Best Story of the Profession of Arms Ever Written
346865
Without question, this is the best novel ever written about the profession of arms.  it has stayed in print for decades because it speaks to so many of the challenges and difficulties of leading troops in the military.  It is an engaging story that covers the US Army from just prior to WW I to Vietnam.  Current and former top officers in all services have praised the book as one that sets forth the challenges of leaders in the military and the difficutl choices they must make.  Sam Damon, the main character, is the type of boss and commander that all soldiers want.  But he struggles to do what is right in the tension of military service and combat.  If you want to read one book that describes military leadership, this is the one.
3317103
Most people remember the legend of Arthur, an English king from some century past, his sword Excalibur, his glorious Round Table, and, of course, Merlyn, his trusted teacher and advisor. In this novel, T.H. White retells the magnificent Arthurian legend with accuracy and ardor. He brings to life the mysterious affair between his wife, Guenever, and his most trusted knight and friend, Lancelot. He brilliantly captivates and explores Arthur's plan for civilizing Britain and bringing it into the Middle Ages. Among other things, he also throws in references to the twentieth century, especially the war era, because that was the time when the book was written, either in the form of allusion or anachronisms. Either way, White will pull you in and even amuse you at times, and the whole time he is building on the whole of the novel, the heart of his writing masterpiece.
The book is actually four books combined into an anthology that was put together in 1958. They are titled "The Sword in the Stone", "The Queen of Air and Darkness", "The Ill-Made Knight", and "The Candle in the Wind", respectively. Each deals with a certain era of Arthur's life, and a different step in his education and civilization process.
The characters in the novel are quite deep and hard to grasp, especially that of Lancelot. His mind works in such a way that it is hard to understand his reasoning, which makes Book Three a challenge to read and understand why it is there, why it is part of a novel about King Arthur. It is there because Lancelot was the King's friend, and it is because of his complexity and the way he thinks that the King meets his end the way he does.
Overall, this book is such an exciting read that it is impossible to say one knows everything about Arthur and not have read it. There is so much information presented in so many ways that it is a must for literary and fantasy buffs alike. Not only does this book cover the legend of Arthur, the Round Table, Lancelot and Guenever, and the Holy Grail, but it comments on society and the human race in its entirety.
2480637
Before I start my review, let me say I totally love this book and Tamera Leigh does medieval romance the best.

In 1308 three Englishmen noblemen went against their Lord.  Each of them was given a parcel the Lords property and was promoted to barons.  Twenty-five years of jealousy and pitting one family against the other caused a decree to be given that Bayard Boursier would marry the enemy or forfeit their land.  Bayard Boursier was determined he would marry the plain Thomasin, rather than the beautiful Elianor.  His first wife was a beautiful woman, but cruel and caused him to lose eyesight in one eye.  He wasn't going to make that mistake again.

Elianor had a horrible first marriage.  Her husband abused her and she was not in the least upset when he died, but she would never consider marrying Bayard because she had heard he was also an abuser.  She would go to any length to not marry and yet because of her interference she ended up doing exactly what she said she wouldnt doMarry Bayard!

This is a beautiful story of two people who were badly mistreated but out of it a strong love and respect grew!

In my opinion, this is one of the best medieval romance stories I have ever read and I cannot wait for the next in the series.  If you love romance in England during the medieval times, this is one you won't want to miss.  It will have you laughing and crying and you won't want to put it down until you have read the last word.
923177
This is not my first time reading the Drizzt series but the adventures of the drow elf and his companions has enraptured me since I was a young man. I have read this series many times over my 2 1/2 decades of life and I never tire of the story itself. It is so masterfully written that I can actually see this book playing out in my head as if on a television screen and I get so caught up in the battles that to this day I still cheer out loud when Artemis is foiled again or one of the gang puts down a ferocious monster... If I had to recommend any series in my life it would be this one as not only is it a great story it is also a very creative way of teaching Honor, Integrity, Strength and the belief that anything is possible if you have the heart to go for it.
2683699
I am so glad I read this book from one of my favorite authors. Ms Le Veque does a fabulous job at writing knights who are so heroic in times when war is involved, especially at the Battle of Falkirk. So many English and Scottish warriors were lost during this episode. You can feel the pain especially when one man is shot with a cross bow and he knows that the end is near. Robert Edlington is that man and he wants a promise from his friend to take care of his family. Robert insists that Cortez de Bretagne marry his Lady wife Diamantha and be a father to his daughter Sophie. Of course, Cortez is astonished by this, and tells Robert that he will get help. But Robert will take no  for an answer and Cortez agrees. When the battle is over, Cortez must travel to tell Robert's widow that her husband's last wish was for marriage. Diamantha being the widow with a child to raise, will marry him on one condition. He must take her with him to locate her husband's body and bring it back home for burial. There are many conflicts trying to deter the mission. But their "quest" was destined to bring them on a journey to find love again.
4416447
I first read this book in High School, and found it hard going.  But I've  read it probably twenty times since, and each time it gets better. Eddison  was a true master of Elizabethan descriptive prose. If you like herioc  fantasy, you simply must read this book.
The world of the Worm is world  where the most outrageously "overdone" palaces and language just  seem to work naturally; they are the only fitting backdrop for the  wonderful characters who inhabit it. Supposedly, the action is set on the  planet Mercury, but forget all that; Eddison clearly picked Mercury for its  astrological significance.
Here is a sample of his writing (I picked it  because I just finished a climb on Mt. Rainier, where I saw a couple of  avalanches):
"Far overhead, dazzling white in the sunshine, the  broken glacier-edges and splinters jutted against the blue, and icicles  greater than a man hung glittering from every ledge: a sight heavenly fair,  whereof they yet had little joy, hastening as they had not hastened in  their lives before to be out of the danger of that ice-swept  face."
It is obvious that Eddison was a climber.
It's hard to  describe everything this book has in it. Just get hold of it, put a goblet  of wine at your elbow, and dive in.
Then read the "Mistress of  Mistresses" trilogy, which is even better.
4510527
This is the first part of this epic novel, followed by War And Remembrance. This is my second reading. I read this book when it was published and became engrossed in the Henry family and the events surrounding them.

This novel is one of the finest ever written depicting the events concerning our entry into the Second World War. The characters come alive as the novel unfolds. This is storytelling at its finest.

If you have never had the pleasure of reading this, by all means do so. This is a truly great experience in reading. Also, do not forget the continuation of this in the magnificent War And Remembrance.

If you have already read and experienced this masterwork, do yourself a great favor and read it again. It is an experience well worth revisiting.
2392821
One of the hallmarks of the Casca series is the Eternal Mercenary's role as storyteller of his martial exploits throughout history. Author Tony Roberts presents a well researched tale of the Hundred Years War and the battle of Agincourt in this installment. It is perhaps clich to say that an author makes the story come alive but this is precisely what Roberts does here. We feel the experiences of Casca and his fellow soldiers as they struggle with disease, the environment, and their French enemies. I especially enjoyed the section dealing with Casca's earlier adventures with the Medieval hero Roland at the battle of Roncesvalles. This book compares favorably with Bernard Cornwell's The Archer's Tale and in many ways surpasses it. Highly recommended.
4157325
If this short story had been written in an age when it took days, money, paper, and a willing publisher to bind it, this would now be considered a literary masterpiece, and would be part of school currriculums across the world. It's that darned good! This ranks with the best I've read, and deserves a place in history. The writing, setting, the tale itself, all are perfect. A true masterclass!
968607
Defender Of Jerusalem

I have always loved stories from the days of Kings, Queens, Lords, Ladies and Barons and Knights, When given the opportunity to read this book , I was excited.
Since I hadnt read the first book of this series I had to rely on the Cast of Characters at the beginning of the book. It was very difficult since one character was referred to other names at different times. But I knew there was a story there and I wanted to know it, so I hung on.
The writer of this book writes so descriptively that the battle scenes were extremely real. I could almost hear the clang of metal, the shouts and screams of both men and horses as they fell fighting for what they believed.
There is also enough love and romance for romantics like me who enjoy that part of stories. But not so much romance that you cannot allow your teen daughters and grand daughters to read it.
There is so much history here mixed with enough fiction to knit the story together .The research must have been daunting. It fills in a time that is sorely lacking in school history books, at least in the books when I went to school.
I was a little disappointed in the ending though. But it isn't really ending is it? That will come in book three.
1318771
James Mace is a wonderful story teller and vividly captures the roman legionaries long lost world of the 1st century AD as I have imagined it.

Fast paced, extremely readable, and vivid. Artorius is the young soldier is a character that anyone who has worn the uniform can identify with. The story is action packed and believable; I find myself transported when I read his books and really enjoy the distraction. I plan to order the rest of the books as soon as they are available.

Very much in a highly readable style similar to Simon Scarrow, Mace captures your attention and makes his characters real to you. If you are a Scarrow fan you should read Mace.

-Roger Bombardier Jr.
Burlington, Vermont
1648458
This is the best book of all. There are some interesting stories within this story that make it more- acceptable  than most. Walk With Honor is my favorite character.
94673
Knights, ladies, gallantry:  these words call forth noble and righteous behaviour in the beautiful world of the high Mediaeval ages.  THE BOOK OF THE ORDRE OF CHYVALRY OR KNYGHTHODE is an all-time classic, the foremost handbook on the knight's code written by a bold knight of great deeds.  This Catalan knight, Ramon Llull, here paints a mystical picture of the knight's virtuous pursuit as high spirituality.

Readers may know William Caxton's famous edition of MORTE D'ARTHUR as the seed-book of English literature's rise.  Here, then is another.  Caxton has liberally added his own knightly meditations thereto in Arthur's spirit.

This special edition is a work you will long treasure -- if you can find it.  Its prose is poetic and printed exactly as Caxton himself set it down.  It will teach you the long-lost beauty of English.  It will teach you the heroic beauty of Life.

For students of Middle and early Modern English, this book is an easy read and a must have.  Any man who enjoys Sir Thomas Malory's MORTE D'ARTHUR and Geoffrey Chaucer's CANTERBURY TALES, should keep this beside him on his night table.

This edition is written in the original and beautiful late Middle English, such as you may have read in high school.  Enjoy its music and its virtue.

This edition is a devotional book.  Keep it with you, ready for when you crave inspiration on how to lead your life well and timelessly.
1837849
Whether or not you share an affinity for the legend of Robin Hood or Medieval England, there is no denying N.B. Dixons passion and dedication to the subject. The raw amount of historical knowledge injected into Heir of Locksley is not only admirable, but equally salubrious. It is comparable, if not superior, to many of the great historical fiction works from renowned authors, such as Diana Gabaldon or Philippa Gregory. Heir of Locksley doesnt dwell in the shadows. It is an independent effigy worthy of his place on any store shelf.

Dixons style of prose is completely infallible. The book is substantively well edited, showing salient signs that it has been rewritten countless times. There are no clunky sentences, and the language boasts a magical rhythm, which captivates and enthrals. Without a doubt, Heir of Locksley is one of the great monuments of independent literature.

The story itself is superb, whether you're familiar with Robin Hood or not. Heir of Locksley begins early in Robins childhood, following his relationships with many important characters of legend and detailing his many hard decisions that forged him into the man of legend. He is the heir to a rich manor, but resents everything his fathers status evokes, for the rich are rude and unforgiving to the lower-class. In contrast, due to losing his mother at a young age and being raised by his maid, Robin has developed a sense of empathy and kindness, growing to resent his nobility. He would much rather spend his time with a bow in his hand, or mingling among the peasants who call him their friend. Eventually, however, Robin must choose between a life of wealth or peasantry, yet both paths meander toward dangerous consequences. With plenty of twists and turns throughout, this is not just yet another retelling of the eternal legend; rather, this is a fresh take on tired tropes.

Heir of Locksley possesses an ensemble cast, all of whom leap off the page. They are all poignant, written with such finesse that any one of them could take control of a scene and carry the narrative on their back. None of them drag behind. Their emotions are authentic, and their personal histories of Shakespearean quality, particularly Gilbert White-Hands, who is guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.

An insightful decision on Dixons behalf sees almost half of the book depicting Robin in his younger years, whereupon many seeds are sown for future encounters. The choice to structure the story with this split narrative eliminates the need for over-zealous exposition, opting to show the reader all of his early struggles, allowing Robins legacy to develop at a natural pace. It would have been far easier to simply hand-wave Robins genesis in the favour of his more famous years, but Dixons execution is more surgical, offering the reader an extended account of his childhood trials, his many relationships, and his evolution into a figure of history.

Some tentative readers might note that Heir of Locksley is marketed as having LBGTQ themes and might regard the concept of a bisexual Robin Hood as absurd, yet I must stress that Dixons execution of these themes is both intelligent and appropriate. Do not make the erroneous assumption that Heir of Locksley is an alternative romance novel. Nothing could be further from the truth. Robin insteadin addition to having various heterosexual relationshipsdevelops a raw and passionate relationship with a male counterpart, which I found very reminiscent of a Homeric character. Such a relationship is beyond infatuation, love or sex, and is far more indicative of loyal compassion, forged from friendship and respect. It is honest, beautiful and authentic.

I would highly recommend Heir of Locksley to any enthusiast of historical fiction. Every facet of N. B. Dixons style is outstanding, and it all comes together in a uniform novel that deserves the utmost praise. There is nothing boring or clich&eacute; here, only unmitigated talent, and I couldn't be more excited for Dixons upcoming sequel, Knight of Locksley.
3094261
CM. Gray delivers a unique story about the King Arthur tale and the Excalibur. But this is not the story of King Arthur. It is a tale of Arthurs father king Uther. The Shadow of the half dead king. An intriguing story spun by one of the masters of fantasy  CM. Gray. I have read one other book by the author called  Chaos Storm which I enjoyed very much, and in this book, CM Gray doesnt disappoint. He masterfully creates incredible battles which are beautifully depicted with his wording. The descriptions were wonderful! Gray knows how to pull you into the story. He sets the introduction perfectly. I felt like I was in the Story. The book is flawless and is a primary example of what a fantasy tale should be that delivers a story of epic proportions and an incredible cast of characters. You have the great Merlyn and the great Sir Ector. At first we are brought into the story where king Uther is dying. As they travel on their journey to bring the king to the safety of his castle, we are then introduced to a number of characters and of course, what would this tale be without the great round council table. While you may think that this is just another one of these Arthur tales, its not! CM. Gray gives us a brand new original tale about the half dead king. The dark ages of Druids are here. Swords and sorcery fans are going to love this. Escape into a fantasy kingdom full of excitement! The book is nothing short of amazing, and I know youll enjoy the Shadow of the king.
4101772
The First Crusade written by medieval historian Thomas Asbridge is simply the finest general history of the campaign yet written.  His use of contemporary sources, battlefield prose, and political and religious intrigues are fantastic.  There is little if anything left out of this volume.  He truly brings the first crusade to life.  My fervent wish is that Asbridge with his emphasis on the military and human stories involved here becomes the next individual tasked with writing a full crusade history as a whole.  This work is absolutely marvelous.  Kudos to Mr Asbridge for this wonderful and hopefully introductory volume!
1432490
If there is one story in history that conjures up romance, valiant knights and visions of a golden age of valor, this story is the one.

The author, Rosalind Kerven has written and edited several highly acclaimed collections of myths and legends from all over the world. She trained as an anthropologist and her writing reflects an understanding of various cultures. With an expert storyteller's skill, she retells the original Celtic and medieval legends to show the rise to power of a boy who was decreed by fate to be the King of Britain.

Tudor Humphries was trained in London as a theater costume and set designer. When he graduated, he decided to concentrate on children's book illustration. His illustrations evoke all the magic and romance of King Arthur's story.

Photographs and paintings help to reveal Arthur's real identity and the religion and chivalry of his court. On the contents page we find all the main characters pictured in a sort of photo gallery. Then, the story of the sword in the stone, miraculous powers, the gift of Excalibur, the Knights of the Round Table, the Knights of King Arthur, evil enchantments, the Holy Grail, the end of the Fellowship, the last battle and the once and future king are revealed.

Even with all this detail, the figure of King Arthur is shrouded in mystery. It is impossible to prove he ever existed. Some historians believe he was a great warrior who lived in the late 5th century. The key events in the story are shown on two pages complete with a map of Britain in the 5th century.

Painters, poets, composers and moviemakers have been inspired and intrigued by this legend. Most recently, I enjoyed watching the 1995 movie First Knight. My other favorite is the movie Camelot from the year I was born in 1967.

Was Merlin really a Druid? Did Celtic noblewomen participate in politics and would Guinevere have been expected to play an important role in governing the kingdom? Did you know that the lady of Shalott died of grief because she loved Lancelot, but he refused her love? These are just a few of the details you will find in this book.

This book makes it possible for children to enjoy reading about the details behind the Arthurian legend while also being able to read a full story. The use of photography with narrative illustration will captivate children just as the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table have fascinated generations of eager listeners.

~The Rebecca Review