Heretic by Bernard Cornwell

 

Heretic

by Bernard Cornwell

4 Stars

Publisher's Blurb

From New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, the sequel to The Archer’s Tale and Vagabond—the spellbinding tale of a young man, a fearless archer, who sets out wanting to avenge his family’s honor and winds up on a quest for the Holy Grail.

Already a seasoned veteran of King Edward's army, young Thomas of Hookton possesses the fearlessness of a born leader and an uncanny prowess with the longbow. Now, at the head of a small but able band of soldiers, he has been dispatched to capture the castle of Astarac. But more than duty to his liege has brought him to Gascony, home of his forebears and the hated black knight who brutally slew Thomas's father. It is also the last place where the Holy Grail was reported seen. Here, also, a beautiful and innocent, if not pious, woman is to be burned as a heretic. Saving the lady, Genevieve, from her dread fate will brand Thomas an infidel, forcing them to flee together across a landscape of blood and fire. And what looms ahead is a battle to the death that could ultimately shape the future of Christendom.

Review

I found this book in a bag of assorted titles given to me by a friend. It wasn't until I was a third of the way through that I realised that it was part 3 of a trilogy, however this didn't impact on its readability or my enjoyment as it reads as a stand-alone novel because anything that you need to know from the previous 2 books is repeated here.

An interesting non-factual adventure for Thomas of Hookton searching for the holy grail in medieval France which brings him into conflict with the local lords and the church.

With constantly shifting alliances and conflicting goals the characters clash throughout the book. There is a nice description of historical armour and arms - particularly the English yew bow.

A good adventure tale with an easy to read style.