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French Executioner #1
The French Executioner by C.C. Humphreys
It is 1536 and the expert swordsman Jean Rombaud has been brought over from France by Henry VIII to behead his wife, Anne Boleyn. But on the eve of her execution Rombaud swears a vow to the ill-fated queen - to bury her six-fingered hand, symbol of her rumoured witchery, at a sacred crossroads. Yet in a Europe ravaged by religious war, the hand of this infamous Protestant icon is so powerful a relic that many will kill for it... From a battle between slave galleys to a Black Mass in a dungeon, through the hallucinations of St Anthony's Fire to the fortress of an apocalyptic Messiah, Jean seeks to honour his vow.
Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
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About the author
C.C. Humphreys
30 books422 followersaka Chris Humphreys
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys was born in Toronto, lived till he was seven in Los Angeles, then grew up in the UK. All four grandparents were actors, and since his father was an actor as well, it was inevitable he would follow the bloodline.
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys has played Hamlet in Calgary, a gladiator in Tunisia, waltzed in London’s West End, conned the landlord of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, commanded a starfleet in Andromeda, voiced Salem the cat in the original Sabrina, and is a dead immortal in Highlander. He has written eleven adult novels including The French Executioner, runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Chasing the Wind; The Jack Absolute Trilogy; Vlad – The Last Confession; A Place Called Armageddon and Shakespeare’s Rebel – which he adapted into a play and which premiered at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver, in 2015. Plague won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in Canada in 2015. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. His epic fantasy series the Immortals’ Blood Trilogy, beginning with Smoke in the Glass' has just been published by Gollancz. He also published his other fantasy series, The Tapestry Trilogy, beginning in August 2020 with ‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’. His foray into modern crime, 'One London Day' was published in 2021. Hie new novel, the World War Two epic romance, 'Someday I'll Find You' is published by Doubleday in Canada on June 6, 2023.
Several of his novels are available as Audiobooks - read by himself! Find him here:
https://www.authorchrishumphreys.com/...
He is translated into thirteen languages. In 2015 he earned his Masters in Fine Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of British Columbia.
Check out his website: http://authorchrishumphreys.com
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys was born in Toronto, lived till he was seven in Los Angeles, then grew up in the UK. All four grandparents were actors, and since his father was an actor as well, it was inevitable he would follow the bloodline.
Chris (C.C.) Humphreys has played Hamlet in Calgary, a gladiator in Tunisia, waltzed in London’s West End, conned the landlord of the Rovers Return in Coronation Street, commanded a starfleet in Andromeda, voiced Salem the cat in the original Sabrina, and is a dead immortal in Highlander. He has written eleven adult novels including The French Executioner, runner-up for the CWA Steel Dagger for Thrillers; Chasing the Wind; The Jack Absolute Trilogy; Vlad – The Last Confession; A Place Called Armageddon and Shakespeare’s Rebel – which he adapted into a play and which premiered at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver, in 2015. Plague won the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel in Canada in 2015. He has an MFA in Creative Writing from the University of British Columbia. His epic fantasy series the Immortals’ Blood Trilogy, beginning with Smoke in the Glass' has just been published by Gollancz. He also published his other fantasy series, The Tapestry Trilogy, beginning in August 2020 with ‘The Hunt of the Unicorn’. His foray into modern crime, 'One London Day' was published in 2021. Hie new novel, the World War Two epic romance, 'Someday I'll Find You' is published by Doubleday in Canada on June 6, 2023.
Several of his novels are available as Audiobooks - read by himself! Find him here:
https://www.authorchrishumphreys.com/...
He is translated into thirteen languages. In 2015 he earned his Masters in Fine Arts (Creative Writing) from the University of British Columbia.
Check out his website: http://authorchrishumphreys.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 31, 2023
“Causes are lost. Loyalties change.”
THE FRENCH EXECUTIONER is an escapist, swashbuckling, historical fiction, quasi fantasy adventure. Which is fine, if the book were not stupid. It gets worse and more ridiculous the longer it goes.
The plot is that Jean Rombaud, the swordsman who executed Anne Boleyn, promises to bury her hand at a crossroads in France. That’s the motivating action for this novel, but it is never explained why the hand needs buried, and why those who try to stop this from happening go to the ends of the earth to try and stop it. As a result, the plot seem pointless, as no point was given.
The action and characters are all over the place; the Tower of London, a corsair slave galley, an apocalyptic prince, demon possessed monks…I could go on and on. Throw in a fight scene every 10 pages, and you have a 1530’s version of a Marvel action film. Just more ridiculous.
Quotes:
• “He was always surprised when ordinary men did extraordinary things.”
• “To die is the Norwegian way of having fun.”
• “The Devil was abroad in the world, everyone knew.”
• “But is it madness to fight, to journey, to dare?”
• “…we all know how hard it can be to go home. That’s why many of us never do.”
• “I have breath, and thus hope.”
• “Only a madman pursues death for no purpose.”
This novel is mindless and ludicrous. If you read it you will have to accept it on those terms and enjoy it for what it is, or you won’t and you will hate it. I’m still not sure where I fall.
THE FRENCH EXECUTIONER is an escapist, swashbuckling, historical fiction, quasi fantasy adventure. Which is fine, if the book were not stupid. It gets worse and more ridiculous the longer it goes.
The plot is that Jean Rombaud, the swordsman who executed Anne Boleyn, promises to bury her hand at a crossroads in France. That’s the motivating action for this novel, but it is never explained why the hand needs buried, and why those who try to stop this from happening go to the ends of the earth to try and stop it. As a result, the plot seem pointless, as no point was given.
The action and characters are all over the place; the Tower of London, a corsair slave galley, an apocalyptic prince, demon possessed monks…I could go on and on. Throw in a fight scene every 10 pages, and you have a 1530’s version of a Marvel action film. Just more ridiculous.
Quotes:
• “He was always surprised when ordinary men did extraordinary things.”
• “To die is the Norwegian way of having fun.”
• “The Devil was abroad in the world, everyone knew.”
• “But is it madness to fight, to journey, to dare?”
• “…we all know how hard it can be to go home. That’s why many of us never do.”
• “I have breath, and thus hope.”
• “Only a madman pursues death for no purpose.”
This novel is mindless and ludicrous. If you read it you will have to accept it on those terms and enjoy it for what it is, or you won’t and you will hate it. I’m still not sure where I fall.
November 3, 2014
Find this and other reviews at: http://flashlightcommentary.blogspot....
If you're anything like me, you're looking at the cover of C.C. Humphreys' The French Executioner and stifling a groan. Titles like Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies, To Die For, The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, The Lady in the Tower, The Dark Rose, Dark Eyed Queen, The Concubine, The King's Secret Matter, Murder Most Royal, and The Other Boleyn Girl are flashing through your mind and you're seriously questioning if you've the stomach for more.
Pardon my cynicism, but that's where my association with this title started and it would be difficult to appreciate the depth of my admiration without understanding where I stood prior to picking up the book. Anne Boleyn is a fascinating character, but her story has been done to death and frankly, I'd be hard pressed to give a damn about yet another adaption. Thankfully, The French Executioner is not Anne's story, but that of the swordsman who freed England's magisterial monarch of his second wife... or was it her from him?
To get right to the point, I liked this book and not just because Humphreys re-imagined Anne's execution as a beginning rather than an end. I think his characterization of Jean Rombaud inspired and I found the intrigue he created around her famous appendage intensely provocative. Anne's legacy is forever intertwined with the history of the English Reformation and I love the idea that her earthly remains might have fed the fanatical fires that burned after her death.
I'll grant there are some gruesome elements to the story and I felt the pacing dragged during the battle scenes, but I've very few complaints overall. The plot itself is fascinating and Humphreys' characters comprise one of the best ensemble casts I've had fortune to come across. Major and minor players have distinctive roles and I loved how Humphreys was able to bring so many different personalities and backgrounds to the table. Supporting figures like Abraham and Da Costa are as memorable as Fugger, Cibo, Beck, Januc and Haakon and that attention to detail made reading this piece a real pleasure.
If you're anything like me, you're looking at the cover of C.C. Humphreys' The French Executioner and stifling a groan. Titles like Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies, To Die For, The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, The Lady in the Tower, The Dark Rose, Dark Eyed Queen, The Concubine, The King's Secret Matter, Murder Most Royal, and The Other Boleyn Girl are flashing through your mind and you're seriously questioning if you've the stomach for more.
Pardon my cynicism, but that's where my association with this title started and it would be difficult to appreciate the depth of my admiration without understanding where I stood prior to picking up the book. Anne Boleyn is a fascinating character, but her story has been done to death and frankly, I'd be hard pressed to give a damn about yet another adaption. Thankfully, The French Executioner is not Anne's story, but that of the swordsman who freed England's magisterial monarch of his second wife... or was it her from him?
To get right to the point, I liked this book and not just because Humphreys re-imagined Anne's execution as a beginning rather than an end. I think his characterization of Jean Rombaud inspired and I found the intrigue he created around her famous appendage intensely provocative. Anne's legacy is forever intertwined with the history of the English Reformation and I love the idea that her earthly remains might have fed the fanatical fires that burned after her death.
I'll grant there are some gruesome elements to the story and I felt the pacing dragged during the battle scenes, but I've very few complaints overall. The plot itself is fascinating and Humphreys' characters comprise one of the best ensemble casts I've had fortune to come across. Major and minor players have distinctive roles and I loved how Humphreys was able to bring so many different personalities and backgrounds to the table. Supporting figures like Abraham and Da Costa are as memorable as Fugger, Cibo, Beck, Januc and Haakon and that attention to detail made reading this piece a real pleasure.
May 23, 2012
Both Ron and I read this, he in October 2009 giving it 3-1/2 stars, and I read it in December 2008 giving it 2008. I originally purchased this as an historical fiction read about Anne Boleyn and was surprised to find that that really wasn't the case. Yes, she is featured, or more appropriately a body part is. This is integral to the story but as the reason for the quest and adventure of the main character, Boleyn's executioner Jean Rombaud, and his cohorts. Instead of being disappointed by this, I was pleasantly surprised and ended up having an enjoyable time on this journey, so much so that Ron wanted to know what all the fuss was about.
The fuss is that it reminded us of an old fashion historical adventure tale that you just don't see too often these days. It has daring do, death defying near escapes (admittedly some of these are far fetched but that's the point of it), determined bad guys, and a dash of magic thrown in. We both agree that these magical touches weren't really necessary but they are such a small portion of the book that it didn't affect the overall flow of the novel, just caused a hiccup. It had that feel of Alexander Dumas, especially The Three Musketeers since you have a group of newly formed friends facing seemingly insurmountable odds, with some Rafeal Sabatini and a touch of the panache of the classic Errol Flynn Robin Hood film.
If you are looking for an historical novel on Boleyn with loads of historical accuracy, this won't fit the bill. If you want to have a fun historical romp of a read, jump on and get ready for the ride! Good news this and its sequel were re-released as Kindle editions in the U.K., making them a little easier to get your hands on a copy.
The fuss is that it reminded us of an old fashion historical adventure tale that you just don't see too often these days. It has daring do, death defying near escapes (admittedly some of these are far fetched but that's the point of it), determined bad guys, and a dash of magic thrown in. We both agree that these magical touches weren't really necessary but they are such a small portion of the book that it didn't affect the overall flow of the novel, just caused a hiccup. It had that feel of Alexander Dumas, especially The Three Musketeers since you have a group of newly formed friends facing seemingly insurmountable odds, with some Rafeal Sabatini and a touch of the panache of the classic Errol Flynn Robin Hood film.
If you are looking for an historical novel on Boleyn with loads of historical accuracy, this won't fit the bill. If you want to have a fun historical romp of a read, jump on and get ready for the ride! Good news this and its sequel were re-released as Kindle editions in the U.K., making them a little easier to get your hands on a copy.
May 1, 2023
It is 1536 and expert swordsman, Jean Rombaud, has been brought over from France by Henry VIII to behead his wife, Anne Boleyn. On the eve of her execution Rombaud swears a vow to the ill-fated queen, to bury her six-fingered hand at a crossroads in France. However, in a Europe ravaged by religious wars other powerful forces also want the hand for their own nefarious reasons. So when the he is attacked, left for dead and the hand taken by an Archbishop who witnessed the execution, Rombaud must battle against seemingly insurmountable odds to regain it and fulfil his promise. Rombaud accumulates a colourful assortment of displaced souls along the way equally determined to see him accomplish his goal. So begins a fight between good an evil.
Although this novel is set during the Tudor era, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the main focus of the story was Jean Rombaud and isn't a simple retelling of that period's history. This is a swashbuckling adventure novel with plenty of fight scenes alongside numerous twists and turns with a touch of fantasy thrown in too.
Now I'm always a bit of a sucker for historical fiction and adventures stories in particular but whilst I really enjoyed the swashbuckling elements I felt that the plotting was a little bit off, it seemed overly long with much of the tale simply setting the scene for the next big battle scene rather than having any intrinsic value itself. This is a decent piece of escapism that runs along at a decent pace but nothing out of the ordinary for me.
Although this novel is set during the Tudor era, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the main focus of the story was Jean Rombaud and isn't a simple retelling of that period's history. This is a swashbuckling adventure novel with plenty of fight scenes alongside numerous twists and turns with a touch of fantasy thrown in too.
Now I'm always a bit of a sucker for historical fiction and adventures stories in particular but whilst I really enjoyed the swashbuckling elements I felt that the plotting was a little bit off, it seemed overly long with much of the tale simply setting the scene for the next big battle scene rather than having any intrinsic value itself. This is a decent piece of escapism that runs along at a decent pace but nothing out of the ordinary for me.
July 6, 2012
I picked this novel up based on the description on its back cover that I found intriguing. I also picked it up thinking that it was historical fiction. The latter expectation led me to slight dissappointment when the story turned out to be more fantastical than historical, but, nevertheless, I did find myself enjoying the beginning part of the novel.
Unfortunately, after a nice beginning, the story seemed to lose its focus and it seemed stretched thinner than it should have - delaying the final confrontation longer than it should have been. There were some compeletely unnecessary parts in there as well, such as a description of a town taken over by hallusinations that had nothing to do with the story.
When the disappointing middle part is done with, the ending was once again very enjoyable and the last couple of lines were very touching indeed.
Overall, I'd have liked to see more history than fantasy in the story, and some cuts and edits done to the middle parts of it. However, it was still enjoyable enough yarn to entertain me - not least because of the very nice characters in it - and I may pick up the sequel as well.
Unfortunately, after a nice beginning, the story seemed to lose its focus and it seemed stretched thinner than it should have - delaying the final confrontation longer than it should have been. There were some compeletely unnecessary parts in there as well, such as a description of a town taken over by hallusinations that had nothing to do with the story.
When the disappointing middle part is done with, the ending was once again very enjoyable and the last couple of lines were very touching indeed.
Overall, I'd have liked to see more history than fantasy in the story, and some cuts and edits done to the middle parts of it. However, it was still enjoyable enough yarn to entertain me - not least because of the very nice characters in it - and I may pick up the sequel as well.
July 28, 2015
As a fan of this authors writing voice, I was very happy to see that this series is now being offered in eCopy. Even after reading the synopsis, I was pleasantly surprised by the plot, and especially by the characters. This is not your average historical fiction and that, at least for me, was very good.
I’ve read so many Tudor historical fictions that sometimes I think I’m way too familiar with the subject. Well, color me happy with this story!
As much as I find Anne Boleyn’s character intriguing, it’s the swordsman who wielded the sword at her execution that I find fascinating. How many of us have ever even given a thought about the executioner who was specifically sent from France to execute Queen Anne Boleyn? I never did! CC Humphreys obviously had and he wrote a fascinating story about him.
I also liked and appreciated that this story was presented as an adventure, filled with plenty of swashbuckling, yet still had plenty of history to make it an all around entertaining read.
If you’re looking for an exciting novel populated with intriguing and fascinating characters, I highly recommend you pick this one up.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
I’ve read so many Tudor historical fictions that sometimes I think I’m way too familiar with the subject. Well, color me happy with this story!
As much as I find Anne Boleyn’s character intriguing, it’s the swordsman who wielded the sword at her execution that I find fascinating. How many of us have ever even given a thought about the executioner who was specifically sent from France to execute Queen Anne Boleyn? I never did! CC Humphreys obviously had and he wrote a fascinating story about him.
I also liked and appreciated that this story was presented as an adventure, filled with plenty of swashbuckling, yet still had plenty of history to make it an all around entertaining read.
If you’re looking for an exciting novel populated with intriguing and fascinating characters, I highly recommend you pick this one up.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
June 14, 2015
The French Executioner was a fascinating epic set in Medieval Europe. I was swept into the plot from the first page. The remarkable cast of characters, vivid settings, the exciting naval and land battles, and plot twists propelled the story along. The historical, social, cultural, political, and religious themes made this work even more delightful.
November 12, 2015
I did not really expect to like this book so much -- it's a swashbuckler with a swirl of the supernatural, focused on a severed six-fingered hand. I loved it, though. The characters are amazing -- the plot is really fascinating -- and it's also quite funny. A great, fun, read.
January 3, 2020
A very interesting story with a lot going on. Fast pace, twists in plot and for a minute I expected a different ending... definitely worth reading!
February 22, 2017
3.5 stars. I found this book more and more intriguing as it went on. Looking forward to hearing the author talk about it at our book club meeting.
October 14, 2014
I was intrigued by the synopsis of this book and I will admit that I have enjoyed several other books by the author. I will admit that I found it a bit removed from most Tudor fiction and in some ways that was good and in others it was not. I do know that it is probably the book with the words "six fingered hand" mentioned most often and it would provide great drinking game opportunities - yes, the phrase appears that frequently. It was starting to distract me from the plot.
All six fingers aside - and from some things I've read it's been debunked that Anne even had an extra digit - the book was interesting. It has a mystical bend so don't go into it expecting a straightforward story or you will be disappointed. Mr. Humphreys does write in a way that draws you into the story. In this case the story of the executioner following Anne Boleyn's request to bury her six fingered hand in a special place at a certain time. But he is thwarted when it is stolen from him. So begins the wild adventure of retrieving the Queen's hand and completing his task.
I do love a good adventure tale now and then and this did not disappoint on that measure - there were a lot of sword fights and racing about the countryside on horseback. The sword fights were sometimes a bit hard to follow and gory but what such type of fight isn't? Our hero Jean, has a very sad back story and very unpleasant career so taking on this task for the once Queen of England is a kind of redemption for him. He is joined on his quest by a couple of misfits and they find themselves in several difficult situations and even end up as slaves on a galley ship at some point. But they work together to do what the Queen wanted.
It was a good read if a touch confusing in some points. I did appreciate the twist on Tudor history - I do love looking at the old and turning it upside down. And Mr. Humphreys does have a way with words.
3.5
All six fingers aside - and from some things I've read it's been debunked that Anne even had an extra digit - the book was interesting. It has a mystical bend so don't go into it expecting a straightforward story or you will be disappointed. Mr. Humphreys does write in a way that draws you into the story. In this case the story of the executioner following Anne Boleyn's request to bury her six fingered hand in a special place at a certain time. But he is thwarted when it is stolen from him. So begins the wild adventure of retrieving the Queen's hand and completing his task.
I do love a good adventure tale now and then and this did not disappoint on that measure - there were a lot of sword fights and racing about the countryside on horseback. The sword fights were sometimes a bit hard to follow and gory but what such type of fight isn't? Our hero Jean, has a very sad back story and very unpleasant career so taking on this task for the once Queen of England is a kind of redemption for him. He is joined on his quest by a couple of misfits and they find themselves in several difficult situations and even end up as slaves on a galley ship at some point. But they work together to do what the Queen wanted.
It was a good read if a touch confusing in some points. I did appreciate the twist on Tudor history - I do love looking at the old and turning it upside down. And Mr. Humphreys does have a way with words.
3.5
April 1, 2022
As Jean waited upon the scaffold he was filled with mixed feelings, though he had performed countless executions this one was particularly unique. For one, his subject was a Queen and secondly, he truly felt sorry for her. It was not just for the fact that he felt she was wrongly prosecuted, it was because he had seen within her, he saw the beauty she possessed inside and out. When he approached her, as he’s always done for it was proper etiquette as an executioner, she had but one request-for him to remove the hand with 6 fingers and bury it in France. She was afraid it would be used for ill purposes and when Jean did as requested and began the journey, he never would’ve imagined the struggle that awaited him or how accurately the Queen predicted. For his quest would force him to face many enemies and question his purpose but would also bring him friends and even love. Anne Boleyn had certainly chosen her hero wisely and knew that one day she would see Jean again.
This book was amazing! Right from the first page I was captivated and couldn’t stop reading. The story was so unique and interesting but for me it was the characters that truly made this story remarkable. It was hard not to fall for Jean! All the elements included within make the perfect tale-heroism, adventure, villains, an everlasting vow, friendship and finally love. I could go on and on but seriously, you need to just read it! It’s that good!
This book was amazing! Right from the first page I was captivated and couldn’t stop reading. The story was so unique and interesting but for me it was the characters that truly made this story remarkable. It was hard not to fall for Jean! All the elements included within make the perfect tale-heroism, adventure, villains, an everlasting vow, friendship and finally love. I could go on and on but seriously, you need to just read it! It’s that good!
September 6, 2016
A rollicking, fast paced sometimes violent adventure story along the lines of The Three Musketeers.
It begins in 1536 at the Tower of London where an expert swordsman has been brought from France by Henry V111 to ensure his wife Anne has an expert beheading and thus an easier death. But on the eve of the event the executioner meets Boleyn and swears a vow to her that he will bury her six fingered hand (a symbol of her rumoured witchery)at a sacred crossroads back in France. On his way to fulfil his vow and complete the quest he has many adventures and picks up an assortment of friends who help him along the way.
Long winded in spots, but a fun read.
It begins in 1536 at the Tower of London where an expert swordsman has been brought from France by Henry V111 to ensure his wife Anne has an expert beheading and thus an easier death. But on the eve of the event the executioner meets Boleyn and swears a vow to her that he will bury her six fingered hand (a symbol of her rumoured witchery)at a sacred crossroads back in France. On his way to fulfil his vow and complete the quest he has many adventures and picks up an assortment of friends who help him along the way.
Long winded in spots, but a fun read.
November 4, 2014
I am a huge Tudor fan and I was thrilled to be asked to read and review this book. It started out really interesting, not your typical Anne Boleyn book. This book is about the swordsman who killed Anne not really about her, and the desire for her hand because it is believed to have six fingers on it.
For me, this book has to be one of the worst books I've read, and I have read a lot of books. The ridiculous sexual references were not needed in my opinion, an entire chapter devoted to "Orgies" with reference to Sodom and Gomorrah sealed the deal for me!
All in all this was a waste of my time. I do not recommend it!!
For me, this book has to be one of the worst books I've read, and I have read a lot of books. The ridiculous sexual references were not needed in my opinion, an entire chapter devoted to "Orgies" with reference to Sodom and Gomorrah sealed the deal for me!
All in all this was a waste of my time. I do not recommend it!!
December 16, 2014
Wasn't sure I would enjoy this book. I have to say I was thoroughly pleased with the story line and the depth of the characters. What an interesting look at the world of an executioner. I have often wondered what type of person could behead someone just for pay. Jean, Anne Boleyn's executioner, is a very likeable man. Every character is coming from a totally different background, to help Jean keep his promise to Queen Anne, to bury her six-fingered hand at the crossroads in France. The action is none stop. You will say goodbye to some of Jean's friends, only to find out that goodbye wasn't necessary. I am SOOO longing for to the second book and Mr. Humphreys' other series.
April 19, 2008
I found this book a bit difficult to get into at first but it grew into quite a page turner and in the end I was surprised that I enjoyed it as much as I did. It's a fast paced action-adventure with a lot of twists and turns, and despite occasional difficulties in trying to keep track of all of its intricacies, it kept me wildly entertained. The characters are fun and likable and make me want to go out and grab a sword and/or a pirate hat!
March 28, 2016
Refreshingly . . . MUCH better than I expected. I suggest skipping to the very back and reading the "Author's Notes" section. There are some definitions there that greatly enhance the text. I'm glad I happened upon that because it would have been boring to rehash the text just to incorporate those pieces of trivia.
Too bad the second half is not available yet. Reminds me of Kill Bill, and like Kill Bill, these two would make an excellent movie.
Too bad the second half is not available yet. Reminds me of Kill Bill, and like Kill Bill, these two would make an excellent movie.
June 23, 2015
Full of action and plot twists--an excellent adventure. Though not a teen protagonist, there is a teen character who joins forces with the adult protagonist, and there is no sex/language/intensely "mature themes" that would give a parent pause about this book. Just good old fashioned danger and mayhem.
October 4, 2014
Wow! This is an adventure book. Its all action all the time! Very exciting and fun!
July 3, 2015
I did not make it past the first chapter.
Read
October 14, 2020Bad historical fiction.
June 29, 2020
Das Buch begann zunächst spannend. Am Anfang fragte man sich, wie Jean in diese brenzlige Situation kam, auch die Darstellung der Hinrichtung von Anne Boleyn fande ich richtig gut.
Nach den ersten 100 Seiten flaute die Spannung jedoch merklich ab. Daraufhin passierten Dinge, wie dass die Figuren von A nach B eilen, bei denen ich aber nachvollziehen konnte, wieso der Autor diese einbaute. Augenscheinlich ist er ein Freund des Palio oder fand die Täufergesellschaft in Münster so interessant, sie ins Buch zu integrieren, aber mir schließt sich daraus kein Nutzen für die Figuren.
Der Mittelteil des Buches ist erstaunlich langweilig und lässt mich aufgrund seiner Fantasy-Elemente unzufrieden zurück. Aufschlussreich fand ich das Nachwort, in dem Humphreys erzählt, dass er einen Abenteuerroman schreiben wollte - keinen historischen Roman. Irgendwie hat mir die Info am Anfang gefehlt, weil so ging ich mit völlig falschen Erwartungen an das Buch. Ich möchte hier eine weitere Rezension zitieren, die es in meinen Augen treffend beschreibt: "Zu unrealistisch und zu wenig historisch korrekt für einen historischen Roman, aber zu wenig phantastisch für einen Fantasy-Roman."
Viele Teile des Inhalts waren für mich nicht nachvollziehbar und nicht mal wirklich spannend. Das Ende war schon von Anfang an absehbar, der Weg dorthin wenig geistreich. Gut geschrieben war es dennoch, daher die zwei Sterne. Wer einen historischen Roman erwartet, der näher auf den Henker der Anne Boleyn eingeht, würde ich von dem Buch abraten. Wer dagegen einen Roman auf einer historischen Grundlage, vermischt mit fantastischen Elementen gerne liest, der wird mit diesem Buch seine Freude haben. Meine war es nicht.
Nach den ersten 100 Seiten flaute die Spannung jedoch merklich ab. Daraufhin passierten Dinge, wie dass die Figuren von A nach B eilen, bei denen ich aber nachvollziehen konnte, wieso der Autor diese einbaute. Augenscheinlich ist er ein Freund des Palio oder fand die Täufergesellschaft in Münster so interessant, sie ins Buch zu integrieren, aber mir schließt sich daraus kein Nutzen für die Figuren.
Der Mittelteil des Buches ist erstaunlich langweilig und lässt mich aufgrund seiner Fantasy-Elemente unzufrieden zurück. Aufschlussreich fand ich das Nachwort, in dem Humphreys erzählt, dass er einen Abenteuerroman schreiben wollte - keinen historischen Roman. Irgendwie hat mir die Info am Anfang gefehlt, weil so ging ich mit völlig falschen Erwartungen an das Buch. Ich möchte hier eine weitere Rezension zitieren, die es in meinen Augen treffend beschreibt: "Zu unrealistisch und zu wenig historisch korrekt für einen historischen Roman, aber zu wenig phantastisch für einen Fantasy-Roman."
Viele Teile des Inhalts waren für mich nicht nachvollziehbar und nicht mal wirklich spannend. Das Ende war schon von Anfang an absehbar, der Weg dorthin wenig geistreich. Gut geschrieben war es dennoch, daher die zwei Sterne. Wer einen historischen Roman erwartet, der näher auf den Henker der Anne Boleyn eingeht, würde ich von dem Buch abraten. Wer dagegen einen Roman auf einer historischen Grundlage, vermischt mit fantastischen Elementen gerne liest, der wird mit diesem Buch seine Freude haben. Meine war es nicht.
June 18, 2018
This was a very interesting book about what most people would think is an insignifcant person in history.
King Henry VIII may have been disillusioned with his second wife Anne Boleyn, for not producing a male heir and furious about the rumours of her transgressions, however he was prudent enough to make her execution as swift as could be.
He sent to France for Jean Rombaud. A man renown for his excellent skill of chopping off heads.
Rombaud's life after knowing Queen Anne for just a couple of days became one of fierce battles and life-threatening situations while he strove to honour an oath given to her on the scaffold.
Together with a few of unlikely allies they surpassed many dangers in their quest to protect Anne's legacy and daughter, Elizabeth.
King Henry VIII may have been disillusioned with his second wife Anne Boleyn, for not producing a male heir and furious about the rumours of her transgressions, however he was prudent enough to make her execution as swift as could be.
He sent to France for Jean Rombaud. A man renown for his excellent skill of chopping off heads.
Rombaud's life after knowing Queen Anne for just a couple of days became one of fierce battles and life-threatening situations while he strove to honour an oath given to her on the scaffold.
Together with a few of unlikely allies they surpassed many dangers in their quest to protect Anne's legacy and daughter, Elizabeth.
June 20, 2021
"The French Executioner" - written by C C Humphreys and published in 2002, this edition by Sourcebooks, Inc. Working my way through books put on my TBR in 2013, I was disappointed but resigned when I saw Anne Boleyn on the cover. More Henry VIII historical fiction. Boy was I mistaken! True, Anne Boleyn has a strong presence in the story, but it's essentially (1) a quest, with (2) breathtaking action and (3) a heroic band of misfits traipsing across Europe. What more can you ask for?! A clash between a small galiot and three larger pirate ships, all powered by slave and volunteer rowers, was one of the most thrilling scenes I've read in a long time. This book was a sparkling adventure of a novel and I'm glad I persevered and read it.
May 15, 2017
Quite the romp! This was a ton of fun from beginning to end. It was generally much lighter than I had expected when I picked it up but then it goes to some very dark places. It's a bit like an R-rated Princess Bride. Either way it was a terrific page-turner that Kelly me enthused throughout. I'm quite Keen to check out some other titles by C.C Humphreys now.
March 14, 2024
Although I enjoy historical fiction- and I appreciated the historical elements in this tale about the French executioner of Anne Boleyn, who had been selected for the job by King Henry VIII, I am less comfortable when the fiction leads off into elements of fantasy, as is the case at times in this book.
June 21, 2018
Fantastic
This is a great story. Very entertaining. Great characters and a great storyline. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys historical fiction and a great story with plenty of action.
This is a great story. Very entertaining. Great characters and a great storyline. I would recommend this to anyone that enjoys historical fiction and a great story with plenty of action.
January 3, 2020
An interesting and compelling read by one of my favorite authors. The ending was a bit sloppy, but I believe this is one of his earliest works, and it in no way was unsatisfactory. Looking forward to more great stories from CC
December 27, 2022
Before he takes her head, Anne Boleyn asks her French executioner to take her hand, the one with six fingers. She gives him a special mission. Lots of different people want the hand for their own use.
December 17, 2024
Another very well written saga in the anne Boleyn story. But this well crafted read follows the executioner. With a great ensemble of remarkably in death characters, the book moves along at a good pace. And it's hard to put down.
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