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The Medieval Saga #3
An Uncivil War
England is at war – with itself!
England, 1120
When Henry I dies with no legitimate male heir, the nation is thrown into chaos.
The two rivals for the crown are Henry’s daughter Matilda and his nephew Stephen of Blois, both of whom are determined to emerge victorious.
A bitter struggle ensues which threatens to reduce England to a barren wasteland and many ordinary people find themselves torn apart from each other in the confusion of deciding which side to fight for.
One of those caught up in the fray is young soldier Richard Walsingham who is fighting alongside Stephen. But his sister Elinor is employed as a companion to Matilda.
As the family members come to terms with being on opposite sides of a treacherous dynastic conflict a new contender for the throne enters the picture…
Which of the rivals will emerge triumphant? Can the nation be pieced back together again?
Or will more than lives be lost in this uncivil war…?
England, 1120
When Henry I dies with no legitimate male heir, the nation is thrown into chaos.
The two rivals for the crown are Henry’s daughter Matilda and his nephew Stephen of Blois, both of whom are determined to emerge victorious.
A bitter struggle ensues which threatens to reduce England to a barren wasteland and many ordinary people find themselves torn apart from each other in the confusion of deciding which side to fight for.
One of those caught up in the fray is young soldier Richard Walsingham who is fighting alongside Stephen. But his sister Elinor is employed as a companion to Matilda.
As the family members come to terms with being on opposite sides of a treacherous dynastic conflict a new contender for the throne enters the picture…
Which of the rivals will emerge triumphant? Can the nation be pieced back together again?
Or will more than lives be lost in this uncivil war…?
- GenresHistoricalHistory
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 17, 2022
217 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
David Field
59 books100 followersDavid was born in post-war Nottingham, and educated at Nottingham High School. After obtaining a Law degree he became a career-long criminal law practitioner and academic, emigrating in 1989 to Australia, where he still lives.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 15, 2023
David Field progresses through his series exploring an English century of kings and deception, which is sure to be an exciting endeavour. Field provides the reader with the feeling of being in the middle of the action, with strong storytelling and well-developed characters. While this is not an era with which I have much experience, I am learning a great deal and hope other readers will take the time to be dazzled by all Field has to offer.
After King Henry dies without a presumed heir, chaos envelops England in 1120. There are camps of supporters for two apparent successors: Henry’s daughter, Matilda, and his nephew, Stephen of Blois. While only one can be victorious, both are set on assuming the throne and ensuring the other is obliterated in the process.
As these two vie for power, the commoner is left to wonder what will become of their beloved England. With the possibility of being tossed back into a wasteland, England must hope for the best, as the politics and bloodletting reach their climax, with plotting around every corner.
The young soldier, Richard Walsingham, finds himself in the middle of the fray. As he tries to make sense of things, he must remain loyal to Stephen. The family is at odds, as Richard’s sister, Elinor, remains a companion to Matilda, who is determined to keep the throne her father left for her.
New contenders for the throne emerge in a story full of deception, politicking, and battles that will see a country fraying at the edges while being torn down the middle. Not an official civil conflict, but surely one that will see England weaker and ready for an enemy to come in at any time. David Field weaves a tale like no other and keeps readers guessing until the final page turn.
I may not know much about the era, but I am learning a great deal the further into the series I find myself. Field is one of a few authors who has been able to shine a light on this time period for me, which is usually so convoluted and lacks any real draw. His writing style is quick, but full of detail and keeps the reader pushing through a strong narrative foundation. Characters emerge and are fleshed out on the page, creating connections with the reader as the story progresses. Mixing fact and fiction, Field develops plot twists that are sure to keep the reader wondering what’s to happen next, as well as be highly entertained. With just enough ‘commoner’ flavouring, the story is not only about royals and their battles, but also the regular townsfolk who try to keep their minds off what is going on and feed their families. Refreshing and yet intensely worrisome, this series has much to reveal, but readers are used to Field’s great abilities.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for adding entertainment to history to keep the reader ready for more.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
After King Henry dies without a presumed heir, chaos envelops England in 1120. There are camps of supporters for two apparent successors: Henry’s daughter, Matilda, and his nephew, Stephen of Blois. While only one can be victorious, both are set on assuming the throne and ensuring the other is obliterated in the process.
As these two vie for power, the commoner is left to wonder what will become of their beloved England. With the possibility of being tossed back into a wasteland, England must hope for the best, as the politics and bloodletting reach their climax, with plotting around every corner.
The young soldier, Richard Walsingham, finds himself in the middle of the fray. As he tries to make sense of things, he must remain loyal to Stephen. The family is at odds, as Richard’s sister, Elinor, remains a companion to Matilda, who is determined to keep the throne her father left for her.
New contenders for the throne emerge in a story full of deception, politicking, and battles that will see a country fraying at the edges while being torn down the middle. Not an official civil conflict, but surely one that will see England weaker and ready for an enemy to come in at any time. David Field weaves a tale like no other and keeps readers guessing until the final page turn.
I may not know much about the era, but I am learning a great deal the further into the series I find myself. Field is one of a few authors who has been able to shine a light on this time period for me, which is usually so convoluted and lacks any real draw. His writing style is quick, but full of detail and keeps the reader pushing through a strong narrative foundation. Characters emerge and are fleshed out on the page, creating connections with the reader as the story progresses. Mixing fact and fiction, Field develops plot twists that are sure to keep the reader wondering what’s to happen next, as well as be highly entertained. With just enough ‘commoner’ flavouring, the story is not only about royals and their battles, but also the regular townsfolk who try to keep their minds off what is going on and feed their families. Refreshing and yet intensely worrisome, this series has much to reveal, but readers are used to Field’s great abilities.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for adding entertainment to history to keep the reader ready for more.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 2, 2024
I have read others in this series, and David didn’t disappoint with this tale of civil unrest, and intrigue. A very real dilemma when two families are at odds with one another over loyalty. And, it was interesting to see characters develop. War is not a nice state to be in, and this showed how war did divide England. It was sad to see the end of previous characters who I had travelled the road with in previous tales. I hope the children will be as strong in future books. Brilliant writing and character development. Should have been longer….but another book awaits.
in previous takes
in previous takes
June 15, 2022
I highly recommend this novel to readers really interested in history! The author has perfectly succeeded in telling a story integrating the period preceding the time of the novel as well as the historical details of Stephen and Matilda. Completely enthralling, the plot remains exciting, the characters feel real. Excellent novel!
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily a review.
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily a review.
June 19, 2022
Not my favorite
I have to believe it was the subject matter that I didn't care for as to why I was disappointed in this book. I have raved over all the other books by this author but this one I really struggled with. I have never been a fan of the Matilda and Stephen story but was hoping this terrific author would make a difference. If you are a fan of these people then read this book. For me, I'm done with them.
I have to believe it was the subject matter that I didn't care for as to why I was disappointed in this book. I have raved over all the other books by this author but this one I really struggled with. I have never been a fan of the Matilda and Stephen story but was hoping this terrific author would make a difference. If you are a fan of these people then read this book. For me, I'm done with them.
June 29, 2022
I have to hold my hands up with this one. I requested it because I have enjoyed other books by the author but I just couldn't take to this. I really struggled and left it and came back it may be more helpful if I'd read the earlier one's I just don't know. It's very rare for me and I have never heard of the Matilda and Stephen story. I will still read books by this author but will give this series a miss. I received a special copy of this novel and I am leaving voluntarily a review.
June 30, 2023
Dashing young knights vying for honours during 'the anarchy'
Life for families of honour during the fight for England's throne after the death of Henry 1st consisted of twists and turns of battles which divided and devolved them.
The story has good bones but is sadly lacking in meat, it just drifts along as if it belonged in a dusty library reading room, with so much upheaval at that time I was hoping for more a adventurous telling of it
Life for families of honour during the fight for England's throne after the death of Henry 1st consisted of twists and turns of battles which divided and devolved them.
The story has good bones but is sadly lacking in meat, it just drifts along as if it belonged in a dusty library reading room, with so much upheaval at that time I was hoping for more a adventurous telling of it
June 21, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this book , characters are well written not much is written about this era of English history so was a nice change not to be reading about the Tudors , would highly recommend reading you won’t be disapointed
June 26, 2022
Another excellent story following the family history through the time period. Historical information which I never read when at school which was a long time ago. This series of books should be available to students in schools as I believe that it would encourage students in to explore more history
May 16, 2023
This saga becomes more gripping
Book 3 doesn’t disappoint, the characters and plot matching their predecessors in intrigue and earthy humour. As previously admitted, I look forward to reading further in the series.
Book 3 doesn’t disappoint, the characters and plot matching their predecessors in intrigue and earthy humour. As previously admitted, I look forward to reading further in the series.
August 14, 2024
Love the writing style. I appreciate the careful interweaving of fiction with historical facts and characters. I find myself being intrigued by the realities of the history as much as the fictional storyline.
September 23, 2024
An Uncivil War from Medieval Saga Series Book 3
An excellent read although at times it was difficult to determine “ Who’s on first” with all the squabbling! It filled in a lot of blanks for me and I look forward to reading Book 4
An excellent read although at times it was difficult to determine “ Who’s on first” with all the squabbling! It filled in a lot of blanks for me and I look forward to reading Book 4
October 28, 2023
Not quite as good as the previous book. Perhaps the time period, itself, is less interesting.
November 25, 2025
A great series
Enjoying this series which is being drip fed to me. See.so must waite in till the end of August. First interested in this period with the Cadfael series. This gives a political slant.
Enjoying this series which is being drip fed to me. See.so must waite in till the end of August. First interested in this period with the Cadfael series. This gives a political slant.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews