Today is my stop on the blog tour for Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks.
Here’s the blurb.
1346. France. King Edward III is restless. Despite earlier victories the French crown remains intact. Determined to bring France under his own rule, Edward has devised a new plan of attack – one which he believes will finally bring the French army to its knees: a final, cataclysmic battle …
Berenger Fripper, Vintener of a pox-ridden mob of sixteen who make up the Vintaine of Sir John de Sully, storms the beaches of Normandy to bring victory to their king. But the French are nowhere to be seen…
And so Berenger leads his Vintaine through France and onward to battle – the Battle of Crécy – one which will both bond and break his men and be a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.
Review
This was my first foray into the works of Michael Jecks and being billed as being perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden expectations were high.
Fields of Glory follows the English army from the beaches of Normandy, through destruction and mayhem to Paris, before retreat and the inevitable battle with the French army.
History is a massive submit and I’ll be the first to admit I’m no expert but what I’d like to think I am an expert in, is spotting authors who have a talent for storytelling, and in particular historial fiction.
The author manages to impart his knowledge of the period but expertly weaves this with character arcs. History is never boring but you need to get your hooks into the reader to keep them invested.
I think what made this story stand out was that each of the characters have their own motivations and part to play in the story but they are treated as cattle essentially.. it’s brutal and honest..these men will need to earn any glory and its the relationships, and sometimes the disconnection between the men and those who command them which really felt real to me.
Being new to the author I felt at home pretty quickly, the style very much hit the mark as as Bernard Cornwell fan but if you are new to the genre do give the book the time it deserves. The style and pace are perfect but this is not a light read.. you will really get engrossed as there’s so many minute details added which I just loved.
Michael Jecks commands the reader..and pushes your thoughts exactly the way the men must have felt at the time..you start to detest Sir John, King Edward and the Prince of Wales as they care little for the lives that will be lost. These moments are vivid but certainly disconnected as we see things through the eyes of the men fighting at the front.
There are moments of brutality that will stay with you, the Kings justice..it’s emotionally jarring and thought provoking. I felt the focus of the book allowed the reader to see the brutality from both sides, not only the violence carried out on the French but also the effect this had on the men themselves.. you can see the humanity and light within their eyes die as the “justice” continues.
Awfully good read and a cracking start for a series. Jecks managed to surpass any expectations I may have had with the sheer detail, and what felt like a brutality honest portrayal seen from those men’s eyes.
5* from me.. and great to see Boldwood getting involved. As a publisher they are killing it with the historical fiction genre and never fail to introduce me to top notch authors.
My thanks go to the author, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for having me on the tour
Tempted? Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/Fieldsof
Why not follow the tour?
Author Bio –
Studied actuarial science, then became a computer salesman for 13 years- after the 13th company folded, he turned to writing.
He’s the author of 50 novels, 6 novellas, 4 collaborative books and short stories. His tales are inspired by history and legends, but are all grounded in real life and real people, what motivates them, and why they turn to violence.
Founder of Medieval Murderers, he has served on the committees of: Historical Writers’ Association, CWA and Detection Club. He has judged the Debut Dagger, Ian Fleming Steel Dagger and other prizes, as well as serving as Dagger liaison officer and CWA Chair. He has taught writing at Swanwick and Evesham, and tutored for the Royal Literary Fund. He now runs South West Writers in Devon.
His work has been celebrated by Visconti and Conway Stewart pens; 2014 he was International Guest of Honour at the Bloody Words festival in Toronto, and Grand Master of the first parade in the New Orleans Mardi Gras.
Social Media Links –
Facebook: @Michael.Jecks.author
Twitter: @MichaelJecks
Instagram: @michaeljecks
Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/MichaelJecksNews
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