Prefects over discipline, and the weak and ineffectual nature of Mr. Paul Wood, the temporary Headmaster.

In the midst of this tumultuous environment, Jonathan's path crosses that of Bobby Stuart, an American transfer student who shares his concerns about assimilating into the school. Their friendship serves as a beacon of hope, binding them together as they navigate the treacherous waters of Blackleigh. However, their newfound camaraderie attracts the attention of three ruthless and ambitious Seniors in the House: Gabriel, Murray, and Hausman, known by their fanatic followers as "The Black Armbands." As the pressure intensifies, ambitions soar, friendships deepen, and scheming escalates. Jonathan's journey is just beginning, and he must navigate through a web of treachery and betrayal to emerge victorious.

The Fatal Oath is a captivating tale that explores the complexities of teenage relationships, loyalty, and the consequences of one's choices. It serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the strength of friendship in the face of adversity. Through its vivid portrayal of the school's culture and the students' struggles, the book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and the challenges faced by young individuals in a society that values conformity and hierarchy.

Weight: 356g
Dimension: 128 x 198 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914471278