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The Medieval Saga #1
Conquest
Life in England will never be the same again…
England, 1065
The Saxon kingdom is under threat of invasion at both ends. From the north comes Harald Hardrada of Norway intent on pillage, while across the Channel, Duke William of Normandy is about to enforce his claim to the throne.
Between the two lie the villages and townships defended only by part-time armies maintained by the Earls of Wessex, Mercia and Northumbria, barely united under King Harold Godwineson.
It falls to brave and determined young men like Will Riveracre and Selwyn Astenmede to stand firm against whichever marauding invader reaches them first.
But the initial battle could be the least of their worries as a new king ascends the throne – threatening to annihilate their traditions and customs forever.
Is there any hope for the brave Saxon warriors? Can they adjust to the new way of life?
Or will everything they once knew be changed forever…?
England, 1065
The Saxon kingdom is under threat of invasion at both ends. From the north comes Harald Hardrada of Norway intent on pillage, while across the Channel, Duke William of Normandy is about to enforce his claim to the throne.
Between the two lie the villages and townships defended only by part-time armies maintained by the Earls of Wessex, Mercia and Northumbria, barely united under King Harold Godwineson.
It falls to brave and determined young men like Will Riveracre and Selwyn Astenmede to stand firm against whichever marauding invader reaches them first.
But the initial battle could be the least of their worries as a new king ascends the throne – threatening to annihilate their traditions and customs forever.
Is there any hope for the brave Saxon warriors? Can they adjust to the new way of life?
Or will everything they once knew be changed forever…?
288 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 4, 2022
About the author
David Field
56 books74 followersDavid was born in post-war Nottingham, and educated at Nottingham High School. After obtaining a Law degree he became a career-long criminal law practitioner and academic, emigrating in 1989 to Australia, where he still lives.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
February 12, 2023
David Field is back with a new series to pique the interest of his fans, set in yet another era of English history. Looking at the Norman Conquest, Field provides the reader with a great account of events, while introducing a number of flavourful characters who add depth to the story. While not my favourite time period, I am eager to give this series a try, as Field has always proven to be a masterful storyteller with great ideas.
It’s 1065 in England and there is change in the making. The Kingdom of the Saxons is being threatened by Harold Hardrada from the north with his Norwegian army, while William of Normandy pushes in from across the Chanel to claim the throne he feels belongs to him. In the middle are the people, who have been through so much up to now. They can only hope not to be caught in the crossfire.
Villagers seek answers while trying to defend their lands, protected weakly by armies of their respective earls who can only offer weak support towards King Harald Godwineson, yet another actor in the larger monarchical drama. All the same, there is a connection to their lives that keep these villagers wanting to defend themselves, as effective as that might be.
As armies march across the country to lay claim, locals like Will Riveracre and Selwyn Astenmde must rally the locals to keep the faith and know that they will not be taken over—or killed—without a strong attempt at defending what they have done to this point. Still, the worry is that whomever ascends to the throne is likely to erase local history and customs. A new monarch will no doubt seek to annihilate anything English that has been woven into the country’s cultural fabric.
With other storylines emerging in this series debut, David Field takes his reader through the changing of the times in England and how these common folk will fare as blood and honour seep into the ground at every turn. A good start to what is sure to be an impactful series, in the hands of an author who knows his way around historical fiction. Another strong novel by David Field that should not be missed.
While the era has never been one in which I have a great deal of interest David Field has definitely left me wanting to know more. He uses his strong writing skills to keep the story moving and the characters evolving. His narrative flow is great, using historical references throughout and tells the personal stories of locals, rather than simply a sweeping tale about the larger historical goings-on. Readers will see this as they connect to some of the characters who will likely proceed throughout the story, or perhaps create the foundation for a multi-generational piece. Field creates a few plot twists that keep me wondering and works through some events in likely fact-based storytelling, while blurring others to keep the reader’s interest in the characters. While I was not blown away by the piece, I am eager to move forward to see what else Field has to offer, hoping to connect better as the larger story progresses.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for laying the groundwork for what could be a great series. I am eager to see if it will capture my complete attention soon.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
It’s 1065 in England and there is change in the making. The Kingdom of the Saxons is being threatened by Harold Hardrada from the north with his Norwegian army, while William of Normandy pushes in from across the Chanel to claim the throne he feels belongs to him. In the middle are the people, who have been through so much up to now. They can only hope not to be caught in the crossfire.
Villagers seek answers while trying to defend their lands, protected weakly by armies of their respective earls who can only offer weak support towards King Harald Godwineson, yet another actor in the larger monarchical drama. All the same, there is a connection to their lives that keep these villagers wanting to defend themselves, as effective as that might be.
As armies march across the country to lay claim, locals like Will Riveracre and Selwyn Astenmde must rally the locals to keep the faith and know that they will not be taken over—or killed—without a strong attempt at defending what they have done to this point. Still, the worry is that whomever ascends to the throne is likely to erase local history and customs. A new monarch will no doubt seek to annihilate anything English that has been woven into the country’s cultural fabric.
With other storylines emerging in this series debut, David Field takes his reader through the changing of the times in England and how these common folk will fare as blood and honour seep into the ground at every turn. A good start to what is sure to be an impactful series, in the hands of an author who knows his way around historical fiction. Another strong novel by David Field that should not be missed.
While the era has never been one in which I have a great deal of interest David Field has definitely left me wanting to know more. He uses his strong writing skills to keep the story moving and the characters evolving. His narrative flow is great, using historical references throughout and tells the personal stories of locals, rather than simply a sweeping tale about the larger historical goings-on. Readers will see this as they connect to some of the characters who will likely proceed throughout the story, or perhaps create the foundation for a multi-generational piece. Field creates a few plot twists that keep me wondering and works through some events in likely fact-based storytelling, while blurring others to keep the reader’s interest in the characters. While I was not blown away by the piece, I am eager to move forward to see what else Field has to offer, hoping to connect better as the larger story progresses.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for laying the groundwork for what could be a great series. I am eager to see if it will capture my complete attention soon.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
March 16, 2022
Thanks to Sapere books for the ARC and David Field for the tale.
I knew very little of the Battle of Hastings; Harold caught an arrow in the eye and William of Normandy won and became King. But like all battles we remember the main protagonists William and Harold and forget the repercussions on the ordinary folk.
Whilst the Kings and king makers jostle for power; the ordinary folk just want to get on with their lives but see their customs and religion being usurped by the Conqueror and the encroaching Christian faith.
Though this is a tale about the struggle for the English throne, England itself was a loose confederation of squabbling regions held together by a head of state.
David marries true life characters with fictional ones and blends a tale which enthralls the reader.
We have battles galore, winners and losers, treachery and betrayal. Lives changed and lives ended. This novel is a stirring tale of Medieval period of English history and presents a true to life picture of the period carried along on a fictional backstory. As this is the first of a series I look forward to book two.
My first read written by David and wont be my last. Top quality writing and a great tale. Commended and recommended.
I knew very little of the Battle of Hastings; Harold caught an arrow in the eye and William of Normandy won and became King. But like all battles we remember the main protagonists William and Harold and forget the repercussions on the ordinary folk.
Whilst the Kings and king makers jostle for power; the ordinary folk just want to get on with their lives but see their customs and religion being usurped by the Conqueror and the encroaching Christian faith.
Though this is a tale about the struggle for the English throne, England itself was a loose confederation of squabbling regions held together by a head of state.
David marries true life characters with fictional ones and blends a tale which enthralls the reader.
We have battles galore, winners and losers, treachery and betrayal. Lives changed and lives ended. This novel is a stirring tale of Medieval period of English history and presents a true to life picture of the period carried along on a fictional backstory. As this is the first of a series I look forward to book two.
My first read written by David and wont be my last. Top quality writing and a great tale. Commended and recommended.
April 24, 2022
Superb
David Field never fails to deliver. I was just approved to read/review the second book in this series so I wanted to read the first. It's so great that I finished it in less than a day. The character development is terrific and blending the true historical people along with the fictional ones is seamless. I couldn't put this down - there is not one dull moment and you will have to remind yourself to breathe. One of the best books I've read!
David Field never fails to deliver. I was just approved to read/review the second book in this series so I wanted to read the first. It's so great that I finished it in less than a day. The character development is terrific and blending the true historical people along with the fictional ones is seamless. I couldn't put this down - there is not one dull moment and you will have to remind yourself to breathe. One of the best books I've read!
January 6, 2023
This would have been a very good medieval fiction novel. But it comes up short under the category "historical fiction". The primary reason is the short shrift given to the Battle of Hastings. The battle's description is rushed through and often at odds with how events are thought to have occurred. The second is that William's almost total displacement of English aristocracy (lay and clergy) for their Norman counterpoints is never touched upon here.
"Conquest" is a riveting tale. It follows the exploits of two Saxons through a turbulent mid-11th century England. (As so often is the case, Conquest was in desperate need of a map or two.) We get a plausible plot and believable characters. As I said above, this would have been a nice medieval fiction novel.
"Conquest" is a riveting tale. It follows the exploits of two Saxons through a turbulent mid-11th century England. (As so often is the case, Conquest was in desperate need of a map or two.) We get a plausible plot and believable characters. As I said above, this would have been a nice medieval fiction novel.
October 2, 2022
Conquest, I thought that this was a really good story but it lacked thrills. Will was the central character, a strong and well built miller’s son who went to fight for his lord but ended up leading soldiers of the king into the battle of Hastings. The only descriptive part of the battle was when King Harold lost his life, the rest of the battle seemed to be forgotten about. Will then went on heading the new King William’s men into villages trying to make the people understand that they should kneel to the new King or they would be slain and their homes burned down, a job that Will did not like. He was then involved with his brother in law, Selwyn, and the Earls of Mercia and Northumberland and their forces in trying to quell the progress of the Conqueror’s superior strength.
Like I said, a good and well written story but without anything to stand your hair up. I will read the next one to see how Will’s story continues but if the thrills are still missing then I won’t be reading any further. Because of that I can’t give this any more than 3/5.
Like I said, a good and well written story but without anything to stand your hair up. I will read the next one to see how Will’s story continues but if the thrills are still missing then I won’t be reading any further. Because of that I can’t give this any more than 3/5.
August 25, 2022
I am familiar with this author and have enjoyed several of his “Jack Enright” crime stories set in Victorian London. David seems equally able to place his stories in different centuries and this one, set in the time of King Harold, immediately before the 1066 Norman invasion, was, for me, just as enjoyable. Harold’s claim to the throne after Edward the Confessor’s death was weak as he had only been Edward’s brother-in-law, but the Witan - the King’s council - choose him. The Conquest cleverly combines history with fiction and we are introduced to various characters living in Pevensey; where William the Conqueror’s troops first arrive. One of the main fictional characters is Will Riveracre, the son of Eldred (the local miller). Will rather fancies Annis, the daughter of a local wagon driver, but Cedric the elder son of the Lord of the Manor also likes her and a fight ensues between Will and Cedric. Will believing (wrongly) that he has killed Cedric, runs away from the village and meets some soldiers of King Harold and ends up being conscripted. Harold’s soldiers were in the area trying to hunt down a French priest called Guilluame, who apparently was the Chaplin to Duke William and in France had been a witness to the agreement by Harold that he would not stand in the way of William’s succession to the English Throne on Edward’s death, as Edward had promised William the throne some years back. However, with Guilluame out of the way Harold believed his claim to the throne would be stronger, but of course there were other claimants to that throne who thought they would also be better placed and who planned to oust King Harold. However, it’s now 1066 and all these plans were cast aside as William decided to stake his claim to the throne by invading England. In this delightful book, joining history with fiction once again, Will Riveracre is now appointed as an aide to William with the role to convince the people of England that resistance is useless and that nobody who accepts William as their ruler will be killed. Resistance, of course, is not stamped out that quickly and again turning to the history of this period, we learn of the much less well-known activities of Edgar the Aetheling (the son of Edward’s nephew who also felt he had a claim to the throne). Edgar, with the help of King Malcolm of Scotland, tries to raise a strong resistance force against William; this of course is not successful, but it does add very well to the story. All in all, this was a well written and enjoyable book which seamlessly joins together the history surrounding the Norman invasion with the interesting lives of the English people living in the areas of Pevensey Bay and Hastings at the time, who either lost their lives or survived. My thanks go to Sapere Books for providing a copy for review.
June 11, 2022
very well wrought history of the conquest and (for once) the period just beyond it - the harrowing!
Glad for once to see a history of the Norman conquest that is a) told from the perspective of Anglo Saxon common people and b) extends both well before and after the conquest into William’s “scorched earth” rampage through the north of England, again from the perspective of Anglo saxons who had occasion to interact with both William and Earls of the north. It’s not Bernard Cornwell quality writing, but it’s not lousy either. Certainly refreshing to read something from the “common man’s” perspective vs yet ANOTHER book recounting William’s origin story (and yes, I’ve read every single one - along with Emma’s and Harold’s, and Harold Hardrada’s, etc). Obviously anything from a common fighting man or (gasp) a woman must be imagined but Field does is well. Kudos to him! I’m looking forward to reading the rest of his series.I enjoyed his crossover into Carol McGrath’s “the Swan Wife’s territory” - another favorite series for those interested in the conquest. Thank you for adding to the Conquest lexicon!
Glad for once to see a history of the Norman conquest that is a) told from the perspective of Anglo Saxon common people and b) extends both well before and after the conquest into William’s “scorched earth” rampage through the north of England, again from the perspective of Anglo saxons who had occasion to interact with both William and Earls of the north. It’s not Bernard Cornwell quality writing, but it’s not lousy either. Certainly refreshing to read something from the “common man’s” perspective vs yet ANOTHER book recounting William’s origin story (and yes, I’ve read every single one - along with Emma’s and Harold’s, and Harold Hardrada’s, etc). Obviously anything from a common fighting man or (gasp) a woman must be imagined but Field does is well. Kudos to him! I’m looking forward to reading the rest of his series.I enjoyed his crossover into Carol McGrath’s “the Swan Wife’s territory” - another favorite series for those interested in the conquest. Thank you for adding to the Conquest lexicon!
March 14, 2022
Thank you to Sapere Books for an advance reading copy for review.
A new, true-history based series by prolific author, David Field, set during the High Medieval era in Britain.
The novel begins with the collapse of a central authority and ends with the modest beginning of Christianity as a political influence.
Many battles and skirmishes ensue, with the farming families paying the brunt of the cost of conquest. Lives are ruined, lives are changed and lives are ended.
Intrigue, treachery, loyalty and romance integrate throughout the novel. The strong main characters bring the reader to desire learning more about each of them. That and more will be revealed in the next, highly-anticipated novel in the series. David Field never disappoints his readers and his many series of stories are well worth discovering.
A new, true-history based series by prolific author, David Field, set during the High Medieval era in Britain.
The novel begins with the collapse of a central authority and ends with the modest beginning of Christianity as a political influence.
Many battles and skirmishes ensue, with the farming families paying the brunt of the cost of conquest. Lives are ruined, lives are changed and lives are ended.
Intrigue, treachery, loyalty and romance integrate throughout the novel. The strong main characters bring the reader to desire learning more about each of them. That and more will be revealed in the next, highly-anticipated novel in the series. David Field never disappoints his readers and his many series of stories are well worth discovering.
August 31, 2022
Firstly the book is too thin, it should be longer. I was eager to explore more of the lives of the characters. The story leads the reader from the first moments that the huge army of William lands in England, the panic of the population as it reaps mayhem. The hopelessness of a nation overrun by the brutality of the Normans. A glimmer of hope that the conquered can rebel and push the new king from the land, only to have this dashed in the most brutal manner. Woven through this is the bond that two men have, a need to protect their families, and the subsequent death of one. I have read many stories based on accounts of this terrible time for England, when it was constantly invaded, and this book is a compelling read. It shows that the poor folk are again treated badly by the nobility who then expect and demand loyalty. A good read.
March 24, 2022
1066: who was going to invade, when and where? This fascinating book tells the story of the invasions in 1066 and their aftermath from a refreshing point of view: that of Will Riveracre, a millers son. It was quite different to see things from a ‘boots on the ground’ perspective, rather than from a regal or noble’s viewpoint. Real life characters were very neatly woven with fictional characters to tell this story and I found it really easy to read, very enjoyable and very interesting to learn more about the first invasion in 1066 in the north of England, as this is generally overshadowed by the successful invasion of William of Normandy.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a review copy.
Thanks to Sapere Books for a review copy.
July 17, 2023
This book did not live up to my expectations. I did not find it exciting or engrossing. It never captured my attention. I am very interested in British medieval history and looked forward to a historical fic about the conquest. I hope there is a better one out there.
This book is about relatively common people living in this time period. I must have expected more action and detail about the conquest itself. Since the MC was not on the scene during the Battle of Hastings, the author included little about it.
This is the first in a series and the lowest rated on GR from the series. I will try the next. Maybe they get better.
This book is about relatively common people living in this time period. I must have expected more action and detail about the conquest itself. Since the MC was not on the scene during the Battle of Hastings, the author included little about it.
This is the first in a series and the lowest rated on GR from the series. I will try the next. Maybe they get better.
July 28, 2022
I have heard the story about William the Conquerer invading and conquering England in 1066 and how the previous king Herald was shot and killed by an arrow through the eye. It's all brilliantly depicted in the Doomsday Book. I never learned anything about what happened after that. Reading stories from the (fictional) perspective of ordinary citizens of this rapidly changing England was enlightening. I enjoy learning about English history and would love to find out more about this time period.
March 28, 2022
enticing way to learn the history of England
Book takes historical fact and weaves into it fiction that improves one interest from dull factual content. The characters and events by the weaving of fact and fiction educate and provide reading enjoyment.
Book takes historical fact and weaves into it fiction that improves one interest from dull factual content. The characters and events by the weaving of fact and fiction educate and provide reading enjoyment.
July 15, 2022
Good to read about an era I was not that certain of.
Like most people my age we were taught about William the Conquerer and the Normans, but in later life I became more interested in later history. This book has brought me right back to 1066 .Now for book 2.
Like most people my age we were taught about William the Conquerer and the Normans, but in later life I became more interested in later history. This book has brought me right back to 1066 .Now for book 2.
September 24, 2022
Good read!
Colorful and believable backdrop to the Battle of Hastings 1066. I've lined up the sequel to read next. The characters are real and realistically described, allowed to grow as the path William of Normandy cut across the land.
Colorful and believable backdrop to the Battle of Hastings 1066. I've lined up the sequel to read next. The characters are real and realistically described, allowed to grow as the path William of Normandy cut across the land.
March 21, 2022
This was a good book for this time period. It’s full of action and court intrigue. Any fan of this time period will surely enjoy this book. Thanks to the publisher for opportunity to read this book
December 18, 2022
Brilliant!
January 2, 2023
A well written novel with a few turns and twista. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the plot
Read
June 11, 2023Finally
I very seldom almost never give a five star rating this author is up there with my favorites . I'm definitely interested in the next one
I very seldom almost never give a five star rating this author is up there with my favorites . I'm definitely interested in the next one
February 11, 2024
Not my cup of tea
July 21, 2024
Well written. Story engages the reader and helps you get a feel for how the historical figures were motivated.
July 20, 2022
The Norman conquest was bloody, treacherous, and complicated. This is the first book in the Medieval Saga by David Field. In 1065, the Saxons had three earls that ruled the country for King Harold. The earls of Mercia, Northumbria, and Wessex defended the country with men from the villages in their lands. Trouble was on the way. Duke William of Normandy and Harald Hardrada of Norway both planned invasions. In this uncertain time, only a king with good defenses would remain in power. Could the local forces defend their country? Earls are the providers of manpower. They take the strong and healthy men from their area to defend the country. It is not a matter of loyalty to the crown. The earls like to find themselves on the winning side and to do this they have to maneuver their warriors accordingly.
While the men were in battle, the women were at home. Having babies, caring for the elderly, and providing food. Farming and hunting also became the job of the women. They had to learn to live off of their efforts. Village life was difficult and as the series continues it will be interesting to see whether their conditions improve or not. This story has all the potential to develop into a compelling saga covering all aspects of early Saxon life.
The political fluctuations are well described in this book but understanding the motivation of the earls isn’t well explained yet. Saxon history is an area of history that has been overlooked as the Vikings and World Wars have garnered much more attention. David Field is crafting a comprehensive look at the events of this highly influential time period, the results should be outstanding.
While the men were in battle, the women were at home. Having babies, caring for the elderly, and providing food. Farming and hunting also became the job of the women. They had to learn to live off of their efforts. Village life was difficult and as the series continues it will be interesting to see whether their conditions improve or not. This story has all the potential to develop into a compelling saga covering all aspects of early Saxon life.
The political fluctuations are well described in this book but understanding the motivation of the earls isn’t well explained yet. Saxon history is an area of history that has been overlooked as the Vikings and World Wars have garnered much more attention. David Field is crafting a comprehensive look at the events of this highly influential time period, the results should be outstanding.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews