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Civil War Chronicles #2
Devil's Charge
Devil's Charge, the second in The Civil War Chronicles, Michael Arnold's acclaimed series of historical thrillers, sees battle-scarred hero Captain Stryker, 'the Sharpe of the Civil War', fight for his honour. 'Stands in comparison with the best of Cornwell' Yorkshire PostEngland stands king against Parliament, town against country, brother against brother. For Captain Stryker, scarred hero of a dozen wars, the rights and wrongs of the cause mean little. His loyalties are to his own small band of comrades - and to Queen Henrietta Maria's beautiful and most deadly agent, Lisette Gaillard. So when Prince Rupert entrusts him with a secret mission to discover what has happened to Lisette and the man she was protecting - a man who could hold the key to Royalist victory - nothing, not false imprisonment for murder, ambush, a doomed siege or a lethal religious fanatic will stand in his way.A Sunday Times Historical Fiction Book of the Year
492 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
14 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
About the author
Michael Arnold
114 books101 followersMichael lives in Hampshire with his wife and children. His childhood holidays were spent visiting castles and battlefields, but his fascination with the civil wars was piqued partly by the fact that his hometown and region of Hampshire are steeped in Civil War history.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
January 16, 2024
The tale is of battle followed by a charge of murder, which has more to it that meets the eye, then of escape and rescue as Stryker & his small crew seek out the spy & love interest Lisette Gaillard. Well, that’s what the blurg says……. It’s all a bit of a slow burner which does jump around a lot between POV’s after the initial murder/escape scenario’s & I didn’t really settle into it with much fervour letting a lot of it glide over me, couldn’t really put my finger on for why bar perhaps the choppy/slow nature of the read not allowing me to immerse in one set of characters before we’ve swapped again.
Bit of a flat start if I’m honest, it’s all there mind, an adventure, a tale of skullduggery, rogues to be killed, Royalists to protect, spies to rescue, battles to be fought…..
All that said it does however get a lot better after we get past the 120 pages or so mark, with all the scenarios now set & all on an inevitable collision course, we can start our story proper. The rhythm is sound & we stay with characters/plot as they develop. This is much more like the opening book.
The captain Stryker in these tales I’ve found has more of a spy/adventure/special mission role than someone who stays with the army which is sound enough, im jus putting it out there for anyone who wants to pick up this series. Stryker being the proverbial rough diamond who (luckily for him) Prince Rupert has an admiration/respect for, clearly favouring him in times of strife. It helps he has only one eye with a livid scar across his face too, defo got a rogue vibe going on.
Despite the (In part) staid start it settled into a very good read, with the main band of characters to the fore & come journeys end I think this book set out a bit more of the different factions & the somewhat bitty state of the civil war, that the first in the series didn’t really go into, which was jus a straight up tale of high adventure, whereas with book 2 we do get a fair bit of early doors filling through the additional POV’s which was ok overall on reflection.
As to the grade it comes in at 4 stars rounded up.
Bit of a flat start if I’m honest, it’s all there mind, an adventure, a tale of skullduggery, rogues to be killed, Royalists to protect, spies to rescue, battles to be fought…..
All that said it does however get a lot better after we get past the 120 pages or so mark, with all the scenarios now set & all on an inevitable collision course, we can start our story proper. The rhythm is sound & we stay with characters/plot as they develop. This is much more like the opening book.
The captain Stryker in these tales I’ve found has more of a spy/adventure/special mission role than someone who stays with the army which is sound enough, im jus putting it out there for anyone who wants to pick up this series. Stryker being the proverbial rough diamond who (luckily for him) Prince Rupert has an admiration/respect for, clearly favouring him in times of strife. It helps he has only one eye with a livid scar across his face too, defo got a rogue vibe going on.
Despite the (In part) staid start it settled into a very good read, with the main band of characters to the fore & come journeys end I think this book set out a bit more of the different factions & the somewhat bitty state of the civil war, that the first in the series didn’t really go into, which was jus a straight up tale of high adventure, whereas with book 2 we do get a fair bit of early doors filling through the additional POV’s which was ok overall on reflection.
As to the grade it comes in at 4 stars rounded up.
September 16, 2021
Read this book also in 2012, and once more set in the year, AD1642, during the English Civil War, with Captain Innocent Stryker again in the heat of the action.
Highly recommended, for this is: An Excellent Stryker Sequel"!
Highly recommended, for this is: An Excellent Stryker Sequel"!
January 26, 2013
What a kicker. To have loved the first book so much and then have this book follow it up.
This is a quandary that would face all authors who write a successful first book in an intended series. They realise that having set the bar high, they have to maintain and match the predecessor.
For me, this was not the follow up I had expected nor wanted. For me, this book was the culmination of all the things I disliked about book one (Traitor's Blood which I gave 5 stars to).
All those great aspects of Traitor's Blood were turned down. The colourful and interesting characters, even the bad guys were fun to read about. The fabulous female spy/assassin Lisette and her high jinx. The clever descriptions of the Civil War. Evoking the battles, the costumes, the sounds, the instruments of war, with the skill of someone who truly knows his era. Bad guys that are not too intentionally screwed up and repulsive. It was easy to actually like the guys in the first book, despite them being baddies.
Devil's Charge was all the aspects I disliked about the first one. The gore description was too far, too often. It was like gore porn instead of realism.
Lisette was no longer presented as a strong, lively character moving around in the plot as a spy of Queen Henrietta.
The camaraderie of the first book had turned into really lame, corny bromances.
The dialogue and writing from time to time was weak. Not rushed per se, but as if the author had given years of his 'everything' to writing his first book, and then in Devil's Charge he just wasn't that into it anymore. Something I have seen many series writers do.
The plotlines were too forced. Too obviously written to mimic a formulae of hooks that had worked in book one.
Still, I enjoyed the first book so much that I am willing to continue buying this series. When the cheaper paperback is released for book three, Hunter's Rage, I will buy it, put Devil's Charge from my mind and start again. With a fresh outlook. Give the author, Michael Arnold, another chance to delight and entertain me.
This is a quandary that would face all authors who write a successful first book in an intended series. They realise that having set the bar high, they have to maintain and match the predecessor.
For me, this was not the follow up I had expected nor wanted. For me, this book was the culmination of all the things I disliked about book one (Traitor's Blood which I gave 5 stars to).
All those great aspects of Traitor's Blood were turned down. The colourful and interesting characters, even the bad guys were fun to read about. The fabulous female spy/assassin Lisette and her high jinx. The clever descriptions of the Civil War. Evoking the battles, the costumes, the sounds, the instruments of war, with the skill of someone who truly knows his era. Bad guys that are not too intentionally screwed up and repulsive. It was easy to actually like the guys in the first book, despite them being baddies.
Devil's Charge was all the aspects I disliked about the first one. The gore description was too far, too often. It was like gore porn instead of realism.
Lisette was no longer presented as a strong, lively character moving around in the plot as a spy of Queen Henrietta.
The camaraderie of the first book had turned into really lame, corny bromances.
The dialogue and writing from time to time was weak. Not rushed per se, but as if the author had given years of his 'everything' to writing his first book, and then in Devil's Charge he just wasn't that into it anymore. Something I have seen many series writers do.
The plotlines were too forced. Too obviously written to mimic a formulae of hooks that had worked in book one.
Still, I enjoyed the first book so much that I am willing to continue buying this series. When the cheaper paperback is released for book three, Hunter's Rage, I will buy it, put Devil's Charge from my mind and start again. With a fresh outlook. Give the author, Michael Arnold, another chance to delight and entertain me.
March 27, 2025
Stupendous
April 15, 2018
SPOILER ALERT!
Michael Arnold’s second book of The Civil War Chronicles is much better for me than the first one, Traitor's Blood. The impressive sequel with its almost 600 pages never leaves us bored. The story is far less predictable here than in the preceding writing, you never know when you can come across a spy or when a sniper shots a hole in one of the more convincing characters head.
The author continues to lead the readers through interesting, lifelike skirmishes, here in the first three months of 1643. At the height of a siege or a battle it does not matter what your coat of arms is, if you have any, just the desperate will to survive. Our well known Captain Stryker and his friends, Skellen and Forry represent the tested mercenaries whose profession is killing. Although, after smashing some frightened recruited greenhorns faces or merely escape from the likewise sly and calmly cruel enemy mercenary troops, we are given a better picture of their emotions and misty past too. Especially when Lisette Gaillard, the devout slave of Queen Henrietta Maria reappears on the pages of the book.
In Traitor's Blood Michael Arnold illustrated how fearful and strong could be a spymaster, while in Devil's Charge he describes how priceless was a really perfect artilleryman and how devastating power he had with one mortar projectile against an infantry formation. This chapter is hair-raising, it is like we are sitting before a TV, seeing the clash from every aspect and hearing the sound of battle.
The mixture of real events and real people with fictional characters is still entertaining, for the fact that we cannot check the latter’s fate in history books. The war brings out the real personalities of coward and leonine nobles who become truly responsible for their people and their troops while the family cannot be left behind. Sir John Gell, the unchivalrous knight with his hateful acts, the weak Earl of Chesterfield, the heroic Comptons are good figures from the beginning of Early Modern Period where the remnants of the Middle Ages were still determinative.
The little but furious Simon Barkworth, the pert Jonathan Blaze who changes after his torment are new characters, good initiatives, although I still have the feeling after the second book, that the author’s aim was to give a colourful picture of the era which is at the expense of really realistic characters.
Eventually, I can recommend the book for those who love or interested in historical war novels, they will not be able to put down Devil’s Charge like me.
Michael Arnold’s second book of The Civil War Chronicles is much better for me than the first one, Traitor's Blood. The impressive sequel with its almost 600 pages never leaves us bored. The story is far less predictable here than in the preceding writing, you never know when you can come across a spy or when a sniper shots a hole in one of the more convincing characters head.
The author continues to lead the readers through interesting, lifelike skirmishes, here in the first three months of 1643. At the height of a siege or a battle it does not matter what your coat of arms is, if you have any, just the desperate will to survive. Our well known Captain Stryker and his friends, Skellen and Forry represent the tested mercenaries whose profession is killing. Although, after smashing some frightened recruited greenhorns faces or merely escape from the likewise sly and calmly cruel enemy mercenary troops, we are given a better picture of their emotions and misty past too. Especially when Lisette Gaillard, the devout slave of Queen Henrietta Maria reappears on the pages of the book.
In Traitor's Blood Michael Arnold illustrated how fearful and strong could be a spymaster, while in Devil's Charge he describes how priceless was a really perfect artilleryman and how devastating power he had with one mortar projectile against an infantry formation. This chapter is hair-raising, it is like we are sitting before a TV, seeing the clash from every aspect and hearing the sound of battle.
The mixture of real events and real people with fictional characters is still entertaining, for the fact that we cannot check the latter’s fate in history books. The war brings out the real personalities of coward and leonine nobles who become truly responsible for their people and their troops while the family cannot be left behind. Sir John Gell, the unchivalrous knight with his hateful acts, the weak Earl of Chesterfield, the heroic Comptons are good figures from the beginning of Early Modern Period where the remnants of the Middle Ages were still determinative.
The little but furious Simon Barkworth, the pert Jonathan Blaze who changes after his torment are new characters, good initiatives, although I still have the feeling after the second book, that the author’s aim was to give a colourful picture of the era which is at the expense of really realistic characters.
Eventually, I can recommend the book for those who love or interested in historical war novels, they will not be able to put down Devil’s Charge like me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2020
What a brilliant fast moving story centred on the English Civil War and the siege of Lichfield and the Battle of Hopton Heath. Arnold uses the historical facts of the period to weave a thoroughly believable storyline around these events and the key characters both real and fictional. The characters are well written and their development is apparent from having read Traitors Blood. The love affair between Stryker and Lisette is touching in its enforced remoteness due to their conception of duty.
A very consuming read. A Sharpe for the seventeenth century.
A very consuming read. A Sharpe for the seventeenth century.
November 10, 2021
I found this book frustrating. I enjoyed it overall but, for me, it swung from very good to average and back to good. The battle sequences, particularly at Hopton Field felt a bit too drawn out and some parts of the plot felt contrived. Having said that I mostly enjoyed it, certainly enough to look forward to reading the next instalment.
January 7, 2019
Can't wait to start the next adventure.
October 28, 2022
A must read for any action book fan. The battle scenes are mega and very detailed. One of the better historical fiction books I've read and would recommend it to any one
October 14, 2023
Taste of Battle
Gripping and historically enlightening. Imagine the smell and hear the torments of battle. Will certainly look forward to reading Hunter’s Rage.
Gripping and historically enlightening. Imagine the smell and hear the torments of battle. Will certainly look forward to reading Hunter’s Rage.
November 19, 2024
Fantastic read.
May 15, 2025
getting Into this series now they are full of action and we'll writen
June 29, 2013
Another fizzer from Michael Arnold, the second book in the Civil War Chronicles that picks up where Traitor's Blood left off and sees the Royalist Captain ‘One-eye’ Stryker in the thick of the action, first at Cirencester then at the siege of Lichfield and finally at Hopton Heath.
Lichfield is viewed as a strategically important stronghold situated to the north of King Charles’ operation base at Oxford and the thinly garrisoned and tenuously occupied Midlands. The garrison at Lichfield is commanded by a weak minded Royalist fop, all ready to capitulate to the encircling Parliamentarian forces until he realises Captain Stryker and his small band of rogues are inside the castle, brought there by Strykers long term love interest Lisette, recovering in the infirmary.
The sub-plot sees Stryker and his band charged with foiling the evil intent of puritan Parliamentarian Major Girns who is determined to eliminate the Blaze brothers who hold the secret to the destructive power of gunpowder and cannon—that can wreak such victory inducing havoc on the battlefield.
This book follows in a similar vein to Traitor's Blood, that sees the main character far more concerned about the survival of himself and those around him than he is of following and supporting the ideals of the opposing sides. Arnold does a terrific job of showing just how destructive Civil War can be and is told from the perspective of those unfortunate enough to have to fight it and the innocent population who suffer the brutality and hardship from both sides of the conflict.
Michael Arnold is extremely knowledgeable about this period in history. His detailed descriptions of the clothes, weapons and warfare of the period demonstrates substantial research. He manages to magically weave a terrific page turning plot and story line with well researched historically accurate facts. His characters are well drawn and truly believable that put you right in the thick of the sword clanging action. This is another real corker of a story where his fizzing passion for the period really shines through his writing.
Michael Arnold is fast becoming one of my favourite historical fiction authors and each time I finish one of his books I’m eagerly awaiting the next one. I just wish he’d write them a bit faster! For a little more background information on this series you might like to read my review on the first book in the series: Traitor's Blood.
Terrific read for historical fictions fans, highly recommended.
Lichfield is viewed as a strategically important stronghold situated to the north of King Charles’ operation base at Oxford and the thinly garrisoned and tenuously occupied Midlands. The garrison at Lichfield is commanded by a weak minded Royalist fop, all ready to capitulate to the encircling Parliamentarian forces until he realises Captain Stryker and his small band of rogues are inside the castle, brought there by Strykers long term love interest Lisette, recovering in the infirmary.
The sub-plot sees Stryker and his band charged with foiling the evil intent of puritan Parliamentarian Major Girns who is determined to eliminate the Blaze brothers who hold the secret to the destructive power of gunpowder and cannon—that can wreak such victory inducing havoc on the battlefield.
This book follows in a similar vein to Traitor's Blood, that sees the main character far more concerned about the survival of himself and those around him than he is of following and supporting the ideals of the opposing sides. Arnold does a terrific job of showing just how destructive Civil War can be and is told from the perspective of those unfortunate enough to have to fight it and the innocent population who suffer the brutality and hardship from both sides of the conflict.
Michael Arnold is extremely knowledgeable about this period in history. His detailed descriptions of the clothes, weapons and warfare of the period demonstrates substantial research. He manages to magically weave a terrific page turning plot and story line with well researched historically accurate facts. His characters are well drawn and truly believable that put you right in the thick of the sword clanging action. This is another real corker of a story where his fizzing passion for the period really shines through his writing.
Michael Arnold is fast becoming one of my favourite historical fiction authors and each time I finish one of his books I’m eagerly awaiting the next one. I just wish he’d write them a bit faster! For a little more background information on this series you might like to read my review on the first book in the series: Traitor's Blood.
Terrific read for historical fictions fans, highly recommended.
January 19, 2013
Devil's charge is a very worthy follow-up on the heels of Arnold's debut 'Traitor's Blood'. It has a slightly different feel to it (as is natural when an author settles into his characters) and yet still feels like a seamless continuation.
A number of characters return to this book in addition to the protagonist, and the cast is augmented by the addition of some stunning new heroes and villains that support or impede Stryker on his missions. Some, indeed, are actually more colourful and impressive than the captain himself - a tough thing to achieve. Note for instance Jonathan Blaze and Simeon Barkworth, who has possibly now taken the lead as my favourite of Arnold's creations.
The first and main difference between this book and the first one for me is the complexity of the plot. The first book was very linear - not that this was a negative in any way, but the plot flowed in a definite single thread. Devil's Charge, however, begins with a number of disparate threads, even to the point of initial confusion, gradually pulling them together and tying them into a neat plot. By some two thirds through the book, the story has resolved into a gem - a diamond even - and from that point onwards it drags the reader at breakneck pace through to the conclusion: the battle for control of the Midlands.
While I was impressed in the first book with the handling of the pitched battle of Kineton and the small scale skirmishes the characters found themselves in - and indeed in this book with the Compton Heath battle - the treatment of the siege of Lichfield in Devil's Charge was one of the best pieces of war writing I have read from any era. It kept me riveted throughout and was innovative, exciting, and even heart-rending in places.
Another yardstick I use to measure books is the regularity with which it raises interesting enough points or questions that send me to textbooks or the internet in order to learn more. Devil's charge did so many times - hunting down a small village chapel, the defences of Lichfield, the history of towns on the Yorkshire coast and so much more. It's a signal that I've become heavily invested in the story.
In short, this is a hell of a book and an improvement on the already excellent first book in the series in terms of both plot and style.
I look forward to parts three and four of the Stryker saga.
And as for the 'Sharpe of the English Civil War' quote? A worthy and impressive accolade, but do not be deceived into thinking Stryker derivative or in some way a carbon copy of Sharpe. He is, be assured, a very different proposition.
A number of characters return to this book in addition to the protagonist, and the cast is augmented by the addition of some stunning new heroes and villains that support or impede Stryker on his missions. Some, indeed, are actually more colourful and impressive than the captain himself - a tough thing to achieve. Note for instance Jonathan Blaze and Simeon Barkworth, who has possibly now taken the lead as my favourite of Arnold's creations.
The first and main difference between this book and the first one for me is the complexity of the plot. The first book was very linear - not that this was a negative in any way, but the plot flowed in a definite single thread. Devil's Charge, however, begins with a number of disparate threads, even to the point of initial confusion, gradually pulling them together and tying them into a neat plot. By some two thirds through the book, the story has resolved into a gem - a diamond even - and from that point onwards it drags the reader at breakneck pace through to the conclusion: the battle for control of the Midlands.
While I was impressed in the first book with the handling of the pitched battle of Kineton and the small scale skirmishes the characters found themselves in - and indeed in this book with the Compton Heath battle - the treatment of the siege of Lichfield in Devil's Charge was one of the best pieces of war writing I have read from any era. It kept me riveted throughout and was innovative, exciting, and even heart-rending in places.
Another yardstick I use to measure books is the regularity with which it raises interesting enough points or questions that send me to textbooks or the internet in order to learn more. Devil's charge did so many times - hunting down a small village chapel, the defences of Lichfield, the history of towns on the Yorkshire coast and so much more. It's a signal that I've become heavily invested in the story.
In short, this is a hell of a book and an improvement on the already excellent first book in the series in terms of both plot and style.
I look forward to parts three and four of the Stryker saga.
And as for the 'Sharpe of the English Civil War' quote? A worthy and impressive accolade, but do not be deceived into thinking Stryker derivative or in some way a carbon copy of Sharpe. He is, be assured, a very different proposition.
July 7, 2012
In the first outing of Skryer he was hailed as the Sharpe of the Civil War and where i thought it was a very good first outing,i did not feel you could make that statement on just one adventure.The second venture on to the battle field for Stryker along with Captain Lancelot Forrester,Sergeant Skellen,Lieutenant Burton and of course our lady of the sword Lisette Gaillardia,it now makes that statement one to be reckoned with.Michael Arnold plunges us straight into mystery and intrigue right from the start and then he quickly moves us on to the thick of the action with the taking of Cirencester.No sooner do we fight our way into Cirencester,we then find ourselves behind the walls of the Cathedral close in Lichfield and under siege by Parliamentarian`s.Once again Stryker is up against a set of unsavoury villians who are out to make life most uncomfortable for him and his companions, As in the first novel Michael Arnold let`s the support characters step into the lime light,where we had Lisette captivating us with her sword play when she took on Roger Tainton,here we have the griping chase of Lieutenant Burton as he is pursued by the persistent Lieutenant Josiah Trim and then later on with Lancelot Forrester as he takes the lead in the charge of the Dragoons at Hopton Heath,all gripping stuff.Stryker steps back into the spot light as we charge with him and the Royalist,as near a thousand beasts,huge warhorses bred for the hunt,thunder up the slope of Hopton Heath and Michael Arnold has us there feeling every cut and thrust.So now we have two cracking outings of Stryker and if the next one is as good,we then have Stryker of the Civil War and no need for Sharpe.
September 12, 2012
Whooo-hooo - blood, gore and vicious fighting - great fun!
No really: although I've read about the Hopton Heath battle, I'd never really considered the fights surrounding Cirencester and Lichfield as being anything other than skirmishes - I know better now!
Arnold has researched well and integrated all that into a detailed (and moving) account of the first months of 1642/3, as well as bringing to life (with all their quirks) all those real people who were involved. The fictional guys are getting to me though! Stryker is definitely the strong, silent type, but I do like it when he cusses! I enjoy the sarcasm of Will Skellen as he banters with Stryker; and the enthusiasm of "Forrey" as he tries to make light of some dire situations; and Lieutenant Burton is coming along nicely :)
Arnold has (IMO) an incredible knack for 'characterising' his secondary characters - the ineptitude of Chesterfield at Lichfield, or the bravado of Northampton at Hopton; as well as for making his villains nastily nasty! Oooooh, *shivers*
I also like the detailed descriptions of the actual fighting; it takes clever penmanship to 'keep you in the moment' when describing cavalry charges, or the re-loading of muskets when under attack, or the skill and precision it needs to aim and fire a huge cannon.
Book 3 is on order and due to arrive soon: yeah, more blood, gore and violence!
No really: although I've read about the Hopton Heath battle, I'd never really considered the fights surrounding Cirencester and Lichfield as being anything other than skirmishes - I know better now!
Arnold has researched well and integrated all that into a detailed (and moving) account of the first months of 1642/3, as well as bringing to life (with all their quirks) all those real people who were involved. The fictional guys are getting to me though! Stryker is definitely the strong, silent type, but I do like it when he cusses! I enjoy the sarcasm of Will Skellen as he banters with Stryker; and the enthusiasm of "Forrey" as he tries to make light of some dire situations; and Lieutenant Burton is coming along nicely :)
Arnold has (IMO) an incredible knack for 'characterising' his secondary characters - the ineptitude of Chesterfield at Lichfield, or the bravado of Northampton at Hopton; as well as for making his villains nastily nasty! Oooooh, *shivers*
I also like the detailed descriptions of the actual fighting; it takes clever penmanship to 'keep you in the moment' when describing cavalry charges, or the re-loading of muskets when under attack, or the skill and precision it needs to aim and fire a huge cannon.
Book 3 is on order and due to arrive soon: yeah, more blood, gore and violence!
October 11, 2013
If you are a fan of gritty and realistic historical military fiction, then Devil's Charge and it's predecessor Traitor's Blood is for you as much as they and it was for me. Michael Arnold has created a storyline from the English Civil War, with characters that are visceral and real, who's descriptions you can identify with in an environment that easily allows the reader to picture the events he is portraying.
Devil's Charge is full of action and a novel where the author demonstrates that he has studied his subject so thoroughly that weapons are described fully detailing their faults and limitations but in a way that still allows the story to unfold. With uniforms and clothing described equally as well with full and rich characters wearing them. These characters are so real, darkly humorous and vibrant that they enhance the story so completely in many different wonderful ways.
This novel is a must for all lovers of this kind of book, not only does the author write beautifully but he also teaches the reader about a subject that has been allowed to virtually vanish into history, the English Civil War. I have no doubt that the follow up books will be as equally successful and in time I'm convinced The Captain Stryker Chronicles will make it to television or film. In my opinion the writer is one of the best historical authors out there today.
Devil's Charge is full of action and a novel where the author demonstrates that he has studied his subject so thoroughly that weapons are described fully detailing their faults and limitations but in a way that still allows the story to unfold. With uniforms and clothing described equally as well with full and rich characters wearing them. These characters are so real, darkly humorous and vibrant that they enhance the story so completely in many different wonderful ways.
This novel is a must for all lovers of this kind of book, not only does the author write beautifully but he also teaches the reader about a subject that has been allowed to virtually vanish into history, the English Civil War. I have no doubt that the follow up books will be as equally successful and in time I'm convinced The Captain Stryker Chronicles will make it to television or film. In my opinion the writer is one of the best historical authors out there today.
June 26, 2023
I LOVED this first book. This one I just got bored with it and didn’t even finish it.
July 8, 2012
The second book in Michael Arnold's planned Captain Stryker series of books, all set during the time of the English Civil War.
Despite being one of the defining period in English history, it's actually a subject rarely touched upon: when I was at school, we were taught more about the American Civil War than about the English counter-part! Short of this series, I can't - personally - think of any other novels set in and around the same period.
Like Cornwell's [i]Sharpe[/i] series of books, the events of this are all set in and around real historical events: in this case, the storming of Cirencester, the siege of Lichfield and the battle of Hopton Heath. If I'm honest, I wasn't familiar with any of these events, which is something I've always enjoyed about this type of book: a chance to learn some new history while also enjoying a good read! :)
Despite being one of the defining period in English history, it's actually a subject rarely touched upon: when I was at school, we were taught more about the American Civil War than about the English counter-part! Short of this series, I can't - personally - think of any other novels set in and around the same period.
Like Cornwell's [i]Sharpe[/i] series of books, the events of this are all set in and around real historical events: in this case, the storming of Cirencester, the siege of Lichfield and the battle of Hopton Heath. If I'm honest, I wasn't familiar with any of these events, which is something I've always enjoyed about this type of book: a chance to learn some new history while also enjoying a good read! :)
November 19, 2013
A fine sequel to Assassin's Blood, this is a taut adventure story rich with historical detail and set in a fascinating era in English history. It's possible that readers in the UK are familiar with the Civil War as a setting for fiction but Michael Arnold's novels are the first this American has seen, and my first exposure to the period in any detail.
May 12, 2013
Another tale of captain Stryker and his friends from Michael Arnold.Not quite as good as the first in the series, due to some continuity errors and the odd place where it take a little effort to suspend disbelief, but still a good entertaining yarn.
August 10, 2016
Story had a couple of twists and turn with more depth to the plot than a typical Sharpe book.
Arnold tries to hard to include references to 17th Century terms, weapons etc which sometimes seems forced into the dialogue.
Still well worth reading
Ian
Arnold tries to hard to include references to 17th Century terms, weapons etc which sometimes seems forced into the dialogue.
Still well worth reading
Ian
September 18, 2013
A very good follow up to the debut novel in this exciting series.
October 3, 2011
really enjoyed this the second part of the on going story of captain stryker and mainly based on siege of lichfield and the battle of hopton heath in 1643 as part of the english civil war
January 1, 2016
Great story telling. Best of all keeping within the real history of the English Civil War.
January 25, 2016
English Civil War 1643
July 12, 2016
Can't wait to read the next one!
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October 9, 2018Review to follow
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