Viper's Blood By David Gilman

Viper’s Blood is the fourth book in David Gilman’s Master of War series continuing the saga of The Hundred Years' War and the fictional tale of Sir Thomas Blackstone. Edward III has invaded France and as the winter of 1359 turns to the spring of 1360 there is a stalemate between the two armies, with the Dauphin refusing to leave Paris, the English army must cross France, taking supplies where they can. Thomas Blackstone is tasked with seizing gold for the King and while seeking a healer for his oldest friend Killbere he rescues a young woman accused of witchcraft; a woman his men believe brings bad luck. Recalled to Paris as a truce is arranged Blackstone is tasked with taking the French King’s daughter to Italy for her wedding, into the heart of Milan and the family responsible for the murder of Blackstone’s wife and daughter. Blackstone seeks vengeance. The Dauphin hopes to be rid of Blackstone at last.

This is a book full of carefully researched details of war, siege and weaponry as might be expected but it is also a treasure trove of details about medieval life, herbal remedies, folk beliefs and the power of the medieval church. Blackstone is a man of his times; a warrior, a leader, hard on his son and on himself but also just, fair and loyal. A great addition to the series this book could also be read as a standalone novel. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian and Conn Iggulden. 

Published by Head of Zeus and available now in hardback.

This review originally appeared in The Historical Novel Review Issue 80 May 2017 and can be viewed online and the link below

https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/vipers-blood-master-of-war/

Ordeal by Fire Sarah Hawkswood

Sarah Hawkswood’s second outing for the detecting duo of Bradecote and Catchpoll means a change of publisher, but readers shouldn’t worry about having to read the books in order as this story works just as well as a standalone. The setting is Worcester in 1143 during the anarchy of the reign of King Stephen and features undersheriff Hugh Bradecote and Serjeant Catchpoll investigating a series of fires in the town. While the first fire could have been an accident, the Serjeant’s suspicions are raised when a second fire results in a death. Catchpoll is fearful and enraged that a killer seems to be attacking his neighbours while Bradecote is more pragmatic.

The pairing is an enjoyable one for the reader, as we see the experienced Catchpoll bristle at the restraint of the recently appointed undersheriff, while Bradecote struggles to assert his authority and also deals with a family tragedy. This book also sees the appointment of Walkelin; a bright if at times overly enthusiastic young man, whom Catchpoll raises up as his apprentice. The author’s detailed research is obvious without ever overwhelming the narrative, and the details of everyday life in medieval Worcester provide fascinating background and the hint of many future outings for the duo.  Ordeal by Fire is an ideal choice for fans of Ariana Franklin, Peter Tremayne and S.D. Sykes.
Reviewed for HNR 78
https://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/ordeal-by-fire/

The Raven's Head by Karen Maitland

This review originally appeared in the Historical Novels Review Issue 71 February 2015. You can also see it online here http://historicalnovelsociety.org/reviews/the-ravens-head/

The Raven’s Head is an intoxicating blend of history, mystery and magic, and Maitland’s storytelling is deft and detailed. Told in the form of three interlocking narratives, the stories converge beautifully. The raven’s head is a beautiful carved silver object covered in alchemical symbols, and Vincent is stuck with it after his attempt to blackmail his master causes him to leave his job as an apprentice scribe in France. On the run, Vincent is a wanted man and begs passage to England hoping to sell the head and make enough money to become a wealthy man. However, the raven’s head is powerful, and it refuses to be sold. Meanwhile young Gisa, the apothecary’s niece, must put all her knowledge of herbs and plants to use in her new position as a servant for the mysterious alchemist Lord Sylvain. We also get the story of young Wilky, given to the Abbey where the strange and secretive White Cannons promise an education for young boys in their care, but when the boys begin to disappear it seems they also have a darker purpose.

Each story is spun out separately, but in the final section of the book they come together as Lord Sylvain’s experiments grow increasingly dangerous and magical. Maitland’s research is superb, and her storytelling wonderfully captures the period. The book also includes a useful glossary of medieval words and some historical notes on the supernatural beliefs of the time and the practice of alchemy. Highly recommended.

The Anchoress

Robyn Cadwallader’s debut novel is the story of a young woman in medieval England who chooses to be enclosed as a holy woman; an anchoress, shut into a tiny cell and a life of prayer and fasting. Sarah is just seventeen and grieving for her beloved sister who died in childbirth. She is also fleeing the romantic attentions of the son of the Lord of the Manor. The very idea of this book creates a feeling of claustrophobia for the reader and while this is certainly apparent it never overwhelms the narrative. Although Sarah has chosen to shut herself away she nonetheless features at the centre of village life. Her maids speak to her all day long about the weather and the changing seasons and she also acts as a listening ear for the many village women and through them the author paints a glorious portrait of the seasonal rhythms of life in a medieval village. With the death of her patron Sarah suddenly comes under the legal control of his son the man she had fled from marrying and she comes to realise that despite her enclosure the world is not done with her yet. Cadwallader is an esteemed medieval scholar and she has written a nonfiction book on Saint Margaret of Antioch whose story features in the narrative. The world of the novel is beautifully realised. I recommend this book to fans of Karen Maitland and Ken Follett.

This review first appeared on welovethisbook .com  http://www.welovethisbook.com/reviews/anchoress