Customer Reviews
Page turner - By: I. Small, 01 Dec 2008 
I studied this period (and this battlein particular) during my history degreein the early 90's & decided that I would delve backin time to remind myself what this was all about. Azincourt was my companion on a return flight to Bahrain recently & I thoroughly enjoyed it. Historically interesting, full of action & detail it really had me turning pages through both flights! When I landed at Gatwick I was disappointed to have to find another book to read. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a passing interestin medieval history, but it's easily accessible to absolutely anyone who enjoys as good action adventure.
Odd one out - By: Mr. K. Nathan, 20 Nov 2008 
I have read every one of Bernard Cornwells Books,had this book on pre order & looked forward so much to the books publication. I can only say, I was so dissapionted, I couldn't wait to get to the end & put it down.
400 pages, only two battles & it really didn't hold my interest at all, I can't express my dissapointment enough.
I must be the odd one out.
Great narrative...dreadfull dialogue... - By: richard Brown, 20 Nov 2008 
This pains me..... Anyone who has met Bernard Cornwell at a book signing would I am sure agree with me when I say that he is a smashing bloke. I have many of his novels personaly signed & always buy his latest hardback.
Cornwell's 'hero' Hook is like so many other Cornwell hereos, so like Sharpein fact & also Hookton.The dialogue between characters is repetative & boring & there are only so many ways you can insult the French!
Cornwell's discriptive narrative is always good though, & he paints great landscapes of blood, gore & battle with his usual sense of flair.
Most of the novels action does not take place at Agincourt but at Harfleur & the march towards the field of battle.
This was an effort to get through, mainly because of the one dimensional characters. His slowest & dullest book since another 'stand alone' novel, 'Stonehenge'
Cornwell's historical notes at the end of the book were of more interest & more insightful than the novel itself.
And now to really upset him.... BRING BACK STARBUCK!!!
Solid, but lacks something - By: N. Brett, 17 Nov 2008 
Or Agincourt as it was when I was at school!
The Battle of Agincourt was a King Henry V led English victory against a larger French army during the Hundred Years' War (1415). In addition to a great deal of luck (ground conditions, poor French tactics) this was a battle where the power of the English archer (okay, a few Welsh as well) reigned supreme.
In typical Cornwall style he gives us a character (Nicholas Hook an English archer) against which to tell the tale & politics of the events leading up to, & the battle itself.
Cornwall's skill isin the blend of character, action & history. The Sharpe novels are obviously the perfect mix, & perhaps the blend was wrong with the Starbuck novels setin the US Civil War. In this novel it `almost' works but not quite. Hook is a talented fighter who hears voices (a Saint giving him advice) but his character felt lacking. On the march to Azincourt he suffers a personal tragedy, yet seems over it by morning!
The historical elements are, as always, excellent but the rest of this novel lacks that perfect blend that we have come to expect.
Disapointment - By: Camembaert, 14 Nov 2008 As a big fan of Bernard Cornwell I was disapointed with this latest work. The characters were dusted off versions from his 'Grail' series, the plotline unimaginative & unconvincing. To make it work It was necessary for the hero to start hearing the voices of saints, who would tell him what to do - hardly the convincing narrative we're used to. The only saving grace was the descriptions of the siege of Harfleur & the Battle of Agincourt itself. Well researched & excitingly told. Did Mr Cornewell succumb to the siren song of the Christmas Market & rush this one out? It certainly feels like it.
