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Death's Head #1
Death's Head: A Soldier With Richard the Lionheart
In the year 1191, a monk named Roger dreams of becoming a knight and helping to free Jerusalem from Saladin and the Saracens – and of maybe, just maybe, finding the father who abandoned him as a baby. When he is unjustly accused of murder, Roger flees for his life and joins the crusade of Richard the Lionheart.In the Holy Land, Roger is introduced to the grim realities of war. He thrives, though, and rises through the ranks to become commander of a company known as the Death’s heads. He loses one love and finds another, and he suffers a crisis of faith as he watches the huge crusading army being destroyed by disease and famine while the dream of freeing Jerusalem seems as far away as ever. And his other dream, the one about finding his father, seems as far away as ever, too -- or is it?"Death’s Head" illuminates a little-known but significant moment in history, one whose outcome resonates through the years to the present day. It is a story of war and love and the faith that enables ordinary men to perform extraordinary deeds.
613 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 28, 2016
743 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
January 17, 2017
I first read Death’s Head when it came out in installments, with breaks of several months between the four releases, and I enjoyed it so much that I decided to read it again as a unit. If anything, it was better the second time around. I’ve read several of Mr. Broomall’s novels, and they’re all good, but this one takes the cake.
Robert Broomall writes with an almost magical economy of phrasing. The words he chooses, the sentences he constructs, have a certain rhythm that is difficult to describe and hard to find … but you know when you find it that this author has the gift. And that’s what makes Death’s Head such an easy read, in spite of its gargantuan length. In the hands of a less capable writer, this could have been a disaster, but Mr. Broomall has crafted a story that flows so smoothly that it’s almost impossible to put down.
Mr. Broomall has an instinctual grasp of plot, setting, and dialogue. His characters are varied, well-defined, and memorable. His starkly real 12th century world is populated by people lovable, nefarious, and in-between, and all of them are consistently rendered and possess their own voice so they are easily distinguished from one another. I connected with the protagonist, Roger, immediately. From the first page I was along for the ride, following Roger on his journey (both literal and figurative) as events propelled him from England to the Holy Land to the depths of his own soul.
Death’s Head is not for the faint of heart. Not only is it long, but it’s gritty and violent and frequently gruesome. It pulls no punches when portraying war, disease, poverty, famine, and corruption in the 12th century. Painstakingly researched, the novel is so realistic and immersive that I often forgot I was reading. I was there.
Mr. Broomall has taken a historical epic with a cast of thousands (literally) and deftly boiled it down to a novel that somehow balances great entertainment with historical authenticity. Be prepared to get sucked into the story, but watch out … you may actually learn something along the way.
Robert Broomall writes with an almost magical economy of phrasing. The words he chooses, the sentences he constructs, have a certain rhythm that is difficult to describe and hard to find … but you know when you find it that this author has the gift. And that’s what makes Death’s Head such an easy read, in spite of its gargantuan length. In the hands of a less capable writer, this could have been a disaster, but Mr. Broomall has crafted a story that flows so smoothly that it’s almost impossible to put down.
Mr. Broomall has an instinctual grasp of plot, setting, and dialogue. His characters are varied, well-defined, and memorable. His starkly real 12th century world is populated by people lovable, nefarious, and in-between, and all of them are consistently rendered and possess their own voice so they are easily distinguished from one another. I connected with the protagonist, Roger, immediately. From the first page I was along for the ride, following Roger on his journey (both literal and figurative) as events propelled him from England to the Holy Land to the depths of his own soul.
Death’s Head is not for the faint of heart. Not only is it long, but it’s gritty and violent and frequently gruesome. It pulls no punches when portraying war, disease, poverty, famine, and corruption in the 12th century. Painstakingly researched, the novel is so realistic and immersive that I often forgot I was reading. I was there.
Mr. Broomall has taken a historical epic with a cast of thousands (literally) and deftly boiled it down to a novel that somehow balances great entertainment with historical authenticity. Be prepared to get sucked into the story, but watch out … you may actually learn something along the way.
June 2, 2023
This started out OK but didn't sustain my interest, so I put it down about a third of the way through.
Life is too short to finish a book just because I thought it would be good..
Life is too short to finish a book just because I thought it would be good..
January 14, 2022
can’t Stand It
Sorry, but I cant get past chapter 5. The author makes three characters running from huntsmen just decide they can stop traveling through the forest and start sashaying down a road. And just after Roger tells the ‘witch lady (who isn’t one) that she’s in mortal danger as long as she’s in the shire.
Of course the huntsmen, and a couple of evil monks, pop out of the bushes and nab them.
It’s at that point I decided to stop reading the series. Why? - because that is total set up a 4th grader would’ve recognized as Stupid (capital ‘s’ intended).
Up til then it was 3-4 stars if it were to get better. I have too many books to read to spend it on one like this.
Sorry, but I cant get past chapter 5. The author makes three characters running from huntsmen just decide they can stop traveling through the forest and start sashaying down a road. And just after Roger tells the ‘witch lady (who isn’t one) that she’s in mortal danger as long as she’s in the shire.
Of course the huntsmen, and a couple of evil monks, pop out of the bushes and nab them.
It’s at that point I decided to stop reading the series. Why? - because that is total set up a 4th grader would’ve recognized as Stupid (capital ‘s’ intended).
Up til then it was 3-4 stars if it were to get better. I have too many books to read to spend it on one like this.
April 21, 2019
This was a riveting, outstanding military historical novel based on the Third Crusade in the late 1100's.
I couldn't put this book down.
It had exciting battle scenes, interesting subplots, and well rounded characters (including the women). The historical details were great, for example, as when the author describes times when Crusader trebuchets would throw diseased human bodies over the besieged walled city of Acre.
I've read several of Bernard Cornwell's books. While his Saxon Stories are great, his other military history books are not as interesting IMO, and this book is much better than those.
If you like Bernard Cornwell, you'll love this book.
I couldn't put this book down.
It had exciting battle scenes, interesting subplots, and well rounded characters (including the women). The historical details were great, for example, as when the author describes times when Crusader trebuchets would throw diseased human bodies over the besieged walled city of Acre.
I've read several of Bernard Cornwell's books. While his Saxon Stories are great, his other military history books are not as interesting IMO, and this book is much better than those.
If you like Bernard Cornwell, you'll love this book.
September 23, 2020
Wonderful book
This book is about a monk that runs afoul of the law in England and he goes to join the 3rd Crusade going to the Middle East. His faith is challenged and he is thrust into the battle for Acre. The battle descriptions are spot on and the sickness and disease rampant among the armies is sad. A great book for everyone to read.
This book is about a monk that runs afoul of the law in England and he goes to join the 3rd Crusade going to the Middle East. His faith is challenged and he is thrust into the battle for Acre. The battle descriptions are spot on and the sickness and disease rampant among the armies is sad. A great book for everyone to read.
June 3, 2019
OK, I admit it - I'm a sucker for books about, or that feature, one of my favorite historical characters, and Richard the Lionheart just happens to be one of them. Wasn't too sure about this one though because the author had primarily written about the American West in his other efforts, but there's no law that says you can't switch genres and write about something else, and the price was decent, so why not? And I'm glad I did since this turned out to be a thoroughly enjoyable read. It will never go down as a classic of American literature, but that's alright since those books usually bore me anyway.
Centered around the battle of Acre during the Crusades, the book involves the exploits of a fallen monk, Roger, and his exploits during the battle and Richard doesn't even appear until around the halfway point in the book. By then, you're either hooked or are ready to set it aside and read something else. Most people, having gotten to the 300 page mark, will no doubt keep on going.
Entertaining, the book reads fast and it doesn't take all that long to get through the 600 pages, at which point, you find that - if you didn't know it already - there is a sequel since one of the major plot lines - Roger's finding out who his father is - hasn't been solved.
Complaints: proofreading. There are a few places where you wonder if the book was proofread since there are words that don't belong in a sentence are there and there are a couple of instances where the sentence makes absolutely no sense. And, there are a few misspelled words (one of my pet peeves) as well.
Overall, an enjoyable romp through the Crusades - now it's on to Volume 2 (which is much shorter, for what that's worth). If you've read this one, you'll want to read the follow-up.
Centered around the battle of Acre during the Crusades, the book involves the exploits of a fallen monk, Roger, and his exploits during the battle and Richard doesn't even appear until around the halfway point in the book. By then, you're either hooked or are ready to set it aside and read something else. Most people, having gotten to the 300 page mark, will no doubt keep on going.
Entertaining, the book reads fast and it doesn't take all that long to get through the 600 pages, at which point, you find that - if you didn't know it already - there is a sequel since one of the major plot lines - Roger's finding out who his father is - hasn't been solved.
Complaints: proofreading. There are a few places where you wonder if the book was proofread since there are words that don't belong in a sentence are there and there are a couple of instances where the sentence makes absolutely no sense. And, there are a few misspelled words (one of my pet peeves) as well.
Overall, an enjoyable romp through the Crusades - now it's on to Volume 2 (which is much shorter, for what that's worth). If you've read this one, you'll want to read the follow-up.
December 30, 2022
Good book.
But it goes on and on.
I got to 73% and finally gave up.
Sorry.
But it goes on and on.
I got to 73% and finally gave up.
Sorry.
October 22, 2024
Outstanding work of historical fiction
One who reads history might have a dusty review or opinion of ancient warfare, especially when the opposing combatants were battling for religion purposes.
I don't subscribe to the notion that religion should exist for the purposes of death and destruction but sadly I am in a very small minority.
However, if you're going to venture into historical fiction, then I think you want your good guys to stand and defend in decided and unquestionable strength and most of the time that's going to be on one side of faith or the other. Believe as you wish. Religion is responsible for more death and destruction than plagues, famine, flood or fire, throughout history. More blood has been shed in the name of god than in any other form of combat or aggression. Indeed, god seems to be a blood thirsty and destruction minded creature. Probably why he doesn't get my vote. But if you read enough historical fiction, especially that fixed in more primitive times, or that means the victor in any battlefield must be any sort of god, you're going to always encounter courage; but treachery, gore, fear, hate, and all other hosts of human tragedies as well as the limited acts that do not require human sacrifice for a religious cause few can actually define. Religion has always driven war. What should be a quiet pleasure and divine inspiration too often gives vent instead to hate. As a non religious person I grieve that more who claim any sort of god or faith also support killing and destruction as a construct that equals devotion and belief.
Ah well. I'm probably of too simple a spirit to if a time that the story is actually based in fact and only removed from our awareness by time.
In this effort I have to say this is a chilling and detailed perspective of the crusades, that time when Richard Lion Heart faced, with the massed armies of Christianity, the forces of the warrior known as the Sultan.
I am thirsty for this time frame even though I understand and despise the religious nature of the conflicts. That being said, this is an amazing read, one which grabs your attention and keeps you engaged until the end.
Although we know now that the crusades were a religious effort to change and conquer an entire society and impose by force a religious conversion, we also know how and why the efforts were always doomed to fail.
But for the moment, my attention is still standing in amazement, as the long buried wars continue to unfold in my hands.
I know how it all ends of course.
But I want to know what happens to the Death Heads in the next battles.
One who reads history might have a dusty review or opinion of ancient warfare, especially when the opposing combatants were battling for religion purposes.
I don't subscribe to the notion that religion should exist for the purposes of death and destruction but sadly I am in a very small minority.
However, if you're going to venture into historical fiction, then I think you want your good guys to stand and defend in decided and unquestionable strength and most of the time that's going to be on one side of faith or the other. Believe as you wish. Religion is responsible for more death and destruction than plagues, famine, flood or fire, throughout history. More blood has been shed in the name of god than in any other form of combat or aggression. Indeed, god seems to be a blood thirsty and destruction minded creature. Probably why he doesn't get my vote. But if you read enough historical fiction, especially that fixed in more primitive times, or that means the victor in any battlefield must be any sort of god, you're going to always encounter courage; but treachery, gore, fear, hate, and all other hosts of human tragedies as well as the limited acts that do not require human sacrifice for a religious cause few can actually define. Religion has always driven war. What should be a quiet pleasure and divine inspiration too often gives vent instead to hate. As a non religious person I grieve that more who claim any sort of god or faith also support killing and destruction as a construct that equals devotion and belief.
Ah well. I'm probably of too simple a spirit to if a time that the story is actually based in fact and only removed from our awareness by time.
In this effort I have to say this is a chilling and detailed perspective of the crusades, that time when Richard Lion Heart faced, with the massed armies of Christianity, the forces of the warrior known as the Sultan.
I am thirsty for this time frame even though I understand and despise the religious nature of the conflicts. That being said, this is an amazing read, one which grabs your attention and keeps you engaged until the end.
Although we know now that the crusades were a religious effort to change and conquer an entire society and impose by force a religious conversion, we also know how and why the efforts were always doomed to fail.
But for the moment, my attention is still standing in amazement, as the long buried wars continue to unfold in my hands.
I know how it all ends of course.
But I want to know what happens to the Death Heads in the next battles.
November 4, 2024
"Death's Head: A Soldier With Richard the Lionheart" by Robert Broomall is an exciting historical novel set during the Third Crusade. It follows Roger, a tough soldier serving under Richard the Lionheart. The story dives into the challenges of war, loyalty, and love in a time full of battles and political intrigue. One striking moment happens when Roger sees Richard's smart military tactics at a siege, turning a near loss into a win and proving why the king is so respected. The book is fast-paced and packed with historical details, making it a thrilling read for anyone interested in medieval warfare and brave, strategic leaders. Highly recommended for those who love tales of courage and history.
October 7, 2020
Best historical fiction
This was a masterpiece of its genre. The author kept to the historical records as far as they go during the time of the third crusade, but has created a fictional group of characters that fought at Acre, a famous defining battle that included a 2 year siege of that city. Robert Broomail made the reader aware of what that siege was like for the European Crusaders in tenth century and how they must have lived and worked for the glory of god. The reader gets a visceral sense of how awful modern people would reel in disgust at how the crusaders lived. This novel is a true tour de force for modern readers.
This was a masterpiece of its genre. The author kept to the historical records as far as they go during the time of the third crusade, but has created a fictional group of characters that fought at Acre, a famous defining battle that included a 2 year siege of that city. Robert Broomail made the reader aware of what that siege was like for the European Crusaders in tenth century and how they must have lived and worked for the glory of god. The reader gets a visceral sense of how awful modern people would reel in disgust at how the crusaders lived. This novel is a true tour de force for modern readers.
October 7, 2024
History thru modern eyes
I like how this is written, the story as it carries the characters forward is entertaining, but as far as Fauston thinking what a waste of life the siege of acre was, I just don't think anybody would have thought that way back in that time, I'm not going into it any deeper, but poor people, who mainly did the fighting and dying were to busy surviving to get philosophical about morals and waste of human life, perhaps the rulers who inhabit and decide the fates of millions in that part of the world now in this day and age should look back and "they" should be getting philosophical, what a world.
I like how this is written, the story as it carries the characters forward is entertaining, but as far as Fauston thinking what a waste of life the siege of acre was, I just don't think anybody would have thought that way back in that time, I'm not going into it any deeper, but poor people, who mainly did the fighting and dying were to busy surviving to get philosophical about morals and waste of human life, perhaps the rulers who inhabit and decide the fates of millions in that part of the world now in this day and age should look back and "they" should be getting philosophical, what a world.
February 4, 2018
Very good read
This book was really good from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t know much about the 3rd Crusade and the point of view from historical fiction is always fun. My only question to the author - you left me hanging in the last paragraph. Obviously I can assume who that was but would have liked a bit more. It was like a cliffhanger season finale...but the next season just got canceled:) thanks for the entertainment.
This book was really good from start to finish. I couldn’t put it down. I didn’t know much about the 3rd Crusade and the point of view from historical fiction is always fun. My only question to the author - you left me hanging in the last paragraph. Obviously I can assume who that was but would have liked a bit more. It was like a cliffhanger season finale...but the next season just got canceled:) thanks for the entertainment.
September 16, 2021
Pages turner
I have no knowledge of this period in history and felt a novel was a good way to get aquatics with it.
Wasnt sure I had not made a mistake in purchasing this book when I first started reading it but After what was in my opinion a run of the mill start to the story line things really took off and was difficult to put down,
Looking g forward to reading the second book
I have no knowledge of this period in history and felt a novel was a good way to get aquatics with it.
Wasnt sure I had not made a mistake in purchasing this book when I first started reading it but After what was in my opinion a run of the mill start to the story line things really took off and was difficult to put down,
Looking g forward to reading the second book
August 6, 2018
I was pleased with the book overall , it was well paced and thought out. It hit the political and cultural notes it needed without turning in a history class . And the crafting of the major players was well done showing them as complete personalities rather that historical stereotypes. All in all I look forward to more Death Heads...
May 27, 2020
An amazing read...... enjoyed the characters, they were so vividly brought to life. The battlefield and deprivation the characters endured was so vividly described. The story rolled along with its twists and turns beautifully..... never a dull page. I have now down loaded the next book The Red King, can’t wait to find out about the ring!!!
October 27, 2021
a good yarn
I did not give it 5 stars because of the annoying way the author wasted pages on mundane info dumps (such as how the washed clothes) and this halter the story’s flow. He also has a way of switching Points of View in mid- scene that begs the question‘who did a poor job of the copy edit?”
A good story teller but poorly written in places.
I did not give it 5 stars because of the annoying way the author wasted pages on mundane info dumps (such as how the washed clothes) and this halter the story’s flow. He also has a way of switching Points of View in mid- scene that begs the question‘who did a poor job of the copy edit?”
A good story teller but poorly written in places.
August 16, 2025
Fascinating historical fiction about the drive of Acre
As much as I love reading history, I enjoy historical fiction more. There's something about the way some authors are able to send you back in time and see what life was like back then. This author presented what I imagine living in the 3rd Crusade would be like.
As much as I love reading history, I enjoy historical fiction more. There's something about the way some authors are able to send you back in time and see what life was like back then. This author presented what I imagine living in the 3rd Crusade would be like.
September 28, 2017
A GORY STORY, FULL OF GLORY!
Great read about a lesser-known battle of the Third Crusade. Also a mighty tribute to the extent humans will go to in the name of their gods. These battles literally echo through time. Sadly, they are still being fought to this day.
Great read about a lesser-known battle of the Third Crusade. Also a mighty tribute to the extent humans will go to in the name of their gods. These battles literally echo through time. Sadly, they are still being fought to this day.
July 13, 2019
Death's Head
Great story and pace. Action packed from the start but also very educational. One can not imagine the squalor and hardships they endured yet they still had time for petty politics.
Great story and pace. Action packed from the start but also very educational. One can not imagine the squalor and hardships they endured yet they still had time for petty politics.
May 24, 2020
Enjoyable
This book is a bit of a slow starter, but it's worth sticking it out. There's a lot of characters but they're well fleshed out. Plenty of action and enough romance to keep you engaged. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
This book is a bit of a slow starter, but it's worth sticking it out. There's a lot of characters but they're well fleshed out. Plenty of action and enough romance to keep you engaged. I'm looking forward to the sequel.
November 7, 2020
Well written Good historical fiction. Kept my interest
Interesting subject and great characters. Historically sound. Great read. Author is becoming a favorite of mine. Can't wait to read second book
Interesting subject and great characters. Historically sound. Great read. Author is becoming a favorite of mine. Can't wait to read second book
February 10, 2021
I enjoy historical fiction that has true history involved in it, and "Death's Head" did not disappoint me. Some of the major characters were actual men, and the other characters were well written. The book was very good, and I am looking forward to the next two in the trilogy.
January 8, 2022
Just what I want in a book
Historical fiction with just the right amount of background, character development, military strategy and detail. I still feel as though I have fleas and can smell the battlefield. Great book!
Historical fiction with just the right amount of background, character development, military strategy and detail. I still feel as though I have fleas and can smell the battlefield. Great book!
July 26, 2022
Mind blowing historical fiction.
I am a bit of a history nut, and have read numerous accounts of the crusades, the larger than life personalities involved and their mark on history. Bold storytelling, graphic description of unimaginable conflict and great characters.
I am a bit of a history nut, and have read numerous accounts of the crusades, the larger than life personalities involved and their mark on history. Bold storytelling, graphic description of unimaginable conflict and great characters.
March 28, 2024
A Ton of Fun
A ton of death as well, beheadings, guts spilled, body parts crushed, sweet people killed ruthlessly, good character development, you can almost smell the smoke and shit. It is all close axe fighting; not for the squeamish. I enjoyed being at the siege of Acre.
A ton of death as well, beheadings, guts spilled, body parts crushed, sweet people killed ruthlessly, good character development, you can almost smell the smoke and shit. It is all close axe fighting; not for the squeamish. I enjoyed being at the siege of Acre.
September 9, 2024
The only Queer references were negative stereotypes. I can assure you, there were positive gay encounters among soldiers & pedantry. Too long by half. Somewhat entertaining though not enough to be hooked by the cliffhanger into book 2.
July 24, 2025
A very good read and story chronicling the 3rd Crusade. Fascinating actually on the misery and suffering to ‘free’ the holy Land. The author did a great job in details and having the feel of history happening
November 18, 2018
Might read again
I never read a book a deck f time but I might make an exception for this one. It's a long book but that's a good thing, lots of detail.
I never read a book a deck f time but I might make an exception for this one. It's a long book but that's a good thing, lots of detail.
December 22, 2018
Acre Falls!
History, conflicts, sub-plots, action, cultural interaction and more! All combined into an excellent historical novel! Good read as well as a good lesson!
History, conflicts, sub-plots, action, cultural interaction and more! All combined into an excellent historical novel! Good read as well as a good lesson!
January 12, 2020
Good read
This was a good read, the story kind of pulled you along. I was waiting for the ring to play it’s part.
This was a good read, the story kind of pulled you along. I was waiting for the ring to play it’s part.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews