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1450s France. A young Englishman, Tom Swan, is kneeling in the dirt, waiting to be killed by the French who've taken him captive.
He's not a professional soldier. He's really a merchant and a scholar looking for remnants of Ancient Greece and Rome - temples, graves, pottery, fabulous animals, unicorn horns. But he also has a real talent for ending up in the midst of violence when he didn't mean to. Having used his wits to escape execution, he begins a series of adventures that take him to street duels in Italy, meetings with remarkable men - from Leonardo Da Vinci to Vlad Dracula - and from the intrigues of the War of the Roses to the fall of Constantinople.
He's not a professional soldier. He's really a merchant and a scholar looking for remnants of Ancient Greece and Rome - temples, graves, pottery, fabulous animals, unicorn horns. But he also has a real talent for ending up in the midst of violence when he didn't mean to. Having used his wits to escape execution, he begins a series of adventures that take him to street duels in Italy, meetings with remarkable men - from Leonardo Da Vinci to Vlad Dracula - and from the intrigues of the War of the Roses to the fall of Constantinople.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2012
91 people are currently reading
707 people want to read
About the author
Christian Cameron
81 books1,100 followersAka Miles Cameron. Also publishes as Gordon Kent with his father Kenneth M. Cameron.
Christian Cameron was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962. He grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, Iowa City, Iowa,Christian Cameron and Rochester, New York, where he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and later graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in history.
After the longest undergraduate degree on record (1980-87), he joined the United States Navy, where he served as an intelligence officer and as a backseater in S-3 Vikings in the First Gulf War, in Somalia, and elsewhere. After a dozen years of service, he became a full time writer in 2000. He lives in Toronto (that’s Ontario, in Canada) with his wife Sarah and their daughter Beatrice, currently age four. And a half.
Christian Cameron was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962. He grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, Iowa City, Iowa,Christian Cameron and Rochester, New York, where he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and later graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in history.
After the longest undergraduate degree on record (1980-87), he joined the United States Navy, where he served as an intelligence officer and as a backseater in S-3 Vikings in the First Gulf War, in Somalia, and elsewhere. After a dozen years of service, he became a full time writer in 2000. He lives in Toronto (that’s Ontario, in Canada) with his wife Sarah and their daughter Beatrice, currently age four. And a half.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 1, 2021
So, this is the first of the Tom Swan and the Head of Saint George novellas. One of six. When Ed, my brother, explained the premise for the story, there was little doubt that I would love it. It’s set in 1450s, Europe, the period we re-enact, it tells the story of a soldier/scholar, and it written by Christian Cameron. This was destined for greatness. And so it was.
At the head of this was of course the central protagonist, Tom Swan. Beginning at twenty years old, he is set to experience his first military conflict at Castillon. It resulted in John Talbot (The English Achilles, who is incidentally a distant relative) being killed in battle, and the effective conclusion of The Hundred Year War with English defeat. Thrown into this disastrous sequence, Tom Swan must somehow interweave his way through mortal danger, with the aim merely to stay alive.
Going into this, I felt like I knew Tom Swan. My brother loves these tales, and as such he has talked about Tom Swan for the past year pretty consistently. So, I already felt an attatchment to our protagonist and sole perspective, and that only grew during this first novella.
I’m really looking forward to carrying on reading more of Swan’s escapades. When I have finished The Head of Saint George, I will supply a more in-depth review about the six novellas combined.
For now though, Castillon was of course full of fruitful historical details, from famous events, to small nuggets of information that display Christian Cameron’s expertise regarding the subject. This combination of intricate details provided an additional flavour and flare to the story that brought the pages to life and assigned this tale with practically an unmatchable authenticity. Tom Swan is already a fantastic, compelling character, which is an achievement given this is contained within merely 100 pages.
5/5 STARS
At the head of this was of course the central protagonist, Tom Swan. Beginning at twenty years old, he is set to experience his first military conflict at Castillon. It resulted in John Talbot (The English Achilles, who is incidentally a distant relative) being killed in battle, and the effective conclusion of The Hundred Year War with English defeat. Thrown into this disastrous sequence, Tom Swan must somehow interweave his way through mortal danger, with the aim merely to stay alive.
Going into this, I felt like I knew Tom Swan. My brother loves these tales, and as such he has talked about Tom Swan for the past year pretty consistently. So, I already felt an attatchment to our protagonist and sole perspective, and that only grew during this first novella.
I’m really looking forward to carrying on reading more of Swan’s escapades. When I have finished The Head of Saint George, I will supply a more in-depth review about the six novellas combined.
For now though, Castillon was of course full of fruitful historical details, from famous events, to small nuggets of information that display Christian Cameron’s expertise regarding the subject. This combination of intricate details provided an additional flavour and flare to the story that brought the pages to life and assigned this tale with practically an unmatchable authenticity. Tom Swan is already a fantastic, compelling character, which is an achievement given this is contained within merely 100 pages.
5/5 STARS
May 10, 2025
Świetnie się bawiłam!
August 3, 2015
A very good read, as good as you would expect from Cameron. Any fan of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and historical fiction would love this series.
February 20, 2020
A wonderful novella set in 15th century. Sir John Talbot is dead, the English defeated at Castillon and Tom Swan has been captured. This tale is full of medieval goodness, the clothes, the crossbows, the Latin and Greek and Italian and French, the swords! Loved it and very glad there are many more Tom Swan episodes.
September 6, 2012
1450s France. A young Englishman, Tom Swan, is kneeling in the dirt, waiting to be killed by the French who've taken him captive.He's not a professional soldier. He's really a merchant and a scholar looking for remnants of Ancient Greece and Rome - temples, graves, pottery, fabulous animals, unicorn horns. But he also has a real talent for ending up in the midst of violence when he didn't mean to. Having used his wits to escape execution, he begins a series of adventures that take him to street duels in Italy, meetings with remarkable men - from Leonardo Da Vinci to Vlad Dracula - and from the intrigues of the War of the Roses to the fall of Constantinople.
-from the “back cover”.
Characters: As with all of Cameron’s novels, we get characters out of history, not modern people in costume thrust into a different age. The characters’ behaviors and actions are true to the time period and this has the effect of making the book seem more real. The book opens with Tom Swan as a helpless captive, and given his desperate situation, he immediately gains the reader’s sympathy. He is a likeable, resourceful protagonist surrounded by an interesting cast of supporting characters.
World building: Cameron is unmatched when it comes to world building. He is both a historian and a reenactor and it comes out beautifully in his novels. Cameron has a wonderful way of adding rich details to his historical fiction, without sounding like a professor giving a college lecture. Tom Swan immerses the character in the world of late medieval France.
Engagement/Willing suspension of disbelief: This is not a fantasy novel, it is historical fiction. Given this, I expect realistic depictions of events while at the same time a story filled with enough action to keep me engaged. Again, Cameron does not fail. The fights are brutal and realistic, with genuine danger for our protagonist. Tom Swan is no Conan, able to charge into a horde of enemies. In fact, he reacts to surviving combat in a very human, realistic manner. At no point did I want to pull back in disbelief. Cameron kept me fully engaged in the story.
Writing/Mechanics: Tom Swan is a professionally written novel. Cameron writes excellent prose, but I’ll warn you that he doesn’t shy from historic terms for clothing and equipment, and you’ll occasionally run into non-English words or phrases. But for me, this just adds to the richness of the experience. The context of the story tells us what the items are and what the words mean.
Impact: I read the novella in one sitting and loved it. Actually, it is not a novella, but one part of a serialized novel. And this is my one disappointment. Now I have to wait a month to be a part of Tom Swan’s next adventure.
-from the “back cover”.
Characters: As with all of Cameron’s novels, we get characters out of history, not modern people in costume thrust into a different age. The characters’ behaviors and actions are true to the time period and this has the effect of making the book seem more real. The book opens with Tom Swan as a helpless captive, and given his desperate situation, he immediately gains the reader’s sympathy. He is a likeable, resourceful protagonist surrounded by an interesting cast of supporting characters.
World building: Cameron is unmatched when it comes to world building. He is both a historian and a reenactor and it comes out beautifully in his novels. Cameron has a wonderful way of adding rich details to his historical fiction, without sounding like a professor giving a college lecture. Tom Swan immerses the character in the world of late medieval France.
Engagement/Willing suspension of disbelief: This is not a fantasy novel, it is historical fiction. Given this, I expect realistic depictions of events while at the same time a story filled with enough action to keep me engaged. Again, Cameron does not fail. The fights are brutal and realistic, with genuine danger for our protagonist. Tom Swan is no Conan, able to charge into a horde of enemies. In fact, he reacts to surviving combat in a very human, realistic manner. At no point did I want to pull back in disbelief. Cameron kept me fully engaged in the story.
Writing/Mechanics: Tom Swan is a professionally written novel. Cameron writes excellent prose, but I’ll warn you that he doesn’t shy from historic terms for clothing and equipment, and you’ll occasionally run into non-English words or phrases. But for me, this just adds to the richness of the experience. The context of the story tells us what the items are and what the words mean.
Impact: I read the novella in one sitting and loved it. Actually, it is not a novella, but one part of a serialized novel. And this is my one disappointment. Now I have to wait a month to be a part of Tom Swan’s next adventure.
September 7, 2012
I must say I am a big fan of Christian Camerons Historical Fiction novels. Why is that? Because he brings so much more than the average historical fiction writer. He is a military historian, studies the classics at the Univeristy of Toronto, is a very fine writer, a reenactor, and had a 12 year career in the US Navy as an intelligence officer and backseater in S3 Vikings and served in the first gulf war, in somalia and elsewhere befor becoming a full time writer. So the man has been there in the military, in the war, and as a very fanatical reenactor knows what it is like to wield a sword, stand in a greek phalanx in full armour, get your nose broken by a shield block in a mock fight, row a galley, shoot a bow, make and maintain your own kit. Through all these experiences he’s able to create an ancient world in his novels that is so incredibly vivid, detailed, lively and convincing, that it feels like you’re actually there. Also his characters are real persons, not the archetypical hero’s and vilains. And furthermore avoids the trap of making them 21th century men. They are guys you could go to a bar with,have a couple of beers, and have a very good time together, but they are subtly different, think different and have a different cultural mindset.
Until now all of Christian Camerons Historical novels were situated in the Greek Classical and Hellenistic era.
The Tom Swan series cover a different era, the late middle ages and early renaissance Furthermore this is the first e-book. This format is quite different now that you don't have the whole story in one book, but parts of the story in e-book to be published seperately.
I must say that this new series appeals to me even more, as Christian Cameron plays out his knowledge and experience in Longsword fencing- Italian renaissance style- and his experiences in archery, including shooting historical military arrows from an English Warbow of 100lbs in draw weight. ...anyone familiar with wielding a longsword and swordfighting will recognise and be able to visualise the moves that Tom Swan plays out in his fighting scenes . *(big grin moment for me*) But even if you don't know what a sword is, the battle scenes are extremely vivid and realistic, like you're right in the middle of it all.
And there's a great storyline and a great cast of characters. - so far- Tom Swan- the adventurer from England , Alessandro, the Italian noble exile from Venice, The Italian Lawyers, the Italian cardinal from Constantinople. A mysterious antique manuscript, Giannis, the Greek guard, and Peter the Flemish archer/servant. Of course we don't know how the story will progress and evolve, as Christian Camerons novels and series usually tend to have a pretty high casualty rate, but this new series starts out brilliantly!
Until now all of Christian Camerons Historical novels were situated in the Greek Classical and Hellenistic era.
The Tom Swan series cover a different era, the late middle ages and early renaissance Furthermore this is the first e-book. This format is quite different now that you don't have the whole story in one book, but parts of the story in e-book to be published seperately.
I must say that this new series appeals to me even more, as Christian Cameron plays out his knowledge and experience in Longsword fencing- Italian renaissance style- and his experiences in archery, including shooting historical military arrows from an English Warbow of 100lbs in draw weight. ...anyone familiar with wielding a longsword and swordfighting will recognise and be able to visualise the moves that Tom Swan plays out in his fighting scenes . *(big grin moment for me*) But even if you don't know what a sword is, the battle scenes are extremely vivid and realistic, like you're right in the middle of it all.
And there's a great storyline and a great cast of characters. - so far- Tom Swan- the adventurer from England , Alessandro, the Italian noble exile from Venice, The Italian Lawyers, the Italian cardinal from Constantinople. A mysterious antique manuscript, Giannis, the Greek guard, and Peter the Flemish archer/servant. Of course we don't know how the story will progress and evolve, as Christian Camerons novels and series usually tend to have a pretty high casualty rate, but this new series starts out brilliantly!
January 3, 2024
Compared to The Red Knight by the same author, this was light read! I am assuming different names are used to separate fantasy and historical fiction. A charming and easy read. I should be able to knock out the hole series in the first quarter of the year.
January 5, 2018
Promising beginning to a pacy romp with the backdrop of the last leg of the Hundred Years' War.
Cameron is always a guarantee of clever badinage and top-notch feats of arms.
Swan shrugged. He’d learned that shrug through hard practice. He could shrug like that even when his uncles were hitting him with a belt.
Cameron is always a guarantee of clever badinage and top-notch feats of arms.
Swan shrugged. He’d learned that shrug through hard practice. He could shrug like that even when his uncles were hitting him with a belt.
July 23, 2014
wow, a new unexpected C. Cameron in 3 installments; awesome and a buy asap
finished this in an hour or so as it was a fun read; nothing that unpredictable and of course it is part one only (just found out tonight about it as of course it is the release day of Poseidon's spear which is another automatic buy on publication date, but Sept 20 and October 18 are marked now as i plan to buy and read parts 2/3 on the release day)
the blurb gives a good idea of what the story is about, while I would only add that the detail, accuracy and the no sentimentalism expected from the Greek World books from the author are present here and I hope the shorts work out well so we get more
FBC Review:
The blurb gives a good idea of what the story is about, and I would add that the detail, accuracy and the no sentimentalism expected from the Greek World books from the author are present here. Our hero, Tom Swan, illegitimate son of an English Cardinal and prince and a tavern keeper, educated both in the ways of tavern by his mother and later at court by his father and finding himself at loose ends after the death of the Cardinal, decides to follow a patron from the nobility on the field of glory in France at the tail end of the 100 Years War.
Of course the field of glory turns into the mire of defeat, his patron dies in the final battle at Chatillon which shattered the English claims in France and the brutal character of this last campaign - brutal even for the times - means that prisoners are given no quarter and the book starts with their methodical execution, Tom being there in line and awaiting the inevitable...
"For good or ill, Thomas Swan had been one of the first men into the French gun positions and one of the last to be taken. So he was on the right of the line of captives as the blood-maddened crowd of peasants and foot soldiers killed Englishmen.
Swan was too tired to struggle. He thought about it. By the time he’d watched them kill a couple of men-at-arms worth far more than he was worth, he realised that they were all going to die."
However, by luck, Greek Cardinal Bessarion - a refugee from Constantinople and one of the main promoters of the union of the Greek and Catholic Churches as a last ditch effort to save the city from Islamic occupation, union that ultimately would be rejected by the Greeks who in quite famous words, would prefer the Prophet to the Pope - passes by and Tom tries a desperate gamble, begging for mercy in Greek...
"Swan pushed through his despair. It couldn’t hurt. It might even help.
‘Kyrie eleison, Pater! Kyrie, Agie Pater!’ he shouted in Greek.
All that learning ought to be good for something"
The gambit works and later Tom lies his way into being taken as a rich prisoner from a noble family who would pay a lot to ransom him, while the "money challenged" Cardinal bites the hook and takes Tom with him toward Paris where the ransoms are arranged. Of course things happen and Tom attaches himself to the Cardinal's party for good.
An excellent first part of what I hope to be a long series...
finished this in an hour or so as it was a fun read; nothing that unpredictable and of course it is part one only (just found out tonight about it as of course it is the release day of Poseidon's spear which is another automatic buy on publication date, but Sept 20 and October 18 are marked now as i plan to buy and read parts 2/3 on the release day)
the blurb gives a good idea of what the story is about, while I would only add that the detail, accuracy and the no sentimentalism expected from the Greek World books from the author are present here and I hope the shorts work out well so we get more
FBC Review:
The blurb gives a good idea of what the story is about, and I would add that the detail, accuracy and the no sentimentalism expected from the Greek World books from the author are present here. Our hero, Tom Swan, illegitimate son of an English Cardinal and prince and a tavern keeper, educated both in the ways of tavern by his mother and later at court by his father and finding himself at loose ends after the death of the Cardinal, decides to follow a patron from the nobility on the field of glory in France at the tail end of the 100 Years War.
Of course the field of glory turns into the mire of defeat, his patron dies in the final battle at Chatillon which shattered the English claims in France and the brutal character of this last campaign - brutal even for the times - means that prisoners are given no quarter and the book starts with their methodical execution, Tom being there in line and awaiting the inevitable...
"For good or ill, Thomas Swan had been one of the first men into the French gun positions and one of the last to be taken. So he was on the right of the line of captives as the blood-maddened crowd of peasants and foot soldiers killed Englishmen.
Swan was too tired to struggle. He thought about it. By the time he’d watched them kill a couple of men-at-arms worth far more than he was worth, he realised that they were all going to die."
However, by luck, Greek Cardinal Bessarion - a refugee from Constantinople and one of the main promoters of the union of the Greek and Catholic Churches as a last ditch effort to save the city from Islamic occupation, union that ultimately would be rejected by the Greeks who in quite famous words, would prefer the Prophet to the Pope - passes by and Tom tries a desperate gamble, begging for mercy in Greek...
"Swan pushed through his despair. It couldn’t hurt. It might even help.
‘Kyrie eleison, Pater! Kyrie, Agie Pater!’ he shouted in Greek.
All that learning ought to be good for something"
The gambit works and later Tom lies his way into being taken as a rich prisoner from a noble family who would pay a lot to ransom him, while the "money challenged" Cardinal bites the hook and takes Tom with him toward Paris where the ransoms are arranged. Of course things happen and Tom attaches himself to the Cardinal's party for good.
An excellent first part of what I hope to be a long series...
September 1, 2012
For the sake of up front honesty i have to post that I'm a HUGE fan of Christian Cameron's books.
The reason for this is that he is the best writer in the historical fiction genre, probably the finest writer i have ever read.
There was a comment recently where it was said he writes for re-enactors, I disagree, i think he writes with the knowledge of a historian and the experience of a re-enactor.
This brings the story to life in a much more real fashion... don't take my word for it, ask all the historical fiction authors who also read his books and cast jealous glances at them.
I never thought anyone would match let alone beat the simple elegance of David Gemmell's writing, but ...well Christian Cameron's books have me totally immersed in another world after just a few paragraphs, by the end of the book I'm utterly lost in another time.
Tom Swan is no exception. A character so real and so complex you are riding along his journey, not at his shoulder, but in his skin. Christian Cameron's tireless search for knowledge and perfection of his understanding of every period he writes in, just makes the world as vivid fr me the reader as i suspect it is when the characters talk to him during the writing of the story.
I love the fact that these adventures will be coming out monthly
Book 2 Tom Swan and the Head of St George Part Two: Venice 20th Sept
Book 3 Tom Swan and the Head of St George Part Three: Constantinople 18th Oct
but i lament the fact that there will not be a full blown series. As once again the writing astounds me.
Very Very Highly recommended
(Parm)
The reason for this is that he is the best writer in the historical fiction genre, probably the finest writer i have ever read.
There was a comment recently where it was said he writes for re-enactors, I disagree, i think he writes with the knowledge of a historian and the experience of a re-enactor.
This brings the story to life in a much more real fashion... don't take my word for it, ask all the historical fiction authors who also read his books and cast jealous glances at them.
I never thought anyone would match let alone beat the simple elegance of David Gemmell's writing, but ...well Christian Cameron's books have me totally immersed in another world after just a few paragraphs, by the end of the book I'm utterly lost in another time.
Tom Swan is no exception. A character so real and so complex you are riding along his journey, not at his shoulder, but in his skin. Christian Cameron's tireless search for knowledge and perfection of his understanding of every period he writes in, just makes the world as vivid fr me the reader as i suspect it is when the characters talk to him during the writing of the story.
I love the fact that these adventures will be coming out monthly
Book 2 Tom Swan and the Head of St George Part Two: Venice 20th Sept
Book 3 Tom Swan and the Head of St George Part Three: Constantinople 18th Oct
but i lament the fact that there will not be a full blown series. As once again the writing astounds me.
Very Very Highly recommended
(Parm)
November 16, 2022
2.5 stars
June 29, 2021
I’ve read books by him under the pseudonym Miles Cameron. I think I like his prose more even in this short novella. There was a good plot, setting, characters, and dialog to keep this story interesting. It really was a good short story.
October 21, 2012
Very good! Can't wait to read the next installment.
April 23, 2019
Actual rating: 4.00
September 22, 2021
I wanted to read historical fiction for a long time but had no idea where to start with it. And then I heard a glowing review of Christian Cameron's Tom Swan series from Ed Gwynne and knew I should try it. And I had a blast!
Historically set after the battle of Castillon it captures the mood and setting brilliantly. But what works for me the most are the characters. Tom Swan is a very clever protagonist and watching him regaining his freedom after the capture was a pleasure. Other minor characters are distinctive and serve a good purpose.
Overall I was delighted by the story. I am convinced that the format of the novella is what partly makes it work so well, It kept me gripped and I definitely want to know more.
Historically set after the battle of Castillon it captures the mood and setting brilliantly. But what works for me the most are the characters. Tom Swan is a very clever protagonist and watching him regaining his freedom after the capture was a pleasure. Other minor characters are distinctive and serve a good purpose.
Overall I was delighted by the story. I am convinced that the format of the novella is what partly makes it work so well, It kept me gripped and I definitely want to know more.
April 14, 2023
Christian Cameron acerta novamente. Uma história gostosa e muito interessante e com um potencial enorme para criar uma grande jornada do Tom Swan pelo mundo. Sempre acho fascinante quando um autor consegue me conquistar com poucas páginas.
May 15, 2025
2,5
Okay, not great.
Writing was confusing sometimes.
Other reviews are saying the story is full of wit and humor, but I must have missed a lot of this, as I did not find it that funny.
Also, only a couple of women were in the story (only 1 had a name) and they were all joked or fantasized about by the male characters.
Okay, not great.
Writing was confusing sometimes.
Other reviews are saying the story is full of wit and humor, but I must have missed a lot of this, as I did not find it that funny.
Also, only a couple of women were in the story (only 1 had a name) and they were all joked or fantasized about by the male characters.
September 28, 2012
Christian Cameron starts his hero, Tom Swan, on his knees about to die after the 15th century battle that gives the book its name. His first battle as an English soldier is England's last battle of the so-called Hundred Years War. Swan's comrades are being executed by the victorious French, quite gruesomely. There's nowhere to go but up.
Swan has education and wit, and a timely prayer wailed loudly in Greek catches the ear of a watching cardinal who thinks 'ransom.' It's moments like this that Cameron is at his best. He clearly appreciates the power of language and situation in this period.
'Tom Swan: Castillion' is the first installment of an e-book series and this showcases to Cameron's strengths as a writer and a historian, but also reveals a slight flaw. More on that later.
I have never read a book, e or otherwise, by someone so clearly knowledgeable in the period in which he was writing. Cameron is widely known outside the US as an author of historical fiction focused on adventures in the times of ancient Greece and Alexander the Great. His books are only now being made available in the US.
Cameron is a former US naval aviator and intelligence officer and yet he maintains a light touch on the military aspects of his novel. We don't even see the eponymous battle, only its aftermath as it relates to the main character. We experience instead the sights and smells and sounds of the late medieval world (or early renaissance, take your pick) through the senses of a prisoner and would-be scholar, rising to the occasion and taking advantage of his opportunities. Fights are small, personal, bloody, and rendered by an expert.
And indeed, Swan is the only point-of-view character, and we tour the roads, inns, and abbeys of rural France, meeting a wide assortment of characters along the way. The eye catches the articles of clothing, the tools, the weapons, and the implements of daily life. Cameron has a great ear for dialogue, and people's voices ring true to their station, with deftness and humor and just enough profanity for seasoning. He tells a great lawyer joke.
Which leads me to my main criticism. The novel reads a bit like a play (or screenplay, perhaps?), with brisk, engaging conversations and just enough setting to give the reader a sense of place and time. However, I could have used fuller descriptions in places. Sometimes I like to linger. There is a lot going on and Cameron seems in a bit of a hurry.
This could just be because, as the author admits in this introduction, 'Tom Swan' is his first foray into the serialized novel. Fortunately, there is another e-book in the series just released and another on the way for October 2012. Swan has places to go and people to meet, and I look forward to going along with him.
Swan has education and wit, and a timely prayer wailed loudly in Greek catches the ear of a watching cardinal who thinks 'ransom.' It's moments like this that Cameron is at his best. He clearly appreciates the power of language and situation in this period.
'Tom Swan: Castillion' is the first installment of an e-book series and this showcases to Cameron's strengths as a writer and a historian, but also reveals a slight flaw. More on that later.
I have never read a book, e or otherwise, by someone so clearly knowledgeable in the period in which he was writing. Cameron is widely known outside the US as an author of historical fiction focused on adventures in the times of ancient Greece and Alexander the Great. His books are only now being made available in the US.
Cameron is a former US naval aviator and intelligence officer and yet he maintains a light touch on the military aspects of his novel. We don't even see the eponymous battle, only its aftermath as it relates to the main character. We experience instead the sights and smells and sounds of the late medieval world (or early renaissance, take your pick) through the senses of a prisoner and would-be scholar, rising to the occasion and taking advantage of his opportunities. Fights are small, personal, bloody, and rendered by an expert.
And indeed, Swan is the only point-of-view character, and we tour the roads, inns, and abbeys of rural France, meeting a wide assortment of characters along the way. The eye catches the articles of clothing, the tools, the weapons, and the implements of daily life. Cameron has a great ear for dialogue, and people's voices ring true to their station, with deftness and humor and just enough profanity for seasoning. He tells a great lawyer joke.
Which leads me to my main criticism. The novel reads a bit like a play (or screenplay, perhaps?), with brisk, engaging conversations and just enough setting to give the reader a sense of place and time. However, I could have used fuller descriptions in places. Sometimes I like to linger. There is a lot going on and Cameron seems in a bit of a hurry.
This could just be because, as the author admits in this introduction, 'Tom Swan' is his first foray into the serialized novel. Fortunately, there is another e-book in the series just released and another on the way for October 2012. Swan has places to go and people to meet, and I look forward to going along with him.
November 30, 2024
I really enjoyed this. Well written, highly amusing, and with plenty of historical detail to send me down rabbit holes. I will be reading the rest.
September 9, 2012
I am familiar with Cameron's writing from Killer of Men, which is an astounding novel written with feeling and depth, and I am aware of his work being a sweeping set of different series all set within the mileu of Ancient Greece. Thus it came as a bit of a surprise to me to discover that he had branched out with a series of short e-books based in the 15th century. I have to admit to having been intrigued enough that I bought Tom Swan pt1 and shuffled it into my reading pile (it's only short, and I read it in one night so it caused no backing up of books.)
The style of Tom Swan is very different from Cameron's other work, I would say, though that is no bad thing and it suits the serialized adventure fiction type of book that this is perfectly.
The thing that struck me most about this work was the simplicity of the story and the plot and the humour and real humanity injected throughout. Too often historical fiction takes itself far too seriously it can be a real tonic to punctuate the deeply heart-rending or tense pile of books in my reading list with something light, enjoyable and exciting like this.
I have to say that I had no idea what the story was about, and still I have not read the description of the book or the sequels. The title intrigued me and, while I hate giving spoilers in my reviews, I have to say that I've reached the end of part one and still have no idea of the relevance of the title! I am therefore dying to read part two and dig deeper.
The characters in this story are realistic and among the most engaging in anything I've read - especially Alessandro, who has leapt into my top ten supporting characters of all time. The plot rattles away at an excellent pace that never leaves the reader wanting.
Quite simply, this book is a stunning piece of writing and I think it would be a complete waste if the potential reader passed it up at the wonderfully low price it sells at. I for one will continue to read the rest of the books and hope Cameron's planning on taking the series past three books.
Well done Mr Cameron for taking a chance on a new era and a whole new style of book and nailing it perfectly.
The style of Tom Swan is very different from Cameron's other work, I would say, though that is no bad thing and it suits the serialized adventure fiction type of book that this is perfectly.
The thing that struck me most about this work was the simplicity of the story and the plot and the humour and real humanity injected throughout. Too often historical fiction takes itself far too seriously it can be a real tonic to punctuate the deeply heart-rending or tense pile of books in my reading list with something light, enjoyable and exciting like this.
I have to say that I had no idea what the story was about, and still I have not read the description of the book or the sequels. The title intrigued me and, while I hate giving spoilers in my reviews, I have to say that I've reached the end of part one and still have no idea of the relevance of the title! I am therefore dying to read part two and dig deeper.
The characters in this story are realistic and among the most engaging in anything I've read - especially Alessandro, who has leapt into my top ten supporting characters of all time. The plot rattles away at an excellent pace that never leaves the reader wanting.
Quite simply, this book is a stunning piece of writing and I think it would be a complete waste if the potential reader passed it up at the wonderfully low price it sells at. I for one will continue to read the rest of the books and hope Cameron's planning on taking the series past three books.
Well done Mr Cameron for taking a chance on a new era and a whole new style of book and nailing it perfectly.
September 9, 2012
reposted from my Amazon review.
Wow, a whole new historical period for Christian Cameron. As a fan of his website & facebook page I kinda saw this coming when he started posting pictures of medieval armor & swords instead of Ancient Greek ones. This is the heart of what Mr. Cameron does -- experimental archaelology distilled into detailed historical fiction. He has made the equipment, worn it all day & fenced with the swords. Combined with his effort to learn the languages & read the original sources, he knows better than anyone the "what, where & why" of ancient cultures, clothing & equipment. I learn new things everytime I read his books. This is not to say his books are dry or teachy, his insights just add more color.
I am very pleased that Amazon USA has this available for kindle. It is a crime that his dozen or so books are unavailable in the USA, either in electronic or paper form. Why do I have to order from the UK for a us born author? Anyway, rant off.
Back to Tom Swan part 1. In this first chapter of the serial novel we are introduced to Tom Swan, mercenary, scholar (& thief?) in a life or death situation. He is immediately likeable, amazingly lucky (well it is hero fiction) and full of surprises. We have a short little trip thru France with 2-3 excellent sword fights, Tom picks up a henchman & we learn some more important things about this mystery boy who speaks so many languages. Then it is all too soon over, arghh frustration! Can't wait for the next installments & I have preordered both of them.
I recommend you give this series a try.
Wow, a whole new historical period for Christian Cameron. As a fan of his website & facebook page I kinda saw this coming when he started posting pictures of medieval armor & swords instead of Ancient Greek ones. This is the heart of what Mr. Cameron does -- experimental archaelology distilled into detailed historical fiction. He has made the equipment, worn it all day & fenced with the swords. Combined with his effort to learn the languages & read the original sources, he knows better than anyone the "what, where & why" of ancient cultures, clothing & equipment. I learn new things everytime I read his books. This is not to say his books are dry or teachy, his insights just add more color.
I am very pleased that Amazon USA has this available for kindle. It is a crime that his dozen or so books are unavailable in the USA, either in electronic or paper form. Why do I have to order from the UK for a us born author? Anyway, rant off.
Back to Tom Swan part 1. In this first chapter of the serial novel we are introduced to Tom Swan, mercenary, scholar (& thief?) in a life or death situation. He is immediately likeable, amazingly lucky (well it is hero fiction) and full of surprises. We have a short little trip thru France with 2-3 excellent sword fights, Tom picks up a henchman & we learn some more important things about this mystery boy who speaks so many languages. Then it is all too soon over, arghh frustration! Can't wait for the next installments & I have preordered both of them.
I recommend you give this series a try.
April 27, 2018
This is a serial of six, ~100-page instalments. This review goes for all the instalments.
Christian Cameron is a master of historical fiction and is quickly becoming one of my favourite fiction writers. Set in the mid-15th century, just after the fall of Constantinople (hey, even old New York was once New Amsterdam!), this story has all the bits that make a good novel: a likeable protagonist with character development, interesting and varied historical environments, relatable side-characters, diplomacy, politics,womanizing romance, gripping (and, as far as I can tell, reasonably authentic) action, pranks of good and bad taste. Very enjoyable, if perhaps not brilliant (that's what the five stars are for, right?). It doesn't quite have an overarching grand plot or theme, but then life doesn't either, so that's neither here nor there.
I personally prefer the old one story-one book format, although the pricing is more than reasonable ($1.22 on Amazon for a hundred pages, I call that a steal!).
I also had some trouble with inconsistencies between the instalments, for example, a character named Alessandro di Brachio is referred to as Alessandro for the first few parts, then as Di Brachio in the next. I am not good at names, stop fooling me!
Overall, very entertaining.
Christian Cameron is a master of historical fiction and is quickly becoming one of my favourite fiction writers. Set in the mid-15th century, just after the fall of Constantinople (hey, even old New York was once New Amsterdam!), this story has all the bits that make a good novel: a likeable protagonist with character development, interesting and varied historical environments, relatable side-characters, diplomacy, politics,
I personally prefer the old one story-one book format, although the pricing is more than reasonable ($1.22 on Amazon for a hundred pages, I call that a steal!).
I also had some trouble with inconsistencies between the instalments, for example, a character named Alessandro di Brachio is referred to as Alessandro for the first few parts, then as Di Brachio in the next. I am not good at names, stop fooling me!
Overall, very entertaining.
January 14, 2024
I really enjoyed it!
July 3, 2023
Christian Cameron tries here to resurrect the 19th century's love of feuilletons or serials, those novels published episodically in monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly instalments through magazines, the ancestors of radio then TV series. He's in good company with the likes of Dumas, Hugo, Dickens and many others. And if this first part is anything to go by, he's met the challenge brilliantly.
While obviously part of a greater whole that will unfold in the next part, Part One is a satisfying episode that provides a good temporary stop point while leaving you eager to pick up the next part, and feeling somewhat different from the modern novella format. It might even be fun to experience it monthly, as intended.
The story set midway in the 15th century introduces a very interesting, instantly relatable young Englishman with a mysterious background, part polyglot scholar of antiquity, part adventurer whose trying to make his fortune on the continent, for the time by joining the army of Talbot at the very end of the Hundred Years War, that finds itself soundly defeated by the French before the book even begins. Captured by the French, with only his wits to himself (quite literally for a while) young Tom Swan must find a way to survive and eventually gain back his freedom, which soon finds him gravitating around a greek Cardinal traveling from the battlefield with a few guards and merchants.
One can expect the usual qualities of Cameron's stories from this one: excellent research and ability to really bring to life the historical period he sets one of his story in, great attention to detail especially in military matters, a fluid prose and great pacing, a very likeable protagonist and a fun cast of secondary characters that start in this first part to take shape. The final result lands somewhere in the territory of Ben Kane, Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe, Conn Iggulden, but also provide much of the same fun as reading Alexandre Dumas, but with a slightly modernized approach.
It's a very promising start to the first Swan stories, one that makes you happy to know there's not only many parts left to this one, but there's more stories to come after that.
If you've ever wondered how it felt to the readers of Dickens or Dumas to discover their stories in instalments, this is a chance to find out and then pace yourself, or binge it all.
While obviously part of a greater whole that will unfold in the next part, Part One is a satisfying episode that provides a good temporary stop point while leaving you eager to pick up the next part, and feeling somewhat different from the modern novella format. It might even be fun to experience it monthly, as intended.
The story set midway in the 15th century introduces a very interesting, instantly relatable young Englishman with a mysterious background, part polyglot scholar of antiquity, part adventurer whose trying to make his fortune on the continent, for the time by joining the army of Talbot at the very end of the Hundred Years War, that finds itself soundly defeated by the French before the book even begins. Captured by the French, with only his wits to himself (quite literally for a while) young Tom Swan must find a way to survive and eventually gain back his freedom, which soon finds him gravitating around a greek Cardinal traveling from the battlefield with a few guards and merchants.
One can expect the usual qualities of Cameron's stories from this one: excellent research and ability to really bring to life the historical period he sets one of his story in, great attention to detail especially in military matters, a fluid prose and great pacing, a very likeable protagonist and a fun cast of secondary characters that start in this first part to take shape. The final result lands somewhere in the territory of Ben Kane, Bernard Cornwell's Sharpe, Conn Iggulden, but also provide much of the same fun as reading Alexandre Dumas, but with a slightly modernized approach.
It's a very promising start to the first Swan stories, one that makes you happy to know there's not only many parts left to this one, but there's more stories to come after that.
If you've ever wondered how it felt to the readers of Dickens or Dumas to discover their stories in instalments, this is a chance to find out and then pace yourself, or binge it all.
March 2, 2021
Thoroughly enjoyed this one, it's just a fun romp of a historical fiction novella full of wit and charm. The fights and skirmishes are well done and clearly with a wealth of knowledge to back them up as is to be expected of Cameron. The serial format itself is certainly an intriguing prospect, and this is a great first installment which feels a complete story and not merely a piece of a novel chopped out, so it will be interesting to see how it progresses.
Tom Swan himself is a bit of a rogue, very much down on his luck at the beginning of this novella, but endearingly so. It's fun to see him go from literally saving his own neck after defeat at the battle of Castillon to scheming his way out of the predicament he finds himself in as a result. He brings to mind Ciaphas Cain a little as a character thanks to his natural charm and penchant for bullshitting which is delightful.
Overall a very enjoyable and entertaining action filled romp
Tom Swan himself is a bit of a rogue, very much down on his luck at the beginning of this novella, but endearingly so. It's fun to see him go from literally saving his own neck after defeat at the battle of Castillon to scheming his way out of the predicament he finds himself in as a result. He brings to mind Ciaphas Cain a little as a character thanks to his natural charm and penchant for bullshitting which is delightful.
Overall a very enjoyable and entertaining action filled romp
January 17, 2020
This is a short but outstanding novella is an excellent introduction to the very first Tom Swan adventure.
It has a certain quality of authenticity. The story contains some beautiful descriptions of Mediaeval Castillion. You get an insight into Mediaeval life. There some great world-building going on.
It is well researched, full of action, just enough humour to put a smile on your face. It is definitely a compelling story with a little bit of history as well.
The story is short but fast-paced. Tom Swan is such a loveable but slightly roguish character. Definitely worth a read.
It has a certain quality of authenticity. The story contains some beautiful descriptions of Mediaeval Castillion. You get an insight into Mediaeval life. There some great world-building going on.
It is well researched, full of action, just enough humour to put a smile on your face. It is definitely a compelling story with a little bit of history as well.
The story is short but fast-paced. Tom Swan is such a loveable but slightly roguish character. Definitely worth a read.
February 21, 2022
If you are looking for the viewpoint of an intelligent, well-read but poor man-at-arms, making his way after the Battle of Castillon (last battle of the Hundred Years War) and ending up in Greece, Christian Cameron does an excellent job. Due to his extensive experience, both with research, seeing these sites first hand, and actually spending time in armor, he gets the mood and the thoughts of the characters just right, and to a realistic degree. I am a bit preferential to his other character, William Gold from the Chivalry Series, taking place about 40 years before this, but the Tom Swan series has a great deal to recommend it.
August 10, 2023
Swan has a funny and refined personality, but he is also brave and loyal to his friends. He outplays the wealthy class with lies in the hope of survival. If necessary he doesn't shy away from stealing. Because of these he often reminds me of Robin Hood.
The book is character-focused, but there is also no shortage of excitement. The world building is continuous, because as the books progress, it becomes a whole.
And I would like to highlight Swan's epic fighting style. This has become one of my favorites. I like to read about epic battles and fighting techniques because they add a lot to the story.
The book is character-focused, but there is also no shortage of excitement. The world building is continuous, because as the books progress, it becomes a whole.
And I would like to highlight Swan's epic fighting style. This has become one of my favorites. I like to read about epic battles and fighting techniques because they add a lot to the story.
August 20, 2017
This a review the Series not this entry, which I have just read from start to finish including the siege of belgrade and the last spartans. Accepting the serial (read cliffhanger )style I enjoyed them tremendously - sort of like the Sharpe series but with even more action (due to the serial form) but still placed within history. I am currently reading the ill-made knight but enjoy these more.
February 29, 2024
Tom Swan is a bad boy
I wasn't sure how I was going to like the series of books but after reading the first book I'm well pleased. After my introduction to young Tom Swan it looks like I'm in for a good and enjoyable bit of reading. it's also a very easy read I'm looking forward to starting book 2 and finding out how things work out with Tom and his new employer.
I wasn't sure how I was going to like the series of books but after reading the first book I'm well pleased. After my introduction to young Tom Swan it looks like I'm in for a good and enjoyable bit of reading. it's also a very easy read I'm looking forward to starting book 2 and finding out how things work out with Tom and his new employer.
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