M. G. Haynes

“The first thing that struck me with this story was how human and relatable the characters are. It follows a ne’er-do-well street urchin who’s grown into a full-blown thief and finds himself in all sorts of hot water because of his misdeeds. The author blends meticulous and fascinating details of Roman life with a fast-paced and gripping plot. An easy and fun read with plenty of juicy history as the backdrop. Very enjoyable.”

- Maquis

Q.Fulvius: I Called You Brother

(Released May 15th, 2024)

Book 3 in “The Fulvius Chronicles”, this story takes us back to the beginning. To the original break-up of a fantastic—if murderous—criminal pairing . . . Fulvius and Marcus. This edition follows the exploits, and misadventures of Marcus as he struggles to survive the life of servitude in which he finds himself, to say nothing of the brutal betrayal that doomed him to such a fate in the first place. But can he even live long enough to get his revenge? Or will the forces gathered against him squash any hope of not only vengeance, but survival itself? Only time, and the fickle tides of a ruinous war, will tell, offering Marcus both opportunity and oblivion in equal doses. Yet an unlikely, if dangerous, scheme brings him ever closer to his goal, the death of his former partner. To hades with the elites and their rules. Marcus will play by his own, bending everything and everyone around him toward one enduring obsession. Fulvius must die.

Q.Fulvius: I Called You Brother is available in hardcover, paperback and eBook versions at Amazon.com.

“This book is a can’t-miss follow up. I look forward to its sequel and learning what havoc the enemy will wreak on Fulvius and his growing band of merry (and lethal) misfits.”

- George G.

Q.Fulvius: A Pirate’s Life

(Released March 28th, 2022)

Book 2 in “The Fulvius Chronicles” series, this story is set in 214 BC, and continues the murderous, thieving tale of a despicable human being. Having rejected the legionary life and made off with his ill-gotten spoils, Fulvius and gang seek their fortunes along the wild and untamed Illyrian coast, famous, really, for only one thing . . . pirates. Unsurprisingly Fulvius and his band take easily to the local job market and make something of a home for themselves on a remote Liburnian island. Yet Fulvius was never destined to live a peaceful existence, and larger events soon conspire against him, his men, and the villagers who have come to rely upon them. The betrayals come fast and furious as Fulvius seeks to understand—and survive—the complicated situation in which they find themselves. How long can this band of mutineers continue to run from Roman justice? How many innocents will die finding out? And what if Fulvius finally finds people worth more to him than himself?

Q.Fulvius: A Pirate’s Life is available in hardcover, paperback and eBook versions at Amazon.com.

“M. G. Haynes’s extensive research provides a rare glimpse into the life of a common soldier faced with greed and struggling to survive. I highly recommend this book.”

- Military Writers Society of America

Q.Fulvius: Debt of Dishonor

(Released December 15th, 2019)

Awarded 1st Place in Crime Fiction by Speak Up Talk Radio’s Firebird Book Awards October 15th, 2021

My first historical fiction novel, the story is set in Rome, 216 BC, and features hardened and intelligent street thug, Fulvius, cast by circumstance into legionary ranks. Fulvius struggles to survive in the army, finding promotion the unlikely reward for freezing in his first combat. Using his newfound position, Fulvius schemes to make the enforced enlistment worth his while, replicating, under the cover of the legionary standard, the criminal life he’s always known. He betrays, and is in turn betrayed, in a vicious cycle of violence and crime that threatens to undermine the entire Roman war effort. Will his scheming ultimately free him from the hand-to-mouth existence he’s always known, or take him right back to the executioner for the death he so richly deserves?

Q.Fulvius: Debt of Dishonor* is available in hardcover, paperback and eBook versions at Amazon.com.

Persian Blood

(Released July 2nd, 2017)

Awarded Military Writers Society of America Gold Medal in the Mystery/Thriller Category September 18th, 2020

My first full-length novel and recipient of the Military Writers Society of America (MWSA) Gold Medal in 2020.  I wrote Persian Blood* while deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan, 2010-11.  It features a U.S. Army Special Forces team on a routine mission in Eastern Afghanistan that stumbles across an ancient artifact of incredible importance to the local Pashtun tribes.  Not understanding what it is they've found, all attempts at negotiation fail and the team is first hounded and then besieged as it struggles to make its way back to friendly lines in the midst of a brutal winter storm.  Though the prospects seem grim, the small element fights stubbornly in the hope that they can survive long enough for the weather to improve and help to arrive.  Despite the clearing skies, only the realization of what exactly the tribesmen really want can save the team. 

Persian Blood* is available in hardcover, paperback, and eBook versions at Amazon.com.

Winter 2024 Issue (Released 1 December 2023)

A Vietnam War perspective from South Korea

My first article for Vietnam Magazine, and the first time a Korean veteran of the Vietnam War has ever been interviewed for the magazine. This article tells the wartime story of Col (Retired) Han, Jin-hwan, Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), providing a slightly different take on the war, the reasons for him being deployed, and that conflicts effects upon South Korea.

You can access the article, and the incredible Winter ‘24 issue, through Zinio at the link below. Any of you with a HistoryNet.com account can check out the article below as well.

Autumn 2023 Issue (Released 1 October 2023)

Impaled on QUILL AND Sword

My third article with MHQ, and one I’m quite proud of, detailing the nine Mongol invasions of Korea (1231-1527), at that time the Kingdom of Goyreo. MHQ did a great job finding imagery for the article as well and it really pops! The issue is available both in traditional paper magazine format and on the HistoryNet.com website. This is an interesting story and DEFINITELY worth checking out!

Use the button below to order your copy of the paper magazine through Zinio.

Spring 2023 Issue (Released 15 April 2023)

My first two articles with MHQ made it into the Spring 2023 issue. “Korean Game of Thrones” and “How Highways Helped the Ancient Persians Become the World’s First Superpower” are now available both in the traditional magazine format and on the HistoryNet.com website. Two articles in a single issue—of ANY magazine—is an additional first for me and I’m terribly excited to be a part of this incredible military history periodical!

You can use the button below to order a paper issue of MHQ through Zinio.

Released 15 April 2023

Korea’s game of thrones: how three kingdoms fought a constant war for ultimate power

My first “feature” article with MHQ covers the dynamic “Three Kingdoms” period of Korean history. It follows the development and long-running confrontation that characterized the battle royale which eventually led to the first unified Korean state. It also highlights the roles played by outsiders, Tang China and Yamato Japan and how both external forces ended up being present at Baekje’s tragic demise in 663 A.D.

If you already have a subscription to HistoryNet.com you can view this article at: https://www.historynet.com/korea-three-kingdoms/

Released 15 March 2023

HOW HIGHWAYS HELPED THE ANCIENT PERSIANS BECOME THE WORLD’S FIRST SUPERPOWER

My first article written for Military History Quarterly (MHQ), and fourth posted by HistoryNet, introduces the forgotten engineering feat that brought battlefield success and superpower status to the Achaemenid Persians.

The article explores the origins and incredible extent of Persia’s network of Royal Roads, many of which are still in use today!

You can check out this article at: https://www.historynet.com/persian-highway-system/.

Released 17 June 2022

THIS ADMIRAL NEVER LOST A SINGLE VESSEL — AND MAY HAVE INVENTED THE ARMORED SHIP

My third article written for Military History Magazine has caught that periodical in transition from a primarily paper magazine to one that is greatly expanding its digital portfolio. Thus, while my previous articles were also available on HistoryNet, this one is the first to be exclusively available on their digital platform.

The article brings to light the incredible exploits of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, Korea’s most celebrated military hero. How he single-handedly stymied the 1592-98 invasions by Japan, overcoming a seemingly insurmountable range of diplomatic, domestic political, and military obstacles along the way.

You can check out the article on the HistoryNet website at: https://www.historynet.com/yi-sun-sin/.

May 2022 Issue (Released April 2022)

The Trio who unified japan

My second article with Military History Magazine tells the story of three powerful warlords—Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu—as they fought with and against one another to end Japan’s long “Warring States" period and create a unified Japan in the 16th Century AD.

The article follows the career and ambitions of each of these incredible individuals as they fought, negotiated, and slowly consolidated power. The modern Japan we see today could never have been a reality had these three not decisively concluded the endemic warfare of the preceding century and a half. They remain amongst the most revered of Japan’s historical figures.

You can view the article on the HistoryNet website at: https://www.historynet.com/the-3-japanese-warlords-who-unified-japan/.

Military History Magazine is carried by Amazon and most large bookstores. As well, you can subscribe to Military History Magazine at: https://amzn.to/2SLh8yX.

July 2021 Issue (Released June 2021)

A Kingdom Lost

My first article published by heavyweight Military History Magazine introduces the Japanese invasion of the Kingdom of Ryukyu—better known today as Okinawa—in 1609 A.D.

The article lays out the development and trade success experienced by the tiny island kingdom that made it an attractive target for the Japanese Shimazu Clan of southern Kyushu. The lack of material gain after six years fighting in Korea and a coerced peace forced upon them by the newly-installed Tokugawa Shogunate left the Shimazu with no real outlet for conquest and glory, save Ryukyu. This situation came to its logical conclusion in 1609 when 3,000 Shimazu warriors invaded the kingdom and successfully subdued the island people there, ending its long history of independence and laying the foundation for the brutal WWII battle that would take place on Okinawa 336 years later.

You can view the article on the HistoryNet website at: https://www.historynet.com/japan-invasion-of-ryukyu.htm.

A personal favorite when I was growing up, Military History Magazine is carried by Amazon and most large bookstores. As well, you can subscribe to Military History Magazine at: https://amzn.to/2SLh8yX.

Issue 12 (Released May/Jun 2024)

The Creation of hangul: Songs of flying dragons

My sixth article with Medieval World Magazine is a little different in that it diverges from my usual, obsessed fascination with military history into something a bit more cultural, examining the development of Korea’s Hangul alphabet. An interesting story with surprising elements, its short, but well worth the read!

Medieval World Magazine is carried by many of the larger bookstores, but you can order a copy of this issue directly from Karwansaray Publishers at:

https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/medieval-world-12

Issue 11 (Released Mar/Apr 2024)

Bloody stepping stone to japan: Tsushima island

My fifth article with Medieval World Magazine covers the long, bloody history of medieval Tsushima Island. Conveniently located between the Korean Peninsula and Kyushu Island, Japan, the island profited from trade in times of peace, served as a base of piracy when times were rough, and was invaded again and again during times of war. The history of Tsushima Island features exceptional bravery, barbaric piracy, and everything in between.

Once more the illustration on the first page of the article was created especially for this issue of the magazine and features the beleaguered samurai defenders preparing for a final suicidal charge at the rampaging Mongol forces below.

Medieval World Magazine is carried by many of the larger bookstores, but you can order a copy of this issue directly from Karwansaray Publishers at:

https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/en-us/products/medieval-world-11.

Issue 6 (Released May/June 2023)

Bloody Waters: The imjin war at sea 1592-1598

My fourth article with the newly rebranded Medieval World Magazine lays out the naval campaigns that swirled around and had such an incredible impact on the struggle taking place up and down the Korean Peninsula during the Imjin War (1592-98). It addresses the ships, talks about tactics and the men who sailed them, as well as the battles that determined the fate of the nation.

One extra bit of coolness with this article is that the opening illustration was created for it rather than being pulled from somewhere else. Was fun being consulted as the artist went through the process!

Medieval World Magazine is carried by many of the larger bookstores, but you can order a paper copy of this issue directly from Karwansaray Publishers at:

https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/medieval-world-6?variant=46770980127049.

Electronic (PDF) version at: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/medieval-world-6?variant=46770980159817.

Volume XI, Issue 3 (Released Aug/Sep 2021)

Development of the Japanese Castle: Deadly Elegance

My third article with MW Magazine deals with the origin, development, and use in combat of Japan’s beautiful medieval castles.

This article lays out the conditions and threats on the Korean Peninsula that first led to the construction of masonry-based fortifications in the 7th Century AD. It then follows the development of these fortifications to their height of their sophistication and majesty, the Sengoku Jidai, or Warring States Period. As well, the article covers the change in castle design over time to incorporate the many aesthetic additions that continue to fascinate millions of visitors each year, at numerous castles still standing across the width and breadth of modern Japan.

Medieval Warfare Magazine is carried by many of the larger bookstores, but you can order a paper copy of this issue at:

https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/mw-issue-xi-3.html.

Or electronic (PDF) issues at:

https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/mwxi-3-pdf.html

Volume X, Issue 4 (Released Nov/Dec 2020)

Baekje Has Fallen!

My second article published by Karwansaray Publishers deals with the invasion and subsequent fall of the Korean Kingdom of Baekje in 663 A.D.

This article discusses the geo-political situation in Northeast Asia by the 660s A.D., a time of extended and prolonged warfare where three Korean kingdoms fought for domination over their peninsula. Constantly shifting alliances between the three inevitably transitioned to alliance with outside powers, bringing both Tang Dynasty China and Yamato Japan into the conflict. It all came to a head in 663 with the Japanese attempt to restore the Baekje royal family—long-standing allies—to the throne. 

The Japanese loss at Baekgang to a combined Chinese-Silla force forever changed how Japan would view the Asian Continent. Fear would trump opportunity for much of the rest of Japanese history, the situation remaining little changed today, nearly 1,400 years later. Yet for a brief moment in time, Japanese soldiers were dispatched, fought, and died to rescue a Korean kingdom’s independence.

Medieval Warfare Magazine is carried by many of the larger bookstores, but you can order paper issues of Medieval Warfare Magazine at:

https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mw-issue-x-4?_pos=2&_sid=ad3d2cb4e&_ss=r,

or digital issues (in a pdf format) at: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mwx-4-pdf?_pos=1&_sid=ad3d2cb4e&_ss=r.

Volume VIII, Issue 2 (Released May/June 2018)

Guerrillas in the Mist

My first article published by Karwansaray Publishers deals with Korean Guerrilla resistance to the Japanese invasion of 1592.

This article lays out how Joseon Korea in the 1590s was institutionally unprepared to defend itself at a time when a newly unified Japan had excess military capacity and a desire to conquer new lands.  The ultimate failure of the Joseon Government to defend the nation, coupled with the harsh treatment of civilians by the samurai invaders, proved the perfect incubator for guerrilla bands of ever-increasing strength and capability. 

These untrained partisans from a wide variety of civilian backgrounds wrought great havoc upon Japanese rear areas, at times turning the samurai into virtual prisoners in the very lands they'd conquered.  With increasing frequency these irregular bands found themselves fighting in the front lines of both set-piece battles and sieges, easily eclipsing the national army in terms of sustained and effective resistance to the invaders. 

While carried by many of the larger bookstores, you can order paper issues of Medieval Warfare Magazine at:

https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/mw-issue-viii-2.html

or digital issues (in a pdf format) at: https://www.karwansaraypublishers.com/products/mwviii-2-pdf?_pos=1&_sid=5bca6b49c&_ss=r.

Summer 2024 Issue (Released June 2024)

Hwacha

My first article published by Military Heritage Magazine describes the incredible, Medieval Korean artillery piece, the Hwacha, or “Fire Cart”. This highly mobile, multiple rocket launch system had significant impact on the course of the Imjin War, the Japanese invasion of Korea 1592-98, especially at the battles of Haengju and Noryang. Well ahead of its time, the Hwacha lies in the developmental history of Soviet era Katyusha rocket launchers and even more modern MLRS and HIMARS systems being put to devastating use in Ukraine.

The Hwacha even made an awe-inspiring appearance on the hit show “Mythbusters”, which you can check out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQhSXA3AKh4.

You can check out the article on the Warfare History Network at: https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/the-feudal-korean-fire-cart-was-a-precursor-to-modern-barrage-rocket-systems/.*