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The Hundred Years' War #1
A Flight of Arrows
Two kings. Two nations. One crown.
1328. After years of civil unrest between England and France, Charles IV dies, leaving no apparent heir. His closest heir to the throne is Edward III of England, but it passes instead to Charles' cousin, Phillip, spurring both countries on to war.
1346. Landing at Normandy, Edward's immense army makes inroads into French territory, burning everything in their path. But the mysterious assassination of an English knight reveals a terrible there is a traitor in their midst. The king charges Simon Merrivale, the Prince of Wales’ herald, with solving the case.
As the army marches on towards its destiny, at the awesome scenes of the Battle of Crécy, Simon will uncover a conspiracy that goes to the heart of the warring nations. Among the ashes and the rubble, their fate will be on the battlefield... and in the shadows.
1328. After years of civil unrest between England and France, Charles IV dies, leaving no apparent heir. His closest heir to the throne is Edward III of England, but it passes instead to Charles' cousin, Phillip, spurring both countries on to war.
1346. Landing at Normandy, Edward's immense army makes inroads into French territory, burning everything in their path. But the mysterious assassination of an English knight reveals a terrible there is a traitor in their midst. The king charges Simon Merrivale, the Prince of Wales’ herald, with solving the case.
As the army marches on towards its destiny, at the awesome scenes of the Battle of Crécy, Simon will uncover a conspiracy that goes to the heart of the warring nations. Among the ashes and the rubble, their fate will be on the battlefield... and in the shadows.
469 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2021
101 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 23, 2021
I admit to reading this long book on a train commuting as well as whilst wrestling for a good viewing spot along the lakefront to watch The Blue Angels perform in the skies. Some day I will read again as it provided a lot to think about. This period of time is very interesting.
The main character Simon Merrivale, herald to the Prince of Wales, is portrayed convincingly as he is assigned the job of finding who was responsible for killing a newly knighted young man soon after the landing of 1346.
The first major clue that the young man was killed by one of his own was due to arrow used vs the typical French crossbow. The investigation is doubly difficult as the English raiders are setting fires and looting as they go. It was a very ugly scene.
A visit to a critical time in history, just 99 cents on Amazon.
The main character Simon Merrivale, herald to the Prince of Wales, is portrayed convincingly as he is assigned the job of finding who was responsible for killing a newly knighted young man soon after the landing of 1346.
The first major clue that the young man was killed by one of his own was due to arrow used vs the typical French crossbow. The investigation is doubly difficult as the English raiders are setting fires and looting as they go. It was a very ugly scene.
A visit to a critical time in history, just 99 cents on Amazon.
July 30, 2021
1346 After landing in Normandy, King Edward 111 and his army proceed into French lands. But with the murder of a knight, herald Simon Merrivale investigates as he believes there is a traitor in Edward's retinue.
An interesting and enjoyable well-written historical mystery
An interesting and enjoyable well-written historical mystery
May 25, 2021
Too many instances of modern language being used by 14th century characters. It took me right out of the story.
September 5, 2022
2.5 disappointing
January 24, 2022
Two Kings. Two Armies. One Crown = Two Writers
Another excellent choice from The History Quill Book Club in my December Subscription Box.
A historical adventure with everything one wants from a 'take yourself from every day stress' book. I loved Simon Merrivale, who as the Prince of Wales's Herald, seeks to find a murderer in an army geared for war. The story comes all wrapped up within a very convincing regicidal plot during the Hundred Years War in 1346 France.
The writers turned out to be a husband and wife team, brimming full of well paced ideas of what could have happened leading up to the Battle of Crecy. Their insight into medievil warfare and espionage is incredible, you feel like you are there - the smells, the sights and the sounds are well written.
I hope that the reviews & sales are good enough for Marilyn and Morgen to carry on Simon's tale, he's an absolute keeper in litarary heroes. I want to know what happens to him next, as there's more to tell !
Another excellent choice from The History Quill Book Club in my December Subscription Box.
A historical adventure with everything one wants from a 'take yourself from every day stress' book. I loved Simon Merrivale, who as the Prince of Wales's Herald, seeks to find a murderer in an army geared for war. The story comes all wrapped up within a very convincing regicidal plot during the Hundred Years War in 1346 France.
The writers turned out to be a husband and wife team, brimming full of well paced ideas of what could have happened leading up to the Battle of Crecy. Their insight into medievil warfare and espionage is incredible, you feel like you are there - the smells, the sights and the sounds are well written.
I hope that the reviews & sales are good enough for Marilyn and Morgen to carry on Simon's tale, he's an absolute keeper in litarary heroes. I want to know what happens to him next, as there's more to tell !
December 8, 2022
Neither gripping nor captivating
This book was a real disappointment and I struggled to get to the end, although it does improve considerably in the last section. I have read several other books on archers and on the battle of Crecy, but they were all much more exciting that this one. The story is slow and confusing, the herald seemingly focusing on non related issues which happened a long time before the story. There was a lot of potential in Merrivale, the herald, and his character could have been better developed, likewise his servants and of course the female interest Tiphaine de Tesson. Maybe this will happen in the subsequent books, but I am afraid I won't be be reading them. Give me Bernard Cornwell any day!
This book was a real disappointment and I struggled to get to the end, although it does improve considerably in the last section. I have read several other books on archers and on the battle of Crecy, but they were all much more exciting that this one. The story is slow and confusing, the herald seemingly focusing on non related issues which happened a long time before the story. There was a lot of potential in Merrivale, the herald, and his character could have been better developed, likewise his servants and of course the female interest Tiphaine de Tesson. Maybe this will happen in the subsequent books, but I am afraid I won't be be reading them. Give me Bernard Cornwell any day!
September 17, 2023
As an actual archer (in my case, Olympic Recurve style although I have also shot Longbow) who enjoys reading historical fiction, I thought this would be right up my street.
Especially when it was on Amazon as #1 in archery.
Unfortunately, I found it rather sluggish in parts, with it never really gripping my attention the same way as a historical novel by Bernard Cornwell or Simon Scarrow or Angus Donald does.
This is set during the early stages of the 100 Years War (which lasted for 116 years), and is really a detective/spy story (rather than concentrating on the lives of the archers) as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates the assassination of an English knight , leading up to and including the Battle of Crecy.
Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the history, and learning a bit more about the times and the background to the war; I just wish it had gripped me more somewhat.
Maybe the sequels will follow through on that ... ?
Especially when it was on Amazon as #1 in archery.
Unfortunately, I found it rather sluggish in parts, with it never really gripping my attention the same way as a historical novel by Bernard Cornwell or Simon Scarrow or Angus Donald does.
This is set during the early stages of the 100 Years War (which lasted for 116 years), and is really a detective/spy story (rather than concentrating on the lives of the archers) as the herald Simon Merrivale investigates the assassination of an English knight , leading up to and including the Battle of Crecy.
Don't get me wrong - I enjoyed the history, and learning a bit more about the times and the background to the war; I just wish it had gripped me more somewhat.
Maybe the sequels will follow through on that ... ?
April 30, 2023
Fascinating novel set around the Battle of Crécy, August 1348.
I knew very little of this slice of history, and Mr MacKenzie illuminated it and led me through it with skill. The turncoats, traitors and schemers pitted against one another within both the English and French armies, the noblemen and not-so-noble men, and women have been portrayed and woven into the story with consummate skill.
No spoilers here, but I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series once this one has settled a bit.
I knew very little of this slice of history, and Mr MacKenzie illuminated it and led me through it with skill. The turncoats, traitors and schemers pitted against one another within both the English and French armies, the noblemen and not-so-noble men, and women have been portrayed and woven into the story with consummate skill.
No spoilers here, but I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series once this one has settled a bit.
September 15, 2021
Fast moving history based fiction opens a fascinating series
The battles over Normandy flow according to history but with fascinating insight into what might have been the real thoughts, actions, and relationships of key characters from both England and France. Intrigue and power lace the pages as colorful and driven men and women seek their own destinies amidst duty and honor. Well worth the time.
The battles over Normandy flow according to history but with fascinating insight into what might have been the real thoughts, actions, and relationships of key characters from both England and France. Intrigue and power lace the pages as colorful and driven men and women seek their own destinies amidst duty and honor. Well worth the time.
December 31, 2021
Excellent
I have read q uiite a lot of medieval books, various authors but all with brilliant intrepid of the battle of Crecy. This book was different with a fascinating new character, the Herald, a Sherlock Holmes who doesn't give up. Brilliant. (Intrepid should be interpretation!)
I have read q uiite a lot of medieval books, various authors but all with brilliant intrepid of the battle of Crecy. This book was different with a fascinating new character, the Herald, a Sherlock Holmes who doesn't give up. Brilliant. (Intrepid should be interpretation!)
July 25, 2024
A great historic read, but not as good as Bernard Cornwell's medieval adventures. Worthy historic read though, and thoroughly entertaining, glad it was written as a trilogy, it gives you chapters to look forward to, and the characters develop as the story goes on. Well worth the reading time.
December 1, 2021
Great Read !
Beautifully written . Great story.
Well constructed characters and moves along at just the pace .
A really enjoyable read.
Beautifully written . Great story.
Well constructed characters and moves along at just the pace .
A really enjoyable read.
July 3, 2022
My kind of historical story telling.
The story led neatly up to the battle of Crecy, weaving a fascinating plot and counter plot. I just couldn't put it down!
The story led neatly up to the battle of Crecy, weaving a fascinating plot and counter plot. I just couldn't put it down!
March 17, 2023
Enjoyable
I enjoyed this but not sure I would go for this author again. It seemed a bit sluggish at points.
I enjoyed this but not sure I would go for this author again. It seemed a bit sluggish at points.
June 10, 2023
Didn’t finish it as I didn’t enjoy the style of writing
March 25, 2024
Fijne historische misdaadroman, die doet wat-ie moet doen - zorgen dat je het niet weg kunt leggen :)
December 12, 2024
Historical mystery/thriller with a convincing cast of characters.
March 11, 2021
A hugely absorbing mystery set in Normandy during the Hundred Years War, with intrigue and battles a plenty. The main character is a herald and I really enjoyed learning about this role in the English army - how it conferred a kind of diplomatic immunity as well as having a vital practical purpose in remembering everyone's aristocratic house and allegiances. A novel rich in detail and alive with colour, sound, smells. I felt transported.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews