Northern Knight

Anarchy #3

by Griff Hosker

The Emperor Henry of the Holy Roman Empire is dying and his wife, the Empress Matilda is in danger from those who would use her to gain the title and the power, King Henry of England sends Alfraed of Norton to rescue her and avoid a war. With enemies from France, Flanders and the Empire as well as Norman traitors, the handful of Northern Knights have to fight across Europe and back. A fast moving novel which moves from Germany to the Scottish borders in the turbulent times of the early twelfth century when friends could become foes overnight.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Medieval, Historical, Fiction

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 6, 2015

About the author

I was born in 1950 in Lancashire and attended a boy’s grammar school. After qualifying as an English and Drama teacher in 1972, I worked in the North East of England for the next 35 years. During that time I did write, mainly plays, pantos and musicals for the students at the three schools in which I worked.

When I stopped teaching I set up my own consultancy firm and worked as an adviser in schools and colleges in the North East of England. The new Conservative Government ended that avenue of work and in 2010 I found that I had time on my hands; having started work at the age of 15 I found the lack of work not to my liking and used the time to research the Roman invasion of Britain and begin to create a novel. The result was The Sword of Cartimandua.

My decision to begin writing was one of the best I have ever taken.

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Reviews

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great series. It’s set mainly in England during the early part of the 12th Century. This book starts in the the 2nd quarter. This is a must for any fan of the likes of Ken Follett, Bernard Cornwall, Conn Iggulden and Angus Donald. Not so for fans of Jean Plaidy,

Much of it describes life for the ordinary people of the North and upwards through the ranks to the Knights, Barons, Earls and finally the King although the latter spends most of his time in Normandy.

The main character, Aelfraed, is now a Baron and has built up a great amount of land in the NE of England. He is a superb warrior but is also kind to his people and protects them and ensures they all have a fair share of the profits.

He is now quite rich and has quite a large number of men who fight for and with him. But as he’s so successful, he is in either fighting battles for King Henry I or defending his lands against raiders such as the Scots, Irish, Vikings and other jealous English landowners.

So if you like your Medieval battles, this is definitely for you. It isn’t too gruesome but his attention to detail makes you feel you’re amongst the action.

The books are relatively short, which I like. Sometimes books of 400+ pages can wear me down but these books are all action, not always fighting, but there is absolutely no waffling or over-descriptive. Just great writing, loads of action and very informative if you like Medieval English history.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Anarchy series which takes place in England in the 12th. century. The author follows real historical events and people to write this exciting series. I really enjoyed the first two and this one didn't disappoint. I can recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the period. I purchased books 4 and 5 and expect to read them in the future which is as good a recommendation as any.

[tony wallas · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very serviceable Griff Hosker novel. I particularly like the way that the author uses fairly short sentences to move the action along. The usual sort of characters appear doing the usual things that they do in a Griff Hosker novel. The main thing missing from this particular book was the main protagonist having to get up in the middle of the night to relieve his bladder and discovering an enemy attack; perhaps this was written at a time that Griff's bladder was behaving itself.

[John Slatton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read!

As always with Griff Hosker this book was a great read. A very well written story packed with action and intrigue. I am very much looking forward to the next book of the series.

[Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alfraed of Norton’s adventure continues. This time, the Baron must rescue Empress Matilda and return her safely to King Henry. Love the historical detail. A well written novel full of action, and court intrigues in the early English 12th Century.

[Gene Rosso · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another super awesome book by Hosker.

[Sherry Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Editing mistakes

Another great book by this author. Too bad the editing wasn't very good. There are spelling errors throughout the book.

[Todd Plekavic · Rating 5 out of 5]

so great

He gives history context that makes it so much more interesting. Please keep writing your fantastic books. I will keep reading them

[ELzabeth Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating

Once again a tale which is a reminder of the differences in behaviour and the cleverness of how much better and able a good leader. Could be of use in the type of leadership needed in modern times? Looking forward to the next adventure.

[David Hughes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Griffin bookstores a good_great job.

The 1320's are very intriguing. The anarchy shows greed and various to the max. Must be earl Norman's I.e. early English. DR H enjoyed the rapidity read of the story.