Having never read anything from Bernard Cornwell....I was surprised! The story is incredibly well written, and highly detailed oriented. The characters were strong, likeable and in some instances, unlikable.

The familiar characters of Thomas of Hookton, also known as la Batard, and his men are in the middle of France seeking to help Edward III and his son Edward, the Prince of Wales. We follow Thomas to the Battle of Poitiers, where he must seek another holy relic, protect his wife and men, and face down the corruption from the Church's most inner circles.

Throughout 1356, the various character move throughout the countryside. As we follow each, the events that made the Black Prince, or otherwise known and Edward, Prince of Wales famous. The chevauchess or the particularly destructive kind of military raid that had made Edward III of England famous. Instead of besieging a castle or conquering land, men at arms on a Chevauchée created as much destruction, carnage and chaos as possible to both break the morale of enemies & deny their rulers income and resources.

Bernard Cornwell writing grips the reader and holds throughout the entire book! Although the characters of this book are part of his Grail Quest, Archer's Tale, Vagabond, & Heretic Series, this book can be read without having to read those.

Book Summary