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Knights Templar #30
King's Gold
As the year 1326 draws to a close, London is in flames. King Edward II is a prisoner, and the forces of his vengeful queen, Isabella, and her lover Sir Roger Mortimer, are in the ascendant. The Bardi family, bankers who have funded the King, must look to their future with the Queen, steering a careful course between rival factions -- if, that is, they can keep themselves alive.
Others, too, find their loyalties torn. Guarding the deposed King on behalf of Mortimer, Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and bailiff Simon Puttock find themselves entangled in a tightening net of conspiracy, greed, betrayal and murder.
Others, too, find their loyalties torn. Guarding the deposed King on behalf of Mortimer, Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and bailiff Simon Puttock find themselves entangled in a tightening net of conspiracy, greed, betrayal and murder.
544 pages, Hardcover
First published May 26, 2011
23 people are currently reading
374 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jecks
121 books620 followersMichael Jecks is a best-selling writer of historical novels. The son of an Actuary, and the youngest of four brothers, he worked in the computer industry before becoming a novelist full time in 1994
He is the author of the internationally popular Templar series, perhaps the longest crime series written by a living author. Unusually, the series looks again at actual events and murders committed about the early fourteenth century, a fabulous time of treachery, civil war, deceit and corruption. Famine, war and disease led to widespread despair, and yet the people showed themselves to be resilient. The series is available as ebooks and all paper formats from Harper Collins, Headline and Simon and Schuster. More recently he has completed his Vintener Trilogy, three stories in his Bloody Mary series, and a new Crusades story set in 1096, Pilgrim's War, following some of the people in the first Crusade on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He has also written a highly acclaimed modern spy thriller, Act of Vengeance.
His books have won him international acclaim and in 2007 his Death Ship of Dartmouth was shortlisted for the Harrogate prize for the best crime novel of the year.
A member of the Society of Authors and Royal Literary Society, Jecks was the Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association in 2004-2005. In 2005 he became a member of the Detection Club.
From 1998 he organised the CWA Debut Dagger competition for two years, helping unpublished authors to win their first contracts He judged the CWA/Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for three years.
Michael Jecks is a popular speaker at literary festivals and historical meetings. He is a popular after-dinner and motivational speaker and has spoken at events from Colombia to Italy, Portugal to Alaska.
His own highlights are: being the Grand Marshal of the first parade at the New Orleans 2014 Mardi Gras, designing the Michael Jecks fountain pen for Conway Stewart, and being the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada Bloody Words convention.
Michael lives, walks, writes and paints in North Dartmoor.
He is the author of the internationally popular Templar series, perhaps the longest crime series written by a living author. Unusually, the series looks again at actual events and murders committed about the early fourteenth century, a fabulous time of treachery, civil war, deceit and corruption. Famine, war and disease led to widespread despair, and yet the people showed themselves to be resilient. The series is available as ebooks and all paper formats from Harper Collins, Headline and Simon and Schuster. More recently he has completed his Vintener Trilogy, three stories in his Bloody Mary series, and a new Crusades story set in 1096, Pilgrim's War, following some of the people in the first Crusade on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He has also written a highly acclaimed modern spy thriller, Act of Vengeance.
His books have won him international acclaim and in 2007 his Death Ship of Dartmouth was shortlisted for the Harrogate prize for the best crime novel of the year.
A member of the Society of Authors and Royal Literary Society, Jecks was the Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association in 2004-2005. In 2005 he became a member of the Detection Club.
From 1998 he organised the CWA Debut Dagger competition for two years, helping unpublished authors to win their first contracts He judged the CWA/Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for three years.
Michael Jecks is a popular speaker at literary festivals and historical meetings. He is a popular after-dinner and motivational speaker and has spoken at events from Colombia to Italy, Portugal to Alaska.
His own highlights are: being the Grand Marshal of the first parade at the New Orleans 2014 Mardi Gras, designing the Michael Jecks fountain pen for Conway Stewart, and being the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada Bloody Words convention.
Michael lives, walks, writes and paints in North Dartmoor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 4, 2018
Well researched: a story well told.
Historical fiction has always been my favourite genre since I first read Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff when I was eight years old. I have my favourite authors in this genre and Michael Jecks has just added his name to my list.
He is a true master of historical fiction. And, having met the man, I can report that he is a modest master. He took the time to speak to me, as an equal, although I know that I am not, while we were both attending the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School in 2016. That encounter has not influenced this review.
There are many murders in this gory story, yet it all seems very authentic and realistic. It is certainly very well researched. The author has put a lot of effort into getting it right.
Initially, it is difficult to get to grips with all the characters and their inter-relationships. There is political wrangling and, as per the modern day, the banks are very powerful. Even within the family-run bank, there is internal conflict.
True to history, King Edward II has recently been forced to abdicate in favour of his young son whose regent is his mother, advised by her lover, Sir Roger Mortimer.
Throughout the whole novel, we are set to wonder about the motives of those who seek to rescue Edward of Caernarfon, as the King has become, imprison him, assassinate him, re-install him as King. In the main, it is also difficult to work out who are allies and who are foes. This is deliberate and effective. Almost to the very end, you, the reader, are solving the puzzles.
This is a great read. I highly recommend it to all fans of historical fiction, especially of the medieval era.
Historical fiction has always been my favourite genre since I first read Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff when I was eight years old. I have my favourite authors in this genre and Michael Jecks has just added his name to my list.
He is a true master of historical fiction. And, having met the man, I can report that he is a modest master. He took the time to speak to me, as an equal, although I know that I am not, while we were both attending the Swanwick Writers’ Summer School in 2016. That encounter has not influenced this review.
There are many murders in this gory story, yet it all seems very authentic and realistic. It is certainly very well researched. The author has put a lot of effort into getting it right.
Initially, it is difficult to get to grips with all the characters and their inter-relationships. There is political wrangling and, as per the modern day, the banks are very powerful. Even within the family-run bank, there is internal conflict.
True to history, King Edward II has recently been forced to abdicate in favour of his young son whose regent is his mother, advised by her lover, Sir Roger Mortimer.
Throughout the whole novel, we are set to wonder about the motives of those who seek to rescue Edward of Caernarfon, as the King has become, imprison him, assassinate him, re-install him as King. In the main, it is also difficult to work out who are allies and who are foes. This is deliberate and effective. Almost to the very end, you, the reader, are solving the puzzles.
This is a great read. I highly recommend it to all fans of historical fiction, especially of the medieval era.
August 13, 2014
Another one down and not too many more to go now. I read the first in this series, The Last Templar, then I jumped forward to the books at the end (because I could not source the earlier books too easily or at all in some cases) starting with The Oath.
Then I read the recently released prequel to the entire series, Templar's Acre. And now back to the end of the series with this one, King's Gold. One more to go and if I then wish to meet Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and Simon Puttock again, I will have to wind the clock back and find some of those that came before The Oath.
I discovered when I read The Oath, that these are virtually stand alone books. You are going to miss out on that special connection one has with characters by not starting the series at the beginning. And it would serve you better if you tried to read them all in some semblance of order (and at over thirty books, you have quite a hunt ahead of you). But overall, it isn't that you 'cannot' jump in anywhere, or you 'should not' jump in at the end like I did. I managed to understand what was going on just fine. I am sure you will too, if you cannot find the earlier books.
Here in this second last book, King's Gold, we are getting into more political intrigue and less medieval mystery. I found The Oath was the same. More about political espionage than whodunnit and I am told by fans of the series that the whodunnit style is relegated to the earlier portion of this thirty something book series. While political intrigue becomes the focus in the latter portion.
I think I enjoyed King's Gold more than The Oath. There has been too much time between them to explain why. That aside though, I have to comment on Michael Jecks' writing style. In a time where so many authors are doing an abysmal slash and burn of the English language, and wordsmiths are becoming an endangered beast, Michael Jecks is one of those elite few modern historical fiction authors who wields a pen with an easy and old fashioned moxie. It is a hand that compliments the settings of his books. He could almost be writing to us from the era he writes in.
Aspiring authors should slow down their writing. Stop looking for the quick turnover. Study the hands of authors like Michael Jecks. Aspire to harness that dying art of wordsmithing, before you even think about writing a novel yourself.
I will try to get to the last book in the series, City of Fiends, in the coming months. 'Try' and 'do' are two seperate matters however, so don't go laying your bets on me just yet.
Then I read the recently released prequel to the entire series, Templar's Acre. And now back to the end of the series with this one, King's Gold. One more to go and if I then wish to meet Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and Simon Puttock again, I will have to wind the clock back and find some of those that came before The Oath.
I discovered when I read The Oath, that these are virtually stand alone books. You are going to miss out on that special connection one has with characters by not starting the series at the beginning. And it would serve you better if you tried to read them all in some semblance of order (and at over thirty books, you have quite a hunt ahead of you). But overall, it isn't that you 'cannot' jump in anywhere, or you 'should not' jump in at the end like I did. I managed to understand what was going on just fine. I am sure you will too, if you cannot find the earlier books.
Here in this second last book, King's Gold, we are getting into more political intrigue and less medieval mystery. I found The Oath was the same. More about political espionage than whodunnit and I am told by fans of the series that the whodunnit style is relegated to the earlier portion of this thirty something book series. While political intrigue becomes the focus in the latter portion.
I think I enjoyed King's Gold more than The Oath. There has been too much time between them to explain why. That aside though, I have to comment on Michael Jecks' writing style. In a time where so many authors are doing an abysmal slash and burn of the English language, and wordsmiths are becoming an endangered beast, Michael Jecks is one of those elite few modern historical fiction authors who wields a pen with an easy and old fashioned moxie. It is a hand that compliments the settings of his books. He could almost be writing to us from the era he writes in.
Aspiring authors should slow down their writing. Stop looking for the quick turnover. Study the hands of authors like Michael Jecks. Aspire to harness that dying art of wordsmithing, before you even think about writing a novel yourself.
I will try to get to the last book in the series, City of Fiends, in the coming months. 'Try' and 'do' are two seperate matters however, so don't go laying your bets on me just yet.
October 31, 2021
It always seems to be a mistake to come into a series in the middle, and book 30 certainly seems to be a middle book. It took most of the story to figure out who was on which side of the controversy (whether England's Edward II should be restored to the throne or eliminated), and that made following the plot line, admittedly a simple-made-complex one, difficult. I assume that the following volumes corrected for history (spoiler alert: Edward II leaves the castle at the end of the book but in reality was killed there some time after it finishes).
March 16, 2015
Jecks continues to provide an excellent read and sustains the quality of this Templar series with excellent historical research and the weaving of stories within the early 14th century world of England, etc. I have all of the titles in the series as I searched for the initial titles after being introduced to this author a few years back. I have ordered some from overseas but with Simon & Schuster now his publisher the releases in England and the U.S. are closer in time.
November 13, 2011
I had the feeling in some of his recent books that Michael was moving away from murder mystery towards political intrigue. This latest book has both in abundance, with some clever twists in the narrative - like who eventually ends up with the King's Gold!
April 2, 2023
For mystery story lovers, there sadly isn't much of a mystery here. The novel does a decent job of recreating the medieval atmosphere, but the pace is slow and the characters range from bland, to mildly annoying.
July 7, 2011
Once again a brilliant book with a wicked plot, cant wait for the next one.
May 5, 2021
It was OK but the story seemed to drag a bit.
August 20, 2024
We are nearing the end of the long (but not long enough for me) saga of Sir Baldwin de Furnshill, former Knight Templar, and his friend Bailiff Simon Puttock, both men of deep scruples. The year is 1326, and the foolish King Edward II is now a prisoner in Keninworth Castle, forced to abdicate in favor of his 14 year old son. Now called Edward of Caernarfon, and with his friend, some say lover, Hugh Despenser executed, he is a shadow of his former self.
London is in chaos. Buildings are burning, businesses looted, and people attacked. In the midst of this, the Bardi brothers, Italian bankers who loan to the former king, meet to discuss what to do to survive and prosper. Matteo, the youngest, urges his two other brothers, Benedetto and Manuele, to secretly support both sides. On the way home, Manuele and Matteo are attacked by a mob. Manuele is killed, and Matteo stabbed but survives. He suspects Benedetto is behind it.
A heavy chest is delivered to the church of St. Peter’s Willersey for safe keeping. It belongs to Despenser. Father Luke, unaware that Despenser is dead, decides to take the chest of gold florins out of his vill for safe keeping because Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer and their army are fast approaching.
Sir Jevan de Bromfield is in the service of the Earl of Lancaster at Kenilworth. He is in London and trying to flee from the rioting mob. He ducks into an alley to hide but hears steps behind him. Without a thought, he whirls around, sword in hand, and decapitates a young woman. Then, he runs her young man through and kills him. He leaves the alley and goes on his way.
Alured, a law officer in London, finds the young couple. He walks the alley looking for clues that might tell him who murdered them, for murder it surely was. He knew the respectable young couple. They planned to wed. He could tell the killer was a skilled swordsman. It had to be a knight. A drunk nearby told Alured he saw a knight with dark red boots with a tassel walk by him.
Alured moves on and finds the wounded Matteo. He brings him to his home, where his wife tends to the wound and nurses him. Matteo’s spy informs him that Benedetto decides to only back the queen instead of both sides. He now decides his older brother sent the assassin to kill them.
Sir Baldwin is tired. In the past few months, he has been in France with the Queen and her son Edward. He’s lost the beautiful sword that he’s had since he was in Jerusalem. He’s been parted from his family for months on end. All he wants is a new sword and to go home and quietly return to being Keeper of the King’s Peace in Devon.
But the King is king no more. His son is now king in his place, and the country is in turmoil. Sir Baldwin finds an expert armorer and gets a new blue sword, knowing that the country will continue to be in turmoil until Queen Isabella, Sir Roger Mortimer, and their army gain full control for young Edward III.
Sir Edward of Caernarfon is told he will be moved from Kenilworth Castle to the more secure Berkeley Castle. Fearing for his life, he demands the escort include Sir Baldwin and Sir Ralph of Evesham, both of whom he trusts. Sir Baldwin has given his oath of loyalty to the former king, and he will never break it. He will protect Edward with his life.
Stephen Dunheved and his brother, Frere Thomas Dunheved and other supporters of Edward of Caernarfon, are determined to rescue him and put him back on the throne. They botch an attempt at Kenilworth but are determined to continue until they succeed.
As I leave the action, the Bardis are playing both sides with promises of funding. There has been an attempt to free the former king. Father Luke, entrusted with Despenser’s chest, has lost the king’s gold. Sir Baldwin and Sir Ralph have been chosen to protect Edward of Caernarfon during his transfer to Berkeley Castle. Alured is determined to bring the murderer of the young couple to justice.
The story weaves in and out with other subplots and so many surprises. Jecks, as always, gives you a glossary of terms and a full list of characters; who they are and with whom they are aligned by family or loyalty. He also is spot on with the history while skillfully weaving the fictional characters in with the real ones. You will not be disappointed with this one.
London is in chaos. Buildings are burning, businesses looted, and people attacked. In the midst of this, the Bardi brothers, Italian bankers who loan to the former king, meet to discuss what to do to survive and prosper. Matteo, the youngest, urges his two other brothers, Benedetto and Manuele, to secretly support both sides. On the way home, Manuele and Matteo are attacked by a mob. Manuele is killed, and Matteo stabbed but survives. He suspects Benedetto is behind it.
A heavy chest is delivered to the church of St. Peter’s Willersey for safe keeping. It belongs to Despenser. Father Luke, unaware that Despenser is dead, decides to take the chest of gold florins out of his vill for safe keeping because Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer and their army are fast approaching.
Sir Jevan de Bromfield is in the service of the Earl of Lancaster at Kenilworth. He is in London and trying to flee from the rioting mob. He ducks into an alley to hide but hears steps behind him. Without a thought, he whirls around, sword in hand, and decapitates a young woman. Then, he runs her young man through and kills him. He leaves the alley and goes on his way.
Alured, a law officer in London, finds the young couple. He walks the alley looking for clues that might tell him who murdered them, for murder it surely was. He knew the respectable young couple. They planned to wed. He could tell the killer was a skilled swordsman. It had to be a knight. A drunk nearby told Alured he saw a knight with dark red boots with a tassel walk by him.
Alured moves on and finds the wounded Matteo. He brings him to his home, where his wife tends to the wound and nurses him. Matteo’s spy informs him that Benedetto decides to only back the queen instead of both sides. He now decides his older brother sent the assassin to kill them.
Sir Baldwin is tired. In the past few months, he has been in France with the Queen and her son Edward. He’s lost the beautiful sword that he’s had since he was in Jerusalem. He’s been parted from his family for months on end. All he wants is a new sword and to go home and quietly return to being Keeper of the King’s Peace in Devon.
But the King is king no more. His son is now king in his place, and the country is in turmoil. Sir Baldwin finds an expert armorer and gets a new blue sword, knowing that the country will continue to be in turmoil until Queen Isabella, Sir Roger Mortimer, and their army gain full control for young Edward III.
Sir Edward of Caernarfon is told he will be moved from Kenilworth Castle to the more secure Berkeley Castle. Fearing for his life, he demands the escort include Sir Baldwin and Sir Ralph of Evesham, both of whom he trusts. Sir Baldwin has given his oath of loyalty to the former king, and he will never break it. He will protect Edward with his life.
Stephen Dunheved and his brother, Frere Thomas Dunheved and other supporters of Edward of Caernarfon, are determined to rescue him and put him back on the throne. They botch an attempt at Kenilworth but are determined to continue until they succeed.
As I leave the action, the Bardis are playing both sides with promises of funding. There has been an attempt to free the former king. Father Luke, entrusted with Despenser’s chest, has lost the king’s gold. Sir Baldwin and Sir Ralph have been chosen to protect Edward of Caernarfon during his transfer to Berkeley Castle. Alured is determined to bring the murderer of the young couple to justice.
The story weaves in and out with other subplots and so many surprises. Jecks, as always, gives you a glossary of terms and a full list of characters; who they are and with whom they are aligned by family or loyalty. He also is spot on with the history while skillfully weaving the fictional characters in with the real ones. You will not be disappointed with this one.
March 23, 2021
Those who actually read this review may immediately note that I have categorized The King’s Gold as historical fiction rather than, as the publisher bills it and most of the Michael Jecks novels I’ve read should be classified, mystery. To be sure, there are “mysteries” in The King’s Gold, but none were compelling puzzles to me and none of the solutions were either surprising or satisfying. Indeed, some of the lack of satisfaction is due to the fact that Jecks used misleading thoughts of the murderers as “red herrings” rather than other clues or discoveries.
It also took me almost a month to read The King’s Gold. Outside of a scholarly work, a huge tome, or an anthology, I can’t remember taking so long to read a book. Some of my reviews have already delineated my bias against many so-called epic works where scenes and points-of-view are scattered throughout the work almost like the author put the manuscript through a shredder and rearranged it as a puzzle. There was no coherent story to keep my interest. I didn’t care about any of the characters, including the kindly, well-meaning, but cowardly Brother Luke. Even the characters which had appeared in other novels by Michael Jecks seemed considerably less interesting in The King’s Gold than in the other novels.
What really bugs me is that this is a very interesting part of English history with Edward II being overthrown and an aging Robert the Bruce threatening England with border reivers and other incursions. I should have loved it. But it seemed like the usual protagonists are merely dragged along with another narrative that Jecks wanted to tell and it simply left a bad taste in my mouth.
I don’t know if other readers would like The King’s Gold better than I did, but if I were going to advise someone to pick up one of his works (I have enjoyed the others I’ve read), it wouldn’t be this one. The King’s Gold has all of the atmosphere and none of the investigating procedures or character development with which I was intrigued in the other novels in the series.
It also took me almost a month to read The King’s Gold. Outside of a scholarly work, a huge tome, or an anthology, I can’t remember taking so long to read a book. Some of my reviews have already delineated my bias against many so-called epic works where scenes and points-of-view are scattered throughout the work almost like the author put the manuscript through a shredder and rearranged it as a puzzle. There was no coherent story to keep my interest. I didn’t care about any of the characters, including the kindly, well-meaning, but cowardly Brother Luke. Even the characters which had appeared in other novels by Michael Jecks seemed considerably less interesting in The King’s Gold than in the other novels.
What really bugs me is that this is a very interesting part of English history with Edward II being overthrown and an aging Robert the Bruce threatening England with border reivers and other incursions. I should have loved it. But it seemed like the usual protagonists are merely dragged along with another narrative that Jecks wanted to tell and it simply left a bad taste in my mouth.
I don’t know if other readers would like The King’s Gold better than I did, but if I were going to advise someone to pick up one of his works (I have enjoyed the others I’ve read), it wouldn’t be this one. The King’s Gold has all of the atmosphere and none of the investigating procedures or character development with which I was intrigued in the other novels in the series.
July 29, 2017
I have read most of the books in this series. This one is a little different as the central story is the incarceration of the former Edward II and plots to rescue him. The regular main characters appear as usual but their role is limited and the usual murders which crop up in the course of the book are peripheral to the story. Having said that, I don't think the book suffered as a result. The historical background is painted strongly and is powerful enough to retain the reader's interest.
My main issue with this book is that there are so many sub plots going on that it is difficult to keep track of who is on what side and what they are up to. I did get it sorted eventually, but the swift and frequent changes between the many different characters are pretty hard to follow. But still worth reading, especially for those who who have read earlier books in the series.
December 27, 2017
Historical fiction at it's best. Michael Jecks draws the reader back into medieval times. As the year 1326 is ending London is in flames. King Edward II is a prisoner and his young son has been named King in his place. The Queen and her lover Sir Roger Mortimer are really in control as Mortimer serves as Reagent. The country is torn apart by supporters for both sides and what are the knights to do. They have sworn their allegiance to protect the king, but which one? Guarding the king on behalf of Mortimer, Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and bailiff Simon Puttock are entangled in a web of greed, conspiracy, betrayal and murder.
May 20, 2018
I didn't feel this was as good as some of the other Michael Jecks books I have read. It seemed to have an overly long intoduction to the main story and even them waffled about a bit.
I still enjoyed it depite some of the more gory bits.
Probably not a good book to pick as an introduction to this author.
I still enjoyed it depite some of the more gory bits.
Probably not a good book to pick as an introduction to this author.
December 14, 2022
To take almost a quarter of the book to actually get to Baldwin and Simon didn't inspire much confidence about this book, but once it got going there were many plots and characters to keep the story moving.
January 19, 2021
Definitely up to the usual standard. Love this series.
April 22, 2020
On the bright side, King’s Gold has once again some decent murder mysteries to be solved, which I sorely missed in some other recent books in the series. Once again well researched historical events are interwoven with interesting fictional characters, making it a very entertaining read. What let it down a little for me was that there were just too many sub plots going on, which especially in the beginning resulted in an almost insane amount of switching between settings and characters.
March 23, 2012
This book is the second in a collection of works by Micheal Jecks that i have on my bookshelf, with the other being "The Oath" however i do realise that it is an installment within an epic series that expands out to 30 volumes! I adore historical ficiton as i am also a lover of authors such as C.J Sansom and Robyn Young and i can easily say that personally i feel just as passionate & enthusiastic about Micheal Jecks as i am about the others. This tale was truly gripping from begining to end and as a concequence i was reading until the early hours of the morning, being that i was reluctant to put the book down even just for a minute. This book has it all; conspiracy, greed, betrayal and murder it is a real masterpiece that is just fantastic. It is a wickedly plotted medieval mystery that is just so realistic and atmospheric, transporting you back in time to the age of knights, horses, swords and chivalry that leaves you stunned and breathless. It is a complete treasure of a book that is so realistic and captivating from page 1 right through to page 517. If you are a reader who enjoys medieval sword fighting, action & drama from the first word then you will not be disapointed by this book at all, as it encompases everything that you would want in a good historical read. The storyline and plot is so cleverly detailed and intricate that you will be swept away into the geneology of the characters and the time (setting of 1326). Kings, Queens, vagabonds and outlaws this has everything to enhance a fantastic story that is just so astonishing on a scale of such epic magnitude that it will blow you away. I enjoy a good storyline that i can get lost in and 'stick my teeth into' as well as a really intreguing mystery and this book was just the ticket, as the author included so much drama, mystery and tension to capture your imagination for a lifetime. Since reading this book (as well as 'the oath') i am hence even more of a fan & admirer of Micheal Jecks and i cannot wait to go and read another Knights Templar Mystery, as they are so brilliant. Action, drama, commotion, mystery, secrets and battles this book has so much compacted into it that makes it such a great read, therefore i cannot reccomend that you try reading this book more, as i can garentee that you will be pleasently suprised.
January 27, 2012
As the year 1326 draws to a close, London is in flames. King Edward II is a prisoner - and his guards are Sir Baldwin de Furnshill and bailiff Simon Puttock. Their loyalties are torn, and soon they find themselves entangled in a tightening net of conspiracy, greed, betrayal and murder.
This story was the end of the trilogy that covered the end of King Edward II's reign, taking us to the time when the King was forced to abdicate and the plots that were thought up to rescue him and return him to his throne. There were many who were prepared to risk all, hoping that they may gain a reward from Edward. But when Baldwin was placed at Edward's side to help guard him, he could little have anticipated the danger that he would have to endure, just as many others suffered in those terrible days.
For me, this is a book I have been working towards for a long time, and I hope lots of readers will enjoy it for the action as much as the political intrigue and murder!
This story was the end of the trilogy that covered the end of King Edward II's reign, taking us to the time when the King was forced to abdicate and the plots that were thought up to rescue him and return him to his throne. There were many who were prepared to risk all, hoping that they may gain a reward from Edward. But when Baldwin was placed at Edward's side to help guard him, he could little have anticipated the danger that he would have to endure, just as many others suffered in those terrible days.
For me, this is a book I have been working towards for a long time, and I hope lots of readers will enjoy it for the action as much as the political intrigue and murder!
December 23, 2016
Well it could've been a grand mess. But that would be giving it airs it doesn't deserve. Instead just a so so mess.
The first part was just mad, character switching. Every couple of pages a new, unrelated plot thread. It was tough to follow and get invested in any of it. It was like someone telling a story by constantly remembering something else to interject. "Oh that's right! This happened. Yeah and while that was happening this other thing happened. Oh did I tell you about this guy and what he's doing?"
The second half all the plots came together by happenstance. I could see where it was headed by that point so it was just plowing through it to the inevitable conclusion.
In the end it felt like several unrelated stories that just happened to cross paths in the same geographic area.
The first part was just mad, character switching. Every couple of pages a new, unrelated plot thread. It was tough to follow and get invested in any of it. It was like someone telling a story by constantly remembering something else to interject. "Oh that's right! This happened. Yeah and while that was happening this other thing happened. Oh did I tell you about this guy and what he's doing?"
The second half all the plots came together by happenstance. I could see where it was headed by that point so it was just plowing through it to the inevitable conclusion.
In the end it felt like several unrelated stories that just happened to cross paths in the same geographic area.
November 21, 2022
No peace for the King
Another roaring good adventure for Sir Baldwin & Simon! So much intrigue & deception in Edward II’s England! The country is rife with violence, both mindless & calculated. The King has been supplanted by his son, under the auspices of Queen Isabella & Sir Roger Mortimer. Now, the trick is to keep Edward II alive & in custody. When Berkeley Castle is attacked, no one can tell whether the invaders seek to free or to execute the old king. Though we know from history how the story ends, the serpentine path provides a delicious tale!
Another roaring good adventure for Sir Baldwin & Simon! So much intrigue & deception in Edward II’s England! The country is rife with violence, both mindless & calculated. The King has been supplanted by his son, under the auspices of Queen Isabella & Sir Roger Mortimer. Now, the trick is to keep Edward II alive & in custody. When Berkeley Castle is attacked, no one can tell whether the invaders seek to free or to execute the old king. Though we know from history how the story ends, the serpentine path provides a delicious tale!
March 8, 2012
Another good solid novel in this series. I did find the continual narrative jumping of perpective at the beginning a bit disconcerting. Although I like, and want, the accurate historical context, I think it swamped the mystery storyline. This is more a historical novel not a historical mystery. The last third certainly picked up. Lastly a bit of moaning, I know they would have been popular names but all the 'R's" got a bit confusing at times, -Sir Richard, Sir Ranulf, Sir Ralph, Sir Roger.
December 16, 2011
It was a little harder to get into then some of the others, King's Gold by Michael Jecks has not disappointed. It is like reading a continuing saga. The history behind the story of Baldwin and Simon is fascinating. In this century the Black death strikes, the world experiences a rebirth. Of course it takes England a liile longer to have the Renaissance arrive. I did love it as I read on. What's next for Baldwin, Simon, and England herself? I can't wait to find out.
January 12, 2013
I have been a big fan of Michael Jecks since reading his first book, The Last Templar. Having read all of the books in the series, I can only say that the adventures of Sir Baldwin Furnshill and Simon Puttock have kept me entertained with each successive book. Mr. Jeck's attempts to keep to the authenticity of the time period is to be commended. The books offer a mystery/history buff some very entertaining reads.
January 7, 2012
Edward III rules, while his father, the former King Edward II is held prisoner. When an attempt is made to rescue him, his jailers fear it may be an attempt on his life. Edward's fear is that the danger may lie with those who are supposed to be protecting him, and he requests that Sir Baldwin and Simon be called into service.
January 31, 2017
An exciting story. I have read other books from this author and this certainly keeps up the high standard. Perhaps I missed something has this is the first book I have read from this series, but it is a good stand-alone story. Battles, intrigue and underhand dealing. There is some blood and gore but these are not gratuitous and the story is the main focus.
January 29, 2012
The storyline was a little all over the place and took a fair bit of working out as you were reading, which in my opinion distracted you from what was actually going on.
Not a bad book, though I think that the story line could of been a little more flowing.
Not a bad book, though I think that the story line could of been a little more flowing.
February 21, 2012
The page or two focus on different people in their settings drove me Crazy--there was no need to skip around in the story so much. Never got a chance to settle in and get to know the characters. At least the author didn't try to leave at a cliffhanger every single time, ala Dan Brown...
July 4, 2011
First of series that I've read. So many sub-plots were disconcerting at first,but Ienjoyed the book and will read the series.
August 22, 2013
This is another excellent blend of mystery and historical fiction from Jecks. The only problem I have with his books is that they end too soon!
May 11, 2018
One of the most dull books I've ever read, to be honest I can't think why because I love my historical fiction, I just found it so tedious
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