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Lord Edward's Archer #4
Targets of Treachery
Captain Gerald has proven himself an unrivalled archer, but now he is married, he longs to enjoy life's simpler pursuits, raising a family and tending his land.
But life on the borderlands brings complications, and King Edward has different ideas for Gerald. Prince Llywelyn of Wales will not toe the line, and once more, Gerald is chosen as royal envoy. He must cross the treacherous Welsh Marches to make strategic allegiances and request Llywelyn bend the knee to the English crown.
When those allegiances fail to protect England from Welsh rebellion, King Edward abandons diplomacy and seizes Welsh land to erect and capture castles, imbuing the landscape with intimidation.
As Gerald assists in this military tug-of-war, his thoughts are back home with his family, where personal vendettas threaten his own fortifications. Can he help wrest power back into English hands before the Welsh mob descends on all he holds dear?
But life on the borderlands brings complications, and King Edward has different ideas for Gerald. Prince Llywelyn of Wales will not toe the line, and once more, Gerald is chosen as royal envoy. He must cross the treacherous Welsh Marches to make strategic allegiances and request Llywelyn bend the knee to the English crown.
When those allegiances fail to protect England from Welsh rebellion, King Edward abandons diplomacy and seizes Welsh land to erect and capture castles, imbuing the landscape with intimidation.
As Gerald assists in this military tug-of-war, his thoughts are back home with his family, where personal vendettas threaten his own fortifications. Can he help wrest power back into English hands before the Welsh mob descends on all he holds dear?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2021
211 people are currently reading
1053 people want to read
About the author
Griff Hosker
309 books429 followersI was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.
My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.
griff-signature-360x57
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
January 16, 2024
Trouble on the Welsh borderlands. War Bow (his nom de guerre) is still the King’s Archer, but he becomes a married man and a father. "“An archer wearing mail cannot use a bow.” “Blunt words, Stephen, but you are right. I am still an archer and can still draw a bow, but I am no longer a young man and whilst I am in my prime, I know that the day will dawn when I shall no longer be Lord Edward’s archer but King Edward’s gentleman at arms. I will be ready for that day!”"
This is a historical novel that follows fairly rigorously the events that led from the rule of King Henry III to his son, Edward. If you are interested in the arc of Gerald War Bow’s life, then begin at the beginning. Lord Edward’s Archer. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hosker is a stickler for authenticity and we benefit from his meticulous knowledge and skill at weaving details of battle and everyday life together.
"Stephen de Frankton said, “There is another way, Captain. We could send a few men out tonight and kill their sentries.”
I shook my head. “That had occurred to me, but we do not have enough numbers to guarantee success and I cannot afford to lose a single archer or man at arms. Peter, have all the spare weapons from the armoury spread out along the walls.”
“Aye, Captain!”"
We are witnesses to King Edward’s strategy and the way War Bow grows as he matures and sees more of the way in which England is governed. Yes, I find it hard to resist moving to the next volume in this series. Hosker’s writing is both captivating and illuminating as he touches all the bases from the techniques of battle to how to manage a small holding in peace time.
This is a historical novel that follows fairly rigorously the events that led from the rule of King Henry III to his son, Edward. If you are interested in the arc of Gerald War Bow’s life, then begin at the beginning. Lord Edward’s Archer. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hosker is a stickler for authenticity and we benefit from his meticulous knowledge and skill at weaving details of battle and everyday life together.
"Stephen de Frankton said, “There is another way, Captain. We could send a few men out tonight and kill their sentries.”
I shook my head. “That had occurred to me, but we do not have enough numbers to guarantee success and I cannot afford to lose a single archer or man at arms. Peter, have all the spare weapons from the armoury spread out along the walls.”
“Aye, Captain!”"
We are witnesses to King Edward’s strategy and the way War Bow grows as he matures and sees more of the way in which England is governed. Yes, I find it hard to resist moving to the next volume in this series. Hosker’s writing is both captivating and illuminating as he touches all the bases from the techniques of battle to how to manage a small holding in peace time.
May 6, 2022
Bang up job!!!!
Damn that was so flippen good. The best I've read when the point of view is from the main character Warbow. The writer brings every detail right out of the pages so you see it in real life.
This is one of my favorite series to read. Thank you Sir. Griff.
Damn that was so flippen good. The best I've read when the point of view is from the main character Warbow. The writer brings every detail right out of the pages so you see it in real life.
This is one of my favorite series to read. Thank you Sir. Griff.
September 3, 2021
What a great book this is, the fourth in the Lord Edward's Archer series. The description of battles contain such immediacy it is like being eyewitness to these ancient skirmishes.
I don't wish to spoil the book for others with major events covered in the pages. Read this one if you have interest in King Edward and/or Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffydd or Sir Roger Mortimer.
Very Good Read!
Kindle Unlimited
I don't wish to spoil the book for others with major events covered in the pages. Read this one if you have interest in King Edward and/or Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffydd or Sir Roger Mortimer.
Very Good Read!
Kindle Unlimited
September 20, 2021
The fourth in the Lord Edward's Archer series it is possibly the best written, and certainly the best edited as this time there was not the plethora of typos found in the earlier ones.
The story is about the Welsh March and the problems with the Welsh Princes and their politics. In addition there are the Welsh border raiders and the devastation they caused.
Griff Hosker has a humane hero, but one who is prepared to wreck vengeance on his and King Edward's foes. There is lots of action that is well thought out, clearly described yet not excessive in its description of violence.
By book's end the Welsh are subdued, but I know from history they still harbour a spark of defiance to English ambitions that will flair up - I wonder where Captain Gerald Warbow will be when they do? I look forward to the next book that features him.
If, like me, you re-enact and use a long or war bow, just ignore the inaccuracies on the cover: the story is good and well researched.
The story is about the Welsh March and the problems with the Welsh Princes and their politics. In addition there are the Welsh border raiders and the devastation they caused.
Griff Hosker has a humane hero, but one who is prepared to wreck vengeance on his and King Edward's foes. There is lots of action that is well thought out, clearly described yet not excessive in its description of violence.
By book's end the Welsh are subdued, but I know from history they still harbour a spark of defiance to English ambitions that will flair up - I wonder where Captain Gerald Warbow will be when they do? I look forward to the next book that features him.
If, like me, you re-enact and use a long or war bow, just ignore the inaccuracies on the cover: the story is good and well researched.
October 15, 2024
I enjoyed this series from Griff Hosker focused on the Archer Gerald Warbow. This is one of the few series I've found (besides Robin Hood) that focuses on the English long bow. There are several instances of where the story does get a bit predictable, but overall is still worth reading. I may look into some of the other series Hosker has written just to see if I can find another protagonist I like as much as in this series.
September 2, 2021
This is the 4th book in the Lord Edward's Archer series , it is the first one I have read but it definitely works as a standalone without making you feel like you have missed out on so much from before.
This is a brilliantly written historical fiction book , it definitely has enough going on in it throughout the book to keep you reading on and on , the way that the author describes everything that is going on draws the reader into the action makes you feel like you are part of it . A really brilliant story
This is a brilliantly written historical fiction book , it definitely has enough going on in it throughout the book to keep you reading on and on , the way that the author describes everything that is going on draws the reader into the action makes you feel like you are part of it . A really brilliant story
March 1, 2022
Another good collection.
I imagine for those of you in Northeast of Great Britain it is easy to keep up with the locales of the various battles in this book. For me, Google earth was A frequent aid.
The main character in this series, is either the luckiest or in luckiest person. As a most successful fighter and in Long sharks confidence, he never seems to get promoted. On the other hand. Throughout this entire chapter of his life, he never got a scratch until the last couple of pages.
I enjoyed reading this while following the map and getting an English view of this era of history. Good stories. It isn't War and Peace... but it want meant to be.
I imagine for those of you in Northeast of Great Britain it is easy to keep up with the locales of the various battles in this book. For me, Google earth was A frequent aid.
The main character in this series, is either the luckiest or in luckiest person. As a most successful fighter and in Long sharks confidence, he never seems to get promoted. On the other hand. Throughout this entire chapter of his life, he never got a scratch until the last couple of pages.
I enjoyed reading this while following the map and getting an English view of this era of history. Good stories. It isn't War and Peace... but it want meant to be.
December 2, 2022
Treachery Everywhere
Our archer continues his journey with this excellent installment.
This edition concludes with the collapse of an independent Wales, which is a worthy story. Continuing with a wonderful storyline and beautifully drawn characters that you care for, we receive a lesson in English history along the way.
The repeated theme of the difference between the rights of the nobility and the harsh life of the British common man highlights a theme that is illustrated clearly throughout this series.
Our archer hero continues his growth in leadership skills, serving Lord Edward well. This progress is measured against the constant threat of treachery, and betrayal from friend and foe.
This is a story and series that entertains and leaves you hungry for more.
I want more!
Our archer continues his journey with this excellent installment.
This edition concludes with the collapse of an independent Wales, which is a worthy story. Continuing with a wonderful storyline and beautifully drawn characters that you care for, we receive a lesson in English history along the way.
The repeated theme of the difference between the rights of the nobility and the harsh life of the British common man highlights a theme that is illustrated clearly throughout this series.
Our archer hero continues his growth in leadership skills, serving Lord Edward well. This progress is measured against the constant threat of treachery, and betrayal from friend and foe.
This is a story and series that entertains and leaves you hungry for more.
I want more!
May 1, 2022
ymlain Cymru
Have mixed feelings reading this story and the biased history towards the English supremacy I enjoyed the first two books as Gerald’s adventures captured the imagination but this TALE was firmly biased against the Welsh showing them as evil badly led ignorant tribesmen but actually had an ancient diverse culture which was taken from them by force of arms. History cannot be changed but the Celtic people and language have not been eradicated and still thrives today, Cymru am byth
Have mixed feelings reading this story and the biased history towards the English supremacy I enjoyed the first two books as Gerald’s adventures captured the imagination but this TALE was firmly biased against the Welsh showing them as evil badly led ignorant tribesmen but actually had an ancient diverse culture which was taken from them by force of arms. History cannot be changed but the Celtic people and language have not been eradicated and still thrives today, Cymru am byth
August 30, 2021
First of all I above the book cover. It's stunning. I'm a huge fan of historical fiction and this story did not disappoint me. Spot on!
Brilliantly written and full of action. Absolute page turner. Characters were fairly short and I was able to finish reading it in one sitting. Really enjoyed the writing style and found the author has an amazing ability to bring the characters to life.
Thoroughly enjoyable read and definitely recommend this book.
Brilliantly written and full of action. Absolute page turner. Characters were fairly short and I was able to finish reading it in one sitting. Really enjoyed the writing style and found the author has an amazing ability to bring the characters to life.
Thoroughly enjoyable read and definitely recommend this book.
December 28, 2022
Dramatic History at it's Best
I loved the main character Gerald Warbow and his supporting characters. Loved the very real and believable natures of these characters and how they responded to each situation.
If you are interested in history and love a good well researched adventure these are the books for you.
Roll on Gerald Warbow to the next battle.
Truly deserves a 5 ***** review.
I loved the main character Gerald Warbow and his supporting characters. Loved the very real and believable natures of these characters and how they responded to each situation.
If you are interested in history and love a good well researched adventure these are the books for you.
Roll on Gerald Warbow to the next battle.
Truly deserves a 5 ***** review.
July 20, 2023
This book is nonstop! Gerald and his troop are dragged from here to there, defending England and his village of Yarpole from the Welsh incursion. The name of this book is appropriate, as there was a lot of treachery on the Welsh side. It was hard to keep straight some of the Welsh names and places, but that did not diminish the story. After reading, one thing came to my mind.....Edward was determined to subdue the Welsh. He was willing to sacrifice whatever it took to do so.
August 27, 2021
An Action Packed Adventure
I love this writer and his books. As I enjoy historical novels, Hosker's stories bring history to life through the lives of his characters. Constant action moves me through his adventures and always before I am ready the book ends. Thoroughly enjoyable!!
I love this writer and his books. As I enjoy historical novels, Hosker's stories bring history to life through the lives of his characters. Constant action moves me through his adventures and always before I am ready the book ends. Thoroughly enjoyable!!
September 1, 2021
This series is excellent
Like all of Holder's books this series, this novel
is well written and fast paced. It is full of characters that mature .Making the reader part of the fabric of this tale. The historical atmosphere is carefully crafted and deserving of the praise Mr. Bowler gathers. Due yourself a favor and grab this series .
Like all of Holder's books this series, this novel
is well written and fast paced. It is full of characters that mature .Making the reader part of the fabric of this tale. The historical atmosphere is carefully crafted and deserving of the praise Mr. Bowler gathers. Due yourself a favor and grab this series .
April 5, 2022
A cracking tale, mixing fiction and fact.Strong, now familiar characters reenact the battles with the Welsh
Liked continuity and vivid action- accurate description of weapons and their lethal employment.The importance of archery as artillery and shorter range weaponry often swaying battle victories was decisive for winning.
Liked continuity and vivid action- accurate description of weapons and their lethal employment.The importance of archery as artillery and shorter range weaponry often swaying battle victories was decisive for winning.
September 18, 2021
Outstanding as usual!
Lord Edward’s Archer was the first Griff Hosker book I ever read and have since read many! I have thoroughly enjoyed all of his books, but this series is still my favorite!
Lord Edward’s Archer was the first Griff Hosker book I ever read and have since read many! I have thoroughly enjoyed all of his books, but this series is still my favorite!
October 20, 2021
hostler
One of my favorite period writers. I read virtually all that he writes. Can’t say my favorite reads but I do appreciate the research as it flows into fictional characters…very entertaining . I’ll be here when the next comes out!
One of my favorite period writers. I read virtually all that he writes. Can’t say my favorite reads but I do appreciate the research as it flows into fictional characters…very entertaining . I’ll be here when the next comes out!
December 7, 2021
The Archers of King Edward
I love English history. King Edward I is a favorite of mine. Gerald Warbow was a talented and intelligent warrior. Great story I look forward to the next book in this series.
I love English history. King Edward I is a favorite of mine. Gerald Warbow was a talented and intelligent warrior. Great story I look forward to the next book in this series.
January 4, 2022
I have just finished all 4 books of the series and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed them. They are obviously well researched (as far as I can tell), credible, well written and well edited. I would not hesitate to recommend them to any one who enjoys historical fiction.
April 23, 2022
Still good
I have caught up to the end of the series and now have to wait for the next one which luckily will be at the end of the month. I already know that this next book will be as good as all the others. A good way to learn about history.
I have caught up to the end of the series and now have to wait for the next one which luckily will be at the end of the month. I already know that this next book will be as good as all the others. A good way to learn about history.
May 4, 2022
GREAT READING!! ENJOY!!
I hope Griff keeps writing books in this series!
He gives you characters you can relate to and get to know and care about!
I am HOOKED on Griff Hosker books!!!!
I hope Griff keeps writing books in this series!
He gives you characters you can relate to and get to know and care about!
I am HOOKED on Griff Hosker books!!!!
June 22, 2022
a great series
I have enjoyed these four titles and the characters in them. Still not sure I am a big fan of Edward the first, but Kings are kings, nobles are nobles and for an archer to obtain some autonomy in 1200 England a pretty great story line.
Highly recommend
I have enjoyed these four titles and the characters in them. Still not sure I am a big fan of Edward the first, but Kings are kings, nobles are nobles and for an archer to obtain some autonomy in 1200 England a pretty great story line.
Highly recommend
December 21, 2022
Excellent
I love these books. This one is about war with the Welsh and the battle with Prince Llewellyn. Warbow as usual acts as Lord (King) Edward's archer. Excellent books, well worth the read
I love these books. This one is about war with the Welsh and the battle with Prince Llewellyn. Warbow as usual acts as Lord (King) Edward's archer. Excellent books, well worth the read
August 30, 2021
Not his usual. Seemed like a struggle to create a exciting story line.
August 31, 2021
Good history
This is how history should be taught. Dates location and politics mixed with a little fiction makes history interesting. I am looking for next book.
This is how history should be taught. Dates location and politics mixed with a little fiction makes history interesting. I am looking for next book.
September 4, 2021
Still a good read
Lots of adventure. Good characters. A dash of history. Adds up to a satisfyingly good story. And clearly, archers are the best.
Lots of adventure. Good characters. A dash of history. Adds up to a satisfyingly good story. And clearly, archers are the best.
Read
September 10, 2021Excellent
Never fails to capture the imagination and bring to life the characters both historical and fictional. Warbow and his followers never fail the reader!
Never fails to capture the imagination and bring to life the characters both historical and fictional. Warbow and his followers never fail the reader!
September 24, 2021
Great story line
The book had a great story, a low archer who changed the course of history. It had a little touch of history for for King edward became Longshanks
The book had a great story, a low archer who changed the course of history. It had a little touch of history for for King edward became Longshanks
October 6, 2021
Good book
I enjoyed this book. It was exciting and bold! Doug Lipsey I think you will enjoy it too! Love Mom
I enjoyed this book. It was exciting and bold! Doug Lipsey I think you will enjoy it too! Love Mom
October 8, 2021
Awesome romp across Wales
Good follow up to the series a page turner full of action.
The longbow wins the day . Gerard warbow will hopefully ride again
Good follow up to the series a page turner full of action.
The longbow wins the day . Gerard warbow will hopefully ride again
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews