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Making of England #4
Lionheart
Lionheart is the latest historical adventure novel from Stewart Binns, covering the extraordinary life of King Richard the Lionheart.Richard of Aquitaine, the third son of King Henry II, is developing a fearsome reputation for being a ruthless warrior. Arrogant and conceited he earns the name Richard Lionheart for his bravery and brutality on the battlefield. After the death his brothers, Richard's impatience to take the throne, and gain the immense power that being King over a vast empire would bring him, leads him to form an alliance with Philip II, King of France. After invading his father's lands on the Continent, Richard Lionheart goes on to defeat the King's army at the tumultuous Battle of Ballans. Taking his place on the throne he begins his bloody quest to return the Holy Land to Christian rule.Stewart Binns' Making of England series features Conquest, Crusade, Anarchy and his latest historical page-turner, Lionheart.Praise for Stewart 'A fascinating mix of fact, legend and fiction ... this is storytelling at its best.' Daily Mail 'Stewart Binns has produced a real page-turner, a truly stunning adventure story - Alastair CampbellStewart Binns began his professional life as an academic. He then pursued several adventures, including a stint at the BBC, before settling into a career as a schoolteacher, specializing in history. Later in life, a lucky break took him back to the BBC, which was the beginning of a successful career in television. He has won a BAFTA, a Grierson, an RTS and a Peabody for his documentaries. Stewart's passion is English history, especially its origins and folklore. His previous novels Conquest, Crusade and Anarchy published to great acclaim.
449 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 7, 2013
14 people are currently reading
219 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Binns
18 books35 followersStewart Binns began his professional life as an academic. He then pursued several adventures, including a stint at the BBC, before settling into a career as a schoolteacher, specializing in history. Later in life, a lucky break took him back to the BBC, which was the beginning of a successful career in television. He has won a BAFTA, a Grierson, an RTS and a Peabody for his documentaries. Stewart's passion is English history, especially its origins and folklore. Conquest is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 24, 2016
I was, I must admit, more than a little sad to have come to the end of this series (what do you call one more than a trilogy?). I’ve grown to rather like Stewart Binns’ style and the sheer audacity of what he’s tried to do here. A history of the formative years, decades, of ‘England’ the land and the idea as we know it today from our history lessons.
The term Lionheart has gone down in that there history, and so much so, that it maybe has lost some of its significance. Most people could probably add Richard, The… before Lionheart, but how much more do we know? I knew a little, but not much. Now, I know a whole lot more. About the man, as far as history can tell us about his personality, his background, his reasoning and most importantly, his place at the heart of forming English history. Binns does an excellent job in showing his early years, his coming to power and the changes that brought to the character of the man. A really fine job.
The book, as said, continues in the same vein as the first three, with an easily digestible and flowing style of writing. Again, and given his writerly background, you can imagine that it is all soundly researched, maybe a few liberties here and there, but all fits in rather well. It probably couldn’t be taught as History in schools, but youngsters would still get a good grasp of the overall picture of the period by reading these books. And, I would imagine the Hist Fic purists would not look too kindly on this sort of thing - mostly the Indie ones, who seem to think their research is better than everyone else’s, have you noticed that? Anyway, if you can, get hold of the whole series from the start and go through it all, you’ll never get a better over view of how England and the English came to be and came to be as we are.
All my reviews, surely not all in one place?! Why, yes! Speesh Reads
Or this :Speesh Reads Facebook page!
The term Lionheart has gone down in that there history, and so much so, that it maybe has lost some of its significance. Most people could probably add Richard, The… before Lionheart, but how much more do we know? I knew a little, but not much. Now, I know a whole lot more. About the man, as far as history can tell us about his personality, his background, his reasoning and most importantly, his place at the heart of forming English history. Binns does an excellent job in showing his early years, his coming to power and the changes that brought to the character of the man. A really fine job.
The book, as said, continues in the same vein as the first three, with an easily digestible and flowing style of writing. Again, and given his writerly background, you can imagine that it is all soundly researched, maybe a few liberties here and there, but all fits in rather well. It probably couldn’t be taught as History in schools, but youngsters would still get a good grasp of the overall picture of the period by reading these books. And, I would imagine the Hist Fic purists would not look too kindly on this sort of thing - mostly the Indie ones, who seem to think their research is better than everyone else’s, have you noticed that? Anyway, if you can, get hold of the whole series from the start and go through it all, you’ll never get a better over view of how England and the English came to be and came to be as we are.
All my reviews, surely not all in one place?! Why, yes! Speesh Reads
Or this :Speesh Reads Facebook page!
July 8, 2023
When you begin reading a book and realise pretty quickly that you have already read it.
Fantastic story of a truly great warrior leader but this book for me simply plods along and never really hits the heights of a Conn Iggulden novel say.
Sorry, I know he has many fans and the writing is brilliant but... a little more excitement and/or engaging characters please?
Fantastic story of a truly great warrior leader but this book for me simply plods along and never really hits the heights of a Conn Iggulden novel say.
Sorry, I know he has many fans and the writing is brilliant but... a little more excitement and/or engaging characters please?
October 20, 2013
Review:
I have had to do some thinking about this review, i feel a need to explain my feelings without them being misinterpreted, So:
Im not a member of the BNP, im not a fan of UKIP (who are BNP but without the courage to sign up fr them…IMHO) what i am proud of is being English, im not a raving flag waving, bulldog tattoo’d bloke. I have come to love my country despite the national need to feel embarrassed about it, to feel if you celebrate St Georges day you are a racist. My love of history has not hindered that love of nation, in fact it has deepened it, to read and understand what this tiny nation has achieved is quite simply astounding.
So its always been great to read each and every book in this series by Stewart Binns, a series that from the start pulls together the different races/ nations that have attacked, conquered/ invaded and interbred with this mongrel nation that calls itself Great Britain. Anyone who reads this series should take heart, seeing how our national identity has been formed, forged in battle, mixed nations providing different temperaments and skills and behaviours. (The Saxons the, normals, the celts, the pics, the romans, the Danes etc..) . We are now adding the dogged hard working poles / eastern block nations, the history, passion and mystery of asia, the African nations etc.. This will all for me make Britain a greater nation in the long run.
I apologise for going all nationalistic in a review, but that the joy of this series, this is how it makes me feel, proud. The story of Richard is im sure told with some poetic licence, regarding his alleged family history, and the talisman. But he plot, the characters, the emotion of the story, that is classy writing. That is something that makes it a must read. The story of the Priest Alun and the Princesses is one that will leave many a damp eye. The pride of a friend like Ranulph is something everyone should enjoy, reading about his pride in his king and his friendship is a joy. Its just great to read a story with such a deep feeling of pride clear in the plot voice, and clearly shown by the author.
The only negative I have with this book is that its the end of the series. I shall miss it, but also i look forward to what comes next from this author. This book should appeal to so many readers, and don’t be put off by my ravings about England, that’s just how I feel reading this series, how Stewart Binns brings to the fore each element that makes up the core psyche of the Brit, where that spirit of adventure and action may have been developed in the cauldron of history.
Recommended
(Parm)
I have had to do some thinking about this review, i feel a need to explain my feelings without them being misinterpreted, So:
Im not a member of the BNP, im not a fan of UKIP (who are BNP but without the courage to sign up fr them…IMHO) what i am proud of is being English, im not a raving flag waving, bulldog tattoo’d bloke. I have come to love my country despite the national need to feel embarrassed about it, to feel if you celebrate St Georges day you are a racist. My love of history has not hindered that love of nation, in fact it has deepened it, to read and understand what this tiny nation has achieved is quite simply astounding.
So its always been great to read each and every book in this series by Stewart Binns, a series that from the start pulls together the different races/ nations that have attacked, conquered/ invaded and interbred with this mongrel nation that calls itself Great Britain. Anyone who reads this series should take heart, seeing how our national identity has been formed, forged in battle, mixed nations providing different temperaments and skills and behaviours. (The Saxons the, normals, the celts, the pics, the romans, the Danes etc..) . We are now adding the dogged hard working poles / eastern block nations, the history, passion and mystery of asia, the African nations etc.. This will all for me make Britain a greater nation in the long run.
I apologise for going all nationalistic in a review, but that the joy of this series, this is how it makes me feel, proud. The story of Richard is im sure told with some poetic licence, regarding his alleged family history, and the talisman. But he plot, the characters, the emotion of the story, that is classy writing. That is something that makes it a must read. The story of the Priest Alun and the Princesses is one that will leave many a damp eye. The pride of a friend like Ranulph is something everyone should enjoy, reading about his pride in his king and his friendship is a joy. Its just great to read a story with such a deep feeling of pride clear in the plot voice, and clearly shown by the author.
The only negative I have with this book is that its the end of the series. I shall miss it, but also i look forward to what comes next from this author. This book should appeal to so many readers, and don’t be put off by my ravings about England, that’s just how I feel reading this series, how Stewart Binns brings to the fore each element that makes up the core psyche of the Brit, where that spirit of adventure and action may have been developed in the cauldron of history.
Recommended
(Parm)
June 29, 2020
A well-written rousing historical adventure where you are both entertained and educated. I could not put it down until I finished the some 600 pages. I will definitely read the other books in this series!
July 5, 2014
The thing that is most striking about Binns' 'Making Of England' series is that it is so inconsistent.
The opening book, Conquest, was a fantastic, really engaging read which gave me high hopes for the sequel. Hopes which were dashed as soon as I read the disappointing Crusade. Just to get worse, the next book, based around the civil war between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Matilda was beyond irritating as the author seemed to experiment by switching to writing in present tense rather than past tense.
To anyone remotely familiar with the life story of Richard I, aka the Lionheart, to whatever degree, will already be incredibly aware of what will happen over the course of the book, the events that take place and twists etc. Therefore the key for the author is to add something or someone into the story (to whatever integral position) that makes the story stand out or adds an interesting sub plot to keep you interested, in a way that Simon Scarrow does in his book on the 16th Century siege of Malta, Sword & Scimitar.
Sadly, Binns attempts this but it is done in such a languid, lacklustre manner that it feels utterly superfluous and practically irrelevant. This lack of an additional source of intrigue and the relatively staid nature of the characters, when combined with the already obvious pattern of events, means that there is little redeemable about this book.
The best way I could describe the effect of reading this book would be the following:
Imagine if you had a sudden craving for cake, you stroll into the patisserie and see all the eclairs, the bears paws and the Danish pastries amongst others, only to walk out with a dry victoria sponge. Yes, it's a cake and it fills a hole, but there are other much nicer, more indulgent, more tasty cakes out there that you could have had instead.
The opening book, Conquest, was a fantastic, really engaging read which gave me high hopes for the sequel. Hopes which were dashed as soon as I read the disappointing Crusade. Just to get worse, the next book, based around the civil war between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Matilda was beyond irritating as the author seemed to experiment by switching to writing in present tense rather than past tense.
To anyone remotely familiar with the life story of Richard I, aka the Lionheart, to whatever degree, will already be incredibly aware of what will happen over the course of the book, the events that take place and twists etc. Therefore the key for the author is to add something or someone into the story (to whatever integral position) that makes the story stand out or adds an interesting sub plot to keep you interested, in a way that Simon Scarrow does in his book on the 16th Century siege of Malta, Sword & Scimitar.
Sadly, Binns attempts this but it is done in such a languid, lacklustre manner that it feels utterly superfluous and practically irrelevant. This lack of an additional source of intrigue and the relatively staid nature of the characters, when combined with the already obvious pattern of events, means that there is little redeemable about this book.
The best way I could describe the effect of reading this book would be the following:
Imagine if you had a sudden craving for cake, you stroll into the patisserie and see all the eclairs, the bears paws and the Danish pastries amongst others, only to walk out with a dry victoria sponge. Yes, it's a cake and it fills a hole, but there are other much nicer, more indulgent, more tasty cakes out there that you could have had instead.
November 18, 2013
Stewart Binns has written an engrossing biographical novel of the life of King Richard I, known as the Lionheart, the son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Richard was a fascinating historical character, one of legendary acclaim. At the tender age of 16, Richard successfully led his first army to a victorious win against rebels who thwarted his father. History describes him as a valiant, courageous, competent military leader. Wise, gallant, and shrewd, he was fair, generous, but could also be ruthless and unwavering.
Stewart Binns has done an exemplary job of bringing to life this fascinating man with all his faults, endearing qualities, and struggles. Of all the books written on Richard the Lionheart, this novel was particularly compelling because the author has a talent for writing historical facts without drowning the reader in an over abundance of mundane political and historical detail. Truly, the story was easy to follow, with each character being adequately introduced and easily remembered. Poignant interactions, intense battle scenes, and rich storytelling all worked together to splendidly keep me enthralled to the end. Brilliant descriptions made me feel as if I could reach out and touch Richard the duke, the knight, the warrior. This is truly one of the best books of Richard the Lionheart I have ever read. A men's adventure tale definitely worth reading.
Stewart Binns has done an exemplary job of bringing to life this fascinating man with all his faults, endearing qualities, and struggles. Of all the books written on Richard the Lionheart, this novel was particularly compelling because the author has a talent for writing historical facts without drowning the reader in an over abundance of mundane political and historical detail. Truly, the story was easy to follow, with each character being adequately introduced and easily remembered. Poignant interactions, intense battle scenes, and rich storytelling all worked together to splendidly keep me enthralled to the end. Brilliant descriptions made me feel as if I could reach out and touch Richard the duke, the knight, the warrior. This is truly one of the best books of Richard the Lionheart I have ever read. A men's adventure tale definitely worth reading.
June 4, 2019
One of, if not the, best historical fiction books that I've ever read. Binns has managed to find a way to skilfully combine gripping fiction with informative historical accuracy, and has been able to provide me with an insight into the life and reign of our king, Richard I.
July 1, 2023
a good historical read . i liked the focus in Richard the Lionheart and the crusader times .
April 16, 2019
This was a great book to read for enjoyment purposes. It actually has inspired me to look more into the history of the many races that contributed to the development of Britians mighty history.
It's absolutely mind boggling how many different ethnic groups there were, and how they all intertwined to develop one of the most intense empires historically.
It's absolutely mind boggling how many different ethnic groups there were, and how they all intertwined to develop one of the most intense empires historically.
August 15, 2022
Great book, very well researched. The characterisations were very good. Set in the 1100's this novel describes King Richard's rise to power and the trials and tribulations he faced.
April 20, 2014
Overall a bit disappointing. Whilst Richard I is an interesting subject matter and character, this book doesn't fully get that across. The truncated timespan, a whole life in one book, means that most of the details are lost. The annoying use of first person for the main protagonist jars too. Unless you are really interested in Middle English history, give this a miss
February 8, 2014
Interesting account of Malik Ric's reign and times.. quite a spellbinding read
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews