1356

A Novel

By: Bernard Cornwell

Narrated by: Jack Hawkins

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Bernard Cornwell, the "master of martial fiction" (Booklist), brings Thomas of Hookton from the popular Grail Quest series into a new adventure in 1356, a thrilling stand-alone novel. On September 19, 1356, a heavily outnumbered English army faced off against the French in the historic Battle of Poitiers.

In 1356, Cornwell resurrects this dramatic and bloody struggle - one that would turn out to be the most decisive and improbable victory of the Hundred Years' War, a clash where the underdog English not only the captured the strategic site of Poitiers, but the French King John II as well.

In the vein of Cornwell's best-selling Agincourt, 1356 is an action-packed story of danger and conquest, rich with military strategy and remarkable characters - both villainous and heroic - transporting readers to the front lines of war while painting a vivid picture of courage, treachery, and combat.

©2012 Bernard Cornwell (P)2013 HarperCollins Publishers

Reader is the best !!

Where does 1356 rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Certainly one of the best fiction books of the year. Cornwell is a great storyteller

What about Jack Hawkins’s performance did you like?

Many persona and acents

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

no

Thomas of Hookton takes us on another relic hunt

Cornwell returns to the archer Thomas of Hookton from the Grail Quest series, and his him chasing down another relic. Oh! And it just happens to coincide with another major battle of the 100 years war.

The details of that time, and especially the battles are amazing done. It is truly Cornwells gift. The story is also a breath of fresh air from his Uthred series that have become repetitive.

Bottom line is read this if you are Cornwell fan, or a fan of the hundred years war, or historical fiction, or just like a really good read.

Awesome book. No historical notes in audible

Audible, the best part of a Cornwell novel is the historical note. Why don't you record those for his novels?

Where can I find the in text form to read?

Wonderful Story...hope it continues!!!

Bernard Cornwell outdid himself with 1356....although I feel Mr. Hawkins did not do the work total justice. The story of Sir Thomas of Hookton is an excellent way to bring the history surrounding the Battle of Poitier alive! Cornwell leaves you hoping that he will bring this set of characters back one more time!

Fantastic story!

Enjoyed the story but the narrator is not as good as the guy from the first two books and no where close to Jonathan Keeble.

Best Narration I’ve heard yet

Cornwell does it again (but that’s to be expected from him)! What I wasn’t expecting was how good the narration was. Hawkins in my opinion sets the bar.

loved it

I love all of Bernard Cornwell books he is the fabulous author and he makes history so interesting

A little less crescendo than hoped for

While the author Bernard Cornwell has mostly delivered throughout the Grail Series, this tale told ten years after the first three book, misses elements that were enjoyable from its predecessors. Yes there is great description of battles seething with snarling violence, but some of the characters and end caps for previous characters falls short. While Thomas is older, wiser and leading his own militia of archers and men at arms, we miss the Robbie of old. We are only told in narrative exposure why he is the way he is now. The update on Jeanette is delivered with a fizzle, which is unfortunate for a relationship that had some sizzle. That's another thing. For all the violent action, sex scenes are very much like those from movies during the 1950's. What ever happened to the Jewish doctor from book one and two? This time the narrator was Jack Hawkins who did an exceptional performance and kept the listener engaged. Overall a good book, but like some many canons mentioned in the series, there was more expectations than delivery.

Solid Thomas of Hookton story

I really enjoy well researched historical fiction. I love non fiction too but the personalities that Cornwell writes are believable, the a gore is also classic of the period - but don't read it you dislike swearing and gore. These are not great literature and Cornwell certainly has a "typical" male and female characters which nearly all his books have, but someone this pulls one in as you can (hopefully) relate in the honor or at least nobleness of the characters outcome. Here we go to one of my favorite battles of the Hundred Year's war in Poiters, but getting there is loads of fun.

Enjoy, worth a listen.

Excitingly descriptive medieval battles

Thomas of Hookton continues his battle against Christian relics. As you listen to the battle scenes you may have to duck to avoid the splatter of blood flying. A quite excellent tale of dastardly Royals, Clerics and varlets and god awful justice handed out. I am still trying to decide if I like this better than the Sharpe sagas. Well worth the credit and maybe even another.