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Arrows of Albion #1
Kemp: The Road to Crécy
An epic Medieval adventure of the Hundred Years War
When Martin Kemp joins the English army in order to avoid the hangman, he may just be delaying the inevitable. While he remains hopeful that at least there's the chance for some heroics, the reality is very different. Kemp's war is instead a terrifying odyssey through the panic and confusion of his first battle, the brutal realities of siege warfare, and eventually to the field of Crcy, where he faces the armoured might of the French nobility. But as an elite longbowman, when it comes to winning or losing, he could have a vital - though dangerous - part to play.This stunning adventure brings the medieval world vividly to life, and is ideal for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Matthew Harffy and Giles Kristian.
When Martin Kemp joins the English army in order to avoid the hangman, he may just be delaying the inevitable. While he remains hopeful that at least there's the chance for some heroics, the reality is very different. Kemp's war is instead a terrifying odyssey through the panic and confusion of his first battle, the brutal realities of siege warfare, and eventually to the field of Crcy, where he faces the armoured might of the French nobility. But as an elite longbowman, when it comes to winning or losing, he could have a vital - though dangerous - part to play.This stunning adventure brings the medieval world vividly to life, and is ideal for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Matthew Harffy and Giles Kristian.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2018
325 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Jonathan Lunn
34 books28 followersPseudonym of Daniel Hall
Born in London, Jonathan Lunn started writing at the age of fifteen. He studied history at the University of Leicester, where he became involved in politics. He worked for six years as a spin doctor in local government, but decided to leave politics behind and concentrate on his writing. He is the author of a series of naval adventure stories, described as "the Victorian Hornblower", based around the eponymous hero of the first book, Killigrew R.N. (2000). The series now runs to six books, the most recent of which was Killigrew and the Sea Devil (2005). Entertaining and historically accurate, the series is shortly to be re-launched in Italy. He has also written two books under his real name, Daniel Hall, and currently lives in Bristol.
Born in London, Jonathan Lunn started writing at the age of fifteen. He studied history at the University of Leicester, where he became involved in politics. He worked for six years as a spin doctor in local government, but decided to leave politics behind and concentrate on his writing. He is the author of a series of naval adventure stories, described as "the Victorian Hornblower", based around the eponymous hero of the first book, Killigrew R.N. (2000). The series now runs to six books, the most recent of which was Killigrew and the Sea Devil (2005). Entertaining and historically accurate, the series is shortly to be re-launched in Italy. He has also written two books under his real name, Daniel Hall, and currently lives in Bristol.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
March 8, 2025
Platoon (already off to a great start) serjeant in 14th century England being a pastiche of Gunnery Sergeant Hartman and using the phrase 'I graduated summa cum laude from the School of Hard Knocks' is my final straw. Not even getting to France here. Tapping out. Only so much I can stand.
December 27, 2018
Set before and during the battle of Crecy, in 1346, from the viewpoint of Martin Kemp, an English archer.
Kemp, an archer unjustly accused of murder and rape and about to hang for it, is offered the chance to redeem himself by enlisting.
Good historical details. Writing style sometimes naive and labourer. Excellent battle scenes; comparable to those of Bernard Cornwell.
Some inaccuracies such as Kemp saying he'd never seen a man killed, when a deserter was shot with an arrow while escaping; but he was present when three robers were killed when he prevented an ambush; and repeated descriptions.
Kemp ends up being a not very likeable character, which may stop me reading further books about him; but, overall, quite a good read.
Kemp, an archer unjustly accused of murder and rape and about to hang for it, is offered the chance to redeem himself by enlisting.
Good historical details. Writing style sometimes naive and labourer. Excellent battle scenes; comparable to those of Bernard Cornwell.
Some inaccuracies such as Kemp saying he'd never seen a man killed, when a deserter was shot with an arrow while escaping; but he was present when three robers were killed when he prevented an ambush; and repeated descriptions.
Kemp ends up being a not very likeable character, which may stop me reading further books about him; but, overall, quite a good read.
May 22, 2018
Thanks Jonathan Lunn
Loved this book. Will definitely buy the next....may even move on to the naval series.
Once again thank you to the writer.
Loved this book. Will definitely buy the next....may even move on to the naval series.
Once again thank you to the writer.
October 17, 2019
I absolutely loved this book which is an action packed read. Our indomitable hero Martin Kemp survives a series of exiting adventures which kept me on the edge of my seat !
July 9, 2018
A good read. I will buy the second one.... oops already did.
April 5, 2019
I enjoyed the book it was very interesting
January 1, 2025
There are a few things I need to get off my chest: The beginning of the book is so similar to others of its ilk that it was predictable - the main man, and all the other archers join to escape being hanged. This is so like the stories of Bernard Cornwell, Griff Hosker, David Gilman and Dan Jones. The bad guy being the local lord of the manor: again a common theme. Am I the only author of English archers whose characters not only are volunteers but actually get on well with their Lord?
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Daring-De...
The author says he had an archer consultant yet his archers "fire" rather than shoot or loose - they are using bows, not guns! He has his archers with bows nocked on a taunt bow string whilst threatening to shoot. Well, good luck on that one. I re-enact a 14thC English archer. I know what it is like to use a war bow (8olb+ draw weight). Fine, at 77 I now use a hunting long bow at 60lb draw weight, but even at that weight keeping it at full draw is just 2-3 seconds. Not only will you start to get muscle shakes on a longer draw, a full drawn bow is said to be 90% towards breaking (yes they do break and I have had four go under me and it is not a pleasant experience). It could be that the author means that the archer has just eased the slack from the string before rising to a full draw, but the text does not indicate that.
Then there is the fact that swords are being used so much as primary weapons rather than pole arms, which the English were renowned for using.
Whilst the author doesn't claim any military training his description of basic training is very familiar with those who have been through it!
So why four stars? well it is well written, contains much quality period details and describes the contemporary warfare as it was fought - no glamour here. I was sufficiently impressed to order the next three in the series. This says something as in my extensive library there are many "first in a series" that do not have follow up books.
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Daring-De...
The author says he had an archer consultant yet his archers "fire" rather than shoot or loose - they are using bows, not guns! He has his archers with bows nocked on a taunt bow string whilst threatening to shoot. Well, good luck on that one. I re-enact a 14thC English archer. I know what it is like to use a war bow (8olb+ draw weight). Fine, at 77 I now use a hunting long bow at 60lb draw weight, but even at that weight keeping it at full draw is just 2-3 seconds. Not only will you start to get muscle shakes on a longer draw, a full drawn bow is said to be 90% towards breaking (yes they do break and I have had four go under me and it is not a pleasant experience). It could be that the author means that the archer has just eased the slack from the string before rising to a full draw, but the text does not indicate that.
Then there is the fact that swords are being used so much as primary weapons rather than pole arms, which the English were renowned for using.
Whilst the author doesn't claim any military training his description of basic training is very familiar with those who have been through it!
So why four stars? well it is well written, contains much quality period details and describes the contemporary warfare as it was fought - no glamour here. I was sufficiently impressed to order the next three in the series. This says something as in my extensive library there are many "first in a series" that do not have follow up books.
February 26, 2019
An enjoyable read with a thoughtful development of the main character Martin Kemp. I thoroughly enjoyed the description of how life would have been working under the rule of the local Lord of the Manor. The villages such as Knighton are actually on my doorstep, so it made the scene so much easier to relate to.
With regard to Crecy, I have read Bernard Cornwell’s version which was more detailed, graphic and intense. However, Lunn’s Account still provides the reader with the harsh realities of medieval warfare.
I have the sequel to read now as I dropped both books onto my Kindle at the outset. I look forward to Kemp’s character refining his skills and seeking employment elsewhere in his chosen craft.
With regard to Crecy, I have read Bernard Cornwell’s version which was more detailed, graphic and intense. However, Lunn’s Account still provides the reader with the harsh realities of medieval warfare.
I have the sequel to read now as I dropped both books onto my Kindle at the outset. I look forward to Kemp’s character refining his skills and seeking employment elsewhere in his chosen craft.
September 17, 2018
Always enjoy reading tales of the infamous English longbowmen, the machine gun of ancient times. Many battles throughout history have been won as a result of the long reach & accuracy of the weapon. Makes me wonder after say a hundred years of being defeated by the long reach of the bowmen that countries like France did not begin training boys to become archers such as these. Chivalry I suppose, that foolish notion that honor could only be won by 1 on 1 battle on horseback with lances. Fools, war is hell & there is nothing chivalrous about it.
A good read & have read part 2 where the protagonist Martin kemp continues his loyal service to the crown of England.
A good read & have read part 2 where the protagonist Martin kemp continues his loyal service to the crown of England.
March 2, 2023
Excellent
I liked the main character of this book, he isn't perfect he has his flaws, he is naive and learns the hard way that most people he meets have their own agenda. He finds companions amongst the lowest of society and also company, loyalty and humour.
His arch nemesis was truly despicable and kept you wanting Martin to sort him out.
If you want an exciting medieval historical drama, with realistic characters then this is the book for you.
A well deserved 5*****
I liked the main character of this book, he isn't perfect he has his flaws, he is naive and learns the hard way that most people he meets have their own agenda. He finds companions amongst the lowest of society and also company, loyalty and humour.
His arch nemesis was truly despicable and kept you wanting Martin to sort him out.
If you want an exciting medieval historical drama, with realistic characters then this is the book for you.
A well deserved 5*****
August 31, 2025
Excellent Historical Fiction
Kemp is a down and out peasant looking for something more. When he is falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to hang, he is given a chance to fight for the English King against the French. What follows is a rousing tale of a man fighting his inner demons and the French. Can he maintain his humanity and fight for his King? If you like good historical fiction, in the vein of Bernard Cornwell, you will love this book.
Kemp is a down and out peasant looking for something more. When he is falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to hang, he is given a chance to fight for the English King against the French. What follows is a rousing tale of a man fighting his inner demons and the French. Can he maintain his humanity and fight for his King? If you like good historical fiction, in the vein of Bernard Cornwell, you will love this book.
February 17, 2019
Interesting characterisation
Not as well structured as Bernard Cornwell’s tale of Crecy which flowed better without chopping back and forth. Character of Martin Kemp was built, a little tediously, as a gentle thoughtful soul but suddenly switched to being a hard bitten cynic without much explanation within 3 months
Not as well structured as Bernard Cornwell’s tale of Crecy which flowed better without chopping back and forth. Character of Martin Kemp was built, a little tediously, as a gentle thoughtful soul but suddenly switched to being a hard bitten cynic without much explanation within 3 months
May 20, 2022
engaging at times
While this book has a strong and exciting finish that was well written it was very slow to get into. To many unnecessary descriptions it seemed in the beginning the author was just filling pages. But if you get past the first third of the book it becomes a good read. I will be reading book two to see how it develops.
While this book has a strong and exciting finish that was well written it was very slow to get into. To many unnecessary descriptions it seemed in the beginning the author was just filling pages. But if you get past the first third of the book it becomes a good read. I will be reading book two to see how it develops.
June 11, 2018
Great read
Lunn writes with extraordinary accuracy and a creates characters more interest and complex than most Medieval battle tales. The action is constant and the pace is a bit dizzying as King Edward's army crushes the French at Crecy.
Lunn writes with extraordinary accuracy and a creates characters more interest and complex than most Medieval battle tales. The action is constant and the pace is a bit dizzying as King Edward's army crushes the French at Crecy.
June 14, 2018
Very similar to the Bernard Cornwall novels..... Practically a rip off, but still an enjoyable read for all that. The author displays a deep knowledge of period history. I liked it and I'll read more of the series but I won't be paying premium prices.
July 9, 2018
Great
Again I enjoy getting a first hand picture of life back when especially those who were born not of high rank. How unfortunate because life was he hard and you could not escape it.
Again I enjoy getting a first hand picture of life back when especially those who were born not of high rank. How unfortunate because life was he hard and you could not escape it.
July 15, 2018
Brilliant
Look forward to the next episode to see how the characters cope with the changes. The different aspects of life during those periods of our history l find truly fascinating.
Look forward to the next episode to see how the characters cope with the changes. The different aspects of life during those periods of our history l find truly fascinating.
January 7, 2019
Good Story
The most powerful part of this book is the imagery provided in the Battle scenes. Those are not just bits of technical information, but clear descriptions of the horrors of war.
The most powerful part of this book is the imagery provided in the Battle scenes. Those are not just bits of technical information, but clear descriptions of the horrors of war.
December 12, 2021
Excellent fast paced adventure
Excellent fast moving story about the battle of Crecy...if the other books in the series are as good as the first then see ha e another Cornwell on our hands. Cant wait for the next instalment.
Excellent fast moving story about the battle of Crecy...if the other books in the series are as good as the first then see ha e another Cornwell on our hands. Cant wait for the next instalment.
March 23, 2024
Loved it!
This is the first book I’ve read by Jonathan Lunn and I didn’t know what I was missing! Great story, great history and a wealth of well-drawn characters. Highly recommended.
This is the first book I’ve read by Jonathan Lunn and I didn’t know what I was missing! Great story, great history and a wealth of well-drawn characters. Highly recommended.
August 17, 2019
Really can't sympathize with character who raped a woman, for what ever the reason may be. Not gonna read the rest.
January 6, 2022
An entertaining historical novel with some sense of what life would be like for the vast majority of people in Edward 3's reign, both at home and at war.
January 30, 2022
Crecy
I know the story and this book follows the general path. The
character are quite believable. It keeps your attention
I know the story and this book follows the general path. The
character are quite believable. It keeps your attention
June 14, 2022
Cracking intro to a series. Good group of characters
February 25, 2023
Road to crecy
Good story line. Not too sure if the the character of Kemp is going to be strong enough. The next in the series will be critical .
Good story line. Not too sure if the the character of Kemp is going to be strong enough. The next in the series will be critical .
December 23, 2023
Enjoyable light read with our hero being pressed into King Edward’s army before the Crecy campaign.
October 17, 2025
Pretty formulaic although he writes some cracking good action scenes. Lots of warfare. Some rape and pillage too.
October 22, 2025
Very annoying plot holes , strange language choices .
I'll stick to Bernard Cornwell in the future.
I'll stick to Bernard Cornwell in the future.
January 29, 2022
My first Jonathon Lunn novel. Believable characters, an engaging plot and breath-taking battle scenes. Won't be my last - on to the next in the series!
June 6, 2018
Not bad . I am however getting a little weary of reading about a hero soldier killing tens of men in one battle . This is a recurring theme in “Sharpe “ “Utred”and others of the genre. Usually working class bloke making good . Done to death
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews