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The Order of the White Boar #1
The Order of the White Boar
Who was 'The Lost King'?
How well do you know the story of the real King Richard III? Not as well as Matthew Wansford.
Matthew, a 12-year-old merchant’s son, has always longed to be a knight. And his chance comes in the golden summer of 1482 when he arrives at Middleham Castle, home of King Edward IV’s brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester – valiant warrior, loyal brother, loving father, good master.
Soon Matt encounters a dangerous enemy. Hugh, a fellow page, is a better swordsman, horseman, more skilled in all the knightly arts – and the son of an executed traitor. A vicious bully, he aims to make Matt's life hell.
Yet Matt also finds the most steadfast of friends – Alys, Roger and Edward, the Duke’s only son. Together they forge a secret knightly fellowship, the Order of the White Boar, and swear an oath of lifelong loyalty – to each other and to their good lord, Duke Richard.
But these are not times to play at war. Soon Matt and his friends will be plunged into the deadly games of the Wars of the Roses. Will their loyalty be tested as the storm looms on the horizon?
For readers of 10 and above, ‘The Order of the White Boar’ - inspired by the dig that inspired Steve Coogan's film 'The Lost King' - tells the exciting adventures of Matt and his friends in the months leading up to the momentous events of 1483, the ‘Year of the Three Kings’.
And follow Matt and his friends' further adventures in 'The King's Man', 'King in Waiting' and 'Sons of York', Books 2, 3 and 4 of 'The Order of the White Boar' sequence, as they serve the new King Richard III through to the fateful summer of 1485 and beyond...
Praise for 'The Order of the White Boar' and 'The King's Man'
‘A wonderful work of historical fiction . . . altogether a very enjoyable book for both children and adults.’ Isabel Green, 'Ricardian Bulletin' of the Richard III Society
‘This engaging and exciting story has the power to captivate readers of any age . . . extremely well researched and a pleasure to read.’ Wendy Johnson, member of the Looking for Richard Project
‘A really gripping historical novel . . . well written, vivid and absorbing.’ E. Flanagan, author of 'Eden Summer'
'A terrific book . . . fabulously written, fast-paced, and full of action and character.' Narrelle M. Harris, author of 'Kitty & Cadaver'
‘Exciting and appealing, accurate and well-researched . . . I can honestly see this becoming a classic.’ Joanne R. Larner, author of 'Richard Liveth Yet'
‘Finally! A book that has been written for a younger audience, which brings to life the just and fair leader that Richard III truly was.’ Richard III’s Loyal Supporters
Find Matt and Alex on Facebook at Alex Marchant Author, on Twitter @AlexMarchant84 and @whiteboarorder, and on WordPress @AlexMarchantBlog.
How well do you know the story of the real King Richard III? Not as well as Matthew Wansford.
Matthew, a 12-year-old merchant’s son, has always longed to be a knight. And his chance comes in the golden summer of 1482 when he arrives at Middleham Castle, home of King Edward IV’s brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester – valiant warrior, loyal brother, loving father, good master.
Soon Matt encounters a dangerous enemy. Hugh, a fellow page, is a better swordsman, horseman, more skilled in all the knightly arts – and the son of an executed traitor. A vicious bully, he aims to make Matt's life hell.
Yet Matt also finds the most steadfast of friends – Alys, Roger and Edward, the Duke’s only son. Together they forge a secret knightly fellowship, the Order of the White Boar, and swear an oath of lifelong loyalty – to each other and to their good lord, Duke Richard.
But these are not times to play at war. Soon Matt and his friends will be plunged into the deadly games of the Wars of the Roses. Will their loyalty be tested as the storm looms on the horizon?
For readers of 10 and above, ‘The Order of the White Boar’ - inspired by the dig that inspired Steve Coogan's film 'The Lost King' - tells the exciting adventures of Matt and his friends in the months leading up to the momentous events of 1483, the ‘Year of the Three Kings’.
And follow Matt and his friends' further adventures in 'The King's Man', 'King in Waiting' and 'Sons of York', Books 2, 3 and 4 of 'The Order of the White Boar' sequence, as they serve the new King Richard III through to the fateful summer of 1485 and beyond...
Praise for 'The Order of the White Boar' and 'The King's Man'
‘A wonderful work of historical fiction . . . altogether a very enjoyable book for both children and adults.’ Isabel Green, 'Ricardian Bulletin' of the Richard III Society
‘This engaging and exciting story has the power to captivate readers of any age . . . extremely well researched and a pleasure to read.’ Wendy Johnson, member of the Looking for Richard Project
‘A really gripping historical novel . . . well written, vivid and absorbing.’ E. Flanagan, author of 'Eden Summer'
'A terrific book . . . fabulously written, fast-paced, and full of action and character.' Narrelle M. Harris, author of 'Kitty & Cadaver'
‘Exciting and appealing, accurate and well-researched . . . I can honestly see this becoming a classic.’ Joanne R. Larner, author of 'Richard Liveth Yet'
‘Finally! A book that has been written for a younger audience, which brings to life the just and fair leader that Richard III truly was.’ Richard III’s Loyal Supporters
Find Matt and Alex on Facebook at Alex Marchant Author, on Twitter @AlexMarchant84 and @whiteboarorder, and on WordPress @AlexMarchantBlog.
227 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2017
35 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Alex Marchant
16 books37 followersBorn and raised in the rolling Surrey downs, and following stints as an archaeologist and in publishing in London and Gloucester, I now live surrounded by moors in King Richard III’s northern heartland, working as a freelance copyeditor, proofreader and, more recently, independent author of books for children aged 10+.
My first novel, Time out of Time (pub. 2021), won the 2012 Chapter One Children’s Book Award, and my second (to be published in May 2025 as Tower of Shadows) was put on the backburner in 2013 at the announcement of the discovery of King Richard’s grave in a car park in Leicester. As a Ricardian since my teens, that momentous announcement prompted me to write about the real Richard III for older children (there being no such book available), and so The Order of the White Boar and its sequel The King’s Man were born.
The Order of the White Boar has been described by the Bulletin of the Richard III Society as ‘a wonderful work of historical fiction for both children and adults’ and The King’s Man as ‘a brilliant, gripping, heart-wrenching sequel’
The third and fourth books in the sequence, King in Waiting and Sons of York take the story of Matthew Wansford and his friends beyond 1485 to explore the legacy of Richard III in terms of the fate of the so-called 'Princes in the Tower'. My standalone timeslip book, Time out of Time, set in the legendary hot summer of 1976, was at last published in June 2021.
I have also edited three anthologies of short stories by a variety of international authors also inspired by King Richard III, Grant Me the Carving of My Name, Right Trusty and Well Beloved... and A Spirited and Most Courageous Prince, all sold in support of Scoliosis Association UK (SAUK).
My first novel, Time out of Time (pub. 2021), won the 2012 Chapter One Children’s Book Award, and my second (to be published in May 2025 as Tower of Shadows) was put on the backburner in 2013 at the announcement of the discovery of King Richard’s grave in a car park in Leicester. As a Ricardian since my teens, that momentous announcement prompted me to write about the real Richard III for older children (there being no such book available), and so The Order of the White Boar and its sequel The King’s Man were born.
The Order of the White Boar has been described by the Bulletin of the Richard III Society as ‘a wonderful work of historical fiction for both children and adults’ and The King’s Man as ‘a brilliant, gripping, heart-wrenching sequel’
The third and fourth books in the sequence, King in Waiting and Sons of York take the story of Matthew Wansford and his friends beyond 1485 to explore the legacy of Richard III in terms of the fate of the so-called 'Princes in the Tower'. My standalone timeslip book, Time out of Time, set in the legendary hot summer of 1976, was at last published in June 2021.
I have also edited three anthologies of short stories by a variety of international authors also inspired by King Richard III, Grant Me the Carving of My Name, Right Trusty and Well Beloved... and A Spirited and Most Courageous Prince, all sold in support of Scoliosis Association UK (SAUK).
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 15, 2018
Matt is a youngster, small for his age, who is sent to Middleham Castle to train in the knightly arts. He’s looked down upon by the other boys who see him as merely a merchant’s son but his gift for singing makes him a favourite of Richard, the man who will be King Richard III. He makes a few friends, including Richard’s delicate son Edward, and with them forms The Order of the White Boar. He also makes some powerful enemies.
This is told from the point of view of the boy and is intended as Young Adult fiction but there’s a good story here which even an oldie like me can appreciate. There’s enough description to place the reader in the draughty halls of a Yorkshire castle, or the heart of the forest on a wild boar hunt, without it becoming tedious. I enjoy historical fiction and this one really hit the spot for me. I shall read the next in the series as soon as I have the chance.
This is told from the point of view of the boy and is intended as Young Adult fiction but there’s a good story here which even an oldie like me can appreciate. There’s enough description to place the reader in the draughty halls of a Yorkshire castle, or the heart of the forest on a wild boar hunt, without it becoming tedious. I enjoy historical fiction and this one really hit the spot for me. I shall read the next in the series as soon as I have the chance.
June 13, 2021
This is meant to be a young adults novel, but is suitable for people of every age. A delicate, intelligent and well written book where a young page to Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is protagonist, along with his friends. So Richard Duke of Gloucester, his family and household, are told through the eye of the "common man", and the result is incredibly convincing. Though being just one of the many charachters, Richard comes alive and is decribed in an excellent and believable way. I also liked the fact that is shown more of Edward of Middleham, a charachter usually not really taken into consideration. A plasing surprise, I will read the next book in the series.
March 6, 2021
Very good book
It's lovely and enjoyable , and definitely is more than a book for children, it's a great interpretation of the history of Richard III , one of my favorite things is that you read adventures, history, friendship.
I like a lot to read about the son of Anne and Richard in a different way , a kid having fun and enjoying his parents, is not focus on history but is good enough very sweet and interesting.
It's lovely and enjoyable , and definitely is more than a book for children, it's a great interpretation of the history of Richard III , one of my favorite things is that you read adventures, history, friendship.
I like a lot to read about the son of Anne and Richard in a different way , a kid having fun and enjoying his parents, is not focus on history but is good enough very sweet and interesting.
April 27, 2024
This is the story of 12-year old Matt Wansford who arrives at Middleham in 1482, having been expelled from the choir school at York Minster for fighting with a bully. Here he enters training in hopes of becoming a knight and encounters another bully who takes an instant dislike to our hero because Matt is the son of a merchant. But Matt also makes friends with another page, Roger as well as Alys and Edward, the son of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. They form the Order of the White Boar, pledging loyalty to one another and to the Duke.
The story of Matt’s adventures is well-paced, and gives a nice perspective of Richard in his dealings with underlings. I also appreciated that Ed, Richard's son, had some character and was not portrayed solely as an invalid.
Alas, the bully is able to get his revenge on Matt with a slander believed by the Queen and Alys’ prospective father-in-law who force Richard to dismiss Matt from his household. This occurs at the time of King Edward’s death so the book ends as Matt accompanies Richard as he goes to London as Lord Protector. Matt will have further adventures in book 2, The King’s Man. You won’t want to miss it.
The story of Matt’s adventures is well-paced, and gives a nice perspective of Richard in his dealings with underlings. I also appreciated that Ed, Richard's son, had some character and was not portrayed solely as an invalid.
Alas, the bully is able to get his revenge on Matt with a slander believed by the Queen and Alys’ prospective father-in-law who force Richard to dismiss Matt from his household. This occurs at the time of King Edward’s death so the book ends as Matt accompanies Richard as he goes to London as Lord Protector. Matt will have further adventures in book 2, The King’s Man. You won’t want to miss it.
October 25, 2018
I read this book partly because I wanted to see if it would be suitable to teach from (I teach Y4-6) but also because the plot appealed to me as a reader too.
I do have an interest in King Richard III and yet at school was only taught about the Tudors and Stuarts. Where are the Plantagenets in school or in children's literature?
I was first introduced to Richard III in Shakespeare's play and it was only after the 2012 discovery of his grave that I questioned this view of King Richard.
This novel gives children to see an alternative interpretation of his character from a much younger age, from KS2 onwards, and that has really been missing from children's literature. The writing is high quality and, even as an adult, I really enjoyed reading about Matthew and his friends, looking forward to the next in the series.
If your son or daughter has an interest in historical fiction they will definitely enjoy this, and I guarantee that I will be buying a class set and using this as a class novel as soon as I can plan a half term's scheme of work around this.
I do have an interest in King Richard III and yet at school was only taught about the Tudors and Stuarts. Where are the Plantagenets in school or in children's literature?
I was first introduced to Richard III in Shakespeare's play and it was only after the 2012 discovery of his grave that I questioned this view of King Richard.
This novel gives children to see an alternative interpretation of his character from a much younger age, from KS2 onwards, and that has really been missing from children's literature. The writing is high quality and, even as an adult, I really enjoyed reading about Matthew and his friends, looking forward to the next in the series.
If your son or daughter has an interest in historical fiction they will definitely enjoy this, and I guarantee that I will be buying a class set and using this as a class novel as soon as I can plan a half term's scheme of work around this.
December 15, 2023
Inclined to useless babbling, I shall endeavour to make this review short and to the point: Alex Marchant's The Order of the White Boar is one of the best works of children's historical fiction I have ever read, and my only complaint was that it came to an end - but what delight to see an announcement on the last page that another installment, The King's Man, is forthcoming! Joy and jubilation!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2017
I don't have much to go on as I haven't really read a children's book for 20 yrs or so, nor do I know anything about Richard 111 but i thought this book was wonderfully written: clear, very well researched, intriguing and captivating. I definitely look foward to the next one. It would make a great gift to any young person (or old person)
November 21, 2017
Not just a children’s book. An intelligent vivid portrayal of life in the Middle Ages. Rounded believable characters. A main character you really care about. And a refreshing, fair look at Richard III when he was duke and his brother was king. Not a mad hunchback tyrant in the making here!!
Most importantly it’s a bit of a page turner. Thoroughly recommended
Most importantly it’s a bit of a page turner. Thoroughly recommended
August 10, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"This delightful novel is aimed at younger readers but that should not put off older readers. It is an easy read but worthwhile."
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"This delightful novel is aimed at younger readers but that should not put off older readers. It is an easy read but worthwhile."
August 7, 2019
As a teenager I found this book really good as it is a great way to step back into the past and learn so English history along the way. I think anyone would read this book. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
November 1, 2022
📖 I purchased this book having met this author at Middleham Castle. The author came across as very passionate about history and indeed, Richard III, I was intrigued to find out more so purchased this book, the first in the series. Needless to say, I was very impressed.
✍️ This book primarily follows the story of young Matthew Wansford (Matt), who starts as a young page in training at Middleham Castle, home of King Edward IV’s brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. He quickly encounters both a foe and friendships at the Castle and embarks on a journey that will change him from a young boy into a man. When asked to accompany the Duke on a journey south to London, Matt’s life changes beyond his wildest expectations, but in a world where loyalties can be costly, has Matt taken the right path in support of the Duke? Only time will tell.
👫 The book covers many issues, including estrangement from family, bullying, friendship, romance and more. The subjects are all handled delicately, making this book suitable for young teens but also not shied away from, which I loved. Life back then was hard, for young and adults alike, and the author captures this well.
👓 One of the great things about this book is the pace. A lot happens quickly in young Matt’s life. Historical fiction can be slow, lofty and full of excessive detail, but this book isn’t, whilst there is enough detail to give you a feel for the period, it isn’t bogged down with descriptions.
🗺 The setting of this book is primarily Middleham Castle, a location I love. The author does a great job of really capturing the hustle and bustle of castle life, the way it would have been. The hunts are also well-described and full of detail.
💔 Any Negatives: This story definitely feels like it is leading up to more. So although enjoyable as a story on its own, I think the others in the series will likely better it. No shock there, especially knowing in real-life the troubles awaiting the future of the Kingdom, but I just thought it was worth a mention that really towards the end of the book, the adventure is really just beginning.
💭 Overall View: A really brilliant start to what I’m sure will be a fantastic series. This book shows Richard and his family in a new more gentle light than the way his story is often told. I loved the youthful aspect of it and the sense of adventure, and the loyalty and friendship featured in the book.
👍 Please leave a like if you think my review/feedback of the item was helpful to you. Alternatively, please contact me if you want me to clarify something in my review.
✍️ This book primarily follows the story of young Matthew Wansford (Matt), who starts as a young page in training at Middleham Castle, home of King Edward IV’s brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. He quickly encounters both a foe and friendships at the Castle and embarks on a journey that will change him from a young boy into a man. When asked to accompany the Duke on a journey south to London, Matt’s life changes beyond his wildest expectations, but in a world where loyalties can be costly, has Matt taken the right path in support of the Duke? Only time will tell.
👫 The book covers many issues, including estrangement from family, bullying, friendship, romance and more. The subjects are all handled delicately, making this book suitable for young teens but also not shied away from, which I loved. Life back then was hard, for young and adults alike, and the author captures this well.
👓 One of the great things about this book is the pace. A lot happens quickly in young Matt’s life. Historical fiction can be slow, lofty and full of excessive detail, but this book isn’t, whilst there is enough detail to give you a feel for the period, it isn’t bogged down with descriptions.
🗺 The setting of this book is primarily Middleham Castle, a location I love. The author does a great job of really capturing the hustle and bustle of castle life, the way it would have been. The hunts are also well-described and full of detail.
💔 Any Negatives: This story definitely feels like it is leading up to more. So although enjoyable as a story on its own, I think the others in the series will likely better it. No shock there, especially knowing in real-life the troubles awaiting the future of the Kingdom, but I just thought it was worth a mention that really towards the end of the book, the adventure is really just beginning.
💭 Overall View: A really brilliant start to what I’m sure will be a fantastic series. This book shows Richard and his family in a new more gentle light than the way his story is often told. I loved the youthful aspect of it and the sense of adventure, and the loyalty and friendship featured in the book.
👍 Please leave a like if you think my review/feedback of the item was helpful to you. Alternatively, please contact me if you want me to clarify something in my review.
June 22, 2018
Young page-in-training, Matthew Wansford, is the eyes through which we are given this possible history of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, stripped of the ficitonalised villainy of Shakespeare's deliciously wicked character.
Matthew can be a bit of a hothead, which is the reason he's been sent from York Minster to Middleham Castle, the home of the Duke of Gloucester and his little family. Within the first page of the book, Matthew has made himself an enemy in Hugh Soulsby, but also a friend, his fellow page, Roger de Kynton.
As Matthew learns his role and makes friends in the castle, he gets to know the Duke and Duchess, their physically fragile son, Edward, as well as Alys Langdown, a young lady under the care of Richard and Ann, but who is a ward of Queen Elizabeth. We see a Richard who is a good steward of his lands, beloved in the north, a great soldier in his brother the King's service and a devoted father and husband. We also see some of his cares and burdens in a time rife with treachery, political uncertainty and the walking-on-eggshells need to find stability in the fractious York vs Lancaster lines.
But none of this is told heavily or laden with trite or obvious exposition. Marchant's writing is light and well-paced, with enough period detail for atmosphere without ever belabouring the point.
We meet Matthew, his friends and these people from history as people, and get to know both fictions and real figures with all their strengths and flaws. You almost forget what's coming.
But this is fiction drawn from history, so everything is tinged with the dark melancholy of knowing how the framing story ends.
For all that the history of the Wars of the Roses forms the backdrop, the story is very much about Matthew's world, which interescts with greatness and with the times, but also with his own fears, ambitions, faults and gifts. We may know what's coming for his Duke, but what will Matthew's fate be? Or that of Roger and Alys, or of the bully Hugh?
Through Matthew's eyes, the complicated period where King Edward IV gained, lost and regained the throne is uncovered slowly. Marchant uses her knowlege of the period to write a very plausible history of what happened in the year leading to the death of King Edward. The result is a new perspective, fabulously written, fast-paced, and full of action and character.
Whatever your thoughts on Richard III, The Order of the White Boar is a terrific book, which I loved and promptly went on to devour the sequel, The King's Man.
Matthew can be a bit of a hothead, which is the reason he's been sent from York Minster to Middleham Castle, the home of the Duke of Gloucester and his little family. Within the first page of the book, Matthew has made himself an enemy in Hugh Soulsby, but also a friend, his fellow page, Roger de Kynton.
As Matthew learns his role and makes friends in the castle, he gets to know the Duke and Duchess, their physically fragile son, Edward, as well as Alys Langdown, a young lady under the care of Richard and Ann, but who is a ward of Queen Elizabeth. We see a Richard who is a good steward of his lands, beloved in the north, a great soldier in his brother the King's service and a devoted father and husband. We also see some of his cares and burdens in a time rife with treachery, political uncertainty and the walking-on-eggshells need to find stability in the fractious York vs Lancaster lines.
But none of this is told heavily or laden with trite or obvious exposition. Marchant's writing is light and well-paced, with enough period detail for atmosphere without ever belabouring the point.
We meet Matthew, his friends and these people from history as people, and get to know both fictions and real figures with all their strengths and flaws. You almost forget what's coming.
But this is fiction drawn from history, so everything is tinged with the dark melancholy of knowing how the framing story ends.
For all that the history of the Wars of the Roses forms the backdrop, the story is very much about Matthew's world, which interescts with greatness and with the times, but also with his own fears, ambitions, faults and gifts. We may know what's coming for his Duke, but what will Matthew's fate be? Or that of Roger and Alys, or of the bully Hugh?
Through Matthew's eyes, the complicated period where King Edward IV gained, lost and regained the throne is uncovered slowly. Marchant uses her knowlege of the period to write a very plausible history of what happened in the year leading to the death of King Edward. The result is a new perspective, fabulously written, fast-paced, and full of action and character.
Whatever your thoughts on Richard III, The Order of the White Boar is a terrific book, which I loved and promptly went on to devour the sequel, The King's Man.
September 19, 2021
Gave me a sleepless night- couldn't stop reading! Now my children are reading it. A well-paced tale with interesting characters and clear description gives an authentic sense of life in the Fifteenth Century.
May 13, 2024
Wonderfully written, looking forward to reading the next in the series 👌🏻
February 5, 2022
Astonishing!
A wonderful read from a new perspective...Richard, Duke of Glouster, Master, Mentor, supporter, and friend to young Matt..who seems to remind him of himself in so many ways. Told from Matt's perspective and observations. This is a terrific book. Well written and full of detail of the life at the main home of Richard, the Duke, brother to Edward IV of England, and friend and Master to many. Also a loving husband and father, Richard impresses Young Matt with his love of music, his love for his family, his confidences, his fairness and good judgement, his awareness of what is happening to others around him and his friendship. The relationships between the characters are fully understandable and full of depth and feeling that readers of all ages will appreciate. I loved this book and cannot wait to read the next two in the series. Highly recommended for adults and children ages ten and up who are interested in this time period and the stores about Richard the III from a kid's perspective.
A wonderful read from a new perspective...Richard, Duke of Glouster, Master, Mentor, supporter, and friend to young Matt..who seems to remind him of himself in so many ways. Told from Matt's perspective and observations. This is a terrific book. Well written and full of detail of the life at the main home of Richard, the Duke, brother to Edward IV of England, and friend and Master to many. Also a loving husband and father, Richard impresses Young Matt with his love of music, his love for his family, his confidences, his fairness and good judgement, his awareness of what is happening to others around him and his friendship. The relationships between the characters are fully understandable and full of depth and feeling that readers of all ages will appreciate. I loved this book and cannot wait to read the next two in the series. Highly recommended for adults and children ages ten and up who are interested in this time period and the stores about Richard the III from a kid's perspective.
May 29, 2018
Amazing book!
As a Ricardian, it's wonderful to read a story like this finally! Very well written with awesome characters that you instantly love or hate. Meant for younger readers, but so well written that you instantly forget that and get caught up in the story! This is a must read and I can't wait to read the second book in the series!
As a Ricardian, it's wonderful to read a story like this finally! Very well written with awesome characters that you instantly love or hate. Meant for younger readers, but so well written that you instantly forget that and get caught up in the story! This is a must read and I can't wait to read the second book in the series!
April 13, 2020
A gloriously entertaining tale
Written from the point of view of Matt, a young page in the Middleham household of Richard if York, this is a gloriously entertaining tale complete with chivalry, rivalry & boar hunts.
Extremely well researched, well-told and well-written historical fiction from and for the younger point of view, with enough depth to appeal just as much to older readers too. Full of angst, action and tension.
Excellent - an easy 5 stars!
Written from the point of view of Matt, a young page in the Middleham household of Richard if York, this is a gloriously entertaining tale complete with chivalry, rivalry & boar hunts.
Extremely well researched, well-told and well-written historical fiction from and for the younger point of view, with enough depth to appeal just as much to older readers too. Full of angst, action and tension.
Excellent - an easy 5 stars!
August 14, 2019
What a great read about a young boy in the employment of Richard of Gloucester aka Richard III
August 7, 2022
I bought this from the author at Middleham Castle, having wanted to visit for some time.
Superbly written & researched.
Love the fictional characters interwoven with King Richard, his family & court.
I've always been fascinated by Richard & the history written about him, falsely!
Loyalty binds me!
Superbly written & researched.
Love the fictional characters interwoven with King Richard, his family & court.
I've always been fascinated by Richard & the history written about him, falsely!
Loyalty binds me!
August 18, 2018
Apparently the intended audience for this book is YA, but it's so well written, why should we older readers deny ourselves the pleasure of reading it?
An excellent story.
An excellent story.
December 18, 2022
I picked this book up when at the Bosworth re-enactment thinking following a friendly chat with the author. I enjoyed reading it, it would introduce a child to the period of history in a way that would interest them and by using characters that the child could relate to. A book I would recommend to anyone from the age of 10+ who has an interest in History though younger children could access if they did not mind a small amount of violence.
July 14, 2019
It's amazing at least so far I'm already 1 chapter in and it's extremely well presented
October 30, 2023
An amazing first Novel, had me hooked from the very beginning. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series when I have the opportunity. The emotions are raw, the storytelling is amazing and it was definitely worth the time taken to read.
October 7, 2018
Excellent book
August 18, 2023
How well do you know the story about the real King Richard III? Not as well as 12 year old merchant’s son and trainee knight, Matthew Wansford. Set in 1482, when Matt arrives at Middleham Castle, home of King Edward IV’s brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester – valiant warrior, loyal brother, loving father, good master.
Soon Matt encounters a dangerous bully, Hugh, a fellow page who aims to make Matt’s life a living hell. He is a better swordsman, horseman and more skilled in all the knightly arts – and the son of an executed traitor. Thankfully, Matt finds the most steadfast of friends – Alys, Roger and the Duke’s only son, Edward – and together they forge a secret knightly fellowship, the Order of the White Boar, swearing an oath of lifelong loyalty to each other and to Duke Richard. Soon Matt and his friends will be thrown into the deadly games of the Wars of the Roses.
Stated as being for readers of 10 and above, ‘The Order of the White Boar’ – inspired by the dig that inspired the Steve Coogan film ‘The Lost King’ – tells the exciting adventures of Matt and his friends in the months leading up to the momentous events of 1483, the ‘Year of the Three Kings’.
With no noticeable errors to spoil the readers’ enjoyment, the original plotline is one that will interest not just the book’s target audience. The author has done very well in researching the history of the book’s setting and time period, the characters are all relatable and believable, ensuring that we are very much invested in their outcomes. Consistent pace throughout, the dialogue between characters is vividly realistic, and revelations of main character Matt’s thoughts add to the overall entertainment value. I highly recommend this book, I award 5 stars.
Soon Matt encounters a dangerous bully, Hugh, a fellow page who aims to make Matt’s life a living hell. He is a better swordsman, horseman and more skilled in all the knightly arts – and the son of an executed traitor. Thankfully, Matt finds the most steadfast of friends – Alys, Roger and the Duke’s only son, Edward – and together they forge a secret knightly fellowship, the Order of the White Boar, swearing an oath of lifelong loyalty to each other and to Duke Richard. Soon Matt and his friends will be thrown into the deadly games of the Wars of the Roses.
Stated as being for readers of 10 and above, ‘The Order of the White Boar’ – inspired by the dig that inspired the Steve Coogan film ‘The Lost King’ – tells the exciting adventures of Matt and his friends in the months leading up to the momentous events of 1483, the ‘Year of the Three Kings’.
With no noticeable errors to spoil the readers’ enjoyment, the original plotline is one that will interest not just the book’s target audience. The author has done very well in researching the history of the book’s setting and time period, the characters are all relatable and believable, ensuring that we are very much invested in their outcomes. Consistent pace throughout, the dialogue between characters is vividly realistic, and revelations of main character Matt’s thoughts add to the overall entertainment value. I highly recommend this book, I award 5 stars.
January 23, 2019
The Order of the White Boar by Alex Marchant has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
It is definitely a book to be read by anyone interested in learning more about the man who would become Richard III.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
It is definitely a book to be read by anyone interested in learning more about the man who would become Richard III.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill with a Book Awards
February 11, 2024
A thoroughly enjoyable, relatively quick (one sitting) read. A well-constructed plot in beautifully flowing prose. The author brings the times and the characters, both her own and the historical figures to vivid life. I heartily recommend it.
October 9, 2022
Really enjoyable story about Richard lll. Invented characters make the history easy to read.
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