An authorative, blood-soaked journey through the Middle Ages. Gripping from the first page, Richard Cullen transports you back through time and gives you a front-row seat to one of the most fascinating events England's shores have ever seen.
This book charts the rise (was it even really a rise?) and fall of the infamous King Richard of England. Impeccably researched and well paced, the story centres around a boy named Estianne Wace and the history serves as a background as we follow his journey to manhood.
In many ways it is the classic 'boy to man' story, Estianne very much the good guy, seemingly taking the right turn at every junction. The plotting is good, the setting well set and the sights and smells of the period brought to life.
There's a fantastic little twist at the end regarding Estianne and the person he is, which sets us up nicely for the next book where we get to see the person he will become. And he'll be doing it on a crusade! Everyone loves a crusade, right?!
Highly recommend for lovers of mediaeval history. If you've read recent books by Ben Kane or Ian Ross then this is right up your street!
(And thanks to the author for giving me an early read of the book!)
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