Sworn Sword
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Product Description
Review
"There are relatively few novels set at the time of the Norman conquest of England. It was with a keen sense of interest and anticipation, therefore, that I began Sworn Sword. My expectations were not disappointed. Aitcheson's portrayal of eleventh century England is vibrant and authentic. Rarely have I been so transported into the world of the medieval knight, and his environs. In short, Sworn Sword""is an excellent read, full of intrigue and vivid, realistic battles. For new writers of historical fiction, this accomplished debut novel sets a high standard indeed."
--Ben Kane
--Ben Kane
Book Description
An ambitious young Norman soldier fights against desperate odds to consolidate the conquest of England in the years after the Battle of Hastings. Brilliant first novel in the mould of REQUIEM by Robyn Young.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
I am not often moved to give a book five stars. As it was, I deliberated for a long time over whether to give "Sworn Sword" five stars or not. But, to be honest, I couldn't find a reason *not* to.
First of all, it's a well-written, good story, with likeable and sympathetic characters who, while perhaps a little two-dimensional, are fully-formed enough to make you care about them. Secondly, the plot is good, and while the 'main' plot might seem rather inconsequential to a modern reader, one does begin to understand its importance (I can't really say anything about it, so as not to spoil it - those who know their medieval history will get its significance quickly; those who don't will learn of it when they read the book).
James Aitcheson, the author, knows his stuff, as well he should, as he read History at Cambridge. His knowledge and understanding of Anglo-Norman England comes across well in the book. There are a couple of times when it seems a bit forced, a bit "this is something I know, so I'm going to describe it to you in detail"; but that only happens once or twice. He made a good choice, I think, in placing the story in the years *after* the Norman invasion - not only does it get away from what people already know, or think they know; but it also allows him to develop his own plot lines around rather thinly-sourced history, giving him more scope to be inventive. But the background of the story is real history, and Aitcheson manages to weave his fiction around established events effortlessly.
I was a little bit irritated by the hyperbole of the publishers' comments on my review copy, but they might not appear on the final, bookshelf version. What we do have here, however, is a very good, exciting, and well-written historical novel that should certainly appeal to anyone who enjoys Bernard Cornwell or Giles Kristian. I look forward to the next in the series.
First of all, it's a well-written, good story, with likeable and sympathetic characters who, while perhaps a little two-dimensional, are fully-formed enough to make you care about them. Secondly, the plot is good, and while the 'main' plot might seem rather inconsequential to a modern reader, one does begin to understand its importance (I can't really say anything about it, so as not to spoil it - those who know their medieval history will get its significance quickly; those who don't will learn of it when they read the book).
James Aitcheson, the author, knows his stuff, as well he should, as he read History at Cambridge. His knowledge and understanding of Anglo-Norman England comes across well in the book. There are a couple of times when it seems a bit forced, a bit "this is something I know, so I'm going to describe it to you in detail"; but that only happens once or twice. He made a good choice, I think, in placing the story in the years *after* the Norman invasion - not only does it get away from what people already know, or think they know; but it also allows him to develop his own plot lines around rather thinly-sourced history, giving him more scope to be inventive. But the background of the story is real history, and Aitcheson manages to weave his fiction around established events effortlessly.
I was a little bit irritated by the hyperbole of the publishers' comments on my review copy, but they might not appear on the final, bookshelf version. What we do have here, however, is a very good, exciting, and well-written historical novel that should certainly appeal to anyone who enjoys Bernard Cornwell or Giles Kristian. I look forward to the next in the series.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This is a historical novel covering the counter-attacks by the northern English against the Normans in York and Durham. The skulking way of war practised by the "Northumbrians" (well covered in William Kapelle's "The Normans In The North") gives more success than the manly ways of Wessex. The author has gone to a great deal of trouble to fit the story in its historical background. The use of contemporary spellings was, I thought, very atmospheric. However, the careful positioning and historical background are undermined by a slow pace; in part this is to develop the characters but I felt it acted to the detriment of the plot. A little more Dumas is needed, I think. This book will be enjoyed by those who like the more languorous plots (the Jack Aubrey novels for example) rather than the short sharp "A Game Of Thrones" approach.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
This is probably a good book.
The author certainly knows his stuff and has done a lot of research into the period as part of his studies. And therein, for this reader, lies the problem. This reads too much like fleshed out thesis notes to me. All sorts of technical boxes are ticked regarding weaponry, horses, the complications of succession but the story suffers. The Norman band plods from York to London and sadly the narrative plods with them and I have to confess that I lost interest in what their quest was about, I just wanted them to get on with it. The vagaries of the Anglo-Saxon language are interesting but do not do a lot to pepper up the tale.
The post-Conquest period seems to be very popular at the moment and I imagine that this is the first in a series (trilogy?). I will definitely give the author's second offering a look because I think that if he can develop his narrative style and pace things should look up. This is a first novel which could have benefited from some more severe editing but those interested in the period will certainly get something from it. Those looking for a ripping yarn, however, will not.
The author certainly knows his stuff and has done a lot of research into the period as part of his studies. And therein, for this reader, lies the problem. This reads too much like fleshed out thesis notes to me. All sorts of technical boxes are ticked regarding weaponry, horses, the complications of succession but the story suffers. The Norman band plods from York to London and sadly the narrative plods with them and I have to confess that I lost interest in what their quest was about, I just wanted them to get on with it. The vagaries of the Anglo-Saxon language are interesting but do not do a lot to pepper up the tale.
The post-Conquest period seems to be very popular at the moment and I imagine that this is the first in a series (trilogy?). I will definitely give the author's second offering a look because I think that if he can develop his narrative style and pace things should look up. This is a first novel which could have benefited from some more severe editing but those interested in the period will certainly get something from it. Those looking for a ripping yarn, however, will not.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Sworn Sword
Ranks along with Michael Jecks for medieval thrillers and 'who done it'. An excellant first novel, look forward to follow ups.
Published 7 days ago by Kelvin49
.. excellent read .. this sword makes it's mark
I found this a fascinating read. I had never heard of the author and chose the book thinking "yeah .. what did happen after 1066 ? Read more
Published 1 month ago by jk
Intense, well written historical drama
(Sub contracted to my better half)
An absorbing historical novel depicting the aftermath of the Battle of Hasting, with the significant defeat of the last Anglo-Saxon... Read more
An absorbing historical novel depicting the aftermath of the Battle of Hasting, with the significant defeat of the last Anglo-Saxon... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Dr. P. J. A. Wicks
Enjoyable historic read
This book is set to be the first in the series and it sets the scene well while also managing to have it's own beginning, middle and end. Read more
Published 1 month ago by docmartin13
Enjoyable and evocative
Of late there has been a slew of historical novels aimed at the male market 'bodice ripping for boys' if you will, with fighting and military scenes replacing the romantic and... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Hamstead
An unknown period of history brought to vivid life.
We are seeing here a period of history rarely dealt with at school.
Three years have passed since William the Bastard defeated Harold's saxons at Hastings, and he is busy... Read more
Three years have passed since William the Bastard defeated Harold's saxons at Hastings, and he is busy... Read more
Published 2 months ago by R. A. Caton
A refreshing, envigorating and entirely original stance from a great...
The author James Aitcheson has not only written something pretty remarkable and captivating for his young age and in a difficult genre to crack which is often filled with... Read more
Published 4 months ago by valkyrie1008
Great book, free of bad language or sex scenes
What a debut book, great characters, fast pace with twists and turns. Cant wait for the next one. All all without the necessity of bad language or sex. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Jeffrey Moss
If you like Bernard Cornwall read this.
If you like the Bernard Cornwall books set in the mediaeval period you will like this book. The story line is good. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Puppy Walker
1066 and all that
First up James Aitcheson is obviously well versed in Norman and Saxon history, the research shines through and at times overwhelms the story. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Donald Thompson
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