Wolves of Winter

Wolves of Winter by Dan Jones, 416 pages

A year after they were sent across the English Channel to fight the French, a motley crew of soldiers/thugs called the Essex Dogs is ready to go home. They're weary, battle-worn, and a few men lighter than they were when the arrived. But King Edward has other plans, sending his troops to capture Calais, a heavily fortified port city that is unlikely to fall quickly. As they settle in for a LONG siege, the Dogs must contend with personal demons, camp sickness, and a never-ending parade of lords who won't pay them for their work.

This is the second book in a planned trilogy (following Essex Dogs), and I didn't read the first book, as I was told this one stands alone well. And while yes, I could definitely get the feel for soldiers trapped in a stalemate situation — which is very well told — I also felt like there were gaps in the relationships and character motivations that I may have understood better if I'd read the first book. That said, if you're interested in military-focused historical fiction and want to read about something pre-20th Century, this series, set during the Hundred Years War, is probably a good option. Just make sure you read Essex Dogs before you pick up this one.

The Credition Killings

The Credition Killings: A Knights Templar Mystery by Michael Jecks  386 pp.

In 14th century England, a band of unruly mercenaries has descended on the town of Credition. When someone steals silver from Sir Hector, the leader of the mercenaries, Sir Baldwin Furnshill and his assistant begin investigating. Suspicion falls on the newest member of the band and the young man is arrested. A young barmaid is found dead and the thief is blamed until a beggar woman is also murdered while he was in custody. Soon a relationship between the dead women and Sir Hector is revealed and suspicion falls back on him. I enjoy mysteries set in medieval times but this one was rather bland and disappointing. I doubt I'll continue with this series.

1356 by Bernard Cornwell

1356 by Bernard Cornwell, 417 pages, historical fiction.

Cornwell, the most prolific of historical novelists, takes up the story of Thomas Hookton and his band of mercenaries once again. I had only read the first of these, The Archer's Tale, before, but this is a self-contained story.
There's a holy relic being sought in this book, it's St Peter's sword this time, a crude blade call Le Malice. Whoever wields this sword will either be invincible or cursed. Accounts vary. The French are looking for the sword, hoping to use it to drive the hated English from their land. The Earl of Northampton sends Thomas after Le Malice, mainly to keep it our of French hands.
All in all, its an enjoyable story, though the author is bit repetitive and the characters are drawn in broad strokes. It's a quick read, and a lot of fun for fans of battle-heavy historical fiction.

Check our catalog.