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Hereward #2
The Winter Warrior: A Novel of Medieval England
1067. Following the devastating loss of the Battle of Hastings, William the Bastard and his men have descended on England. Villages are torched and men, women, and children are put to the sword as the Norman king attempts to impose his cruel will upon this unruly nation. But there is one who stands in the way of the invader’s savagery. He is called Hereward. He is a warrior and master tactician and as adept at slaughter as the imposter who sits upon the throne. And he is England’s last hope.
In a Fenlands fortress of water and wild wood, Hereward’s resistance is simmering. His army of outcasts grows by the day—a devil’s army that emerges out of the mists and the night, leaving death in its wake. But William is not easily cowed. Under the command of his ruthless deputy, Ivo Taillebois—the man they call “the Butcher”—the Norman forces will do whatever it takes to crush the rebels, even if it means razing England to the ground. Here then is the tale of the bloodiest rebellion England has ever known—the beginning of an epic struggle that will echo down the years . . .
In a Fenlands fortress of water and wild wood, Hereward’s resistance is simmering. His army of outcasts grows by the day—a devil’s army that emerges out of the mists and the night, leaving death in its wake. But William is not easily cowed. Under the command of his ruthless deputy, Ivo Taillebois—the man they call “the Butcher”—the Norman forces will do whatever it takes to crush the rebels, even if it means razing England to the ground. Here then is the tale of the bloodiest rebellion England has ever known—the beginning of an epic struggle that will echo down the years . . .
378 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2012
58 people are currently reading
563 people want to read
About the author
James Wilde
20 books118 followersJames Wilde is a Man of Mercia. Raised in a world of books, the author studied economic history at university before travelling the world in search of adventure. Unable to forget a childhood encounter - in the pages of a comic - with the great English warrior, Hereward, Wilde returned to the haunted fenlands of Eastern England, Hereward’s ancestral home, where he became convinced that this legendary hero should be the subject of his first novel. Wilde now indulges his love of history and the high life in the home his family have owned for several generations in the heart of a Mercian forest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
November 8, 2017
Second in the series & we’ve moved a year forward to 1067 & the aftermath of William the Bastards conquest of England.
Starts exactly where the last book left of, in the Fens of East Anglia where the majority of the story is set & the hero & his crew are swiftly reintroduced & we’re all caught up on whose who which is always good after a break in a series.
The story romps along & we find out what William The Bastard & his cronies have been upto along with Hereward, the pace is good, the historical fiction detail is sound...... but before you know it it’s flatlining a bit as not a lot has really happened & we’re around 150pages...... needs to pick up some.... need a battle..... can’t be sitting around forever..... but there are none which does deter from the overall story however there is scheming & plotting a plenty with a fair few twists at jus the right moment to keep the reader hanging in there & in the end it’s a decent story. We also have leaps ahead in the timeline as the story progresses which again detract’s us away from the daily fen mononity.
Its saving grace is that I like the Hareward character & those that have been built around him & i shall continue with the series for that reason alone & also to learn about a period of history (resistance to the Normans) that I’m not overtly familiar with, we all know about 1066 but certainly not the aftermath bar it was hard.
3.5 stars for me, jus rounded up as its plusses outway the gripes although it’s not as good as the first outing in the series.
Starts exactly where the last book left of, in the Fens of East Anglia where the majority of the story is set & the hero & his crew are swiftly reintroduced & we’re all caught up on whose who which is always good after a break in a series.
The story romps along & we find out what William The Bastard & his cronies have been upto along with Hereward, the pace is good, the historical fiction detail is sound...... but before you know it it’s flatlining a bit as not a lot has really happened & we’re around 150pages...... needs to pick up some.... need a battle..... can’t be sitting around forever..... but there are none which does deter from the overall story however there is scheming & plotting a plenty with a fair few twists at jus the right moment to keep the reader hanging in there & in the end it’s a decent story. We also have leaps ahead in the timeline as the story progresses which again detract’s us away from the daily fen mononity.
Its saving grace is that I like the Hareward character & those that have been built around him & i shall continue with the series for that reason alone & also to learn about a period of history (resistance to the Normans) that I’m not overtly familiar with, we all know about 1066 but certainly not the aftermath bar it was hard.
3.5 stars for me, jus rounded up as its plusses outway the gripes although it’s not as good as the first outing in the series.
February 4, 2022
Read this book in 2012, and its the 2nd volume of the wonderful "Hereward" series.
This tale starts off in the year AD 1067, a year after the Battle of Hastings, where Harold Godwinsson was beaten and killed by the forces of William the Conqueror.
Ruling England with an iron fist, King Willam tries to bring England on its knees, nut against him is the formidable fighter from the fenlands of East Anglia, Hereward.
This same warrior, Hereward, has assembled a huge following, called the Devil's Army, and they bring chaos, destruction and death to sympathizers to William the Conqueror.
Sent to hunt Hereward down by William is a ruthless man called, Ivo Taillebois, who people call the "Butcher", and it will come to this Taillebois to crush the rebels, even if it means to raze England to the ground.
What is to follow is an epic struggle between the forces of Hereward and those of Ivo Taillebois, and this struggle between these forces will decide the fate of the legendary but forgotten English hero Hereward as an individual person and as a warrior of renown for the immediate future, but in the end will have to face the inevitable and thus accept the situation as it is now.
Highly recommended, for this is another astonishing English historical adventure to this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Hereward Sequel"!
This tale starts off in the year AD 1067, a year after the Battle of Hastings, where Harold Godwinsson was beaten and killed by the forces of William the Conqueror.
Ruling England with an iron fist, King Willam tries to bring England on its knees, nut against him is the formidable fighter from the fenlands of East Anglia, Hereward.
This same warrior, Hereward, has assembled a huge following, called the Devil's Army, and they bring chaos, destruction and death to sympathizers to William the Conqueror.
Sent to hunt Hereward down by William is a ruthless man called, Ivo Taillebois, who people call the "Butcher", and it will come to this Taillebois to crush the rebels, even if it means to raze England to the ground.
What is to follow is an epic struggle between the forces of Hereward and those of Ivo Taillebois, and this struggle between these forces will decide the fate of the legendary but forgotten English hero Hereward as an individual person and as a warrior of renown for the immediate future, but in the end will have to face the inevitable and thus accept the situation as it is now.
Highly recommended, for this is another astonishing English historical adventure to this amazing series, and that's why I like to call this episode: "A Magnificent Hereward Sequel"!
June 14, 2021
This ended in amazingness but it took its sweet time getting there.
It's an interesting second installment of the story of Hereward, taking place 3 to 4 years after William the Bastard invaded England.
The characters needed a bit more work if I was going I care about them and for a while it seemed like not much was going on. But then, about face, Shazam! And we are off to the races! The ending was great. I wish the whole book had been like that, but I'm jazzed to read the next one so all is forgiven.
It's an interesting second installment of the story of Hereward, taking place 3 to 4 years after William the Bastard invaded England.
The characters needed a bit more work if I was going I care about them and for a while it seemed like not much was going on. But then, about face, Shazam! And we are off to the races! The ending was great. I wish the whole book had been like that, but I'm jazzed to read the next one so all is forgiven.
January 30, 2016
A superbly written book about the effects of the Norman Invasion of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror. Well written and historically accurate, told from the English perspective. It sheds light on the historical figure of Hereward, a Mercian warrior who fought the Norman invasion. If this is a period of history that interests you and you want a good read that is a page turner this is the one for you. Look forward to reading all the books in this series. Highly recommend it.
November 23, 2012
'Hereward', James Wilde's first book in the Hereward series was a stunning debut. The power and verve of the writing, the impact and strength of the hero the story revealed, gave 'Hereward' an edge and a pulsating wildness that I hadn't felt from a book in a long time. As if the story, the book, had reached up and punched me in the face!
From the very beginning, James Wilde formed Hereward into a thoroughly believable and compelling character from the forgotten mists of English history. An action-packed, compulsive story that took no prisoners and a hero that then held a knife to your throat for the rest of the book.
Phew!
In general, this is a familiar period - 1066 and the aftermath - and one also recently vividly explored, from the Norman point of view, in James Aitcheson's 'Sworn Sword' and 'The Splintered Kingdom'. Here, James Wilde presents it to us afresh by concentrating on a (perhaps to most people) unfamiliar English hero - Hereward 'The Wake'. As the book jacket to the paperback of 'Hereward' puts it;
"The last Englishman. The first freedom fighter. The forgotten hero."
(According to Wikipedia, Hereward's 'The Wake' epithet; "meaning 'watcher', was popularly assigned to him many years after his death" So, whilst I can't say 'Hereward', without also thinking 'The Wake', no one here in these books, says "Hi Wake!" And he's certainly more of a do-er, than a watcher).
Right, so the question is then; after such an impressive start, can 'The Devil's Army' live up to the startling promise of its predecessor?
Yes. It can. It does. And then some.
Of course, because we're better prepared this time, because we know the main characters and we know the style, the second can never be as much as a surprise as the first one (in any series). So the writer has to perhaps work a little harder to keep it fresh, keep us interested and not re-tread old ground. Even if, like this, it is a 'to be continued' story.
With 'The Devil's Army', Hereward's character broadens, matures and takes on more responsibilities as the story progresses. He has to. He finds his inner rage tempered more than somewhat by the responsibility and pressures of the leadership that he hasn't exactly sought, but which has pretty much come to him by dint of the rebels and him realising there is no one else willing or able to take that leadership on. He realises that being a strong leader isn't just about training, leading warriors and the joy of battle, even though he might sometimes wish it were that simple. He needs to offer the people he says he is fighting for, something more than just a satisfyingly bloody fight and the chance of gratification through revenge.
"Once he had been little more than a ravening wolf, driven by rage and hungry for blood, shunned by all civilised folk. Now he was a leader of men who had been taught the value of friendship, honour and justice."
His resistance to William takes shape and he needs fighters. As they fight back against the Normans, so more come to him, willing to fight. But they also come with family and friends who need to be found place to live. And food to eat. Ely, surrounded by the almost impenetrable forests and marshes of the Fens, might offer Hereward protection and a place to centre his fight-back, but it comes at a cost. The people need to see results, not an occupying force. Resentment grows and surprisingly, Hereward often has his work cut out convincing them he offers a better future than William. At the time he most needs his people's help and support, Hereward risks alienating them.
"(Hereward) chose his words carefully, subtly reinforcing the notion that he was one of them, not an outsider who had seized control of their birthplace...They were scared; they yearned for a strong leader, a protector in these turbulent times, and they wanted to believe every word he uttered."
He needs to offer the civilised folk a future. But a safe, secure future that is also in the here and now. Unfortunately, some of the English have also come to the conclusion that this is what they want, more even than the restoration of their heritage. They have come to the conclusion that by mercilessly crushing their fellow Englishmen, the 'rebels' supposedly fighting for them, a stable future is exactly what William can not only offer them, but also deliver - even though it involves burning, killing, and even starving their fellow countrymen to death.
And yes, what of William in 'The Devil's Army'? King William the Conqueror (variously 'my Lord', 'The Userper', or 'The Bastard' - depending on how far away you are from him I guess), is a constant dark and menacing presence, in the country and throughout this book. The Norman Alpha Male. No one is bigger (literally), stronger, or more willing to go further - or sink lower - to get what he wants. He is clearly intent on living up to a perhaps more modern interpretation of 'The Bastard.'
And yet interestingly, on occasions James Wilde shows us that Hereward is also in danger of becoming just as ruthless and destructively determined as the man he is fighting to rid his people of. Hereward can surely see this and at times seems effectively powerless, forced both by necessity and circumstances, to stop it.
Hereward is of course the main character here, but other characters are satisfyingly developed as well. We learn more about his 'brother', Redwald. He is more of a courtier and politician than Hereward, but also an opportunist. His aims are murky, or at least not very clear. He sees much but says little. I don't trust him one little bit. And Alric the Monk, Hereward's companion and conscience personified, becomes a stronger character, while all the time demanding more and more of Hereward's respect. Being Hereward is not easy when you don't want to follow the sensible advice of someone who has your best interests at heart, and don't know that someone you have always trusted, can't be. The countryside of the Fens is wonderfully described and also plays a huge part in shaping both the resistance and the writing of the story. Almost a character in itself.
Add into the mix some huge surprises (that I certainly didn't see coming) and a final battle the like of which one comes across only very rarely - a violent, blood-soaked ambush and chase, with attack and counter-attack that is impossible to tear your eyes away from - and with 'The Devil's Army' you have powerful, evocative historical fiction writing of the very highest order.
And luckily for us, as they say in 'The 13th Warrior'; 'there are more...'
I may be getting ahead of myself here, but I really feel that just two books in, James Wylde has made the 'Hereward' series the one others will be measured against.
From the very beginning, James Wilde formed Hereward into a thoroughly believable and compelling character from the forgotten mists of English history. An action-packed, compulsive story that took no prisoners and a hero that then held a knife to your throat for the rest of the book.
Phew!
In general, this is a familiar period - 1066 and the aftermath - and one also recently vividly explored, from the Norman point of view, in James Aitcheson's 'Sworn Sword' and 'The Splintered Kingdom'. Here, James Wilde presents it to us afresh by concentrating on a (perhaps to most people) unfamiliar English hero - Hereward 'The Wake'. As the book jacket to the paperback of 'Hereward' puts it;
"The last Englishman. The first freedom fighter. The forgotten hero."
(According to Wikipedia, Hereward's 'The Wake' epithet; "meaning 'watcher', was popularly assigned to him many years after his death" So, whilst I can't say 'Hereward', without also thinking 'The Wake', no one here in these books, says "Hi Wake!" And he's certainly more of a do-er, than a watcher).
Right, so the question is then; after such an impressive start, can 'The Devil's Army' live up to the startling promise of its predecessor?
Yes. It can. It does. And then some.
Of course, because we're better prepared this time, because we know the main characters and we know the style, the second can never be as much as a surprise as the first one (in any series). So the writer has to perhaps work a little harder to keep it fresh, keep us interested and not re-tread old ground. Even if, like this, it is a 'to be continued' story.
With 'The Devil's Army', Hereward's character broadens, matures and takes on more responsibilities as the story progresses. He has to. He finds his inner rage tempered more than somewhat by the responsibility and pressures of the leadership that he hasn't exactly sought, but which has pretty much come to him by dint of the rebels and him realising there is no one else willing or able to take that leadership on. He realises that being a strong leader isn't just about training, leading warriors and the joy of battle, even though he might sometimes wish it were that simple. He needs to offer the people he says he is fighting for, something more than just a satisfyingly bloody fight and the chance of gratification through revenge.
"Once he had been little more than a ravening wolf, driven by rage and hungry for blood, shunned by all civilised folk. Now he was a leader of men who had been taught the value of friendship, honour and justice."
His resistance to William takes shape and he needs fighters. As they fight back against the Normans, so more come to him, willing to fight. But they also come with family and friends who need to be found place to live. And food to eat. Ely, surrounded by the almost impenetrable forests and marshes of the Fens, might offer Hereward protection and a place to centre his fight-back, but it comes at a cost. The people need to see results, not an occupying force. Resentment grows and surprisingly, Hereward often has his work cut out convincing them he offers a better future than William. At the time he most needs his people's help and support, Hereward risks alienating them.
"(Hereward) chose his words carefully, subtly reinforcing the notion that he was one of them, not an outsider who had seized control of their birthplace...They were scared; they yearned for a strong leader, a protector in these turbulent times, and they wanted to believe every word he uttered."
He needs to offer the civilised folk a future. But a safe, secure future that is also in the here and now. Unfortunately, some of the English have also come to the conclusion that this is what they want, more even than the restoration of their heritage. They have come to the conclusion that by mercilessly crushing their fellow Englishmen, the 'rebels' supposedly fighting for them, a stable future is exactly what William can not only offer them, but also deliver - even though it involves burning, killing, and even starving their fellow countrymen to death.
And yes, what of William in 'The Devil's Army'? King William the Conqueror (variously 'my Lord', 'The Userper', or 'The Bastard' - depending on how far away you are from him I guess), is a constant dark and menacing presence, in the country and throughout this book. The Norman Alpha Male. No one is bigger (literally), stronger, or more willing to go further - or sink lower - to get what he wants. He is clearly intent on living up to a perhaps more modern interpretation of 'The Bastard.'
And yet interestingly, on occasions James Wilde shows us that Hereward is also in danger of becoming just as ruthless and destructively determined as the man he is fighting to rid his people of. Hereward can surely see this and at times seems effectively powerless, forced both by necessity and circumstances, to stop it.
Hereward is of course the main character here, but other characters are satisfyingly developed as well. We learn more about his 'brother', Redwald. He is more of a courtier and politician than Hereward, but also an opportunist. His aims are murky, or at least not very clear. He sees much but says little. I don't trust him one little bit. And Alric the Monk, Hereward's companion and conscience personified, becomes a stronger character, while all the time demanding more and more of Hereward's respect. Being Hereward is not easy when you don't want to follow the sensible advice of someone who has your best interests at heart, and don't know that someone you have always trusted, can't be. The countryside of the Fens is wonderfully described and also plays a huge part in shaping both the resistance and the writing of the story. Almost a character in itself.
Add into the mix some huge surprises (that I certainly didn't see coming) and a final battle the like of which one comes across only very rarely - a violent, blood-soaked ambush and chase, with attack and counter-attack that is impossible to tear your eyes away from - and with 'The Devil's Army' you have powerful, evocative historical fiction writing of the very highest order.
And luckily for us, as they say in 'The 13th Warrior'; 'there are more...'
I may be getting ahead of myself here, but I really feel that just two books in, James Wylde has made the 'Hereward' series the one others will be measured against.
March 9, 2021
What can I say other than: An excellent sequel to Hereward book 1.
This is by far better than the first, with more intrigue and scheming. The plot thickens and the pace remains quick and enticing. The story is rich and gripping, making it a good read that is hard to put down. An excellent addition to my bookshelf, which will certainly be read again.
This is by far better than the first, with more intrigue and scheming. The plot thickens and the pace remains quick and enticing. The story is rich and gripping, making it a good read that is hard to put down. An excellent addition to my bookshelf, which will certainly be read again.
July 21, 2012
Original Post: http://thefoundingfields.com/2012/07/...
“Bigger, better and more awesome than its predecessor, Wilde manages to keep the reader hooked throughout the pages with his fantastic prose. A must for all historical fiction fans.” ~The Founding Fields
After reading and enjoying the first novel in the Hereward trilogy, Hereward, (review here), I was wondering if Wilde would be able to live up to the brilliant first novel. This is partly one of the reasons why although I had a copy of The Devil’s Army for a while, I didn’t get around to picking it up until recently as I thought it, being the second novel in a trilogy, would be a let down as second novels in trilogies are normally the most difficult to write. However, when I did get round to it – within the first few pages of reading The Devil’s Army, I was hooked again, as Wilde proves that he can continue to impress with the sequel – and manage to make the sequel better than it’s predecessor.
1067. The battle of Hastings has been lost; Harold Godwinsson is dead. The iron fist of William the Bastard has begun to squeeze the life out of England. Villages are torched and men, women and children put to the sword as the Norman king attempts to impose his cruel will upon this unruly nation.
But there is one who stands in the way of the invader’s savagery. He is called Hereward. He is a warrior and master tactician and as adept at slaughter as the imposter who sits upon the throne. And he is England’s last hope.
In a Fenlands fortress of water and wild wood, Hereward’s resistance is simmering.
His army of outcasts grows by the day – a devil’s army that emerges out of the mists and the night, leaving death in its wake.
But William is not easily cowed. Under the command of his ruthless deputy, Ivo Taillebois – the man they call ‘the Butcher’ – the Norman forces will do whatever it takes to crush the rebels, even if it means razing England to the ground.
So Hereward was the novel that focused on the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings, the most famous battle in England’s history, and now Hereward: The Devil’s Army, looks at the aftermath of that titanic battle, and how it changed England as a nation. William the Conqueror is now in command of the English throne, and resistance is crumbling. Hereward is labelled as an inspiration for the legends of Robin Hood, and is described as England’s last hope, and is an amazing character. He’s different from when we were first introduced to him at the beginning of Book One, and has changed greatly, and is now a leader of men. His character has developed fantastically well, and it will be interesting to see where Wilde takes the character in the upcoming third novel.
The action sequences in The Devil’s Army are great as Wilde showcases the struggle between the English resistance and the Norman Oppressors, they’re well written, and very bloody, and the final battle is nothing short of epic, and throughout the novel, you get the sense that no character is safe – not even Hereward – thus increasing the tension and making the reader want to root for The English over the invaders.
The pace is top-notch, moving breathtakingly fast, ensuring that there isn’t a dull moment in this novel. There are plenty of twists to keep the outcome unpredictable as possible, and by the end of the book you will only be left with wanting to find out what happens next. The Devil’s Army has made Wilde one of my favourite historical fiction authors, up there with the likes of Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell and Ben Kane (even if they are all the only historical fiction authors that I have read so far – they’re all awesome), and Wilde has really managed to bring life to the bloody aftermath of the Battle of Hastings.
Hereward himself is the book’s strongest character, and you’re not likely to forget his name in a while. Alric the monk is back, and his storyline that weaves throughout The Devil’s Army is just as enthralling as Hereward’s. I’m struggling to find a flaw with The Devil’s Army, as it does everything that Hereward does, and then some, the action scenes are bigger and well-written, making it an enthralling read from beginning to end. Historical fiction fans, or anyone who’s enjoyed Hereward, will find themselves enjoying this novel like I did.
Verdict: 4.5/5
“Bigger, better and more awesome than its predecessor, Wilde manages to keep the reader hooked throughout the pages with his fantastic prose. A must for all historical fiction fans.” ~The Founding Fields
After reading and enjoying the first novel in the Hereward trilogy, Hereward, (review here), I was wondering if Wilde would be able to live up to the brilliant first novel. This is partly one of the reasons why although I had a copy of The Devil’s Army for a while, I didn’t get around to picking it up until recently as I thought it, being the second novel in a trilogy, would be a let down as second novels in trilogies are normally the most difficult to write. However, when I did get round to it – within the first few pages of reading The Devil’s Army, I was hooked again, as Wilde proves that he can continue to impress with the sequel – and manage to make the sequel better than it’s predecessor.
1067. The battle of Hastings has been lost; Harold Godwinsson is dead. The iron fist of William the Bastard has begun to squeeze the life out of England. Villages are torched and men, women and children put to the sword as the Norman king attempts to impose his cruel will upon this unruly nation.
But there is one who stands in the way of the invader’s savagery. He is called Hereward. He is a warrior and master tactician and as adept at slaughter as the imposter who sits upon the throne. And he is England’s last hope.
In a Fenlands fortress of water and wild wood, Hereward’s resistance is simmering.
His army of outcasts grows by the day – a devil’s army that emerges out of the mists and the night, leaving death in its wake.
But William is not easily cowed. Under the command of his ruthless deputy, Ivo Taillebois – the man they call ‘the Butcher’ – the Norman forces will do whatever it takes to crush the rebels, even if it means razing England to the ground.
So Hereward was the novel that focused on the events leading up to the Battle of Hastings, the most famous battle in England’s history, and now Hereward: The Devil’s Army, looks at the aftermath of that titanic battle, and how it changed England as a nation. William the Conqueror is now in command of the English throne, and resistance is crumbling. Hereward is labelled as an inspiration for the legends of Robin Hood, and is described as England’s last hope, and is an amazing character. He’s different from when we were first introduced to him at the beginning of Book One, and has changed greatly, and is now a leader of men. His character has developed fantastically well, and it will be interesting to see where Wilde takes the character in the upcoming third novel.
The action sequences in The Devil’s Army are great as Wilde showcases the struggle between the English resistance and the Norman Oppressors, they’re well written, and very bloody, and the final battle is nothing short of epic, and throughout the novel, you get the sense that no character is safe – not even Hereward – thus increasing the tension and making the reader want to root for The English over the invaders.
The pace is top-notch, moving breathtakingly fast, ensuring that there isn’t a dull moment in this novel. There are plenty of twists to keep the outcome unpredictable as possible, and by the end of the book you will only be left with wanting to find out what happens next. The Devil’s Army has made Wilde one of my favourite historical fiction authors, up there with the likes of Simon Scarrow, Bernard Cornwell and Ben Kane (even if they are all the only historical fiction authors that I have read so far – they’re all awesome), and Wilde has really managed to bring life to the bloody aftermath of the Battle of Hastings.
Hereward himself is the book’s strongest character, and you’re not likely to forget his name in a while. Alric the monk is back, and his storyline that weaves throughout The Devil’s Army is just as enthralling as Hereward’s. I’m struggling to find a flaw with The Devil’s Army, as it does everything that Hereward does, and then some, the action scenes are bigger and well-written, making it an enthralling read from beginning to end. Historical fiction fans, or anyone who’s enjoyed Hereward, will find themselves enjoying this novel like I did.
Verdict: 4.5/5
July 4, 2016
I messed up and read this book ahead of the first one (it is the second of three in the series), but that didn't do much to dampen my enjoyment of it. It reads a lot like Bernard Cornwell's Saxon Series (Hereward and Uhtred are similar characters) although set in a later period than Saxon. The Hereward series is set during the Norman invasion of the 11th Century. Hereward is the leader of a group of rebels fighting to keep William's Normans from taking over the whole of England. To be sure, there is plenty of violence and gore in the book and some of the major characters are killed off, often in gruesome fashion, but as others have said, this is typical of the era.
Students of history already know the outcome of the Norman invasion but The Winter Warrior is still a compelling read. Interestingly, the author provides place names as they were in 1070 rather than as they are now and this, at least for me, made pronunciation easier. It is often challenging to relate locales in the Middle Ages to their current names. It's even more difficult sometimes when the story is set in Roman Britain, but that's a discussion for another time.
I already started reading the first book in the series, "The Time of the Wolf," and so far having previous knowledge of what is to happen later has not spoiled the earlier book. If you like British Medieval history or are a fan of Bernard Cornwell, grab this series and indulge.
Students of history already know the outcome of the Norman invasion but The Winter Warrior is still a compelling read. Interestingly, the author provides place names as they were in 1070 rather than as they are now and this, at least for me, made pronunciation easier. It is often challenging to relate locales in the Middle Ages to their current names. It's even more difficult sometimes when the story is set in Roman Britain, but that's a discussion for another time.
I already started reading the first book in the series, "The Time of the Wolf," and so far having previous knowledge of what is to happen later has not spoiled the earlier book. If you like British Medieval history or are a fan of Bernard Cornwell, grab this series and indulge.
June 17, 2016
details are a bit off - William the Bastard was probably not as old as 50 in 1069, and to my knowledge although he was a big man, it was mainly muscle and not fat.
I liked this less than the first one for different reasons (hated his portrayal of Harold Godwinsson in that one), and failed to like any of the characters.
I liked this less than the first one for different reasons (hated his portrayal of Harold Godwinsson in that one), and failed to like any of the characters.
August 21, 2020
Having recently read the first in the series, I couldn't wait to read the next instalment. I was a little apprehensive that it wouldn't live up to the enjoyment of the first but I could not have been more wrong. For those looking for a thrilling read with incredible scenes and fantastic characters this is a must read. I will be reading the rest of the series!
Full review on endotheroad blog
Full review on endotheroad blog
April 28, 2018
It was an interesting read. The Norman conquest is my third favourite period and culture. But I am always on the side of the Normans. So it took a while to switch my POV and allegiance over to the English. Ha.
His book is a great mix of fiction and history. Wilde painted the scenery well, and the historical feel shone through. It was easy to picture myself in the 11th century.
As I did enjoy most of the characters, a few were rather one dimensional. Harald Redteeth was the stereotypical angry Norse, thirsty for blood. The Butcher was just the archetypal villain. There wasn’t much depth to those characters, and I had trouble remaining interested in their part of the story. But the characters within Ely were all interesting and I loved the struggle of trying to live in the settlement in peace, yet prepare for war. Godrun’s betrayal of the fox was a shocking surprise to me. But once it happened I realized that it was entirely in her character and added depth. Wilde did M excellent job in developing her character and demonstrating the horrible struggle inside her to do what was needed for the greater good. Even the defilement of her own body.
I only wish he would have made that much effort on the Norman characters. William the Conquerer is an important historical figure, but he was only portrayed as an angry, bitter, grown child.
His book is a great mix of fiction and history. Wilde painted the scenery well, and the historical feel shone through. It was easy to picture myself in the 11th century.
As I did enjoy most of the characters, a few were rather one dimensional. Harald Redteeth was the stereotypical angry Norse, thirsty for blood. The Butcher was just the archetypal villain. There wasn’t much depth to those characters, and I had trouble remaining interested in their part of the story. But the characters within Ely were all interesting and I loved the struggle of trying to live in the settlement in peace, yet prepare for war. Godrun’s betrayal of the fox was a shocking surprise to me. But once it happened I realized that it was entirely in her character and added depth. Wilde did M excellent job in developing her character and demonstrating the horrible struggle inside her to do what was needed for the greater good. Even the defilement of her own body.
I only wish he would have made that much effort on the Norman characters. William the Conquerer is an important historical figure, but he was only portrayed as an angry, bitter, grown child.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2020
I was thoroughly impressed with book 1 of this series, so I was excited (and worried) about reading book 2. Would the writing and plot be as good? Would the shine of the characters and story wear off? Would I get bored with more of the same? Yes (the writing is excellent and the plot possibly even better!), no (the characters grow even larger and closer to life and the story shines just as brightly), and no (I wasn't bored and it wasn't more of the same). James Wilde is firmly cementing himself as one of my favourite authors.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy to review. This review is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion.
August 31, 2020
No spoilers. I'm not like that.
Well I went Into this head first and being a fan of the first book, I had expectations and I was not disappointed. The character development in this was exactly what I expected and liked. Each Character felt like they grew and it showed in the reading.
Hereward is a strong character with so many flaws and inner-demons that needs conquering and this story felt like he developed through out.
Very enjoyable read, the chapters are short which I love because you can get through it with ease and depending on your schedule, you can read a few chapters in one sitting.
I'm a fan of Hereward and looking forward to the next book in the series now
Well I went Into this head first and being a fan of the first book, I had expectations and I was not disappointed. The character development in this was exactly what I expected and liked. Each Character felt like they grew and it showed in the reading.
Hereward is a strong character with so many flaws and inner-demons that needs conquering and this story felt like he developed through out.
Very enjoyable read, the chapters are short which I love because you can get through it with ease and depending on your schedule, you can read a few chapters in one sitting.
I'm a fan of Hereward and looking forward to the next book in the series now
September 4, 2017
The Norman invasion, 1066. Reading books like this, historical English novels often involves finding ancestors. In The Winter Warrior I encountered two ancestors: William de Warenne (Varennes), for whom there is documentation of him fighting with William the Conqueror, and Ivo Taillebois, nicknamed 'The Butcher,' for his ferocity in battle.
Wilde (pseudonym for Mark Chadbourn) overly romanticized his characters and dialog. Otherwise, an interesting read.
Wilde (pseudonym for Mark Chadbourn) overly romanticized his characters and dialog. Otherwise, an interesting read.
March 14, 2018
A really good follow up to 'Hereward', the first book in this series. There is a lot going on and Hereward proves how clever he is time after time. You get a good sense of what it was like at that time to live and hide in the Fens and how dangerous and frightening it could be, especially to the Normans.
September 13, 2020
Second in the series about the English warrier Hereward standing against the Concorer in 1069. The author has a good set of characters to weave the story and recreate how the resistance on Elie might have lived and stood against the Normans.
I do find some of the characters a little irritating but they all play a necessary role in creating the story.
I do find some of the characters a little irritating but they all play a necessary role in creating the story.
October 4, 2021
Resistance and it's cost.
Another five star romp through the fenland. The resistance to Norman rule is severely tested with Hereward beset by traitors in his own ranks as well as more numerous Norman adversaries. The author paints a vividly imagined backdrop to an enthralling account of heroism and despair.
Another five star romp through the fenland. The resistance to Norman rule is severely tested with Hereward beset by traitors in his own ranks as well as more numerous Norman adversaries. The author paints a vividly imagined backdrop to an enthralling account of heroism and despair.
July 26, 2020
I loved this novel. It was heartfelt and heart-wrenching! I have a pattern of accidentally grabbing the second book in a series. I loved this one so much, I've already ordered the first book Hereward/The Time of the Wolf. The third novel will be in my near future.
January 7, 2021
The second book in the series continues the story of a real English hero and his fight against Norman tyranny. The book is set in a turbulent time in English history as powerful men manipulate people to further there own ends. A great adventure told in an historical setting.
August 25, 2017
Awesome!
September 8, 2017
Better than the first one the story is now established and there is a lot of intrigue. The only thing i'd say is that the story gives a lot of notice before any of the twists.
July 3, 2019
Another good yarn about England's forgotton hero
September 26, 2019
Hard Times
The author depicts the period really well as a hard time, and takes you on a journey of many twists and turns throughout. Well worth the money and time spent reading
The author depicts the period really well as a hard time, and takes you on a journey of many twists and turns throughout. Well worth the money and time spent reading
September 6, 2020
Another very enjoyable historical adventure. Well written and with a storyline that keeps you interested all the way through. Part 3 here we come!
August 29, 2023
Great read lots of excitement and tragedy.
September 17, 2023
My young self's guilty pleasure
October 2, 2023
I read the first three books of the series back-to-back so they kinda merge (but in a good way).
Really enjoyable series.
Anyone remember Hereward Radio in Peterborough in the 80s?
I digress.
Really enjoyable series.
Anyone remember Hereward Radio in Peterborough in the 80s?
I digress.
July 11, 2018
Hereward 2
Another great story, looking forward to the next instalment The End of Days and whether Harald Redteeth gets his wish to fight Hereward.
Another great story, looking forward to the next instalment The End of Days and whether Harald Redteeth gets his wish to fight Hereward.
July 18, 2012
1067. The battle of Hastings has been lost; Harold Godwinsson is dead. The iron fist of William the Bastard has begun to squeeze the life out of England. Villages are torched and men, women and children put to the sword as the Norman king attempts to impose his cruel will upon this unruly nation.
But there is one who stands in the way of the invader’s savagery. He is called Hereward. He is a warrior and master tactician and as adept at slaughter as the imposter who sits upon the throne. And he is England’s last hope.
In a Fenlands fortress of water and wild wood, Hereward’s resistance is simmering.
His army of outcasts grows by the day – a devil’s army that emerges out of the mists and the night, leaving death in its wake.
But William is not easily cowed. Under the command of his ruthless deputy, Ivo Taillebois – the man they call ‘the Butcher’ – the Norman forces will do whatever it takes to crush the rebels, even if it means razing England to the ground.
Here then is the tale of the bloodiest rebellion England has ever known – the beginning of an epic struggle that will echo down the years..
I read the first Hereward novel back in June 2011 and I hold the book solely responsible for re-igniting my interest in historical fiction. I knew that a sequel was due at some point this year, it made it on to my most anticipated list for 2012, and I’ve been looking forward to picking up the story from where book one left off.
Over the intervening years, between books one and two, Hereward has become a leader of men. His guerrilla campaign against the Normans continues to slowly gain ground, but certain aspects of this leadership weigh heavily on his shoulders. He comes to appreciate more and more that the responsibility of command comes with its own burdens. Desperate times call for desperate measures and he is forced to make some truly difficult decisions. As the line between good and bad starts to blur, Hereward gets insight into the tough choices that a leader has to make. The right decision is not always the popular one.
In direct contrast to the thoughtful, introspective qualities that leadership has taught him Hereward still sometimes displays maniacal aspects to his character (they tend to appear when he is forced into a corner). He can be a man of extremes, and at times exhibits an almost gleeful blood lust that borders on the psychopathic. His family and friends just about manage to keep this berserker rage in check but some of my favourite moments are when he gives into his inner demons and the red mist descends. It strikes me that Hereward’s quest for peace in England is mirrored by his journey to find some sort of inner peace for himself.
Though his power and influence are in evidence throughout the novel, King William remains on the periphery for much of the story. He appears on a number of occasions but it his lords and lieutenants who are tasked with bringing Hereward to justice. A particular favourite is Harald Redteeth, a viking mercenary ,who is obsessed with besting Hereward in combat. Redteeth is haunted by the spirits of his fallen comrades and I think it’s fair to say his grasp on reality is tenuous at best. Though Hereward is loath to admit it, he and Redteeth are cut from the same cloth in many ways. They share a similar code of honour the results in some unexpected twists in the story.
Events build toward a satisfyingly bloody climax and the final few chapters contain a number of jaw dropping moments that will set things up nicely for the last book in the series. This is a gripping read that blends historical elements with fast paced action and has the odd betrayal thrown in for good measure to create a top notch adventure. The Devil’s Army succeeds in making that trickiest of jobs, being the second part of a trilogy, look effortless. I’m already looking forward to the final pay off. The only question I need answering – how long do I have to wait until I can read it?
But there is one who stands in the way of the invader’s savagery. He is called Hereward. He is a warrior and master tactician and as adept at slaughter as the imposter who sits upon the throne. And he is England’s last hope.
In a Fenlands fortress of water and wild wood, Hereward’s resistance is simmering.
His army of outcasts grows by the day – a devil’s army that emerges out of the mists and the night, leaving death in its wake.
But William is not easily cowed. Under the command of his ruthless deputy, Ivo Taillebois – the man they call ‘the Butcher’ – the Norman forces will do whatever it takes to crush the rebels, even if it means razing England to the ground.
Here then is the tale of the bloodiest rebellion England has ever known – the beginning of an epic struggle that will echo down the years..
I read the first Hereward novel back in June 2011 and I hold the book solely responsible for re-igniting my interest in historical fiction. I knew that a sequel was due at some point this year, it made it on to my most anticipated list for 2012, and I’ve been looking forward to picking up the story from where book one left off.
Over the intervening years, between books one and two, Hereward has become a leader of men. His guerrilla campaign against the Normans continues to slowly gain ground, but certain aspects of this leadership weigh heavily on his shoulders. He comes to appreciate more and more that the responsibility of command comes with its own burdens. Desperate times call for desperate measures and he is forced to make some truly difficult decisions. As the line between good and bad starts to blur, Hereward gets insight into the tough choices that a leader has to make. The right decision is not always the popular one.
In direct contrast to the thoughtful, introspective qualities that leadership has taught him Hereward still sometimes displays maniacal aspects to his character (they tend to appear when he is forced into a corner). He can be a man of extremes, and at times exhibits an almost gleeful blood lust that borders on the psychopathic. His family and friends just about manage to keep this berserker rage in check but some of my favourite moments are when he gives into his inner demons and the red mist descends. It strikes me that Hereward’s quest for peace in England is mirrored by his journey to find some sort of inner peace for himself.
Though his power and influence are in evidence throughout the novel, King William remains on the periphery for much of the story. He appears on a number of occasions but it his lords and lieutenants who are tasked with bringing Hereward to justice. A particular favourite is Harald Redteeth, a viking mercenary ,who is obsessed with besting Hereward in combat. Redteeth is haunted by the spirits of his fallen comrades and I think it’s fair to say his grasp on reality is tenuous at best. Though Hereward is loath to admit it, he and Redteeth are cut from the same cloth in many ways. They share a similar code of honour the results in some unexpected twists in the story.
Events build toward a satisfyingly bloody climax and the final few chapters contain a number of jaw dropping moments that will set things up nicely for the last book in the series. This is a gripping read that blends historical elements with fast paced action and has the odd betrayal thrown in for good measure to create a top notch adventure. The Devil’s Army succeeds in making that trickiest of jobs, being the second part of a trilogy, look effortless. I’m already looking forward to the final pay off. The only question I need answering – how long do I have to wait until I can read it?
November 4, 2012
In 1067, following his victory at the Battle of Hastings, the Norman king is determined to impose his rule on the English natives. One man, however, rises to lead a rebellion and based in the impenetrable Fenland gathers a motley army. Hereward is determined that the English should stand to the last man to defend their country, but finds that there is much more to being a leader than fighting. The leader of the Norman army, nicknamed The Butcher, is equally determined to overcome, and with spies and double-dealing springing up on both sides, the war for England will be long and bloody.
I enjoy historical fiction, but my preference tends to be for something less violent than this novel. I totally understand that this era was brutal and that any writer portraying it must show his reader what went on, but this book felt to me like 80% violence, 10% plot and 10% characterisation. The violence in the book is graphic and frequent, but I didn’t find it as shocking as I expected to as I had no connection to the characters and didn’t really care what happened to them. This may largely be due to the fact that I haven’t read the author’s previous book on Hereward, or it may be due to what I felt was the lack of characterisation in the book. The characters seemed very black and white to me, and I didn’t think that they developed during the course of the novel.
I also didn’t feel that there was all that much plot. There are lots of battles and lots of milling about in the Fens, but though there are lots of incidents throughout the book, I didn’t think that the plot had really moved forward by the end. I got a bit fed up of chapters opening with bloated corpses floating in the Fens – it probably only happened a couple of times, but it felt like more.
I get the impression that this book is the second in a trilogy and it felt a bit like a placeholder in which the author didn’t want to use up too much plot in case he didn’t have enough left for the last volume in his set. I have an antipathy to historical trilogy novels at the moment as I’ve read a few recently where enough material for perhaps two books is being stretched to make three, and where the first and second books don’t feel finished, simply because the plot has to be left fluid enough for a sequel. After reading this book I didn’t feel like anything had really happened in it as everyone and everything was pretty much the same at the end as it was at the beginning. The end of the book felt like it just stopped, rather than finished in a satisfying way.
It also seems like it’s a boys’ book. There are some women in it, but they are portrayed largely as overtly sexual beings or as witch-like with supernatural powers. There is also a male wish-fulfilment sub-plot with two beautiful and powerful women competing for Hereward’s attention. I know that women did have a subservient role during the historical era portrayed in the book, but the novel’s sketches of these female characters seemed old-fashioned to me and not something written in the 21st century.
There was one very small part of the book that I enjoyed – a bit of an aha! moment – but I can’t go into that as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Unfortunately that was the only part I did enjoy. I felt quite exasperated while reading it and so was glad when it was over. I won’t be rushing to read the first or last books in the trilogy.
So, in short, very much not the novel for me, but other opinions are available and will probably be very different from mine. .
I received this book as part of the Transworld Historical Fiction Challenge.
I enjoy historical fiction, but my preference tends to be for something less violent than this novel. I totally understand that this era was brutal and that any writer portraying it must show his reader what went on, but this book felt to me like 80% violence, 10% plot and 10% characterisation. The violence in the book is graphic and frequent, but I didn’t find it as shocking as I expected to as I had no connection to the characters and didn’t really care what happened to them. This may largely be due to the fact that I haven’t read the author’s previous book on Hereward, or it may be due to what I felt was the lack of characterisation in the book. The characters seemed very black and white to me, and I didn’t think that they developed during the course of the novel.
I also didn’t feel that there was all that much plot. There are lots of battles and lots of milling about in the Fens, but though there are lots of incidents throughout the book, I didn’t think that the plot had really moved forward by the end. I got a bit fed up of chapters opening with bloated corpses floating in the Fens – it probably only happened a couple of times, but it felt like more.
I get the impression that this book is the second in a trilogy and it felt a bit like a placeholder in which the author didn’t want to use up too much plot in case he didn’t have enough left for the last volume in his set. I have an antipathy to historical trilogy novels at the moment as I’ve read a few recently where enough material for perhaps two books is being stretched to make three, and where the first and second books don’t feel finished, simply because the plot has to be left fluid enough for a sequel. After reading this book I didn’t feel like anything had really happened in it as everyone and everything was pretty much the same at the end as it was at the beginning. The end of the book felt like it just stopped, rather than finished in a satisfying way.
It also seems like it’s a boys’ book. There are some women in it, but they are portrayed largely as overtly sexual beings or as witch-like with supernatural powers. There is also a male wish-fulfilment sub-plot with two beautiful and powerful women competing for Hereward’s attention. I know that women did have a subservient role during the historical era portrayed in the book, but the novel’s sketches of these female characters seemed old-fashioned to me and not something written in the 21st century.
There was one very small part of the book that I enjoyed – a bit of an aha! moment – but I can’t go into that as I don’t want to spoil it for anyone. Unfortunately that was the only part I did enjoy. I felt quite exasperated while reading it and so was glad when it was over. I won’t be rushing to read the first or last books in the trilogy.
So, in short, very much not the novel for me, but other opinions are available and will probably be very different from mine. .
I received this book as part of the Transworld Historical Fiction Challenge.
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