Oh look, here is another book that you need to add to your to-read list! Scroll down to read my five star review!
The Agincourt King
By Mercedes Rochelle
From the day he was crowned, Henry V was determined to prove the legitimacy of his house. His father's usurpation weighed heavily on his mind. Only a grand gesture would capture the respect of his own countrymen and the rest of Europe. He would follow in his great-grandfather Edward III's footsteps, and recover lost territory in France.
Better yet, why not go for the crown? Poor, deranged Charles VI couldn't manage his own barons. The civil war between the Burgundians and Armagnacs was more of a threat to his country than the English, even after Henry laid siege to Harfleur. But once Harfleur had fallen, the French came to their senses and determined to block his path to Calais and destroy him.
By the time the English reached Agincourt, they were starving, exhausted, and easy pickings. Or so the French thought. Little did they reckon on Henry's leadership and the stout-hearted English archers who proved, once again, that numbers didn't matter when God was on their side.
Ah, yes, the valiant and gallant King Henry V - the man whose name is not forgotten after his decisive victory over the French at Agincourt. If you have never heard of him or his achievements before then you lucked out at school. My first introduction to this charismatic character was when I was doing my GCSE and Henry V was the prescribed Shakespearean text. Ever since then, I have been a little obsessed with all things Harry. But I digress. Henry's victory has inspired generations, but what was it like in the lead-up to one of the most famous battles in history? Well, this question is thoroughly explored in Mercedes Rochelle's, The Agincourt King.
This story is told, for the most part, by Humphrey, Henry's younger brother and it is certainly no romantic depiction of events. It is gritty, brutal and rather bloody, and, quite a few people die. The Siege of Harfleur did as much damage to Henry's army as it did to those under siege and yet Henry is steadfast in his commitment even if it does mean sacrificing some of his dearest friends to the bloody flux. Henry's dream of glory is overshadowed by the cruelty which he deems necessary to achieve his goals. At times I found it very difficult to like Henry, even though on the whole he is extremely likable, but he is so obsessed with making a name for himself that he forgoes his humanity to achieve his goals.
I did enjoy reading about the complete incompetence of the French who had enough issues to deal with, without the complications of Henry's army. The Dauphin certainly had my sympathy for he is unprepared for what lies ahead. And with his father's illness, it falls to him to make the decisions and with a court full of vipers the poor man doesn't stand much of a chance. The author reminds the readers that it was not just Henry's shrewdness that meant he won at Agincourt but it was also the inability of the French to get their act together.
I think the author has written a very truthful story, rich in historical facts and with some unforgettable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and I am looking forward to the next book in the series and to finding out what mischief Henry is going to get up to next.
I loved this book and I know you will too. You can grab your copy on Amazon. And get this, if you have #KindleUnlimited subscription you can read for free.
Mercedes Rochelle
Mercedes Rochelle is an ardent lover of medieval history, and has channeled this interest into fiction writing. Her first four books cover eleventh-century Britain and events surrounding the Norman Conquest of England. The next series is called “The Plantagenet Legacy” and begins with the reign of Richard II.
She also writes a blog: www.HistoricalBritainBlog.com to explore the history behind the story. Born in St. Louis, MO, she received by BA in Literature at the Univ. of Missouri St.Louis in 1979 then moved to New York in 1982 while in her mid-20s to "see the world". The search hasn't ended!
Today she lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.
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Another fabulous review for The Agincourt King. This book deserves all the recognistion it is receiving.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for hosting Mercedes Rochelle today, and for your fabulous review of The Agincourt King. I'm delighted you enjoyed the novel.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club
You are more than welcome, Cathie.
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