Blood on the Crown

Struggle for a Crown #1

by Griff Hosker

Blood on the Crown is set in the latter half of the fourteenth century. Will son of Harry is about to join one of the freebooting mercenaries who serve the Black Prince in Gascony and Spain. Soldiers of fortune they fight for pay and for loot. Circumstances mean that he comes to the attention of the heir to the English throne, Prince Edward and is chosen as the body guard for his sons, Edward and Richard. When the Black Prince dies before his father and his elder brother Edward also dies, a young Richard of Bordeaux becomes heir to the throne and Will has a greater responsibility than he expected. He becomes King at the age of just ten. Intrigue, attempted murder and a revolt by the peasants of Kent, Essex and London put both the young King and his bodyguard in mortal danger. Based on the actual events of the years 1367- 1382 the novel shows the struggle for the crown through the eyes of a young warrior.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Medieval, Audiobook, British Literature

225 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 26, 2018

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.

griff-signature-360x57

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Griff Hosker, but I am familiar with the era in which this story takes place. It worked well as an audiobook, because there are A LOT of fighting scenes, which I think would have had me skimming if I were "really reading." Will is likeable, if a bit too lucky. He and his mercenary friends are unbelievably kind and generous when they're not killing people. I liked it just enough to carry on with the second book.

[Kendrick Hardin · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this book from a historical perspective. The book seems to depict life like what it could have been like... scavaging for meals and loot, concerned about armor types and enhancements, and only moving on for the next cause.... or that main goal. That said, I feel like the book can be summed up in: "My main character comes from nothing, but is a better fighter than [ insert every other knight or peon here]. Not at first...obviously. Those early wins are due partially to luck.

I do think it's reasonable, though, to say that the reader will spend 5 of the next 10 hours reading about combat manevers, 2 of them on character development and growth, 2 of them on historical tid-bits that carry the story, and the last 1 hour on small talk and filler." One hour in I decided to buy the 2nd book because of the historical depiction. Six hours in I returned the second book because I was tired of listening to fighting stances.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read. A well written historical fiction in English history and the Black Prince. I enjoyed it immensely.

[Raqual Humphries · Rating 5 out of 5]

i could listen to Marston talk for ever! he could bring life to any bad story but thankfully this was a brilliant story made better.

[Janine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction is probably my favorite fictional genre and I also love British history especially the medieval period, so it easy to pick this book as one to listen too. Not only was it narrated exceptionally well but the story was accurate historically. This is the 1st in The Struggle for the Crown series which begins near to the end of the Black Prince’s French campaign to take Poitiers and then to be hired to return the Spanish throne to Peter I. We are introduced to Will, son of Harry, as he is taken under the wing of the Blue Squadron, campaigning with the Black Prince. We follow him as he’s initiated into battle and is given the name of battle name, Will Stongstaff, by his band of brothers. As he becomes a seasoned warrior at a young age, he is also recognized by the Prince who names him his son, Richard, bodyguard. The political intrigue of the time catches Will up and he eventually is given a small estate by the Prince and is recognized as a gentleman. The book ends when Richard is king and Will is dismissed to his estate. Really enjoyed the listen and look forward to listening more in this series.

[The Bauchler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have read a number of these back-to-back over a couple of weeks but don't feel writing a review for each would be useful.

I will make some observations that are general to the series.

The stories cover a very complex period of English history and the author does a very good job in explaining the who, the what, the when, the where and, the why.

I have always struggles with the Henry's and Richard's of the 100 Years War/War of the Roses and these books have been like a primer for me.

His strength lies in the combat element of the stories.

For the most part he does a good job in keeping the action fresh, but as with most things repetitiveness does become noticeable.

The character's - their beliefs and use of modern day idioms and phrases was problematic for me.

I didn't feel like I was experiencing 14th century Europe through the eyes of someone who was there - his characters speak and think as we do.

They have held my attention, which large series historical novels often fail to do, and I will certainly finish the series and look for other series by the author.

[Nilotpol Bedi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Name : Blood on the Crown
Author: Griff Hosker
Genre: Historical
Format: Paperback, eBook , Audiobook
Language : English
Available on : Audiobook.com
Suitable for : 16+

Plot/Storyline : Blood on the crown is a very popular historical novel . I already read it . This time , it's my great experience to listening it. A great thanks to team audiobook for making this book available on the platform. Thanks to Mr Hosker for writing a great novel and obviously narrator done it perfectly. Voice is much clear , background music played in perfect manner. Storyline was based on the medieval era. Both Edward and Richard depicted very well. I will recommend it to every book lover as well as audiobook listener.

Ratings:
Overall - 3.9/5
Title - 4/5
Cover - 3.2/5
Language - 3/5
Plot - 5/5
Storytelling - 4/5

#teammysecretbookshelf

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Confusing and not edited well otherwise a good plot

Main character Will is very likable and most of other characters are also portrayed well. Difficult to understand what was going on with the battles and why they were fought. Due to historical time period I can understand why it would be hard to write but that’s what a writer is for—to put you in an environment where you understand the reasoning behind the plot line. Multiple misspellings and poor editing add to the confusion. I enjoyed the plot once I got over trying to figure things out from the book and studied references to help give me a basis for the story. I think the author could of set the stage by putting in a forward explaining the time period and issues so that one is not thoroughly befuddled by the first book in the series.

[Charise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is now the second book in the series that I've read after randomly starting with book 4 earlier.
I enjoyed the fourth book and so went into this one with high expectations and was disappointed.

Firstly, a lot of the book was the Blue Company move from A to B and fight. Will is a tactical and warrior genius, everyone is very impressed and then they move from B to C and the same thing happens again. After a while, as soon as the fighting started I skipped ahead because it felt very routine.

Secondly, while Will wasn't perfect and I think he had some little dimension I never really felt like I got close to him. I could guess his next move but not his personality.

I will read more from this series and from other series by this author but I'm going to be much more willing to just dive in out of them and skip sections when I want.

[Mark Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda enjoyed this book. It's written in the first person so kinda odd to read an entire book in this way. Good story, about a period of which I know very little, so I'm going to persevere in the series and start book 2.. Charachter is a little "super human" in his ability to overcome all challenges - but then I guess he's the hero so you can't exactly kill him off!!! The novel is around the middle of Edward The Black Prince's life, into the early days of Richard 2nd's childhood and early assumption of the throne. The challenges faced in claiming and holding on to the throne of England. Let's see where volume 2 takes us.

[Steve Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Series by a master storyteller

It seems that Mr Hosker has thrown those of us that are loyal readers a "curve ball" by writing a new medieval series that is not connected with any storyline set in earlier or later periods of the dark ages/medieval period. It matters not however because once again he has delivered a great read that will keep you turning pages until there are none left to turn. Griff never fails to deliver in his writing. My question is why hasn't someone turned one of his story lines into a television series?

[Corey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author now and there is only one conclusion… They are entertaining! I am a big history buff and this is good straightforward historical fiction. The characters are likable, the plots are plausible and tied into history and there is plenty of action. I will continue to read the many different series this author writes and in particular will look forward to following the characters from this excellent book which involves the ascent of king Richard to the English throne!

[Steve Minnick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fasten your seat belts - Griffs going to give us another wild ride

I am almost to the time when I will need to sit down and reread all of my Griff Hosker stories. This, Blood on the Crown, is the first of a new series. I can’t wait for number 2. If you love historical fiction these books are definitely for you. Sit down, hold on and start reading. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great adventure in 1100-1200 England, Normandy. Prince Edward and his men.

This author keeps his books clean. The event are seen from the eyes of the men who fought to protect the Prince retake land that had been retaken by the French King. The Archers and Men of War saw war as a way to earn money to go back to England and have a better life for themselves. Marriage and have a family. Fills in blanks of the history of the Princes and Knights battles.

[i.s. wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting piece of historical fiction.

This was a really good book to read. Revolving around one of the most interesting times in English history. It was really well written and it was obvious that a lot of research must have been done. But another interesting fact is that Edward of Woodstock was not referred to as the Black Prince until the 16th century. Overall though, anyone interested in this period of English history would enjoy reading this.

[S. Nomakeo · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I read by this author and definitely not the last. I have quite a selection to get through. But I found a new hero in Will the son of a cruel mercenary who grew up to be an influential nobleman and eventually knight. Everything I enjoy in a historical fiction was found in this book. The first in the series I read all three. Richard II of England's reign spanned the series.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the parts with historically significant situations m/battles. Was unfortunately struggling to get through the in between bits; felt like almost nothing happened for the first 75% then a ton of stuff happened for the rest of the book. This isn’t bad necessarily, just wasn’t my cup of tea. Not sure if I’ll read the next one or not.

[Mr Roy Davidson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good introductory book. Makes you wonder how the Plantagnet era may have been if the Black Prince had survived and been king for a decent time. From boy to Captain of the King's Guard in a single book is an accomplishment. Will son of Will done good and now he is Will Strongstaff. Good diversity of scenes and correctly skipped through the inconsequential times. Looking forward to Book #02.

[Andrew Freeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cracking read.

Fantastic read with a great lead character. The only downside is the second half, which really could have been a book in itself and deserved as much depth and attention as the first half.
Still a great read ghough.

[Bev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although really enjoyable and page turning, there is no complexity to either the plot nor the characters. The main character is cliché and one dimensional, uncomplex in every sense, but I still enjoyed the book a lot.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

An amazingly good history from the view of a warrior. I am usually pretty wussy about the depiction of violence, but this is so well written that even I could read and enjoy it

[Jannice L Collins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 4.5 star rating for A historically based novel of war

If you like fast paced action, you will enjoy this as did I. The author developed his main character showing his strength and youthful errors. He draws you in to see how his history affected his loyalty and foresight.

[Chris Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book

The build up of the story of a boy to man in a harsh battle strewn world,is absolutely brilliant, I could not stop reading this book!!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not as quite good as a Cornwell book but very good nevertheless. I recommend it highly.

[Kristian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story

Good fight scenes, well written. Will continue with the series. everything with the time period seems right, like the main character.

[Victor Vilchiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

this has hints of Bernard Cornwell all over. It kept remaningding me of the Holy Grail Series with hints of Last Kingdom.

[Katelyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, but a little too high on the fluff when it comes to attempting to redeem Richard II.

[Ariahz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great non-fantastical fiction. Gripping story.

[Truls Ljungström · Rating 2 out of 5]

Väl formulaisk för min smak. men inte dålig.

[Robert Robertson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have to say historical novels are not my usual reading material .
I thought I would give this one a try . I have not been converted .
I could not engage with the characters and did not really care what happened to them .
I will not be reading the rest of the series .