And she was the central character in If It Bleeds, a novella in the 2020 collection of the same name. The book contains lots of very well drawn characters, each of the Dogs is very distinct, but my favourite was the Earl of Northampton, whose creative cursing is a real highlight, and laugh out loud funny. I say ‘almost’, because there is one thing that still drives Loveday: ensuring that he looks out for all of his men and brings them back home safely. Globally bestselling historian Dan Jones makes his historical fiction debut with Essex Dogs, the explosive first instalment in an epic new trilogy set during the Hundred Years' War. The invasion of France by Edward III and his son the Black Prince in the furtherance of their claim to the French throne.

Book Review: ‘Essex Dogs,’ by Dan Jones - The New York Times

Historian Jones makes his fiction debut with a rousing story of the Hundred Years War, the first in a projected trilogy . Lawbreakers can sometimes avoid prison by joining the army, which ties into the dramatic set piece of this lengthy novel. The battle scenes are described so well you feel as though you’ve lived through them yourself, and it really does bring history to life.As the English army murder, rape and pillage like a black wave destroying everything in its path, the ‘Dogs’, despite their many years of spilling blood and thievery together, feel a little long in the tooth for the events surrounding them and the trouble that comes their way.

Essex Dogs Trilogy Series - Penguin Random House

Dan Jones is the Sunday Times and New York Times bestselling author of ten non-fiction books, including The Templars, The Colour of Time and Powers and Thrones. All throughout, the descriptions of France are engaging and easy to follow for those who – like me – are largely unfamiliar with this particular chapter of history. Its pace is just right, the author has excellent knowledge of the period and its leading characters are wonderfully flawed and plausible. With a cast of unforgettable characters, written with irrepressible verve and historical accuracy, Dan Jones delivers a compelling novel that thrums with swordswinging energy. But Jones finds the perfect balance, keeping the historical accuracy and still making it easy for a modern audience to empathise with them.The siege of Calais 1346-7 is the setting for my second novel - Wolves of Winter - which is the next instalment in the trilogy begun with Essex Dogs .

Essex Dogs by Dan Jones: 9780143137634 | PenguinRandomHouse

Few books manage to be as compelling on every level as Essex Dogs: it’s adventure, history, and heart. Swashbuckling,blood-spattered, awash with the sex, filth and violence of the Middle Ages,with a cast of unforgettable characters, written with irrepressible verve and historical accuracy,Dan Jones delivers a compelling novel that thrums with sword swinging energy. They are a close and loyal band of men who are part of the army of Edward 111 who travel to France to try to depose the supposed faux king Phillippe. The band is led by the sombre Loveday FitzTalbot, a jaded veteran who has spent years on end fighting for his country. I know Dan as a historian through his non-fiction books and documentaries, but this is his first foray into historical fiction.

A wonderful story of a group of freebooters during Edward 111’s invasion of France at the start of the 100 years war. Loveday, who must rely on his wits as much as his sword to survive, must also contend with his newly developing conscience. The Black Prince is described not as the heroic character I’ve always assumed him to be but as a whining teenager while the heroes of the piece are the gritty soldiers known as the Essex Dogs. The titular Essex Dogs are a band of ten men who form part of a company in the English army led by King Edward III. With more bloody battles, hearty high-octane action and historic thrills than you can shake an axe at, Essex Dogs, historian Dan Jones’ fiction debut, is a punch-packing page-turner fans of Bernard Cornwell will take their helmets off to.

Essex Dogs by Dan Jones - Grimdark Magazine REVIEW: Essex Dogs by Dan Jones - Grimdark Magazine

Thanks to Head of Zeus and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this great book.I enjoyed seeing the story through the eyes of the Essex Dogs and all the side characters, discovering their backgrounds and their own individualities.