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Richard the Lionheart #1
Lion Heart
1179. Henry II's Norman conquerors have swept through England, Wales - and now Ireland.
Irish nobleman Ferdia has been imprisoned in Wales to ensure the good behaviour of his rebellious father.
But during a skirmish on a neighbouring castle, Ferdia saves the life of the man who would become one of the most legendary warriors to have ever lived: Richard Plantagenet. The Lionheart.
Taken as Richard's squire, Ferdia crosses the Narrow Sea to resist the rebellious nobles in Aquitaine, besieging castles and fighting bloody battles with brutal frequency.
But treachery and betrayal lurk around every corner. Infuriated by his younger brother Richard's growing reputation, Henry rebels. And Ferdia learns that the biggest threat to Richard's life may not be a foreign army - but Richard's own family . . .
Audio CD
First published May 24, 2020
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About the author
Ben Kane
49 books1,106 followersBen Kane is a bestselling Roman author and former veterinarian. He was born in Kenya and grew up in Ireland (where his parents are from). He has traveled widely and is a lifelong student of military history in general, and Roman history in particular. He lives in North Somerset, England, with his family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews
June 29, 2022
My 400th read logged on Goodreads!
In Lionheart we are thrust into 12th century Britain, following the bildungsroman of an Irish prisoner whose life somehow becomes intertwined with that of the famous, or infamous, Richard the Lionheart. This is a tale of political intrigue, war, loyalty and vengeance, filled with action and great characters.
With Lionheart being narrated on Audible by the fantastic Philip Stevens, and set in the 12th century, about Richard the Lionheart, can it get much better? It seems not. It has somehow taken me until now to dive into a book written by the acclaimed Ben Kane. It has been a long time coming.
Unsurprisingly, I loved this. A great story of political intrigue with a coming of age story and action as well, with an engaging and immersive perspective on events that changed the shape of England and formed many of the tales we hear today.
Ben Kane does a brilliant job with his characters, They have so many facets which Ben Kane explores fantastically. He does not shy from the brutality of the 12th century, and we do not have heroes and villains. Most are a mixture of the two.
My favourite two characters were Ferdia, otherwise known as Rufus, as he undergoes his ascension into adulthood in an alien world to him as he is taken as a prisoner to guarantee the loyalty of his family to the crown. He is a fantastic main figure and sole perspective. And then we have Richard the Lionheart, a man of many faults, and many virtues. Depicted as a charismatic leader who easily attained loyalty from his followers, but also a man who seeks war and bloodshed.
Ben Kane has a smooth and accessible prose that carries us easily through the story, with flourishes or description that add flair in just the right moments. It is stripped back, and very efficient, but by no means bare. Ben Kane crafts a vivid world through creating a great balance of furthering plot, characters and world building.
Lionheart is a great introduction to the historical fiction series following the life of Richard the Lionheart, with a compelling and epic story that explores some of the most major events of the 12th century. The first book I have read by Ben Kane, and a fantastic one at that.
5/5 STARS
In Lionheart we are thrust into 12th century Britain, following the bildungsroman of an Irish prisoner whose life somehow becomes intertwined with that of the famous, or infamous, Richard the Lionheart. This is a tale of political intrigue, war, loyalty and vengeance, filled with action and great characters.
With Lionheart being narrated on Audible by the fantastic Philip Stevens, and set in the 12th century, about Richard the Lionheart, can it get much better? It seems not. It has somehow taken me until now to dive into a book written by the acclaimed Ben Kane. It has been a long time coming.
Unsurprisingly, I loved this. A great story of political intrigue with a coming of age story and action as well, with an engaging and immersive perspective on events that changed the shape of England and formed many of the tales we hear today.
Ben Kane does a brilliant job with his characters, They have so many facets which Ben Kane explores fantastically. He does not shy from the brutality of the 12th century, and we do not have heroes and villains. Most are a mixture of the two.
My favourite two characters were Ferdia, otherwise known as Rufus, as he undergoes his ascension into adulthood in an alien world to him as he is taken as a prisoner to guarantee the loyalty of his family to the crown. He is a fantastic main figure and sole perspective. And then we have Richard the Lionheart, a man of many faults, and many virtues. Depicted as a charismatic leader who easily attained loyalty from his followers, but also a man who seeks war and bloodshed.
Ben Kane has a smooth and accessible prose that carries us easily through the story, with flourishes or description that add flair in just the right moments. It is stripped back, and very efficient, but by no means bare. Ben Kane crafts a vivid world through creating a great balance of furthering plot, characters and world building.
Lionheart is a great introduction to the historical fiction series following the life of Richard the Lionheart, with a compelling and epic story that explores some of the most major events of the 12th century. The first book I have read by Ben Kane, and a fantastic one at that.
5/5 STARS
August 31, 2020
This amazing novel is the beginning of the life story of Richard Lionheart, intertwined with the narrator's fictional life story, who's a former noble from Leinster, but now a retired Knight and called, Ferdia Ó Catháin aka Rufus, and he's telling his story 30 years after Richard's death.
At the beginning of the book you'll notice several well-drawn maps of the Angevin Empire & the Kingdom of France in the late 12th Century AD, as well as an important list of Characters with great historical and wonderful fictional figures.
Story-telling is as ever of a superb quality, all figures featuring in this wonderful historical novel come vividly to life, while the atmosphere of these brutal historical times comes splendidly off the pages.
The book starts with a fascinating prologue where Rufus/Ferdia Ó Catháin, now in his winter years, about the adventurous life of the great Richard, Coeur de Lion.
The book is divided into three parts, with part one beginning in AD 1179, the second will be from AD 1182-1183, while the third contains the period AD 1187-1189, and all this during the reign of his father, the Plantagenet King Henry II of the Angevin Empire.
What is to come is a fantastic and gripping historical adventure where we follow in a most spectacular fashion the paths and lives of the fictional narrator, Rufus, and of course the main historical figure of the book, Richard Lionheart, with life at court where family feuds are galore, and where matters such as warfare and death, lust for power and backstabbing, loyalty and treachery are commonplace and everything, and in this deadly environment our protagonists have to fight hard and brutal in their quest towards fame for the one, Rufus, and glory and Kingship for the other, Richard Lionheart.
Highly recommended and look very much forward to the next instalment, and what this volume is concerned, I like to describe it as: "A Superb Lionheart Start"!
At the beginning of the book you'll notice several well-drawn maps of the Angevin Empire & the Kingdom of France in the late 12th Century AD, as well as an important list of Characters with great historical and wonderful fictional figures.
Story-telling is as ever of a superb quality, all figures featuring in this wonderful historical novel come vividly to life, while the atmosphere of these brutal historical times comes splendidly off the pages.
The book starts with a fascinating prologue where Rufus/Ferdia Ó Catháin, now in his winter years, about the adventurous life of the great Richard, Coeur de Lion.
The book is divided into three parts, with part one beginning in AD 1179, the second will be from AD 1182-1183, while the third contains the period AD 1187-1189, and all this during the reign of his father, the Plantagenet King Henry II of the Angevin Empire.
What is to come is a fantastic and gripping historical adventure where we follow in a most spectacular fashion the paths and lives of the fictional narrator, Rufus, and of course the main historical figure of the book, Richard Lionheart, with life at court where family feuds are galore, and where matters such as warfare and death, lust for power and backstabbing, loyalty and treachery are commonplace and everything, and in this deadly environment our protagonists have to fight hard and brutal in their quest towards fame for the one, Rufus, and glory and Kingship for the other, Richard Lionheart.
Highly recommended and look very much forward to the next instalment, and what this volume is concerned, I like to describe it as: "A Superb Lionheart Start"!
December 26, 2021
7,5/10
Le tenía ganas a Kane fuera de su zona de confort, romanos sobre todo, y lo cierto es que el resultado final de este Lionheart me ha gustado. Es cierto que no es su mejor obra, pero he disfrutado bastante de esta lectura.
La acción nos sitúa en un periodo bastante convulso de la historia de Inglaterra. Enrique II tiene serios problemas con los rebeldes normandos que no terminan de aceptar su reinado, así como con el rey de Francia que quiere recuperar los territorios perdidos. Si además le añadimos las intrigas y rebeliones de los propios hijos del rey, pues como digo queda una época bastante crispada.
Y aquí es donde aparece Ferdia, el protagonista de la historia. Un joven irlandés hijo de un noble rebelde, cuya vida queda en prenda para evitar que sus familiares vuelvan a amotinarse. Tras muchas idas y venidas y todo tipo de problemas, Ferdia terminará formando parte del sequito de Ricardo, segundo hijo del rey Enrique y duque de Aquitania, el más valeroso y capaz de todos los hijos del rey de Inglaterra, que al igual que su padre tendrá que lidiar con toda clase de intrigas y traiciones, mientras se gana la lealtad de un Ferdia que estará dispuesto a acompañar a Ricardo hasta el fin del mundo.
En global es una lectura que me ha gustado bastante, pero sobre todo a partir de mitad de ella, puede que un poco antes, es cuando coge ritmo y toda la trama empieza a fluir de un modo natural y Kane puede hacer gala de su enérgico estilo narrativo y ofrecernos una trama trepidante, repleta de acción y que engancha bastante. El problema es que para llegar a ese punto hay que pasar por unas primeras páginas, no sabría decir cuantas, pero seguramente sea el primer tercio de la historia, en la que se nos introduce al protagonista, así como la historia en si, en la que todo sucede de forma demasiado lenta y se adolece de una falta de ritmo importante. Motivo que ha hecho que le bajara la nota con respecto a otras lectura de este autor, que he disfrutado un poco más.
Resumiendo, novela histórica con buenos mimbres, buenos personajes, una buena ambientación y en la que su autor a pesar del cambio de escenario luce de forma notable, y en la que solo un inicio algo lento, pero supongo que necesario, evita que sea una lectura más redonda. En cualquier caso seguiré con los siguientes libros sin dudarlo.
Le tenía ganas a Kane fuera de su zona de confort, romanos sobre todo, y lo cierto es que el resultado final de este Lionheart me ha gustado. Es cierto que no es su mejor obra, pero he disfrutado bastante de esta lectura.
La acción nos sitúa en un periodo bastante convulso de la historia de Inglaterra. Enrique II tiene serios problemas con los rebeldes normandos que no terminan de aceptar su reinado, así como con el rey de Francia que quiere recuperar los territorios perdidos. Si además le añadimos las intrigas y rebeliones de los propios hijos del rey, pues como digo queda una época bastante crispada.
Y aquí es donde aparece Ferdia, el protagonista de la historia. Un joven irlandés hijo de un noble rebelde, cuya vida queda en prenda para evitar que sus familiares vuelvan a amotinarse. Tras muchas idas y venidas y todo tipo de problemas, Ferdia terminará formando parte del sequito de Ricardo, segundo hijo del rey Enrique y duque de Aquitania, el más valeroso y capaz de todos los hijos del rey de Inglaterra, que al igual que su padre tendrá que lidiar con toda clase de intrigas y traiciones, mientras se gana la lealtad de un Ferdia que estará dispuesto a acompañar a Ricardo hasta el fin del mundo.
En global es una lectura que me ha gustado bastante, pero sobre todo a partir de mitad de ella, puede que un poco antes, es cuando coge ritmo y toda la trama empieza a fluir de un modo natural y Kane puede hacer gala de su enérgico estilo narrativo y ofrecernos una trama trepidante, repleta de acción y que engancha bastante. El problema es que para llegar a ese punto hay que pasar por unas primeras páginas, no sabría decir cuantas, pero seguramente sea el primer tercio de la historia, en la que se nos introduce al protagonista, así como la historia en si, en la que todo sucede de forma demasiado lenta y se adolece de una falta de ritmo importante. Motivo que ha hecho que le bajara la nota con respecto a otras lectura de este autor, que he disfrutado un poco más.
Resumiendo, novela histórica con buenos mimbres, buenos personajes, una buena ambientación y en la que su autor a pesar del cambio de escenario luce de forma notable, y en la que solo un inicio algo lento, pero supongo que necesario, evita que sea una lectura más redonda. En cualquier caso seguiré con los siguientes libros sin dudarlo.
May 11, 2020
Ben Kane turns his attention to a new period and it's one of my favourite periods of history - the Angevins and the late 12th century. Richard the Lionheart is such a charismatic figure -surrounded by so many others - and the author does him justice. Just the right amount of adventure and historical detail. There is a cliffhanger of sorts so I'm really looking forward to book 2! Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
November 10, 2023
"Lionheart" is the story of Ferdia O Cathain (Rufus), an Irish noble from north Leinster who will become a squire for Richard the Lionheart.
Rufus goes from being an ill-treated hostage to becoming a squire for Duke Richard. Through his eyes and adventures, we see the great warrior and knight that is Richard. It is also a great look into the turbulent internal politics of the family of Henry I. Interfamilal strife is the norm and Rufus often has a bird's eye view of the conflicts.
Rufus will also be there for many of Richard's campaigns and thus we will see how Richard conducts his wars. With many famous characters from Henry II, Richard I, John Lackland and William Marshall- this historical fiction is well done.
Readers will be fascinated by the self-inflicted conflict brought on by Henry II's desire to maintain control and power and the alienation caused among his sons. This would have been a 5 star book, save that it ends in 1189 with Henry II's death and Richard becoming King. The final decade of Richard's life from his time on the Crusade to his campaigns might be for a second book, but I don't see any information about one.
Still it was a fun read and I enjoyed the book even with it's rather abrupt ending.
Rufus goes from being an ill-treated hostage to becoming a squire for Duke Richard. Through his eyes and adventures, we see the great warrior and knight that is Richard. It is also a great look into the turbulent internal politics of the family of Henry I. Interfamilal strife is the norm and Rufus often has a bird's eye view of the conflicts.
Rufus will also be there for many of Richard's campaigns and thus we will see how Richard conducts his wars. With many famous characters from Henry II, Richard I, John Lackland and William Marshall- this historical fiction is well done.
Readers will be fascinated by the self-inflicted conflict brought on by Henry II's desire to maintain control and power and the alienation caused among his sons. This would have been a 5 star book, save that it ends in 1189 with Henry II's death and Richard becoming King. The final decade of Richard's life from his time on the Crusade to his campaigns might be for a second book, but I don't see any information about one.
Still it was a fun read and I enjoyed the book even with it's rather abrupt ending.
August 27, 2020
It’s not a terrible book, it’s just a bit pedestrian. There are some circumstances around our hero that seem overly contrived, especially how he comes to enter Richard’s service. There isn’t the depth to the lead character you would expect from a first person story and the narrative jerks a bit to accomodate certain historical events. There’s no real finesse to it and no poetry to the language. It’s not bad, it’s just a bit ..... meh...
Will I read the next one? Maybe.
Will I read the next one? Maybe.
July 6, 2021
this historical fiction novel did get bogged down halfway through but did like the struggles between brothers for control it could of been shorter though
September 7, 2020
6/10
A decent historical telling of Richard the Lionheart in his earlier years through the eyes of an Irish prisoner who becomes a loyal servant. It's a period of history that I don't have much knowledge about so it was interesting to pick up a few things along the way in what was a decent read without ever getting into the realms of exciting or unputdownable.
This is written well enough to make it a short read if not a bit pedestrian
at times. It feels like there is a lot of quick coincidence to make people be in the places they need to be as supposed to a natural undertaking making it feel less fluid than it could have. Some of the characters were quite generic and even the lead never truly leapt off the page making you route for him. Even a week after reading it I'm already finding it hard to really recall anyone of note.
That said, the pages did go by quick enough and I didn't mind reading it at the time if not really reflecting on it in a positive light now. I think I would probably pass on the future offerings though but would pick up some of the authors other work in classical times.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy
A decent historical telling of Richard the Lionheart in his earlier years through the eyes of an Irish prisoner who becomes a loyal servant. It's a period of history that I don't have much knowledge about so it was interesting to pick up a few things along the way in what was a decent read without ever getting into the realms of exciting or unputdownable.
This is written well enough to make it a short read if not a bit pedestrian
at times. It feels like there is a lot of quick coincidence to make people be in the places they need to be as supposed to a natural undertaking making it feel less fluid than it could have. Some of the characters were quite generic and even the lead never truly leapt off the page making you route for him. Even a week after reading it I'm already finding it hard to really recall anyone of note.
That said, the pages did go by quick enough and I didn't mind reading it at the time if not really reflecting on it in a positive light now. I think I would probably pass on the future offerings though but would pick up some of the authors other work in classical times.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a copy
January 28, 2021
DNF@54%
The plot is so contrived as to be distracting, unrealistic and annoying. Unfortunately this isn't the first time I've felt this way about Kane's writing. I did enjoy Eagles at War so maybe I'll go back to that series and hope for the best.
The plot is so contrived as to be distracting, unrealistic and annoying. Unfortunately this isn't the first time I've felt this way about Kane's writing. I did enjoy Eagles at War so maybe I'll go back to that series and hope for the best.
April 19, 2022
NOT Impressed!
May 30, 2022
Who was Richard The Lionheart! In this first book by Ben Kane we learn and discover the exploits and challenges of Richard as a long man trying to hold on to his kingdoms in France and always being ready to become King of England. This historical novel gives you a nice blend of story, action, and history. Richard isn't King yet, but he has a lot of fighting to do to keep what he has been given by his father, King Henry. With the death of his older brother, Henry, he is next in line for the throne, but ends of joining Philip of France in fighting his father while keeping an eye on his brother, John who wishes to be King as well. It all leads to going to the Crusades in Jerusalem and our narrator helps us see all the action, intrigue, and tricks needed to stay in line for the throne. Richard has survived these adventures and soon he will be off to the Holy Lands with his squire, Rufus who Richard made a knight. Rufus was a hostage brought from his homeland to live in France and after many, an adventure on his own become a squire for Richard. He will follow the new King anywhere in the world.
September 12, 2020
An interesting book with a lot of revealing facts about Richard. Not as good as Thomas B. Costain’s “The Plantagenets”. I found a lot of minutiae that really was unnecessary; on the other hand the politics of the time I found delightful. The writing is very good and the character of Rufus is quite good. A good read and plan to read the next book. 3+
December 28, 2023
I admire Kane’s works. This one, not so much. Not saying this was terrible. Far from it. Just didn’t have the grittiness and blood soaked pages I had expected. Also the politics and the machinations were a little much. Disappointment aside, I will definitely continue with the series as I am confident book two will be more to my liking. One book will not sour my admiration for this fantastic author.
2nd read (before Crusader and King). Um…was my perception compromised on that first read three years ago?? This novel is nothing short of fantastic. Really looking forward to Crusader.
(Minds are peculiar things!)
2nd read (before Crusader and King). Um…was my perception compromised on that first read three years ago?? This novel is nothing short of fantastic. Really looking forward to Crusader.
(Minds are peculiar things!)
June 9, 2020
Really fantastic book. I loved the medieval setting, and the authentic details. The characters felt very realistic and grounded in the world. The plot moved at a pace that felt like the passing of time and the relationships felt fully realized. This book didn’t have any real weaknesses to me.
September 1, 2021
Nice tale involving the pre-Crusades life of Richard the Lionheart. The story is told from the POV of his squire. It was nice to find out about this time in his life. I'm only familiar with his life from when he becomes king. Of course it's historical fiction so it's not all completely accurate and the author does take some liberty with the storytelling, but its to be expected.
If you're a fan of this time period and historical fiction, you will surely like this book. Can't wait to read the next one where he actually goes on Crusade.
If you're a fan of this time period and historical fiction, you will surely like this book. Can't wait to read the next one where he actually goes on Crusade.
July 26, 2022
4.5☆ because it didn't quite live up to the Sharon Kay Penman experience, lol!
But I'll be Damned, this was a fun read. I definitely can't wait for the next installment, Crusader.
I was kidding mostly about the SKP experience, because even though her books are longer which (for me) creates a more immersive experience, it was quite obvious that Ben Kane put a lot of time and effort with the historical accuracy in Lionheart. I love that! I never mind the fictional/fantasy aspect of a story based on history, but I love learning about real people and events.
Ben Kane did a wonderful job establishing our main character Rufus, an Irish hostage who eventually made his way into the service of Duke of Aquitaine (Richard). He was young and feisty, and he didn't take anyone's shit. Thus he made a handful of enemies, one of which seems to be the story's antagonist. Rufus has a loyal companion, a little Welsh boy who started as nothing but a street urchin. So I really enjoy seeing his arc as well, since it's simply right place/right time that he ended up as Rufus' man and in service of Richard.
But I'll be Damned, this was a fun read. I definitely can't wait for the next installment, Crusader.
I was kidding mostly about the SKP experience, because even though her books are longer which (for me) creates a more immersive experience, it was quite obvious that Ben Kane put a lot of time and effort with the historical accuracy in Lionheart. I love that! I never mind the fictional/fantasy aspect of a story based on history, but I love learning about real people and events.
Ben Kane did a wonderful job establishing our main character Rufus, an Irish hostage who eventually made his way into the service of Duke of Aquitaine (Richard). He was young and feisty, and he didn't take anyone's shit. Thus he made a handful of enemies, one of which seems to be the story's antagonist. Rufus has a loyal companion, a little Welsh boy who started as nothing but a street urchin. So I really enjoy seeing his arc as well, since it's simply right place/right time that he ended up as Rufus' man and in service of Richard.
April 3, 2022
Having read much about Henry & Alienor and their brood, this was a perspective I had not read before. Having read only a few of Ben Kane’s Roman novels, I have a new appreciation for his research, his character development and this well woven plot!
This was well done & much enjoyed! Waiting for CRUSADE in paperback!!
This was well done & much enjoyed! Waiting for CRUSADE in paperback!!
October 28, 2024
Great stuff, but just missing that little extra that would make it brilliant.
Interesting time period that I did not know too much about, so I'm pretty surprised at every big event. The story is great, the action is well-written, and the characters are fun but lack depth and don't feel really fleshed out. The connection with the main characters is therefore a bit missing.
Interesting time period that I did not know too much about, so I'm pretty surprised at every big event. The story is great, the action is well-written, and the characters are fun but lack depth and don't feel really fleshed out. The connection with the main characters is therefore a bit missing.
March 23, 2021
Lionheart is Ben Kane’s story about Richard I. It begins in 1179 as Henry II rages war against Ireland’s kings. Firstly, we are introduced to Ferdia, known as Rufus, a young Irish nobleman who is given as a hostage to secure the good behaviour of his family. Rufus is taken to Striguil Castle (now Chepstow). As the years' pass, Rufus becomes ever more distant from his homeland. Gradually he becomes tormented by his struggle against the cruel knight Robert FitzAldelm.
Rufus in a moment of pure serendipity and unbeknownst to himself, saves the life of the charismatic warrior Richard I. It is at this moment when Rufus’s life is changed forever. Rufus’s life is now dictated by new loyalties and new battles to fight. This is an uneasy time. As the King’s health declines, Richard, Geoffrey and John turn against one another in a scramble for power and land. Rufus has his part to play in a struggle that will divide the land and put a family at war with itself.
The beginning of a new trilogy, tells the story of Richard through the fictional character of Rufus, whose own story is every bit as action-packed and dangerous as Richard’s. ‘Lionheart’ is an historical adventure. It is an exciting one, as we follow Rufus through his early, horrendous months as a hostage. It is told in the first person and this places us in the heart of the action.
Richard contends with not only his brothers and their allies but also with the King of France. If there’s one person who attracts trouble even more than Rufus, it’s Richard, a man born to skirmish, besiege and battle. As we spend time with both Rufus and Richard, we get taken inside the castles, introduced to court politics, etc. We get demonstrations of the ideals of chivalry, exemplified by the greatest knight, William Marshall, who plays a prominent role.
The story is actioned packed and the pages just fly by. The characters are interesting as is Rufus’ struggle. New readers will love this book. For readers who have read plenty of historical fiction the downtrodden hero who battles against adversity has been done before, so it felt a little overused as a trope. That said, Kane writes engaging and powerful dialogue. The setting of 12thcentury is familiar in historical fiction, but admittedly, one of my favourite periods. The plot is good and you can’t always guess what is going to happen. There is a really good blend of the historical aspects interwoven with the fictionalised. The conflict, action, and battle sequences are really well done.
Overall, Lionheart is a very satisfying read, I loved spending time in this book. Only a few more weeks until book two – Crusader. Finally, If you enjoy reading historical fiction this is definitely worth reading.
Rufus in a moment of pure serendipity and unbeknownst to himself, saves the life of the charismatic warrior Richard I. It is at this moment when Rufus’s life is changed forever. Rufus’s life is now dictated by new loyalties and new battles to fight. This is an uneasy time. As the King’s health declines, Richard, Geoffrey and John turn against one another in a scramble for power and land. Rufus has his part to play in a struggle that will divide the land and put a family at war with itself.
The beginning of a new trilogy, tells the story of Richard through the fictional character of Rufus, whose own story is every bit as action-packed and dangerous as Richard’s. ‘Lionheart’ is an historical adventure. It is an exciting one, as we follow Rufus through his early, horrendous months as a hostage. It is told in the first person and this places us in the heart of the action.
Richard contends with not only his brothers and their allies but also with the King of France. If there’s one person who attracts trouble even more than Rufus, it’s Richard, a man born to skirmish, besiege and battle. As we spend time with both Rufus and Richard, we get taken inside the castles, introduced to court politics, etc. We get demonstrations of the ideals of chivalry, exemplified by the greatest knight, William Marshall, who plays a prominent role.
The story is actioned packed and the pages just fly by. The characters are interesting as is Rufus’ struggle. New readers will love this book. For readers who have read plenty of historical fiction the downtrodden hero who battles against adversity has been done before, so it felt a little overused as a trope. That said, Kane writes engaging and powerful dialogue. The setting of 12thcentury is familiar in historical fiction, but admittedly, one of my favourite periods. The plot is good and you can’t always guess what is going to happen. There is a really good blend of the historical aspects interwoven with the fictionalised. The conflict, action, and battle sequences are really well done.
Overall, Lionheart is a very satisfying read, I loved spending time in this book. Only a few more weeks until book two – Crusader. Finally, If you enjoy reading historical fiction this is definitely worth reading.
June 3, 2020
Ben Kane is the author of many novels set in ancient Rome, all of them excellent, he now turns his talents towards the early Middle Ages and Richard the Lionheart.
Many of us would struggle to actually detail much about Richard, we would know he had a brother John, we know he had repute as a warrior, we know him as a crusader and he is often associated with the fictional Robin Hood. That is probably it.
This, the first in a trilogy, gives much flesh to the headlines that we know about Richard. The novel gives us a view of Richard through a young Irishman named Rufus. Through the eyes of Rufus we see Duke Richard as one of four brothers in a highly dysfunctional family headed up by King Henry. Rufus becomes a squire and as such remains in Richard’s satellite to provide commentary on the complex times and Richard’s part in them. This first book covers the time up to the crowning of Richard as King. We see an astonishing amount of family in-fighting (literally) in those times of castle sieges and land grabbing (mainly in France which is where Richard preferred to be). Richard was a complex character, desperate for recognition from his father, quick to temper and then astonishingly forgiving. Rufus grows too during the book, I liked the fact his skills grow with him and we are not overnight presented with a highly skilled warrior and that at times he is very much out of the picture, along with his sidekick Rhys. Detail and research is up to the usual high standard we would expect of the author and the story slips in-between historical fact with the consummate ease we have also come to expect.
I came out of this with an odd feeling, there was so much here that I really should have known. The politics, the relationships and, given how The Lionheart is held up as such an iconic King, just how this Frenchman evolved into the man he became. Amazing that his statue stands outside out Parliament yet he wasn’t all that interested in England!
Anyway, enthralling history from one of the best.
Many of us would struggle to actually detail much about Richard, we would know he had a brother John, we know he had repute as a warrior, we know him as a crusader and he is often associated with the fictional Robin Hood. That is probably it.
This, the first in a trilogy, gives much flesh to the headlines that we know about Richard. The novel gives us a view of Richard through a young Irishman named Rufus. Through the eyes of Rufus we see Duke Richard as one of four brothers in a highly dysfunctional family headed up by King Henry. Rufus becomes a squire and as such remains in Richard’s satellite to provide commentary on the complex times and Richard’s part in them. This first book covers the time up to the crowning of Richard as King. We see an astonishing amount of family in-fighting (literally) in those times of castle sieges and land grabbing (mainly in France which is where Richard preferred to be). Richard was a complex character, desperate for recognition from his father, quick to temper and then astonishingly forgiving. Rufus grows too during the book, I liked the fact his skills grow with him and we are not overnight presented with a highly skilled warrior and that at times he is very much out of the picture, along with his sidekick Rhys. Detail and research is up to the usual high standard we would expect of the author and the story slips in-between historical fact with the consummate ease we have also come to expect.
I came out of this with an odd feeling, there was so much here that I really should have known. The politics, the relationships and, given how The Lionheart is held up as such an iconic King, just how this Frenchman evolved into the man he became. Amazing that his statue stands outside out Parliament yet he wasn’t all that interested in England!
Anyway, enthralling history from one of the best.
November 1, 2023
I am a bit disappointed in Lionheart. From the reviews I read, I was expecting top tier historical fiction, something along the lines of Robert Harris's Cicero trilogy. Instead, this book is just a little slow and does not compel the reader to be invested deeply in any of the characters. On the other hand, I do want to find out what happens to the real historical characters, so it's interesting enough to read the second book.
On the whole, Lionheart is not a bad read, but nor is it a great read.
On the whole, Lionheart is not a bad read, but nor is it a great read.
June 8, 2024
I really wanted to like this book, but it's the closest I've come to DNFing in a long time. To me, it reads like a historical fan fiction, and reading the notes at the end makes me fully believe that! I love the period, and it was very informative on the political side of things. It has definitely inspired me to look for more books on this period, but this one wasn't for me, unfortunately.
June 22, 2022
Cracker of a read from Ben Kane. I had only read his Roman stories before. Story of the Irishman ‘Rufus’ who is taken captive for the surety of his fathers good behaviour. He is knighted by Richard. The story is focussed on Richard’s actions in France but is leading to his Crusade.
Great characters nicely fleshed out. The tension between Rufus and the ‘nasty’ knight FitzAldem is well built on. I look forward to reading more exploits in this series.
Great characters nicely fleshed out. The tension between Rufus and the ‘nasty’ knight FitzAldem is well built on. I look forward to reading more exploits in this series.
October 5, 2020
An enjoyable & well-written account of the period leading up to Richard II becoming king; I’ve read historical fiction about the Lionheart before, but they always focused on his reign rather than this particular period - interesting nonetheless.
January 2, 2024
Books about Richard often don't show how or why he had to do so much in Aquitaine before becoming king, and this one did so and did it well. I was interested the whole time and will read more of the series.
May 25, 2020
Lionheart is the first book I’ve read by Ben Kane although I’m aware of his reputation as a bestselling and highly regarded author of historical fiction set in the Roman period. Series such as Spartacus, Hannibal and Eagles of Rome have earned him a devoted following and I can now appreciate why. In Lionheart, the first in a new series, the author turns his attention to 12th century England and France, and in particular to that famous historical figure, Richard the Lionheart.
The narrator of the story is Ferdia, the son of an Irish nobleman defeated by the English. During his time held as a hostage, Ferdia (or Rufus, as he is nicknamed for his red hair) encounters Richard, then Duke of Acquitaine. The manner of their meeting will change the course of both their lives. Rather against his will, Ferdia finds himself drawn to Richard because of the latter’s leadership qualities, military prowess and personal charisma. Whilst held hostage, Ferdia also makes himself a deadly enemy but, luckily, acquires a loyal supporter in the shape of Rhys, a young Welsh urchin.
Over the course of the next few years Ferdia comes to appreciate the camaraderie of his fellow squires and the bonds forged in battle. He also indulges in a young man’s interests: sparring, drinking and trying to attract the attention of young ladies.
As you might expect from a book set in an eventful period of history, Lionheart is full of vivid battle scenes and details of weaponry, armour and military tactics. In the background – an element I particularly enjoyed – is the picture of a family at war between themselves. King Henry’s sons – Henry (known as the Young King), Richard, Geoffrey and John – are distrustful of one another and constantly sparring for favour. As it transpires, some are prepared to go further than others to achieve their ambitions. Poor King Henry’s attempts to create peace between his sons usually come to naught, including during one especially uncomfortable Christmas at Caen.
Interspersed between Ferdia’s first person narration are occasional sections from the point of view of Sir William Marshal. A real life figure known as ‘the greatest knight in Christendom’ and attached to the household of first the Young King and then King Henry, these sections provide the reader with an up close and personal insight into the turbulent relationships within the Royal family. The book ends at a pivotal moment for the realm, for Richard and for Ferdia. God’s legs, as Richard would say, the author knows how to leave his readers with both a warm feeling and wanting more.
Full of adventure, action and intrigue, Lionheart is a thrilling read. I’m really looking forward to the next in the series, due in 2021, especially since the author promises us an appearance by Eleanor! Fans of classic films may want to get ready for the next instalment by watching Ivanhoe (1952) and/or The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).
The narrator of the story is Ferdia, the son of an Irish nobleman defeated by the English. During his time held as a hostage, Ferdia (or Rufus, as he is nicknamed for his red hair) encounters Richard, then Duke of Acquitaine. The manner of their meeting will change the course of both their lives. Rather against his will, Ferdia finds himself drawn to Richard because of the latter’s leadership qualities, military prowess and personal charisma. Whilst held hostage, Ferdia also makes himself a deadly enemy but, luckily, acquires a loyal supporter in the shape of Rhys, a young Welsh urchin.
Over the course of the next few years Ferdia comes to appreciate the camaraderie of his fellow squires and the bonds forged in battle. He also indulges in a young man’s interests: sparring, drinking and trying to attract the attention of young ladies.
As you might expect from a book set in an eventful period of history, Lionheart is full of vivid battle scenes and details of weaponry, armour and military tactics. In the background – an element I particularly enjoyed – is the picture of a family at war between themselves. King Henry’s sons – Henry (known as the Young King), Richard, Geoffrey and John – are distrustful of one another and constantly sparring for favour. As it transpires, some are prepared to go further than others to achieve their ambitions. Poor King Henry’s attempts to create peace between his sons usually come to naught, including during one especially uncomfortable Christmas at Caen.
Interspersed between Ferdia’s first person narration are occasional sections from the point of view of Sir William Marshal. A real life figure known as ‘the greatest knight in Christendom’ and attached to the household of first the Young King and then King Henry, these sections provide the reader with an up close and personal insight into the turbulent relationships within the Royal family. The book ends at a pivotal moment for the realm, for Richard and for Ferdia. God’s legs, as Richard would say, the author knows how to leave his readers with both a warm feeling and wanting more.
Full of adventure, action and intrigue, Lionheart is a thrilling read. I’m really looking forward to the next in the series, due in 2021, especially since the author promises us an appearance by Eleanor! Fans of classic films may want to get ready for the next instalment by watching Ivanhoe (1952) and/or The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).
October 11, 2021
What a damned good read! This was a hard book to put down all the way through and I finished it quickly. Ben Kane's writing is excellent and, critically for historical fiction, believable. Ferdia is a very interesting character, and his outsider perspective on medieval England is quite interesting. I greatly enjoyed hearing his tale.
Some readers may be bothered by some cliches and conveniences however. There is the almost irredeemable villain Fitzaldelm, who also has a brother who is at least as much of a cruel bastard. Fairly two dimensional for sure.
The manner with which Ferdia comes into the service of Richard is also very convenient. I am also not sure if the odds of an Irish prince-hostage becoming a English dukes squire are good at all. However, sometimes historical truth is stranger than fiction.
This is the first of Kane's books I've read and he has a new fan for sure. Im looking forward to reading the sequels to this book, as well as his other series. Highly recommended for historical fiction fans.
Some readers may be bothered by some cliches and conveniences however. There is the almost irredeemable villain Fitzaldelm, who also has a brother who is at least as much of a cruel bastard. Fairly two dimensional for sure.
The manner with which Ferdia comes into the service of Richard is also very convenient. I am also not sure if the odds of an Irish prince-hostage becoming a English dukes squire are good at all. However, sometimes historical truth is stranger than fiction.
This is the first of Kane's books I've read and he has a new fan for sure. Im looking forward to reading the sequels to this book, as well as his other series. Highly recommended for historical fiction fans.
April 14, 2022
I was intrigued to see that Ben Kane had written a non-Roman era novel and started on a new series during lockdown. What’s more is that it is medieval and none other than Richard ‘The Lionheart’ Plantagenet as the titular character.
It’s great to read one of his novels again and I forgot how page turning and engrossing they could be. I really like the main character Ferdia and the focus on knighthood and chivalry. There is a fantastic central theme of right and wrong and the grey area which make each of the characters that much more captivating.
There were so many battles and skirmishes but due to the majority being the latter, some of them are only ever briefly described and we never really got that ‘big’ battle which I know Kane is well-equipped in vividly portraying to the reader, but as an introduction novel to the series, I’ll only view this as a minor subjective peeve.
All in all, a solid 4/5 which sets up a riveting sequel where the crusades begin!
It’s great to read one of his novels again and I forgot how page turning and engrossing they could be. I really like the main character Ferdia and the focus on knighthood and chivalry. There is a fantastic central theme of right and wrong and the grey area which make each of the characters that much more captivating.
There were so many battles and skirmishes but due to the majority being the latter, some of them are only ever briefly described and we never really got that ‘big’ battle which I know Kane is well-equipped in vividly portraying to the reader, but as an introduction novel to the series, I’ll only view this as a minor subjective peeve.
All in all, a solid 4/5 which sets up a riveting sequel where the crusades begin!
February 12, 2023
3.5 stars
Really good first half but the 2nd half of the book is back and forth between Richard, king Henry and the King of France, quite annoying travelling around France getting nothing done. Bit pointless all that bit.
Really good first half but the 2nd half of the book is back and forth between Richard, king Henry and the King of France, quite annoying travelling around France getting nothing done. Bit pointless all that bit.
January 29, 2023
A real joy to read the first of a trilogy. Superb writing throughout.
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