In late-18th- and early-19th-century England, Sally Clitheroe must struggle with personal tragedy in a time of great societal upheaval. This was a rollicking good read and an excellent introduction to what will surely be a series n the Essex Dogs. I enjoyed seeing the story through the eyes of the Essex Dogs and all the side characters, discovering their backgrounds and their own individualities. His is often seen as the wise, older leader, grizzled and suffered but quite likeable from the start.

Essex Dogs by Dan Jones | Waterstones

Set during the Hundred years' War, this first tale of the 'Essex Dogs' involves King Edward III's incursion into France. The characters are all well-rounded and have various fascinating personality flaws as well as some caring traits for their comrades in arms.

Join our community to get personalised book suggestions, extracts straight to your inbox, 10% off RRPs, and to change children’s lives. Dan Jones' debut novel is set during the battles of The Hundred Years War, following a group of swords for hire known as the Essex Dogs from their initial landing in France to the thrilling final assault. Raw, harsh, gritty, fast-paced action continues unabated as the band of mercenaries ransack loot, rape and pillage their way across Normandy to the Somme and the Battle of Crecy. The locations were vividly word-painted, managing to weave many historical details into the fabric of the story without it ever getting in the way.

Essex Dogs by Dan Jones | Waterstones Essex Dogs by Dan Jones | Waterstones

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. The other main character is Romford, a young lad whose life is moving in all directions, and it seems he has little to no control of.

All throughout, the descriptions of France are engaging and easy to follow for those who – like me – are largely unfamiliar with this particular chapter of history. Jones is at his best when humor and violence come together: "The head flew off, tumbled once in the air and landed by Loveday's face, so that they were almost nose to nose.

ESSEX DOGS TRILOGY BOOK 2 - by Dan Jones WOLVES OF WINTER: ESSEX DOGS TRILOGY BOOK 2 - by Dan Jones

Also, the language they used, while some of it make sure you knew it was set in the 1400's, it was still modern enough to not have to worry about understanding what anyone was saying. The opening chapter, with a brutal French beach landing for the ‘Essex Dogs’, sets the scene for an action packed story displaying just how barbaric war was in the Middle Ages.A dagger sharp example of what historical fiction can be, and one that will will in those who think they do not even like the genre. So I’ll leave the comments open here to subscribers to this newsletter and will round up some answers in an audio post later in the week. Dan Jonesis the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of ten non- fiction books, including The Templars, The Colour of Time and Powers and Thrones. Essex Dogs is the fictional debut of acclaimed historian Dan Jones, whose previous bestselling non-fiction titles like Power and Thrones have gained him countless and diverse admirers and fans. Not for the faint hearted but it is such a good read that I can't wait for the next in this planned trilogy.