Summer of Blood

England's First Revolution

By: Dan Jones

Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies

From the New York Times bestselling author of Crusaders and a top authority on the historical events that inspired Game of Thrones, a vivid, blood-soaked account of one of the most famous rebellions in history—the first mass uprising by the people of England against their feudal masters.

In the summer of 1381, ravaged by poverty and oppressed by taxes, the people of England rose up and demanded that their voices be heard. A ragtag army, led by the mysteri­ous Wat Tyler and the visionary preacher John Ball, rose up against the fourteen-year-old Richard II and his most powerful lords and knights, who risked their property and their lives in a desperate battle to save the English crown. Dan Jones brings this incendiary moment to life and captures both the idealism and brutality of that fate­ful summer, when a brave group of men and women dared to challenge their overlords, demand that they be treated equally, and fight for freedom.

Critic reviews

Praise for Summer of Blood:

“Hot, brave and reeking with gore.” —The Times (London)

“Sound scholarship and sexy writing make this . . . essential reading.” —The Independent (London), Book of the Year

Praise for The Plantagenets:

“A real life Game of Thrones, as dramatic and blood-soaked as any work of fantasy . . . Fast-paced and accessible, The Plantagenets is old-fashioned storytelling and will be particularly appreciated by those who like their history red in tooth and claw.” —The Wall Street Journal

Well narrated and interesting

I am a history nerd. I have been reading (listening to, as well) historical fiction for almost two decades. I lot of the historical fiction I consume is about England and Western Europe.
I have listened to four Dan Jones historical books this year, to better understand the real history behind the books I listen to.

This book was interesting enough to keep my ADHD brain focused, with Dan Jones himself, doing a great job at the narration.

Really enjoyed

This is a history, not historical fiction, but written in such a way that it is also a great story. The intro is dry, but once you get into the actual book, it moves quite quickly. Looking forward to his reading his other books.

Another great story from history

I enjoyed listening to this story. The author made the events seem to come to life. I could see in my minds eye the events as they unfolded. He made each part real to me and gave me a better understand what happened during the Summer of Blood!

An historic event revealed in depth and detail in excellent prose.

Having previously read with pleasure the account of the Wars of the Roses by Jones, I’m now looking forward to his book on the entire period of Plantagenet reign, rounding out an insightful picture of an important part of British history.

One of his best

I’ve read most of Dan Jones books. I think this is one of the best!