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Chivalry #5
Hawkwood's Sword
1368. War is coming between France and Spain, and England, and in Italy the Pope and the Visconti princes are battling for bloody supremacy. The worst years of Sir William Gold's life are about to begin...
Leaving the side of his commander, Sir John Hawkwood, William embarks on a journey to serve the Count of Savoy, finding fame and favour in his service. But when his wife and children are struck down by the plague, William uses the poisoning of the Duke of Clarence as an excuse to escape on a witch hunt across Southern France and embark on a pilgrimage that he'd always pledged to do with his wife, along the Camino de Santiago.
But men of war can't stay out of battle for long, and after his pilgrimage takes him home to England, it isn't long before Gold is drawn back into battle on behalf of the Duke of Lancaster.
Triumphant at the Battle of Limoges and in his quest to bring order to Lancaster's army, Gold yearns to return to Italy and to the service of his loyal Sir John Hawkwood. But it seems like wherever he goes Gold can't escape conflict - the game of the Italian Princes is changing, and Gold must finally decide who he stands for in the battle between the Pope and the Visconti...
Leaving the side of his commander, Sir John Hawkwood, William embarks on a journey to serve the Count of Savoy, finding fame and favour in his service. But when his wife and children are struck down by the plague, William uses the poisoning of the Duke of Clarence as an excuse to escape on a witch hunt across Southern France and embark on a pilgrimage that he'd always pledged to do with his wife, along the Camino de Santiago.
But men of war can't stay out of battle for long, and after his pilgrimage takes him home to England, it isn't long before Gold is drawn back into battle on behalf of the Duke of Lancaster.
Triumphant at the Battle of Limoges and in his quest to bring order to Lancaster's army, Gold yearns to return to Italy and to the service of his loyal Sir John Hawkwood. But it seems like wherever he goes Gold can't escape conflict - the game of the Italian Princes is changing, and Gold must finally decide who he stands for in the battle between the Pope and the Visconti...
464 pages, Hardcover
First published July 8, 2021
136 people are currently reading
418 people want to read
About the author
Christian Cameron
81 books1,099 followersAka Miles Cameron. Also publishes as Gordon Kent with his father Kenneth M. Cameron.
Christian Cameron was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962. He grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, Iowa City, Iowa,Christian Cameron and Rochester, New York, where he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and later graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in history.
After the longest undergraduate degree on record (1980-87), he joined the United States Navy, where he served as an intelligence officer and as a backseater in S-3 Vikings in the First Gulf War, in Somalia, and elsewhere. After a dozen years of service, he became a full time writer in 2000. He lives in Toronto (that’s Ontario, in Canada) with his wife Sarah and their daughter Beatrice, currently age four. And a half.
Christian Cameron was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962. He grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, Iowa City, Iowa,Christian Cameron and Rochester, New York, where he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and later graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in history.
After the longest undergraduate degree on record (1980-87), he joined the United States Navy, where he served as an intelligence officer and as a backseater in S-3 Vikings in the First Gulf War, in Somalia, and elsewhere. After a dozen years of service, he became a full time writer in 2000. He lives in Toronto (that’s Ontario, in Canada) with his wife Sarah and their daughter Beatrice, currently age four. And a half.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
December 7, 2024
This fabulous book is the 5th volume of this splendid chivalry series, featuring the not well-known but nevertheless a real historical Knight, who goes by the name Sir William Gold.
Storytelling is as ever very impressive, all characters, whether real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life in this great tale of chivalry and wars, and this story will keep you spellbound from start till finish.
The book starts and end in Calais in the year AD1381, and there in a tavern Sir William Gold is telling his tale about his life and his achievements as a Knight as well as sometimes as a reluctant politician, and he's accompanied by Geoffrey Chaucer, Master Froissart and several others.
This tale is divided into four parts, and it starts from the year AD1368 until late in AD1372, and it will take you from the lands of Savoy towards Spain, from Spain to England, from England to France, and from France to finally Italy.
In Savoy Sir William Gold is at first serving Count Amadeus of Savoy, but after some furious encounters with various enemies and the sudden of death of his wife, Emile, due to the plague, he will set for Spain to go on pilgrimage, as promised with his late wife, to try to make amends with his life.
Accompanied by friends from various corners, Sir William Gold will arrive at Santiago di Compostela to do penance for his sins, but all this time he's pursued and harassed by an old enemy, a mad man called Camus, until a final confrontation will settle the score, and after this encounter he will set sail to England, to visit his sister, later followed with a bloody war in France with the Black Prince, before finally arriving in Italy where a war is brewing between the Visconti's of the city-state of Milan and the forces of the Count of Savoy, and Sir William Gold will have to make a decision which side he's on, and whether he's to join Sir John Hawkwood.
What is to follow is a terrific action-packed chivalry tale, full with political intrigue and war, where loyalty go as long as there's money, where treachery is common, and where a hard every day reality of survival and death is commonplace, and in this lethal environment Sir William Gold must somehow seem to survive and try to continue to act as a true Knight.
Highly recommended, for this is chivalry at its very best, and that's why I like to call this tremendous book: "A Fantastic Chivalry Sword"!
Storytelling is as ever very impressive, all characters, whether real historical or wonderful fictional, come vividly to life in this great tale of chivalry and wars, and this story will keep you spellbound from start till finish.
The book starts and end in Calais in the year AD1381, and there in a tavern Sir William Gold is telling his tale about his life and his achievements as a Knight as well as sometimes as a reluctant politician, and he's accompanied by Geoffrey Chaucer, Master Froissart and several others.
This tale is divided into four parts, and it starts from the year AD1368 until late in AD1372, and it will take you from the lands of Savoy towards Spain, from Spain to England, from England to France, and from France to finally Italy.
In Savoy Sir William Gold is at first serving Count Amadeus of Savoy, but after some furious encounters with various enemies and the sudden of death of his wife, Emile, due to the plague, he will set for Spain to go on pilgrimage, as promised with his late wife, to try to make amends with his life.
Accompanied by friends from various corners, Sir William Gold will arrive at Santiago di Compostela to do penance for his sins, but all this time he's pursued and harassed by an old enemy, a mad man called Camus, until a final confrontation will settle the score, and after this encounter he will set sail to England, to visit his sister, later followed with a bloody war in France with the Black Prince, before finally arriving in Italy where a war is brewing between the Visconti's of the city-state of Milan and the forces of the Count of Savoy, and Sir William Gold will have to make a decision which side he's on, and whether he's to join Sir John Hawkwood.
What is to follow is a terrific action-packed chivalry tale, full with political intrigue and war, where loyalty go as long as there's money, where treachery is common, and where a hard every day reality of survival and death is commonplace, and in this lethal environment Sir William Gold must somehow seem to survive and try to continue to act as a true Knight.
Highly recommended, for this is chivalry at its very best, and that's why I like to call this tremendous book: "A Fantastic Chivalry Sword"!
July 13, 2021
I loved this so much. William Gold is one of my favourite characters and I adore this period of history. Written so well, as always, by the master of historical fiction!
July 30, 2021
Well-paced and engaging. This installment is more warfare-oriented than the previous one, and it’s even more enjoyable. Can’t get enough of William Gold’s life and exploits! I’m totally looking forward to Venice and Chioggia.
He didn’t smile at me – our friendship had, at some point, died. It seemed unfair to me, as he owed me his life several times over and several hundred ducats as well, but then I’ve noticed throughout my life that if the balance of a friendship tilts too far to one or the other, resentment forms.
He didn’t smile at me – our friendship had, at some point, died. It seemed unfair to me, as he owed me his life several times over and several hundred ducats as well, but then I’ve noticed throughout my life that if the balance of a friendship tilts too far to one or the other, resentment forms.
April 17, 2024
This one makes 4 out of 5 from Cameron's Chivalry series I have read and enjoyed. The warfare descriptions are so well done that I must call them entertaining. Who else can make swordplay and campaign planning and descriptions so mind bending, awesome and even inspiring? This one is a great book to try out even if you have not read any others in the series. The books not only have dynamic warfare descriptions but lively history in the making and believable characters.
On sale from Amazon at 99 cents!
On sale from Amazon at 99 cents!
August 19, 2021
This book is right there with the best books in this entire series - I loved that Cameron took the story in a very different direction in this one and spent time in other areas of medieval life and the medieval experience. These aspects highlighted the personal transformation going on with our main character William Gold as I was completely immersed me in the spiritual journey. My favorite part was definitely the Camino pilgrimage. It stands out as a seminal moment for this whole series, as Gold questions knighthood. He is older and wiser now, and has come to question the institution/profession that has meant so much to him over the years.
July 19, 2021
An excellent entry in the William Gold saga; the blurb spoils the first part somewhat, but there are still lots of interesting things going on that we find out on reading the novel; ending at a good point and next book in the series another asap
August 3, 2022
Yep. Still a favourite author. 5⭐️
July 28, 2021
When I shelved this under 14th century mafia, I didn’t realize how right I was.
This was a four star read for me. Cameron takes his time to build the story we’re reading, and somehow even the most seemingly unrelated plot threads connect to tell the much broader story of William Gold’s in a way that, at least to me, is extremely satisfying. All this is done with prose that made me weep and laugh within a few pages of each other.
I really enjoy how fully Cameron fleshes out the world of the late 1360s and early 1370s as we read this—and I do actually mean more than Western Europe here. Even though the vast majority of this story is in Western Europe, we still hear of happenings in Eastern Europe, Ethiopia, and of course mentions still of Alexandria, which still casts a long shadow over William and his experiences. This is a story that has always, despite being named Chivalry, focused on the things that truly have a deep effect on warfare like politics, economics, and religion, and it’s done in a way that’s incredibly interesting. I’m not a huge fan of battles, but Gold as a narrator explains the factors that go into the fight like position, resources, and training with clarity that never seems like too much to a layman nor too patronizing to someone who knows quite a bit about them—I imagine this is helped greatly by the occasional asides to the people he’s telling the story to as part of the framing device. Froissart’s career had him taking down as many tales of the hundred years’ war as he could for his Chronicle, and Chaucer is just…well he’s Chaucer and I love him for it. Then, there’s the religious aspects. I thought we’d reached the peak of reflecting on the nuances of the church after the death of [insert his name here because I forgot], but then Camino came.
I adored Camino.
To be fair, I was also researching medieval travel while reading this, but I don’t think that really influenced my impression of this section beyond my seeing something I’d read about in an academic text and going “oh! I know that!”. Camino was very much a story about William’s relationships with faith and chivalry, all whilst mourning a great loss and drawing nearer to the greatest confrontation between him and Camus yet. All of this is happening while William is knee deep in the medieval tourist industry and the hypocrisy of the church. And, of course, he has his dear friends Pierre Lapot and Sister Marie with him all the while.
Some quick spoiler free favorites:
- The knight who surrendered to a Dog
- Camus. Just…Camus
- Finally getting to see Mary (William’s sister) again, and how valued she is by her sisters.
- William Gold trying to be a good father
- John Hawkwood’s “grin” being more of a half-smile.
- An old, professional knight, literally forgetting the scabbard was still on the sword, followed by “fuck it, I’m not getting up.” 10/10 moment that made me cackle.
Now, into the spoiler section.
I came into this book expecting that the main story thread would be investigating the Duke of Clarence’s murder, and I wasn’t wrong about that. However, it took a long time to get to that point. The majority of Part 1 was spent wrapping up the conflict between the Prince of Achaea and The Green Count, until at the climax of that William is dragged away by much worse news:
I’m not going to lie, I had to put the book down for a few days after her death. It wasn’t just that she was genuinely one of my favorite characters, a combination of both the circumstances (in a filthy chapel in Savoy) and the timing (right after COVID restrictions started lifting, and we’re experiencing a new, more dangerous variant) blended together into a scene that struck truer to home than it would have a year sooner. Now, all the lines about the lemon tree said previously combined to make those more melancholic on reread and told us exactly *why* William remembers that tree so well, because that was the last thing he gave Emile. I was wrapped up in the same grief that William was to the point I’d forgotten about the death the whole dang plot was about, and that did a lot for explaining how long it took us to get back to investigating Lionel’s death.
Overall, this was far more a book about relationships than it was solving Lionel’s death, and Cameron does character relationships extremely well. William himself states that he’s at his best with his friends, and it shows. Between the conflicts with Fiore and being dragged back into feeling like himself again with Lapot and Marie, William went from rock bottom to the captain who’d eventually be known alongside John Hawkwood.
The biggest relationship spoiler is that Janet and William’s relationship, which had always been as friends, despite others assuming they’re involved in some way, progressed into a sexual one. Which, when I’d heard about them being lovers in the historical record from a friend who’s researching Hawkwood, I was kind of wary of. I said Cameron would have to work pretty hard to get me behind it, since I really love their friendship and didn’t want that to change.
Well, he did it.
He made me like Janet and William together.
It helps a lot that William Gold chugs his respect women juice more than he does fine wine.
Firstly, William isn’t attracted to her in the way that he’s attracted to most women, and that’s what helps make it work for me. He spends time admiring her muscles, her hands, the scar from a sword cut, all the ways that make Janet, Janet. And he goes at her pace, which isn’t surprising after they’ve been friends for so long. She starts their kissing session, and he respects that she wasn’t ready to go further, even though he was half-drunk and, in true himbo fashion, very confused about the whole thing. I’d just come onboard the ship and then Janet decided that she was being stupid, and that they were too good of friends to be lovers, which I admire, and I imagine that tension between them of fleeting kisses and quick retreats will be very important in the next book.
Some might complain about the meandering route the story takes, but I’ve always approached historical fiction as being a little meandering, because real life doesn’t always follow a linear march between goal to goal. Camino was William’s way of making up for his shortcomings to Emile and an end to the ongoing feud between Camus and William, with an ending that felt climactic especially for William breaking from the chivalrous path to rid the world of Camus’ filth. Then, England. I really appreciated the time with Mary, who’s grown to be an impressive person just like her brother. Especially when compared to Sister Marie, who claims in this book she’s been ruined as a nun, Mary seems like the type of person who Marie was before Peter Mortimer, and it makes me wonder if she will eventually trod the same path later in the books. England then led to the second campaign William’s been on in France, and it really shows how much William has changed. Alexandria has always been a looming shadow, and Limoges reiterated why rules of combat exist. Why orders and chivalry exist. Because when angry soldiers have the enemy in hand, blood will flow. Limoges was a flood of that.
I expect some might be sad at the loss of Camus as a villain in William’s life, but the entirety of this book and the previous one made it clear that William Gold has outgrown Camus. His world is much broader, and far more complex, and it makes Gian Galeazzo and the Viscontis--the original Italian mafia family, and I will take no arguments about that—a more fitting villain for William as well. I’ll borrow Cameron’s words to explain it: Here was a young man, one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the world, and he was already a monster. And he was pretending to be a knight.
With William having given his secret to Princess Isabella and John Hawkwood, this will bring yet more of the Visconti’s anger down on him, since he’s the smallest fry of the bunch, politically. I’m looking forward to the next book, which has Savoy, Gold, and Hawkwood all on the same side, and the Epilogue seems to be setting up the next book yet more: the great raid and the Chioggia War. I don’t study this period’s wars, so that sounds epic, but I have no point of reference there, but there’s one line from the Epilogue that really stood out to me.
“I liked the bit about you and your sister riding to Canterbury.” Chaucer said, and then the closing door cut off the sound.
I’m sorry, Cameron, are you saying that in the world of these books WILLIAM GOLD INSPIRED THE CANTERBURY TALES???
This was a four star read for me. Cameron takes his time to build the story we’re reading, and somehow even the most seemingly unrelated plot threads connect to tell the much broader story of William Gold’s in a way that, at least to me, is extremely satisfying. All this is done with prose that made me weep and laugh within a few pages of each other.
I really enjoy how fully Cameron fleshes out the world of the late 1360s and early 1370s as we read this—and I do actually mean more than Western Europe here. Even though the vast majority of this story is in Western Europe, we still hear of happenings in Eastern Europe, Ethiopia, and of course mentions still of Alexandria, which still casts a long shadow over William and his experiences. This is a story that has always, despite being named Chivalry, focused on the things that truly have a deep effect on warfare like politics, economics, and religion, and it’s done in a way that’s incredibly interesting. I’m not a huge fan of battles, but Gold as a narrator explains the factors that go into the fight like position, resources, and training with clarity that never seems like too much to a layman nor too patronizing to someone who knows quite a bit about them—I imagine this is helped greatly by the occasional asides to the people he’s telling the story to as part of the framing device. Froissart’s career had him taking down as many tales of the hundred years’ war as he could for his Chronicle, and Chaucer is just…well he’s Chaucer and I love him for it. Then, there’s the religious aspects. I thought we’d reached the peak of reflecting on the nuances of the church after the death of [insert his name here because I forgot], but then Camino came.
I adored Camino.
To be fair, I was also researching medieval travel while reading this, but I don’t think that really influenced my impression of this section beyond my seeing something I’d read about in an academic text and going “oh! I know that!”. Camino was very much a story about William’s relationships with faith and chivalry, all whilst mourning a great loss and drawing nearer to the greatest confrontation between him and Camus yet. All of this is happening while William is knee deep in the medieval tourist industry and the hypocrisy of the church. And, of course, he has his dear friends Pierre Lapot and Sister Marie with him all the while.
Some quick spoiler free favorites:
- The knight who surrendered to a Dog
- Camus. Just…Camus
- Finally getting to see Mary (William’s sister) again, and how valued she is by her sisters.
- William Gold trying to be a good father
- John Hawkwood’s “grin” being more of a half-smile.
- An old, professional knight, literally forgetting the scabbard was still on the sword, followed by “fuck it, I’m not getting up.” 10/10 moment that made me cackle.
Now, into the spoiler section.
I came into this book expecting that the main story thread would be investigating the Duke of Clarence’s murder, and I wasn’t wrong about that. However, it took a long time to get to that point. The majority of Part 1 was spent wrapping up the conflict between the Prince of Achaea and The Green Count, until at the climax of that William is dragged away by much worse news:
I’m not going to lie, I had to put the book down for a few days after her death. It wasn’t just that she was genuinely one of my favorite characters, a combination of both the circumstances (in a filthy chapel in Savoy) and the timing (right after COVID restrictions started lifting, and we’re experiencing a new, more dangerous variant) blended together into a scene that struck truer to home than it would have a year sooner. Now, all the lines about the lemon tree said previously combined to make those more melancholic on reread and told us exactly *why* William remembers that tree so well, because that was the last thing he gave Emile. I was wrapped up in the same grief that William was to the point I’d forgotten about the death the whole dang plot was about, and that did a lot for explaining how long it took us to get back to investigating Lionel’s death.
Overall, this was far more a book about relationships than it was solving Lionel’s death, and Cameron does character relationships extremely well. William himself states that he’s at his best with his friends, and it shows. Between the conflicts with Fiore and being dragged back into feeling like himself again with Lapot and Marie, William went from rock bottom to the captain who’d eventually be known alongside John Hawkwood.
The biggest relationship spoiler is that Janet and William’s relationship, which had always been as friends, despite others assuming they’re involved in some way, progressed into a sexual one. Which, when I’d heard about them being lovers in the historical record from a friend who’s researching Hawkwood, I was kind of wary of. I said Cameron would have to work pretty hard to get me behind it, since I really love their friendship and didn’t want that to change.
Well, he did it.
He made me like Janet and William together.
It helps a lot that William Gold chugs his respect women juice more than he does fine wine.
Firstly, William isn’t attracted to her in the way that he’s attracted to most women, and that’s what helps make it work for me. He spends time admiring her muscles, her hands, the scar from a sword cut, all the ways that make Janet, Janet. And he goes at her pace, which isn’t surprising after they’ve been friends for so long. She starts their kissing session, and he respects that she wasn’t ready to go further, even though he was half-drunk and, in true himbo fashion, very confused about the whole thing. I’d just come onboard the ship and then Janet decided that she was being stupid, and that they were too good of friends to be lovers, which I admire, and I imagine that tension between them of fleeting kisses and quick retreats will be very important in the next book.
Some might complain about the meandering route the story takes, but I’ve always approached historical fiction as being a little meandering, because real life doesn’t always follow a linear march between goal to goal. Camino was William’s way of making up for his shortcomings to Emile and an end to the ongoing feud between Camus and William, with an ending that felt climactic especially for William breaking from the chivalrous path to rid the world of Camus’ filth. Then, England. I really appreciated the time with Mary, who’s grown to be an impressive person just like her brother. Especially when compared to Sister Marie, who claims in this book she’s been ruined as a nun, Mary seems like the type of person who Marie was before Peter Mortimer, and it makes me wonder if she will eventually trod the same path later in the books. England then led to the second campaign William’s been on in France, and it really shows how much William has changed. Alexandria has always been a looming shadow, and Limoges reiterated why rules of combat exist. Why orders and chivalry exist. Because when angry soldiers have the enemy in hand, blood will flow. Limoges was a flood of that.
I expect some might be sad at the loss of Camus as a villain in William’s life, but the entirety of this book and the previous one made it clear that William Gold has outgrown Camus. His world is much broader, and far more complex, and it makes Gian Galeazzo and the Viscontis--the original Italian mafia family, and I will take no arguments about that—a more fitting villain for William as well. I’ll borrow Cameron’s words to explain it: Here was a young man, one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the world, and he was already a monster. And he was pretending to be a knight.
With William having given his secret to Princess Isabella and John Hawkwood, this will bring yet more of the Visconti’s anger down on him, since he’s the smallest fry of the bunch, politically. I’m looking forward to the next book, which has Savoy, Gold, and Hawkwood all on the same side, and the Epilogue seems to be setting up the next book yet more: the great raid and the Chioggia War. I don’t study this period’s wars, so that sounds epic, but I have no point of reference there, but there’s one line from the Epilogue that really stood out to me.
“I liked the bit about you and your sister riding to Canterbury.” Chaucer said, and then the closing door cut off the sound.
I’m sorry, Cameron, are you saying that in the world of these books WILLIAM GOLD INSPIRED THE CANTERBURY TALES???
July 9, 2021
I hate that i finished this book so fast, in 2 days, despite being also pretty busy with work and the toddler, but this book kept pulling me back and sucking me in, the pages the flew by so quickly. This does not in any way mean the book is light or the story shallow; in fact it is yet another masterwork of storytelling that is the norm of anything created by Christian Cameron. This is probably the first book this year that got me so engaged; I've been either rereading older novels or couldn't really get into any books or didn't find them so engaging. In a dismal year where I'm rather prone of being disconnected and lethargic, this is the first book that really got me excited while reading, and I'm extremely sorry i got through it so fast. This book was addictive from the first paragraph. I am definitely going to reread multiple times in the coming months, and i really can't wait for the next one. Looking forward to Tom Swan too.
August 14, 2021
Another great story by Sir William Gold
If you have been reading this series, your only disappointment with this book is that ends too soon. At this point in the series we know the characters, so unlike earlier books, this one does feel more familiar while at the same time delving more deeply into Sir William’s character. Mr. Cameron is as always excellent in both his pacing and descriptions. Because this book features Sir William’s camino, we get a different setting through Spain and a glimpse into the great medieval pilgrimages without our narrator getting preachy. Sir William’s return to England does seem slightly forced, but is a good way to revisit his sister and help set up the political maneuvering on the Continent. By the end we’re back in Italy and Mr. Cameron is providing such detail to the political moves and fights that one feels they were there participating. I hate waiting for the next book.
As a personal aside, I’ve found that playing the PC game Crusader Kings III as an English, French or Italian noble while reading these books helps with the geography and keeping tabs on the noble families and their political tactics.
If you have been reading this series, your only disappointment with this book is that ends too soon. At this point in the series we know the characters, so unlike earlier books, this one does feel more familiar while at the same time delving more deeply into Sir William’s character. Mr. Cameron is as always excellent in both his pacing and descriptions. Because this book features Sir William’s camino, we get a different setting through Spain and a glimpse into the great medieval pilgrimages without our narrator getting preachy. Sir William’s return to England does seem slightly forced, but is a good way to revisit his sister and help set up the political maneuvering on the Continent. By the end we’re back in Italy and Mr. Cameron is providing such detail to the political moves and fights that one feels they were there participating. I hate waiting for the next book.
As a personal aside, I’ve found that playing the PC game Crusader Kings III as an English, French or Italian noble while reading these books helps with the geography and keeping tabs on the noble families and their political tactics.
June 11, 2023
Intrigue, assassination, pilgrimage, and a cat-and-mouse chase that has the pursuer and pursued switching roles all take place in this volume of the chronicles of Sir William Gold. Add to this the requisite battles, melees, and travel across significant portions of Italy, France, and Spain and you have more than enough to keep you interested. I don’t think it can be said that any of the volumes that chronicle the life of Sir William Gold are in any way short on events, but this entry was particularly satisfying in the way that not only did a lot happen, but many broader story arcs from previous volumes came to a head, allowing a number of plot threads to be tied up. Cameron handles this kind of thing well: he neither rushes to the conclusion of the plots he introduces before they have time to develop in a satisfying way, nor spins things out interminably (with the prospect of no climax ever being reached). I’m a bit on the fence in regards to the culmination of the Bourc storyline, but I think for the most part that it ended up being both appropriate and satisfying. It at least wasn’t quite what I expected.
Sir William, and the majority of the secondary cast, remain intriguing characters and display multi-dimensional personalities that go beyond the stereotypes one might normally expect. I once again must applaud Cameron with the way in which he walks the tight rope of making Gold sympathetic to modern audiences without simply turning him into a modern hero in medieval drag. I agree with another review that I read that had a minor complaint regarding the sheer number of characters and inter-weaving plotlines that did sometimes lead to confusion, but overall perseverance paid off and things became clear.
A minor note: I imagine the inclusion of Sir Nigel Loring may have been nothing more than another historical figure of the era making an appearance on stage, but I couldn’t help but smile at it and assume that its real purpose was to be a nice easter-egg for Conan Doyle fans who’ve read his historical fiction set in the same era. All in all this was one of my favourite volumes in the Chivalry series, and that’s saying something. Looking forward to the next volume and sad that there are not likely to be many more (if any) to follow after that.
Sir William, and the majority of the secondary cast, remain intriguing characters and display multi-dimensional personalities that go beyond the stereotypes one might normally expect. I once again must applaud Cameron with the way in which he walks the tight rope of making Gold sympathetic to modern audiences without simply turning him into a modern hero in medieval drag. I agree with another review that I read that had a minor complaint regarding the sheer number of characters and inter-weaving plotlines that did sometimes lead to confusion, but overall perseverance paid off and things became clear.
A minor note: I imagine the inclusion of Sir Nigel Loring may have been nothing more than another historical figure of the era making an appearance on stage, but I couldn’t help but smile at it and assume that its real purpose was to be a nice easter-egg for Conan Doyle fans who’ve read his historical fiction set in the same era. All in all this was one of my favourite volumes in the Chivalry series, and that’s saying something. Looking forward to the next volume and sad that there are not likely to be many more (if any) to follow after that.
July 10, 2021
Compelling
A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read. There is the occasional section where the tale deteriorates into a travelogue of a hike through the hills into Spain but the whole piece is such a good story that a touch of patience is ultimately well rewarded.
A thoroughly engaging and enjoyable read. There is the occasional section where the tale deteriorates into a travelogue of a hike through the hills into Spain but the whole piece is such a good story that a touch of patience is ultimately well rewarded.
July 24, 2021
For me, reading Cameron’s historical fiction is something not to be rushed, I took a week. Take your time enjoy the pages and the story that unfolds. When I read Cameron's historical fiction, without really knowing it, I am getting an education on the 14th century and enjoying every page I turn in this excellent book 5 (of a planning 6). This is really three books or stories in the 455 pages. Its was also a book that made me think about life. The part that made me think was when Sir William after the death of loved ones from plague finds himself on the pilgrim route, the Camino de Santiago in Spain. The middle third of the book. The walk made him and his friends think (and fight), it changes them. Because of this excellent section, I have now basically decided to do part of the same Camino walk in our new post pandemic world. That being said, Cameron does an excellent job of bringing the battles, politics, loves, friendships and true mysteries (poisoning death of an English prince) in the 14th century to life in the continuation of his Chivalry series. We conclude some story lines but in the later parts old friendships (think Janet) are renewed as Cameron sets us up for the larger events of book 6. This book does cover four years in time and a lot of ground, so it is a journey. I can only hope as we look to book 6 there will be others as surely are still many stories to be told. Cameron is a master at bringing real people and events to life. In this series I would guess 96% of people, places and events are real, he just puts his spin on them giving them life for the reader to enjoy. You can see the impact of the authors own experiences from sword training to being a former US Navy Aviator in this series. Buy it an lose yourself in the 100 years war.
July 21, 2021
Christian Cameron was born to write historical fiction. In my amateur opinion, nobody does it better. Every book I read about William Gold I think to myself no way this can be more engaging than the previous installment, but it certainly is. The way the details in writing transport your mind to the 14th century is remarkable. He truly has an amazing gift and is without a doubt my favorite Author of all time.
February 15, 2022
Love everything about this book and the series in general. One of the best parts about this series is just the myriad of random people Gold comes across. The author develops them ever so slightly and involves them in the story with the possibility of reintroducing them later on. This provides Gold with a seemingly endless host of potential enemies and allies. I honestly don't know how he remembers them all.
Back to the book, it has the usual mix of court politics and military exploits but tends to skew more towards politics this time around. In addition, Gold is involved in a pilgrimage. This and other events reveal more of the religious aspect of his life with his entire faith being called into question. How does he balance doing bad things with being a good person? It has a profound affect on how he thinks of and treats his opponents.
I honestly wish this story would go on and on and could potentially do so. Gold is now involved in politics at the highest level across most of western Europe while his company and reputation grow with every book. Moreover, his fate isn't tied to a particular figure so he has leeway to seek employment and adventure with any character of the time. Looking forward to more tales of this glorious hedge knight.
Back to the book, it has the usual mix of court politics and military exploits but tends to skew more towards politics this time around. In addition, Gold is involved in a pilgrimage. This and other events reveal more of the religious aspect of his life with his entire faith being called into question. How does he balance doing bad things with being a good person? It has a profound affect on how he thinks of and treats his opponents.
I honestly wish this story would go on and on and could potentially do so. Gold is now involved in politics at the highest level across most of western Europe while his company and reputation grow with every book. Moreover, his fate isn't tied to a particular figure so he has leeway to seek employment and adventure with any character of the time. Looking forward to more tales of this glorious hedge knight.
August 11, 2021
This tale takes place in between the years 1368 to 1673. The world is broke from too much war, the new Pope is broke, the King of France is broke and the King of England is broke. But the Italian princes are not letting that stop them. Willian Gold, actual person whose real life jumps up in the historical record from time to time, allows Cameron to put his main protagonist in all the right places. Green Count, Gold's employer, seeks to improve his situation by Marrying off a relative. But the Father and the Brother of the bride don't like it but are not powerful enough to stop it. If you want to know what it was like to fight in Italy without an actual war, this book will give you that reading possibility. Sets up the next book nicely.
April 10, 2022
Not as good as the others. The setting changes too often and none of the locations get to breathe properly, not as easy to get immersed. Feels like Cameron has realized he has too much story left to tell and not enough books to do it.
July 26, 2021
excellent!! I pre-ordered it on audible and started it right away. I am awaiting a hardbacked copy to add to my collection. Read the chivalry series!! you won't be disappointed.
January 16, 2024
Not my favourite series by this author, whose other series I love, but still a good story.
July 11, 2021
Outstanding historical fiction! As good or better than Cornwell
Very surprised this series and Long War aren’t more popular. Outstanding read, main characters very well developed. As good as Cornwell’s Saxon Tales (better than the latest ones). Try the Tom Swan series for quicker reads (analogous to Cornwell’s Sharpe series)
I’ve read every single title from Cameron (and Cornwell), outstanding author of historical fiction!
Very surprised this series and Long War aren’t more popular. Outstanding read, main characters very well developed. As good as Cornwell’s Saxon Tales (better than the latest ones). Try the Tom Swan series for quicker reads (analogous to Cornwell’s Sharpe series)
I’ve read every single title from Cameron (and Cornwell), outstanding author of historical fiction!
July 16, 2021
Another brilliant entry into the Chivalry series, a story with deep emotion and character growth for William Gold and other well established people we've come to love and adore.
Christian once again brings to life the turbulence of 14th century Europe with its intrigue and conniving schemes of the leading figures of the time.
As always I highly recommend.
Christian once again brings to life the turbulence of 14th century Europe with its intrigue and conniving schemes of the leading figures of the time.
As always I highly recommend.
March 10, 2022
This is one of those where I'd give it a 3.5 if half-stars were allowed, but 3 will do. The politics of European city-states in those days were complicated, but the author does a good job of trying to keep it as simple as possible, despite the numerous factions and tangle of who is allied with who or with which city/family/Pope.
William continues to be an interesting character - backed up by a supporting cast who will be familiar if you've read the previous books in the series. Equally, the device of having him tell the story to friends years later robs it of any real tension, as we already know he survives - and the ending is somewhat anti-climactic, although it does hint that there's at least one more volume to come in the series.
But overall, it is an interesting (and probably educational) exploration of a complex time, the various episodes of conflict, with characters (both real and fictional) trying to navigate the messy situations in front of them, at the same time as questioning the purpose of it all. That psychological side is always something that Cameron does well, exploring the subject in a way that feels appropriate for the time-period of the novel, but also feels relatable to the modern reader so that we can sympathise with the character.
I was mildly disappointed that there were no historical notes at the end, but maybe the author is saving them for the last volume in the series.
William continues to be an interesting character - backed up by a supporting cast who will be familiar if you've read the previous books in the series. Equally, the device of having him tell the story to friends years later robs it of any real tension, as we already know he survives - and the ending is somewhat anti-climactic, although it does hint that there's at least one more volume to come in the series.
But overall, it is an interesting (and probably educational) exploration of a complex time, the various episodes of conflict, with characters (both real and fictional) trying to navigate the messy situations in front of them, at the same time as questioning the purpose of it all. That psychological side is always something that Cameron does well, exploring the subject in a way that feels appropriate for the time-period of the novel, but also feels relatable to the modern reader so that we can sympathise with the character.
I was mildly disappointed that there were no historical notes at the end, but maybe the author is saving them for the last volume in the series.
September 8, 2024
Another excellent entry. This time we follow William Gold as he travels and fights in Savoy, Spain, England, France, and finally Italy, all while navigating increasingly complex political intrigue and personal tragedy. It's as well-written and exciting as the rest of the series.
This series, and the William Gold character are at their best when he is surrounded by his friends, namely Fiore and Nerio. Sadly, those two are mostly absent from this entry and the "companion" role is filled by some less fleshed-out characters who aren't as fun. A minor gripe, and a personal nitpick, but I wish the gang was able to get back together for some adventure.
Something this series has really impressed upon me was international the time period was. Yes, there was an England, and a France, but the concept of a modern nation-state didn't really exist. We see in every army that men identify more with the city or region than with a larger state, for the most part anyway. Gold himself is English by birth, but has no land or obligation to England, instead holding land in Cyprus, Greece, and Savoy, and it's driven home time and again that he feels like a man with no real home.
There is currently one more published entry in the series, with one more planned, and I'm trying my best to find something similar in style. It's a credit to the author that I haven't really been successful yet.
This series, and the William Gold character are at their best when he is surrounded by his friends, namely Fiore and Nerio. Sadly, those two are mostly absent from this entry and the "companion" role is filled by some less fleshed-out characters who aren't as fun. A minor gripe, and a personal nitpick, but I wish the gang was able to get back together for some adventure.
Something this series has really impressed upon me was international the time period was. Yes, there was an England, and a France, but the concept of a modern nation-state didn't really exist. We see in every army that men identify more with the city or region than with a larger state, for the most part anyway. Gold himself is English by birth, but has no land or obligation to England, instead holding land in Cyprus, Greece, and Savoy, and it's driven home time and again that he feels like a man with no real home.
There is currently one more published entry in the series, with one more planned, and I'm trying my best to find something similar in style. It's a credit to the author that I haven't really been successful yet.
June 25, 2022
The adventures of William Gold continue in "Hawkwood's Sword," and if you've liked the first four books about a 14th century Englishman who has risen from cook's apprentice to near-noble status, you will like this one as well.
The only criticism I have is that the political maneuvering can be pretty opaque and it's hard to keep up with whether Milan is allied with the Pope or the Holy Roman Emperor or the French, or all or none of the above.
Gold himself continues his role as mercenary and courtier to the Count of Savoy, but there's also an unexpected interlude that sheds light on medieval pilgrimages, which were a huge part of European life at the time.
But those who began with "The Ill-Made Knight" know what to expect, and those who are encountering this series for the first time should absolutely start by reading the first book. It's hard enough to follow "Hawkwood's Sword," given the large cast of characters, even for those who've faithfully read the whole series.
The only criticism I have is that the political maneuvering can be pretty opaque and it's hard to keep up with whether Milan is allied with the Pope or the Holy Roman Emperor or the French, or all or none of the above.
Gold himself continues his role as mercenary and courtier to the Count of Savoy, but there's also an unexpected interlude that sheds light on medieval pilgrimages, which were a huge part of European life at the time.
But those who began with "The Ill-Made Knight" know what to expect, and those who are encountering this series for the first time should absolutely start by reading the first book. It's hard enough to follow "Hawkwood's Sword," given the large cast of characters, even for those who've faithfully read the whole series.
September 30, 2022
What a Wonderfully Realized Character, Time and World.
This series is some of the best historical fiction written. On par with Bernard Cornwall, the main character is so well realized and so sympathetic in his struggles, triumphs and losses that one wishes you could meet him.
Christian Cameron writes about the technical aspects of chivalrous warfare-most especially swords and warfare on horseback amongst other aspects of fighting at the time-with such authority and verve, that one learns as one is drawn into whatever battle or conflict is being written about.
In short, the author brings the period alive and real and believable as to bring you there. There are very few writers capable of this level of technique combined with the ability to create countless characters all of whom seem to be living and breathing in front of you. I hated for this tale to end. Wonderful series of books.
This series is some of the best historical fiction written. On par with Bernard Cornwall, the main character is so well realized and so sympathetic in his struggles, triumphs and losses that one wishes you could meet him.
Christian Cameron writes about the technical aspects of chivalrous warfare-most especially swords and warfare on horseback amongst other aspects of fighting at the time-with such authority and verve, that one learns as one is drawn into whatever battle or conflict is being written about.
In short, the author brings the period alive and real and believable as to bring you there. There are very few writers capable of this level of technique combined with the ability to create countless characters all of whom seem to be living and breathing in front of you. I hated for this tale to end. Wonderful series of books.
January 22, 2023
I am disappointed. No, not with the book - it was brilliant as I expected it to be. My disappointment is in the fact that the last book in the series, Captain of Venice, is not due out until August 2023 and I don't want to wait that long!
Hawkwood's Sword tells the tale of the worst years of Sir William Gold's life, where he loses everything he holds dear, well, almost everything.
War, plague, poisoning pilgrimage, and back to war and the complex and excruciating Italian politics. By the end of the tale Gold is getting back into harness and back with Sir John Hawkwood, albeit on the sly.
So, now I must chafe at the bit till the final time I can sit at the tavern table and listen to that old war horse, Sir William Gold talk about how he ended up as the rich and powerful Captain of Venice.
Anyone with an interest in the 14thC wars in Europe, or just enjoys high quality and well research historical fiction must, no MUST, buy and read the six part serial - it is that good.
Hawkwood's Sword tells the tale of the worst years of Sir William Gold's life, where he loses everything he holds dear, well, almost everything.
War, plague, poisoning pilgrimage, and back to war and the complex and excruciating Italian politics. By the end of the tale Gold is getting back into harness and back with Sir John Hawkwood, albeit on the sly.
So, now I must chafe at the bit till the final time I can sit at the tavern table and listen to that old war horse, Sir William Gold talk about how he ended up as the rich and powerful Captain of Venice.
Anyone with an interest in the 14thC wars in Europe, or just enjoys high quality and well research historical fiction must, no MUST, buy and read the six part serial - it is that good.
August 11, 2021
Another excellent extension of Sir William Gold‘s story
Cameron covers a lot of ground with this book and in his usual, excellent way! His obvious knowledge of the fighting techniques, history, and geography make this series unique in bringing the period to life.
I find both this series and the Tom Swan books fascinating! Although a fan of history and historical fiction, Italy has never been a place of particular interest. After reading this series, I want to go there and see the places and cities he depicts.
As Cameron weaves his characters into the history of these locations, he brings real personality to the characters. I am sad that I came to the end of the book, but glad to know that it is not the end of the story. Somehow, I thought that this would be the final book.
Cameron covers a lot of ground with this book and in his usual, excellent way! His obvious knowledge of the fighting techniques, history, and geography make this series unique in bringing the period to life.
I find both this series and the Tom Swan books fascinating! Although a fan of history and historical fiction, Italy has never been a place of particular interest. After reading this series, I want to go there and see the places and cities he depicts.
As Cameron weaves his characters into the history of these locations, he brings real personality to the characters. I am sad that I came to the end of the book, but glad to know that it is not the end of the story. Somehow, I thought that this would be the final book.
January 6, 2024
The series has been a entertaining and interesting reading. I am grateful there isn't too much description of warfare because I doesn't interest me the battles and mechanics of killing people. But the historical ground is very well described, and balanced. It is sad to reflect that European countries, and joined by their offspring (USA, Canada, etc) killed first among themselves, with two major wars. And, not content with that, around the globe. Everywhere there were massacres and exploitation. And today we are witnessing a major massacre of children and women in Gaza. That much for international law, exactly as the hero of the series: that much for chivalrous culture after the massacre in Alexandria.
July 14, 2021
I've really grown fond of Sir William Gold, as well as many of the characters surrounding him, both good and evil. This particular book sets off and continues at an amazing pace, often creating real tension and excitement in the pursuits and there are some very satisfying settling of scores. No spoilers here though! I'm already impatient for the next in the series. I also love the historical accuracy of the very complex Italy of the period and like the author's style of writing. So for me, a cracking good read and highly recommended for those who like historical novels.
August 23, 2021
Quite possibly my favourite of the William Gold series, thus far. The action is as fast faced, the characters are very rich and , as you would expect from Christian the attention to detail is nothing short of epic, but where this instalment really ticks the right boxes for me is in the very believable maturity displayed by the main character. He is neither a superhero nor an antihero, simply a flawed human being, as we all are, and therefore that much easier to relate to. Really highly recommended 🙌🏻
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