The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper, and royal servant John FitzGilbert Marshal is one of them. Raised high as the kin...
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Aug 20, 2008
Misfit
rated it: 
Chadwick never fails to deliver! This is a prequel of sorts to The Greatest Knight, and is the story of John FitzGilbert, the father of William Marshal. The story takes place amidst the backdrop of England's civil war between Henry's daughter Matilda and her cousin Stephen who usurped her crown, as John tries to juggle his perilous position between the two rivals for the crown.
John's first marriage to Aline (the best he could make at the time in his position) does not fare well as s More...
John's first marriage to Aline (the best he could make at the time in his position) does not fare well as s More...
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Mar 01, 2009
Amy
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A Place Beyond Courage is a novel of John FitzGilbert (John Marshal). In the year 1130 John is a royal marshal to King Henry I - young he may be, but through his courage and cunning he earned his stripes and respect and men knew not to mess with him. As royal marshal, John was the gate-keeper to the king - if you wanted to see the king, you needed to get past John first. He was also in charge of the court's living arrangements, the horses, the dogs and hawks - there was nothing John didn't have
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Dec 23, 2007
Beth (moonivy)
rated it:
Read 12/22-12/23/07.
A Place Beyond Courage tells the fascinating story of John FitzGilbert
Marshal,
father of the great knight and statesman William Marshal. As Marshal to
Henry I, Stephen and Empress Matilda, John Marshal fought and plotted and
scrambled to survive civil war for much of his life. A hard man in a
contentious time, Chadwick does a marvelous job of bringing the reader
inside his head and times. The romance between Marshal and his second wife
More...
A Place Beyond Courage tells the fascinating story of John FitzGilbert
Marshal,
father of the great knight and statesman William Marshal. As Marshal to
Henry I, Stephen and Empress Matilda, John Marshal fought and plotted and
scrambled to survive civil war for much of his life. A hard man in a
contentious time, Chadwick does a marvelous job of bringing the reader
inside his head and times. The romance between Marshal and his second wife
More...
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Mar 08, 2011
Bryn
rated it:
This is a solid, action led historical romance. I'm not normally a romance reader, but I make an exception for Chadwick because she is a story teller first and foremost. As she writes stories based on history, it's not as 'safe' as some romance fiction, and certainly not as predictable. Add in a lyrical style and a great pace, convincing characters and a lot of technical skill - she's an author who deserves a much higher profile.
Set duing the Stephen and Matilda chaos (12th century U More...
Set duing the Stephen and Matilda chaos (12th century U More...
Jan 19, 2011
Jennbarnes
rated it: 
I always like Elizabeth Chadwick's books, in fact I imported this one from the UK because I couldn't find it in the US. Having said that though, I think this is my least favorite so far. A Place Beyond Courage is the story of John Marshall, father of William Marshall who stars in The Greatest Knight also by Elizabeth Chadwick, and is memorable for his comment about having the hammer and anvils to form more and better sons when faced with William's execution as a four year old hostage. I probab
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Oct 02, 2009
Debbie
rated it: 
This was my first Elizabeth Chadwick novel and I really enjoyed it. I would definatey read more by this author and look forward to reading The Greatest Night. An historical novel based around the father of the famous William Marshall John Fitzgilbert during the civil war of the 12th century. Apparently she only writes historical novels and has a great passion for the subject and the reader can enjoy the book knowing that they are getting historical facts not fiction.
John Fitzgilbert More...
John Fitzgilbert More...
Feb 22, 2010
Jacinta
rated it:
Set during the reign of Henry I and the subsequent civil war between the Empress Matilda and King Stephen, this book sets out the rise to fame (or infamy)and power of John FitzGilbert the King's Marshall. The story traces the difficult decisions, alliances and battles that he must make to protect his position at Court, his lands and the safety of his family.
One of my favourite all time books is Elizabeth Chadwick's The Greatest Knight so for mine, this was a must read and I was not More...
One of my favourite all time books is Elizabeth Chadwick's The Greatest Knight so for mine, this was a must read and I was not More...
Jun 29, 2009
Brian
rated it:
Pretty much what you expect from Elizabeth Chadwick these days. Consistent quality - good story-telling, and a well-researched but unobtrusive historical 'backing tape'.
This is the story of William Marshal's parents, so a prequel to The Greatest Knight.
I quite enjoy being picky with historicals and finding little faults, but to be honest there's not much scope for that here because the author knows her job too well. John Marshal's rather dull first marriage is maybe more More...
This is the story of William Marshal's parents, so a prequel to The Greatest Knight.
I quite enjoy being picky with historicals and finding little faults, but to be honest there's not much scope for that here because the author knows her job too well. John Marshal's rather dull first marriage is maybe more More...
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Jun 22, 2010
Rusty
rated it:
This is the story of William Marshall's father, John FitzGilbert, whose chaotic life was filled with war, war, and more war. As England is torn apart by all the chaos, one thing remains constant - John and his lovely wife, Sybilla, and their love for each other. For John, whose first wife, Aline, was too timid to be part of the life of the king's marshal, The marriage to Sybilla is one of political necessity. However, he grows to love this lovely, intelligent, strong-minded woman with great i
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Feb 08, 2011
Cryssa
rated it:
I wasn’t sure how I was going to like reading about John FitzGilbert, William Marshal’s father. John’s famous response to his son being given as a hostage speaks volumes of a cold, unfeeling, ruthless man- or does it? Elizabeth Chadwick reminds us that there is another side to the story and it deserves to be told. True to form, the author expertly weaves a compelling history of the man, and I found myself admiring him even more than the son (if that is possible). John FitzGilbert had to manoeuvr
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Aug 26, 2009
Andrea
rated it:
Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing author who manages to bring her characters to life with an amazing authenticity!
This is a prequel to The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion. I have not had the opportunity to read either of these, but was able to fin APBC at my local Chapters and snatched it up!
A Place Beyond Courage is the story of John FitzGilbert marshal to Henry I, then to Stephen and finally to the Empress. The story tells of his journey through love, betrayal and More...
This is a prequel to The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion. I have not had the opportunity to read either of these, but was able to fin APBC at my local Chapters and snatched it up!
A Place Beyond Courage is the story of John FitzGilbert marshal to Henry I, then to Stephen and finally to the Empress. The story tells of his journey through love, betrayal and More...
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Mar 06, 2010
Allie
rated it:
A Place Beyond Courage is a novel about John FitzGilbert, set during the civil war between Stephen and Maltida. Where do I begin? I loved it! This if my first book by Elizabeth Chadwick and I love her writing style, however it did take some getting used to. Her vocabulary is much more developed than mine and I admit at first I was constantly looking up the definition of words.
So in the beginning, the book moved pretty slow for me. But as soon as John was married to his second wife, t More...
So in the beginning, the book moved pretty slow for me. But as soon as John was married to his second wife, t More...
Mar 28, 2011
Redfox5
rated it:
I enjoyed this just as much on the second read. Good story. More fighting than romance but is told in an interesting way. I hated Aline. She is annoying and whiny. I was glad when she and John got divorced. I would have wanted to divorce her to. You can't help but like John even though he is quiet flawed. Sybilla was my favorite but if I was her I'm not sure if I could have forgiven John for what he did to William. I've only read one of the other books about William. I would very much like to re
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Jan 09, 2012
Cynthia
rated it:
The book follows John Marshal, before and during England's Civil War between Stephen former Count of Mortain and usurper of the English throne, and the Empress Matilda, rightful heir to her father's kingdom. In order to survive John has to make agonizing and dangerous decisions, some of which have been condemned through out time as mad, heartless, the actions of a lunatic. From having half of his face melted off while trapped in a burning church, to allowing his 5 year old son to be hung for h
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May 14, 2009
Soul
rated it:
Another struggler but really enjoyed it once finished.
Kept finding myself mentally shouting at the characters. Especially the lead guy - John Marshal and his first wife Aline.
I had to keep referring to the family tree to find out who every one was. It got confusing at times especially at the beginning, but I soon got used to all the names and relationships.
Will be looking for more of her work later on in my reading career.
Kept finding myself mentally shouting at the characters. Especially the lead guy - John Marshal and his first wife Aline.
I had to keep referring to the family tree to find out who every one was. It got confusing at times especially at the beginning, but I soon got used to all the names and relationships.
Will be looking for more of her work later on in my reading career.
Nov 05, 2011
Jackie
rated it:
I loved this Elizabeth Chadwick historical fiction novel, "A Place Beyond Courage". Since I am relying on the public library's interlibrary loan system to read these, I have not been reading them 'in order'. No matter, as most of them are touted as 'stand alone'; and even those which are not, I have found fascinating. Having read ten of her books in the past six months, I look forward to reading the next one that becomes available.
Jul 16, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
As with all Elizabeth Chadwick's novels I really loved this book, the more so too for knowing that the couple I was reading about are my ancestors! The author gives the reader such a great flavour of the time her stories are set in, the kind of lives the people lead, the things that happened.....brilliant!
Jan 25, 2010
Jane
rated it:
Excellent historical fiction set in Medieval England, it deals with the politics of 2 men fighting to inherit a crown and a nobleman who is caught in between. Just the right balance of battle fighting, sparring of words, and debauchery. There's more in the series, and I look forward to reading them too.
Oct 05, 2010
Jo
rated it:
Ambitious men prosper in 12C England, and John FitzGilbert Marshal is one of them. When the king dies, the resultant battle for power ensues, John has to make sacrifices and one of them is his family. Married to fragile Aline who is hopelessly ill equipped to deal with her powerful husband. Full of skulduggery and treachery -this is one of my favourite Elizabeth Chadwick books.
Elizabeth Chadwick writes so brilliantly you almost feel that you are there....... smell the horses, feel the fea More...
Elizabeth Chadwick writes so brilliantly you almost feel that you are there....... smell the horses, feel the fea More...
Mar 27, 2010
Helen
rated it:
Another historical gem from Elizabeth Chadwick! This one is a prequel to 'The Greatest Knight' telling the story of William Marshal's father, John Fitzgilbert and his struggle to survive during the turbulent years of the civil war between Stephen and Matilda in the early 1100s. My comments echo what i've said re her other books. Beautifully well researched novel full of meticulous period detail allowing the reader to feel immersed in the past, and causing her to sometimes forget the present! Tot
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Nov 04, 2010
Rebecca
rated it:
A grand tale of the middle ages that no one has touched before now. Elizabeth Chadwick keeps getting better with each of her novels, and this one is no exception. Set during the wars of Stephen and Matilda in 12th century England, this tells the story of John Marshal, and can be considered a prequel to The Greatest Knight, but doesn't have to be read as a series. One of my favourites, and here's hoping for more from this author.
The scene in the burning church is one of the most tense More...
The scene in the burning church is one of the most tense More...
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Aug 02, 2009
Tanzanite
rated it:
Another excellent book by Elizabeth Chadwick about John FitzGilbert (Marshall to Henry I and father to William Marshall) as he walks a precarious line between loyalty and survival - a line that will force him to take a serious gamble with the life of his youngest son. John is not the cold, unfeeling man his "anvils and hammers" speech might indicate and Chadwick does a great job showing the complexity of his character and the difficult position in which he was placed. Combining just
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Feb 23, 2011
Becky
rated it:
I would give this 3.5 stars. I thought the first half of the book was kind of uninteresting, but I enjoyed the second half.
Dec 20, 2011
Rec by Misfit. "prequel of sorts to The Greatest Knight, and is the story of John FitzGilbert, the father of William Marshal".
Jun 23, 2009
Melissa
rated it:
This is historical fiction about the life of John Marshall. I had read Sharon Penman's novel When Christ and His Saints Slept which covers the same time frame from a different perspective so I was familiar with the main events. I really enjoyed it although disliked the pathetic Aline immensely. This is the second of Elizabeth Chadwick's books I've read and I'll definately be hunting out a few more.
Apr 22, 2011
Casilda
rated it:
I very much enjoyed this book. EC is a wonderful storyteller. It was fascinating to read about John Marshall (FitzGilbert) who was William Marshall's father (The Greatest Knight) and how he had to change sides to follow King Stephen and then Empress Mathilda to keep his lands and survive. He married twice, first to Aline and then to Sybilla and had to give his son, William, to King Stephen as hostage. I have read most of her books now and they have inspired me to delve deeper and read more b
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Apr 18, 2011
Christy
rated it:
The author, Elizabeth Chadwick, discusses John Marshal, the protagonist of A Place Beyond Courage, in a guest post at my blog, http://rootingforancestors.blogspot.com/...
Aug 01, 2010
Jeri
rated it:
Another engrossing story that made me feel like I was living in the period.
Aug 19, 2010
Anne
rated it:
I know when I pick up a book written by Elizabeth Chadwick I'll be in for a treat and A Place Beyond Courage is no exception.
This story, based on a real figure in history, is full and evolving.
The story sweeps you through one man's life, John FitzGilbert, the Royal Marshal, as he travels the medieval paths of political turmoil, intrigue, love and family, all done with courage and integrity.
This book is a keeper, just as all Elizabeth Chadwick's books are for me.
This story, based on a real figure in history, is full and evolving.
The story sweeps you through one man's life, John FitzGilbert, the Royal Marshal, as he travels the medieval paths of political turmoil, intrigue, love and family, all done with courage and integrity.
This book is a keeper, just as all Elizabeth Chadwick's books are for me.
