A Knight and a Spy 1410

Medieval #1

by Simon Fairfax

Subterfuge or sword, which will save the kingdom? January, 1410 and King Henry IV is brought down with an unknown illness. Despite his 10 year reign the kingdom is far from secure: he is at odds with his son Prince Hal who vies for a new Council; Owen Glyndower threatens his Welsh border, whilst the Scots are ever in revolt seeking secret alliances with France. Burgundy and the French King Charles VI plan to take back Calais and re-ignite the 100 years war. England is torn with enemies on each side and within. The court is a swirl of rumours and treachery, with the powerful seeking the ultimate prize: the English crown. Power is controlled by unlikely forces, the most important of these men is Sir Richard Whittington, merchant, former Lord mayor of London, financier, adviser to the Crown and spy master for the King. Realising the peril of the kingdom, he needs someone who can move inconspicuously abroad and at home. Skilled yet unobtrusive. Jamie de Grispere: squire in training, son of a merchant, known to Whittington, is tasked to do his bidding and spy for the good of the crown. He holds the future of the realm in his hands. It is a perilous path, from the depths of France to Wales and the Scottish borders. Joining with two comrades he seeks to aid the crown and Sir Richard's plans for the safety of the realm. Treachery, the 100 years war, revolts, battles, the wool trade, piracy and pivotal events: all are brought alive in this story of the 15th Century England and the fight for the crown.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, British Literature

536 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2020

About the author

Simon Fairfax writes in three different genres: International financial thrillers, medieval fiction and Classic Westerns.
He is a former Chartered Surveyor, Editor of an online polo magazine (having played for a number of years) and practiced martial arts, fencing and shooting. He now restore old classic sports cars for fun.

As a lover of crime thrillers and espionage, Simon turned what is seen by others as a dull 9 – 5 job into something that is exciting, as close to real life as possible, with Rupert Brett, his unwilling hero.

The medieval series now has 6 books released in a 6 book series. The first A Knight and a Spy 1410 set in a tumultuous time at the English court. It tells the story of Jamie de Grispere squire in training and his two companions as they fight the French to save Calais, Welsh treason and Scottish revolts. The final book in the series, A Knight and a Spy 1415 is now available.
Details of all his books can be found at www.simonfairfax.com or email him at simonfairfaxauthor@gmail.com

Reviews

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Set in the turbulent times of 1410, when Henry IV is clinging to power, we meet first Christoforo Curio, an Italian assassin who stumbles into the employ of Thomas de Grispere, a Merchant trader of wool and cloth. De Grispere helps Christoforo escape France and brings him back to England with him. Here he meets Thomas's son, James, lately returned from training and battle against the Scots, and a friendship forms. James lands a position at court and there he meets Mark of Cornwall. He's a giant of a man who is at court to take part in wrestling tournaments to amuse the Prince, heir in waiting. The three become friends and join forces as James becomes a spy for the court. Their journeys take them first to France to thwart the attempts of the French in retaking Calais, then to Wales to infiltrate the court of Owen of Glyndower who has plans to attack the English and unsettle the throne.
There are battles aplenty with lots of excellent swordplay and fascinating killing skills but it's the friendship of James, Christo, and Mark that really made it for me. Brilliant characters who have left me wanting to know more about their adventures!

[Angie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, here’s a rarity: a thoroughly enjoyable, fast-paced, well-developed story with likeable characters, good historical accuracy and a very readable story. I finished it in four sittings, which for a book of not inconsiderable length, is testament in itself. The language takes a little getting used to as it’s a bit heavy on the Shakespearean idiom for a modern ear but it soon starts to fit and to become part of the nature of the characters. It’s been a while since I’ve found an ensemble of characters that I like, and believe in, so fully - the last was the work of the wonderful Rosie Lear which I heartily recommend - but I am definitely Amazon bound to get the next in this rather fine, promising series ordered.

[David Seacombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment I started reading this historical novel, I was swept along, becoming immersed in the story and looking forward to when I could next pick up the book.

This period of history is not well known to me, and it was interesting to be taken back to a world and events where a plausible story line and believable characters were woven into a scenario that might very well have existed.

I think it a credit to the author that, as I read the book, my imagination placed me at the side of the main characters, and I saw what they saw and felt what they felt.

It was a very enjoyable read. I’m hoping that there will be a 1411.

[Terry Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a long time since I read a well crafted book. The building of the central characters was simple and easy to follow. The build up stores were believable and true to the time. The story itself was rapidly paved that saw me reading several chapters in a sitting. I look forward to Fairfax's promise of 5 books.

[Sam · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to DNF this one 🫡 Things I did appreciate: the book had a lot of historical accuracy which I really appreciated, it was clearly well researched and cared about portraying the time period in a proper manner. It was also fast paced and didn’t drag at all, it had potentional to be a good book BUT

The writing just isn’t too good. There’s constant flaws I’m picking out like in the first chapter everyone is described as the futiagive or the captive or the man at arms, even when their names are learnt and it’s very confusing. Fairfax also has a habit of using phrases like “he shrugged, as if to say he was unbothered.” Like that was already implied by he shrugged, he didn’t need to say that. Things such as that continue, and I found myself really shrugging to get into it.

Personally i also found it hard to get into due to the distance third person writing style which did not engage with the characters much. But that is more of a personal taste.

From what I read, it has potential to be a really interesting story, but I just couldn’t get behind the writing style, it was just too distracting.

It feels bad to give this book a 1 star but on my ranking I have books better than this which I have given a 2 star. I didn’t dislike this book like I’ve disliked other 1 star books, but I just could barely get into it
(DNF on p.41)

[Susanna Duffy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A rollicking fast-paced read featuring a squire, a wrestler and an assassin embroiled in court intrigue, deadly duels and dastardly plots. A classic ripping yarn!

[Thomas Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Took to the book after the first chapter and I look forward hopefully to another episode in the trios journey.

[Ieuan Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheap and cheerful, but more enjoyable as you read on. Would have absolutely loved this book as a kid.

[debbie holland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read, great page turner too.

[Andrew Kramer · Rating 5 out of 5]

More than a trifling murder mystery or momentous battle, 1410 is a multi-layered historical fiction in the time near Henry IV's death. This book is the first in a series that will culminate in 1415 with Agincourt.

Jamie Grispere is a knight, who along with an ex-patriot Italian cutthroat and a Cornwall wrestler go out in various missions for their spymaster Sir Richard Whittington. Their exploits take the trio to a variety of places in Britain, with multiple plot themes running simultaneously.

A smashing good tale of politics, espionage, and military strategy during a seminal year in the end of the Hundred Year's War. You will not stop at 1410, I can guarantee that.

[Les Wilkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Truly Compelling Read

This historical novel is a must for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. The intrigue and adventures contained within deserve high praise indeed.

[Julie Doucet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed A Knight and a Spy 1410, the first book of this series by Simon Fairfax. The realism of his weaponry and techniques is simply amazing; I admire this level of dedication to his craft. I absolutely love the main characters, Jaimie, “Cristo”, and Mark, particularly their close bond to each other. I have already downloaded the other books in this series and look forward to more adventure!

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It felt well researched, but this didn’t intrude into the storytelling. I found the main characters engaging and the action exciting. I found young Jamie to be a thoroughly decent character and his visit to the gaol at the end of the novel enhanced my opinion. Every part of a knight.

[ELzabeth Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

What a great start to a new series. Brilliant characters, realistic parts of history. The backgrounds of Jamie, Mark and Christi make future adventures something to look forward!

[Dorothy Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

History coming to life

I really enjoyed the historical authenticity and accuracy of this tale. Wholesome entertainment for all history buffs.
Absorbing and difficult to put the book down.

[Shane Findlay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author’s name should on par with Cornwell, Kane, Scarrow, Cameron , etc… Highly recommended 4.5⭐️

[Scott Lumsden]

Great Historical Fiction, with a lot of real history mixed in!!

[James Gault · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mixed reaction

I am left in a quandary on finishing this book. The story is interesting, the writing excellent and the historical setting and action as realistic as one might hope for. The problem for me was its descent into "Boys' Own" story-telling: the too-perfect hero; the stellar rise of border squire to royal confidant; and some soppy romance thrown in. It lacked real-world credibility and makes me doubt my interest in following what seems likely to be a thoroughly predictable progression.

[A J Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed the way the author developed the characters from the beginning. Sometimes I am stranded mid book trying to fathom who someone is. Here the author has mastered this and developed a group of characters who hopefully I can join on adventures for years to come.

[David Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did not want this book to end

Honour and chivalry is a big miss if only people would get along.
I'm really looking forward to my next book
Thank you Simon Fairfax and your team.

[Ed White · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an ok read but not as strong in the history as I like

[kathleen r. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting and well researched tale

Enjoyable and interesting story. I have always had a fondness for material that deals with the ascent of Henry V, the years preceding the Battle Agincourt, notably1400-1416. History does not make that battle out to be romanticized at all but rather it is remarkable for the tremendous losses of the French and by contrast the very few fatalities suffered by the English.
I enjoyed this retelling of the events just preceding the engagement .
I admit I struggled quite a bit with some of the dialogue and many of the language references and read the book with a secondary window open to check some of the more confusing and archaic phrases. A few times I had to reference Wikipedia and Webster's dictionary for clarification and context.
As a series though I doubt I will read on only because I am more interested in reading action based works and less along the indulgence of historical research and documentation.
I think this particular book does a very good job of bringing this time period to life but for now I have had enough to satisfy but not overwhelm me with the same voice of ancient times. Maybe I will return for more but not without a considerable break and lots more less plodding material.
The story is well worth reading but for now I need a less intense experience to give myself a break.

[Amzon_Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Great ‘Story’, but has annoyances…

.. that may make it difficult for some to read.

The overall package is a decent ‘tale’ to escape from reality with.
My biggest difficulty was the language used, it gets in the way.
It’s a blend of seeking period authenticity & keeping it readable.
Some will find it a sticking point, I almost gave up half way through.
It’s a shame because the overall storytelling has great pace.
The other thing I found irksome, is how Celts were often spoken of.
It felt at times as though the author was a bit ‘too’ invested in it.
It’s fiction, yes, but remember you’ve Celt readers, so, a bit less.. hmm!
I’d like to think I’ll look at the later books, not immediately, though.

[Michael Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story of intrigue and friendship

The story starts by introducing the main character Jamie and the circumstances that bring him together with his new friends Mark and Christforo. The story spans England, France and Wales as Jamie develops into his role as spy in the serviceervice of Prince Henry. Well written and with a well paced narrative.

[Pat Cooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reasonable read

I found myself having to force myself to finish this book, good effort though it is. It became a little bit
tedious the further got into it somewhat predictable, almost like reading some sort of Marvel character comic - sorry but that is how I found it, deteriorating after a good start.
I wish you well with future efforts but I am unlikely to buy them.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, but not significant historical depth. Familiar cliches in combat and romances. Mirroring the setting of Netflix's "The King", there are inconsistencies. Probably worthwhile to see how the subsequent years evolve, and perhaps more compelling as the series reaches 1415.

[Michael G · Rating 5 out of 5]

A splendid beginning

This will appeal to anyone who enjoyed Cornwell’s Azincourt. Elegantly written with vivid characters, exciting action and convincing detail. I look forward to the rest of the series.

[paul webb · Rating 3 out of 5]

Medieval language

Good story spoilt by the use of too much medieval language. Cornwall doesn't and as such his novels flow better

[Sabrina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story - great cover!

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book is good, the editing is horrible.