Harlequin: The Grail Quest, Book 1

I chose this rating because "Azincourt" "1356" and "Harlequin" are much better than "Vagabond" and "Heretic" Bernard Cornwell has produced a thumping good read. I was a little disappointed with the relative brevity of the description of the action at Crecy, the momentous battle against the French at the start of the Hundred Years War but enthralled with the author's personalisation of mediaeval warfare and its brutality in the "Age of Chivalry". It depicts how the sparely populated realm of England, despite the constant threat to its security posed by perfidious Scots with their "Auld Alliance" with France, managed to carve out the Angevin empire and rule a third of France for more than two centuries by the domination of the battlefield by the English archer Having read all the novels of this period by the author, it is a pity that the activities of the principal character of Thomas of Hookton has apparently stopped. I sincerely hope that Bernard Cornwell launches another episode in the life of this compelling individual with further novels of this quality. I am definitely a fan. The same could also equally apply to Nicholas Hook,("Azincourt"). Is there not something you can do about this Mr Cornwell? Amazon's economic price levels has allowed me to collect all of the mediaeval stories in paperback.

A review of Harlequin and VagabondOk look Bernard can write a mean plot, there's no let up, the bad guys are numerous and as mean as they get. The hero is not heroic but he is very resilient and sometimes foolish, always brave and has generally good intentions, but a saint he certainly isn't. Similar to Uhtred of the Last Kingdom. And there you have the only flaw with these books, the formulae is well proven but re-worked for different scenarios. You know the main character is going to have to endure a relentless series of misfortunes, betrayal, torture, battles, love and lust, revenge and glory. You know the evil characters are so vile it makes you want to shout with joy when they eventually get what's coming to them. Mr Cornwell is a fantastic story teller, of that there is no doubt. I can't give it 5 stars as I didn't buy the last book in this series. Why? I am 98% sure I know what happens but I can't endure the roller coaster ride to get there. At least not now, I need a break, something a but quieter and perhaps more unpredictable but no doubt I will go back for more later.

I have to concur with the vast majority of reviewers. This series is an excellent romp through the Middle Ages. I liked the paperback version of these books so much that I also bought the Kindle version; that's how much I enjoyed them! Mr Cornwell conjures up a vivid picture of Medieval Europe that makes for a great way to pass the time whether in sickness or in health.Yes, there are moments when you feel as though Richard Sharpe were about to shoulder a longbow alongside Thomas of Hookton, but the pacey writing kept me interested long enough to ensure that I then read further novels and historical non-fiction accounts of the same period. If for nothing else, for his ability to get me re-acquainted with my love of history and historical literature, I thank Mr Cornwell, and many of you will too.

Another of Mr Cornwell characters I like good book very enjoyable experience Like most of his hero's they are flawed and feel real in some way you can imagine such an archer as Thomas though he does seem to be charmed like Sharpe and his other hero's set backs don't last long and they all come up smelling of roses which is a little unbelievable but still enjoyable rooting for the underdog is a very English thing to do

This is book one of a four book series which covers a fascinating period of English history. Some of the characters and their escapades may be fictional but there is more than enough historical fact to give a thorough history lesson of the period as well as keeping the reader gripped and wondering just how many more scrapes and narrow escapes Thomas and his friends can get themselves into.

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My reaction is astonishment, enjoyed this book so much I'm moving obviously to the second one now, so to keep with Thomas of Hookton's tale.

Comparo um pouco com o segundo livro da série Game of Thrones, já que os dois giram em torno de uma batalha final. Cornwell também dá uma certa multiplicidade de pontos de vista pra história, mas algo bastante tímido. Os momentos de ação são muito bem narrados e mesmo nas ártes em que há certa dramatização a fim de tornar a história mais densa, acontece uma reviravolta interessante. A batalha final é muito bem escrita, intercalando momentos de euforia com momentos de relaxamento e, o melhor de tudo, dura 70 páginas, ou seja, vale realmente a pena ler até o final. Tudo, segundo o autor, é baseado em fatos históricos. Impossível não gostar

Un autore che sa il fatto suo! . Le frasi scritte in questo libro riescono ad evocare immagini vivide e realistiche nella mente del lettore. Un ottimo mezzo per staccarsi dalle fatiche della vita reale ed imparare anche un po' di storia vista l'ambientazione mista tra realtà e finzione.Il mio primo libro di questo autore. Credo che continuerò la saga.Amazon come sempre ha offerto un ottimo servizio.

I am a real fan of historical fiction and Bernard Cornwell never fails to keep me engrossed in his novels. Great book to read for anyone who is not out off by the gorey details of Medieval battles. His character development is excellent and the story riveting.