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Essex Dogs #1
Essex Dogs
The explosive historical fiction debut from the New York Times bestselling historian
July 1346. The Hundred Years' War has begun, and King Edward and his lords are on the march through France. But this war belongs to the men on the ground.
Swept up in the bloody chaos, a tight-knit company from Essex must stay alive long enough to see their home again. With sword, axe and longbow, the Essex Dogs will fight, from the landing beaches of Normandy to the bloodsoaked field of Crécy.
There's Pismire, small enough to infiltrate enemy camps. Scotsman, strong enough to tear down a wall. Millstone, a stonemason who'll do anything to protect his men. Father, a priest turned devilish by the horrors of war. Romford, a talented young archer on the run from his past. And Loveday FitzTalbot, their battle-scarred captain, who just wants to get his boys home safe.
Some men fight for glory. Others fight for coin. The Essex Dogs? They fight for each other.
July 1346. The Hundred Years' War has begun, and King Edward and his lords are on the march through France. But this war belongs to the men on the ground.
Swept up in the bloody chaos, a tight-knit company from Essex must stay alive long enough to see their home again. With sword, axe and longbow, the Essex Dogs will fight, from the landing beaches of Normandy to the bloodsoaked field of Crécy.
There's Pismire, small enough to infiltrate enemy camps. Scotsman, strong enough to tear down a wall. Millstone, a stonemason who'll do anything to protect his men. Father, a priest turned devilish by the horrors of war. Romford, a talented young archer on the run from his past. And Loveday FitzTalbot, their battle-scarred captain, who just wants to get his boys home safe.
Some men fight for glory. Others fight for coin. The Essex Dogs? They fight for each other.
460 pages, ebook
First published September 15, 2022
1511 people are currently reading
25718 people want to read
About the author
Dan Jones
70 books5,616 followersDan Jones is a NYT bestselling author and broadcaster. His books, which include The Templars, Henry V, The Plantagenets and Powers & Thrones, have sold more than 2 million copies and are published in 23 languages. He is the author of the Essex Dogs novel trilogy. Dan writes and hosts the popular weekly Sony Music Entertainment podcast This Is History. He has presented dozens of television documentaries, including the popular Netflix series Secrets of Great British Castles, and has executive produced and consulted on a number of films and television shows including Anne Boleyn (Channel 5/Sony Pictures Television) and Knightfall (A+E/History). His journalism has appeared in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post; for a decade he was a columnist for the London Evening Standard. He is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and in 2025 was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Historic Royal Palaces.
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February 22, 2024I very much enjoyed this! I haven't read much military historical fiction, but for those who would like to experience what it might have been like being a foot soldier in a medieval war, Dan Jones' Essex Dogs brings the Hundred Years War to life in all its color, violence and smell! I didn't even realize this was the same author whose historical works I had read previously, like The Plantagenets, but Jones is one of those rare authors who can write history like an adventure novel and an adventure novel that is firmly grounded in history. In his author's note, Jones says that he was inspired to undertake the novel after a talk with George R.R. Martin, and it's safe to say that the book fits in tonally quite well with A Game of Thrones -- only this story is not fantasy.
We follow a band of soldiers-for-hire, the Essex Dogs, as they embark on Edward III's invasion of France in 1346 C.E. Jones starts each chapter with a quote from a primary source about the campaign, then uses the chapter to flesh out how that event might have actually unfolded, sometimes in surprising and even humorous ways. This is a grim age, and the work of the foot soldiers is hard and often gruesome, but Jones does a good job making the reader feel sympathy and connection for his 'band of brothers' who land on what will someday be Utah Beach. He weaves our protagonists into the historical record, introduces us to the main historical figures involved in the war, but keeps the focus on the enlisted men and their struggles to stay alive and get back home safely with their pay. The Essex Dogs are a colorful bunch, each with a complex backstory and compelling personality. Lovejoy, the leader of the group, is our POV most of the time, and I found him an excellent companion -- loyal to a fault, brave and seasoned in war, but also weary of violence, cynical about the career of mercenary, and given to kindness and mercy -- a trait that could very well get him killed. At the end of the book, I found myself yearning to stick with the Dogs and see what came next on their adventures. Fortunately, my timing was good. The second novel about the Dogs, "The Wolves of Winter," has just been published!
We follow a band of soldiers-for-hire, the Essex Dogs, as they embark on Edward III's invasion of France in 1346 C.E. Jones starts each chapter with a quote from a primary source about the campaign, then uses the chapter to flesh out how that event might have actually unfolded, sometimes in surprising and even humorous ways. This is a grim age, and the work of the foot soldiers is hard and often gruesome, but Jones does a good job making the reader feel sympathy and connection for his 'band of brothers' who land on what will someday be Utah Beach. He weaves our protagonists into the historical record, introduces us to the main historical figures involved in the war, but keeps the focus on the enlisted men and their struggles to stay alive and get back home safely with their pay. The Essex Dogs are a colorful bunch, each with a complex backstory and compelling personality. Lovejoy, the leader of the group, is our POV most of the time, and I found him an excellent companion -- loyal to a fault, brave and seasoned in war, but also weary of violence, cynical about the career of mercenary, and given to kindness and mercy -- a trait that could very well get him killed. At the end of the book, I found myself yearning to stick with the Dogs and see what came next on their adventures. Fortunately, my timing was good. The second novel about the Dogs, "The Wolves of Winter," has just been published!
September 15, 2022
I review this with my brother on our book channel - The Brothers Gwynne
“Desserta ferro!”
Awake, iron!
A work of craft perhaps unrivalled in its presentation of medieval warfare. Compelling characters, an engaging plot and the perfect dose of immersion that allows you to feel like you are accompanying these characters on their odyssey, through all the blood, grit, trials and tribulations that tie them together.
Essex Dogs is a masterful piece of historical fiction which is unique in how it presents such a full picture of a campaign in enemy territory. A brutal presentation of medieval warfare that incorporates so much that is rarely even mentioned or acknowledged in most fiction.There is no glorification, no noble heroes like those of the Round Table. Instead we see how fractured the reality of the English army was, as Jones strips away the exaggerated patriotism, the pomp and pageantry, exposing the hearts of those in the army as he believes it was.
Dan Jones brings his extensive knowledge of this history into play expertly. It would be so easy for one with such grasp on the era to overload the reader with information. Instead, Jones smoothly crafts the tone and atmosphere in a way that by the end feels so authentic and comprehensive, yet does not overwhelm you once. It is a fine line, but Dan Jones appears to have found it effortlessly.
We have a cast that really shows the chasm between the classes of society. Essex Dogs really is a character-driven story that focuses on how our main figures react and evolve to the situations around them. Some are scared, some take joy in the thrill, some are there just for the money. But most of all, the Essex Dogs are there for each other. To keep each other alive and above all, survive at all costs. This is the heart of the story that keeps you emotionally engaged amongst all the brutality, all the horrors of war and all the injustices we are exposed to as the reader. Dan Jones again in my opinion expertly manages to create the tone and atmosphere perfect for what it appears he was trying to achieve.
Dan Jones shows us the repetitive nature of this type of warfare, of troops marching through abandoned villages and then coming up to garrisoned castles, whilst keeping the story gripping and entertaining from start to finish. I did not envy the characters at all, but I loved following them through their journey.
Essex Dogs is silky smooth, guiding the reader through the story with a stripped back prose that allows us to really engage with the story. It feels raw and real, but as I said, smooth. It was easy to devour this in huge chunks and just lose myself in the story that unfolds. Those who know their history will know where this book will end, but Dan Jones injects a whole dose of unexpected twists and turns that keep you on your toes, whilst also allowing him to explore a whole range of themes.
Whilst we are shown the repetitive nature of warfare, Dan Jones inserts a whole variety of interactions and conflicts. We are shown the minds of those from the top to the bottom of the army, and also small scale action and the storming of castles. The sheer diversity of content in Essex Dogs is astounding, because it does not feel rushed or unbalanced.
Immersive, engaging, thought provoking and so much more. This is masterful historical fiction that would appeal to a huge audience. Character driven medieval fiction that engages us in a range of conflict as well as political intrigue. What’s not to love?
5/5 STARS
“Desserta ferro!”
Awake, iron!
A work of craft perhaps unrivalled in its presentation of medieval warfare. Compelling characters, an engaging plot and the perfect dose of immersion that allows you to feel like you are accompanying these characters on their odyssey, through all the blood, grit, trials and tribulations that tie them together.
Essex Dogs is a masterful piece of historical fiction which is unique in how it presents such a full picture of a campaign in enemy territory. A brutal presentation of medieval warfare that incorporates so much that is rarely even mentioned or acknowledged in most fiction.There is no glorification, no noble heroes like those of the Round Table. Instead we see how fractured the reality of the English army was, as Jones strips away the exaggerated patriotism, the pomp and pageantry, exposing the hearts of those in the army as he believes it was.
Dan Jones brings his extensive knowledge of this history into play expertly. It would be so easy for one with such grasp on the era to overload the reader with information. Instead, Jones smoothly crafts the tone and atmosphere in a way that by the end feels so authentic and comprehensive, yet does not overwhelm you once. It is a fine line, but Dan Jones appears to have found it effortlessly.
We have a cast that really shows the chasm between the classes of society. Essex Dogs really is a character-driven story that focuses on how our main figures react and evolve to the situations around them. Some are scared, some take joy in the thrill, some are there just for the money. But most of all, the Essex Dogs are there for each other. To keep each other alive and above all, survive at all costs. This is the heart of the story that keeps you emotionally engaged amongst all the brutality, all the horrors of war and all the injustices we are exposed to as the reader. Dan Jones again in my opinion expertly manages to create the tone and atmosphere perfect for what it appears he was trying to achieve.
Dan Jones shows us the repetitive nature of this type of warfare, of troops marching through abandoned villages and then coming up to garrisoned castles, whilst keeping the story gripping and entertaining from start to finish. I did not envy the characters at all, but I loved following them through their journey.
Essex Dogs is silky smooth, guiding the reader through the story with a stripped back prose that allows us to really engage with the story. It feels raw and real, but as I said, smooth. It was easy to devour this in huge chunks and just lose myself in the story that unfolds. Those who know their history will know where this book will end, but Dan Jones injects a whole dose of unexpected twists and turns that keep you on your toes, whilst also allowing him to explore a whole range of themes.
Whilst we are shown the repetitive nature of warfare, Dan Jones inserts a whole variety of interactions and conflicts. We are shown the minds of those from the top to the bottom of the army, and also small scale action and the storming of castles. The sheer diversity of content in Essex Dogs is astounding, because it does not feel rushed or unbalanced.
Immersive, engaging, thought provoking and so much more. This is masterful historical fiction that would appeal to a huge audience. Character driven medieval fiction that engages us in a range of conflict as well as political intrigue. What’s not to love?
5/5 STARS
August 29, 2022
There is a new challenger to the crown of historical fiction!
Dan Jones' first fiction novel is a timeless, incredibly engaging and sweeping odyssey of the summer of 1346 - one that is full of bloodshed and hilarious, medieval cursing.
Essex Dogs is a triumph. The writing is top notch, character-focused and smooth as silk to read. The combat is numbing and brutal and the dialogue is just so much fun. It is a book that you just enjoy reading, it is pure fun and something I will recommend to fantasy lovers as a great entry of historical fiction to try.
It follows a band of men-at-arms during King Edward III's invasion of France during the early years of the Hundred Years War, starting with a scene that is essentially 'Omaha Beach'. From there on, it doesn't let up. It follows the English army as it burns, storms and sieges it's way through France until it finds itself opposing a huge French force at the site of Crécy.
The Essex Dogs are fantastic. There is camaraderie, banter, love and anger between each member and at times I forgot that I was reading a medieval novel - often feeling as apt and relatable as a modern war novel. A couple POVs swap around and it's great to see the war through the eyes of different members - as well as their hilarious dealings with the nobles - a special shoutout to Northampton and Warwick!
Dan Jones has weaved a colourful tapestry of authentic Middle Ages people mixed with real events and the result is a stunning book.
Dan Jones' first fiction novel is a timeless, incredibly engaging and sweeping odyssey of the summer of 1346 - one that is full of bloodshed and hilarious, medieval cursing.
Essex Dogs is a triumph. The writing is top notch, character-focused and smooth as silk to read. The combat is numbing and brutal and the dialogue is just so much fun. It is a book that you just enjoy reading, it is pure fun and something I will recommend to fantasy lovers as a great entry of historical fiction to try.
It follows a band of men-at-arms during King Edward III's invasion of France during the early years of the Hundred Years War, starting with a scene that is essentially 'Omaha Beach'. From there on, it doesn't let up. It follows the English army as it burns, storms and sieges it's way through France until it finds itself opposing a huge French force at the site of Crécy.
The Essex Dogs are fantastic. There is camaraderie, banter, love and anger between each member and at times I forgot that I was reading a medieval novel - often feeling as apt and relatable as a modern war novel. A couple POVs swap around and it's great to see the war through the eyes of different members - as well as their hilarious dealings with the nobles - a special shoutout to Northampton and Warwick!
Dan Jones has weaved a colourful tapestry of authentic Middle Ages people mixed with real events and the result is a stunning book.
May 18, 2023
Medieval warfare exposed!
This was an excellent, well researched historical tale of bravery, foolishness, savagery and cowardice. This was not the story of glorious battle and chivalry but, a long hard slog through mud, blood and spilled guts. The tale was full of coarse language, expletives delivered freely by royalty, nobles, priests and peasants alike. The Essex Dogs were a collection of murderers and thieves, hoping to gain wealth and status by serving in the English army of Edward 111. The French were more sophisticated but, this was no defence against the pure savagery of the English. This was a tale of brutal warfare as seen through the eyes of ordinary peasant soldiers. Even the famous "Black Prince", the son of king Edward was portrayed as a drunken, lecherous foolhardy knave, who had to be saved from himself by fellow knights. This was a tale of bloody, savage warfare, no quarter asked nor given by either side. Well recommended!
This was an excellent, well researched historical tale of bravery, foolishness, savagery and cowardice. This was not the story of glorious battle and chivalry but, a long hard slog through mud, blood and spilled guts. The tale was full of coarse language, expletives delivered freely by royalty, nobles, priests and peasants alike. The Essex Dogs were a collection of murderers and thieves, hoping to gain wealth and status by serving in the English army of Edward 111. The French were more sophisticated but, this was no defence against the pure savagery of the English. This was a tale of brutal warfare as seen through the eyes of ordinary peasant soldiers. Even the famous "Black Prince", the son of king Edward was portrayed as a drunken, lecherous foolhardy knave, who had to be saved from himself by fellow knights. This was a tale of bloody, savage warfare, no quarter asked nor given by either side. Well recommended!
March 10, 2023
Essex Dogs forgoes the tropes of presenting war as glory and adventure. Instead, it depicts the opening of the Hundred Years’ War as a brutal grind and slog. The point of view characters are not knights, but men whose trade is war because they’ve no other skills to sell. We experience the gritty details of their campaigning, from hard marches that split boots and shred feet, to agonizing, constipated bowel movements caused by bad food. Their battling is just a grueling and dangerous days work.
Dan Jones nails the history (as you would expect from his excellent medieval history books). But his pacing drags, and his characters didn’t much rise above stock types. He did manage to portray a grim and realistic picture of medieval warfare which kept me reading, but, like that warfare, this book was a bit of a grind.
Dan Jones nails the history (as you would expect from his excellent medieval history books). But his pacing drags, and his characters didn’t much rise above stock types. He did manage to portray a grim and realistic picture of medieval warfare which kept me reading, but, like that warfare, this book was a bit of a grind.
October 8, 2023
Dan Jones is a historian who writes about the Middle Ages; he’s written a book on the Crusades amongst others. He has also been discovered by TV and has fronted a few history programmes. However to give you an example of his current oeuvre he is currently presently Sex: A bonkers history for SKY with Amanda Holden!! Enough said.
This is set in 1346 during the Hundred Years War and involves an English army landing in Normandy in the weeks prior to the battle of Crecy. The novel follows a group of men from Essex known as the Essex Dogs. There is a great deal of earthy Anglo-Saxon language often interlinked with some rather colourful religious imagery. So not for the easily offended. Jones had the idea for a novel about a group of men at war. The story goes that Jones was having dinner with George R R Martin when the idea took shape. So are there shades of Game of Thrones? Especially as Game of Thrones has also been compared to The Hundred Years War. Well, there are some comparisons, but this doesn’t have complexity or the range.
I struggled with the characterisation. The plot took care of itself as there was a series of historical events to hang it on. Some of the characterisation is over the top. At times it felt a bit like a cross between Blackadder, Robin Hood’s merry man and a bunch of English lads drinking in Ibiza. With plenty of fighting and gore thrown in.
Jones said he wanted to create a medieval Saving Private Ryan; he hasn’t. There is plenty of humour and action., but it wasn’t for me.
This is set in 1346 during the Hundred Years War and involves an English army landing in Normandy in the weeks prior to the battle of Crecy. The novel follows a group of men from Essex known as the Essex Dogs. There is a great deal of earthy Anglo-Saxon language often interlinked with some rather colourful religious imagery. So not for the easily offended. Jones had the idea for a novel about a group of men at war. The story goes that Jones was having dinner with George R R Martin when the idea took shape. So are there shades of Game of Thrones? Especially as Game of Thrones has also been compared to The Hundred Years War. Well, there are some comparisons, but this doesn’t have complexity or the range.
I struggled with the characterisation. The plot took care of itself as there was a series of historical events to hang it on. Some of the characterisation is over the top. At times it felt a bit like a cross between Blackadder, Robin Hood’s merry man and a bunch of English lads drinking in Ibiza. With plenty of fighting and gore thrown in.
Jones said he wanted to create a medieval Saving Private Ryan; he hasn’t. There is plenty of humour and action., but it wasn’t for me.
November 3, 2022
This book disappointed me so much that I made a goodreads account specifically to review it. I am a lover of Dan Jones’ non-fiction work, and was excited to read his foray into fiction. I was dismayed to find that unfortunately his skills do not lie in this area.
The characters are very forgettable. Whenever any died, I barely felt anything because they all felt extremely flat. The characters with the most substance are the historical figures themselves, and I found myself wishing to see much more of them - I found the Black Prince’s characterisation to be interesting and compelling in particular.
Then, there is the prose. I actually had to go back to check Dan Jones’ nonfiction books that I own to make sure that his prose had not always been so dreadful! It was entirely short, choppy sentences that really began to grate as the book wore on. I know that this is a device used in a lot of thrillers, but it was done extremely poorly here.
The plot is nonexistent, save for what happened in history. This would have been fine had the characters been rich and interesting, but they were not and thus I found myself just waiting to be shuffled from set piece battle/siege to set piece battle/siege. The historical details were lovely as to be expected from a prominent historian, but these alone do not make an interesting fiction book.
The use of gore and scatology in this book felt extremely lazy, as though Jones was attempting to make up for his shoddy characterisation and lack of plot through gross-out tactics. These can be used extremely well to make it feel visceral (see Bernard Cornwell’s much better historical fiction on the same time period, the Grail Series), but with this it just felt cheap, and after the blood soaked first half, it really began to drop off as though Jones himself had also tired of it.
Would not recommend.
The characters are very forgettable. Whenever any died, I barely felt anything because they all felt extremely flat. The characters with the most substance are the historical figures themselves, and I found myself wishing to see much more of them - I found the Black Prince’s characterisation to be interesting and compelling in particular.
Then, there is the prose. I actually had to go back to check Dan Jones’ nonfiction books that I own to make sure that his prose had not always been so dreadful! It was entirely short, choppy sentences that really began to grate as the book wore on. I know that this is a device used in a lot of thrillers, but it was done extremely poorly here.
The plot is nonexistent, save for what happened in history. This would have been fine had the characters been rich and interesting, but they were not and thus I found myself just waiting to be shuffled from set piece battle/siege to set piece battle/siege. The historical details were lovely as to be expected from a prominent historian, but these alone do not make an interesting fiction book.
The use of gore and scatology in this book felt extremely lazy, as though Jones was attempting to make up for his shoddy characterisation and lack of plot through gross-out tactics. These can be used extremely well to make it feel visceral (see Bernard Cornwell’s much better historical fiction on the same time period, the Grail Series), but with this it just felt cheap, and after the blood soaked first half, it really began to drop off as though Jones himself had also tired of it.
Would not recommend.
April 30, 2025
3.5 stars
short review for busy readers:
One of those jolly historical military adventures one often sees set in the Roman Empire (not here, though). An army dude and his buddy dudes march a long way to fight some stinky foreigners who don't know their land isn't their land, it's Roman territory. Some of the dudes will die, most will live. Friends are friends forever. Hail Caesar and ain't war hell...of an adventure! (Fast read, modern English. A lad's medieval adventure for men 40+.)
in detail:
That's essentially what we have here, except it's the 100 Years War (14th century) not the Roman Empire, and the Essex Dogs are not trained combatants, but an irregular unit of older men formed of brigands and those on the wrong side of a law court.
But hey ho, money's money and plunder abounds, so strap on your boots and let's go.
The main characters are well drawn, the action engaging and the prose surprisingly serviceable for this 'guy' genre. The English is modern, no attempt made to sound medieval, and it's a fast read.
All as it should be.
Jones himself says he did not necessarily follow historical consensus on the personalities of the real life personages. So we have a whiny teenage Black Prince, several dumb strutting cocks of lords and a fairly decent king Edward, among the swarms of murderers, rapists, sadists, petty criminals and general low lives called an 'army' and set loose on the French countryside.
Oh yeah, and some crafty Welsh, too. They were fun.🏴
Even as competently done as this novel is, I still can't see the mass popularity.
It's very similar in plot to many, many other novels of this genre, the characters aren't any more engaging than usual and the reader can learn just as much here as elsewhere in historic military fiction.
It's a decent road movie with ageing male protags, but that's about it. I was expecting more depth and historical detail, not as breezy of a story nor writing style. And that the Dog's adventures dovetailed so nicely with the historic record...a bit too pat for my taste.
I also wasn't so keen on the drug addiction bits, but that's perhaps because I'm not well aware of how widespread opioid addiction was in the middle ages. It seemed a modern insert/comment or at least a fudging of historical fact.
This is the first book in a trilogy, but it didn't win me over enough to purposefully read on. If the second (or third) instalment should float by at some point, I'll pick it up, but it's not one I'm going to rush out and buy.
short review for busy readers:
One of those jolly historical military adventures one often sees set in the Roman Empire (not here, though). An army dude and his buddy dudes march a long way to fight some stinky foreigners who don't know their land isn't their land, it's Roman territory. Some of the dudes will die, most will live. Friends are friends forever. Hail Caesar and ain't war hell...of an adventure! (Fast read, modern English. A lad's medieval adventure for men 40+.)
in detail:
That's essentially what we have here, except it's the 100 Years War (14th century) not the Roman Empire, and the Essex Dogs are not trained combatants, but an irregular unit of older men formed of brigands and those on the wrong side of a law court.
But hey ho, money's money and plunder abounds, so strap on your boots and let's go.
The main characters are well drawn, the action engaging and the prose surprisingly serviceable for this 'guy' genre. The English is modern, no attempt made to sound medieval, and it's a fast read.
All as it should be.
Jones himself says he did not necessarily follow historical consensus on the personalities of the real life personages. So we have a whiny teenage Black Prince, several dumb strutting cocks of lords and a fairly decent king Edward, among the swarms of murderers, rapists, sadists, petty criminals and general low lives called an 'army' and set loose on the French countryside.
Oh yeah, and some crafty Welsh, too. They were fun.🏴
Even as competently done as this novel is, I still can't see the mass popularity.
It's very similar in plot to many, many other novels of this genre, the characters aren't any more engaging than usual and the reader can learn just as much here as elsewhere in historic military fiction.
It's a decent road movie with ageing male protags, but that's about it. I was expecting more depth and historical detail, not as breezy of a story nor writing style. And that the Dog's adventures dovetailed so nicely with the historic record...a bit too pat for my taste.
I also wasn't so keen on the drug addiction bits, but that's perhaps because I'm not well aware of how widespread opioid addiction was in the middle ages. It seemed a modern insert/comment or at least a fudging of historical fact.
This is the first book in a trilogy, but it didn't win me over enough to purposefully read on. If the second (or third) instalment should float by at some point, I'll pick it up, but it's not one I'm going to rush out and buy.
August 28, 2024
Absolute scorcher of a novel. Had read Dan Browns non-fiction work on the Templars. But this was his first foray into non-fiction, starting with the Hundred Years War between England and France. This was also a historical novel that Clemens hadn’t beaten me to reading.👍 The book was bought in a charity shop as usual but was the first in a trilogy and I purchased (yes paid full price) the second book in a book store whilst only half way through. Well I said it was good.
Living in the county of Essex, the story of a small group of mercenaries fighting in 1346 seemed attractive. Small group led by Loveday. Including the excellent giant of man - Scotsman. All the characters well rounded and ones you can feel for.
The story recounts the progress of King Edward III and his army of murderers, rapists, peasants and other nasty bits of work. From their landing at Barfleur in France through various takings of French towns to the Battle of Crecy. Keen attention to Wikipedia allowed me to ‘read ahead’ and drill down into the characters mentioned including the Knights and Bishops.
The battle scenes are visceral and the language is wode like blue in colour. But the camaraderie of the Essex Dogs in face of danger is strong. And there is real sadness at times as they fight their way across France.
Each chapter is headed by a 14th century source quote and there is a selected reading list added at the end. As well as a few pages from the next book in the series ( the one you would have to drag from my cold dead fingers).
The language and humour is rich. The Earl of Northampton being one of my favourite characters.
Northampton turned to Loveday. ‘FitzTalbot. Your’re a f’up. You look like f’up and your men are clearly a pack of f’ups. You’ve spoiled my meal, and I am not grateful to you. But your luck must be in. Because right now you’re less offensive to me than this prick. So here’s what I’ve decided. If your men keep killing the wrong people, I’ll cut your legs off and I’ll have your crew nailed upside-down to barn doors every ten leagues between here and Paris, so the Crows can nibble on your pintles. Got it?’
Berengaria you will love the book. Clemens please read so you can do a decent historical book review.
Living in the county of Essex, the story of a small group of mercenaries fighting in 1346 seemed attractive. Small group led by Loveday. Including the excellent giant of man - Scotsman. All the characters well rounded and ones you can feel for.
The story recounts the progress of King Edward III and his army of murderers, rapists, peasants and other nasty bits of work. From their landing at Barfleur in France through various takings of French towns to the Battle of Crecy. Keen attention to Wikipedia allowed me to ‘read ahead’ and drill down into the characters mentioned including the Knights and Bishops.
The battle scenes are visceral and the language is wode like blue in colour. But the camaraderie of the Essex Dogs in face of danger is strong. And there is real sadness at times as they fight their way across France.
Each chapter is headed by a 14th century source quote and there is a selected reading list added at the end. As well as a few pages from the next book in the series ( the one you would have to drag from my cold dead fingers).
The language and humour is rich. The Earl of Northampton being one of my favourite characters.
Northampton turned to Loveday. ‘FitzTalbot. Your’re a f’up. You look like f’up and your men are clearly a pack of f’ups. You’ve spoiled my meal, and I am not grateful to you. But your luck must be in. Because right now you’re less offensive to me than this prick. So here’s what I’ve decided. If your men keep killing the wrong people, I’ll cut your legs off and I’ll have your crew nailed upside-down to barn doors every ten leagues between here and Paris, so the Crows can nibble on your pintles. Got it?’
Berengaria you will love the book. Clemens please read so you can do a decent historical book review.
June 3, 2023
Dan Jones’s first real outing into fiction, Essex Dogs was a book I immediately bought in hardcover when I saw it at the store. Jones is one of those historians that pops up quite a bit—books, Netflix, podcasts, YouTube….if you have an interest in history he’s a guy you’re bound to come across. And there’s a reason for that: he’s a historian who is very good at making history interesting, if not an absolute blast to learn about. He’s never dry, he has a sense of humor that will make you laugh out loud, and he often focuses on what many of us are here for—history seen from the perspective of your average Joe. A work like this, of historical fiction, is kind of perfect for his sensibilities.
This book starts out brilliantly following a small group of ten soldiers (Englishmen, Scotsmen, Welsh folk and others), the Essex Dogs, as they arrive on the shores of Normandy in 1346 to storm the beaches and take France for King Edward III. This is the Hundred Years War of course, but the setting is familiar and Jones evokes the feeling of WW2 and Saving Private Ryan, while keeping the flavor distinctly medieval; this time it isn’t lead balls and MG42, it’s arrows, swords and flame. After this, the King’s army continue their march inland and we get to know the Dogs personally. There isn’t much of a plot in this book; it’s more a slice of life kind of deal. We meet our main characters, and spend a few months with them as they burn through the French countryside towards Paris, leaving a swath of destruction in their path. There’s more to it than just fighting and plundering though.
The characters are fantastic in this book. While Loveday is the leader of the Dogs, he’s only just barely the main character. Jones has us spend time with nearly everyone from the Dogs as we get to know each one of them and both how and why they fight. My favorite character was Scotsman—a big, meaty formidable man; he was likable and also hilarious. Some of Scotsman’s dialogue had me laughing out loud. There’s also two Welsh archers that could hit a fly’s ass from 300 feet; they are Welsh speakers and don’t understand English. They also pretty much live by their own rules. One more “main” character is a young 15 year old kid with a mysterious backstory, fighting some personal demons that are slowly revealed. The main characters are fictional, but Jones includes many real people from history including a very interesting take on Edward The Black Prince.
I loved reading about each and every one of these characters. I loved the setting of this novel so much as well—it was immersive and a blast to read. The writing was direct and easy to read. My reason for not giving full marks? This is Jones’s first real fiction outing, and I think it does show sometimes. Nothing major though—I still would recommend this one to just about anyone.
You do not have to be a history geek to love this book.
Highly recommended!
This book starts out brilliantly following a small group of ten soldiers (Englishmen, Scotsmen, Welsh folk and others), the Essex Dogs, as they arrive on the shores of Normandy in 1346 to storm the beaches and take France for King Edward III. This is the Hundred Years War of course, but the setting is familiar and Jones evokes the feeling of WW2 and Saving Private Ryan, while keeping the flavor distinctly medieval; this time it isn’t lead balls and MG42, it’s arrows, swords and flame. After this, the King’s army continue their march inland and we get to know the Dogs personally. There isn’t much of a plot in this book; it’s more a slice of life kind of deal. We meet our main characters, and spend a few months with them as they burn through the French countryside towards Paris, leaving a swath of destruction in their path. There’s more to it than just fighting and plundering though.
The characters are fantastic in this book. While Loveday is the leader of the Dogs, he’s only just barely the main character. Jones has us spend time with nearly everyone from the Dogs as we get to know each one of them and both how and why they fight. My favorite character was Scotsman—a big, meaty formidable man; he was likable and also hilarious. Some of Scotsman’s dialogue had me laughing out loud. There’s also two Welsh archers that could hit a fly’s ass from 300 feet; they are Welsh speakers and don’t understand English. They also pretty much live by their own rules. One more “main” character is a young 15 year old kid with a mysterious backstory, fighting some personal demons that are slowly revealed. The main characters are fictional, but Jones includes many real people from history including a very interesting take on Edward The Black Prince.
I loved reading about each and every one of these characters. I loved the setting of this novel so much as well—it was immersive and a blast to read. The writing was direct and easy to read. My reason for not giving full marks? This is Jones’s first real fiction outing, and I think it does show sometimes. Nothing major though—I still would recommend this one to just about anyone.
You do not have to be a history geek to love this book.
Highly recommended!
August 2, 2023
Band of Brothers, medieval edition
I have always enjoyed Dan Jones's non-fiction works about the (among other works) the Plantagenets, the Magna Carta an the Templars, so when I noticed he published a new book titles the Essex Dogs, I wondered which British military unit, group, or division he wrote about. The Essex Dogs were a group of mercenaries, obviously from Essex and they fought under Edward III, during his assault on Normandy as a part of the Hundred Years' War. Only, they never existed. As it turned out, this is a book is a work of fiction. Yes, Dan Jones has written a historical fiction novel.
We start with the landing on the Normandy beach, heading ever deeper into enemy territory toward Crécy and trying to survive. The Essex Dogs and their leader try to survive the harsh conditions and pillage and loot their way to France. Long marches, the waiting, the suffering of the peasants who see their harvest destroyed and their houses robbed - I guess nothing has changed very much since then.
We get to know the individual members of the Essex Dogs who, as a medieval band of brothers, try to protect each other and try to stay alive. The Essex dogs soon find themselves in the midst of diplomacy, as they are tasked with all sorts of diplomatic adventures, such as presenting the bishop of Caen with a peace proposal. In this we learn of the key players, such as the Black Prince (not depicted very sympathetically), the Earls of Warwick and Northampton and various other figures rooted in history.
I don't know how much liberty Dan Jones has granted himself when it comes to historical accuracy. A medieval meth-head? I don't know. The nobility is presented as just as any regular army officer - i don't know if this was the way it was at that time. But for me one of the captivating aspects is the strong sense of brotherhood that mirrors the renowned "Band of Brothers" narrative that emerged from World War II, where - almost 600 years later - soldiers of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment also landed in Normandy. The relationships between characters in "The Essex Dogs" are reminded me of the deep connections formed between soldiers in the 506th Regiment. The Essex Dogs" taps into the universal emotions of friendship, sacrifice, and resilience.
Dan Jones has ventured into historical fiction with this book, blending real historical events and figures with fictional elements to create an engaging narrative. It offered me a unique blend of entertainment and education, and may do the same to you as well, as long as there is an understanding that certain elements are fictionalized for the sake of the narrative. Readers who appreciate the camaraderie and brotherhood depicted in "Band of Brothers" may find themselves drawn to the relationships and interactions among the characters in "The Essex Dogs."
I have always enjoyed Dan Jones's non-fiction works about the (among other works) the Plantagenets, the Magna Carta an the Templars, so when I noticed he published a new book titles the Essex Dogs, I wondered which British military unit, group, or division he wrote about. The Essex Dogs were a group of mercenaries, obviously from Essex and they fought under Edward III, during his assault on Normandy as a part of the Hundred Years' War. Only, they never existed. As it turned out, this is a book is a work of fiction. Yes, Dan Jones has written a historical fiction novel.
We start with the landing on the Normandy beach, heading ever deeper into enemy territory toward Crécy and trying to survive. The Essex Dogs and their leader try to survive the harsh conditions and pillage and loot their way to France. Long marches, the waiting, the suffering of the peasants who see their harvest destroyed and their houses robbed - I guess nothing has changed very much since then.
We get to know the individual members of the Essex Dogs who, as a medieval band of brothers, try to protect each other and try to stay alive. The Essex dogs soon find themselves in the midst of diplomacy, as they are tasked with all sorts of diplomatic adventures, such as presenting the bishop of Caen with a peace proposal. In this we learn of the key players, such as the Black Prince (not depicted very sympathetically), the Earls of Warwick and Northampton and various other figures rooted in history.
I don't know how much liberty Dan Jones has granted himself when it comes to historical accuracy. A medieval meth-head? I don't know. The nobility is presented as just as any regular army officer - i don't know if this was the way it was at that time. But for me one of the captivating aspects is the strong sense of brotherhood that mirrors the renowned "Band of Brothers" narrative that emerged from World War II, where - almost 600 years later - soldiers of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment also landed in Normandy. The relationships between characters in "The Essex Dogs" are reminded me of the deep connections formed between soldiers in the 506th Regiment. The Essex Dogs" taps into the universal emotions of friendship, sacrifice, and resilience.
Dan Jones has ventured into historical fiction with this book, blending real historical events and figures with fictional elements to create an engaging narrative. It offered me a unique blend of entertainment and education, and may do the same to you as well, as long as there is an understanding that certain elements are fictionalized for the sake of the narrative. Readers who appreciate the camaraderie and brotherhood depicted in "Band of Brothers" may find themselves drawn to the relationships and interactions among the characters in "The Essex Dogs."
July 1, 2022
1346. The dawn of The Hundred Years’ War, and King Edward’s army is on the march through France. The Essex Dogs, led by Captain Loveday Fitztalbot, must stay alive if they stand any hope of returning home again.
Written by historian Dan Jones, it is wondrously peppered with historical details from the period. Unfortunately, this is the Essex Dog’s one good merit. Where it falls down is the story and the characters.
The opening when they land on the beach is engaging, but once over, very little happens in the first half of the book. It picks up in the second half, but what lets down the story are the passive characters. It is scene after scene of the Dogs receiving orders/acting out orders, and luck (good and bad) drives the outcome. Rarely did I get the impression the Dogs were acting in their own interests or showing initiative to improve their situation. None of the Dogs seem to be very proactive. Yes, it’s war, and they must follow orders. But it feels like they’re being dragged through the entire ordeal (and the reader with them).
The book is part of a trilogy, but the ending stops with a character (who disappeared for a good chunk of the book) reappearing to drop a minor cliffhanger. The book didn’t have a clear beginning/middle/end, and the character arcs never really appeared.
Another gripe is the poor dialogue. It was great to see the religiously-themed curses thrown in and they were amusing in the first few instances. Unfortunately, they are a consistent feature in the dialogue and quickly lose any of their initial punch. I can say the same for the general swearing. The F-word is overused to the point it lessens its effectiveness, makes the dialogue repetitive and makes everyone sound the same. The one distinct character voice in the story is Northampton, but his voice is so over the top that he ends up sounding like some post-watershed character from Blackadder.
I noticed one reviewer compares Essex Dog's to Bernard Cornwell's writing style, but none of Cornwell's characters passively let fate lead them. They were proactive. You had a sense their presence made a difference to the plot. In Essex Dogs, you could have picked any company in the army because they never did much.
An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Net Galley in return for an honest review.
Written by historian Dan Jones, it is wondrously peppered with historical details from the period. Unfortunately, this is the Essex Dog’s one good merit. Where it falls down is the story and the characters.
The opening when they land on the beach is engaging, but once over, very little happens in the first half of the book. It picks up in the second half, but what lets down the story are the passive characters. It is scene after scene of the Dogs receiving orders/acting out orders, and luck (good and bad) drives the outcome. Rarely did I get the impression the Dogs were acting in their own interests or showing initiative to improve their situation. None of the Dogs seem to be very proactive. Yes, it’s war, and they must follow orders. But it feels like they’re being dragged through the entire ordeal (and the reader with them).
The book is part of a trilogy, but the ending stops with a character (who disappeared for a good chunk of the book) reappearing to drop a minor cliffhanger. The book didn’t have a clear beginning/middle/end, and the character arcs never really appeared.
Another gripe is the poor dialogue. It was great to see the religiously-themed curses thrown in and they were amusing in the first few instances. Unfortunately, they are a consistent feature in the dialogue and quickly lose any of their initial punch. I can say the same for the general swearing. The F-word is overused to the point it lessens its effectiveness, makes the dialogue repetitive and makes everyone sound the same. The one distinct character voice in the story is Northampton, but his voice is so over the top that he ends up sounding like some post-watershed character from Blackadder.
I noticed one reviewer compares Essex Dog's to Bernard Cornwell's writing style, but none of Cornwell's characters passively let fate lead them. They were proactive. You had a sense their presence made a difference to the plot. In Essex Dogs, you could have picked any company in the army because they never did much.
An ARC was provided to me by the publisher via Net Galley in return for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
Crass army-talkin’, slow plot-moving, journey from one battle scene to the next.
I was drawn in by the reviews of Berengaria and Alan, not so much that they were into it, but coz it appealed to me. I have a stunted sense of humour that did not pass high school. I can’t resist gutter talk. I’m sure if the opportunity arose, I would be friends with the author.
But…it was too much and too little. The energy started at 11 and stayed there, giving it the feel of a plateau. It was too long to sustain and it got old pretty quickly. What was at first hilarious became standard same old same old. And the plot wasn’t doing it for me. Go somewhere, raze it, hurt people, move on, raze next city and so on. Plus lots of big statements about ‘this could be it’, ‘it’s all or nothing’.
The enjoyment died off around the 1/3 mark. I was holding out for some better times ahead but they never came. It was very historical and the presence of place (Normandy) was strong. But, I could also get as much from playing Civilization and watching the combats. So, skimmed I did.
I think Jones has some talents, but this particular story didn’t do it for me.
I was drawn in by the reviews of Berengaria and Alan, not so much that they were into it, but coz it appealed to me. I have a stunted sense of humour that did not pass high school. I can’t resist gutter talk. I’m sure if the opportunity arose, I would be friends with the author.
But…it was too much and too little. The energy started at 11 and stayed there, giving it the feel of a plateau. It was too long to sustain and it got old pretty quickly. What was at first hilarious became standard same old same old. And the plot wasn’t doing it for me. Go somewhere, raze it, hurt people, move on, raze next city and so on. Plus lots of big statements about ‘this could be it’, ‘it’s all or nothing’.
The enjoyment died off around the 1/3 mark. I was holding out for some better times ahead but they never came. It was very historical and the presence of place (Normandy) was strong. But, I could also get as much from playing Civilization and watching the combats. So, skimmed I did.
I think Jones has some talents, but this particular story didn’t do it for me.
September 18, 2022
Historian, writer, broadcaster, journalist and hugely likeable DAN JONES is back with another action-packed historical fiction thriller - “ESSEX DOGS” - The first in a planned trilogy following the fortunes of ten ordinary soldiers, in the early years of the Hundred Years’ War set in France, 1346.
“Some men fight for glory. Others fight for coin. The Essex Dogs fight for each other…..”
The opening chapter, with a brutal French beach landing for the ‘Essex Dogs’, sets the scene for an action packed story displaying just how barbaric war was in the Middle Ages, with hand to hand fighting, more often than not to the death.
What struck me instantly was just how normal and ordinary the ‘dogs’ men were. Average foot soldiers, who had more brawn and fearlessness than some of the King’s men-at-arms. Their bravado and resilience was to be commended, more than prepared to give their lives for King and country. Often sent in first, much like our modern day elite forces, they went in blind not knowing what was awaiting them and it’s this opening scene that endeared me to the men instantly.
The many battles in this book were bloody, violently brutal, chaotic and exhausting. Frequently carried out after many days of travelling by foot, in barren landscapes and unrelenting heat. The plundered, burned out and looted towns and villages was written so atmospherically, I could almost smell the rotting stench of excrement and smouldering houses. There is some swearing between the men but there’s also a lot of humour and the one liners are truly funny.
As always with a Dan Jones novel, you know that the historical facts mentioned will be true to actual events and along with his very intelligent imagination (due to his love and passion for history) it’s assured any story by him will be fantastically written and instantly gripping.
#EssexDogs - 5 stars a must read for true historical fiction fans.
Thank you to LoveReading for my copy of the book, in return for an honest review.
“Some men fight for glory. Others fight for coin. The Essex Dogs fight for each other…..”
The opening chapter, with a brutal French beach landing for the ‘Essex Dogs’, sets the scene for an action packed story displaying just how barbaric war was in the Middle Ages, with hand to hand fighting, more often than not to the death.
What struck me instantly was just how normal and ordinary the ‘dogs’ men were. Average foot soldiers, who had more brawn and fearlessness than some of the King’s men-at-arms. Their bravado and resilience was to be commended, more than prepared to give their lives for King and country. Often sent in first, much like our modern day elite forces, they went in blind not knowing what was awaiting them and it’s this opening scene that endeared me to the men instantly.
The many battles in this book were bloody, violently brutal, chaotic and exhausting. Frequently carried out after many days of travelling by foot, in barren landscapes and unrelenting heat. The plundered, burned out and looted towns and villages was written so atmospherically, I could almost smell the rotting stench of excrement and smouldering houses. There is some swearing between the men but there’s also a lot of humour and the one liners are truly funny.
As always with a Dan Jones novel, you know that the historical facts mentioned will be true to actual events and along with his very intelligent imagination (due to his love and passion for history) it’s assured any story by him will be fantastically written and instantly gripping.
#EssexDogs - 5 stars a must read for true historical fiction fans.
Thank you to LoveReading for my copy of the book, in return for an honest review.
dnf
May 18, 2023I dnfed this pretty quickly - they got me with the gorgeous special edition and the fact that this was a not a debut, what I didn’t realize was that it was this author’s FICTION debut and boy does it show
Reading this is like if Guy Ritchie was tasked with applying the style and humor of his criminal movies (Lock Stock, Snatch, etc) to Joe Abercrombie’s The Heroes, only, instead of Abercrombies complex and intricately crafted characters, it’s stock characters and you only get the perspective of the Northmen and it’s about the start of The Hundred Years‘ War so you know how things generally will go and the characters are not interesting or believable enough to stick around for…
Reading this is like if Guy Ritchie was tasked with applying the style and humor of his criminal movies (Lock Stock, Snatch, etc) to Joe Abercrombie’s The Heroes, only, instead of Abercrombies complex and intricately crafted characters, it’s stock characters and you only get the perspective of the Northmen and it’s about the start of The Hundred Years‘ War so you know how things generally will go and the characters are not interesting or believable enough to stick around for…
December 16, 2024
Cry Havoc and Let Slip the Dogs of War
A review of the Viking (US) eBook (February 14, 2023) of the Head of Zeus (UK) hardcover original (September 15, 2022).
Essex Dogs follows a rag-tag group of soldiers in the leadup to the Battle of Crécy in 1346. The squad of 10 are fictional inventions, but the book also features the historical characters of Edward III, his son Edward Prince of Wales (later known as the Black Prince, but here he is only 16 years old in his first campaign) and various nobles in the English forces.
This is definitely a blood and guts version of events and not a sanitized account. Prince Edward is particularly seen as a callow youth, and hardly the image of chivalry that later accounts would portray. The chaos and ferocity of battles switches regularly to the pillage and destruction of towns and countryside. The focus of the story is the squad leader Loveday and his attempts to keep the group together and alive. Events will work against him throughout.
A map of the English army's path through France during its campaign in 1346. Image sourced from the Battle of Crécy article at Wikipedia by Goran tek-en, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link.
I don't read that many fictional medieval warfare novels, but I thought Essex Dogs was well done and stood up against such leaders in the genre as Bernard Cornwell. I read this first in the trilogy thanks to a recent review by GR friend Berengaria. I may continue with the rest of the trilogy as availability occurs.
Trivia and Links
Alternate cover for the Head of Zeus (UK) editions.
Author Dan Jones is known primarily for his non-fiction historical works. With Essex Dogs he began a fictional trilogy which follows a close-knit group of mercenaries enlisted in Edward III's campaign against France during the Hundred Years' War. The 2nd book of the series was Wolves of Winter (2023). The series will conclude with Lion Hearts (Expected publication July 31, 2025).
A review of the Viking (US) eBook (February 14, 2023) of the Head of Zeus (UK) hardcover original (September 15, 2022).
Loveday reached over and patted the boy on his shoulder. ‘Don’t think about tomorrow. It will be what it will be.’
Scotsman snorted. ‘What it’s been so far has been a long ride on the hunt for a slow death,’ he said. ‘And I reckon we’re getting close to our reward.’
Essex Dogs follows a rag-tag group of soldiers in the leadup to the Battle of Crécy in 1346. The squad of 10 are fictional inventions, but the book also features the historical characters of Edward III, his son Edward Prince of Wales (later known as the Black Prince, but here he is only 16 years old in his first campaign) and various nobles in the English forces.
This is definitely a blood and guts version of events and not a sanitized account. Prince Edward is particularly seen as a callow youth, and hardly the image of chivalry that later accounts would portray. The chaos and ferocity of battles switches regularly to the pillage and destruction of towns and countryside. The focus of the story is the squad leader Loveday and his attempts to keep the group together and alive. Events will work against him throughout.
A map of the English army's path through France during its campaign in 1346. Image sourced from the Battle of Crécy article at Wikipedia by Goran tek-en, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link.
I don't read that many fictional medieval warfare novels, but I thought Essex Dogs was well done and stood up against such leaders in the genre as Bernard Cornwell. I read this first in the trilogy thanks to a recent review by GR friend Berengaria. I may continue with the rest of the trilogy as availability occurs.
Trivia and Links
Alternate cover for the Head of Zeus (UK) editions.
Author Dan Jones is known primarily for his non-fiction historical works. With Essex Dogs he began a fictional trilogy which follows a close-knit group of mercenaries enlisted in Edward III's campaign against France during the Hundred Years' War. The 2nd book of the series was Wolves of Winter (2023). The series will conclude with Lion Hearts (Expected publication July 31, 2025).
April 19, 2025
Hurrah! Halloo! Hurray!
This was so much—so much—better than I expected!
Travel through time with a book, from the beaches of France to the outskirts of Paris. For my 1404 Bookmark Calendar Challenge: Farvardin–Paris
📅 12–26 July 1346 — The Battle of Crécy
History Note:
King Edward III of England claimed the French throne through his mother’s lineage, believing his bloodline gave him a stronger right than King Philip VI, his first cousin once removed. But the French upheld Salic law, which barred inheritance through the female line.
Thus began one of the most brutal and enduring conflicts in European history.
“In Rouen, Caen, and Saint-Denis,
In Orléans and sweet Paris,
The Frenchmen choose: to die or flee,
Unless Philippe will bend his knee,
To Edward of our own country…”
Now enter the Essex Dogs
A company of ten men drawn into this war between distant cousins. Ten very unusual and unequal men:
One called Father, the youngest only sixteen, Romford, and Loveday, some kind of leader when the Captain is absent.
Once again, I didn’t learn my lesson: never read about men sinking into mud, this time in the Seine River, fighting for someone else’s honor, dying, or worse, surviving, carrying the weight of those they’ve lost.
“He had vowed to follow the Captain’s example and keep them alive and together.
Now they were down to just four.
Or perhaps three and a half.”
I almost cried, but you will never know how many turn out alive at the end, or even in the middle of shitty war. Hell, the character building was great! I read Dan Jones' nonfiction before; this was something else.
EndnoteQuestion: Can I still hope to see Guillaume Bertrand, the mad bishop, again?
One for all… Desperta ferro!
This was so much—so much—better than I expected!
Travel through time with a book, from the beaches of France to the outskirts of Paris. For my 1404 Bookmark Calendar Challenge: Farvardin–Paris
📅 12–26 July 1346 — The Battle of Crécy
History Note:
King Edward III of England claimed the French throne through his mother’s lineage, believing his bloodline gave him a stronger right than King Philip VI, his first cousin once removed. But the French upheld Salic law, which barred inheritance through the female line.
Thus began one of the most brutal and enduring conflicts in European history.
“In Rouen, Caen, and Saint-Denis,
In Orléans and sweet Paris,
The Frenchmen choose: to die or flee,
Unless Philippe will bend his knee,
To Edward of our own country…”
Now enter the Essex Dogs
A company of ten men drawn into this war between distant cousins. Ten very unusual and unequal men:
One called Father, the youngest only sixteen, Romford, and Loveday, some kind of leader when the Captain is absent.
Once again, I didn’t learn my lesson: never read about men sinking into mud, this time in the Seine River, fighting for someone else’s honor, dying, or worse, surviving, carrying the weight of those they’ve lost.
“He had vowed to follow the Captain’s example and keep them alive and together.
Now they were down to just four.
Or perhaps three and a half.”
I almost cried, but you will never know how many turn out alive at the end, or even in the middle of shitty war. Hell, the character building was great! I read Dan Jones' nonfiction before; this was something else.
End
One for all… Desperta ferro!
October 28, 2022
An historical fiction that I was initially attracted to by the title, as most of my in-laws live in the county of Essex, now an overflow area popular with Londoners looking to live outside the conurbation. Not quite as superficial as this maybe. I saw the author is a famed historian and the medieval period covered here provides the framework for so much ‘sword and sorcery’ fantasy.
The plot concerns a small experienced group of soldiers, hired by a knight to be his company of foot soldiers in an invasion of France by Edward III in the mid 14th century, part of the Hundred Years War between England and France. This particular expedition led by Edward lasted several weeks as his invasion force pillaged its way across Normandy and culminated in a famous battle at Crecy. That’s the history bit underlying the fiction, the first attempt at fiction, apparently, by this historian.
Much of the story concerns the progress of the army across northern France, where villages and towns are routinely plundered and pillaged in the most ruthless manner. Rape is heavily implied too by the author without gratuitously dwelling on this dark aspect of medieval conquest. The ordinary warriors and their ‘superiors’, the knights and lords, are all painted as trained killers. No doubt this uses the author’s historical knowledge - there was no romance and, it seems, little chivalry in these medieval wars. It was all about ruthless conquest.
The Essex Dogs get a front row seat in the expedition and eventually find themselves involved with the military leaders around Edward. While I appreciated the author using his expertise to paint this ruthless, unromantic, picture of war I wasn’t so persuaded by his attempt to include human drama via his main characters. The Essex Dogs aren’t given too much depth and there’s a thread in the story where some of them try to protect a naive and wayward young recruit to their band when I couldn’t quite see why they should apart from a feeling of comradely brotherhood which didn’t quite mesh with their personalities.
EDIT: My initial review now complained about some unexpected revelations at the very end of the story which were left hanging. This confused me as I didn’t see any indication that this book is the start of a series but I now understand it will be a trilogy. Which explains the apparently unfinished ending!
In summary, an expert, no holds barred, description of what I expect medieval warfare was really like. Sordid, ruthless, murderous. From top to bottom of the social order the combatants were interested only in killing and plunder, all in service to a King who did have political and strategic concerns though these are little discussed. The human aspects of the story I found less interesting. Enough outline to the characters to carry the story but I really couldn’t bring myself to care about any of the main characters, whether they lived or died. That could have been the intention but I suspect not.
I think if you want a realism check on medieval warfare then this is a good read; if you want some sympathetic human interest too then maybe not so good. Nonetheless, for a first historical fiction by the author it was interesting.
For me, 3.5* rounded up to 4* because I did always want to continue reading to see how the story progressed. I’ll probably read the future books in the series when they appear.
The plot concerns a small experienced group of soldiers, hired by a knight to be his company of foot soldiers in an invasion of France by Edward III in the mid 14th century, part of the Hundred Years War between England and France. This particular expedition led by Edward lasted several weeks as his invasion force pillaged its way across Normandy and culminated in a famous battle at Crecy. That’s the history bit underlying the fiction, the first attempt at fiction, apparently, by this historian.
Much of the story concerns the progress of the army across northern France, where villages and towns are routinely plundered and pillaged in the most ruthless manner. Rape is heavily implied too by the author without gratuitously dwelling on this dark aspect of medieval conquest. The ordinary warriors and their ‘superiors’, the knights and lords, are all painted as trained killers. No doubt this uses the author’s historical knowledge - there was no romance and, it seems, little chivalry in these medieval wars. It was all about ruthless conquest.
The Essex Dogs get a front row seat in the expedition and eventually find themselves involved with the military leaders around Edward. While I appreciated the author using his expertise to paint this ruthless, unromantic, picture of war I wasn’t so persuaded by his attempt to include human drama via his main characters. The Essex Dogs aren’t given too much depth and there’s a thread in the story where some of them try to protect a naive and wayward young recruit to their band when I couldn’t quite see why they should apart from a feeling of comradely brotherhood which didn’t quite mesh with their personalities.
EDIT: My initial review now complained about some unexpected revelations at the very end of the story which were left hanging. This confused me as I didn’t see any indication that this book is the start of a series but I now understand it will be a trilogy. Which explains the apparently unfinished ending!
In summary, an expert, no holds barred, description of what I expect medieval warfare was really like. Sordid, ruthless, murderous. From top to bottom of the social order the combatants were interested only in killing and plunder, all in service to a King who did have political and strategic concerns though these are little discussed. The human aspects of the story I found less interesting. Enough outline to the characters to carry the story but I really couldn’t bring myself to care about any of the main characters, whether they lived or died. That could have been the intention but I suspect not.
I think if you want a realism check on medieval warfare then this is a good read; if you want some sympathetic human interest too then maybe not so good. Nonetheless, for a first historical fiction by the author it was interesting.
For me, 3.5* rounded up to 4* because I did always want to continue reading to see how the story progressed. I’ll probably read the future books in the series when they appear.
August 21, 2023
Dan Jones is an excellent historian. I enjoy his books and his tv shows, but his foray into historical fiction isn't quite to his normal superb level. Is it bad? By no means, it was entertaining and a good read-but perhaps too much time is spent on the Essex Dogs and their misadventures than on the historical big picture.
This book covers Edward III's campaign that led to the Battle of Crecy in 1346. The Essex Dogs are a mercenary company that is supporting the English effort. Seen from their eyes we follow these mercenaries as they travel through France conducting a chevauchée, where they ravage and pillage the French countryside in order to draw out the French army. This will lead to the penultimate conflict at Crecy.
Entertaining and displaying a deep knowledge of the way wars were fought during the Hundred Tears War, this was a solid story. Is it amazing historical fiction? No. The perspective of a low-end mercenary company makes it hard to sometimes ascertain the events. Also, I am curious as to his portrayal of the Black Prince (Edward, Prince of Wales) as a whiny, petulant, spoiled brat is something new. I will freely admit to a dearth of knowledge about The Black Prince's personality but I'd not expected this version.
This book covers Edward III's campaign that led to the Battle of Crecy in 1346. The Essex Dogs are a mercenary company that is supporting the English effort. Seen from their eyes we follow these mercenaries as they travel through France conducting a chevauchée, where they ravage and pillage the French countryside in order to draw out the French army. This will lead to the penultimate conflict at Crecy.
Entertaining and displaying a deep knowledge of the way wars were fought during the Hundred Tears War, this was a solid story. Is it amazing historical fiction? No. The perspective of a low-end mercenary company makes it hard to sometimes ascertain the events. Also, I am curious as to his portrayal of the Black Prince (Edward, Prince of Wales) as a whiny, petulant, spoiled brat is something new. I will freely admit to a dearth of knowledge about The Black Prince's personality but I'd not expected this version.
September 6, 2022
On my blog.
Actual rating 2.5
CWs: gore, violence, implied sexual abuse, implied rape
Galley provided by publisher
I was intrigued to read Essex Dogs because, having read a few of Dan Jones’ nonfiction books, I knew I could rely on it to be well researched and to bring the historical era around it to life. And, really, that’s what it did on the whole.
However—and this is a personal however, I hasten to add—I do think I prefer his nonfiction to this. Not to say that this was bad (hence, the “it’s personal”), but if I had to pick? Nonfiction every time.
Essex Dogs follows a platoon of men landing in Normandy during the Hundred Years’ War. In terms of what happens in the book, it’s hard to say, but as a vague plot summary: they fight and do battle and attempt, on behalf of their own king, to overthrow the French king.
The Hundred Years’ War isn’t a period of history I ever covered in classes. We did Hastings in 1066, followed by Magna Carta in the early 13th century, then skipped ahead to the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 (which falls squarely within the period of the Hundred Years’ War, and yet we somehow never touched on that), before finally landing on the Tudors. So this is a book set in a time period I only know vaguely about. And I think its strength is in bringing that time period to life, much like Dan Jones has always managed for me in his nonfiction books.
Perhaps where it was a bit weaker though was the characters. I never really felt like I engaged with them as much, and I never really felt like many of them had personalities. It probably wasn’t much help that, it being war, they were as likely to die within a few chapters of you meeting them as survive. The POV characters, as expected, were a bit more fleshed out than the others, though, and you could still root for them (and also, this is something I expect will be improved on as the series goes on).
Similarly, the plot seemed to have little drive, and I do wonder if this is a series that’s meant to be read all at once, where the plot is one that covers three books, rather than each book having its own self-contained plot. The ending of this one, which seems to work to set up the series as a whole more than anything, certainly points to that.
On the whole, though, I did fairly like reading this one. And if you’re looking for good thoroughly researched historical fiction, it would be for you.
Actual rating 2.5
CWs: gore, violence, implied sexual abuse, implied rape
Galley provided by publisher
I was intrigued to read Essex Dogs because, having read a few of Dan Jones’ nonfiction books, I knew I could rely on it to be well researched and to bring the historical era around it to life. And, really, that’s what it did on the whole.
However—and this is a personal however, I hasten to add—I do think I prefer his nonfiction to this. Not to say that this was bad (hence, the “it’s personal”), but if I had to pick? Nonfiction every time.
Essex Dogs follows a platoon of men landing in Normandy during the Hundred Years’ War. In terms of what happens in the book, it’s hard to say, but as a vague plot summary: they fight and do battle and attempt, on behalf of their own king, to overthrow the French king.
The Hundred Years’ War isn’t a period of history I ever covered in classes. We did Hastings in 1066, followed by Magna Carta in the early 13th century, then skipped ahead to the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381 (which falls squarely within the period of the Hundred Years’ War, and yet we somehow never touched on that), before finally landing on the Tudors. So this is a book set in a time period I only know vaguely about. And I think its strength is in bringing that time period to life, much like Dan Jones has always managed for me in his nonfiction books.
Perhaps where it was a bit weaker though was the characters. I never really felt like I engaged with them as much, and I never really felt like many of them had personalities. It probably wasn’t much help that, it being war, they were as likely to die within a few chapters of you meeting them as survive. The POV characters, as expected, were a bit more fleshed out than the others, though, and you could still root for them (and also, this is something I expect will be improved on as the series goes on).
Similarly, the plot seemed to have little drive, and I do wonder if this is a series that’s meant to be read all at once, where the plot is one that covers three books, rather than each book having its own self-contained plot. The ending of this one, which seems to work to set up the series as a whole more than anything, certainly points to that.
On the whole, though, I did fairly like reading this one. And if you’re looking for good thoroughly researched historical fiction, it would be for you.
June 10, 2025
Tajā, ka izlasīju vēsturisko romānu, kur viss sižets ir brutāls karagājiens (mēs runājam par Simtgadu karu), vainoju savu draudzeni. Esmu sajūsmā, lai gan grāmatas par karu ir ļoti zemu manā lasāmo interešu lokā. Vēl neesmu iepazinusi Dan Jones kā vēsturnieku, bet kā rakstniekam viņam ir pamatīgs talants "parādīt nevis pastāstīt", neapbērt ar sausiem faktiem un gariem aprakstiem, tomēr iedot ļoti kolorītu ainu un pilnasinīgus tēlus - "Eseksas suņi", princis, visādi lordi kā dzīvi parādījās manā iztēlē. Sesto zvaigzni gribas iedot audiogrāmatas ierunātājam Ben Miles. Tas bija vienkārši lieliski.
October 19, 2022
I was disappointed in this book. The history is impeccable as you would expect, but the characters left me cold and I just never felt I knew them properly. It just seemed to plod from one set-piece battle/siege/burning/raping/pillaging to the next with long periods of boredom in between. Exactly like war I imagine, but not what I want in a novel.
Loveday and Scotsman seemed to have echoes of 2 of Bernard Cornwell's characters, but this is very poor compred to the Sharpe books.
Loveday and Scotsman seemed to have echoes of 2 of Bernard Cornwell's characters, but this is very poor compred to the Sharpe books.
June 8, 2024
Dan Jones is known for his medieval non-fiction writing and I was excited to see he had decided to dip into the Fiction genre. I thought, correctly, if anyone could write a great tale with a fiction spin to it, it was him!
Essex Dogs tells the story of a band of English mercenaries who hire themselves out to anyone willing to pay. As Edward III plans his invasion of France, which commences the start of The 100 Years War, an English Lord hires the band of unruly men and boys.
Although the subject matter is bloody and brutal, Jones brings together that and the deep bonds between friends who are there for each other. There is a lot of absurd medieval cursing, which you either hate or love-I find myself in the second group and chuckled a lot throughout.
An entertaining first attempt at Fiction, and I believe Jones was spot-on. Research and writing, as always, top notch and I am looking forward to the next episode of The Essex Dogs
Essex Dogs tells the story of a band of English mercenaries who hire themselves out to anyone willing to pay. As Edward III plans his invasion of France, which commences the start of The 100 Years War, an English Lord hires the band of unruly men and boys.
Although the subject matter is bloody and brutal, Jones brings together that and the deep bonds between friends who are there for each other. There is a lot of absurd medieval cursing, which you either hate or love-I find myself in the second group and chuckled a lot throughout.
An entertaining first attempt at Fiction, and I believe Jones was spot-on. Research and writing, as always, top notch and I am looking forward to the next episode of The Essex Dogs
September 10, 2024
This book is so dry you have to lube it up before opening. The pitch seems great. English mercenary company goes to wage war with English king against French. They're not a big deal, just a bunch of nobodies who do this for a living or need to escape their old lives. Some of them could be interesting characters. Emphasis on *could*.
They have a new leader FitzTalbot Loveday. Boy, that is a name really not worth of a mercenary captain. The old one called only as The Captain abandoned them and this is a big deal because Essex Dogs don't abandon the company. Loveday is the main character and he's learning leadership role. There's Scotsman who's like a second in command, tall and fierce. Two Welsh guys who don't speak English but are great with bows. They come and go. Insane priest called Father who's lost his mind. New recruit Romford who's an addict on some powder drug. Two other bowmen who just are there. And two others who have almost no roles at all.
This should work. Abercrombie would make another bestseller out of this, GRRM who inspired Jones to write this (in person) would make this work. It's really not that hard to make something engaging out of this soup. Father is already insane when we meet him and there's nothing interesting about it. What if he was just losing his sanity instead and the powder made it worse? But then Loveday is suffering in the second half of the book and starts losing his mind. Nothing of it. Romford is suicidal but it's as if the author didn't have the guts to properly show why. They're all boring.
Anything. Give me something. Please. And it's not because it follows real historical events. That's fine. But the characters are so bland. I didn't care if any one of them died. The old captain "The Captain" is mentioned dozens of times but there is no reason why we should care Who gives a frak?
If anything this book has motivated me to finally write something of my own. The author writes historical non-fiction and I have no doubt he's good at it. But this is rough even for a first novel. It's not terrible but feels more like enhanced version of the first draft.
They have a new leader FitzTalbot Loveday. Boy, that is a name really not worth of a mercenary captain. The old one called only as The Captain abandoned them and this is a big deal because Essex Dogs don't abandon the company. Loveday is the main character and he's learning leadership role. There's Scotsman who's like a second in command, tall and fierce. Two Welsh guys who don't speak English but are great with bows. They come and go. Insane priest called Father who's lost his mind. New recruit Romford who's an addict on some powder drug. Two other bowmen who just are there. And two others who have almost no roles at all.
This should work. Abercrombie would make another bestseller out of this, GRRM who inspired Jones to write this (in person) would make this work. It's really not that hard to make something engaging out of this soup. Father is already insane when we meet him and there's nothing interesting about it. What if he was just losing his sanity instead and the powder made it worse? But then Loveday is suffering in the second half of the book and starts losing his mind. Nothing of it. Romford is suicidal but it's as if the author didn't have the guts to properly show why. They're all boring.
Anything. Give me something. Please. And it's not because it follows real historical events. That's fine. But the characters are so bland. I didn't care if any one of them died. The old captain "The Captain" is mentioned dozens of times but there is no reason why we should care Who gives a frak?
If anything this book has motivated me to finally write something of my own. The author writes historical non-fiction and I have no doubt he's good at it. But this is rough even for a first novel. It's not terrible but feels more like enhanced version of the first draft.
September 2, 2022
I know Dan as a historian through his non-fiction books and documentaries, but this is his first foray into historical fiction. And what a debut it is. The writing and storyline are top notch and the language used is authentic to the times; which is not always the case with some historical fiction.
Dan Jones' debut novel is an impressive work of historical fiction set in the Hundred Years' War and, more particularly, during the Crecy Campaign. It bears all the hallmarks of the meticulous historical research we have come to expect from this author.
It is clear from the off we're in for a no holds barred and gritty novel that depicts the brutality of warfare in the period that it is set. The invasion of France by Edward 111 and his son the Black Prince in the furtherance of their claim to the French throne. They claim Phillipe the French King is an imposter and Edward is the rightful King. The narrative is well written and you can almost hear the clash of swords, the screams of horses and the groans of dying men as the two armies clash. In amongst this are the Essex Dogs and though they fight on the English their first allegiance is to each other. A band of brothers for the fourteenth century. A great addition to the field of Historical Fiction. Recommended.
Dan Jones' debut novel is an impressive work of historical fiction set in the Hundred Years' War and, more particularly, during the Crecy Campaign. It bears all the hallmarks of the meticulous historical research we have come to expect from this author.
It is clear from the off we're in for a no holds barred and gritty novel that depicts the brutality of warfare in the period that it is set. The invasion of France by Edward 111 and his son the Black Prince in the furtherance of their claim to the French throne. They claim Phillipe the French King is an imposter and Edward is the rightful King. The narrative is well written and you can almost hear the clash of swords, the screams of horses and the groans of dying men as the two armies clash. In amongst this are the Essex Dogs and though they fight on the English their first allegiance is to each other. A band of brothers for the fourteenth century. A great addition to the field of Historical Fiction. Recommended.
November 7, 2022
Somewhat disappointing from Jones. This work of historical fiction charts a group of English soldiers campaigning in France with Edward III and his son, the eventual Black Prince. The characters are reminiscent of Robin's band of merry every-part-of-the-UK lads in Ridley Scott's Robin Hood. That is: an accent and broad size stereotype is meant to make up for character.
The characters themselves are mostly empty, unlikeable or just difficult to believe. He takes an interesting track for Edward III's son. In national myth he's heroic, clever - a natural leader. In this he's hedonistic, stupid, spoilt, vain, capricious and callous. This could have been a subtle shift on the myth but instead becomes a Blackadder the First style pastiche that doesn't work as effectively as I suspect Jones thinks it does. The ground is laid for further books in the series but not convinced I'll pick it up.
The characters themselves are mostly empty, unlikeable or just difficult to believe. He takes an interesting track for Edward III's son. In national myth he's heroic, clever - a natural leader. In this he's hedonistic, stupid, spoilt, vain, capricious and callous. This could have been a subtle shift on the myth but instead becomes a Blackadder the First style pastiche that doesn't work as effectively as I suspect Jones thinks it does. The ground is laid for further books in the series but not convinced I'll pick it up.
March 29, 2023
Really enjoyed this book, a ragtag group of soldiers storming France during the start of the hundred years war. The main group reminded me of the First Law Northmen and I enjoyed their dynamic. The action scenes were great; particularly the opening scene which is clearly inspired by the opening of Saving Private Ryan; and the final battle which was really exciting.
I do think that the book needed *more*. It felt bare bones in terms of character, plot, and descriptions. Lovejoy and a couple others of the Dogs were more well defined, but with their being 10 Essex Dogs, some of them are just...there. And the rest of the English army are all pretty bland. I will definitely read the sequel though!
I do think that the book needed *more*. It felt bare bones in terms of character, plot, and descriptions. Lovejoy and a couple others of the Dogs were more well defined, but with their being 10 Essex Dogs, some of them are just...there. And the rest of the English army are all pretty bland. I will definitely read the sequel though!
February 5, 2024
3.5 stars.
1396 the English land in Normandy for the Edwardian chapter of the 100 years war. The author is a popular British historian, many books, who was featured in the NYTimes "By The Book" - apparently turning his hand to fiction after having dinner with GRR Martin. Which is a great enticement to pick up this book ! (By the Book is one of my favorite places to get book recommendations BTW.)
Jones' interest here is medieval warfare from the POV of the fighting man - grueling, no rules, dirty, criminal and very often deadly. Here a band of brothers, the Essex Dogs - all for one and one for all what what - marches and dies from Normandy to northern France under Edward III.
Jones doesn't quite hit the ground running: most of the Essex Dogs have no backstory nor personality other than their names and weapons. But it's still a good introduction for going to the web and looking up the historical points. I was slightly disturbed by one character's powder, presumably cocaine, habit - from what I can find, cocaine didn't get to Europe until the 1500s. But okay, Dan Jones knows more than me, why not.
I'm thinking that his storytelling might grow with the second book in this planned series - so I'll look at it eventually. Overall good enough!
1396 the English land in Normandy for the Edwardian chapter of the 100 years war. The author is a popular British historian, many books, who was featured in the NYTimes "By The Book" - apparently turning his hand to fiction after having dinner with GRR Martin. Which is a great enticement to pick up this book ! (By the Book is one of my favorite places to get book recommendations BTW.)
Jones' interest here is medieval warfare from the POV of the fighting man - grueling, no rules, dirty, criminal and very often deadly. Here a band of brothers, the Essex Dogs - all for one and one for all what what - marches and dies from Normandy to northern France under Edward III.
Jones doesn't quite hit the ground running: most of the Essex Dogs have no backstory nor personality other than their names and weapons. But it's still a good introduction for going to the web and looking up the historical points. I was slightly disturbed by one character's powder, presumably cocaine, habit - from what I can find, cocaine didn't get to Europe until the 1500s. But okay, Dan Jones knows more than me, why not.
I'm thinking that his storytelling might grow with the second book in this planned series - so I'll look at it eventually. Overall good enough!
June 4, 2023
I have read several books by Dan Jones and enjoyed them all. He is that rare, very rare, historian that seems to understand that if you want your books to sell then the average reader has to like them and be entertained by them. So while young Mr. Jones may be a scholar he doesn't write like one and aims for a broader audience. I guess Mr. Jones may have come to a point in his career where he has exhausted his wealth of knowledge in the area of his historic expertise and has decided to try something new. In this book Mr. Jones has clearly ventured into the cutthroat arena of commercial fiction and, though not surprisingly, into historic fiction. This book promises to be the first of a series dealing with some 14th century free booters or mercenaries, professional soldiers but not like we would use that term today. I am giving the book 3 stars as it is a good book with promise but there is a difference between writing good history and good fiction and especially if the fiction is historical fiction. Mr. Jones will need to prove himself before I rate him higher in the fiction field.
If an author is going to start a historical fiction series I could think of no better era for such an endeavor than the Hundred Years War between England and France and that is what is delivered in this Essex Dogs series. The Essex Dogs are a group of medieval English soldiers for hire. In this book they are recruited by an English noble for 40 days fighting in France on behalf of King Edward III. The story is told primarily from the perspective of the common soldier in such time and in such a campaign and the telling is crude, vulgar, and assorted other unpleasant adjectives and is probably entirely accurate to the reality of war at this time. The story ends with the Battle of Crecy, the first major battle of the Hundred Years War and there are a couple of minor teases about plot threads for the probable next book but no cliffhanger ending thank God.
I found the story dragged for quite awhile before plot elements were developed sufficiently enough to initiate some drama. I found this portion of the book rather dull but then its purpose may have been to demonstrate the monotony of life on campaign for the common medieval soldier. Nevertheless, things did pick-up but since I knew the book would probably end at Crecy and the outcome of that battle is known the suspense was created in the fictional elements of the plot involving the Dogs and their personal circumstances. So up to the end I enjoyed the book and probably more than if I knew much about the Battle of Crecy which I do not. I was disturbed by Jones' end note in which he suggests he played loosely with the facts of this event. I was expecting the history as handle by this historian to be completely accurate and he suggested that that wasn't so. Historical fiction to meet my satisfaction needs to be historically accurate. Jones' treatment of the Prince of Wales during this campaign is bothersome to me. This prince would later in history be called the Black Prince and renown for his military prowess. In this book Jones gives no hint of this budding ability in any way and is rather harsh in developing this character. I now wonder just how loosely Jones did deal with eh facts of this campaign. I am now left with the necessity of having to increase my knowledge of the Hundred Years War and that starts with the Battle of Crecy. Thanks Dan I am guessing Bezos will be getting more of my money. LOL. Enjoy.
If an author is going to start a historical fiction series I could think of no better era for such an endeavor than the Hundred Years War between England and France and that is what is delivered in this Essex Dogs series. The Essex Dogs are a group of medieval English soldiers for hire. In this book they are recruited by an English noble for 40 days fighting in France on behalf of King Edward III. The story is told primarily from the perspective of the common soldier in such time and in such a campaign and the telling is crude, vulgar, and assorted other unpleasant adjectives and is probably entirely accurate to the reality of war at this time. The story ends with the Battle of Crecy, the first major battle of the Hundred Years War and there are a couple of minor teases about plot threads for the probable next book but no cliffhanger ending thank God.
I found the story dragged for quite awhile before plot elements were developed sufficiently enough to initiate some drama. I found this portion of the book rather dull but then its purpose may have been to demonstrate the monotony of life on campaign for the common medieval soldier. Nevertheless, things did pick-up but since I knew the book would probably end at Crecy and the outcome of that battle is known the suspense was created in the fictional elements of the plot involving the Dogs and their personal circumstances. So up to the end I enjoyed the book and probably more than if I knew much about the Battle of Crecy which I do not. I was disturbed by Jones' end note in which he suggests he played loosely with the facts of this event. I was expecting the history as handle by this historian to be completely accurate and he suggested that that wasn't so. Historical fiction to meet my satisfaction needs to be historically accurate. Jones' treatment of the Prince of Wales during this campaign is bothersome to me. This prince would later in history be called the Black Prince and renown for his military prowess. In this book Jones gives no hint of this budding ability in any way and is rather harsh in developing this character. I now wonder just how loosely Jones did deal with eh facts of this campaign. I am now left with the necessity of having to increase my knowledge of the Hundred Years War and that starts with the Battle of Crecy. Thanks Dan I am guessing Bezos will be getting more of my money. LOL. Enjoy.
December 11, 2022
Not terrible, just not all that good. The characters are thin, the imagery fails to elicit images, the two main protagonists have no real specified goal. The same goes for the not very believable antagonists. All lacked a coherent shape and direction. The story does illicit a certain window of the personalities and idea's of the time, but nevertheless still comes up a little short. With more defined characterisation, it could have perhaps come closer to its potential. The depiction of the Black Prince lacked clarity and, for such a well regarded historian, bordered on the cringeworthy. Northampton was enjoyable and provided comic relief, however, at times it made me think of Rik Mayall acting as 'Flash-heart'. If this was written by an unknown author rather than the esteemed Dan Jones, I doubt it would have been published. More talented and less published authors of the genre will no doubt agree. I hope round two will improve on these points.
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