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Lord Edward's Archer #5
The Great Cause
In thirteenth-century Britain, Gerald Warbow, legendary archer to the king, prepares to pass on the torch … once he’s dealt with William Wallace …
Having fought valiantly for Lord – now King – Edward, Gerald Warbow has settled into the life of a country gentleman. He has a comfortable life with a wife he loves and three growing – if occasionally irritating – children. Conscious that time is passing, Gerald devotes his time to farming and to training local archers, including his eldest son, Hamo.
But the call of duty is never far away.
The mysterious death of King Alexander of Scotland in 1286, and subsequent questions of succession, have plunged that nation into turmoil. In Wales, trouble still abounds. And as discontent threatens to spill over on several fronts, Gerald is once again called into action for his king and his people.
Having fought valiantly for Lord – now King – Edward, Gerald Warbow has settled into the life of a country gentleman. He has a comfortable life with a wife he loves and three growing – if occasionally irritating – children. Conscious that time is passing, Gerald devotes his time to farming and to training local archers, including his eldest son, Hamo.
But the call of duty is never far away.
The mysterious death of King Alexander of Scotland in 1286, and subsequent questions of succession, have plunged that nation into turmoil. In Wales, trouble still abounds. And as discontent threatens to spill over on several fronts, Gerald is once again called into action for his king and his people.
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Published April 1, 2022
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About the author
Griff Hosker
306 books427 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 - 25 of 25 reviews
January 22, 2024
I continue to “binge-read” this series.
"“Drink that, Warbow and then get some rest. You will be in the saddle before dawn. I would have Caernarfon back in my hands by the New Year!” As I left, I knew that the king was being overly optimistic. It was not just those with aspirations to rule Wales who had risen, it was the people who did not like English law and English lords. All of Wales and its people would fight….You think that King Edward will use us first?” I laughed. “We are far cheaper than his men at arms and he would have the Welsh waste their arrows on us rather than him and his nobles.”
King Edward is massing his troops to leave for Gascony (to reclaim territory from the French) when the Welsh rebellion begins. This book focuses on how Edward determines to suppress the Welsh and make Wales part of England. Of course, these plans include leadership by Gerald War Bow and his band of highly skilled long-bowmen.
Hosker continues to deliver great scenes: battles; reconnaissance, village life, noblesse oblige, and relationships among the classes.
Here are some additional snippets of how he tells his story:
"we were ready for anything and I slipped my bow from its case. We would have to stop to string them, but we could all do that quickly. My men saw what I had done, and they emulated me. When we neared the place I had seen the birds I slowed but did not stop. The forest was still and there was no movement. What I did detect was the faint odour of men. The wind was from the west and it was not a strong smell. I dug my heels in so that my horse hurried for ten paces and then I quickly swung my legs to the ground and strung my bow. Real archers can do this quickly and it is a matter of pride with most of them that they can string a bow and nock an arrow almost before a yeoman archer has started to pull the end of his bow down."
"The king had won. “Have the men find as many arrows as they can and bows. Shatter the spears and make a bonfire of them and any bows we do not want.” We had to deny the enemy weapons. We had plenty, but they would find it hard to replace the metal heads on the spears. I did not need to tell the men to collect treasure, that came as second nature."
"I sought out Captain Geoffrey. He and the other archers were unhappy at the lack of action. “We have had desertions, Sir Gerald!” I frowned. “Then when we have time, we will find them and punish them. We do not want others to copy them.” “I do not blame them. Sitting in winter camps, eating thin stew and enduring the cold and wet is not an archer’s work.” I knew what he meant. The men had signed on to go to Gascony, where there would be wine, warmth and loot. Wales had none of those things."
"Already it was a scene from hell. English soldiers are the best in the world but give them a city or town to sack and they behave like barbarians. Some had managed to broach a barrel of ale and were already showing that they could not hold their drink. “You men stay close to me. These animals cannot discriminate between a friend and foe. Let us find the king.”"
"I raised my bow as my men headed back to the river and holding it above my head I shouted, “Wallace, my arrows have tasted your blood and the next time we meet they shall drink deeply. Now you know who it is that you face: Sir Gerald Warbow! I am King Edward’s man and if you are his enemy then you are mine! You have been warned!”"
"“Drink that, Warbow and then get some rest. You will be in the saddle before dawn. I would have Caernarfon back in my hands by the New Year!” As I left, I knew that the king was being overly optimistic. It was not just those with aspirations to rule Wales who had risen, it was the people who did not like English law and English lords. All of Wales and its people would fight….You think that King Edward will use us first?” I laughed. “We are far cheaper than his men at arms and he would have the Welsh waste their arrows on us rather than him and his nobles.”
King Edward is massing his troops to leave for Gascony (to reclaim territory from the French) when the Welsh rebellion begins. This book focuses on how Edward determines to suppress the Welsh and make Wales part of England. Of course, these plans include leadership by Gerald War Bow and his band of highly skilled long-bowmen.
Hosker continues to deliver great scenes: battles; reconnaissance, village life, noblesse oblige, and relationships among the classes.
Here are some additional snippets of how he tells his story:
"we were ready for anything and I slipped my bow from its case. We would have to stop to string them, but we could all do that quickly. My men saw what I had done, and they emulated me. When we neared the place I had seen the birds I slowed but did not stop. The forest was still and there was no movement. What I did detect was the faint odour of men. The wind was from the west and it was not a strong smell. I dug my heels in so that my horse hurried for ten paces and then I quickly swung my legs to the ground and strung my bow. Real archers can do this quickly and it is a matter of pride with most of them that they can string a bow and nock an arrow almost before a yeoman archer has started to pull the end of his bow down."
"The king had won. “Have the men find as many arrows as they can and bows. Shatter the spears and make a bonfire of them and any bows we do not want.” We had to deny the enemy weapons. We had plenty, but they would find it hard to replace the metal heads on the spears. I did not need to tell the men to collect treasure, that came as second nature."
"I sought out Captain Geoffrey. He and the other archers were unhappy at the lack of action. “We have had desertions, Sir Gerald!” I frowned. “Then when we have time, we will find them and punish them. We do not want others to copy them.” “I do not blame them. Sitting in winter camps, eating thin stew and enduring the cold and wet is not an archer’s work.” I knew what he meant. The men had signed on to go to Gascony, where there would be wine, warmth and loot. Wales had none of those things."
"Already it was a scene from hell. English soldiers are the best in the world but give them a city or town to sack and they behave like barbarians. Some had managed to broach a barrel of ale and were already showing that they could not hold their drink. “You men stay close to me. These animals cannot discriminate between a friend and foe. Let us find the king.”"
"I raised my bow as my men headed back to the river and holding it above my head I shouted, “Wallace, my arrows have tasted your blood and the next time we meet they shall drink deeply. Now you know who it is that you face: Sir Gerald Warbow! I am King Edward’s man and if you are his enemy then you are mine! You have been warned!”"
February 8, 2023
Each of the five books in this series to date provides the reader with believable action as lived by those in the 1290's. Once introduced to Warbow, now King Edward's Archer, one can only wish to read more and hope that the main characters will continue to live, providing the reader with more adventure. I see there is a 6th book that may be available so I am glad to know there will be more to enjoy. Skirmishes involve trouble from the Scots after their King dies as well as the Welsh, so plenty of arrows to dodge in this action packed edition.
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May 19, 2022
I don't think that I'm giving anything away by saying that I wasn't expecting to meet a certain William Wallace in this book.
Gerald War Bow is now an older man, and his values are changing. His family is growing up and growing larger. I'm not sure if this is the last of Gerald's adventures, but it would certainly be a satisfactory end.
My only real criticism is one that has been harped on before by others. The author's writing could do with just one editing read over, and I think so many of the glaring errors would be caught. This one had more than the last few, with everything from quotation marks missing, to the use of "west" instead of "wet". It made me wonder if the author had a deadline to meet.
I have enjoyed this series, which has been my first taste of historical fiction. I enjoyed that it wasn't bogged down by too much useless detail, and as a novice archer it has been fun to read about the importance of archers in history.
Gerald War Bow is now an older man, and his values are changing. His family is growing up and growing larger. I'm not sure if this is the last of Gerald's adventures, but it would certainly be a satisfactory end.
My only real criticism is one that has been harped on before by others. The author's writing could do with just one editing read over, and I think so many of the glaring errors would be caught. This one had more than the last few, with everything from quotation marks missing, to the use of "west" instead of "wet". It made me wonder if the author had a deadline to meet.
I have enjoyed this series, which has been my first taste of historical fiction. I enjoyed that it wasn't bogged down by too much useless detail, and as a novice archer it has been fun to read about the importance of archers in history.
September 19, 2022
Edward's foray into Scotland's starts with the decision of who will rule Scotland for Edward. Upon the scene appears Bruce and Baliol, two ancient families who both have claims upon the throne. They are also foes, which strains the peace. As Edward struggles to decide the kingship so supporters back their preferred candidate. The emergence of the outlaw William Wallace looms large in his attempts to promote the Bruce cause.
As usual Griff depicts the confusion and objectives with the Welsh seeking independence as does Scotland and lurking as ever in the background are the plotting French. Warbow shows his empathy and his tough side to deal with what is sent his way. As he is beginning to weaken, his son Hano is successfully taking in his father's tasks. Another great story from Griff.
As usual Griff depicts the confusion and objectives with the Welsh seeking independence as does Scotland and lurking as ever in the background are the plotting French. Warbow shows his empathy and his tough side to deal with what is sent his way. As he is beginning to weaken, his son Hano is successfully taking in his father's tasks. Another great story from Griff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2023
Drawn to the Cause
This wonderful series continues with action and intrigue as we move toward the conclusion of this series.
The author is at his best describing the history and the conflicts that plagued this region during this period of British history. The revolt in Wales occupies a major part of the story. However, we also get some information about the unstable situation in Scotland.
The hero of our story is now older and settled with family and community responsibilities in his duties as a Knight. However, when called upon by his king to serve, he steps forward to do his duty.
I am sorry that this series is moving along to its inevitable conclusion. These stories left me looking for more.
This wonderful series continues with action and intrigue as we move toward the conclusion of this series.
The author is at his best describing the history and the conflicts that plagued this region during this period of British history. The revolt in Wales occupies a major part of the story. However, we also get some information about the unstable situation in Scotland.
The hero of our story is now older and settled with family and community responsibilities in his duties as a Knight. However, when called upon by his king to serve, he steps forward to do his duty.
I am sorry that this series is moving along to its inevitable conclusion. These stories left me looking for more.
July 25, 2023
I am sad this 5 book series is over. I thoroughly enjoyed it! Not only was the ending heartwarming, but what I thought the most compelling part of these booms was the emergence of Hamo as Gerald's heir apparent. As a father, I cannot imagine a more fulfilling life, to raise a son who embraces my values, strategy, and respect for my followers, and keeps it all going once I hang it up! I sense another book is in store?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2022
I want to spend more time with Gerald Warbow, family, and archers!
I hope Griff will find it in his future to continue this series.
I have come to know Gerald Warbow and his family and archers and I would like to stay with a while longer.
You can’t do better than a GRIFF HOSKER book!!!!
I hope Griff will find it in his future to continue this series.
I have come to know Gerald Warbow and his family and archers and I would like to stay with a while longer.
You can’t do better than a GRIFF HOSKER book!!!!
May 9, 2022
Transfixed of Kettering
I liked the fact that the storyline paralleled historical fact as much as it did, I didn't like the fact that the book wasn't longer. Loved all of the characters and their interaction, very believable.
I liked the fact that the storyline paralleled historical fact as much as it did, I didn't like the fact that the book wasn't longer. Loved all of the characters and their interaction, very believable.
May 17, 2022
It goes full circle
I have read this series and was swept away by each one. This book was developed completely and the character s are so very well developed. Amazing to read and learn so much history!!
I have read this series and was swept away by each one. This book was developed completely and the character s are so very well developed. Amazing to read and learn so much history!!
June 18, 2022
Good historical fiction
This is how history should be taught. Well written and easy to read. There were times I could imagine actually being there as the description of the setting was detailed and clear.
This is how history should be taught. Well written and easy to read. There were times I could imagine actually being there as the description of the setting was detailed and clear.
June 29, 2022
Good read
This book was good because the story was not full of needless detail, the story kept moving at a good pace and was well written
It was a very good story from start to finish
This book was good because the story was not full of needless detail, the story kept moving at a good pace and was well written
It was a very good story from start to finish
August 23, 2022
Another exciting story of King Edwards Archer. His growing group of professional level archers aide the King as our special forced do in this day and age. Much fighting against the Welsh and Scots fill this book.
January 9, 2023
Excellent
I love these books. War with the Welsh and war with the Scots sees Warbow on a mission to rescue some hostages. Well written as usual (although a few editing errors) and extremely enjoyable
I love these books. War with the Welsh and war with the Scots sees Warbow on a mission to rescue some hostages. Well written as usual (although a few editing errors) and extremely enjoyable
May 9, 2023
If you like the history of the English long bow and want to watch its majestic dominance on the battlefield, this novel is for you. The Great Cause is not a masterful piece of literature; however, it is an entertaining page-flipper.
May 3, 2022
Another brilliant addition to the series. I have just read the 4 books, one after an other, and I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of immersing myself in that period of history.
May 16, 2022
classic Hosker
Griff Hosker never fails to deliver exciting well written tales. This has been a great series, easy to read, hard to put down
Griff Hosker never fails to deliver exciting well written tales. This has been a great series, easy to read, hard to put down
May 22, 2022
Enjoyed the book very much. Action packed.
May 28, 2022
Well presented
Great read. Action is easy to follow and very entertaining. Recommend the entire series . Enjoyedtge walk thru this segmentof English history
Great read. Action is easy to follow and very entertaining. Recommend the entire series . Enjoyedtge walk thru this segmentof English history
June 9, 2022
A Great Read
This was well written and thoroughly enjoyed. The plot and characters were well developed. I look forward to the next book of this excellent series.
This was well written and thoroughly enjoyed. The plot and characters were well developed. I look forward to the next book of this excellent series.
July 10, 2022
Covers Edward's campaign in Scotland. Interesting read.
August 8, 2022
A Fitting End
Well written. Good plot. Interesting characters throughout. A good read. Scottish named landmarks were hard to understand but fit well in the storyline.
Well written. Good plot. Interesting characters throughout. A good read. Scottish named landmarks were hard to understand but fit well in the storyline.
March 15, 2023
Consistent!
Mr Hosker weaves a well meahed fabric of intrigue and adventure without overdoing the suspense bit.
Kudos again an on to book6
Mr Hosker weaves a well meahed fabric of intrigue and adventure without overdoing the suspense bit.
Kudos again an on to book6
May 16, 2024
Ed’s Archer
The story line of this saga is captivating, I only wish that there was more description. I like the way that the author writes.
The story line of this saga is captivating, I only wish that there was more description. I like the way that the author writes.
July 26, 2024
The author is aging the characters well.
April 24, 2024
Brilliant read
Finished this book in 2 sessions could not put it down,every page holds you waiting for the outcome.don't let this series escape you .
Finished this book in 2 sessions could not put it down,every page holds you waiting for the outcome.don't let this series escape you .
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews