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Hereward #5
Hereward: The Immortals
1073 – under the merciless sun of the east, a dark force has risen - a Norman adventurer who could rival the feared King William for bloody ambition. He has conquered his land, he has built his fortress and he has amassed his army. And now he has taken Constantinople's ruler as his prisoner…
It falls to Hereward to rescue this precious captive. For this great English warrior-in-exile and his spear-brothers, it will mean mounting a raid that could prove the most dangerous and deadliest of their lives. Assisting them in their task will be an elite and legendary band of fighters, the Immortals – so-called because they believe they cannot die in battle. But it will not be enough - for enemies hide within the jewelled heart of Byzantium: vipers who spread their poison, who want to see the English dead at any cost and who are to transform a mission that was at best dangerous into an adventure that is now suicidal. . .
With this rousing adventure full of brutal sword play, treachery, camaraderie and honour, James Wilde continues his bestselling account of the action-packed life and times of England's great and now, thanks to his his fiction, perhaps not-so-forgotten hero - Hereward the Wake.
It falls to Hereward to rescue this precious captive. For this great English warrior-in-exile and his spear-brothers, it will mean mounting a raid that could prove the most dangerous and deadliest of their lives. Assisting them in their task will be an elite and legendary band of fighters, the Immortals – so-called because they believe they cannot die in battle. But it will not be enough - for enemies hide within the jewelled heart of Byzantium: vipers who spread their poison, who want to see the English dead at any cost and who are to transform a mission that was at best dangerous into an adventure that is now suicidal. . .
With this rousing adventure full of brutal sword play, treachery, camaraderie and honour, James Wilde continues his bestselling account of the action-packed life and times of England's great and now, thanks to his his fiction, perhaps not-so-forgotten hero - Hereward the Wake.
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 30, 2015
17 people are currently reading
282 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
August 14, 2015
If you reach the stage where you are five books into any series, then there is a good chance you can probably consider yourself a bit of a fan. I think however it is reasonable to have different expectations from book five as you have for book one. James Wilde is well aware of this fact and has made a point allowing his characters the opportunity to evolve as this series has continued. The character of Hereward himself is a prime example. In book one, he was little more than a berserker, barely managing to contain his anger. As the books have expanded the narrative of his life he has become far more. Now he is a leader of men, a man that others are willing to fight and die for.
When book four, The Wolves of New Rome, ended, Hereward and his spear-brothers had reached their lowest ebb. Having left England and William the Bastard far behind, they had fought their way across Europe and finally reached Constantinople, only to discover the city was a hotbed of political infighting and murder. The group of warriors were forced to start afresh, right at the very bottom of the heap. Still smarting from past defeats, they desperately needed some good luck. We know from past experience however that things for Hereward and friends never seems comes easy.
Along with all the familiar returning faces – Kraki, Alric, Mad Hengist et al, Wilde also adds some new characters to inject fresh perspective into proceedings. I particularly like Salih ibn Zayid. Featured initially in The Wolves of New Rome, the character has been further developed and is turning into a firm favourite. You just can’t beat a nomad warrior with dark bloody vengeance issues. He is the perfect balance of enigmatic and sociopathic. Meanwhile in Constantinople, there is also Anna Dalassene. Playing the game of politics requires razor sharp wits and a strong stomach. Anna proves she is more than a match for anyone in that regard.
My favourite thing about this series still remains evident in book five. Hereward, the man, is far from perfect. He makes mistakes and has to live the consequences of his actions. It is consistently fascinating to explore characters who are living with the medieval equivalent of PTSD. Hereward is like a shell shocked soldier, forced time and time again to battle his way out of the situations he finds himself in. That constant, violent grind is going to leave its mark on anyone. Hereward relishes unleashing his bloodlust when given the opportunity, but also longs to be free from it all. The duality of the character is what keeps me coming back for more. Each new book does a grand job of further dissecting the nature of this complex, driven man.
There is a nice coda at the end of the novel reminding the reader that there are still matters in England left unresolved. I suspect at some point in the future Hereward will return to the country of his birth. I do hope so.
Wilde has a keen eye for action matched with a talent for plotting that makes each new Hereward adventure a joy to read. The Immortals is no exception to this rule. I could happily wax lyrical about this series all day, every day. The bottom line – if you haven’t discovered them already and you are a fan of historical fiction I suggest that you give them a go. Do yourself a favour though, The Immortals is entirely serviceable if you haven’t read the other books in the series, but works so much better if you have. Take my advice, start with book one. You won’t regret it.
Hereward: The Immortals is published by Bantam Press and is available now. I’ll admit that the Hereward series are my favourite examples of historical fiction novels currently available. Highly recommended.
When book four, The Wolves of New Rome, ended, Hereward and his spear-brothers had reached their lowest ebb. Having left England and William the Bastard far behind, they had fought their way across Europe and finally reached Constantinople, only to discover the city was a hotbed of political infighting and murder. The group of warriors were forced to start afresh, right at the very bottom of the heap. Still smarting from past defeats, they desperately needed some good luck. We know from past experience however that things for Hereward and friends never seems comes easy.
Along with all the familiar returning faces – Kraki, Alric, Mad Hengist et al, Wilde also adds some new characters to inject fresh perspective into proceedings. I particularly like Salih ibn Zayid. Featured initially in The Wolves of New Rome, the character has been further developed and is turning into a firm favourite. You just can’t beat a nomad warrior with dark bloody vengeance issues. He is the perfect balance of enigmatic and sociopathic. Meanwhile in Constantinople, there is also Anna Dalassene. Playing the game of politics requires razor sharp wits and a strong stomach. Anna proves she is more than a match for anyone in that regard.
My favourite thing about this series still remains evident in book five. Hereward, the man, is far from perfect. He makes mistakes and has to live the consequences of his actions. It is consistently fascinating to explore characters who are living with the medieval equivalent of PTSD. Hereward is like a shell shocked soldier, forced time and time again to battle his way out of the situations he finds himself in. That constant, violent grind is going to leave its mark on anyone. Hereward relishes unleashing his bloodlust when given the opportunity, but also longs to be free from it all. The duality of the character is what keeps me coming back for more. Each new book does a grand job of further dissecting the nature of this complex, driven man.
There is a nice coda at the end of the novel reminding the reader that there are still matters in England left unresolved. I suspect at some point in the future Hereward will return to the country of his birth. I do hope so.
Wilde has a keen eye for action matched with a talent for plotting that makes each new Hereward adventure a joy to read. The Immortals is no exception to this rule. I could happily wax lyrical about this series all day, every day. The bottom line – if you haven’t discovered them already and you are a fan of historical fiction I suggest that you give them a go. Do yourself a favour though, The Immortals is entirely serviceable if you haven’t read the other books in the series, but works so much better if you have. Take my advice, start with book one. You won’t regret it.
Hereward: The Immortals is published by Bantam Press and is available now. I’ll admit that the Hereward series are my favourite examples of historical fiction novels currently available. Highly recommended.
December 29, 2018
This exciting book by James Wilde is the 5th volume of the delightful and entertaining Hereward the Wake series.
It's another excellent book with superb storytelling, and it is an astounding adventure story with wonderfully pictured fighting scenes that will enthrall the reader and so as a whole the book is a certain joy to read from start to finish.
The book is historically very sound and thus really well researched, and the characters come all vividly to life to make this tale an enormous enjoyable spectacle.
The tale is again situated in Constantinople, the Capitol of the Eastern Roman Empire, and we find ourselves in the year AD 1073.
The story itself is about Hereward and his spear-brothers who have to rescue Constantinople's ruler from the hands of a Norman adventurer.
In this quest they find that they are not alone simply because they will be assisted by a band of fighters called "the Immortals", and they are so-called because they believe they cannot die in battle, and so while they are all trying to rescue this ruler of Constantinople Hereward and his spear-brothers will have to face betrayal from enemies from within who want to see them dead, and thus will this action-packed adventure finally turn into a bloody struggle of life and death.
Fully recommended, for this is another splendid historical adventure story of the highest quality, and so for me this book has been an "Immortalizing Grand Experience"!
It's another excellent book with superb storytelling, and it is an astounding adventure story with wonderfully pictured fighting scenes that will enthrall the reader and so as a whole the book is a certain joy to read from start to finish.
The book is historically very sound and thus really well researched, and the characters come all vividly to life to make this tale an enormous enjoyable spectacle.
The tale is again situated in Constantinople, the Capitol of the Eastern Roman Empire, and we find ourselves in the year AD 1073.
The story itself is about Hereward and his spear-brothers who have to rescue Constantinople's ruler from the hands of a Norman adventurer.
In this quest they find that they are not alone simply because they will be assisted by a band of fighters called "the Immortals", and they are so-called because they believe they cannot die in battle, and so while they are all trying to rescue this ruler of Constantinople Hereward and his spear-brothers will have to face betrayal from enemies from within who want to see them dead, and thus will this action-packed adventure finally turn into a bloody struggle of life and death.
Fully recommended, for this is another splendid historical adventure story of the highest quality, and so for me this book has been an "Immortalizing Grand Experience"!
October 19, 2021
The race fot control of an empire.
Hereward and his spear brothers are compelled to accept a suicidal mission with untried soldiers dubbed the immortals. The machiavellian plotters continue to manouever for power in the city. This is another action packed, tension filled novel with freindships tested amid a backdrop of treachery and bloodshed. Old foes reappear to ally with dangerous new adversaries. Can Hereward and his men overcome superior odds and finally win acceptance? I will not give away the outcome. Highly recommended page turner. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, which I will read now.
Hereward and his spear brothers are compelled to accept a suicidal mission with untried soldiers dubbed the immortals. The machiavellian plotters continue to manouever for power in the city. This is another action packed, tension filled novel with freindships tested amid a backdrop of treachery and bloodshed. Old foes reappear to ally with dangerous new adversaries. Can Hereward and his men overcome superior odds and finally win acceptance? I will not give away the outcome. Highly recommended page turner. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, which I will read now.
July 15, 2024
The 5th book in this series a gripping and interesting than the previous four.
Hereward and his band find themselves fighting against enemies galore, but also politics, the machinations of rival families and the intrigues of Constantinople (and beyond).
The story line as ever is developed in new directions and historical background. A lot of fiction overlaid by historical fact and reasonable conjecture. This is where the authors’ skills lie and keep this novel as enjoyable as the earlier “chronicles” in the series.
Roll on the next one!! M :)
Hereward and his band find themselves fighting against enemies galore, but also politics, the machinations of rival families and the intrigues of Constantinople (and beyond).
The story line as ever is developed in new directions and historical background. A lot of fiction overlaid by historical fact and reasonable conjecture. This is where the authors’ skills lie and keep this novel as enjoyable as the earlier “chronicles” in the series.
Roll on the next one!! M :)
July 21, 2019
The plot in the book is ok , Hereward and his men are given a task , they fight to achieve it , my bug with the book is how characters just pop up without any real explanation , usually just before they die.
Zeno for example , i am reading away , and this Zeno is suddenly the central storyline , and i am thinking , who the hell is this guy , reading back trying to find out where he appeared , gave up.
Zeno for example , i am reading away , and this Zeno is suddenly the central storyline , and i am thinking , who the hell is this guy , reading back trying to find out where he appeared , gave up.
April 25, 2021
A great historical novel full of intrigue and adventure. The continuing story of Hereward and the exiled English rebels continues in dramatic fashion. Once again they are having to deal with both obvious and more hidden foes in a book which is riddled with plots and counter plots but always full of excitement and thrills. Can’t wait to see what happens in the final part.
August 6, 2018
An interesting premise and well researched. Let down by clunky writing, too many characters (so the ones there were ended up sketchily drawn and completely two-dimensional) and a general lack of subtlety in plotting and character development.
June 23, 2019
Another good book on Hereward from James Wilde. Hereward is always exciting as he gets into more intrigues, dangerous situations and manages to escape by the skin of his teeth. Looking forward to the next one.
December 2, 2020
Great read
Really enjoying the tales of Hereward , great characters , fascinating plots and battles of history gone bye , definitely worth a punt for less than the price of a cup of tea
Really enjoying the tales of Hereward , great characters , fascinating plots and battles of history gone bye , definitely worth a punt for less than the price of a cup of tea
January 30, 2021
Another rousing adventure!
October 5, 2023
A good read a bit hard to keep up with all the plots. Glad to see the English get there rewards
December 18, 2023
Goes along at a great pace the usual details in setting the scene at the time,if you enjoyed first few in this series you'll enjoy this
March 20, 2016
Before I opened the book, I really didn't want to like it. I didn't want them to think I could be bought by putting my (blog) name on the back. Did I mention they'd printed a quote from my review on the back? Well, that ‘SPEESH’ there, that’s me, that is.
And yet, I failed. They won.
Well, you know the kind of book you know is going to be a beast right from the first sentence? This.
All the old memories and pleasure from previous outings with Hereward come flooding back right from the start. 'The Immortals' really is everything you want from - not just a Hereward book, but from - a book. And, that's a full stop back there.
That Hereward left England and later journeyed to Constantinople to join the Varangian guard, seems to be common, almost accepted, knowledge amongst Historical Fiction authors, well, those I’ve read anyway. I’m doubtful that there is any hard evidence for this, though to be fair, there’s little hard evidence for anything to do with Hereward. The way I see that, is that it means there’s plenty to get your teeth into, for the writer and a reader. Only stick-in-the-muds are gonna get all po-faced on our asses and poo-poo certain ‘liberties’ but, as I pointed out to one, if you can’t show evidence that it didn’t happen and it is possible, then shut the fuck up and go back to writing your historical romances (Mr Wilde does address some of the source material's limitations at the end of the book).
So, if you’ve been with James Wilde's story so far, you’ll know that after being on the losing side at Hastings, and later at Ely, Hereford made a deal with William the Bastard, to leave England and never come back. Hereford seems intent on upholding his side of the bargain and, over the last couple of books, has made his way to Constantinople, intent on joining, with his loyal band of followers, the Emperor’s Varangian guard. They are prevented from joining by the animosity of certain guards with long memories and because they haven’t got the signing-on fees. This book sees the rage at the injustice of their situation, explode in glorious fury.
Hereward's small band of Ely rebels, has got even smaller over the course of the last couple of books and continues that way here. However, the really interesting ones, Kraki, Guthrinc, Herrig ‘The Rat,’ for instance, seem to develop and fill out a little more here, come more out of the background, prove they are not the ‘Enterprise' landing party member in the red shirt, and sometimes almost take equal billing with our main man. And, where there are good, honest warriors, there will always be…Ragener. What’s left of him anyway. He was the one that scared us shitless in the original trilogy and while he may have lost a few body parts, he’s certainly lost none of his menace. He is a superb adversary for the story, an unpredictable, predictably evil homicidal maniacal mirror to the well-meaning character of Hereward.
I’m not sure how old Hereward is here (I’m sure I could figure it out if I put my mind to it), but the point is there’s still lots of life in the character, literally and physically. Both in this story and, hopefully, for plenty of stories to come (#6 is out in July). There’s passion a-plenty, there are do-or-die, breathless, white-knuckles gripping the book battles, that will get the pulse racing, the heart beating, the nerves a-jangling. Desperate last minute, backs against the wall, no end in sight rescues and escapes against all the odds. The story itself feels like it’s balanced on a knife- an axe-edge, the whole way through. Like their fate could go either way at any time. 'Hereward The Immortals' has it all…and is quite probably the most complete, certainly the most enjoyable, since the series began. Probably was as enjoyable to write as it was to read. Certainly hope so.
They can quote me on that. Again.
I'll stop now...
More back-slapping on Speesh Reads
And yet, I failed. They won.
Well, you know the kind of book you know is going to be a beast right from the first sentence? This.
All the old memories and pleasure from previous outings with Hereward come flooding back right from the start. 'The Immortals' really is everything you want from - not just a Hereward book, but from - a book. And, that's a full stop back there.
That Hereward left England and later journeyed to Constantinople to join the Varangian guard, seems to be common, almost accepted, knowledge amongst Historical Fiction authors, well, those I’ve read anyway. I’m doubtful that there is any hard evidence for this, though to be fair, there’s little hard evidence for anything to do with Hereward. The way I see that, is that it means there’s plenty to get your teeth into, for the writer and a reader. Only stick-in-the-muds are gonna get all po-faced on our asses and poo-poo certain ‘liberties’ but, as I pointed out to one, if you can’t show evidence that it didn’t happen and it is possible, then shut the fuck up and go back to writing your historical romances (Mr Wilde does address some of the source material's limitations at the end of the book).
So, if you’ve been with James Wilde's story so far, you’ll know that after being on the losing side at Hastings, and later at Ely, Hereford made a deal with William the Bastard, to leave England and never come back. Hereford seems intent on upholding his side of the bargain and, over the last couple of books, has made his way to Constantinople, intent on joining, with his loyal band of followers, the Emperor’s Varangian guard. They are prevented from joining by the animosity of certain guards with long memories and because they haven’t got the signing-on fees. This book sees the rage at the injustice of their situation, explode in glorious fury.
Hereward's small band of Ely rebels, has got even smaller over the course of the last couple of books and continues that way here. However, the really interesting ones, Kraki, Guthrinc, Herrig ‘The Rat,’ for instance, seem to develop and fill out a little more here, come more out of the background, prove they are not the ‘Enterprise' landing party member in the red shirt, and sometimes almost take equal billing with our main man. And, where there are good, honest warriors, there will always be…Ragener. What’s left of him anyway. He was the one that scared us shitless in the original trilogy and while he may have lost a few body parts, he’s certainly lost none of his menace. He is a superb adversary for the story, an unpredictable, predictably evil homicidal maniacal mirror to the well-meaning character of Hereward.
I’m not sure how old Hereward is here (I’m sure I could figure it out if I put my mind to it), but the point is there’s still lots of life in the character, literally and physically. Both in this story and, hopefully, for plenty of stories to come (#6 is out in July). There’s passion a-plenty, there are do-or-die, breathless, white-knuckles gripping the book battles, that will get the pulse racing, the heart beating, the nerves a-jangling. Desperate last minute, backs against the wall, no end in sight rescues and escapes against all the odds. The story itself feels like it’s balanced on a knife- an axe-edge, the whole way through. Like their fate could go either way at any time. 'Hereward The Immortals' has it all…and is quite probably the most complete, certainly the most enjoyable, since the series began. Probably was as enjoyable to write as it was to read. Certainly hope so.
They can quote me on that. Again.
I'll stop now...
More back-slapping on Speesh Reads
August 13, 2015
This 5th instalment in the Hereward saga sees our hero dragged low in spirits by the Romans. He desperately wants the gold and glory he promised his spear brothers but is thwarted time and again.They are treated worse than dogs by those in power, their hero status from England largely unknown or forgotten. Hereward is struggling to keep up morale and they are sent on a near suicidal mission that even if they succeed could still ultimately end in their deaths. The plotters and vipers in Constantinople are as manipulative as ever. Old foes resurface and new ones form. Those in power seek to use and abuse Hereward and his warband but they should never underestimate these warriors. The story read well and flowed easily. It is still bloody and brutal (Hereward still gets slaked in blood), some familiar faces appear that you know have a bigger part to play in the future story and it is these lesser characters that possibly interest me the most. Especially the one introduced at the very end. I love Hereward's struggles both physical and mental and ultimately he is not just the brutal killing machine, he is a leader with honour. The book ends at a suitable point with storylines tied up, but it ends very much with the reader anticipating the next book and where the story will go. As you would expect from the previous books in the series the author maintains his keen eye for detail and makes the history within the story real and alive. Solid storytelling from one of the best.
August 8, 2015
I give the fifth part of Hereward 3,5 stars because I am a little conflicted about this book.
The Immortals is well written and well researched (after my limited knowledge), but oh my god what happened to the editor - was there one?
James Wilde loves his heroes and it shows - over the length of the book there should have been pages worth of introspection cut. So should have quite a bit of the exposition.
The faster pace I am used to from the earlier books haltered again and again and I had to force myself to read on several times.
This is a shame, because the topics of the book: mainly the powerstruggle over the slowly dying empire were newish and interesting to me.
I was not aware that the poitics of east and west were already so interwoven 950 years ago and found that very well described and explained.
There is a great story in this book, but it is hidden under to many words.
I will buy the next book, because I want to know what happens next and hope for a little more editing.
The Immortals is well written and well researched (after my limited knowledge), but oh my god what happened to the editor - was there one?
James Wilde loves his heroes and it shows - over the length of the book there should have been pages worth of introspection cut. So should have quite a bit of the exposition.
The faster pace I am used to from the earlier books haltered again and again and I had to force myself to read on several times.
This is a shame, because the topics of the book: mainly the powerstruggle over the slowly dying empire were newish and interesting to me.
I was not aware that the poitics of east and west were already so interwoven 950 years ago and found that very well described and explained.
There is a great story in this book, but it is hidden under to many words.
I will buy the next book, because I want to know what happens next and hope for a little more editing.
August 17, 2015
Review
Book 5 in this excellent series, one i have enjoyed immensely. Up to now i have been unsure what it was that made this series different, but i think i have it now.
Hereward the Immortals is much more of a departure from the history, that’s not to say that James has not done his research, and doesn’t keep impeccable detail in the Byzantine world, because he does. But book 5 isn’t tied by the History of Hereward, the author gets to make suppositions, to place our hero and his men in the line of some of the greatest history of the time period, embroiled in the bloody decline of the Eastern Roman Empire. This freedom from the history books i believe allows the author to give flight to his fantasy writing skills (and they are many), making the battles dramatic, bloody and fast paced and the characters an extra depth.
for the rest of the review visit my blog:
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
Book 5 in this excellent series, one i have enjoyed immensely. Up to now i have been unsure what it was that made this series different, but i think i have it now.
Hereward the Immortals is much more of a departure from the history, that’s not to say that James has not done his research, and doesn’t keep impeccable detail in the Byzantine world, because he does. But book 5 isn’t tied by the History of Hereward, the author gets to make suppositions, to place our hero and his men in the line of some of the greatest history of the time period, embroiled in the bloody decline of the Eastern Roman Empire. This freedom from the history books i believe allows the author to give flight to his fantasy writing skills (and they are many), making the battles dramatic, bloody and fast paced and the characters an extra depth.
for the rest of the review visit my blog:
https://parmenionbooks.wordpress.com/...
August 22, 2015
I don't want to say too much as I got told off for spoilers last year, but suffice to say if you are a fan of this series, then you are going to love this book. In my opinion the series continues to go from strength to strength and I feel totally invested with the characters. In fact that is one of the main reasons I love this story the fact that there is not just one strong main character but several, most notably the Viking Kraki who gets a lot of page time in this book. I only have one criticism and that's that I've now got to wait another year for the next instalment.
Fantastic read and highly recommended for lovers of raw, brutal historical fiction with well-formed characters.
Fantastic read and highly recommended for lovers of raw, brutal historical fiction with well-formed characters.
April 25, 2016
Absolutely bloody fantastic! Another page-turner, edge-of-seat read with more cliffhanging action, drama and battles than Game of Thrones and The Bourgois put together! James Wilde is giving Hereward the adventure of a lifetime and the reader a tour of historical events with the power of a whirlwind. Truly enjoyed every chapter. Immediately preordered Book 6 upon finishing last page. At least I dont have long to wait for my next Hereward fix. Historical fiction fans MUST READ this series. This forgotten English hero deserves everyones attention as James's writing deserves every word to be read.
March 3, 2018
Good characters. Interesting book
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews