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The Forest Knights #2
Morgarten
A small force of peasants from the forest regions surrounding Lake Lucerne, rise up against their Austrian overlords in the 14th century. Outnumbered seven-to-one by the battle-hardened Habsburg army, they have little hope.
A daring moonlight raid leaves the outlaw Noll Melchthal in possession of an Austrian fortress. In the north, an outraged Leopold of Habsburg assembles the ultimate punitive force: a great army, thousands strong, boasting the best knights and soldiers the Holy Roman Empire has to offer. Noll's rebel army of boys and old men, numbering less than a thousand, have few swords, and even less armour.
But he has two things that Leopold does not: a Priestess of the Weave, and a ferryman.
The forests can protect them no longer. It is time to make a stand.
A daring moonlight raid leaves the outlaw Noll Melchthal in possession of an Austrian fortress. In the north, an outraged Leopold of Habsburg assembles the ultimate punitive force: a great army, thousands strong, boasting the best knights and soldiers the Holy Roman Empire has to offer. Noll's rebel army of boys and old men, numbering less than a thousand, have few swords, and even less armour.
But he has two things that Leopold does not: a Priestess of the Weave, and a ferryman.
The forests can protect them no longer. It is time to make a stand.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 26, 2013
Having read both Altdorf and Morgarten, I concluded that fhe author is an excellent storyteller and his research exquisite. There is so much that could be said about these books, like details of the stories and characters, but I leave that to others. I loved reading the books
I appreciate historical novels featuring locales and eras about which little has been written. I could be wrong, but I am not aware of other novels which enlighten readers about Switzerland's struggles to keep it's independence, spotlighting Swiss mastery of guerilla warefare against Austrian oppressors. The fierce determination of the Swiss people was remarkable and it reminds me somewhat of my own contry's freedom fighters. Miraculously, the Swiss neutralized armies of the "Holy Roman Empire" and routed the invaders against unbelievable odds.
My grandmother was Austrian; she was such a sweet and gentle person that I overlooked Austria historic aggressiveness in its centuries old obsession with controlling an empire.
I will certainly read more books by JK Swift.
I appreciate historical novels featuring locales and eras about which little has been written. I could be wrong, but I am not aware of other novels which enlighten readers about Switzerland's struggles to keep it's independence, spotlighting Swiss mastery of guerilla warefare against Austrian oppressors. The fierce determination of the Swiss people was remarkable and it reminds me somewhat of my own contry's freedom fighters. Miraculously, the Swiss neutralized armies of the "Holy Roman Empire" and routed the invaders against unbelievable odds.
My grandmother was Austrian; she was such a sweet and gentle person that I overlooked Austria historic aggressiveness in its centuries old obsession with controlling an empire.
I will certainly read more books by JK Swift.
June 3, 2023
3.5 Stars - A Fitting Second Half
For the full review, check out: medium.com/@essentialreadingsandrevie...
What's the story about: Morgarten picks up directly after Altdorf in that everyone is recovering from the confrontations and battles that just took place. Now that the rebellion has gained a stronghold, it is up to the remaining members to build and train for the coming confrontation.
Morgarten is the exciting second half of the story that began with Altdorf. While it does a better job of actually showcasing events that have a purpose, it is still half a story. While it is short, it basically runs from beginning to end while also having some nice, if not a little underdeveloped, soft moments. I enjoyed this second book much more than the first and while I still felt like the focus was either on the wrong main character or he just wasn’t that good, the ending was satisfying enough to warrant the read. More than anything though, make sure to read The Forest Knights as one volume instead of each of these books individually.
For the full review, check out: medium.com/@essentialreadingsandrevie...
What's the story about: Morgarten picks up directly after Altdorf in that everyone is recovering from the confrontations and battles that just took place. Now that the rebellion has gained a stronghold, it is up to the remaining members to build and train for the coming confrontation.
Morgarten is the exciting second half of the story that began with Altdorf. While it does a better job of actually showcasing events that have a purpose, it is still half a story. While it is short, it basically runs from beginning to end while also having some nice, if not a little underdeveloped, soft moments. I enjoyed this second book much more than the first and while I still felt like the focus was either on the wrong main character or he just wasn’t that good, the ending was satisfying enough to warrant the read. More than anything though, make sure to read The Forest Knights as one volume instead of each of these books individually.
November 30, 2012
Yep, it was as good as the first book, Altdorf. Mysteries revealed, wars fought, good prevailed. I burned through this in two days, work days mind you. And for those co-workers who may read this review, I did not read all day at my desk. Only at lunch.
As a lover of historical fiction it was refreshing to read about another part of medieval Europe for a change. I hope there is more to this story but for now I will certainly pick up the authors other books as well.
As a lover of historical fiction it was refreshing to read about another part of medieval Europe for a change. I hope there is more to this story but for now I will certainly pick up the authors other books as well.
April 20, 2025
The history lovers will admire details about everyday life of Swiss people in the XIV century. Even more interesting was to read about how people of that epoch could organize themselves and could prepare for war. And I absolutely loved how the author explained the invention of halberds, the famous Swiss weapon that according to some historians, indeed was used for the first time against knights during the battle of Morgarten.
But personally, I am grateful I could read this book in March 2025. It was a moment when I almost lost hope that a terrible 3-year war in Ukraine could end up with a fair peace for Ukraine. But the story of Morgarten and its defenders inspired me. It tells us that we should always dare to resist those who want to smash our dignity and our freedom. And if we are smart, and courageous, and if we fight for the righteous cause, we have a chance to defeat an enormous, cruel enemy. In “Morgarten” the medieval Swiss Confederacy teaches this lesson to the Holy Roman Empire. This gives me hope.
But personally, I am grateful I could read this book in March 2025. It was a moment when I almost lost hope that a terrible 3-year war in Ukraine could end up with a fair peace for Ukraine. But the story of Morgarten and its defenders inspired me. It tells us that we should always dare to resist those who want to smash our dignity and our freedom. And if we are smart, and courageous, and if we fight for the righteous cause, we have a chance to defeat an enormous, cruel enemy. In “Morgarten” the medieval Swiss Confederacy teaches this lesson to the Holy Roman Empire. This gives me hope.
December 17, 2024
Well written and engrossing. It was a bit detaching at the beginning jumping around from POVs and not knowing which was important, but things straightened themselves out pretty quickly. Might have helped if I read the first book first. Regardless, I enjoyed the story and had a hard time putting it down. I especially appreciated it centering around such a little covered piece of history. The author did a great job transporting you to the time and place and developing interesting and unique characters. He nailed portaying the pomposity yet cunning of Leopold. I liked how the author never fully let on to how capable Thomas and Noll and his men were until the climax. I knew Thomas was a good fighter but I did not know people like Franco would find him formidable. It gives the reader hope at a crucial moment.
February 4, 2026
A great story based on some historical facts!
The author reveals a behind the scene look at the Hospital ers an army of crusaders made up of the lower classes in some cases orphans and in others given up by families who could not support them. Raised by monks and holy men these were soldiers of God and fought the infidels in Central Asia. Once released where would these trained soldiers go and what will they do? This story weaves those men into the story of the late years of the Holy Roman Empire and the beginning of independent states throughout Europe.
The author reveals a behind the scene look at the Hospital ers an army of crusaders made up of the lower classes in some cases orphans and in others given up by families who could not support them. Raised by monks and holy men these were soldiers of God and fought the infidels in Central Asia. Once released where would these trained soldiers go and what will they do? This story weaves those men into the story of the late years of the Holy Roman Empire and the beginning of independent states throughout Europe.
May 3, 2020
I read Altdorf first and just had to read Morgarten. Why? Most important for me were the engaging characters. I find when I "can't wait" to read more, the author has done a great job of making the characters "real" even when some are fictional. Swift has done his research and woven a plausible tale around the historical evidence. Powerful writing and a grand tale worth telling. I highly recommend the two volume set.
April 12, 2020
Parts of this book were 5 stars but it was a bit slow and depressing for a few chapters (maybe that was just me during Covid-19 shelter in place)?
I really loved the historical information at the end. Fascinating time period and location, and great fictional characters portrayed realistically (mostly). There is very little supernatural, I’d say this is more than 90% historical fiction.
I really loved the historical information at the end. Fascinating time period and location, and great fictional characters portrayed realistically (mostly). There is very little supernatural, I’d say this is more than 90% historical fiction.
August 23, 2017
It's a good read but the mystic stuff is a little over done. It kept my interest enough to read through quickly (most of my reading time is about 30 minutes before bed) which is why I gave it 4 stars but again the mystic Druid stuff bordered on a fantasy novel set in history.
November 18, 2017
Slow
Very slow to get going. I stopped and started several times before everything finally came together in the final third. Not as good as the first in the series, but hopefully the next one will be better. Well written and historically gripping.
Very slow to get going. I stopped and started several times before everything finally came together in the final third. Not as good as the first in the series, but hopefully the next one will be better. Well written and historically gripping.
November 12, 2020
This was life
It's 5 star through & through. Wonderfully written. Realistic characters. Extraordinary people that loved and lusted to hold on, to be true, to their land and heritage.
It's 5 star through & through. Wonderfully written. Realistic characters. Extraordinary people that loved and lusted to hold on, to be true, to their land and heritage.
February 2, 2025
Off the beaten path.
Thomas was truly a leader of men. All the characters played their parts well. The Ferryman reference explained was a nice touch. The ending was a very nice touch which let the imagination roam.
Thank you for the entertaining story.
Thomas was truly a leader of men. All the characters played their parts well. The Ferryman reference explained was a nice touch. The ending was a very nice touch which let the imagination roam.
Thank you for the entertaining story.
March 17, 2025
I wasn’t sure I would read the second book in this series that is loosely by the William Tell legend, but as you can see, I did. I did enjoy the story, a traditional good versus evil (sort of) kind of tale. I especially liked Seraina and would like to hear more from and about her in the future.
June 13, 2018
Very readable but doesn't break out of its genera
As stated, it is a very readable story with a good attempt at tying to history. There is just little to make it a true standout.
As stated, it is a very readable story with a good attempt at tying to history. There is just little to make it a true standout.
August 6, 2019
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"A worthwhile follow-up to Book One with lots of action, danger and personal conflicts. "
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"A worthwhile follow-up to Book One with lots of action, danger and personal conflicts. "
January 26, 2020
Nobody gets 5 stars but I enjoyed the period authenticity and character development. Fight scenes and surprises were great too
May 12, 2022
Unsure whether to read book 2 but liked how the story and tension built.
April 23, 2024
Good storyline
A bit slow to start but quickly evolves into a great story also based on history I couldn't put the book down well worth a read
A bit slow to start but quickly evolves into a great story also based on history I couldn't put the book down well worth a read
January 22, 2025
Excellant
Very easy read that you want to get back to ASAP. Great likable characters. Swift is quite the tale teller.
Very easy read that you want to get back to ASAP. Great likable characters. Swift is quite the tale teller.
March 2, 2025
Excellent
Love this two book series. I got it on a whim and fell in love with the characters and the story.
Love this two book series. I got it on a whim and fell in love with the characters and the story.
March 16, 2025
These 2 books were absolutely fantastic and some of the best Middle Ages novels I have read. Magnificent setting, great characters, turns and twists that I loved.
July 20, 2018
Having not enjoyed the first book did not read this.
March 4, 2017
Good read.
Good story line that moves along well. Author does a good job of keeping to facts of history. Plenty of excitement to keep you interested until the end.
Good story line that moves along well. Author does a good job of keeping to facts of history. Plenty of excitement to keep you interested until the end.
April 11, 2016
++Spoilers++
This is the conclusion of the first book, and you must read that first. This is not a stand alone
(See my review for Altdorf (book 1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
The writing is pretty good, but still lacked something emotionally. I believe it is his characters. They were well defined, but lacked depth. I also think this author tried to accomplish something epic in a mere 2 books. This could have been a superior work if he spent the time to add more details, especially with the characters, their past, their thoughts, feelings.. all of these were just glazed over. There was much left out as well. Like Catherine, Leopold's wife, and the Fool. Both interesting characters, and I thought they were to have more importance.. instead they just piddled out.
Here are some other issues and thought I have:
1. I did not like that Seriana and Thomas were not together in the end.
2. The author could benefit by reading some historcal romance novels to enhance his writing when it comes to love, and interaction between people. Unfortunately, the characters here were not as complex as they could be.
3. I was disappointed with the ending and felt like it was rushed. The last few chapters were no more than a summary of what happened to the antagonist and a short blip about how the politicfal atmosphere evolved after Leopold's defeat.
Although I enjoyed this series, I am not so sure I will continue to read more of this authors work.
This is the conclusion of the first book, and you must read that first. This is not a stand alone
(See my review for Altdorf (book 1) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...)
The writing is pretty good, but still lacked something emotionally. I believe it is his characters. They were well defined, but lacked depth. I also think this author tried to accomplish something epic in a mere 2 books. This could have been a superior work if he spent the time to add more details, especially with the characters, their past, their thoughts, feelings.. all of these were just glazed over. There was much left out as well. Like Catherine, Leopold's wife, and the Fool. Both interesting characters, and I thought they were to have more importance.. instead they just piddled out.
Here are some other issues and thought I have:
1. I did not like that Seriana and Thomas were not together in the end.
2. The author could benefit by reading some historcal romance novels to enhance his writing when it comes to love, and interaction between people. Unfortunately, the characters here were not as complex as they could be.
3. I was disappointed with the ending and felt like it was rushed. The last few chapters were no more than a summary of what happened to the antagonist and a short blip about how the politicfal atmosphere evolved after Leopold's defeat.
Although I enjoyed this series, I am not so sure I will continue to read more of this authors work.
November 30, 2012
Once again Swift has delivered a great reading experience. This sequel to ALTDORF (The Forest Knights} picks up where we left the main characters at the end of book one.
Set in medieval times with a great balance between fiction and historical fact, this book certainly doesn't disappoint when it comes to keeping the reader interested and involved in the story.
It was intrigueing to see the way the romantic triangle evolved, only to come to sudden halt, due to certain visions and misinterpreted dreams. Going by the ending it must mean there is a third part on the way, I can only hope so.
Kudos to the author for Pirmin's special ending or closure. It was sincere and warm without being overly dramatic.
As always the tale flowed smoothly with solid characters and realistic scenarios. The story links back once or twice to remind us exactly where and who the Swyzer children were and the adults they have become. Bonded by mutual pain, suffering and warfare. They still stand as one.
Set in medieval times with a great balance between fiction and historical fact, this book certainly doesn't disappoint when it comes to keeping the reader interested and involved in the story.
It was intrigueing to see the way the romantic triangle evolved, only to come to sudden halt, due to certain visions and misinterpreted dreams. Going by the ending it must mean there is a third part on the way, I can only hope so.
Kudos to the author for Pirmin's special ending or closure. It was sincere and warm without being overly dramatic.
As always the tale flowed smoothly with solid characters and realistic scenarios. The story links back once or twice to remind us exactly where and who the Swyzer children were and the adults they have become. Bonded by mutual pain, suffering and warfare. They still stand as one.
March 18, 2013
Outnumbered seven-to-one by Leopold's the battle-hardened Habsburg army and the elite horseback force(forgot the name) Our own battlehardend holy land warrior/sailor/healer is dressed for war, despite his initial opposition to the rebellion against Habsburg.
The romance, like the book before is very childish, but the scenarios of this godlike Tom, makes some serious inhuman odds.
The fighting despite inhumanly possible was fun, and the ending answers some questions regarding Tom, and also props up other questions to weather their will be a follow up book to the Forest Knights.
I enjoy the book overall even with the ill romance.
The romance, like the book before is very childish, but the scenarios of this godlike Tom, makes some serious inhuman odds.
The fighting despite inhumanly possible was fun, and the ending answers some questions regarding Tom, and also props up other questions to weather their will be a follow up book to the Forest Knights.
I enjoy the book overall even with the ill romance.
May 12, 2018
Ah, back to medieval Switzerland. Swift definitely does his research in regards to the history of Europe. The conflict of the time has been properly described and it's quite accurate in its application. The characters are very well defined and rounded. It was hard to form any attachments to them. They felt like they were kept at an arms length and I suppose it helps to keep the reader focused on the historical aspect. I felt the romance bits were lovely but they were enough. It's not a historical romance so I felt what he put in there was enough. A nice conclusion to this two-part series. I think as long as Swift keeps up with the same research, he can do some good series.
March 28, 2013
The second book in Swift's 'The Forest Knights' series. Following on from 'Altdorf', Swift engagingly tells the story of how the Swiss farmers and townsmen of Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden - without the help of Zurich, Basel and Lucerne - faced the military might of the House of Habsburg.
An entertaining, and educational, David versus Goliath tale, with a dash of ancient spirituality thrown in for added zest.
Really enjoyed it.
An entertaining, and educational, David versus Goliath tale, with a dash of ancient spirituality thrown in for added zest.
Really enjoyed it.
May 23, 2013
As with the first in this set, I would rate four and a half. I realize with historical fiction regarding a singular event, there is a limit to how far such a story may continue. Morgarten is a well written novel interweaving an excellent cast of very likeable...well some not so much... characters in and around the Battle of Morgarten. I found I would be happy to read more about them, even if only in a totally fictitious tale.
September 5, 2015
Excellent story I'm dying for more
I hold these two books of the forest knights up at the top of my list with the oathsworn, Robert low. And saxon tales bernard Cornwell. I love the backstory of the characters and the memorys of Thomas. I couldn't stop reading this . Can't wait for the prequels an hope for sequels. Although it is completely original and different I would compare it to braveheart if I was to put it in a category or robin hood.
I hold these two books of the forest knights up at the top of my list with the oathsworn, Robert low. And saxon tales bernard Cornwell. I love the backstory of the characters and the memorys of Thomas. I couldn't stop reading this . Can't wait for the prequels an hope for sequels. Although it is completely original and different I would compare it to braveheart if I was to put it in a category or robin hood.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews