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The Stronghold - a thrilling historical adventure by Albrecht Behmel
A compelling reinvention of the William Tell legend blends myth and fact to craft a compelling historical page-turner full of love, honor, adventure, and revenge“It hissed as it cut the air. Thell could not see it well. But he felt it. A wicked point flying at speed toward his son’s head. The bolt flew in a flat arc, higher first, then descending. It hit the apple and split it in two. The bolt flew on and dug itself into the ground about the same time the halves of the apple touched the ground.”Altdorf, November 1307 and Gessler would have obedience. He hung his hat on the pole at the center of the square, the newly constructed fortifications looming over the populace. Every citizen was ordered to pass the pole and bow as they did so, proving their allegiance, their serfdom. But one man would not bow, would not scrape, would not bend—William Thell. In that moment a legend was born, and a nation found its courage and its honor.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
Unknown Binding
First published March 2, 2015
5 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
Albrecht Behmel
54 books9 followersAlbrecht Behmel ist im Schwarzwald und in Stuttgart aufgewachsen, später zog er nach Heidelberg und Berlin, wo er in den späten Neunziger Jahren einen der ersten deutschen Online Verlage gründete, Student-Online.
Die letzten Jahre des Jahrzehnts verbrachte er damit vorzugeben, ein vielbeschäftigter Autor zu sein, bis 2000 sein erstes "richtiges" Buch erschien. Seitdem publiziert er jedes Jahr mindestens zwei-drei Sachen, Bücher, Hörspiele, Drehbücher, Games oder anderes Zeug.
Seit Ende 2012 ist er wieder in die blogsphäre zurückgekehrt und schreibt einen Blog über Publikationen
Die letzten Jahre des Jahrzehnts verbrachte er damit vorzugeben, ein vielbeschäftigter Autor zu sein, bis 2000 sein erstes "richtiges" Buch erschien. Seitdem publiziert er jedes Jahr mindestens zwei-drei Sachen, Bücher, Hörspiele, Drehbücher, Games oder anderes Zeug.
Seit Ende 2012 ist er wieder in die blogsphäre zurückgekehrt und schreibt einen Blog über Publikationen
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 29, 2017
I don't read historical novels very often but oh my when I do they are absolute gems! "The Stronghold" by the brilliant Albrecht Behmel is no exception. From the very first page I was hooked, transported to the volatile 14th century and the village of Altdorf with its wonderful legend of William Tell.
This is a fabulous reinvention of the masterful tale of Tell and the famous apple that has obviously been very well researched and is just so believable.
I really loved the main character 'Thell', strong, brave and honourable and portrayed a powerful, determined, vengeful father searching for his imprisoned daughter at all costs. Saying that, I found all the characters amazing - good and bad.
Superior classy writing, fabulous descriptions, violence, revenge, family honour and war makes this thrilling novel a compelling, action packed page turner of a book that must be read and that I can't recommend enough.
Once again Urbane Publications has produced a beautiful book, a simple crossbow on an antique background make the cover so eye catching. I loved the idea of the printed crossbow at the start of each new chapter.
I would like to thank Matthew at Urbane for my copy through the Urbane Book Club.
5 huge stars!
This is a fabulous reinvention of the masterful tale of Tell and the famous apple that has obviously been very well researched and is just so believable.
I really loved the main character 'Thell', strong, brave and honourable and portrayed a powerful, determined, vengeful father searching for his imprisoned daughter at all costs. Saying that, I found all the characters amazing - good and bad.
Superior classy writing, fabulous descriptions, violence, revenge, family honour and war makes this thrilling novel a compelling, action packed page turner of a book that must be read and that I can't recommend enough.
Once again Urbane Publications has produced a beautiful book, a simple crossbow on an antique background make the cover so eye catching. I loved the idea of the printed crossbow at the start of each new chapter.
I would like to thank Matthew at Urbane for my copy through the Urbane Book Club.
5 huge stars!
February 5, 2018
There was a time, I reckon, when most children knew the story of William Tell, the apple, his son and the crossbow. Some will remember that it was a story about freedom from tyranny and will recall the hat set up for people to bow before by the evil governor Guessler.
Behmel's novel is an imaginative reconstruction of the famous tale set in its historical context, the free valleys of Alpine Switzerland versus the insidious imperial power of the Holy Roman Empire.
The tale is told in a spare and simple prose - at times it seems very much like a story for young adults; but the narrative is often brutal too, shockingly direct, and spares no punches in dealing with the horrors of mediaeval war.
One aspect I found especially interesting was the portrayal of Guessler, an ambitious man who desired to find compromise, but who discovers personal decency and ambition do not easily combine.
Behmel's novel is an imaginative reconstruction of the famous tale set in its historical context, the free valleys of Alpine Switzerland versus the insidious imperial power of the Holy Roman Empire.
The tale is told in a spare and simple prose - at times it seems very much like a story for young adults; but the narrative is often brutal too, shockingly direct, and spares no punches in dealing with the horrors of mediaeval war.
One aspect I found especially interesting was the portrayal of Guessler, an ambitious man who desired to find compromise, but who discovers personal decency and ambition do not easily combine.
June 21, 2016
Willam Thell of Uree, from the free valleys to the east of France (Switzerland). He refuses to pay a new tax that has been levied, and is made to shoot an apple from the top of his son's head. So the legend of William Tell and the apple begins, and the rebellion against the Empire that held sway over these lands.
An interesting fictional account of a time (1300) I knew nothing about.
A NetGalley Book.
An interesting fictional account of a time (1300) I knew nothing about.
A NetGalley Book.
June 26, 2016
A thrilling semi factual tale of the William Tell legend.
Great read!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Urbane Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
Great read!
I was given a digital copy of this book by the publisher Urbane Publishing via Netgalley in return for an honest unbiased review.
April 1, 2018
From the framework of the old Swiss tale of Wiiliam Tell, Behmal takes this story and constructs his own. In this instance, the people are in revolt against taxation and unfair legislation. When Thell's son fires a crossbow arrow after a spot of skylarking, the Imperial Counsellor, Guessler, accuses him of high treason - Thell undergoes a trial by ordeal - forced to shoot an apple from atop his son's head. He is banished for a year, his daughter taken by Guessler, his son left to fend for himself. Thell is at the centre of an uprising, exiled for ten years, returns and with the aid of mercenaries the castle of Altdorf is taken. In the final scenes, the rebels face off against the imperial army of Duke Leopold of Austria - showdown is at the Morgarten Pass.
Set in the very early years of the 14th century, this is a fast paced, action packed story about the beginnings of the Swiss Confederacy - you know how it ends, but then again, with Behmel's spin, you do and you don't. For those seeking something different in the historical fiction genre, this may be for you.
Set in the very early years of the 14th century, this is a fast paced, action packed story about the beginnings of the Swiss Confederacy - you know how it ends, but then again, with Behmel's spin, you do and you don't. For those seeking something different in the historical fiction genre, this may be for you.
July 9, 2015
I absolutely loved this book. The fascinating realm of Middle Ages Helvetia (modern Switzerland) in the times of the Habsburg kings and under the direct influence of Rome is absolutely charming and attracts you instantly.
Ravishing and dramatic events are taking place in a fast paced, dynamic world, set in a magnificent and picturesque landscape that vibrates with politics, love affairs and personal dramas.
The book has the perfect ingredients that make it a great novel, combining insightful knowledge share on a historical momentum of a change of Emperors, life and customs of the freeholders of Helvetia, on hunting strategies and use of weaponry, Nordic (Pagan) religious practices. The knowledge flow is enriched with conversational debates and on the spot display of the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters, making them feel closer to our world today and easier to relate to.
The dynamic, abundant in imagery and intensity of Behmel’s writing style compels the reader in diving into The Stronghold’s universe and engaging with the main characters, Willam Thell of Ure and his enemy, lord Guessler, a very interesting character, torn by his inner battles, between pleasing the Empire, aspiring to earn respect, recognition, titles and honor, on one side, and his softer side, where his Germanic soul resonates with the traditions of the Helvetians and understanding their spirit.
An astonishing refreshing view on Switzerland in the times when it was part of the Roman Republic and Empire, the crisis of the social oppressions allowed by the Emperor and executed by his loyal followers, counsellors and royal envoys, is pictured in strong colors and vivid emotions through the eyes of the brave freeholder of the Helvetic valleys, Willam Thell, who’s life dramatically changed after his daughter was kept prisoner by Guessler.
The fears of the characters, the matters that worried them, their strong emotions they had to deal with but not show openly, are superbly described. Human nature is beautifully complemented in its complexity through various writing techniques in the pages of this beautiful historical novel.
I particularly love the superb analogy between the white cross cut by Thell in the red apple, when performing the rescuing crossbow shot and so saving the life of his son, that, later on, became iconic in the eyes of his followers and that, as we all know, became the flag of the Swiss people, until today.
A great book, on short. I truly recommend this reading experience!
Ravishing and dramatic events are taking place in a fast paced, dynamic world, set in a magnificent and picturesque landscape that vibrates with politics, love affairs and personal dramas.
The book has the perfect ingredients that make it a great novel, combining insightful knowledge share on a historical momentum of a change of Emperors, life and customs of the freeholders of Helvetia, on hunting strategies and use of weaponry, Nordic (Pagan) religious practices. The knowledge flow is enriched with conversational debates and on the spot display of the inner thoughts and feelings of the characters, making them feel closer to our world today and easier to relate to.
The dynamic, abundant in imagery and intensity of Behmel’s writing style compels the reader in diving into The Stronghold’s universe and engaging with the main characters, Willam Thell of Ure and his enemy, lord Guessler, a very interesting character, torn by his inner battles, between pleasing the Empire, aspiring to earn respect, recognition, titles and honor, on one side, and his softer side, where his Germanic soul resonates with the traditions of the Helvetians and understanding their spirit.
An astonishing refreshing view on Switzerland in the times when it was part of the Roman Republic and Empire, the crisis of the social oppressions allowed by the Emperor and executed by his loyal followers, counsellors and royal envoys, is pictured in strong colors and vivid emotions through the eyes of the brave freeholder of the Helvetic valleys, Willam Thell, who’s life dramatically changed after his daughter was kept prisoner by Guessler.
The fears of the characters, the matters that worried them, their strong emotions they had to deal with but not show openly, are superbly described. Human nature is beautifully complemented in its complexity through various writing techniques in the pages of this beautiful historical novel.
I particularly love the superb analogy between the white cross cut by Thell in the red apple, when performing the rescuing crossbow shot and so saving the life of his son, that, later on, became iconic in the eyes of his followers and that, as we all know, became the flag of the Swiss people, until today.
A great book, on short. I truly recommend this reading experience!
May 3, 2015
A young boy, in an act of showing off, strikes the spark that places himself, his father and the entire countryside in danger. For his father is William Tell – or Thell, in this tale – and his punishment for his son's 'crime' is to shoot an apple from the boy's head. This act takes place in the newly built castle of Altdorf by the governor, Guessler. Thell had drawn two bolts and when asked by Guessler the reason why, Tell replies that, had he killed his son with the first, the second was for Guessler. This angers the governor who immediately imprisons Thell and takes his daughter as a hostage.
Thell escapes, determined to rescue his little girl, but the farmers are drawn to him and he finds himself the reluctant leader of a growing revolutionary army, reinforced by a band of Italian mercenaries.
Albrecht Behmel has written a fast paced and easily believable novel about a man whose name is known the world over. The action comes thick and fast as Thell is thwarted in his attempts to rescue his daughter and Guessler continues to evade Thell's revenge.
There are, unfortunately, one or two typographical errors – including the misspelling of Guessler's name on the back cover synopsis. The title of the novel gives no clues as to the subject of the book and I would think that something a little more appropriate might be considered. The cover, however, is good, simple and effective showing a crossbow on a marbled background. Yet the casual browser could be forgiven for thinking that, with the title offering no clues, it might fall into a different genre – Historical Fantasy – rather than Historical Fiction.
Other than those few niggles, I thoroughly enjoyed the tale and recommend it to anyone who likes stories of legendary heroes.
Reviwed on behalf of the HNS
Thell escapes, determined to rescue his little girl, but the farmers are drawn to him and he finds himself the reluctant leader of a growing revolutionary army, reinforced by a band of Italian mercenaries.
Albrecht Behmel has written a fast paced and easily believable novel about a man whose name is known the world over. The action comes thick and fast as Thell is thwarted in his attempts to rescue his daughter and Guessler continues to evade Thell's revenge.
There are, unfortunately, one or two typographical errors – including the misspelling of Guessler's name on the back cover synopsis. The title of the novel gives no clues as to the subject of the book and I would think that something a little more appropriate might be considered. The cover, however, is good, simple and effective showing a crossbow on a marbled background. Yet the casual browser could be forgiven for thinking that, with the title offering no clues, it might fall into a different genre – Historical Fantasy – rather than Historical Fiction.
Other than those few niggles, I thoroughly enjoyed the tale and recommend it to anyone who likes stories of legendary heroes.
Reviwed on behalf of the HNS
June 25, 2016
One day, when I'll be walking in a library with my niece/nephew, I'll stop in front of a bookshelf and, teary eyed, take the young one shoulder and say:
''That my child... That is an HISTORICAL NOVEL''.
And I'll be talking about this book.
It has EVERYTHING. Compelling action. A well-research setting. A well-known tale revised and expanded (seriously people stop writing about Robin Hood write about Tell). Amazing characters. A good mixture of grit and ideals.
EVERYTHING.
The story you probably known. Tell and the apple, right? Tell who was such a good marksman. And this is the tale everybody knows.
But is it the whole of the story?
That tale is but the beginning of the True Story. The story of how a group of men and women up in the mountain fought AND WON against a great Empire. About democracy, and bravery, and honor. About how to make your own story, your own history. About how to fight in a way that nobody, never will win (why hasn't Hitler invaded Switzerland? Because he knew he would lose).
In short... buy this book. Read this book. It is great.
''That my child... That is an HISTORICAL NOVEL''.
And I'll be talking about this book.
It has EVERYTHING. Compelling action. A well-research setting. A well-known tale revised and expanded (seriously people stop writing about Robin Hood write about Tell). Amazing characters. A good mixture of grit and ideals.
EVERYTHING.
The story you probably known. Tell and the apple, right? Tell who was such a good marksman. And this is the tale everybody knows.
But is it the whole of the story?
That tale is but the beginning of the True Story. The story of how a group of men and women up in the mountain fought AND WON against a great Empire. About democracy, and bravery, and honor. About how to make your own story, your own history. About how to fight in a way that nobody, never will win (why hasn't Hitler invaded Switzerland? Because he knew he would lose).
In short... buy this book. Read this book. It is great.
March 4, 2017
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My only real contact with the William Tell legend was through a cheesy syndicated 80s TV show (does anyone remember it, it was a bit like a Xena or Hercules but without anything supernatural?) I watched as a child. This book tries to take the legend (somewhat) seriously as a historical novel, and because I have a real weakness for legends re-imagined as historical fiction for grown-ups, I responded with some enthusiasm. The translation's not perfect, but nor does it get in the way of readerly enjoyment. There are some incredibly cheesy moments though.
My only real contact with the William Tell legend was through a cheesy syndicated 80s TV show (does anyone remember it, it was a bit like a Xena or Hercules but without anything supernatural?) I watched as a child. This book tries to take the legend (somewhat) seriously as a historical novel, and because I have a real weakness for legends re-imagined as historical fiction for grown-ups, I responded with some enthusiasm. The translation's not perfect, but nor does it get in the way of readerly enjoyment. There are some incredibly cheesy moments though.
Want to read
May 5, 2015Something about Switzerland's most famous hero Wilhelm Tell as he is called in this book Thell. Looks promising.
Want to read
June 2, 2016 * e-Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley *
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews