Tuscan Warlord

Sir John Hawkwood #5

by Griff Hosker

Sir John Hawkwood has almost all that he needs. He is the most respected and feared mercenary leader in Italy but he is surrounded by those who would do him and his family harm. He faces betrayal from friend and foe alike. His constants are his company and the leaders who fight for him. Treading a tightrope between warring factions that include the Pope and the Lord of Milan, Sir John Hawkwood decides to make the White Company into a warband and he becomes a warlord.

Genres: Historical Fiction

265 pages, Hardcover

Published January 2, 2023

About the author

I was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.

When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.

My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.

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Reviews

[Geoff Boxell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sir John Hawkwood rides again with the promise from author, Griff Hosker, that there will be at least one more book based on him.
Hawkwood, the archer who became an Italian nobleman, was the supreme mercenary leader in Italy in the 14thC and man who was not only a brilliant tactician and battle commander but one who was hard enough and shrewd enough to survive the toxic and convoluted Italian politics of the time.
This, the fifth book in the series, covers battles such as that of Borgoforte, that is covered in a parallel series on the time and place by Christian Cameron in which deals with Sir William Gold who oft times served as one of Hawkwood's captains: both books are written in the first person. This for me makes it all the more interesting as I can see what was happening from two different aspects and viewpoints. The way the books are written are marked in their difference in that Cameron's Gold is funny, and very personable in his telling of the tales with many amusing asides and observations whereas Hosker's Hawkwood is a hard, sharply spoken and almost distant military man used to giving clipped orders and who finds problems in understanding others needs and motivations.
Both Hawkwood and Gold have problems with Cardinal Robert de Geneve, later one of the two concurrent popes. Their problems with the man come from different issues which, again, makes it all so fascinating. Both have many dealings with the powerful banker and politician Benebo Visconti, sometimes their employer and sometime the financier of those who they have to face in battle: I did say Italian politics was convoluted.
As a 14thC re-enactor English archer I like Hoskers portrayal of the English archers and his accuracy in their methods of operation and the uses and even limitations of the warbow. The hunt scene was very well done and so true to life.
Any problems? Well there are a few typos, but few books escape them. I was surprised that the marriage of Edward III's son, Lionel Duke of Clarence, to Violante Visconti gets little coverage, especially as it is suspected Lionel was murderously poisoned just months afterwards.
The final part of Cameron's series on Sir William Gold (another ex-archer who became an Italian noble) is due out August 2023 and I just hope that Griff Hosker gets his next, and possibly final, book on Sir John Hawkwood out around that time too as the two series are so complimentary.

[Steve Minnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stirring, Fun, Easy to Read and to Learn as You Read.

I would say this is not the best of Griff Hosker, but it is still a rousing story with likeable players. I would love to ride with Sir John Hawkwood's Company.

You will be best served if you read this series in order, but each book can certainly stand on its own.

[peter david mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Establishing a reputation.

Following the successful formula of the previous novels. Packed with many stirring clashes of arms but with new romantic ties. Intricate politics and double dealing once more abound. Hazelwood continues to lead from the front even though now an ageing veteran.

[john paul massicot · Rating 5 out of 5]

warlord

His saga continues with yet further tales of political intrigue and battles among knights for Sir John and the White Company told with all the written skill to match the martial skills of Sir John himself.

[Alex Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mercenary knight Sir John Lockwood and his band of fellow soldiers hack, hew, pillage, burn and connive their way through the Italian countryside.

5th volume in this excellent & addictive historical novel series.

[Jeff McNeill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ongoing series is still pretty good. Waiting for "at least one more" as per the author. Worth the read.

[Phil Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hawkwood at his best

Keep me on my toes this one hopefully there is more to come of this infectious read as it fills most days for me.

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Going Strong

I’m a fan of the details and pace of the story in the series along with all of his other series.

[Kevin Burnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another excellent Griff Hosker book. Although a novel you learn history. There is also plenty of action. I have enjoyed all this Author's books i have read.

[Shane Findlay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️