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

Wonderfully Written

Yet another excellent historical novel by Cornwell, a stand-alone novel featuring characters from the Grail Quest series. I really enjoyed this book although the narration left a little to be desired when compared to Andrew Cullam who narrated the previous three books. Highly recommend for great historical fiction during the Hundred Years War between England and France.

The brutality of medieval warfare

The story was very good, but it took some time to get used to the narrator. I believe he improved as the story went on. 

boring narration

the narration was boring and monotone though his voices for characters were superb. the narration itself was fast and without much inflection aside from the dialogue. really easy to stop paying attention to unfortunately. probably should've read it instead of listening bc the story was fantastic but the narrator left a lot to be desired especially after listening to the warlord trilogy and the first three of this series. the narrators for those were miles better (esp the warlord trilogy!).

The end of the 100 years war

I am a great fan of Bernard Cornwell. This is book 5 in The Grail Quest series. I have read them in order but each book can stand alone. This book covers the weeks before the September 19, 1356 Battle of Poitiers and the battle itself and the capture of King John II of France. Cornwell builds the character of each of the key people in the story. Our hero is Thomas of Hookton head of the Helleguin. He and his wife Genevieve have a run in with the evil Count of Labrouillade and a church cardinal. The story is full of pomp and passion, action, suspense and great battle scenes. Cornwell is the master of writing battle scenes that come alive to the reader. Can not wait for the next book in the series, I hope there is more but with the ending of the war maybe not. Jack Hawkins did an excellent job narrating the story.

1356: French Deja Vu All Over Again

Any additional comments?

1356 is a mix of the Grail Series that featured Thomas of Hookton and Agincourt. Both books ended with a battle where the outnumbered English army defeats a seemingly unbeatable French army outside a small town in France.

In the process, Thomas seeks the sword of Peter, rescures a captured woman; defeats a foe out to destroy him personally; and gets around to playing a key role in winning the battle.

Instead of seeking the Holy Grail, in this book, Thomas seeks the Sword of Peter. There was a belief back in the Middle Ages that a Holy Relic contained great power and the person who owned the relic would be able to use that relic's power for their own personal benefit. Therefore, the owner of the Sword of Peter (the one used to cut off the ear of the slave when Jesus was captured by the Romans) would be unbeatable in battle.

Each of Bernard Cornwell's series have a unique flavor. Their hero is a current or past military figure with his own strengths and weaknesses. That hero must learn to think of others beyond himself. That hero has a foe who personally dislikes him and decides to kill him. Cornwell does a great job is revealing the hero and making him likable without making him unbelievable.

I am a big fan of Cornwell and enjoyed this book. The format is more in keeping with the Grail Series that feaures Thomas and the book would seem to be #4 in the series.

If you like English history with a definite military flavor, you will enjoy this book. And the ending regarding the destiny of the sword was most unique and creative.

Terrific

Love the character Thomas. Hope for more of his adventures. Reader was also fantastic. highly recommend.

Another great gallop through history

Bernard Cornwell brings us another romp though history that otherwise we would be oblivious to. His ability to mix entertainment with history is unique to just a few select authors. That is why I have never read nor heard a bad book by Bernard.

Great story. The characters get grittier.

I loved the arc of the story. I found the historical references to make it all that much richer. the depth of the characters has increased and made it far more enjoyable to savor. if you like historical dramas this is an excellent choice. As for the narration - enjoyed him immensely his inflections were easy to understand and help to get you into the characters heads. One minor detail was it appeared to sound as though he might have had a cold during some of the reading. one thing that would have made this book even better was to have included a map in the audiobook graphic.

Wonderful Finish

A great finish to an already fantastic series. perhaps my favorite out of the series, and that's saying something!

Best of all the books in this series.

Story was amazing. Loved how Thomas his new identity. I hope there’s a return for Thomas, Sam and the rest of the Harlequin.