- Hardcover: 336 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st ed 1st printg edition (6 Oct 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0007149883
- ISBN-13: 978-0007149889
- Product Dimensions: 23.2 x 16.2 x 3.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (52 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 180,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
The Grail Quest (3) - Heretic (Grail Quest 3)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Heretic is the third book in Bernard Cornwell's much-acclaimed Grail Quest series, a series that many were initially cautious about because it represented something of a change of pace for the master historical novelist. But Cornwell quickly demonstrated that this period of history was well within his remit, and the sequence has proved to be among his most mesmerising work.
Heretic begins with a bloody battle outside Calais in 1347, a short time before the city fell to the English. The sympathetic Thomas of Hookton is bending every sinew at the service of his master, the Earl of Northampton; after risking his life time and again, Thomas finds himself commissioned to track down the most sacred relic in Christendom, the Holy Grail. He travels to Gascony, seat of power of his nemesis, Guy Vexille. Utilising his archers, Thomas conducts a fierce guerrilla war against Vexille, and yearns for a face-to-face encounter. But then Thomas is routed and finds his campaign in shreds, facing the twin enemies of the church and the plague.
In this third book, Bernard Cornwell ups the ante in every sense: along with the splendidly realised battle scenes (a Cornwell trademark), the evocation of the Middle Ages is more crowded and bustling than one might have thought possible without subsuming the protagonists. But most of all, it's the character of Thomas that powers the narrative; having his hero fall in love (sensitively handled here) sets off the ultimate conflict with his mortal enemy perfectly. Leave the 21st century behind and venture into a dark and foreign era--it's a journey you won't regret. --Barry Forshaw
Review
Praise for Bernard Cornwell and the Grail Quest series:
'It is all spectacular, rattling good stuff: war and torture; love, lust and loss.' The Times
'Amidst a wonderful cast of kings, monks, cardinals and mercenaries – Thomas finally confronts a magnificent villain…Crackling with good deeds, fine characters and sparkling set pieces, it confirms yet again Cornwell's reputation for masterly historical novels.' Daily Mail
‘What a very fine writer Mr Cornwell has become.’ Economist
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I am new to Bernard Cornwell, although I have always enjoyed historical novels, the 'Sharpe' series did not appeal to me. However, the 'Grail' trilogy was lent to me so I thought I had better read them.
I must admit I was greatly surprised, and found them very enjoyable. The descriptions of the battles were superb, and I am disappointed that this last book did not contain anything but what seemed to be small skirmishes. I enjoyed the battles so much in the previous two books that I really didn't care if Thomas found the Grail or not. This last book really does concentrate on Thomas' search for the most valuable relic of Jesus that could ever exist. And that seems to be the question. Could the Holy Grail really still exist, and if it does, would it be a good thing to find it.
I do not feel this book was as good as the first two, but I don't think it was as dire as some people have made out. This series can't be that bad, as it has encouraged me to read more Bernard Cornwell.
30 of 34 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As a fan of Bernard Cornwall, and a follower of this trilogy I was looking forward to this book immensely. Unlike the Sharpe books which have unfortunately run out of steam somewhat, the charaters in the Grail series are strong throughout. Thomas of Hookton is a strong lead and this tale provides a fitting end to the trilogy.
As exciting as the other two books, this has all of the elements that Cornwall's book thrive on, realistically realised fights and battles, characters to follow and hate, and a love story entwined within everything else. Oh and they are looking for the Holy Grail as well, do they find it...... you'll just have to read the book.
14 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
If there's a better writer of historical adventure fiction currently active, then I'm clearly missing out. Heretic brings the Grail Quest to completion in compelling fashion. Readers of the Sharpe series will need no reminding of the quality of Cornwell's accounts of military action; similarly the authentic feel given to descriptions of medieval life. The new (and central) character of the Heretic is one of Cornwell's best. My only slight quibble (hence 4 stars) is over the development of Thomas himself; I'm sure Cornwell wants to show him "warts and all" but at times his characterisation/motivation seems a little weak. From a personal point of view the Grail Series does not match the Warlord Arthurian trilogy, but will anybody buying The Heretic be disappointed ? No chance.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Heretic
This is the third and final book in Cornwell's 'Grail Quest' trilogy. Thomas of Hookton heads south to his family's lands of Astarac in an attempt to find The Grail. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Steve D
Grail Quest
As a Bernard Cornwell fan, this is another excellent trilology. the details in the battles are immense, you can almost feel like you are there. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Dean
Heretic, by Bernard Cornwell
I am very pleased to have purchased "Heretic" by Bernard Cornwell, it completed the Trilogy and made for a very good read. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Anne
The End of the Quest?
1347. Returning to Northern France, Thomas arrives at the Seige of Calais just in time to take part in a failed attempt by the French to raise the Seige. Read more
Published 8 months ago by David Briggs
Can't beat a good book
I've now read the series of 3 books and they were brilliant Bernard Cornwell knows how to write a good historical novel/ series. His Arthur trilogy is just a good. Read more
Published 8 months ago by pompompoodlepup
At last the search begins.
The third and last in the Grail quest series - and only now does the search for the grail finally take place in earnest. Read more
Published 10 months ago by D. J. Ketchin
A good read.
It is an excellent book if you like to go back in time.It is bloodthirsty, as it describes various battles,but if you are at all interested in archery this is a book you will... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Reader.
Books
What can I say - this was bought for a Christmas present upon request as this is a good writer.
Published 17 months ago by Lynne Cain
The Grail Quest
This is the final book in the series. I had previously read Harlequin and Vagabond, which are the first two in the set, and wanted to find out what happened at the end. Read more
Published 19 months ago by A. M. Frazer
heretic
A cracking yarn by Bernard Cornwell.
As you would expect from such a prolific author the book leaves the door open for further tales of dering-do by Thomas of Hockton.
As you would expect from such a prolific author the book leaves the door open for further tales of dering-do by Thomas of Hockton.
Published 19 months ago by acro
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