What do you think?
Rate this book
From Knight to Knave
Six separate stories, from 1357 to 1992, detailing events of the Maitland family of Winterne Manor. The Will Hallett, the English archer knighted at the Battle of Poitiers, to The Jerry Atkins, property tycoon and villain, who wants the manor.These are the back stories of events featured in the four volumes of The Winterne Series.
454 pages, Paperback
Published April 1, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 12, 2021
This is a book of short stories that expands on the author's previous Winterne series of semi-historical, semi-fantasy novels set in Somerset.
The stories are interesting, with engaging characters, but as I haven't read any of the main series I was left a little adrift at times. It was rather like arriving late at a large, well-attended party that was in full swing, and feeling somewhat lost as I did not know a soul there.
Each imaginative story takes the reader to a period in time where we meet different characters who were connected to Winterne Manor at that period. The research seems well done, with a nice blend of history and adventure, intriguing characters and interesting storylines. The downside is, if you haven't read the major books in the series these stories might be a little confusing. On the other hand, they were most enjoyable!
Just a personal opinion, but I think a little more detail about the book on Amazon wouldn't go amiss, and I strongly suggest an e-version (especially Kindle Unlimited) which would entice readers into the series itself. The cover was lovely, but perhaps a darker sky or background as the white figures do not stand out enough - is that a horse or a unicorn? I also found the images along the bottom of each page a little overwhelming, although those as chapter headings were rather charming.
In all, a well written good read, but for even greater pleasure delve into the main series first.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
The stories are interesting, with engaging characters, but as I haven't read any of the main series I was left a little adrift at times. It was rather like arriving late at a large, well-attended party that was in full swing, and feeling somewhat lost as I did not know a soul there.
Each imaginative story takes the reader to a period in time where we meet different characters who were connected to Winterne Manor at that period. The research seems well done, with a nice blend of history and adventure, intriguing characters and interesting storylines. The downside is, if you haven't read the major books in the series these stories might be a little confusing. On the other hand, they were most enjoyable!
Just a personal opinion, but I think a little more detail about the book on Amazon wouldn't go amiss, and I strongly suggest an e-version (especially Kindle Unlimited) which would entice readers into the series itself. The cover was lovely, but perhaps a darker sky or background as the white figures do not stand out enough - is that a horse or a unicorn? I also found the images along the bottom of each page a little overwhelming, although those as chapter headings were rather charming.
In all, a well written good read, but for even greater pleasure delve into the main series first.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
March 10, 2022
Wow! I’m new to the Winterne series but after this blockbuster I can’t wait to dive into the saga.
From ‘Knight to Knave’ is an epic read covering several historical epochs. The longest story is the first one, set in the Middle Ages. It follows the progress of Will Hallet, a young archer fresh from the bloody fields of the Battle of Poiters. The prince is taken with him, catapulting young Will into a life of danger.
Considering how long ago this was, the author must be a tiptop researcher. Will’s world is drawn with a confidence and conviction that makes you feel you are really there. Little details from waxed groundsheets to root ginger for seasickness, from knucklebone to bakestones, all transport the reader back in time. A rollicking adventure!
But then there’s more, like a collection of short stories. Henry the Eighth, Elizabeth the First, James the Second, reigns of rebellion and intrigue! The fifth tale, set in Victorian times, will appeal to fans of Upstairs Downstairs with its cast of servants and upper crust well-to-dos. The cook Aggie McMurdo was my favourite.
Part Six brings us right up-to-date, well the nineteen nineties, with Harriet and Jerry arriving at the Winterne Manor House. Their story serves as a coda to all the tumultuous events that went before.
But with every story in this book, the characters come to life. Or to put it another way, I started to care about them. And it’s this empathy, on top of the historical accuracy and compelling plot, that will stay with me, long after I finished the last page.
Over four hundred pages spanning nine centuries. Talk about value for money! A great and satisfying read.
From ‘Knight to Knave’ is an epic read covering several historical epochs. The longest story is the first one, set in the Middle Ages. It follows the progress of Will Hallet, a young archer fresh from the bloody fields of the Battle of Poiters. The prince is taken with him, catapulting young Will into a life of danger.
Considering how long ago this was, the author must be a tiptop researcher. Will’s world is drawn with a confidence and conviction that makes you feel you are really there. Little details from waxed groundsheets to root ginger for seasickness, from knucklebone to bakestones, all transport the reader back in time. A rollicking adventure!
But then there’s more, like a collection of short stories. Henry the Eighth, Elizabeth the First, James the Second, reigns of rebellion and intrigue! The fifth tale, set in Victorian times, will appeal to fans of Upstairs Downstairs with its cast of servants and upper crust well-to-dos. The cook Aggie McMurdo was my favourite.
Part Six brings us right up-to-date, well the nineteen nineties, with Harriet and Jerry arriving at the Winterne Manor House. Their story serves as a coda to all the tumultuous events that went before.
But with every story in this book, the characters come to life. Or to put it another way, I started to care about them. And it’s this empathy, on top of the historical accuracy and compelling plot, that will stay with me, long after I finished the last page.
Over four hundred pages spanning nine centuries. Talk about value for money! A great and satisfying read.
February 20, 2023
Although written as a kind of prequel to her Winterne series this is the first of Jae Malone’s books that I have read (I’ve since bought the others to read). I have to say that I was delightfully surprised.
The novel tells the story of Winterne Manor through various owners. It is not, it should be said, a continuous history but there is a completeness as the secrets of the past are revealed in more recent periods. Jae’s historical detail points to some thorough research, and this really helped me to become drawn into the pages. Her characterisation is such that I became invested in their narratives, less so with her Knave than her Knight but I suspect that she also found him a bit of a boar too.
I lost hours at a time reading this book: it is a real page turner.
The novel tells the story of Winterne Manor through various owners. It is not, it should be said, a continuous history but there is a completeness as the secrets of the past are revealed in more recent periods. Jae’s historical detail points to some thorough research, and this really helped me to become drawn into the pages. Her characterisation is such that I became invested in their narratives, less so with her Knave than her Knight but I suspect that she also found him a bit of a boar too.
I lost hours at a time reading this book: it is a real page turner.
September 10, 2021
This isn't really a stand alone book, but if you are a fan of the Winterne series, as I am, this gives you all the historical background to Winterne Manor, it's inhabitants and the estate. It is a wonderfully engaging book, and each section is beautifully written in Jae's inimitable style. Brilliant characters, great settings and pure magic just below the surface!
May 16, 2023
I can't get over the detail within this book. Jae must go to phenomenal lengths with her research! From the intricate characters to the gripping storyline, you will not put this book down. Don't let the age range put you off, I'm 40 and I had the best time reading and glimpsing into her incredible mind and writing. Ten out of ten!
January 7, 2024
Having read much of the previous Winterne Series, I was very much looking forward to reading the prequels/backstories.
The first story about Will & Arthur is a really engrossing read. The characters are very well fleshed out and thoroughly engaging. Its a story in itself, and could stand on its own.
Part 3 - The Monk showed how the family had changed from the Royalist beginnings. It was quite gripping in parts, and I cold not put it down.
Part 4 - I was particularly interested in The Monmouth Rebellion due to distant family connections to George Jeffreys.
There is plenty of detail to be found in Jae Malones writing and the historical accuracy is astounding. However, this does not slow down the pace of the story telling. The text romps along, and I was surprised at how quickly I finished the book.
I am surprised that the BBC have not come knocking...yet!
The first story about Will & Arthur is a really engrossing read. The characters are very well fleshed out and thoroughly engaging. Its a story in itself, and could stand on its own.
Part 3 - The Monk showed how the family had changed from the Royalist beginnings. It was quite gripping in parts, and I cold not put it down.
Part 4 - I was particularly interested in The Monmouth Rebellion due to distant family connections to George Jeffreys.
There is plenty of detail to be found in Jae Malones writing and the historical accuracy is astounding. However, this does not slow down the pace of the story telling. The text romps along, and I was surprised at how quickly I finished the book.
I am surprised that the BBC have not come knocking...yet!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews