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The Vintener Trilogy #2
Blood on the Sand
Blood on the Sand
435 pages, Paperback
First published June 4, 2015
102 people are currently reading
232 people want to read
About the author
Michael Jecks
122 books624 followersMichael Jecks is a best-selling writer of historical novels. The son of an Actuary, and the youngest of four brothers, he worked in the computer industry before becoming a novelist full time in 1994
He is the author of the internationally popular Templar series, perhaps the longest crime series written by a living author. Unusually, the series looks again at actual events and murders committed about the early fourteenth century, a fabulous time of treachery, civil war, deceit and corruption. Famine, war and disease led to widespread despair, and yet the people showed themselves to be resilient. The series is available as ebooks and all paper formats from Harper Collins, Headline and Simon and Schuster. More recently he has completed his Vintener Trilogy, three stories in his Bloody Mary series, and a new Crusades story set in 1096, Pilgrim's War, following some of the people in the first Crusade on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He has also written a highly acclaimed modern spy thriller, Act of Vengeance.
His books have won him international acclaim and in 2007 his Death Ship of Dartmouth was shortlisted for the Harrogate prize for the best crime novel of the year.
A member of the Society of Authors and Royal Literary Society, Jecks was the Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association in 2004-2005. In 2005 he became a member of the Detection Club.
From 1998 he organised the CWA Debut Dagger competition for two years, helping unpublished authors to win their first contracts He judged the CWA/Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for three years.
Michael Jecks is a popular speaker at literary festivals and historical meetings. He is a popular after-dinner and motivational speaker and has spoken at events from Colombia to Italy, Portugal to Alaska.
His own highlights are: being the Grand Marshal of the first parade at the New Orleans 2014 Mardi Gras, designing the Michael Jecks fountain pen for Conway Stewart, and being the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada Bloody Words convention.
Michael lives, walks, writes and paints in North Dartmoor.
He is the author of the internationally popular Templar series, perhaps the longest crime series written by a living author. Unusually, the series looks again at actual events and murders committed about the early fourteenth century, a fabulous time of treachery, civil war, deceit and corruption. Famine, war and disease led to widespread despair, and yet the people showed themselves to be resilient. The series is available as ebooks and all paper formats from Harper Collins, Headline and Simon and Schuster. More recently he has completed his Vintener Trilogy, three stories in his Bloody Mary series, and a new Crusades story set in 1096, Pilgrim's War, following some of the people in the first Crusade on their long pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He has also written a highly acclaimed modern spy thriller, Act of Vengeance.
His books have won him international acclaim and in 2007 his Death Ship of Dartmouth was shortlisted for the Harrogate prize for the best crime novel of the year.
A member of the Society of Authors and Royal Literary Society, Jecks was the Chairman of the Crime Writers' Association in 2004-2005. In 2005 he became a member of the Detection Club.
From 1998 he organised the CWA Debut Dagger competition for two years, helping unpublished authors to win their first contracts He judged the CWA/Ian Fleming Steel Dagger Award for three years.
Michael Jecks is a popular speaker at literary festivals and historical meetings. He is a popular after-dinner and motivational speaker and has spoken at events from Colombia to Italy, Portugal to Alaska.
His own highlights are: being the Grand Marshal of the first parade at the New Orleans 2014 Mardi Gras, designing the Michael Jecks fountain pen for Conway Stewart, and being the International Guest of Honour at the Crime Writers of Canada Bloody Words convention.
Michael lives, walks, writes and paints in North Dartmoor.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 1, 2017
Enjoy reading Michael Jecks. I am a history fan. The is volume 2 of 3 part trilogy on the Hundred Year's War between England, King Edward and France, King Phillipe.
Engaging characters, the English, French, Genoese, the knights, the archers.
Very vivid depiction of fights in England, in the north, Marchers area and Calais, with spies on both sides.
Engaging characters, the English, French, Genoese, the knights, the archers.
Very vivid depiction of fights in England, in the north, Marchers area and Calais, with spies on both sides.
October 10, 2025
Blood on the Sand, by Michael Jecks
Part II in the Vintener Series
When last we left Sir John de Sully, Knight Banneret and the Vintaine they had fought at Crécy. Now they are laying siege to the port of Calais. It's a strategic necessity for supplying the English army as King Edward III tries to assert his claim to the French throne.
Ed, the Donkey, encounters a new boy who is trying to steal oats. The boy is clearly starving. Ed feels sorry for the boy and gives him bread. He invites the boy, named George, to join the group. George wraps himself in a blanket and falls asleep.
Berenger and his archers are on a galley moving towards Calais to help break the siege and take the town. A Genoese ramming galley is hot on their tail. If they catch up with Berenger's ship and ram it the Vintaine will all surely drown. The Genoese take Berenger's galley and turn the Vintaine over to the French to await their fate - torture and a horrible, lingering death.
After a harrowing ordeal they are freed with the help of a Frenchman who is spying for the English. His name is Jean de Vervins. He turned to the English after French King Philppe, insulted him and confiscated his lands to give to another.
Back with the Vintaine, George is reunited with his mother Marguerite, who takes a shine to Berenger and doesn't hide it. George is not well pleased, but is willing to stay with the soldiers for protection. Berenger is promoted to captain which increases his danger, but he's up to the challenge.
It may seem that I've told you too much of the story. Fear not, this only touches the plot intricacies. Jecks is a master of plot, and action, and there is plenty of each here. Also as usual Jecks is at his best in the fight scenes. I confess I'm always at the edge of my seat during the fighting, even though I know who's going to survive. There are two more books in this series, so far, and I'll read all of them!
Part II in the Vintener Series
When last we left Sir John de Sully, Knight Banneret and the Vintaine they had fought at Crécy. Now they are laying siege to the port of Calais. It's a strategic necessity for supplying the English army as King Edward III tries to assert his claim to the French throne.
Ed, the Donkey, encounters a new boy who is trying to steal oats. The boy is clearly starving. Ed feels sorry for the boy and gives him bread. He invites the boy, named George, to join the group. George wraps himself in a blanket and falls asleep.
Berenger and his archers are on a galley moving towards Calais to help break the siege and take the town. A Genoese ramming galley is hot on their tail. If they catch up with Berenger's ship and ram it the Vintaine will all surely drown. The Genoese take Berenger's galley and turn the Vintaine over to the French to await their fate - torture and a horrible, lingering death.
After a harrowing ordeal they are freed with the help of a Frenchman who is spying for the English. His name is Jean de Vervins. He turned to the English after French King Philppe, insulted him and confiscated his lands to give to another.
Back with the Vintaine, George is reunited with his mother Marguerite, who takes a shine to Berenger and doesn't hide it. George is not well pleased, but is willing to stay with the soldiers for protection. Berenger is promoted to captain which increases his danger, but he's up to the challenge.
It may seem that I've told you too much of the story. Fear not, this only touches the plot intricacies. Jecks is a master of plot, and action, and there is plenty of each here. Also as usual Jecks is at his best in the fight scenes. I confess I'm always at the edge of my seat during the fighting, even though I know who's going to survive. There are two more books in this series, so far, and I'll read all of them!
August 27, 2018
The second book in the Vintener Trilogy and, to me, this is better than the first. With so much going on it is amazing that Michael Jecks can pull it all together into a more than satisfactory whole. The characters jump out of the page and take the reader through a Medieval France torn apart by almost ceaseless warfare. The author threads the story with actual events, providing a path for the story to follow and leave the reader curious to find out more. Bring on the final instalment!
December 10, 2020
Another excellent read,I found the storyline riveting. The story of the battle against the Scots
at Neville Cross in Durham .The battle scenes were extremely brutal and very bloodthirsty, of course just a sign of the times. I am looking forward to the next book in this brilliant trylogy.
at Neville Cross in Durham .The battle scenes were extremely brutal and very bloodthirsty, of course just a sign of the times. I am looking forward to the next book in this brilliant trylogy.
November 1, 2021
Atrocious writing. Story jumps from place to place with a “break”
On the second ambush, there is no mention of retrieving the messengers satchel and why did the assassin not dispose of the satchel and contents?
On the second ambush, there is no mention of retrieving the messengers satchel and why did the assassin not dispose of the satchel and contents?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2018
Nice fictional rendering of the siege of Calais by the English in 1346.
September 1, 2018
Fast paced novel set during the Hundred Years War. Lots of intrigue, action, and suspense. Could hardly put it down once I started reading it.
January 26, 2020
Excellent story
As said elsewhere similar if slightly bleaker than Bernard Cornwall Apparently accurate -as can be - so learn a little as well.
As said elsewhere similar if slightly bleaker than Bernard Cornwall Apparently accurate -as can be - so learn a little as well.
August 10, 2020
Thought this was a bit better than the first book in the series
July 12, 2022
Enjoyable adventure set during the siege of Calais.
October 22, 2025
Highly enjoyable read. This second installment of the Vintaine series did not disappoint. I like Michael Jecks writing style.
April 20, 2022
Another exciting and bloody account full of action from the battlegrounds.
I loved the mystery too, with threats from within the ranks. Those on opposing side are not all enemies, & those close to home not all friends. The sense of mistrust and danger is always present. Jeck's vividly shows the tumults of war , while also giving us a mystery to unravel. I look forward to reading the final installment of this trilogy.
I loved the mystery too, with threats from within the ranks. Those on opposing side are not all enemies, & those close to home not all friends. The sense of mistrust and danger is always present. Jeck's vividly shows the tumults of war , while also giving us a mystery to unravel. I look forward to reading the final installment of this trilogy.
May 10, 2016
Michael keeps producing excellent reads. Here he continues to show us the travails of war while giving us perspectives that include those of the "collateral damage" of civilians, those of the labors of the archers of the vintaine, of their officers, of their knights and noblemen, and even the king's. His plot includes politics and intrigue and spy vs. spy vs. spy and even multiple betrayals. He succeeds so well at conveying the feeling of being there as you listen to the conversations among the archers. His descriptions of the battle melees brings to mind my number one question about medieval battles: how did anyone survive! The answer, of course, was to be among the last men standing. Fortunately for us, the third book in this Hundred Years War trilogy will be released later this summer, Blood of the Innocents: the Vintener trilogy. [Further, a new historical mystery series of his will be released this summer, too -- Rebellion's Message (A Jack Blackjack Mystery)]. I assure you that ALL of Michael's books are well worth reading, and I further assure you that the level of care in the production of them is definitely above average. (I base that in part on comparisons with some other historical fictions I've read that have too many annoying typos, etc.) Read all of his works: you will be well rewarded. As a long-time fan, my appreciation for the high quality of his work has grown over the years.
February 23, 2016
‘There was a chill breeze coming off the sea as Berenger Fripper squatted on his haunches near the fire.’
After the English victory at Crecy in 1346, Berenger Fripper and his men are stationed at Villeneuve-la-Hardie as part of the siege of Calais. Their mission is to defend newly won English territory from the French and their Genoese allies. But there’s a problem: someone from within the vintaine is passing important information to the French. Berenger Fripper needs to find out who it is: not only is the safety of the men at stake, but also the future of the war. The vintaine contains some new members, and there’s no shortage of suspicion and suspects.
Things get worse when the vintaine is attacked while at sea in the harbour near Calais and are captured by the Genoese. What will happen next?
‘There is not profit in death, my friend.’
I really enjoyed the way in which Mr Jecks developed many of the characters in this novel. Berenger Fripper himself is starting to feel like an old man (in his 30s) and has a number of regrets. He also has to deal with the tensions between some of the members of his vintaine while trying to work out who is passing information to the French.
I’m looking forward to the third book: some of the characters are starting to feel like old friends, and I want to know what will happen next.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
After the English victory at Crecy in 1346, Berenger Fripper and his men are stationed at Villeneuve-la-Hardie as part of the siege of Calais. Their mission is to defend newly won English territory from the French and their Genoese allies. But there’s a problem: someone from within the vintaine is passing important information to the French. Berenger Fripper needs to find out who it is: not only is the safety of the men at stake, but also the future of the war. The vintaine contains some new members, and there’s no shortage of suspicion and suspects.
Things get worse when the vintaine is attacked while at sea in the harbour near Calais and are captured by the Genoese. What will happen next?
‘There is not profit in death, my friend.’
I really enjoyed the way in which Mr Jecks developed many of the characters in this novel. Berenger Fripper himself is starting to feel like an old man (in his 30s) and has a number of regrets. He also has to deal with the tensions between some of the members of his vintaine while trying to work out who is passing information to the French.
I’m looking forward to the third book: some of the characters are starting to feel like old friends, and I want to know what will happen next.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
May 18, 2016
Michael Jecks is an excellent author who crafts fiction around history quite well. I appreciate his attention to detail, his character development, the plot twists-and-turns, as well as how he sets up for the next story. As an historian myself, I love Jecks' attention to the history; however, this new series is too violent and graphic, both language and gore, for me, personally. I have to read it in sections, as I can vividly imagine all that Jecks writes. For those who visit the renaissance faires and harken wistfully to have lived in this age, this series delineates just how harsh a time this period was.
Due to the upcoming bubonic plague which has been reported as far north as Caen, I see Berenger will soon be at war again, as Marguerite, their child, and possibly Georges will not survive, and the anger and fury with which Berenger must fight to excise his demons will prove to be just as violent and graphic. This series is not for the faint-at-heart, but it was well researched and written. I just don't know if I can continue it.
Due to the upcoming bubonic plague which has been reported as far north as Caen, I see Berenger will soon be at war again, as Marguerite, their child, and possibly Georges will not survive, and the anger and fury with which Berenger must fight to excise his demons will prove to be just as violent and graphic. This series is not for the faint-at-heart, but it was well researched and written. I just don't know if I can continue it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2015
I had long awaited this second in the Jecks trilogy. Being a long time fan of Jecks' works, I expected it to be good but it turned out even better than I had expected! While it is not for the faint of heart, as was the preceding title also, it is a most gripping read. Once again, I have to compliment Jecks on his fine historical research of primary sources so that he can then weave a meaningful story within the historical context. One feels, in my opinion, that one is there whether doing battle or in the small moments between characters. I had promised myself to read it ever so slowly but I wound up not reading as slowly as I had promised myself so must content myself with the wait for the last title in the trilogy. The wait will be hard as there are hints within 'Blood On The Sand' as to quite a story to come!
February 8, 2016
I enjoyed this book - there were many more twists in the story-line than the first one and the maritime element was quite fascinating. I did find myself checking back on names and characters as the plot thickened, which isn't a bad thing. I never really knew that the Hundred Year's War was so complex, and I've developed quite an interest, making me consult several references through reading these. I'm looking forward to the next installment!
June 10, 2015
A New War Novel From Michael Jecks
Although my favorites of Michael Jecks's novels are the Sir Baldwins, he makes the characters very engaging and I found myself sympathetic with their plights.
Although my favorites of Michael Jecks's novels are the Sir Baldwins, he makes the characters very engaging and I found myself sympathetic with their plights.
October 20, 2015
Blood on the Sand is Michael Jecks continuation of the story of a vintaine during the Hundred Years War. It dragged for me for a while. There was a jump from one scene to another. However towards the end it just picked up for me. Traitors gone and a satisfying end with a hint as to what's next.
May 5, 2016
Los arqueros ingleses se han convertido en un arma temible contra los caballeros franceses durante la Guerra de los Cien Años. En este caso, el sitio de Calais está anticipando la invasión masiva del ejército inglés contra los franceses y sus aliados escoceses.
June 22, 2016
Started off ok but dragged at the end.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews