Lord Edward's Archer

Lord Edward's Archer #1

by Griff Hosker

13th Century, Wales and England.

To young Gruffyd, life has been unkind. Eking out a meagre living with his father, he has learned very quickly how to look after himself in the hostile borderlands. His father, an archer, has taught him well and at seventeen Gruffyd is a keen and able bowman. Young, loyal and skilled, it’s not long before Gruffyd finds himself following in his father’s footsteps, working as an archer in the bordering castle. But tragedy strikes when his lord commits a devastating deed, and Gruffyd is forced to make a life altering decision.

This is the story of a young archer’s riotous journey from avenging outlaw to merchant’s bodyguard to, finally, the captain of archers for the heir to the throne. Gruffyd must prove not only his own worth, but the importance of archery in some of England’s most decisive and ruthless battles.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Medieval, War, Fantasy, Military Fiction

249 pages, Paperback

Published January 28, 2019

About the author

I was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.

When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.

My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.

griff-signature-360x57

Reviews

[H (trying to keep up with GR friends) Balikov · Rating 5 out of 5]

"“Lord Edward, we are out of arrows.” He nodded.“I have been counting. There are almost a hundred and fifty men who are dead thanks to you. If we lose this battle it will not be your fault.” I could not help but think that it would not make a deal of difference to us. Our heads would be on top of spears and Lord Edward would be ransomed back to his father. Henry might lose Gascony, but his son would live. I would die a rich archer. My father had died a poor archer, but he had lived his life. I had yet to do so. I had not even planted seed!"

For those who have a fascination with the civil unrest that hung over England during the 13th century; for those who search for authentic accounts of what war was like during the period; for those who have enjoyed Bernard Cornwell’s “Grail Quest series”; for those who love to learn what day-to-day life was like in another time and place; this novel will satisfy.

I am very impressed with Hosker’s narration skill both in using the first-person, but being very skilled in dialogue to bring out differences in class, location, gender and age. The story is compelling and well-told. I will be following this series (and, perhaps, binge-reading). Below are some quotations that will give you the flavor of Hosker’s narrative skills.
5*



"I stood and brought my bow up in one swift motion. I drew back the string. I had trained for ten years, and it was as natural an action as scratching my ear. I aimed at the leader. As my arrow flew, straight and true, I heard him begin to shout. I was drawing and nocking another arrow as he fell dead. Fortune favoured me, or perhaps it was God, for the men looked, not at me, but at their dead leader. I sent another arrow at the man next to him. Then they saw me. From behind them I heard a shout and the clash of metal. I drew another arrow and, as four of them ran at me, I sent it towards the nearest man. It hit him in the chest. This was a test. How fast could I nock and release? There were three of them now. My next arrow hit one in the throat. Two remained, but they were just ten paces from me. The next Welshman to die was so close to me that I could smell his breath. My arrow went through his screaming mouth and out of the back of his head. It was his body that saved me, for the last of the men could not get at me directly."

"“What about food on this ship?” John of Nottingham asked, “And ale?” The sailor looked around to see if Guthrum was close by. “It is cold rations. We have ship’s biscuits. We call it ‘hardtack’. We have oats, and there is water to make a cold porridge. We have two barrels of water and one of ale.” John of Nottingham said, “That is it? No meat? No hot food?” He shook his head. “Fire is dangerous on a wooden ship, and you did not pay Guthrum.” He grinned. “A little tip before you eat the hardtack. Tap it on the deck. There are little weevils that live within it.”"

"He took his adze and began to smooth the two lengths. If he had not been an archer, then he could have been a carpenter. He knew how to work wood. “While I do this, take the cured skins from the hut. They will make the lining. I have some deer hide to bind it.” By the time I had found the seasoned skins, he had finished the wood. He placed the sword between them to make sure it fitted. He took his pot of glue and placed it by the fire. He used the hooves of any dead animals he found to make the glue. Taking his sharp knife, he cut the rabbit skins so that they were smaller than the sword. As soon as the glue bubbled, he coated the wood with it and then placed the skins on the wood. Putting them fur to fur, he laid them on the ground and put two logs onto the top. Over time, the rabbit’s fur would flatten. At first, the sword would be hard to draw."

"This afternoon we rain arrows on their walls and this night we turn them to fire. Our men at arms will storm the walls.” I glanced at Captain William who shrugged. Sir John saw my look and sighed. “Captain Gerald, we need to save our knights for the time we meet the Welsh in the field. It will be our knights who win this land back.” I knew he was wrong, but I could not argue with him, “You are right, my lord. Sorry!”"

"I was much younger than he was. The longer it went on, the more chance I had. More of my men could come to my aid. I saw his grin. He had seen me fight and thought he knew me. I had improved since we had last met. I had killed men with my sword and with my dagger. I was not afraid of him. I feared his skill, but that was different."

"He was a grizzled veteran. I might not have the skill. He suddenly launched himself at me. He used his dagger and sword so quickly that they were a blur. I simply reacted, unaware of taking a decision. My body took over, and I blocked sword and dagger with my own weapons. I felt blood trickling down my chin. He had slashed my cheek. I saw the look of joy on his face. I had not spoken yet, but I did then. “If you think a cut on the cheek means victory, then you should have given up war years ago!” He came at me again. I suddenly realised that I had a strength which he did not possess. When he launched himself at me, I spun around suddenly and brought my sword across the back of his mail hauberk. I had limited skill, but I had strength, and my blade tore through his mail, his gambeson and came away bloody. He cried out. It was not in pain but in anger. He whipped around and I lunged with my dagger. He was quicker than I was expecting. My dagger merely tore across the back of his right hand. Blood spurted. I was close to him, and I slipped my right leg behind his and pushed. He began to tumble backwards. As he sprawled I swung my sword. It sliced across his thigh, which had no mail to protect it. Blood gushed. I stepped forward and swung my dagger, almost blindly, up and under his arm. I saw the tip protrude from the top. He tore away and I lost my dagger. I used two hands, raised my sword and brought"

"They are all closely engaged but we have arrows enough. We can go amongst them. What say you?” I laughed, “I am game! Prince Edward’s archers, rally on me!” My men surrounded me. There were ten of them. We would bury our dead when all was over. “We have some sport this day! Let us go amongst the men on horses and see what mischief we can make. Take no risks, just Welsh lives!”"

"“What do you plan for your treasure, Captain?” I shrugged. “I need for nothing yet. However, I do not like carrying it around. When we return to Windsor or somewhere civilised, I will bury it. If our camp had been taken we would have lost it all.” I swallowed the ale. “There will come a time when I am no longer needed. It happened to my father. I would do as he did and buy some land. The difference is, I hope to have more coin and buy a better piece of earth.” “Men envy good land. You might have to fight to keep it.” “Then I will sire sons to help me.” “Sire sons! First, Captain, you must find a woman, and the last time I looked there were few on the battlefield.”"

"“Who was lost?” “Roger Peterson, Rafe Oak Arms and Peter of Wakefield.” I looked up. Peter had been one of Jack of Lincoln’s oldest companions. “I am sorry, Jack.” “Do not be, Captain. Since we joined you our life has had purpose. We are no longer just surviving day to day. We have lived. There is ale and there is food. There have been women and, occasionally, a comfortable bed. We would not have survived much longer in the forest. It was good that you found us. We will bury them.”"

"It was a lazy wind. It did not go around you, it went straight through you. Such a wind did not suit archers. It made hands numb, and archery was about touch and feel."

"He nodded. “I like not this way of war. I am a warrior and would prefer to make war on another warrior. These are poor people we fight.” “The lord we killed today was not poor, but you are right. It is winter and the people we sent north will suffer. We are just doing what our lord tells us. We have committed no sin.”"

"Sir John carried the prince’s standard but it remained furled. It would be unfurled when we fought, and so long as it flew, none would retreat. For many men, that unfurled standard would be like a death warrant. We were Prince Edward’s protectors. He might use us in battle, but ultimately, we were there to guard his person."

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the first of a series and is a wonderful account of battles with a featured archer, Gerald the Archer. The young man was thoroughly trained by his father, also a gifted archer, and this lays the foundation for him to become Captain of Archers under Prince Edward. Combat scenes are vividly portrayed and the life of those early soldiers is alive with detail.

Kindle Unlimited

[Barb Taub · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lord Edward’s Archer follows the life of a young archer in 13th century Britain. Although barely more than a boy, Gruffyd had the advantage of training from his father, a respected and prominent archer. This early training saves him when his father is killed, even as it impels him to commit an act which results in flight from home, friends, position, and even his name, which he changes to Gerald.

As a historical epic, Lord Edward’s Archer does a good job of showing both the intimate elements of a soldier’s life and a glimpse into the sweep of historical events that change the history of a nation. It’s a book filled with nonstop action, which Gerald survives due to his early training, growing expertise, and a frankly unbelievable amount of luck. I was particularly interested in the strategic military advantage of using archers like Gerald, an advantage which would later account for victory at the Battle of Agincourt.

Unfortunately, the historical detail and constant battles come at the expense of character development. Outside of the action scenes, I found characters undeveloped and dialog flat. Gerald’s ability to emerge virtually unscathed from the bloody encounters that claim almost everyone he encounters is essential for the plot but increasingly unconvincing.

What I realized is that Lord Edward’s Archer is basically a video game in which the main character takes down a succession of powerful and wily foes to advance to the next level. He’s an action-hero with no need for introspection, growth, or self-awareness, a medieval first-person shooter with a bow and uncanny luck.

If you like nonstop battle action in a believable medieval setting without all that pesky character development, plot, or dialog, then Lord Edward’s Archer is a good choice for you.

[Geoff Boxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

They say, "Never judge a book by its cover", and in this case it is very true. I bought the book after a Goodreads recommendation. I am a student of history and a re-enactor whose two persona are both archers (6thC and 14thC). The cover for the book , which is about an Anglo-Welsh archer in the 13thC has an archer with an Asian recurve bow - NOT the sort of bow a either Welshman or an Englishman would have used. So, knowing what I do, if I had seen this in a book shop I would have put it back in the rack. By doing so I would have missed an excellent read - this is a "one day" book due to the fact that it is not long and you can't put it down.
The story reads well, is descriptive and fits in lots of details about life in the period it covers. Full of action and drama it is written in the first person and you straight away identify with the main character and feel as if you are sitting in an early 14thC ale house and listening to an old man talking about his life and how he got the scars he bears.
Gruffyd, who becomes Gerald War Bow, is an archer of immense skill. Although what he does may sound impossible when it comes to range, accuracy and rate of shot it is not for the right person. Before he went and lived in Germany, I had a member of my Medieval Household (The Wulfings) who was that accurate and could shoot long range. I have a current member who has put 23 arrows up in a minute (my own best is but 16 and my normal is 12). So, mock not at Gerald.
For me, who also writes novels about archers, I loved that, again like me, this book is about people who are not nobles or royalty and covers fighting as it would be for the ordinary man.
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[Paul · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time reading Griff Hosker. His writing style is a little different -- lots of short sentences; took some getting used to.
But boy, did I enjoy the story!
The characters were well-developed and there was plenty of action to keep me engaged.
Starting the next in the series today.

[Premanand Velu · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting read

A straight narration. Leaves nothing for surprise. You can see a expected flow of study without any twists. After Initial twist rest everything is expected.

[Angie ☯ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Pending.....

[Terrie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline bringing history to life.

Griff Hosker brings to life an archer, not just any archer but an English longbow master, who identifies to us the men who won so many wars for their land and their king. He starts the life of this young archer at 17 where he is just beginning to learn the strength of his abilities through to becoming the Captain of Archers for Prince Edward of England. So we see the development of this young man as he hones his craft through the back draft of 13th century England and with that the story of how the English longbow was so vitally important in watercraft.

This is a very good read from a talented author. Well done!!

[Sammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think after more than 2 decades of devouring his books, Bernard Cornwell has ruined historical fiction for me.

This book wasn't bad. In fact, it was probably pretty good actually. But what it isn't is in the same league of Bernard Cornwell's Grail quest series. (and that's saying something, as that's probably my least favourite BC series!)

But I'm finally starting to understand what people mean when they say they find battle scenes boring. I always thought they were exciting. What I now realise is, they are exciting when written by the master.

But still, this book had its moments, and I may well continue the series at some point. I will also do my best to have more reasonable expectations.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read

Generally, I get confused when reading about wars. (Girls don't know nothing about big trucks or wars.) This read about Edward l (Longshanks), Henry lll and Gerald the Archer was so smooth. I actually understood what happened in battles! Gerald the Archer was fictitious, but there had to be someone l like him who was good at his job. Most of the book settled on the scrapes on the Marches between England and Wales during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. From what I understood, the Archers were the first into battle to take out dangerous warriors and stepped back when their job was done. Naturally they would fight hand to hand if their army was outnumbered. Is there a historical fiction book where the protagonist army was NOT outnumbered? Using the word 'army' might not be correct, but give me a pass on that. This review may prove that I still 'don't know nothing about war.'

Thank you, Mr. Hosker, for a good read.

[Brook Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's NOT to like? Knights, princes, outlaws, and one very clever archer.

Most depictions of the Middle Ages stem from the "big warrior's" point of view. Hosker's use of a humble archer is sheer genius. He has created a character who is witty, brave, creative, and has a natural mind for combat. Gerald Warbow comes from tragic beginnings, but because of a strict father who taught him how to survive, he is able to think through problems, form solutions, and live to tell about it. I'd rather have this guy rescue me than Prince Edward!

Hosker proves himself an able historian, an engaging story-teller, and a writer capable of developing realistic and likable characters that stride alongside historical ones to capture a reader's heart. Bravo for such a fun and adventurous yarn! I'm ready for more!

Brook Allen
Author of the Antonius Trilogy

[Thomas Willett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Really, really badly written. It felt like it was written by a 9th grader for a 4th grader. It was a continuous barrage of 5 and 6 word sentences. It never got into a pleasing flow or rhythm. The dialog was very stilted and cliched. I had high hopes because other reviews compared it favorably to Bernard Cornwell. This author's name should not be mentioned in the same paragraph as Cornwell, such is the disparity of talent between them.

[Steve Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting new story from a master storyteller

Once again Griff Hosker shows an aptitude by weaving an exciting new story and starting a new series. I couldn't put it down once I started. Now I want more!!!!

[John Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exhilarating tale across medieval England!

This was a straight forward tale of one man's rise from rags to (relative) riches in medieval England. The story was fast paced, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable.

[Susanne Berger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Great story! I couldn't put it down. The flow is fast but detailed and the characters are believable. You will get attached to War Bow!

[Geoff Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

Poor

Does the author ever write more than insultingly short sentences? This is almost primary school level writing, a complete waste of my time and money!

[Diane Shearer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical aspects of the story but not so much the story itself. It’s told in the first person which slows it down considerably. It feels like a fantasy novel rather than a historical novel, except the characters are oddly flat. This is no band of brothers, but rather an action packed account of various battles, and it is gruesome. Lots of horses are killed. Men will love this series. I find it hard to read. This is the only book in the series available on my library app so I will probably go reread Bernard Cornwell’s series set in this time period rather than go on with this author. It is a fascinating time in British history as the long bow changes combat forever, as the rifle did against muskets in the Napoleonic era. I recommend the audiobook because the accents helped me keep the characters straight.

[Richard Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

This book is about one archer’s life under Prince Edward of England during the civil wars between him and the baron knights who opposed the King and Prince Edward. There is lots of action and the reader learns how the archers were used in conflicts.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

Moves fast good story line and subject . Won u 's read again and more from this author. Off to find more

[Edward James · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable read, and a good story - although it took less than a day for me to read!

The book should have received a higher rating (the potential is there), however, the lack of character development, occasional mistakes (possibly down to the editing - forgets which character he is talking about at times, or the story line had small changes from the previous pages), and lack of real surprises let it down.

Overall if you like historical fiction books packed full of action then it’s worth a read.

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enjoyed Focus on Archers

The emphasis on the skills of the archer was quite interesting. However, I much prefer the Archer series by Bernard Cornwell.

[Frode · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book had lots of action, little character development, and much about the rugged life of archers, men at arms, knights, merchants, and poor folk, but all by example.

The plot is simple; a boy has to become a man and prove himself to the world. His father is killed for no good reason and Gruffyd decides to take revenge. It is a daring thing since the killer was the local knight in charge of a castle. Our hero manages to pull it off and becomes an outlaw but has it in mind to get to France and hire out as an archer. His dad was a notable archer and taught Gruffyd well. He has the skills and the strength, so off he goes. Gruffyd decides to change his name to Gerald Long Bow. He picks up a companion, an outlaw who opts to try his skills in France as well. They manage passage across the Channel, protect the merchant’s cargo from brigands, and go off to seek some English who might employ them as mercenaries.

Chancing upon a skirmish, they help the English side win, albeit at the cost of Gerald’s companion. By what is called a stroke of luck, he has saved Prince Edward from death in the skirmish. Thus, he becomes attached to Prince Edward, who makes Gerald his captain of archers. Gerald is his only archer, so he has to set about gathering a few more. There are some battles in Normandy, but soon they sail for England. Gerald tells his story to the prince of killing one of his knights, and the prince agrees to keep him and help him.

Once in England Prince Edward tells Gerald to get more archers. Gerald gets some outlaws from the forest near Nottingham, you know, the famed haunt of Robin Hood. They prove to be decent men. There are more battles where Gerald and his fellows prove their mettle. Civil war is brewing in England as the book closes. Other books in the series continue the story.

If you like medieval times, no magic, some treachery, and lots of action, this is a book to read.

[Dennis L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Best of an Exciting Genre!

The “English Archer” genre is well developed and an exciting historical period to read about. I previously enjoyed “Agincourt” by Bernard Cornwall, and the “Archer” series by the appropriately named author, Martin Archer. This novel is in the same vein, and very enjoyable.
This novel is populated by well rounded characters, who capture your imagination and greatly facilitate willing suspension of disbelief. You notice the skillful manner in which the characters remain true to their own nature.
Historically, there are no glaring anachronisms, the bane of the period novel. To my knowledge, the descriptions of archery are accurate, and consistent with other period novels.
What then lifts this novel above the others of the genre? I feel the main attraction is the period of history used as the setting of the adventure. I have read no others used the period before the ascension of Edward I to the throne of England. Most “archer” novels are set a century or so earlier, or out of the country on Crusade. I found the story of this civil war to be quite interesting.
The only contrary thing about this novel is that every time I read the name Edward Longshanks, I had to see the image of a young Patrick McGoohan before my mind’s eye. I enjoyed this novel and am about to begin the next one: “King in Waiting”. Don’t miss this one!

[Christopher Taylor · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tale of an archer in the mid 1200s England, who ends up being a man at arms for Edward Longshanks when he's crown prince. The story begins on his first outing as an archer as a teen, and he is young (of an indeterminate age) through the whole book. This first book covers the early days of a civil war between Henry II (and Longshanks) vs English Barons, primarily de Montfort.

The book is told more or less first person, in very short, clipped sentences. There's little art or description beyond functional basics, and the tone is almost like its being dictated in a police station. Like most books set in medieval times by modern people the extremely heavy religious sense of the times and culture is almost nonexistent, beyond a few mentions of monks and priests (almost always negative) and a single moment of prayer.

The combat scenes are vivid and distinct, although even 13th century armor was better against arrows than the writer implies, and at one point he even describes an arrow hitting so hard that chunks of the target's skull showers other soldiers behind him, which is not plausible or reasonable. Generally though the details are pretty good historically and the option of telling the tale of the beginnings of the legendary English archers in war is an interesting and compelling choice.

This isn't a bad book, but it needs more polish and the writer needs more experience.

[Nance Roepke · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book wasn't really to my taste. First, I don't like too much graphic detail. For example, it is one thing to say my sword cut into his skull but Hosker says my sword cut into his skull and I could see his brain. So I cringed. Another time Hosker said my dagger pinned his foot to the ground but he goes on to add and he tried to pull away from the pain and tore the dagger through his foot. If you like that kind of detail, this book could be for you.

Another reason that I didn't like the book all that much is that I don't typically like first person accounts. And in this case the protagonist thinks an awful lot of himself. He tells us how great he is and he tells others how great he is and then he says that he was uncomfortable with saying those things. Yuck. Very vainglorious superhero guy.

And finally it felt like a bunch of battle scenes strung together with little character development or personal life in between. The Archer talks a lot about himself but not about feelings or what he sees along the way or even that much about the people that he encounters.

This is my first book by Hosker and I am pretty sure it will be the last. But it may just be that it will be the beginning of a happy relationship between you and Hosker's books.

[David Mc · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel started with a bang, as Gruffyd, a young and unusually gifted archer, kills a powerful man who maliciously hung his aging father. Escaping with his life, Gruffyd briefly lives as an outlaw, while he attempts to escape the clutches of his pursuing enemies. Ultimately, Gruffyd ends up in the service of Lord Edward, who makes him captain of his archers. From there, it’s fascinating to see how this teenage boy quickly grows into manhood.

For anyone who enjoys Bernard Cornwell’s work or has an interest in longbows, this would definitely be a book to pick up. Regarding the deadly force of the longbow, as late as 1776, Benjamin Franklin proposed using them in the American Revolution, as an archer can shoot four arrows in the time it takes to load one musket ball. In any event, while I enjoyed this first book of the series concerning the life of a medieval archer, I would have to rank it at 4-stars, as well over half the novel seems to focus exclusively on battle after battle…rather than expanding the plot for character development or a broader storyline.

[Neil McGarva · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am enjoying this book and expect to enjoy the next book in the series but I will not rush out and buy further books. It is just a little too straightforward and simple to be truly memorable and enjoyable for my adult taste. That is the reason for only three stars. I am pretty sure that if I were twelve then I would be awarding it more stars.
What caught my eye about the text was its simplicity and the multiplicity of short sentences, mostly declarations of fact. I was curious so I selected some random text and plugged it into a multiple readability checker (https://readabilityformulas.com). I was surprised to find that the consensus was on average grade three (8-9 years) level.
This is the only thing detracting from my reading enjoyment, the text and the presentation of the content are too simple for me.
Considering the content I would definitely recommend these books for ages 12 and up.

[Vidar · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yawn

I found this book boring, in large part due to how poorly it’s written. I love this kind of historical fiction when it’s well researched, imagined, written, and edited. The central problem is with the syntax, but the frequent insertion of unnecessary short sentences stating what should be obvious is just annoying. If this is a first book, there is hope the author’s skill will improve as this story could be excellent if better written. The main error is the constant use of short, choppy sentences (and too often those unnecessary ones). Mixed syntax with medium length compound sentences predominating and some short and a few complex sentences mixes in holds a reader’s interest better than an entire book of short, choppy sentences (or only long complex ones). The mix is the magic that makes a story flow more organically. I hope this person continues to practice the craft because I think the potential to be a really good writer is there.

[Michael Bully · Rating 3 out of 5]

It is an enjoyable tale but not exceptional read. Set in the reign of Henry III, interested to see a fiction writer who is so unconvinced by Simon de Montfort and his supporters, compared with many historians who treat him as some champion of parliamentary democracy. This novel is firmly locked into a pro-royalist view. The standard themes of much Medieval 'battle fiction' emerge; breakdown of authority, the sudden reversals of fortune, the importance of Gascony/Aquitaine to England, a conscious attempt to avoid offering a romantic view of the time, particularly when looking at the lives of Archers. The writer is skilled and keeps the readers' interest. But something seemed missing .....there seemed a lack of tension and suspense. The lead character just seemed to get out of so many tricky situations, virtually unscathed.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first time willingly reading historical fiction. It took a few chapters to get used to the writing style. The sentences were very short and the flow was a little bit hard to follow at first. I went through different phases of liking and disliking the narrator. The way he talked about things and thought of things was very cut and dry and I had to remind myself that this is a 17 year old boy and that's why he is the way he is.
I agree with the other reviews that said this was a fast-paced read. Where I'm not a history buff or anything like that I maybe didn't follow as well as other readers, but I still enjoyed it and got into the action.
I'm committed now and have the next three books on queue to read. I'm curious to see how Gerald War Bow's thought patterns and behaviors change as he matures. If they don't, then I'll chalk it up to the author's style.