Crécy: The Age of the Archer

Sir John Hawkwood, Book 1

By: Griff Hosker

Narrated by: Marston York

Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

A hero’s journey begins in an exhilarating new series by Griff Hosker. 

In 1335 the Black Death was just 13 years away from England, but there were other threats and dangers. Young John Hawkwood is forced to leave his home and seek a life in London. There he learns how to survive and, more importantly, how to fight. Leaving his life as an apprentice tailor he follows the army and King Edward to fight the Scots. He has a skill: he can not only use a bow, but he can use a sword and his mind. This is just the start for John Hawkwood, who will become - in the fullness of time - one of the greatest condottiere the world has ever seen, a man who, at the Battle of Castagnaro in 1387, shows the world that he was a great leader, too.

©2020 Griff Hosker (P)2021 W F Howes

If you like Bernard Cornwell

An excellent read. Off you like Bernard Cornwell, you’ll enjoy Hosker. You identify with the main character, and the action scenes are brilliantly written. Great job on small details like keeping up with his loot and what’s for dinner— it puts you in the story.

Another Great Series

Gritty, great characters, and good story. When I want to read/listen to a sure bet, I pick up one of the many books by this author. John Hawkwood's story is immersed in England's longbow history. The narrator is excellent.

Great Start

this book had a strong storyline, strong characters, and great narration. I'm very exited for the next installment!

Terminator with a sword and arrows - only if you really like the genre

The good thing is I finished it, which means it was good enough to keep me hooked

The problem is that is just war porn, no character complexity and emotions.

The fact that the protagonist fight countless battles always winning, never making a mistake, always in perfect health…


Also: I am from Genoa and I don’t like that the Genoese bowmen are just a bunch of morons in this book 😁😁:)

Conclusion:
If you like these type of books is good enough, otherwise avoid it

Interesting story about a historical figure

I liked the story on the whole but found the dialogue between characters stilted and unnatural, particularly for a historical figure who is known to be illiterate. The narrator was OK, but the lines he was forced to read often didn't ring true. Some of the phrases were re-used several times to the point of distraction. I would call this an average historical fiction novel.

Great storyline and we'll read

I really enjoyed this book and it is well read. if I had a criticism it would be that it is a little bit short.

impressive

loved this book. I was hooked from the first paragraph. I can't wait to start the next book. I highly recommend this read.

Simple and plain

The story is linear and dull. The main character has no depth and most of the time the author is telling you a simple history lesson. Dialogue between characters falls short of a 3 sentences per character with poor articulation. If you want a story about an archer that does everything perfect and has no complex thoughts, emotions, goals, beliefs or trials then this is the book for you. No extra thinking needed.

Great story delivered perfectly

I could not stop listening. This is a great story. The narator was excelent in his delivery.

To Short!

Decent enough story. Just not enough to it in my opinion. Maybe harsh on a 3 star but I'm a tightwad on top a critic.

Not a great story

I love this kind of story so was keen to try this, my first and now last, Griff Hosker. At times the story was told with a Jackanory tone and included too much self-praise and too many repeated platitudes. I will remember the hero by virtue that I cannot remember his name. He thought he was a good leader, well he might be in a 21st century choir boy stamp club but he is not a viscious killer that inspires his followers to work as an efficient killing machine. He sought praise and often praise was used to explain a missing chunk of the story "and the captain congratulated me on my quick thinking, 'had you not been so quick in taking that action we'd all be dead now'"

CRECY

A simply constructed story and well read. Although I have read many books on medieval history , I learned some interesting facts from this entertaining book. I thoroughly recommend it.

Brilliant novel

Captivatingfrom start to finish just like all the other volumes. I highly recommend the series. Pity it had to end

The age of the archer Well written and story

Narrator was great to listen to made the story enjoyable and the characters come to life

Ripping yarn

Great tale, well narrated. Lovely range of accents from Marston York. Excellent way to pass 9 hours. Can’t wait for next instalment- will look out for other work by Griff Hosker.

Good quality historical fiction

Good research. No overly fantasized details. Thoroughly enjoyable. I look forward to the next book when Hawkwoods life gets interesting.

the story leads you through the french campain

the author leads you through the troubled times of both at home and in france.