Following the phenomenal success of the Sharpe novels set in the Napoleonic Wars, Bernard Cornwell has turned his storytelling talents to another great moment in English history, the Hundred Years War between England and France throughout the 14th century. Harlequin is the first book in Cornwell's Grail Quest series, which chronicles the adventures of young Thomas of Hookton, "a big, bony, black-haired country boy". Thomas rejects the church in favour of the life of an archer in France after his village is brutally sacked by the French. The young Thomas fights back against the French with his bow, and "in that one instant, as the first arrow slid into the sky, he knew he wanted nothing more from life". He vows to seek revenge on the plains of France, and recover the holy relic of St. George stolen from his village by the sinister "harlequin" with whose destiny Thomas finds himself inextricably entwined. The rest of the action moves at a hectic pace across the violent and bloody battlefields of northern France, as Thomas falls for a beautiful French widow nicknamed "the Blackbird", makes a mortal enemy of the "poor, bitter and ambitious" Sir Simon Jekyll, and follows the ensign of King Edward III and his heroic son, the Black Prince. Harlequin is a fast-paced and graphic recreation of the Hundred Years War, despite a rather gratuitous fixation on rape and pillage. The action comes thick and fast, although it remains to be seen if Thomas of Hookton has the wit and flair of Cornwell's other great heroic creation, Richard Sharpe. --Jerry Brotton

Cornwell is as steady as usual, 22 Oct 2008
I bought this on holiday as the book I was reading was just too depressing. I had read most of his Sharpe books so thought this would be good. Don't expect anything different, this is Sharpe 200 years earlier, but as I love that series, I was happy!
So, if you love this genre, wont get too uptight if the history is slightly inaccurate and love a good historical fiction novel, then buy this, you wont regret it.

AWESOME, 10 Jul 2008
This is one great novel. Fans of Sharpe will see some similaritis in the character, but nonetheless an excellent read.

Fantastic!, 15 Jun 2008
Okay, I read this book a couple of years ago now. And how glad I did.

Originally I bought Heretic, and wondered after a couple of pages who these people were. I realised I had bought the second in a series, so needless to say a purchase was made and I started on Heretic. A very, very good read. Cornwell's excellent writing style is evident as always - easy to read. In some ways Cornwell's excellent prose is a crime, suddenly you take a quick break to get a drink and you realise that you've just consumed 50-odd pages... 'but I thought I'd only read ten' you complain to yourself, feeling almost cheated.

This book has a purpose to it, it sets up the story, tells you who is who and entices you with substantial force to buy the next in the series - the characterisation is excellent, as you would expect of Cornwell. (It has been a couple of years since I read it... but for the want of details, I can still vividly remember this books quality).

This book has, it is fair to say, cost me hundreds of pounds. Without it I would not have been hooked by Cornwell, which means I wouldn't have bought all of his books. Every one of which is consumed in about a tenth of the time I usually take to finish a book.

Good Medieval Adventure!, 12 Jun 2008
Harlequin centres around Thomas of Hookton, an archer who joins the English army in France, after his father is murdered, and an ancient relic, is stolen from the church, when his village is plundered by French bandits.

I found this book a fascinating read. The 14th century is brought vividly back to life in its pages, as various battles are fought, based around true events, and the strategies and weaponery used are described very well.

Thomas also makes friends, enemies, and has love interests along the way. The mixture of fictional, and factual characters, is very well done, and makes the story that more interesting. An enjoyable read.


A Good Start to the Series, 22 Nov 2007


Bernard Cornwell is the author of the acclaimed Richard Sharpe series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. I have not as yet read any of this series. The books about Arthurian England are much more my cup of tea and I read those avidly. He has also written among others, Stonehenge 2000 B.C. Bernard Cornwell lives with his wife on Cape Cod.

This book is I believe the start of a trilogy, beginning in the 14th century and following the lives of a family who have in their possession a holy relic sought by the whole of Christendom, but more importantly by men who can be bought by promises of wealth or land.

These are dark and somber days for a Church, split down the middle by the fact that there are two popes. One guiding the church from Rome, the other in Avignon, both factions struggling to gain supremacy. Hearing of a an artifact that could bring them victory, one side has hired a mercenary to retrieve what could unite the church under one banner.

Cornwell is as steady as usual, 22 Oct 2008
I bought this on holiday as the book I was reading was just too depressing. I had read most of his Sharpe books so thought this would be good. Don't expect anything different, this is Sharpe 200 years earlier, but as I love that series, I was happy!
So, if you love this genre, wont get too uptight if the history is slightly inaccurate and love a good historical fiction novel, then buy this, you wont regret it.

AWESOME, 10 Jul 2008
This is one great novel. Fans of Sharpe will see some similaritis in the character, but nonetheless an excellent read.

Fantastic!, 15 Jun 2008
Okay, I read this book a couple of years ago now. And how glad I did.

Originally I bought Heretic, and wondered after a couple of pages who these people were. I realised I had bought the second in a series, so needless to say a purchase was made and I started on Heretic. A very, very good read. Cornwell's excellent writing style is evident as always - easy to read. In some ways Cornwell's excellent prose is a crime, suddenly you take a quick break to get a drink and you realise that you've just consumed 50-odd pages... 'but I thought I'd only read ten' you complain to yourself, feeling almost cheated.

This book has a purpose to it, it sets up the story, tells you who is who and entices you with substantial force to buy the next in the series - the characterisation is excellent, as you would expect of Cornwell. (It has been a couple of years since I read it... but for the want of details, I can still vividly remember this books quality).

This book has, it is fair to say, cost me hundreds of pounds. Without it I would not have been hooked by Cornwell, which means I wouldn't have bought all of his books. Every one of which is consumed in about a tenth of the time I usually take to finish a book.

Good Medieval Adventure!, 12 Jun 2008
Harlequin centres around Thomas of Hookton, an archer who joins the English army in France, after his father is murdered, and an ancient relic, is stolen from the church, when his village is plundered by French bandits.

I found this book a fascinating read. The 14th century is brought vividly back to life in its pages, as various battles are fought, based around true events, and the strategies and weaponery used are described very well.

Thomas also makes friends, enemies, and has love interests along the way. The mixture of fictional, and factual characters, is very well done, and makes the story that more interesting. An enjoyable read.


A Good Start to the Series, 22 Nov 2007


Bernard Cornwell is the author of the acclaimed Richard Sharpe series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. I have not as yet read any of this series. The books about Arthurian England are much more my cup of tea and I read those avidly. He has also written among others, Stonehenge 2000 B.C. Bernard Cornwell lives with his wife on Cape Cod.

This book is I believe the start of a trilogy, beginning in the 14th century and following the lives of a family who have in their possession a holy relic sought by the whole of Christendom, but more importantly by men who can be bought by promises of wealth or land.

These are dark and somber days for a Church, split down the middle by the fact that there are two popes. One guiding the church from Rome, the other in Avignon, both factions struggling to gain supremacy. Hearing of a an artifact that could bring them victory, one side has hired a mercenary to retrieve what could unite the church under one banner.

The Duke's Mistress, 25 Oct 2002
This is a very exciting very passionate story about a Lady and a Duke who both have to go trough on misundertsandings, gosspis, intrigues for winning the prize of love. I just could not put it down. Once you begin to read it you will forget about anything else, it is so enchanting. I am going to buy more from Ann Elizabeth Cree because i really liked this story.

Cornwell is as steady as usual, 22 Oct 2008
I bought this on holiday as the book I was reading was just too depressing. I had read most of his Sharpe books so thought this would be good. Don't expect anything different, this is Sharpe 200 years earlier, but as I love that series, I was happy!
So, if you love this genre, wont get too uptight if the history is slightly inaccurate and love a good historical fiction novel, then buy this, you wont regret it.

AWESOME, 10 Jul 2008
This is one great novel. Fans of Sharpe will see some similaritis in the character, but nonetheless an excellent read.

Fantastic!, 15 Jun 2008
Okay, I read this book a couple of years ago now. And how glad I did.

Originally I bought Heretic, and wondered after a couple of pages who these people were. I realised I had bought the second in a series, so needless to say a purchase was made and I started on Heretic. A very, very good read. Cornwell's excellent writing style is evident as always - easy to read. In some ways Cornwell's excellent prose is a crime, suddenly you take a quick break to get a drink and you realise that you've just consumed 50-odd pages... 'but I thought I'd only read ten' you complain to yourself, feeling almost cheated.

This book has a purpose to it, it sets up the story, tells you who is who and entices you with substantial force to buy the next in the series - the characterisation is excellent, as you would expect of Cornwell. (It has been a couple of years since I read it... but for the want of details, I can still vividly remember this books quality).

This book has, it is fair to say, cost me hundreds of pounds. Without it I would not have been hooked by Cornwell, which means I wouldn't have bought all of his books. Every one of which is consumed in about a tenth of the time I usually take to finish a book.

Good Medieval Adventure!, 12 Jun 2008
Harlequin centres around Thomas of Hookton, an archer who joins the English army in France, after his father is murdered, and an ancient relic, is stolen from the church, when his village is plundered by French bandits.

I found this book a fascinating read. The 14th century is brought vividly back to life in its pages, as various battles are fought, based around true events, and the strategies and weaponery used are described very well.

Thomas also makes friends, enemies, and has love interests along the way. The mixture of fictional, and factual characters, is very well done, and makes the story that more interesting. An enjoyable read.


A Good Start to the Series, 22 Nov 2007


Bernard Cornwell is the author of the acclaimed Richard Sharpe series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. I have not as yet read any of this series. The books about Arthurian England are much more my cup of tea and I read those avidly. He has also written among others, Stonehenge 2000 B.C. Bernard Cornwell lives with his wife on Cape Cod.

This book is I believe the start of a trilogy, beginning in the 14th century and following the lives of a family who have in their possession a holy relic sought by the whole of Christendom, but more importantly by men who can be bought by promises of wealth or land.

These are dark and somber days for a Church, split down the middle by the fact that there are two popes. One guiding the church from Rome, the other in Avignon, both factions struggling to gain supremacy. Hearing of a an artifact that could bring them victory, one side has hired a mercenary to retrieve what could unite the church under one banner.

The Duke's Mistress, 25 Oct 2002
This is a very exciting very passionate story about a Lady and a Duke who both have to go trough on misundertsandings, gosspis, intrigues for winning the prize of love. I just could not put it down. Once you begin to read it you will forget about anything else, it is so enchanting. I am going to buy more from Ann Elizabeth Cree because i really liked this story.

Brilliant, 26 Nov 2008
Irene is determind not to marry ever, and when Gideon ( whos family are pushing him to marry ) comes into her life speaking of a buisness arrangment for a marrage she thinks that he is the last man she would ever even like, with gideon brought up in a different world to her she soon to say to her friend lady francesca that it will take alot for them to find him a wife, with an old family secret and trying to turn gideon into a gentleman she cannot help but realise shes falling in love with him......

this is a fantastic novel I love all candace camps novels and this is no exception, brilliant

Cornwell is as steady as usual, 22 Oct 2008
I bought this on holiday as the book I was reading was just too depressing. I had read most of his Sharpe books so thought this would be good. Don't expect anything different, this is Sharpe 200 years earlier, but as I love that series, I was happy!
So, if you love this genre, wont get too uptight if the history is slightly inaccurate and love a good historical fiction novel, then buy this, you wont regret it.

AWESOME, 10 Jul 2008
This is one great novel. Fans of Sharpe will see some similaritis in the character, but nonetheless an excellent read.

Fantastic!, 15 Jun 2008
Okay, I read this book a couple of years ago now. And how glad I did.

Originally I bought Heretic, and wondered after a couple of pages who these people were. I realised I had bought the second in a series, so needless to say a purchase was made and I started on Heretic. A very, very good read. Cornwell's excellent writing style is evident as always - easy to read. In some ways Cornwell's excellent prose is a crime, suddenly you take a quick break to get a drink and you realise that you've just consumed 50-odd pages... 'but I thought I'd only read ten' you complain to yourself, feeling almost cheated.

This book has a purpose to it, it sets up the story, tells you who is who and entices you with substantial force to buy the next in the series - the characterisation is excellent, as you would expect of Cornwell. (It has been a couple of years since I read it... but for the want of details, I can still vividly remember this books quality).

This book has, it is fair to say, cost me hundreds of pounds. Without it I would not have been hooked by Cornwell, which means I wouldn't have bought all of his books. Every one of which is consumed in about a tenth of the time I usually take to finish a book.

Good Medieval Adventure!, 12 Jun 2008
Harlequin centres around Thomas of Hookton, an archer who joins the English army in France, after his father is murdered, and an ancient relic, is stolen from the church, when his village is plundered by French bandits.

I found this book a fascinating read. The 14th century is brought vividly back to life in its pages, as various battles are fought, based around true events, and the strategies and weaponery used are described very well.

Thomas also makes friends, enemies, and has love interests along the way. The mixture of fictional, and factual characters, is very well done, and makes the story that more interesting. An enjoyable read.


A Good Start to the Series, 22 Nov 2007


Bernard Cornwell is the author of the acclaimed Richard Sharpe series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. I have not as yet read any of this series. The books about Arthurian England are much more my cup of tea and I read those avidly. He has also written among others, Stonehenge 2000 B.C. Bernard Cornwell lives with his wife on Cape Cod.

This book is I believe the start of a trilogy, beginning in the 14th century and following the lives of a family who have in their possession a holy relic sought by the whole of Christendom, but more importantly by men who can be bought by promises of wealth or land.

These are dark and somber days for a Church, split down the middle by the fact that there are two popes. One guiding the church from Rome, the other in Avignon, both factions struggling to gain supremacy. Hearing of a an artifact that could bring them victory, one side has hired a mercenary to retrieve what could unite the church under one banner.

The Duke's Mistress, 25 Oct 2002
This is a very exciting very passionate story about a Lady and a Duke who both have to go trough on misundertsandings, gosspis, intrigues for winning the prize of love. I just could not put it down. Once you begin to read it you will forget about anything else, it is so enchanting. I am going to buy more from Ann Elizabeth Cree because i really liked this story.

Brilliant, 26 Nov 2008
Irene is determind not to marry ever, and when Gideon ( whos family are pushing him to marry ) comes into her life speaking of a buisness arrangment for a marrage she thinks that he is the last man she would ever even like, with gideon brought up in a different world to her she soon to say to her friend lady francesca that it will take alot for them to find him a wife, with an old family secret and trying to turn gideon into a gentleman she cannot help but realise shes falling in love with him......

this is a fantastic novel I love all candace camps novels and this is no exception, brilliant

a good read, 04 Jun 2006
Saved from scandal

Marcus, Earl of Rutherford, is used to flirting with scandal, but when he places Miss Marguerite Fellowes's spotless reputation in jeopardy, he's challenged to do the honourable thing.

Marcus makes it clear theirs will be a marriage based on duty, not love. But then he watches as proud Meg blossoms in London society. Tantalised by her evident passion for life, suddenly the dutiful husband finds himself with far from innocent desires
a really good read

Cornwell is as steady as usual, 22 Oct 2008
I bought this on holiday as the book I was reading was just too depressing. I had read most of his Sharpe books so thought this would be good. Don't expect anything different, this is Sharpe 200 years earlier, but as I love that series, I was happy!
So, if you love this genre, wont get too uptight if the history is slightly inaccurate and love a good historical fiction novel, then buy this, you wont regret it.

AWESOME, 10 Jul 2008
This is one great novel. Fans of Sharpe will see some similaritis in the character, but nonetheless an excellent read.

Fantastic!, 15 Jun 2008
Okay, I read this book a couple of years ago now. And how glad I did.

Originally I bought Heretic, and wondered after a couple of pages who these people were. I realised I had bought the second in a series, so needless to say a purchase was made and I started on Heretic. A very, very good read. Cornwell's excellent writing style is evident as always - easy to read. In some ways Cornwell's excellent prose is a crime, suddenly you take a quick break to get a drink and you realise that you've just consumed 50-odd pages... 'but I thought I'd only read ten' you complain to yourself, feeling almost cheated.

This book has a purpose to it, it sets up the story, tells you who is who and entices you with substantial force to buy the next in the series - the characterisation is excellent, as you would expect of Cornwell. (It has been a couple of years since I read it... but for the want of details, I can still vividly remember this books quality).

This book has, it is fair to say, cost me hundreds of pounds. Without it I would not have been hooked by Cornwell, which means I wouldn't have bought all of his books. Every one of which is consumed in about a tenth of the time I usually take to finish a book.

Good Medieval Adventure!, 12 Jun 2008
Harlequin centres around Thomas of Hookton, an archer who joins the English army in France, after his father is murdered, and an ancient relic, is stolen from the church, when his village is plundered by French bandits.

I found this book a fascinating read. The 14th century is brought vividly back to life in its pages, as various battles are fought, based around true events, and the strategies and weaponery used are described very well.

Thomas also makes friends, enemies, and has love interests along the way. The mixture of fictional, and factual characters, is very well done, and makes the story that more interesting. An enjoyable read.


A Good Start to the Series, 22 Nov 2007


Bernard Cornwell is the author of the acclaimed Richard Sharpe series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. I have not as yet read any of this series. The books about Arthurian England are much more my cup of tea and I read those avidly. He has also written among others, Stonehenge 2000 B.C. Bernard Cornwell lives with his wife on Cape Cod.

This book is I believe the start of a trilogy, beginning in the 14th century and following the lives of a family who have in their possession a holy relic sought by the whole of Christendom, but more importantly by men who can be bought by promises of wealth or land.

These are dark and somber days for a Church, split down the middle by the fact that there are two popes. One guiding the church from Rome, the other in Avignon, both factions struggling to gain supremacy. Hearing of a an artifact that could bring them victory, one side has hired a mercenary to retrieve what could unite the church under one banner.

The Duke's Mistress, 25 Oct 2002
This is a very exciting very passionate story about a Lady and a Duke who both have to go trough on misundertsandings, gosspis, intrigues for winning the prize of love. I just could not put it down. Once you begin to read it you will forget about anything else, it is so enchanting. I am going to buy more from Ann Elizabeth Cree because i really liked this story.

Brilliant, 26 Nov 2008
Irene is determind not to marry ever, and when Gideon ( whos family are pushing him to marry ) comes into her life speaking of a buisness arrangment for a marrage she thinks that he is the last man she would ever even like, with gideon brought up in a different world to her she soon to say to her friend lady francesca that it will take alot for them to find him a wife, with an old family secret and trying to turn gideon into a gentleman she cannot help but realise shes falling in love with him......

this is a fantastic novel I love all candace camps novels and this is no exception, brilliant

a good read, 04 Jun 2006
Saved from scandal

Marcus, Earl of Rutherford, is used to flirting with scandal, but when he places Miss Marguerite Fellowes's spotless reputation in jeopardy, he's challenged to do the honourable thing.

Marcus makes it clear theirs will be a marriage based on duty, not love. But then he watches as proud Meg blossoms in London society. Tantalised by her evident passion for life, suddenly the dutiful husband finds himself with far from innocent desires
a really good read

the unwilling bride, 31 Jan 2006
The relationship between the characters Merick and Constance a
complicated one, but an unstoppable read, with twists and turns
in the story.Some of the secondary characters,Henry [ whose brother and sister appear in their own boooks ]and Ranulf need their backgrounds filled in and soon.