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Apr 05, 2013zipread rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
1356 --- by Bernard Cornwell --- This is Cornwell’s most recent offering and a book well worth waiting for. The author’s web site provides this thumb-nail sketch: “Thomas of Hookton, a veteran of Crecy and many other battles, is the leader of a mercenary company of bowmen and men-at-arms who ravage the countryside east of Gascony. Edward, Prince of Wales, later to be known as the Black Prince, is assembling an army to fight the French once more but before Thomas can join, he must fulfil an urgent task. A fascinating hero and the pursuit of a sword with mythical power, thought to be concealed somewhere near Poitiers – Go with God and fight like the Devil….in 1356.” This book shares much with Bernard’s previous novels: excitement, suspense, and lots of action. One thing the author is exceptionally good at is in setting the scene ---- putting you right back there in time and place. Meticulous in his detail he describes the weapons, the armour, the horses and the lay of the land. You are there. You hear the swish of the speeding arrows. You hear the clang of the armour. You hear the cry and shout of the soldiers. You won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough to read this novel.