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The Saga of Roland Inness #1
Longbow
This is an alternate cover edition for B00OHZGQQG
Roland Inness is a peasant boy with an unusual talent—and a secret. He has learned the art of making a longbow and the skill to use it with deadly accuracy. Why must this be kept secret? The Normans rule England with their armored knights and a well-aimed longbow can pierce that armor. Possession of the weapon is a hanging offense and when Roland takes the wrong deer on the wrong Lord’s land he has to flee for his life.
His flight will take him from the high hills of the English midlands to the wild frontier with Wales and on to the court of Richard the Lionheart. Along the way he is hunted by a paid killer, aided by a strange monk named Tuck, and taken in by a gruff Norman knight, who values his skill with the bow. That skill and his courage will be sorely tested as he fights to earn the trust of his new master.
As King Richard celebrates his coronation, Roland faces old enemies he thought he had left behind and must test his skill at a royal archery tournament against the greatest bowmen in England, to include the favorite, Sir Robin of Loxley.
A mix of history, myth and high adventure, LONGBOW follows the journey of Roland Inness as he seeks to find a place for himself in a restive kingdom and become a man in a brutal age.
Roland Inness is a peasant boy with an unusual talent—and a secret. He has learned the art of making a longbow and the skill to use it with deadly accuracy. Why must this be kept secret? The Normans rule England with their armored knights and a well-aimed longbow can pierce that armor. Possession of the weapon is a hanging offense and when Roland takes the wrong deer on the wrong Lord’s land he has to flee for his life.
His flight will take him from the high hills of the English midlands to the wild frontier with Wales and on to the court of Richard the Lionheart. Along the way he is hunted by a paid killer, aided by a strange monk named Tuck, and taken in by a gruff Norman knight, who values his skill with the bow. That skill and his courage will be sorely tested as he fights to earn the trust of his new master.
As King Richard celebrates his coronation, Roland faces old enemies he thought he had left behind and must test his skill at a royal archery tournament against the greatest bowmen in England, to include the favorite, Sir Robin of Loxley.
A mix of history, myth and high adventure, LONGBOW follows the journey of Roland Inness as he seeks to find a place for himself in a restive kingdom and become a man in a brutal age.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2014
716 people are currently reading
1076 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Grant
15 books99 followersWayne Grant grew up in a tiny cotton town in rural Louisiana where hunting, fishing and farming were a way of life. Between chopping cotton, dove hunting and Little League ball he developed a love of great adventure stories like Call It Courage and Kidnapped.
Like most southern boys of that era he saw the military as an honorable and adventurous career. Every living male member of his family had served in the Army covering World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam, so it was a natural step for him to attend and graduate from West Point. He just missed Vietnam, but found that life as a Captain in an army broken by that war was not what he wanted.
After tours in Germany and Korea, he returned to Louisiana and civilian life where he began a 10 year career in government including four years as a senior official in the Pentagon during the Reagan administration. During those years he saw the Army reborn from its post-Vietnam nadir to the outstanding force it became and remains today.
The Saga of Roland Inness series began as the coming-of-age tale of a fourteen-year-old boy who possessed extraordinary talent with a longbow. It is a story of courage, loyalty, honor and treachery. Most of all, it a story of high adventure set in a time so filled with drama it has spawned legends that fascinate people to this day. It is the time of Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood, Eleanor of Aquitaine and William Marshall, legendary figures all--some real and some fictional.
The Saga of Roland Inness begins with four books--Longbow, Warbow, The Broken Realm and The Ransomed Crown. These four books are the coming-of-age story I set out to tell. Having told that tale, I fully intended to move on to other stories, but something unexpected happened. Readers all over the world found something special in Roland Inness and his companions and wanted more. I'd grown rather fond of my boy with the longbow as well and knew there were more stories to tell. So the Saga continues. A Prince of Wales, the fifth in the series was published in November, 2017. A new Roland Inness adventure will be out in fall, 2018.
If you would like to know more about the author or get updates on new books, visit his webpage at www.waynegrantbooks.com or the Longbow Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Longbowbooks/ .
Like most southern boys of that era he saw the military as an honorable and adventurous career. Every living male member of his family had served in the Army covering World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam, so it was a natural step for him to attend and graduate from West Point. He just missed Vietnam, but found that life as a Captain in an army broken by that war was not what he wanted.
After tours in Germany and Korea, he returned to Louisiana and civilian life where he began a 10 year career in government including four years as a senior official in the Pentagon during the Reagan administration. During those years he saw the Army reborn from its post-Vietnam nadir to the outstanding force it became and remains today.
The Saga of Roland Inness series began as the coming-of-age tale of a fourteen-year-old boy who possessed extraordinary talent with a longbow. It is a story of courage, loyalty, honor and treachery. Most of all, it a story of high adventure set in a time so filled with drama it has spawned legends that fascinate people to this day. It is the time of Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood, Eleanor of Aquitaine and William Marshall, legendary figures all--some real and some fictional.
The Saga of Roland Inness begins with four books--Longbow, Warbow, The Broken Realm and The Ransomed Crown. These four books are the coming-of-age story I set out to tell. Having told that tale, I fully intended to move on to other stories, but something unexpected happened. Readers all over the world found something special in Roland Inness and his companions and wanted more. I'd grown rather fond of my boy with the longbow as well and knew there were more stories to tell. So the Saga continues. A Prince of Wales, the fifth in the series was published in November, 2017. A new Roland Inness adventure will be out in fall, 2018.
If you would like to know more about the author or get updates on new books, visit his webpage at www.waynegrantbooks.com or the Longbow Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Longbowbooks/ .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
August 18, 2017
I really enjoyed this one, even though it's more of a teen read then an adult book.
But it features Robin of Loxley (although very briefly), and I'm a sucker for anything Robin Hood related.
Nevertheless, the whole book gives off a proper historical vibe (even though it features mostly fictional and legendary characters). I'd even go so far as to call it a junior version of a Bernard Cornwell book. It has all the historic elements, and the action, but less bloodshed and gruesomeness.
Would definately recommend this book to anyone who likes historical medieval fiction, and looking forward to read the rest of the series.
But it features Robin of Loxley (although very briefly), and I'm a sucker for anything Robin Hood related.
Nevertheless, the whole book gives off a proper historical vibe (even though it features mostly fictional and legendary characters). I'd even go so far as to call it a junior version of a Bernard Cornwell book. It has all the historic elements, and the action, but less bloodshed and gruesomeness.
Would definately recommend this book to anyone who likes historical medieval fiction, and looking forward to read the rest of the series.
October 16, 2018
The premise drew me in and I couldn't wait to read it. I was truly disappointed by the historical inaccuracies and how the author didn't seem to care about it. Yes, it's an action-packed fantasy but I couldn't get past the history part. If you're going to write about King Richard the Lionheart, then research it.
My Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
My Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
January 25, 2020
Excellent
I loved the fast pace story with Roland the main character. You won't be able to put it down. Characters are well developed and setting pulls you in and makes you feel like you are part of the story.
I loved the fast pace story with Roland the main character. You won't be able to put it down. Characters are well developed and setting pulls you in and makes you feel like you are part of the story.
March 20, 2020
I read this book aloud to my two boys ages 9 and 11yo and it was very entertaining. They loved it and asked for more each night. Highly recommend this wonderful tale and we can’t wait to read “Warbow”!
July 6, 2016
I Loved It!
I love a good piece of historical fiction, and the time of King Richard and the Crusades has always fascinated me. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of a Dane peasant boy who has legendary skill with a longbow.
The author first conceived the story of Roland Inness when telling stories to his sons. This book has the very personable feel of a father's story. While there were times that the writing lacked finesse and polish, I was still wholeheartedly enjoying it for the charm of the story itself.
Roland Inness is a sympathetic and worthy main character. He is brave, resourceful, and intelligent. He's human in his emotions and choices, but overall he is a honorable character. The supporting cast of characters were also worthy people who stand out in contrast to the lesser characters and villains in this story.
There is language in this book. I got the impression that the writer didn't do it merely to be edgy, but rather that this is his normal way of speaking. The harshest word I came across was s***, one time. This book should be fine for teens.
I enjoyed this story greatly and I am so excited to get to read the rest of Roland Inness' saga.
I love a good piece of historical fiction, and the time of King Richard and the Crusades has always fascinated me. I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of a Dane peasant boy who has legendary skill with a longbow.
The author first conceived the story of Roland Inness when telling stories to his sons. This book has the very personable feel of a father's story. While there were times that the writing lacked finesse and polish, I was still wholeheartedly enjoying it for the charm of the story itself.
Roland Inness is a sympathetic and worthy main character. He is brave, resourceful, and intelligent. He's human in his emotions and choices, but overall he is a honorable character. The supporting cast of characters were also worthy people who stand out in contrast to the lesser characters and villains in this story.
There is language in this book. I got the impression that the writer didn't do it merely to be edgy, but rather that this is his normal way of speaking. The harshest word I came across was s***, one time. This book should be fine for teens.
I enjoyed this story greatly and I am so excited to get to read the rest of Roland Inness' saga.
May 22, 2021
I instantly fell in love with this story. I never had much interest in medieval history before reading this book, but now I find myself with a new interest! I was sooo excited to find that this is Book 1 in a series. Can't wait to start on Book 2 -- Warbow. I have not felt as emotionally invested in the characters of a story since I read the Harry Potter series. This is a high compliment! ❤
February 7, 2019
Awesome Story
This book of a kid who tried to poach a deer of his duke but end up getting his father killed and becoming outlawed is a great story. This Author mixes real history and fiction very well. Robin and Tuck are even in this book.
This book of a kid who tried to poach a deer of his duke but end up getting his father killed and becoming outlawed is a great story. This Author mixes real history and fiction very well. Robin and Tuck are even in this book.
October 14, 2023
Exciting premise, likable lead, promising start. Some minor errors in the first few chapters, but ultimately put it down because the omniscient narration style—while fitting for this genre—was unclear too many times when it hopped heads.
November 17, 2021
My Opinion:
.
Today I “learned” that the “Arabs” seemingly invented mathematics.
NOT THE GREEKS, EGYPTIANS, ROMANS, JEWS, HINDUS, whoever built Stonehenge, ETC—but the Arabs.
And that is wrong, so maybe the rest of this crapolla is wrong, too.
WRONG!!!
Stupid book got dumber when the scenes moved to the London Coronation
Book wasted my time,.
.
Today I “learned” that the “Arabs” seemingly invented mathematics.
NOT THE GREEKS, EGYPTIANS, ROMANS, JEWS, HINDUS, whoever built Stonehenge, ETC—but the Arabs.
And that is wrong, so maybe the rest of this crapolla is wrong, too.
WRONG!!!
Stupid book got dumber when the scenes moved to the London Coronation
Book wasted my time,.
September 10, 2016
Roland Inness has witnessed the murder of his father, and he is now fleeing for his life, all because the emptiness of his stomach has propelled him to take his banned longbow into the woods to hunt for something to eat. But alas, he chose the wrong day and the wrong deer.
I was hoping for a good read, and Grant gave me a story full of peril and non-stop action. From the desperation of our brave hero fleeing for his life to the coronation of Richard, The Lionheart ~ Longbow takes you on a journey through Norman England...sort of...
Now, this is where I get a little bit picky. If you are looking for a historically accurate account of life in Norman England, then this isn't the book for you. Longbow is littered with historical inaccuracies. Grant does say in his Historical Notes at the end “…it is not intended to be a rigorous work of historical fiction…” And it isn’t. I did feel a little disappointed that Grant was pretty complacent with the history of the period and it wouldn't have taken much for him to just check some of his facts and terminologies. But, if you can put this aside, then this is a good book and one that I could easily see being adapted for children's television.
Grant rolled with the "Legend" of Robin Hood, and we meet a few of the characters of this band of merry-men during the story. I particularly liked the characterisation of Tuck!
I loved the way the character of Roland developed through the book. He has to grow up incredibly fast if he is to survive, but at the same time he is still very much a boy and the world is a new and wonderful place for him to explore. He is also a young man of deep ethics. He is incredibly loyal. He will, without conscious thought, sacrifice himself to protect those who he serves and who he respects. On the other hand, he has this burning desire for revenge. A complex character indeed.
If you can get over the historical inaccuracies, then this is a great read and one I would recommend.
I was hoping for a good read, and Grant gave me a story full of peril and non-stop action. From the desperation of our brave hero fleeing for his life to the coronation of Richard, The Lionheart ~ Longbow takes you on a journey through Norman England...sort of...
Now, this is where I get a little bit picky. If you are looking for a historically accurate account of life in Norman England, then this isn't the book for you. Longbow is littered with historical inaccuracies. Grant does say in his Historical Notes at the end “…it is not intended to be a rigorous work of historical fiction…” And it isn’t. I did feel a little disappointed that Grant was pretty complacent with the history of the period and it wouldn't have taken much for him to just check some of his facts and terminologies. But, if you can put this aside, then this is a good book and one that I could easily see being adapted for children's television.
Grant rolled with the "Legend" of Robin Hood, and we meet a few of the characters of this band of merry-men during the story. I particularly liked the characterisation of Tuck!
I loved the way the character of Roland developed through the book. He has to grow up incredibly fast if he is to survive, but at the same time he is still very much a boy and the world is a new and wonderful place for him to explore. He is also a young man of deep ethics. He is incredibly loyal. He will, without conscious thought, sacrifice himself to protect those who he serves and who he respects. On the other hand, he has this burning desire for revenge. A complex character indeed.
If you can get over the historical inaccuracies, then this is a great read and one I would recommend.
January 5, 2019
Yay! I really liked this one! At first I wasn't so sure about the main character, Roland, but as he meets other people that he can trust, he becomes less feeling so revengeful towards someone. And I'm glad he did, because I feel like he's actually got a good heart.
December 31, 2015
What a great story! It is 1189, the 35th year of Henry the II's reign and over a hundred years since William the Conqueror imposed Norman law over England. All other races suffered ever since including the Saxons, Celts, and the Danes. Roland was a Dane and his ancestors were the fierce and mighty Vikings. And so passed the craft of making the longbow. The Danes rose up and nearly toppled the Earl a generation ago solely because of that bow. Roland Inness is but thirteen, a poor peasant farmer's son, who fells a deer that was being hunted by the Earl of Derby's son and his men. The earl's son, William De Ferres, recognized the arrowhead to be one from the forbidden longbow. They were off after Roland and he had to flee. He started a new life but he vowed to himself to return someday to repay William De Ferres for the terrible crime against his family.
September 26, 2017
I liked the book. I appreciate the author keeping the book clean and free of profanity.
August 27, 2020
Justice in revenge
A great story in medieval England of a Danish boy growing up in very challenging circumstances seeks to avenge the murder of his father. He feels guilty because he was the cause of his father's death for poaching deer with a forbidden long bow. As he persevere in his revenge, he meets some very noted persons such as King Richard the Lion Hearted, Friar Tuck, Robin Hood, and Roger device Laval. He wins an archery contest against Robin Hood and goes to crusade with King Richard. Meanwhile he is squired to Sir Roger, introduced to Sir River's family, befriends Duncan and Friar Tuck; starts a whole new life around these people. He continues to await his revenge. Wonderful story.
A great story in medieval England of a Danish boy growing up in very challenging circumstances seeks to avenge the murder of his father. He feels guilty because he was the cause of his father's death for poaching deer with a forbidden long bow. As he persevere in his revenge, he meets some very noted persons such as King Richard the Lion Hearted, Friar Tuck, Robin Hood, and Roger device Laval. He wins an archery contest against Robin Hood and goes to crusade with King Richard. Meanwhile he is squired to Sir Roger, introduced to Sir River's family, befriends Duncan and Friar Tuck; starts a whole new life around these people. He continues to await his revenge. Wonderful story.
August 4, 2017
I truly enjoy books with noble characters and when good prevails. Here, a young boy poaches a deer which leads to the death of his beloved father. His siblings are protected by the other villagers and he goes on the run. Starving, he attempts to take a meal away from a sleeping Knight and his helper. He gets caught and stays with the knight and his friend. They are good people and so is Roland. He has good character and is very skilled with a longbow. He stays with the knight and has some good adventures. Pretty clean and an easy read- one I would recommend for kids who liked the Ranger's Apprentice series.
October 6, 2017
Young Roland was only trying to feed his family when he fells a deer with his longbow. But he was on the local lord's land, his bow is of a style banned in England, and he's nearly caught. Forced to flee his home, Roland's path crosses that of a monk named Tuck. And we're suddenly (eagerly) awaiting the inevitable meeting between the young bowman and another famed archer—Sir Robin, not yet a hood.
A prequel to the Robin Hood saga, to be sure, but this is well and truly Roland's story. Knights and squires, politics and raiding parties, journeying and jousts, history and fable. I cannot wait to add the next book to my collection!
A prequel to the Robin Hood saga, to be sure, but this is well and truly Roland's story. Knights and squires, politics and raiding parties, journeying and jousts, history and fable. I cannot wait to add the next book to my collection!
January 2, 2016
Very good story line about 12 century England. I have read many stories about King Richard, Queen Eleanor and Saladin but none from the view point of a 14 year old squire with a deadly longbow.
I also am interested in the Knights Templar especially after visiting The Temple Church in London; that was consecrated in 1185 to the warrior Knights.
I also am interested in the Knights Templar especially after visiting The Temple Church in London; that was consecrated in 1185 to the warrior Knights.
July 17, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to continuing the series. Grant's life experiences sound interesting in themselves, and the characters he draws are fascinating, as well! It is a clean, historical, descriptive, and riveting story that I would be happy to recommend, especially to my middle-school students who are looking for some adventure!
January 8, 2018
A good read but a few errors
Scots did not wear kilts in the 12 century, don’t think they even wore tartan. Kilts, in their current form we’re not introduced until the 18th century after the2nd Jacobite uprising.
Also I doubt that the Scots raised as far south as the Peak District, maybe as far down as North Yorkshire but never that far down.
Scots did not wear kilts in the 12 century, don’t think they even wore tartan. Kilts, in their current form we’re not introduced until the 18th century after the2nd Jacobite uprising.
Also I doubt that the Scots raised as far south as the Peak District, maybe as far down as North Yorkshire but never that far down.
April 7, 2018
A fine fast read
There are a number of writers who tell a story, and they use a very transparent plot with shallow characters. This is not the case with Wayne Grant's 'Longbow'. Reading this is like sitting down to eat with old friends, you have not seen for a long time. I felt that I was immersed in to the story with the characters. This a fine read.
There are a number of writers who tell a story, and they use a very transparent plot with shallow characters. This is not the case with Wayne Grant's 'Longbow'. Reading this is like sitting down to eat with old friends, you have not seen for a long time. I felt that I was immersed in to the story with the characters. This a fine read.
April 21, 2024
Liked this one. Well written, well plotted. Rumor has it this is for kids or those mysterious YAers but it's a good read for anyone interested in the period [1189 England] seems to me. A series, and KU as well.
August 20, 2018
Well written and researched, this was a very enjoyable read that transported me to another place and time that I kept looking forward to getting back to. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series!
May 26, 2018
Great read!
Hard book to put down. Characters are well developed and easy to identify with. I'm looking forward to the next in this series.
Hard book to put down. Characters are well developed and easy to identify with. I'm looking forward to the next in this series.
April 25, 2024
From the treeline, young Roland Inness watches in mute horror as his father is murdered by the local lord’s son, who believe him to be in possession of a longbow that poached a deer. Roland himself wields that bow, and he uses it to strike back against these royal bullies, making himself an outlaw in the process. Fleeing north, pursued by a mercenary, he encounters an opportunity for shelter and service, one that will bring him to London to observe the coronation of King Richard — but there, too, he’ll find the past waiting for him. Longbow is my second book by Wayne Grant, and a rollicking fun bit of medieval adventure it is, complete with a friar named Tuck. Roland is an instantly sympathetic character — a poor orphan whose only crime was trying to eat, laden with guilt over his father’s dead and driven on by a thirst for revenge. The supporting characters are a fine crew, too: a warrior-monk, a cheeky Irish squire who becomes Roland’s friend, a young lady with mischievous wit, and nobles great and gross. As with No King, No Country, there’s a solid current of activity here that’s nicely balanced — not too frantic, but never slow, and varied. The ending is especially fun, culminating with an archery contest in which a certain Robin of Loxley is present, and Grant works in a fair bit of historical detail — though not as much as Cornwell or Ben Kane might. Given the age of the protagonist, and the lack of overly graphic violence or language, this might be intended for teen audiences, but I enjoyed it thoroughly. From the descriptions of other books in the series, it looks like Roland’s vengeance will continue to dog him.
October 29, 2018
In 1189 in England, Roland Inness, is hunted for the crime of killing a deer to feed his starving family. Not only is he a young man of barely 13 yrs. old but he hunts with an outlawed long bow, a crime worthy of death. His crime causes his younger brother and sister flee for their lives to a neighbor and his father seeks to buy him time to hide when the hunters arrive. His father is killed and Roland takes revenge by killing three of the Earl of Derby’s men causing Roland to flee leaving his home forever.
In his flight he encounters a priest known as Tuck, Friar Tuck, who promises to find his family and see them to safety. In his travels to escape hanging, he meets a knight, Sir Roger de Laval, who offers him a job, a place to stay and more importantly food to eat. Roland serves the knight as a squire and continues to train with his longbow until he becomes very proficient. He is trained in fighting hand to hand combat with sword and knife as well.
Upon Sir Rogers being requested to go to London for the coronation of King Richard the Lionhearted, he is entered into a bow shooting contest. He shoots against Sir Robin of Loxley for the prize of a golden arrow, but his trials do not end here. He is to accompany Sir Roger, by the King’s command, to the Holy Lands on a secret mission.
Book One ends as they leave by ship to the Holy Lands with the uncertainty of returning. It is a good read and I look forward to more books by this author.
In his flight he encounters a priest known as Tuck, Friar Tuck, who promises to find his family and see them to safety. In his travels to escape hanging, he meets a knight, Sir Roger de Laval, who offers him a job, a place to stay and more importantly food to eat. Roland serves the knight as a squire and continues to train with his longbow until he becomes very proficient. He is trained in fighting hand to hand combat with sword and knife as well.
Upon Sir Rogers being requested to go to London for the coronation of King Richard the Lionhearted, he is entered into a bow shooting contest. He shoots against Sir Robin of Loxley for the prize of a golden arrow, but his trials do not end here. He is to accompany Sir Roger, by the King’s command, to the Holy Lands on a secret mission.
Book One ends as they leave by ship to the Holy Lands with the uncertainty of returning. It is a good read and I look forward to more books by this author.
June 11, 2020
I have read all books in this series and I love them. I love the characters, their development trough the series was really nice to fallow. They are sympathetic, lovable and you want to cheer them all the way to victory. Plot and story in general are very basic and easy to fallow and it is mostly cliche just like the characters, but I do not give a damn! I love cliche actually, I could read all day every day about peasant boy, zero to hero story. What I care about are characters ( their development, interactions, relationships, romance...), good writing and decent plot and I am set to go.
Often people criticize these sort of books like they are meant to be some new classic or something. It would be nice if they could but they are not, and they do not pretend to be.
These are fun books to read and enjoy, and to spend some time relaxing your brain form work, studying etc...
What I have to mention about these books is the fact they present all the reality and brutality of the period they are set in, either directly or indirectly, but without to much gore,rape,tragedy, torture etc which are so common in books these days. For some reason author today believe this is what makes their books "great above others", not writing, characters, plot... I disagree.
In the end, my recommendation would be for anyone to read these books. They are great fun, nicely written and they also don't cost to much.
Often people criticize these sort of books like they are meant to be some new classic or something. It would be nice if they could but they are not, and they do not pretend to be.
These are fun books to read and enjoy, and to spend some time relaxing your brain form work, studying etc...
What I have to mention about these books is the fact they present all the reality and brutality of the period they are set in, either directly or indirectly, but without to much gore,rape,tragedy, torture etc which are so common in books these days. For some reason author today believe this is what makes their books "great above others", not writing, characters, plot... I disagree.
In the end, my recommendation would be for anyone to read these books. They are great fun, nicely written and they also don't cost to much.
June 15, 2025
Another one
Yet another in the forever growing number of books that are not a book. The Amazon phenomenon of books that are just a volume in a story but marketed as a book not a volume. I personally find this so annoying. A story in a saga is great I just love my heroes to return in that next tale. However I expect the story to stop and start at appropriate places in relation to the story in that book not when they reach the optimal number of pages to justify the publication. I still like my books to start by setting the scene and finish after the conclusion of the tale told in that book This book should in my opinion have finished after the assassin died however the way this book is written the story around the assassin is not really strong enough as such this book has no stand alone story within the saga. In fact I suggest there was potential for two books of the saga that have both been skipped over, the abduction and the assassin. Yes time lines would have needed adjusting but that could easily have been achieved. The reader would have been left with much more in depth stories of these likeable characters.
Will I continue to read this author, probably not.
Yet another in the forever growing number of books that are not a book. The Amazon phenomenon of books that are just a volume in a story but marketed as a book not a volume. I personally find this so annoying. A story in a saga is great I just love my heroes to return in that next tale. However I expect the story to stop and start at appropriate places in relation to the story in that book not when they reach the optimal number of pages to justify the publication. I still like my books to start by setting the scene and finish after the conclusion of the tale told in that book This book should in my opinion have finished after the assassin died however the way this book is written the story around the assassin is not really strong enough as such this book has no stand alone story within the saga. In fact I suggest there was potential for two books of the saga that have both been skipped over, the abduction and the assassin. Yes time lines would have needed adjusting but that could easily have been achieved. The reader would have been left with much more in depth stories of these likeable characters.
Will I continue to read this author, probably not.
December 22, 2019
Wayne Grant does a wonderful job of creating a character who is both interesting, realistic and plausible during the time as Richard the Lionhearted became King of England. I admire authors who can give you a semi-realistic glimpse into the deprivations and hardships that a peasant family would have endured during this period. Starvation was realistic. Young women who were not carefully protected were often assaulted. Nobility got away with pretty much anything they wanted on their own lands until and unless another noble took them down. It was a brutal time to live.
Roland, the main character, is so well written that I really enjoyed him. He's not a superhero who accomplishes all his great deeds with nary a scratch. Instead he's a work in progress and the situation that he finds himself in evolves into a wonderful cocoon in which he can grow, learn and mature while taking his lumps and still being low on the totem pole.
If you enjoy historical fiction that seems to fit nicely within the framework of actual history without trying to rewrite things then this is worth a try.
Roland, the main character, is so well written that I really enjoyed him. He's not a superhero who accomplishes all his great deeds with nary a scratch. Instead he's a work in progress and the situation that he finds himself in evolves into a wonderful cocoon in which he can grow, learn and mature while taking his lumps and still being low on the totem pole.
If you enjoy historical fiction that seems to fit nicely within the framework of actual history without trying to rewrite things then this is worth a try.
August 4, 2017
This is a young-adult or teen book set in medieval England about a young Danish boy name Roland with a talent for using a longbow at a time when they are rare or even outlawed. This is a very loose adaptation of the Robin Hood story as Friar Tuck and Robin of Loxsley are side characters. Roland has to go on the run after poaching deer and ends up as a squire to a decent Norman knight. The author keeps up the action and it feels firmly like a teen book with a more idealistic view of that time period. The good guys are very good and the bad guys are very bad. I liked it overall and will continue reading the series.
October 1, 2021
Fabulous!
Wow. The saga of Roland Inness begins the day childhood is thrust from him. He experiences great hardship and grief, but also extraordinary good fortune at the end of the reign of Henry II, about 1170. What’s not to love about this tale? The setting is gripping and has the right amount of detail. Characters are richly fleshed out and develop over time. The women are strong but believable in their time period. At one point Lady Catherine advises her daughter not to slack in her education as it will make the difference between being a servant to her future husband or his ally. The plot is tight and moves along. I didn’t want it to end. It’s fabulous.
Wow. The saga of Roland Inness begins the day childhood is thrust from him. He experiences great hardship and grief, but also extraordinary good fortune at the end of the reign of Henry II, about 1170. What’s not to love about this tale? The setting is gripping and has the right amount of detail. Characters are richly fleshed out and develop over time. The women are strong but believable in their time period. At one point Lady Catherine advises her daughter not to slack in her education as it will make the difference between being a servant to her future husband or his ally. The plot is tight and moves along. I didn’t want it to end. It’s fabulous.
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