Ashes of Rebellion

by Michael Jecks

Preorder the BRAND NEW gripping instalment in the stunning Vintaine series by Michael Jecks. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. 'Grim realism, stark brutality and flawed characters fighting their way through the bloody wreckage of a failing kingdom. Right up my street!' Anthony Riches Beware the red and blue hoods - the signs of revolution

1358, Northern France. In a land ravaged by war, King John II is the prisoner of the King of England. His son, the teenaged Dauphin, must battle to impose control over the fractured kingdom. But King Charles of Navarre wants to wrestle power for himself. He leads Parisians and the Jacquerie to open rebellion, upending the social order, pitting noble against commoner in a brutal struggle for power.

A free company of English men and boys, led by John Hawkwood, previously of Sir John de Sully’s Vintaine, must navigate the treacherous landscape with only their wits, combat skills and each other to rely on.

From the smouldering ruins of small French villages, to the blood-soaked battlefields, their journey is fraught with danger, dogged by a mysterious enemy intent on revenge. As they face the harsh realities of medieval warfare, their bonds are tested, and their fates intertwined with the destiny of a nation.

Praise for Michael

'Marvellously portrayed' C. J. Sansom

'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low

'The most wickedly plotted medieval mystery novels' The Times

'Classic Jecks – and that's as good as it gets' Susanna Gregory

'Vivid imagination and gripping prose' Anthony Riches

'Another fantastic series from Michael Jecks' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review

'All I can say is roll on the next one. I could not put this book down!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review

'A brilliant read whatever your normal genre.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review

'Another masterpiece by Michael Jecks. Whatever you do, do not miss reading this novel it is amazing!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review

'All action!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review

'Outstanding! A terriific read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review

320 pages, Paperback

Published September 19, 2025

About the author

Michael Jecks is a best-selling writer of historical novels. The son of an Actuary, and the youngest of four brothers, he worked in the computer industry before becoming a novelist full time in 1994

He is the author of the internationally popular Templar series, perhaps the longest crime series written by a living author. Unusually, the series looks again at actual events and murders committed about the early fourteenth century, a fabulous time of treachery, civil war, deceit and corruption. Famine, war and disease led to widespread despair, and yet the people showed themselves to be resilient. The series is available as ebooks and all paper formats from Harper Collins, Headline and Simon and Schuster. More recently he has completed his Vintener Trilogy, three stories in his Bloody Mary series, and a new Crusades story set in 1096, Pilgrim's War, following some of the people in the first Crusade on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He has also written a highly acclaimed modern spy thriller, Act of Vengeance.

His books have won him international acclaim and in 2007 his Death Ship of Dartmouth was shortlisted for the Harrogate prize for the best crime novel of the year.

A member of the Society of Authors and Royal Literary Society, Jecks was the Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association in 2004-2005. In 2005 he became a member of the Detection Club.

From 1998 he organised the CWA Debut Dagger competition for two years, helping unpublished authors to win their first contracts He judged the CWA/Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for three years.

Michael Jecks is a popular speaker at literary festivals and historical meetings. He is a popular after-dinner and motivational speaker and has spoken at events from Colombia to Italy, Portugal to Alaska.

His own highlights are: being the Grand Marshal of the first parade at the New Orleans 2014 Mardi Gras, designing the Michael Jecks fountain pen for Conway Stewart, and being the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada Bloody Words convention.

Michael lives, walks, writes and paints in North Dartmoor.

Reviews

[Sharon Rimmelzwaan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Riveting, authentic, and such rich storytelling! Ashes of Rebellion are all of these. I haven't read the first three books in the series, but it didn't stop the authenticity shining through!

Set in the 14th century, we follow a company of Englishmen along with two other young men who journey to France in order to seek their fortune. They don't realise it won't be what they expect, in any way.

Michael Jecks recreates this period with such skills. His characters are so well fleshed out that they are believable. They are complex and flawed, too. I enjoyed getting to know them. Their camaraderie drew me into the point I felt like I could be with them all. The brutality of this time is displayed perfectly, with the battles and the gory scenes.

Yet another excellent historical fiction novel from Boldwood Books. If they keep this up, I won't be able to choose a favourite historical fiction author! There are a few I love from them.

[Martin Lindholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ashes of Rebellion is the fourth installment in Michael Jecks’ Vintaine series, arriving almost as an afterthought — the first book was published in 2014 and the most recent one before this in 2016. Yet, precisely because of that, it feels as though it has been given special care. The story picks up seamlessly a few years after the events of Blood of the Innocents, while at the same time cross-pollinating and tying in with Jecks’ much-loved Templar series.

For readers new to the Vintaine saga: the books follow a band of English archers in medieval France. In this installment, their familiar bread-and-butter soldiering is woven into a political game between kings and would-be kings, as well as those whose only ambition is to make a fortune. The plot is seasoned with revenge and superstition — a hearty dish indeed. If tales of medieval warfare and intrigue are your thing, this is a feast you’ll enjoy.

If I have one complaint, it’s about the gore. The violence is depicted in such graphic detail that producers of Game of Thrones and the like would surely be salivating to throw money at Mr. Jecks. Perhaps this sort of blood-soaked content has been somewhat overdone on streaming platforms, but if that’s your taste, fear not: Ashes of Rebellion delivers plenty. For me and my poor stomach, however, it was at times a little too much. There’s something about reading how a blade severs an artery and a windpipe — just to pick one example — that makes my insides want to turn themselves inside out.

That said, this is also proof of Jecks’ command of historical detail. The depth of research behind his novels is remarkable, and the sense of place and period is palpable. You truly feel transported to the 14th century — which is not always comfortable. More than once I found myself almost pinching my arm to remind myself that I wasn’t actually on a battlefield, dodging arrows and blades hurled from the page.
All in all, Ashes of Rebellion is best enjoyed from the safety of your favorite chair, ideally with a goblet of wine or a jug of ale within reach. And enjoy it you shall — though you might want to keep a strong stomach, too.

[Brannigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed Ashes of Rebellion overall, but it definitely reads like a “middle book.” There isn’t much recap of what’s come before, which makes it harder for someone new to the series to fully connect, and there’s not a lot of character development to carry the story forward. The one exception is the antagonist, who felt like the only character to truly grow and change between the beginning and the end.
That said, the story itself is engaging. The pacing kept me turning the pages, and the conflicts were interesting enough to hold my attention. Jecks writes with confidence, and I never felt lost in the action. While it didn’t push me to seek out earlier or future installments, I still came away satisfied by the experience.
In short: a well-written and entertaining installment that earns four stars. Fans of historical fiction—especially those interested in the period after the Battle of Crécy, with the English invasion of France—or longtime followers of Michael Jecks may find even more here to enjoy.

I was given a free ebook from NetGalley.com and the Publisher for a honest review

[Ann-Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

1358. With the French King, John II, captured and held in England for ransom, northern France is in disarray with the Dauphin and Charles of Navarre fighting for control. The turmoil is making it ripe for plundering by bands of soldiers, such as the company led by John Hawkwood. They are moving warily through northern France adding new members and avoiding trouble as best they can whilst searching out opportunities to gain riches. Sadly, one young boy from their band has already been killed by the’ Devil’, who is now stalking them to gain revenge.

An enthralling story set in a fascinating period of history. There are lots of different threads to this story – but where will they all lead? This is the fourth book in the series and, despite not having read the earlier books, I found this easy to follow. Definitely recommended.

Thanks to Net Galley and Boldwood Books for an ARC for my honest review.

[Vivien · Rating 4 out of 5]

After getting through the initial chapters to set the scene, the story really picked up and turned out to be an enjoyable read despite not having read the first books in the series. It follows a company of Englishmen and two young men who join them to seek their glory and fortune in France to find out it’s not what they expected.

There are vivid descriptions of the gory battles like limbs being hacked up, hangings and blowing up bridges, to sieges and rebellion as different groups clash amid the plunder and pillage. I also enjoyed the camaraderie and banter between the company, especially with Dogface. Even though there were quite a few characters to keep up with, their stories all came together by the end, not to mention that plot twist catching me by surprise! Fans of The Last Kingdom, you won’t be disappointed.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do thoroughly enjoy the historical fiction that this author has to offer. There is just something about the way that write that truly pulls you into the story, making you believe you are almost present.
I really like, once again, the attention to detail, everything from sticking to the time and historical happenings to details on attire and ways of behaving. Whether big or tiny the details really make this book truly phenomenal to enjoy and really be engaged in.
I liked the overall tale this go round, with the battles taking place, in all areas of the hierarchy and within the social classes. It added a lot of depth and interest to the book. The way the battles and minor arguments took place were exciting and enjoyable to read. I also liked how the book ended up unfolding. All very engaging and fun to read.

[Jo-anne Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the aftermath of the battle of Poitiers, bands of Englishmen roam the French countryside looking for plunder. The country of France is riven, the King an English captive, his son and a rival fighting for supremacy. In addition the poor are rising in rebellion against their masters. For John Hawkwood's vintaine, there are horrors still to be faced.
I didn't realise that this book was part of a series but it didn't really seem to matter that I had started part way through. I really loved the setting, political turmoil in France, and the characters who were more ordinary fighting men, not nobles and knights. The addition of a rivalry, a haunting and an unsolved murder just add a great degree of complexity. This manages to be decent historical fiction with an accurate edge.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fourth book set during the Hundred Years war, the action follows a free company of Englishmen and boys who are seeking their fortune in France.

They join other soldiers travelling through France in a period of power struggles and the uprising of the Jacquerie. This is a complex and fascinating period of history, portrayed principally through the eyes of the band of English soldiers. 

I love the inclusion of William and Perkin – a direct connection with Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and Simon Puttock from The Last Templar series. Some great characters and a fast-moving plot.

Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC 

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, the multitude of characters in this book had me back tracking to keep them straight. Not the Vintaine themselves, just those that supported the rest of the story. That being said, it was an interesting read! I had no idea that those things were happening in France after Crecy and Poitiers. I guess rebellion ran deep in the Franks. Michael Jecks' writing style draws the reader in and has them invested in the story in no time. Fascinating characters deliver the plot and it's subplots in style, making Ashes of Rebellion a must read!

This is my honest review after reading an ARC from Netgalley and Boldwood Books.

[Christine Harman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fourth installment the Vintaine series and the first i have read. For a story of bloodshed and violence the story seems to have a lighthearted feel about it. It jumps all.over the place between the different factions but that does not detract from the story. There are a lot of threads to follow but once the story is established it makes sense.it is not a period of time I have read about so I didn't know the outcome until the end of the story. Well written with characters you warm to. I enjoyed this book and now will have to get the previous books to find out more. With thanks to the author, Boldwood Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Storied Conversation · Rating 4 out of 5]

An engaging installment in Michael Jecks’ series, Ashes of Rebellion reads very much like a “middle book.” While there isn’t much recap for those who’ve missed prior volumes and most characters remain static, the antagonist shows meaningful growth and kept me intrigued. The pacing is strong, the conflicts interesting, and Jecks’ confident writing shines throughout. Historical fiction fans—especially those interested in the aftermath of Crécy—will likely enjoy this one.

Thank you NetGalley, Boldwood Books, Rachel's Random Resources, and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Chris Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first page the story gripped my attention tightly. The characters, with believable intentions, reactions and thoughts, together with the historic setting created a perfect picture in my mind’s eye and just like that, one or two hours had gone by and I had to force myself to put the book down, already looking forward to continue reading on the next day. An amazing continuation of the series!

I received a free copy ahead of release in exchange for an honest review.

[Gary Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great installment of the Vintaine series

[Joan · Rating 1 out of 5]

i really liked the last templar series by Jecks but i stopped reading this about 50 pages in. I didn't like writing style as it jumped around.