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

Great Start

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

For those who like medieval battles

Just interesting enough to keep me listening til the end. It maybe boring for those interested in more than a description of battles after battle.

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.

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'"

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.

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.