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Chivalry #6
The Emperor's Sword
The penultimate instalment in the Chivalry series from a master of historical fiction.The Chivalry series follows young William Gold, who runs away from London to follow the Black Prince, from the killing fields of France, through life as a routier and criminal, and to redemption with the Knights of Saint John, further disillusion and an eventual career as a professional soldier and knight. Rich in the details of life in the High Middle Ages, the series also deals with modern issues about the role of violence in society, rules of conflict and war, and the price that people pay for using violence.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2024
105 people are currently reading
403 people want to read
About the author
Christian Cameron
81 books1,109 followersAka Miles Cameron. Also publishes as Gordon Kent with his father Kenneth M. Cameron.
Christian Cameron was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962. He grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, Iowa City, Iowa,Christian Cameron and Rochester, New York, where he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and later graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in history.
After the longest undergraduate degree on record (1980-87), he joined the United States Navy, where he served as an intelligence officer and as a backseater in S-3 Vikings in the First Gulf War, in Somalia, and elsewhere. After a dozen years of service, he became a full time writer in 2000. He lives in Toronto (that’s Ontario, in Canada) with his wife Sarah and their daughter Beatrice, currently age four. And a half.
Christian Cameron was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in 1962. He grew up in Rockport, Massachusetts, Iowa City, Iowa,Christian Cameron and Rochester, New York, where he attended McQuaid Jesuit High School and later graduated from the University of Rochester with a degree in history.
After the longest undergraduate degree on record (1980-87), he joined the United States Navy, where he served as an intelligence officer and as a backseater in S-3 Vikings in the First Gulf War, in Somalia, and elsewhere. After a dozen years of service, he became a full time writer in 2000. He lives in Toronto (that’s Ontario, in Canada) with his wife Sarah and their daughter Beatrice, currently age four. And a half.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
December 11, 2024
This fantastic book is the 6th volume of the amazing "Chivalry" series, featuring the real and less known, but still historical Knight, Sir William Gold.
Storytelling is excellent, all figures, whether real historical or fictional, come splendidly to life in this tale about chivalry, honour bound in peace and war, but when money is involved anyone can be bought to fight, and all the dangers when it comes to treachery and backstabbing by certain factions during these turbulent historical years.
The book starts and ends in a tavern in Calais in the year AD1381, the year of the Great revolt in England, with Sir William Gold telling about his exploits as a Knight, accompanied by the famous Geoffrey Chaucer, Master Froissart and several others.
This tale is divided into five parts, from AD1372 until AD1374, and we follow the adventures of William Gold twice in Northern Italy, one at the decaying Roman Empire in Constantinople, one at Megara in Greece, and finally ending in Venice and afterwards home in the Savoy.
William Gold will be fighting with Sir John Hawkwood in Northern Italy against the Visconti of Milan, and will lead various battles in Outremer and in Greece and all this for his friend, the wealthy banker Nerio.
During William Gold's stay in Constantinople, he will encounter the dark intricacies of interest in Outremer that is behind the brutal and lethal conflict between the two city-states, Venice and Genoa, while in Megara, Greece, a conflict that is everything to do about power and land for Nerio and with William Gold as his leading Commander to succeed in this mission.
What is to follow is a terrific story about chivalry, good and bad, about loyalty, treason, war and hate between various factions, like the Pope in Rome and the Roman Emperor in Constantinople, and all this is brought to us in a most superb and realistic way by the author.
Very much recommended, for this another excellent addition to this sublime series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Tremendous Sword For Hire"!
Storytelling is excellent, all figures, whether real historical or fictional, come splendidly to life in this tale about chivalry, honour bound in peace and war, but when money is involved anyone can be bought to fight, and all the dangers when it comes to treachery and backstabbing by certain factions during these turbulent historical years.
The book starts and ends in a tavern in Calais in the year AD1381, the year of the Great revolt in England, with Sir William Gold telling about his exploits as a Knight, accompanied by the famous Geoffrey Chaucer, Master Froissart and several others.
This tale is divided into five parts, from AD1372 until AD1374, and we follow the adventures of William Gold twice in Northern Italy, one at the decaying Roman Empire in Constantinople, one at Megara in Greece, and finally ending in Venice and afterwards home in the Savoy.
William Gold will be fighting with Sir John Hawkwood in Northern Italy against the Visconti of Milan, and will lead various battles in Outremer and in Greece and all this for his friend, the wealthy banker Nerio.
During William Gold's stay in Constantinople, he will encounter the dark intricacies of interest in Outremer that is behind the brutal and lethal conflict between the two city-states, Venice and Genoa, while in Megara, Greece, a conflict that is everything to do about power and land for Nerio and with William Gold as his leading Commander to succeed in this mission.
What is to follow is a terrific story about chivalry, good and bad, about loyalty, treason, war and hate between various factions, like the Pope in Rome and the Roman Emperor in Constantinople, and all this is brought to us in a most superb and realistic way by the author.
Very much recommended, for this another excellent addition to this sublime series, and that's why I like to call this latest episode: "A Tremendous Sword For Hire"!
May 1, 2024
By god he's done it again!
July 26, 2025
Las aventuras de William Gold, el cocinero que llegó a caballero, continúan en Italia y luego regreso a Grecia, al Imperio Romano de Oriente o... lo que queda.
Christian Cameron es un escritor al estilo de Bernard Cornwell, de hecho sus series se inspiran mucho en cómo cuenta sus historias: un guerrero veterano narra su vida llena de acción, intriga y aventura en un período histórico interesante. En este caso, la Europa medieval de la segunda mitad del siglo XIV.
William es un punto de vista un tanto... moderno... para ser un mercenario en el medievo, pero estas concesiones son necesarias para escribir algo que sea legible y no una concatenación de brutalidad y violencia.
Es una novela de transición, en la que concluye sus aventuras italianas secundarias (cuya implicación es un poco ficticia) y lo lleva a hechos históricos en Grecia contra la Compañía Catalana, aunque tampoco estuvo allí que se sepa, hasta que pueda contar una de las grandes guerras de esos tiempos entre Génova y Venecia.
William es el tipo de narrador que mejor funciona para este tipo de novelas. No es ficticio del todo, pero es un personaje con poca información histórica y maleable para ponerlo de testigo e incluso protagonista secundario en muchos de los grandes eventos de sus tiempos.
Es otra novela llena de acción, aventura e incluso sentimiento. William sigue reflexionando sobre quién quiere ser mientras su trabajo de mercenario le lleva a recorrer el Mediterráneo.
Christian Cameron es un escritor al estilo de Bernard Cornwell, de hecho sus series se inspiran mucho en cómo cuenta sus historias: un guerrero veterano narra su vida llena de acción, intriga y aventura en un período histórico interesante. En este caso, la Europa medieval de la segunda mitad del siglo XIV.
William es un punto de vista un tanto... moderno... para ser un mercenario en el medievo, pero estas concesiones son necesarias para escribir algo que sea legible y no una concatenación de brutalidad y violencia.
Es una novela de transición, en la que concluye sus aventuras italianas secundarias (cuya implicación es un poco ficticia) y lo lleva a hechos históricos en Grecia contra la Compañía Catalana, aunque tampoco estuvo allí que se sepa, hasta que pueda contar una de las grandes guerras de esos tiempos entre Génova y Venecia.
William es el tipo de narrador que mejor funciona para este tipo de novelas. No es ficticio del todo, pero es un personaje con poca información histórica y maleable para ponerlo de testigo e incluso protagonista secundario en muchos de los grandes eventos de sus tiempos.
Es otra novela llena de acción, aventura e incluso sentimiento. William sigue reflexionando sobre quién quiere ser mientras su trabajo de mercenario le lleva a recorrer el Mediterráneo.
January 7, 2025
I love this series! Every time there is word of a new book I begin rereading the series from the beginning. Reliving the adventures of many of the characters is a real pleasure. Only a handful of stories do that for me and this tale is one of them. I would highly recommend this series to anyone, especially if you interested in medieval history and tales of adventure. Mr. Cameron, more please!
May 21, 2024
Masterful
This series has been a joy to read from book one and it has only gotten better. Cameron's ability to transport readers into a tactile experience is next level. If you love medieval historical fiction, this series is a must read from a master storyteller.
This series has been a joy to read from book one and it has only gotten better. Cameron's ability to transport readers into a tactile experience is next level. If you love medieval historical fiction, this series is a must read from a master storyteller.
August 20, 2024
A great tale of knights and chivalry with a couple fun battles thrown in. Really enjoy this series. Sad this book wasn't longer.
May 10, 2024
The year is 1372 and William Gold is a man of means. Gold is a commander of a large group of fighting men loyal to him and Gold has joined longtime friend and mentor John Hawkwood fighting for Visconti of Milan against Pope Gregory XI. It is the war some want, but do not have the funds to pursue. Christian does a fabulous job giving the reader the sense of the chaos in Italy in the 14th century. Williiam Gold found himself fighting against people He fought with in previous campaigns. And what happens when armies don't get paid. A book #7 is promised. Looking forward to it.
March 4, 2025
My favourite (Historical Fiction) author never fails to please. To enthral. 5⭐️
January 23, 2025
A somewhat weaker, though still enjoyable, entry in the Chivalry series. Sir William Gold continues to regale his audience with tales of his exploits, this time dividing his narrative between time spent in the famous Company of John Hawkwood in ongoing battles between the Papacy and Milan, followed by a return to Greece to aid his old friends Nerio and Fiore.
William is as charming as ever, but the book suffered from a somewhat weak beginning and overall seemed a little rushed. Looking at Cameron’s output I wonder if he might be better served by slowing down a bit and concentrating on fewer series. Still, I do really enjoy the Chivalry series and even a weaker volume is welcome. I’m glad I can look forward to at least one more instalment in the adventures of Sir William.
William is as charming as ever, but the book suffered from a somewhat weak beginning and overall seemed a little rushed. Looking at Cameron’s output I wonder if he might be better served by slowing down a bit and concentrating on fewer series. Still, I do really enjoy the Chivalry series and even a weaker volume is welcome. I’m glad I can look forward to at least one more instalment in the adventures of Sir William.
February 19, 2025
Another good one in this series, still not my favourite series by this author.
April 25, 2024
Pulled another of my all night marathon reads. This book was everything I have come to expect from this series and author. In depth and hard hitting sword and cloak at its finest. Eagerly awaiting the next installment.
April 29, 2024
Outstanding
Christian Cameron is a superb historical novel writer. I’ve read all his series and they are all excellent. My only disappointment is that I have “caught up” with him and so need to wait for the next book.
His history is impeccable, his characterization is top quality. He weaves complex, narratives that combine politics, action and arcs that can stretch over multiple books in the series. In this series, he brings the richness and complexity of the medieval world alive and reminds us of how the medieval perspective is in some ways so similar to our own but in other ways such as the role of religion, profoundly different. He claims Patrick O’Brien as his hero and I think he can stand with the master.
Christian Cameron is a superb historical novel writer. I’ve read all his series and they are all excellent. My only disappointment is that I have “caught up” with him and so need to wait for the next book.
His history is impeccable, his characterization is top quality. He weaves complex, narratives that combine politics, action and arcs that can stretch over multiple books in the series. In this series, he brings the richness and complexity of the medieval world alive and reminds us of how the medieval perspective is in some ways so similar to our own but in other ways such as the role of religion, profoundly different. He claims Patrick O’Brien as his hero and I think he can stand with the master.
Want to read
June 21, 2024I think it's time I dive into this series. These covers are amazing!
January 3, 2026
Well, I have waited 3 years for the next book in the series: originally the author said that there would be just one book to complete it - "Captain of Venice". Well, it seems he has managed to squeeze another book in to fill the gap of 6 years from the actual events that formed the background of his previous book, "Hawkwood's Sword", till "Captain of Venice". I can forgive Christian Cameron that as it gives me another great book to read but does it mean another 3 years before I get the final in the series? I certainly hope not.
Again we sit in the tavern with Geoffrey Chaucer, Jean Froissart and Sir William Gold's men in Calais as bad weather continues to prevent Gold and his retinue from sailing to England. Encouraged by all, including the landlord's daughter, Aemilie, the knight continues his tale of his actions, this time in Italy, and Greece with a side trip involving piracy in The Black Sea where the on coming war between the trading city states of Venice and Genoa gets an airing: the issues of all of the Christian states always fighting each other rather than rising Islam amazes even one of the Turkish war lords.
Yet again the complexities of the political webs in both Italy and what is left of The Eastern Roman Empire come to the fore with Sir William as bemused by them as will be the reader. Add to this plague, an infected foot and yet another evil monk to give us a story that holds your attention to the end.
Christian Cameron has become my favourite historical novel writer and I am champing at the bit for "The Captain of Venice". Before reading "The Emperor's Sword" I had to re-read "Hawkwood's Sword" to refresh my mind as to what had gone before. When The Emperor's Sword" comes out I will start re-reading the whole series first - provided, of course, that Cameron doesn't slip yet another book into the series !
Again we sit in the tavern with Geoffrey Chaucer, Jean Froissart and Sir William Gold's men in Calais as bad weather continues to prevent Gold and his retinue from sailing to England. Encouraged by all, including the landlord's daughter, Aemilie, the knight continues his tale of his actions, this time in Italy, and Greece with a side trip involving piracy in The Black Sea where the on coming war between the trading city states of Venice and Genoa gets an airing: the issues of all of the Christian states always fighting each other rather than rising Islam amazes even one of the Turkish war lords.
Yet again the complexities of the political webs in both Italy and what is left of The Eastern Roman Empire come to the fore with Sir William as bemused by them as will be the reader. Add to this plague, an infected foot and yet another evil monk to give us a story that holds your attention to the end.
Christian Cameron has become my favourite historical novel writer and I am champing at the bit for "The Captain of Venice". Before reading "The Emperor's Sword" I had to re-read "Hawkwood's Sword" to refresh my mind as to what had gone before. When The Emperor's Sword" comes out I will start re-reading the whole series first - provided, of course, that Cameron doesn't slip yet another book into the series !
September 19, 2024
Another superb historical novel of the Middle Ages. We're slowly catching up to the frame story and William Gold is a little older, wiser, and wearier.
William gets to spend a little more time with his friends in this book, which I think is good for his character development. This series is at its best when Gold and his friends take center stage.
I really appreciate how Cameron weaves together real historical events with some invented ones that help flavor the story. I've looked up tons of things and people because of these books and really enjoy how he's managed to take real people about whom we know very little, and make them into fully fleshed-out human beings.
I'm disappointed that there will only one more book in the series, but Cameron has plenty of other series to dive into.
William gets to spend a little more time with his friends in this book, which I think is good for his character development. This series is at its best when Gold and his friends take center stage.
I really appreciate how Cameron weaves together real historical events with some invented ones that help flavor the story. I've looked up tons of things and people because of these books and really enjoy how he's managed to take real people about whom we know very little, and make them into fully fleshed-out human beings.
I'm disappointed that there will only one more book in the series, but Cameron has plenty of other series to dive into.
October 24, 2025
As Christian Cameron continues the saga of William Gold, a cook's son who used military skill to rise to prominence and wealth in the cutthroat medieval world of mercenaries, nobles, greed and war. And if you liked the first five, you'll like this one too.
I confess it didn't quite have the spark of some of the previous books, but there is an arc to the series, and in "The Emperor's Sword," Gold is slowly recovering from the death of his beloved wife (plague) and realizing the gap between the image of chivalry and the business of medieval combat. These are not happy topics, but Gold fights through his doubts, literally, and by book's end, is back on track.
And luckily, there's more to come, as "The Emperor's Sword," like every book before it, is one of those you hate to see come to an end.
I confess it didn't quite have the spark of some of the previous books, but there is an arc to the series, and in "The Emperor's Sword," Gold is slowly recovering from the death of his beloved wife (plague) and realizing the gap between the image of chivalry and the business of medieval combat. These are not happy topics, but Gold fights through his doubts, literally, and by book's end, is back on track.
And luckily, there's more to come, as "The Emperor's Sword," like every book before it, is one of those you hate to see come to an end.
June 5, 2024
I have read all the books in the series, but there was a gap between that and when I got around to reading this one. It took a while to reaquaint myself with the characters, but once that happened, the book was more enjoyable. I like the way Mr. Cameron melds together a story that includes historical events, with some manufactured events which enhances the reading. Guillaume's character is very likeable and noble. I liked the ending. I thoroughly enjoy reading Mr. Camerons books, which I have read many!
July 23, 2024
Another excellent addition to the series
What can I say really other than the title? This was a fantastic adventure that brings us back once more into the life of someone who's turning into my favorite fantasy protagonists. Doesn't hurt that we share a name. Looking forward to the next book and the conclusion of our story.
What can I say really other than the title? This was a fantastic adventure that brings us back once more into the life of someone who's turning into my favorite fantasy protagonists. Doesn't hurt that we share a name. Looking forward to the next book and the conclusion of our story.
August 4, 2024
A continuing story still is superb
Christian Cameron has written another excellent book in the story of William Gold. With a casual ease he creates the medieval world and breathes life into it. Despite understanding the minutiae of this world ,its weapons and methods, he manages to not overwhelm his readers with too much detail . Rather he shows just enough to allow you an understanding of that world. Such a skill !The ability to not overwrite.
I especially enjoy his ability to show how chivalry worked as a philosophy in a time of swords.
Christian Cameron has written another excellent book in the story of William Gold. With a casual ease he creates the medieval world and breathes life into it. Despite understanding the minutiae of this world ,its weapons and methods, he manages to not overwhelm his readers with too much detail . Rather he shows just enough to allow you an understanding of that world. Such a skill !The ability to not overwrite.
I especially enjoy his ability to show how chivalry worked as a philosophy in a time of swords.
October 22, 2024
This series is simply the best historical fiction medieval military work in existence.
The Emperor’s Sword continues a fascinating, well written, and well researched dive into the world of late fourteenth century social-climbing mercenary knights across a broad swathe of Mediterranean Christendom. I cannot recommend these books highly enough; they stand alone amongst their peers.
The Emperor’s Sword continues a fascinating, well written, and well researched dive into the world of late fourteenth century social-climbing mercenary knights across a broad swathe of Mediterranean Christendom. I cannot recommend these books highly enough; they stand alone amongst their peers.
January 4, 2025
It’s Christmas
When I read that there would likely be a book seven, a weight was lifted. Approaching the book’s end, I had supposed that was the last of this series. With the dampening this engendered, it escaped me that it wasn’t being written that way. Sometimes, being a fool is less painful than others.
When I read that there would likely be a book seven, a weight was lifted. Approaching the book’s end, I had supposed that was the last of this series. With the dampening this engendered, it escaped me that it wasn’t being written that way. Sometimes, being a fool is less painful than others.
April 28, 2024
Superb history
Christian Cameron has the talent to bring his characters to life. Based on a sound background of real historical events, he weaves a marvellous tale. Can't wait for the next volume!
John Cooper
Christian Cameron has the talent to bring his characters to life. Based on a sound background of real historical events, he weaves a marvellous tale. Can't wait for the next volume!
John Cooper
June 4, 2024
Christian Cameron's William Gold Novels just don't miss for me. I had a very great time with this book, although it also makes me kinda sad because you can feel the story drawing to a close. However I will enjoy every second of the ride.
June 19, 2024
Each Book Better Than The Last
What can I say, that I have not said before? Cameron is a master of his craft and William Gold remains one of my favorite characters. The Emperor's Sword continues an excellent streak of novels that I can barely put down.
What can I say, that I have not said before? Cameron is a master of his craft and William Gold remains one of my favorite characters. The Emperor's Sword continues an excellent streak of novels that I can barely put down.
September 10, 2024
If you Put this book up against the 5 others in the series it was certainly lacking...it felt very pedestrian and somewhat monotonous...let's hope the final novel in the series goes out with a bang....
October 3, 2024
Fantastic!
Another great novel by a master of historical fiction! William Gold continues the amazing journey and it’s riveting! He captures the noblesse and grit of the 1300’s with amazing storytelling.
I definitely recommend!
Another great novel by a master of historical fiction! William Gold continues the amazing journey and it’s riveting! He captures the noblesse and grit of the 1300’s with amazing storytelling.
I definitely recommend!
April 28, 2024
Wonderful
Another great adventure with Sir William Gold and his friends and retinue! I can't wait for the next book to be released.
Another great adventure with Sir William Gold and his friends and retinue! I can't wait for the next book to be released.
May 24, 2024
Interesting read
Author discusses a period an location over which I have limited knowledge. Entertaining and engrossing, well worth getting into the series
Author discusses a period an location over which I have limited knowledge. Entertaining and engrossing, well worth getting into the series
June 14, 2024
It's only flaw was that I read it in two sittings and I want more.
Glorious as always. The most realistic, and thrilling, historical fiction available today.
Glorious as always. The most realistic, and thrilling, historical fiction available today.
July 3, 2024
Mmmmmm….. not up to his usual standard.
I found this book a bit disjointed and tedious, really a few short stories merged together. I was quite pleased when it ended really.
I found this book a bit disjointed and tedious, really a few short stories merged together. I was quite pleased when it ended really.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews