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hank's review against another edition
3.0
This was my second Corwell book after Agincourt which I loved. 1356 wasn't as good, the characters all seemed formulaic and stereotypical. Sir Thomas in this book is one of those late in the series, can do no wrong, super protagonist that is hard to buy into. This book felt rushed to me, the drama was very short lived and the historical significance and discussion wasn't as good as Agnicourt.
misterjay's review against another edition
4.0
The fourth novel in the Thomas of Hookton series finds the archer chasing after a sword called La Malice. It is believed to be the very same sword that St. Peter used to attack a soldier on the night that Jesus was arrested and that it will bring sure victory to the side that wields it during the ongoing wars between France and England.
The book is just as full of gore and misery as every other Thomas of Hookton book, but this time there are fewer ills done to our hero. There is still suffering, to be sure, and, as always, those around Thomas seem to earn more than their fair share of pain, but it is not quite as bad as it has been in previous volumes. Still, we do say goodbye to some characters we have known for a while.
Like all Bernard Cornwell books, 1356 is fast paced, tightly written, and crammed full of more history than some textbooks. And, as always, it is engaging, disturbing, funny, and, most of all, exciting.
Highly recommended.
The book is just as full of gore and misery as every other Thomas of Hookton book, but this time there are fewer ills done to our hero. There is still suffering, to be sure, and, as always, those around Thomas seem to earn more than their fair share of pain, but it is not quite as bad as it has been in previous volumes. Still, we do say goodbye to some characters we have known for a while.
Like all Bernard Cornwell books, 1356 is fast paced, tightly written, and crammed full of more history than some textbooks. And, as always, it is engaging, disturbing, funny, and, most of all, exciting.
Highly recommended.
christajls's review against another edition
4.0
This review originally posted at More Than Just Magic
1356 is technically part of Cornwell’s Grail Quest series, but it is packaged as a stand alone so there is no need to go out and read the other books first -I mean if you want to than excellent! but if you don’t have time or only have this book you don’t need to worry. I didn’t know until I started reading that it was part of a larger series, but other than a few passing references to earlier events I never felt lost.
The protagonist of this adventure is Thomas of Hookton. He is searching for St. Peter’s sword (La Malice) in an effort to keep it away from the corrupt powers of the church and government. And if that wasn’t keep him busy enough he’s also trying to rescue some maidens, fight in a war and constantly worrying about the stock of his arrows. Being a mercenary is not easy.
I found that Cornwell has written a well constructed story around a strong main character. I really liked Thomas and was fascinated by the search for La Malice. I loved the history around the sword (whether real or fabricated). I’ve always had a thing for Grail stories and this is very much in a similar vein. However, I found that I never got to know the secondary characters all that well and the subplots often confused me more than intrigued me. I kept mixing things up. For instance Roland and Robbie – these names were far too similar! And I also kept forgetting who was fighting for the French and who for the English. Although I think this is more my failing than Cornwell’s.
Outside of the plot and characters an excellent reason to pick up this book is for the utterly fantastic battle scenes. I can not stress enough how awesome they were. I felt like I was right in the middle of some epic Braveheart style warfare. There was a lot going on but actions were clear, and the detail was spot on. I kept noticing little things he would add in and was amazed that he thought to include it. It really made the scene come alive on the page. (Side note: Leather buckets. I may have obsessed over the notion of leather buckets for a full day. It’s something so small but that I would have never thought of. I think my own work-in-progress needs some leather buckets).
Recommendation: Overall I think I prefer Bernard Cornwell’s writing to George R R Martin. Though I find the Game of Thrones novels a little easier to follow the amount of actual action and historical detail in 1356 really made it stand out. Recommended for those who like their historical fiction violent and action packed.
1356 is technically part of Cornwell’s Grail Quest series, but it is packaged as a stand alone so there is no need to go out and read the other books first -I mean if you want to than excellent! but if you don’t have time or only have this book you don’t need to worry. I didn’t know until I started reading that it was part of a larger series, but other than a few passing references to earlier events I never felt lost.
The protagonist of this adventure is Thomas of Hookton. He is searching for St. Peter’s sword (La Malice) in an effort to keep it away from the corrupt powers of the church and government. And if that wasn’t keep him busy enough he’s also trying to rescue some maidens, fight in a war and constantly worrying about the stock of his arrows. Being a mercenary is not easy.
I found that Cornwell has written a well constructed story around a strong main character. I really liked Thomas and was fascinated by the search for La Malice. I loved the history around the sword (whether real or fabricated). I’ve always had a thing for Grail stories and this is very much in a similar vein. However, I found that I never got to know the secondary characters all that well and the subplots often confused me more than intrigued me. I kept mixing things up. For instance Roland and Robbie – these names were far too similar! And I also kept forgetting who was fighting for the French and who for the English. Although I think this is more my failing than Cornwell’s.
Outside of the plot and characters an excellent reason to pick up this book is for the utterly fantastic battle scenes. I can not stress enough how awesome they were. I felt like I was right in the middle of some epic Braveheart style warfare. There was a lot going on but actions were clear, and the detail was spot on. I kept noticing little things he would add in and was amazed that he thought to include it. It really made the scene come alive on the page. (Side note: Leather buckets. I may have obsessed over the notion of leather buckets for a full day. It’s something so small but that I would have never thought of. I think my own work-in-progress needs some leather buckets).
Recommendation: Overall I think I prefer Bernard Cornwell’s writing to George R R Martin. Though I find the Game of Thrones novels a little easier to follow the amount of actual action and historical detail in 1356 really made it stand out. Recommended for those who like their historical fiction violent and action packed.
daveb's review against another edition
5.0
Cornwell returns to the archer Thomas of Hookton from the Grail Quest series, and his him chasing down another relic. Oh! And it just happens to coincide with another major battle of the 100 years war.
The details of that time, and especially the battles are amazing done. It is truly Cornwells gift. The story is also a breath of fresh air from his Uthred series that have become repetitive.
Bottom line is read this if you are Cornwell fan, or a fan of the hundred years war, or historical fiction, or just like a really good read.
The details of that time, and especially the battles are amazing done. It is truly Cornwells gift. The story is also a breath of fresh air from his Uthred series that have become repetitive.
Bottom line is read this if you are Cornwell fan, or a fan of the hundred years war, or historical fiction, or just like a really good read.
sandin954's review against another edition
4.0
Thomas of Hookton and his band of archers are sent on a new quest, to find the sword of Saint Peter, and while tooling around France wind up with the English Army just in time for the Battle of the Poitiers. An entertaining historical adventure with well drawn battle scenes, suspense, and even a bit of romance. Listened to the audio which was narrated by Jack Hawkins who ably juggled English, Scottish, Irish and French accents.
constantreader471's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed reading this library book very much--4.5 out of 5 stars--rounded up to 5. This is book 4 in The Grail Quest series, more of the adventures of Thomas of Hookton, an English archer. Thomas is now Sir Thomas and known as "le Batard." He has been hired by the Count of Labrouillade to retrieve his wife, who has run off with a man her own age. Thomas is now the head of a band of mercenaries.
There are some well drawn characters:
Count of Labrouillade--a nasty, fat pig of a man
The Count's wife Bertrille-- a feisty woman
Roland de Verrec--a young, very naive knight in search of a quest. He is still a virgin, believing that purity will help him win in battle.
Cardinal Bessieres-- a cunning, evil man scheming to be the next pope
Father Marchant-- a vile man who likes to torture people, in the name of god
Sculley -- a scarred fighter, very formidable in battle
All play a part in this novel of the battle of Poitiers. Most of the novel takes place before the battle.
One of the author's strengths is portraying in a very down to earth manner how people lived during this period. You feel as if you were there.
There are some well drawn characters:
Count of Labrouillade--a nasty, fat pig of a man
The Count's wife Bertrille-- a feisty woman
Roland de Verrec--a young, very naive knight in search of a quest. He is still a virgin, believing that purity will help him win in battle.
Cardinal Bessieres-- a cunning, evil man scheming to be the next pope
Father Marchant-- a vile man who likes to torture people, in the name of god
Sculley -- a scarred fighter, very formidable in battle
All play a part in this novel of the battle of Poitiers. Most of the novel takes place before the battle.
One of the author's strengths is portraying in a very down to earth manner how people lived during this period. You feel as if you were there.
ianl1963's review against another edition
2.0
The change from Sean Barrett to Jack Hawkins too big a leap.
For whatever reason very disaapointing addition to the series, narrator and prose no up to scratch.
For whatever reason very disaapointing addition to the series, narrator and prose no up to scratch.
sisterofdemons's review against another edition
4.0
La parte del leone in questo libro la fa la descrizione della Battaglia di Poitiers, veramente eccellente. Per il resto mi aspettavo qualcosa in più, alcuni personaggi sono stati trattati veramente male (scarso approfondimento, anche quando ricoprivano ruoli piuttosto importanti), altri fin troppo bene.
Libro nella media, ma con trovate molto interessanti (il Cavaliere Roland è stato il mio clown personale, mi ha fatto ridere estremamente, povera bestia).
La cosa bella è che in ogni caso Sir Thomas è sempre affascinante, anche con dieci anni in più sulle spalle (è tutta esperienza).
Libro nella media, ma con trovate molto interessanti (il Cavaliere Roland è stato il mio clown personale, mi ha fatto ridere estremamente, povera bestia).
La cosa bella è che in ogni caso Sir Thomas è sempre affascinante, anche con dieci anni in più sulle spalle (è tutta esperienza).
upbeatmick's review against another edition
4.0
Everyone that has read a Bernard Cornwell novel knows exactly what to expect - the bad guys are insidious and tricksy, the good guys are swiftly violent, dashing and clever. Cornwell's prowess at battle scenes just keeps getting better. If you have enjoyed his previous works, you will no doubt like this one too. Make sure you read the preceding three Grail Quest novels first though.