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The Saga of Roland Inness #4
The Ransomed Crown
King Richard has made peace with Saladin, but must run a gauntlet of enemies to get home from the Crusade. While England waits for her King, Prince John spares neither lives nor fortune to usurp his brother’s crown. Roland Inness, Declan O’Duinne and Millicent de Laval once more find themselves at the centre of a growing civil war. Each will play a crucial role in deciding who will ultimately sit on the throne of England. The Saga of Roland Inness begins with the tale of a fourteen-year-old boy who has extraordinary skill with a longbow. It is a story of courage, loyalty, honor and treachery. Most of all, it is a story of high adventure set in a time so filled with drama it has spawned legends that fascinate people to this day. It is the time of Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood, Eleanor of Aquitaine and William Marshall, legendary figures all--some real and some fictional.
The first four books in the saga—Longbow, Warbow, The Broken Realm and The Ransomed Crown tell the coming-of-age story of the young archer. A Prince of Wales, the fifth in the series, follows Roland Inness as he leads the legendary Invalid Company into Wales to help Llywelyn the Great win a throne. The sixth book in the series, Declan O'Duinne, takes Roland and Declan to Ireland, where they are plunged into a new Norman conquest. The seventh and final book in the Saga, A Question of Honour was published in October, 2019.
If you would like to know more about the author or get updates on new books, visit his webpage at www.waynegrantbooks.com or the Longbow Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Longbowbooks/ .
The first four books in the saga—Longbow, Warbow, The Broken Realm and The Ransomed Crown tell the coming-of-age story of the young archer. A Prince of Wales, the fifth in the series, follows Roland Inness as he leads the legendary Invalid Company into Wales to help Llywelyn the Great win a throne. The sixth book in the series, Declan O'Duinne, takes Roland and Declan to Ireland, where they are plunged into a new Norman conquest. The seventh and final book in the Saga, A Question of Honour was published in October, 2019.
If you would like to know more about the author or get updates on new books, visit his webpage at www.waynegrantbooks.com or the Longbow Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Longbowbooks/ .
561 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 5, 2016
423 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Grant
15 books99 followersWayne Grant grew up in a tiny cotton town in rural Louisiana where hunting, fishing and farming were a way of life. Between chopping cotton, dove hunting and Little League ball he developed a love of great adventure stories like Call It Courage and Kidnapped.
Like most southern boys of that era he saw the military as an honorable and adventurous career. Every living male member of his family had served in the Army covering World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam, so it was a natural step for him to attend and graduate from West Point. He just missed Vietnam, but found that life as a Captain in an army broken by that war was not what he wanted.
After tours in Germany and Korea, he returned to Louisiana and civilian life where he began a 10 year career in government including four years as a senior official in the Pentagon during the Reagan administration. During those years he saw the Army reborn from its post-Vietnam nadir to the outstanding force it became and remains today.
The Saga of Roland Inness series began as the coming-of-age tale of a fourteen-year-old boy who possessed extraordinary talent with a longbow. It is a story of courage, loyalty, honor and treachery. Most of all, it a story of high adventure set in a time so filled with drama it has spawned legends that fascinate people to this day. It is the time of Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood, Eleanor of Aquitaine and William Marshall, legendary figures all--some real and some fictional.
The Saga of Roland Inness begins with four books--Longbow, Warbow, The Broken Realm and The Ransomed Crown. These four books are the coming-of-age story I set out to tell. Having told that tale, I fully intended to move on to other stories, but something unexpected happened. Readers all over the world found something special in Roland Inness and his companions and wanted more. I'd grown rather fond of my boy with the longbow as well and knew there were more stories to tell. So the Saga continues. A Prince of Wales, the fifth in the series was published in November, 2017. A new Roland Inness adventure will be out in fall, 2018.
If you would like to know more about the author or get updates on new books, visit his webpage at www.waynegrantbooks.com or the Longbow Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Longbowbooks/ .
Like most southern boys of that era he saw the military as an honorable and adventurous career. Every living male member of his family had served in the Army covering World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam, so it was a natural step for him to attend and graduate from West Point. He just missed Vietnam, but found that life as a Captain in an army broken by that war was not what he wanted.
After tours in Germany and Korea, he returned to Louisiana and civilian life where he began a 10 year career in government including four years as a senior official in the Pentagon during the Reagan administration. During those years he saw the Army reborn from its post-Vietnam nadir to the outstanding force it became and remains today.
The Saga of Roland Inness series began as the coming-of-age tale of a fourteen-year-old boy who possessed extraordinary talent with a longbow. It is a story of courage, loyalty, honor and treachery. Most of all, it a story of high adventure set in a time so filled with drama it has spawned legends that fascinate people to this day. It is the time of Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood, Eleanor of Aquitaine and William Marshall, legendary figures all--some real and some fictional.
The Saga of Roland Inness begins with four books--Longbow, Warbow, The Broken Realm and The Ransomed Crown. These four books are the coming-of-age story I set out to tell. Having told that tale, I fully intended to move on to other stories, but something unexpected happened. Readers all over the world found something special in Roland Inness and his companions and wanted more. I'd grown rather fond of my boy with the longbow as well and knew there were more stories to tell. So the Saga continues. A Prince of Wales, the fifth in the series was published in November, 2017. A new Roland Inness adventure will be out in fall, 2018.
If you would like to know more about the author or get updates on new books, visit his webpage at www.waynegrantbooks.com or the Longbow Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Longbowbooks/ .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
December 12, 2018
I’m continuing to really enjoy this series! The writing continues to be excellent and the story compelling. The historical detail is spot on without being too heavy handed. On to the next book (and so happy there is a next book!).
January 21, 2025
Solid ending to this portion of the saga
Great way to end the saga of Roland Inness, but I do know there is more to come. I love how both Robin of Loxley and Tuck were incorporated into this series. Have been a huge Robin Hood fan since I was a kid. I found the pacing in this story incredibly well done and nicely tied up all the loose ends of this portion of the saga.
Great way to end the saga of Roland Inness, but I do know there is more to come. I love how both Robin of Loxley and Tuck were incorporated into this series. Have been a huge Robin Hood fan since I was a kid. I found the pacing in this story incredibly well done and nicely tied up all the loose ends of this portion of the saga.
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March 18, 2020This would have made a fantastic end to an amazing series but I'm happy to see where these characters will go from here
December 21, 2018
Beautifully written story !!
This series is written is such a way that more than a couple of times I wanted to stand side by side with the hero's in this world against the greed and corruption of a time in history when men took and cheated to get what they wanted.These where hard times and royalty were the power to do as they like .People of the lower classes had to put their lives on the line and do great acts of valor to raise above others who also were doing the same thing .The story line was done with attention to detail that it was very captivating to me .Great book and great series can't wait to read the next one .MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR GOD BLESS ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN BOOK !!!
This series is written is such a way that more than a couple of times I wanted to stand side by side with the hero's in this world against the greed and corruption of a time in history when men took and cheated to get what they wanted.These where hard times and royalty were the power to do as they like .People of the lower classes had to put their lives on the line and do great acts of valor to raise above others who also were doing the same thing .The story line was done with attention to detail that it was very captivating to me .Great book and great series can't wait to read the next one .MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR GOD BLESS ENJOY THIS BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN BOOK !!!
May 10, 2017
Absolutely love this series!
This is a great series that takes you back into the times of knights, kings and earls. The story starts with a young man in trouble and finishes in this last book with him having grown into a man of integrity and honour. I totally recommend this series to all ages teen and up. Some of the violence is a little much for younger ones. I wish this series continued past this book but it was a good ending for it.
This is a great series that takes you back into the times of knights, kings and earls. The story starts with a young man in trouble and finishes in this last book with him having grown into a man of integrity and honour. I totally recommend this series to all ages teen and up. Some of the violence is a little much for younger ones. I wish this series continued past this book but it was a good ending for it.
August 2, 2017
An Epic Tale masterfully told
As a boy I voraciously read any and all books that I could lay my hands on about Robin Hood . So, I was pleased when I discovered this series. I was even more pleased when I fell in love with the characters and became absorbed by the storyline. It was well worth my time and money.
As a boy I voraciously read any and all books that I could lay my hands on about Robin Hood . So, I was pleased when I discovered this series. I was even more pleased when I fell in love with the characters and became absorbed by the storyline. It was well worth my time and money.
January 18, 2018
Mr. Grant, you write a very good story. I am eighty years old and once I start to read your wonderful books I can't put it down until the wee hours of the night. I am now in the last pages of book five. So, hope you keep up the stories reads because I truly enjoy them. You are a great author. A new fan, Adelaide
January 21, 2018
Promises to keep and princes to thwart. Clever girls and cunning spies. Sieges and starvation. Treaties and trebuchet. Reunions and rebuilding. An exciting addition to the saga, with a satisfying ring of resolution. Grant neatly ties up (nearly) all the loose ends and story arcs and could have left things here. I understand there's a fifth book. (Once more, into the breech!)
June 5, 2018
I love English history. This series helped me live it.
Characters I grew to know intimately and watch grow as humans as well as heroes. I greatly enjoyed this series. I let all my housework go undone to read these books. Now I must return to laundry , chores and cooking a real dinner for my family. It was worth it.
Characters I grew to know intimately and watch grow as humans as well as heroes. I greatly enjoyed this series. I let all my housework go undone to read these books. Now I must return to laundry , chores and cooking a real dinner for my family. It was worth it.
June 11, 2023
As a lover of Bernard Cornwell, Conn Iggulden and a few other great historical adventure writers, I have looked in vain for more authors reaching that exalted level. Wayne Grant is, in my opinion the worthy successor. The Inness sagas are gripping and heart warming in equal measure. They bring to life the eras in which they are set and hold the reader to the last page.
June 25, 2018
Lots of Action
I headed this book a five as it was filled with action, enough history to make it believable and the continuing story of Roland Inn is was a definite draw! I would recommend it to all what share my fascination with that period in history!
I headed this book a five as it was filled with action, enough history to make it believable and the continuing story of Roland Inn is was a definite draw! I would recommend it to all what share my fascination with that period in history!
April 25, 2024
Sir Roland Inness is returning to the hills he fled from as an outlaw, as a boy who’d slain three Norman men-at-arms for murdering his father and burning his home. He comes here not merely to pay respects to the dead, but to ask for his people’s support: the Midlands are burning, caught by a growing war between the usurping dog John and those loyal to King Richard, and the hope of continuing resistance at Chester needs men to help defend it. Will the Danes put aside their hatred of the Normans and unite with the Earl of Cheshire against a still worse threat? Well, that decision is made somewhat easier when de Ferrers, the man who made Roland an orphan, orders an invasion of the Danish hills and forces them to rally behind the flag. Matters grow worse, though: the King, attempting to return to England from the Crusades, has been captured by enemies on the Continent, and the Holy Roman Emperor is demanding more than a king’s ransom for his return. Richard’s arrival in England was the only thing giving those resisting John and his allies hope — and from inside the siege line, things look grim indeed. As Roland and Declan try to keep their lord’s people safe, Robin of Loxley and his brother-in-arms Friar Truck are outlaws in Sherwood, stealing wagons to keep the people of the Midlands from starving — and Millie is again serving as a spy, attempting to figure out who is undermining the loyal cause. Given how many of these I’ve read recently, this review threatens to sound like copy-paste beyond this point: it continues being solidly enjoyable, and as Grant points out in his afterword, this is as close as the series has come to being grounded on real events. Grant comments that there’s no reason to think the real de Ferrers was a particularly bad man, he just had the bad luck to be the Earl of Derbyshire when Grant needed a villain. Richard’s captivity and the subsequent wringing of England to pay his ransom did happen, though here it’s not developed as strongly as it might be: it’s happening in the background and the characters talk about how awful it is, but the reader is more focused on the spy drama and Roland’s attempts to break the siege of Cheshire. This is another fine addition to the series that will mostly be remembered for Roland’s recovery of his brother, who in the first novel he was compelled to entrust to the church for safety.
August 14, 2017
The final book of the Roland Inness series was mostly predictable and I would consider it just OK. I think I was a little tired of the series by this point. This series has a historical basis in terms of England, Richard the Lionhearted, and the Crusades, etc. but the author takes liberty of course with extra characters and events that did not really exist. This is a simple, idealistic story with lots of action. The target audience for this series is teenage boys and I could definitely see myself liking this series more if I was that age. Other than Friar Tuck and Robin of Locksley being side characters and setting up a justification for them to be outlaws, there was very little focus on the classic Robin Hood storyline. There aren't many female characters in this series but I enjoyed Millicent's spying tasks given to her by the Queen or her Justicars.
July 25, 2023
Not Well Done As Earlier Books in the Saga
I’ve assiduously followed the Saga from the beginning. My reservations about this issue is that it continuously makes allowances for totally unreal situations.
Example: during the attempt at stealing back their grain from the Nottingham Sheriff’s plundering, it pretty much failed because a guard heaved his guts up. And they used archers, at night, to try to kill them so as not to raise a fuss.
1. Idiocy to believe the archers could shoot all of them dead at once.
2. That one just happened to swallow bad ale that hit his stomach causing him to retch exactly when they tried to shoot him with two arrows.
Not believable.
And there are always silly things where superwoman M and Superboy R, who are always so smart, fail at seeing obvious things, confounding plans and causing unneeded death and destruction.
I’ve assiduously followed the Saga from the beginning. My reservations about this issue is that it continuously makes allowances for totally unreal situations.
Example: during the attempt at stealing back their grain from the Nottingham Sheriff’s plundering, it pretty much failed because a guard heaved his guts up. And they used archers, at night, to try to kill them so as not to raise a fuss.
1. Idiocy to believe the archers could shoot all of them dead at once.
2. That one just happened to swallow bad ale that hit his stomach causing him to retch exactly when they tried to shoot him with two arrows.
Not believable.
And there are always silly things where superwoman M and Superboy R, who are always so smart, fail at seeing obvious things, confounding plans and causing unneeded death and destruction.
August 10, 2017
I loved it! I was curious, though, how in the world Sgt Billy got back into the town of Chester after he delivered Millie to London? I know it says the soldiers returned by the back roads, but . . . really?! Other than that, I thought this was a fabulous series. The characters were very true to their historical counterparts, and the history as Grant writes it is authentic and plausible. I loved the way the series wrapped up, and I am looking forward to seeing if there are more in the works!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2019
Cannot stop reading.
This is the fourth book I've read in the series and enjoyed every one. The historical flavor mixed with the myths and legends is fascinating. The moral of the story is inspiring, that even amidst the cruelty and deprivation of the era there is goodness and hope, because honor is taken seriously. In today's political environment more of that is needed, so too the heroes who have no super powers yet grow bigger than life. Now, please excuse me for not giving more details in my praise. I'm anxious to start Book Five.
This is the fourth book I've read in the series and enjoyed every one. The historical flavor mixed with the myths and legends is fascinating. The moral of the story is inspiring, that even amidst the cruelty and deprivation of the era there is goodness and hope, because honor is taken seriously. In today's political environment more of that is needed, so too the heroes who have no super powers yet grow bigger than life. Now, please excuse me for not giving more details in my praise. I'm anxious to start Book Five.
May 29, 2017
Satisfying conclusion
I wrote a review of the first book of this series and said that certain aspects of the writing style seemed a bit simple and the plot shallow. But I liked the three main characters and continued.
I was pleased by the pace and plot development of the subsequent books and the blending of real points of history with a sprinkle of the Robin Hood fables layered in.
Not the intensity or sweeping effect of some contemporaries, but very satisfying.
I wrote a review of the first book of this series and said that certain aspects of the writing style seemed a bit simple and the plot shallow. But I liked the three main characters and continued.
I was pleased by the pace and plot development of the subsequent books and the blending of real points of history with a sprinkle of the Robin Hood fables layered in.
Not the intensity or sweeping effect of some contemporaries, but very satisfying.
June 26, 2021
This is the 4th book in this series and I continue to be completely engrossed in the story and the characters. The author adds a really cool "historical note" at the end, explaining which parts of the book are fictional and which are true historical figures and events. Best way ever to learn about history! I highly recommend this series!
January 25, 2022
I enjoyed the Intrepid Roland Innis and his sidekick, Declan O'Duinne. I don't quite understand why the nobles don't give Declan as much credit as they give to Roland. Of course, the series is called the Saga of Roland Innis but it seems too one-sided. Just the same though, I really do like the series and this was a good example.
May 7, 2022
Excellent Series Continues
This well written saga continues with a strong storyline and an abundance of interesting characters. The attention to details of this period of history is top notch with all of the intrigue, treachery and action. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
This well written saga continues with a strong storyline and an abundance of interesting characters. The attention to details of this period of history is top notch with all of the intrigue, treachery and action. Can't wait for the next book in the series.
November 22, 2023
Great, well written story.
Continues to be an enjoyable series . Textbook description of a delaying action, trading space for time in the moving of the families to Chester. Excellent description of pursuit as mercenaries pursue. Interesting intrigue in the spies. Continues to be well written an exciting
Continues to be an enjoyable series . Textbook description of a delaying action, trading space for time in the moving of the families to Chester. Excellent description of pursuit as mercenaries pursue. Interesting intrigue in the spies. Continues to be well written an exciting
March 21, 2017
A good read
When I first started reading the series I thought it might be a bit of a lighter read and meant for younger readers. I quickly became engrossed in the characters and the "alternative" perspective of the historical story. Recommended for anyone interested in that era.
When I first started reading the series I thought it might be a bit of a lighter read and meant for younger readers. I quickly became engrossed in the characters and the "alternative" perspective of the historical story. Recommended for anyone interested in that era.
July 31, 2017
Great characters, high historical adventure
Well written, which in this day is exceptional in itself, and a very satisfying read. I highly recommend this author and look forward to his next adventure.
Well written, which in this day is exceptional in itself, and a very satisfying read. I highly recommend this author and look forward to his next adventure.
August 9, 2017
The events may be fixtional but they feel real
It was exciting to read the conclusion of Roland's saga. I haven't done much looking at that period of history, save what was forced on me at achool, but I think that will change.
It was exciting to read the conclusion of Roland's saga. I haven't done much looking at that period of history, save what was forced on me at achool, but I think that will change.
May 23, 2018
Love this series!
This is such a great series, it has all the elements of a great read. Hero’s, villains, spy’s, intrigue and a little romance. It is well written and flows smoothly. It had a satisfying ending.
This is such a great series, it has all the elements of a great read. Hero’s, villains, spy’s, intrigue and a little romance. It is well written and flows smoothly. It had a satisfying ending.
June 18, 2019
Great story telling
. Just finished the ransomed crown. Book four in the saga of Roland Inness by Wayne Grant. These works of medieval historical fiction are wonderfully done. Great characters, English history and fiction come together to make these books a delight to read.
. Just finished the ransomed crown. Book four in the saga of Roland Inness by Wayne Grant. These works of medieval historical fiction are wonderfully done. Great characters, English history and fiction come together to make these books a delight to read.
January 11, 2020
They just keep getting better
Great adventure again! More characters get a share of the plot, and it all flows together so well, that it is hard to put down. I am downloading the next book immediately.
Great adventure again! More characters get a share of the plot, and it all flows together so well, that it is hard to put down. I am downloading the next book immediately.
March 25, 2020
Just great
Do glad I found this series and am looking forward to the next book. I am amazed that such an enjoyable series is free as a Kindle Unlimited reader. Just wish this author had more books available.
Do glad I found this series and am looking forward to the next book. I am amazed that such an enjoyable series is free as a Kindle Unlimited reader. Just wish this author had more books available.
September 26, 2022
It was okay
I like good old fashioned action and am a fan of spy yarns. Some of each in this book but not enough detail of either to carry it through. But, I like what I've read thus far.
I like good old fashioned action and am a fan of spy yarns. Some of each in this book but not enough detail of either to carry it through. But, I like what I've read thus far.
May 14, 2024
Action packed
Yes, a lot more fighting. It is well done though, not just boring all blood and gore stuff. Like the intrigue and how it gets foiled. A bit disappointed the bad guys are let off. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Yes, a lot more fighting. It is well done though, not just boring all blood and gore stuff. Like the intrigue and how it gets foiled. A bit disappointed the bad guys are let off. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews