Wolves of Winter

A Novel (Essex Dogs Trilogy, Book 2)

By: Dan Jones

Narrated by: Ben Miles

Length: 11 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

"Superb historical fiction, as fresh, vivid and vital as this morning's headlines ... proves once again that nothing really changes, be it a soldier's life - or great storytelling."—Lee Child

AN ENDLESS WAR.
A BLOOD-SOAKED BATTLEFIELD.
A BAND OF BROTHERS.

The epic sequel to Essex Dogs, continuing the New York Times bestselling historian's trilogy of novels following the fortunes of ten ordinary soldiers during the Hundred Years War.

1347. Bruised and bloodied by an epic battle at Crécy, six soldiers known as the Essex Dogs pick through the wreckage of the fighting—and their own lives.

Now a new siege is beginning, and the Dogs are sent to attack the soaring walls of Calais. King Edward has vowed no Englishman will leave France ‘til this city falls. To get home, they must survive a merciless winter in a lawless camp deadlier than any battlefield.

Obsessed with tracking down the vanished Captain, Loveday struggles to control his own men. Romford is haunted by the reappearance of a horrific figure from his past. And Scotsman is spiraling into a pit of drink, violence, and self-pity.

The Dogs are being torn apart—but this war is far from over. It won't be long before they lose more of their own.

From a vast siege camp built outside Calais' walls, to the pirate ships patrolling the harbor, and into the dark corners of oligarchs' houses, where the deals that shape—and end—lives are made, this captivating and darkly comic story brings the fourteenth century vividly to life.

©2024 Dan Jones (P)2024 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Recalls Hilary Mantel’s Wolf Hall novels with its masterly control, period details, and understated humor…Jones’ entertaining second installment in a trilogy more than whets the appetite for the conclusion."—Kirkus *starred review*

“Rousing and atmospheric…Jones skillfully weaves together these and other strands as he juxtaposes scenes of incredible action with moments of black comedy and pathos. Readers will be panting for the Dogs’ next adventure.”—Publishers Weekly

"Brilliant, brutal and bloody . . . It’s a grim and grisly tale vividly told, as Jones deftly unravels the cynical reasons for the continuation of the endless conflict, and the miseries it brings to the ordinary medieval soldier."—Daily Mail (UK)

Another Great Tale from the Dogs

The seige of Calais! And the tale of the dog's survival! And it's all for money! Another great fictional tale with the real events of the 100 years war!

Great Job Dan!

Amazing story

I couldn’t stop and if you have not read the first book you should. Truly amazing.

Snot and cussing.

Almost too realistic with lots of snot and cussing. It helps me understand this historic period.

Another good read.

Not as exciting as the first book, but still worth a read. I would recommend it.

pretty real historical fiction

Was a bit grim in the middle but ends right and really stays true to historical facts while filling in human details. Character development is great and you root for the heros when they make it and even when they don't.

Great follow up to Essex Dogs

Really liked this historical fiction. The events that Dan Jones has in the story actually happened although he added the Essex Dogs in the middle of everything. I found it very believeable and entertaining. The narrator is great and his different voices for each character really immerse you.

Pathos in lives of ordinary soldiers

Language was consistently too crude. Details of soldiers lives as well. However the story was quite moving and vividly drove home the vast difference between common folk and nobles. Ending quite touching and I will doubtless listen to volume 3 when it is published. I learned a lot.

Great

Great narrator and interesting storyline. Characters are well developed. Funny brutal and surprising at times.

I loved it!

The characters are great and it's very funny. At the same time, Jones paints a gruesome picture of what siege warfare was like in the Middle Ages for both soldiers and citizens. It's a great book I give it 5 stars.

War during the medieval period

Really shows you what the common soldier went through for those in power. Historically accurate.