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Heretic (The Grail Quest, Book 3) [Paperback]

Bernard Cornwell (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (82 customer reviews)
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Book Description

Publication Date: 25 April 2013 | Series: The Grail Quest (Book 3)

The eagerly anticipated follow-up to the number one bestseller Vagabond, this is the third instalment in Bernard Cornwell's GRAIL QUEST series, in a bright and bold repackage.

It is 1347. The Hundred Years War has been suspended. The truce releases English archer Thomas of Hookton to pursue his arch enemy and resume his quest for the most prized relic in Christendom: the Holy Grail. Heading south, Thomas and his men-at-arms begin lightning raids to draw out his enemy.

But fate takes an unexpected hand when the plague strikes. What had been a landscape of castles, monasteries, vineyards and villages becomes death’s kingdom and the need for the grail, as a sign of God’s favour, is more urgent than ever.

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Heretic (The Grail Quest, Book 3) + Vagabond (The Grail Quest, Book 2) + Harlequin (The Grail Quest, Book 1)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 448 pages
  • Publisher: Harper (25 April 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0007310323
  • ISBN-13: 978-0007310326
  • Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.8 x 3.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (82 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 3,377 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Product Description

Amazon 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 --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

‘Crackling with good deeds, fine characters and sparkling set pieces, it confirms yet again Cornwell’s reputation for masterly historical novels’ DAILY MAIL

‘It is all spectacular, rattling good stuff: war and torture; love, lust and loss’ THE TIMES

‘The battle scenes, as always, are masterful; and the vignettes of everyday living, in times of extreme hardship, have the ring of simple truth’ SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

‘A very fine writer’ ECONOMIST

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars New Bernard Cornwell fan 10 Feb 2005
By penny
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.

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17 of 19 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars More quality from consistent Cornwell 15 Oct 2003
By ssghayes
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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32 of 37 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A fitting end 17 Oct 2003
By A Customer
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.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Muddy fields and empty halls 12 Mar 2004
By Paul Wade
Format:Hardcover
Eagerly awaited and certainly not disappointed. The trilogy came to an ending which from my point of view was unforeseen. The strength, depth and realism of all the characters is something I enjoy most with Cornwalls books. Even to the point where poor Thomas falls in love (or was it lust?) his character was solid as a rock throughout. I was again transported back to those muddy, cold fields and empty halls. To carry the time line so well, a talent the author has in bucket loads.
I love trilogies, as it is easier to retain the story and what's going on from one book to the next, without having to wait for more than three years from "go to whoa".
Another victory for Bernard Cornwall and Thomas too, of course.
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17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars A good end to a good series 7 Nov 2003
By "jannerbennett"
Format:Hardcover
Despite not scaling the heights of some of Cornwell's best works such as the Warlord Trilogy, the Grail Quest series has been consistently entertaining if a little bit predictable.

Heretic follows much the same trend with the quest for the Grail reaching its conclusion. Again we see many of the same Cornwellian elements, hero falls in love, hero abandoned by his friends, hero confronts his nemesis; however it's all told with such style that you hardly care.

The battles here are on a smaller scale than Crecy or Waterloo but still have the intensity that we have come to expect from Cornwell, and we see the development of Thomas, as with Sharpe from a follower to a leader of men.

According to Cornwell, although this is the end of the Grail Quest series it is not the end of Thomas of Hookton who will apparently be returning in a new novel.

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6 of 7 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Good stuff 3 Aug 2005
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I picked this up in a bargain book shop for a couple of quid for reading on holiday. I didn't realise at the time is was the third in a trilogy but even without reading the first 2 books I found it very enjoyable. It's not going to win any prizes but it is a good page turner and I'll be buying the other books in the series. Nice and gory in parts.
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10 of 12 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars A disappointing end to an excellent trilogy 10 April 2004
By Mr A J Wallace
Format:Hardcover
Having anticipated Thomas of Hookton's final adventure in the grail quest series I must say despite its merits it was the most disappointing of the series.
No major battles are described in this instalement, but Cornwell makes up for this with a colourful plot set in the south of France, however I did feel there was no real focus to the plot, compared with all his other adventure books with Sharpe and Starbuck that usually describe a major engagement.
My personal criticism is that the final confrontation with Guy Vexille was a little disappointing and Thomas's love Jeanette from the previous two books is completely ignored.
However Cornwell does know how to write a book at high pace, superbly describing the characters and allowing you to smell the fear and slaughter of the hand-to-hand fighting.
Cornwell has hinted at more adventures with Thomas and I do hope so, as the stories are my personal favourites of all his work and there are many more tales to be told set in the Hundred Years War.
Read this if you have enjoyed the grail quest series, but i would suggest avoiding if you are new to Bernard Cornwell.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars series of three
Enjoyed the series and this one was no different a rattling good read for lovers of Bernard Cornwell. An education without the boring teachers:-)
Published 2 days ago by K. G. Devey
5.0 out of 5 stars excellent
read the trilogy and you will be there at the time the book is set, I couldn't put it down!
Published 8 days ago by Travel More
5.0 out of 5 stars Another fabulous read from one of the best authors
What else needs to be said - it's Bernard Cornwell! I love all of his books and once again he doesn't disappoint. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Mrs J Dixon
5.0 out of 5 stars heretic by bernard cornwell
i love this book i would recommend this book to everyone it is a very good book, i like it.
Published 13 days ago by swimrose
5.0 out of 5 stars five star
A perfect copy, in perfect condition and a really quick turnaround much appreciated. One, two, three, four, five more words.
Published 14 days ago by Joe Walter
5.0 out of 5 stars Great
Great book as always by Bernard Cornwall and now on my Kindle I can read in bed and not disturb anybody.
Published 22 days ago by Derek
5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant
Could not wait to read Vagabond.After readiding all The Uhtred books i was worried it might be an anti climax but now i cant wait to read more
Published 1 month ago by ernest clayton
4.0 out of 5 stars Well written
As well written as the others in the series just lacking a little of the excitment but closes the story.
Published 1 month ago by john davison
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book
The whole series is really worthwhile reading and what a great film they would make. Excellent author too. Well done!
Published 1 month ago by Omi
5.0 out of 5 stars Heretic, an excellent read!
A gripping roller coaster read, thoroughly recommend the reading of the three books in The Grail Quest series. Bernard Cornwell truly is the master of the pen.
Published 1 month ago by J. Cree
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