This is the first in a two volume series, focusing on William Marshal, a self-made man serving Kings Henry II, Richard I, and John. Elizabeth Chadwick, the author, doers a masterful job of depicting the era and the details of that time (although I am not an expert, there is a sense of reality to the novel that impresses me).

Marshal tells the tale of this real historical figure in an historical fiction. Marshal was a self-made man, learning his craft, becoming a knight, coming to earn his keep by winning tourneys (jousting) and extracting ransoms from those whom he triumphed over. A man of honor, who kept his word and was faithful to his vows of loyalty.

He serves Henry II, his son, "The Young King," Richard I and John. And it was not always easy working with these kings (John's place in his life is more richly depicted in the second volume--but even in this work, the difficulties of their relationship is well described).

His romance with an heiress from Ireland, Isabelle, is charming. Their growing affection for one another is poignant, as is his willingness to see her as his partner--not as "just" a woman.

All in all, a very nice piece of historical fiction.