A brutal presentation of medieval warfare that incorporates so much that is rarely even mentioned or acknowledged in most fiction.There is no glorification, no noble heroes like those of the Round Table. Compelling characters, an engaging plot and the perfect dose of immersion that allows you to feel like you are accompanying these characters on their odyssey, through all the blood, grit, trials and tribulations that tie them together.Įssex Dogs is a masterful piece of historical fiction which is unique in how it presents such a full picture of a campaign in enemy territory. I review this with my brother on our book channel - The Brothers GwynneĪ work of craft perhaps unrivalled in its presentation of medieval warfare. Dan Jones takes you to the year of Our Lord 1346.' Tibor Fischer 'The battles that shaped Europe from the point of view of the soldiers. 'With a cast of unforgettable characters, written with irrepressible verve and historical accuracy, Dan Jones delivers a compelling novel that thrums with swordswinging energy.' Simon Sebag Montefiore Only Dan Jones can carry you through blood, piss and vomit and leave you wanting more.' Daisy Dunn 'A busy, urgent little masterpiece.' Graham Hurley

'Few books manage to be as compelling on every level as Essex Dogs : it's adventure, history, and heart.' Dana Schwartz The soldiers' lives are rather brilliantly recreated – the kit, the fighting, the boredom and discomfort.' The Times ' mastery of his subject matter is obvious. So deft and funny that you'd never guess this is Dan Jones' debut work of fiction.' Suzannah Lipscomb

'Battle-bloody, brutal and perfectly pitched.' Daily Mail 'A new champion has entered the front line of historical fiction to stand shoulder to shoulder with Bernard Cornwell.' Jane Johnson The way Dan Jones writes enemies reminds me of Cornwell at his best, turning up tension click by click.' Conn Iggulden 'Oddly joyous – rolling action, fast-paced, a book that draws you in page by page. The Essex Dogs? They fight for each other. And Loveday FitzTalbot, their battle-scarred captain, who just wants to get his boys home safe. Romford, a talented young archer on the run from his past. Father, a priest turned devilish by the horrors of war. Millstone, a stonemason who'll do anything to protect his men. Scotsman, strong enough to tear down a wall. There's Pismire, small enough to infiltrate enemy camps. With sword, axe and longbow, the Essex Dogs will fight, from the landing beaches of Normandy to the bloodsoaked field of Crécy. Swept up in the bloody chaos, a tight-knit company from Essex must stay alive long enough to see their home again. But this war belongs to the men on the ground. The Hundred Years' War has begun, and King Edward and his lords are on the march through France. The sensational historical fiction debut from Sunday Times bestseller Dan Jones.

Essex Dogs by Dan Jones