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Azincourt

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: Bernard Cornwell

October 01, 2008
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed and always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpe in fact and also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative and boring and there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, and he paints great landscapes of blood, gore and battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur and the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get ... Read More:

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Revelation (Shardlake)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: C.J. Sansom

October 02, 2008
What an excellent Tudor mystery - Sansom really brings Tudor life 'back to life'! If you enjoy grizzly murder mysteries with twists and turns then this is for you. It is well up to the standard of the previous 3 Shardlake novels and we can only hope the fourth one will not be too long in arriving! Read and enjoy - one to immerse onself in on a cold winter night!

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Bones of the Hills (Conqueror 3)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: Conn Iggulden

September 01, 2008
Conn Iggulden is the master of this genre with Manfredi, Cornwell and Scarrow following close behind. I was not sure anything could top the Emperor series of books, but this may have managed it. This is the third and final book in the series and sees the fall of a great leader and general. Although he is seen as a ruthless conqueror, this book gives you a unique insight into his mind and way of thinking which makes you feel like you are almost on his side. This part of his life he takes on his biggest foe to date into new lands creating an empire than was the biggest known to man, making the Roman Empire pale into insignificance. A superb end to the trilogy, really keen to see which historical figure he tackles next.

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The Pillars of the Earth

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: Ken Follett

April 06, 2007
I find that all of Ken Follett's other books - including World Without End - are simply "holiday reading". However Pillars of the Earth seems almost to have come from the pen of someone else. It is superb on many levels - and would certainly be in my top ten books ever. Thank you Ken!

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Lords of the Bow (Conqueror 2)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: Conn Iggulden

September 01, 2008
Why cant Conn Iggulden write any faster? Have to say, another triumph. I love the way he writes, you feel like you are part of the whole journey. It's clever as well, because the heroes aren't heroes, there just as nasty as the bad guys, however they are your bad guys! Going to be depressed again now waiting ages for his next one :-(

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Wolf of the Plains (Conqueror 1)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: Conn Iggulden

September 03, 2007
This is a superb trilogy, very readable and probably more appealing to a male readership, with the leading characters being predominantly male and a lot of the story being about battles and "The Great Conqueror". I started to read them having watched the film 'Mongol' and I strongly recommend the film to anyone who is enjoying these books. Highly recommended.

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The Other Queen

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: Philippa Gregory

August 21, 2008
Being a real of PG I was delighted when this book was published and could not wait to read it, there not being many books written about Mary Queen of Scots. I found it compelling reading but a little disappointing compared to the other PG novels. Mary Queen of Scots was obviously a very complex character but I did not feel that her true character shone through. Was she the strong character she seems to have been portrayed as in the book or just a self-centred, scheming woman who did have something to do with the death of Darnley and was she really in love with Bothwell? Reading the novel may help you decide?

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Requiem (Brethren Trilogy 3)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: Robyn Young

October 16, 2008
What Robyn Young has always excelled at was to take a list of real historical events and then connect them in a beautifully flowing work of fiction and she has done it once again. The complex relationship between kings, popes and knights of the time was brought to life and Will Campbell's story of intrigue and betrayal was fantastically told.

While "Crusade" was my personal favourite, "Requiem" brought about a fitting and wonderful end to Will's private life, struggle for peace and his largely futile efforts on behalf of the Anime Templi.

How sad that the trilogy has come to an end. I have always loved historical fiction and this trilogy has proven why readers should start getting into it. Not only have these books thrilled me, they have ... Read More:

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Emperor: The Field of Swords

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: Conn Iggulden

September 05, 2005
The 3rd book in this amazing series may be the best. This series is a must read, even if you are not a historical fiction person. The combination of fact & fiction is so seamless and so well written that I have recommended this to all my friends who have loved it. This is a must for your bookshelf! Caesar lives!

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The Constant Princess

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Historical
by: Philippa Gregory

May 02, 2006
This is one of the best PG tudor novels and i couldnt put it down. I love the way it deals with the little known older brother of Henry, Arthur and the way Catalina (Kathrine) is so determined. The way the book is written makes it really hard to not sympaphise with her and if you dont cry in the last chapter you have a heart of stone. The only problem with this is that you cant read it before you go to bed becasue you will HAVE to sat up all night to finnish it!