"The BRAND NEW action-packed, epic historical adventure from Michael Jecks
Once they'd had enough of war... Now they've had enough of peace
1359, Northern France. With the ink still drying on the Treaty of Bretigny, an agreement most believed to be nothing more than a stalemate between King Edward III of England and John II of France, the country is left riddled with both English and France armies - exhausted, adrift and directionless.
An atmosphere ripe for rebellion.
Berenger Fripper returns to the only life he truly understands, among the troops of Hawkwood's company. But danger and treachery lurk around every abandoned French farm or village. When the company comes across the promise of riches hidden in a monastery, the motley crew finally feel as though their luck is changing...
But as quickly as they find the treasure, quicker still it's stolen from under their noses, and as they seek revenge on the unknown thief, they find themselves swept up in the might - and the politics - of the Great Company... Will any of them get out alive?
Praise for Michael Jecks:
'Marvellously portrayed' C. J. Sansom
'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low
'The most wickedly plotted medieval mystery novels' The Times
'Classic Jecks - and that's as good as it gets' Susanna Gregory
'Vivid imagination and gripping prose' Anthony Riches
'Another fantastic series from Michael Jecks' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'All I can say is roll on the next one. I could not put this book down!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'A brilliant read whatever your normal genre.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Another masterpiece by Michael Jecks. Whatever you do, do not miss reading this novel it is amazing!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'All action!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Outstanding! A terriific read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review"
"Pick up the first book in this action-packed historical series from bestseller Michael Jecks. If you like Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden, you'll LOVE this! ⚔️"
"Preorder the BRAND NEW gripping instalment in the stunning Vintaine series by Michael Jecks. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.'Grim realism, stark brutality and flawed characters fighting their way through the bloody wreckage of a failing kingdom. Right up my street!' Anthony Riches
Beware the red and blue hoods - the signs of revolution
1358, Northern France. In a land ravaged by war, King John II is the prisoner of the King of England. His son, the teenaged Dauphin, must battle to impose control over the fractured kingdom. But King Charles of Navarre wants to wrestle power for himself. He leads Parisians and the Jacquerie to open rebellion, upending the social order, pitting noble against commoner in a brutal struggle for power.
A free company of English men and boys, led by John Hawkwood, previously of Sir John de Sully's Vintaine, must navigate the treacherous landscape with only their wits, combat skills and each other to rely on.
From the smouldering ruins of small French villages, to the blood-soaked battlefields, their journey is fraught with danger, dogged by a mysterious enemy intent on revenge. As they face the harsh realities of medieval warfare, their bonds are tested, and their fates intertwined with the destiny of a nation.
Praise for Michael Jecks:
'Marvellously portrayed' C. J. Sansom
'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low
'The most wickedly plotted medieval mystery novels' The Times
'Classic Jecks - and that's as good as it gets' Susanna Gregory
'Vivid imagination and gripping prose' Anthony Riches
'Another fantastic series from Michael Jecks' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'All I can say is roll on the next one. I could not put this book down!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'A brilliant read whatever your normal genre.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Another masterpiece by Michael Jecks. Whatever you do, do not miss reading this novel it is amazing!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'All action!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Outstanding! A terriific read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review"
"The third book in the thrilling Vintaine series by Michael Jecks. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.'Compellingly brought to life - both bloody reality and glorious courage'' - JULIAN STOCKWIN
France, 1356. Ten years have passed since the battle of Crécy, and the English fighters are still abroad, laying siege to cities, towns and villages. Meanwhile the Prince of Wales raids across the continent to draw King John into a battle for sovereignty over all France.
Berenger Fripper, having lost everything during the plague, is now captain of a company of mercenaries, but treachery and deceit dog him when his travels with the company lead him to Uzerche. When his path crosses that of Prince Edward and his men as they embark on their latest chevauchée to bring death and disaster to the King of France's subjects, Berenger is again enlisted as Vintener under Sir John de Sully.
Berenger leads the Vintaine into a new struggle. Can the English defeat the much larger French army, or will they find themselves finally overcome when their weary feet bring them at last to the field of battle near Poitiers...
'Fantastic read! I lived every emotion with Berenger' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Excellent!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Fantastic read' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'A very enjoyable romp through English History!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
' Don't miss this book!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Jecks is a master of the period .' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review"
"The second book in the action-packed Vintaine series by Michael Jecks. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.'Classic Jecks - and that's as good as it gets!' - SUSANNA GREGORY
1346. Calais. Berenger Fripper and the men of his Vintaine are stationed near the ancient port, a French city under English siege. They are here to capture the city and use it as a staging-post for future incursions into France.
But with the French army and Genoese mercenaries all about them, and trouble brewing among the unit, Berenger must keep a calm head. Someone in the Vintaine is leaking vital information to the French, jeopardizing not only the safety of his men but also the future of the war, and Berenger must find out who before it's too late.
When the Vintaine is attacked at sea and captured by the Genoese it looks as though their luck has run out. Can Berenger defeat the enemies that surround him and keep the English victorious?
Praise for Michael Jecks:
'Vivid imagination and gripping prose' Anthony Riches
'The most wickedly plotted medieval mystery novels' The Times
'Marvellously portrayed' C. J. Sansom
'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low
'Mr Jecks is a sublime story teller and is a match for the Cornwells, Scarrows and Igguldons of the literary world!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Excellent! Could not put this book down.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Magical writing! The depth of feeling injected into his battle scenes is frighteningly lifelike.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Yet another masterpiece!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
' An Outstanding Epic!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Jecks is a master of the period .' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review"
"Pre-order the first book in the stunning Vintaine series by Michael Jecks. Perfect for fans of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden.
'His best book yet. A cracking read in the best style of Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell, this will delight existing fans and bring many more to the fold' - Manda scott
1346. France. King Edward III is restless. Despite earlier victories the French crown remains intact. Determined to bring France under his own rule, Edward has devised a new plan of attack - one which he believes will finally bring the French army to its knees: a final, cataclysmic battle ...
Berenger Fripper, Vintener of a pox-ridden mob of sixteen who make up the Vintaine of Sir John de Sully, storms the beaches of Normandy to bring victory to their king. But the French are nowhere to be seen...
And so Berenger leads his Vintaine through France and onward to battle - the Battle of Crécy - one which will both bond and break his men and be a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years' War.
Praise for Michael Jecks:
'Marvellously portrayed' C. J. Sansom
'Michael Jecks is the master of the medieval whodunnit' Robert Low
'The most wickedly plotted medieval mystery novels' The Times
'Classic Jecks - and that's as good as it gets' Susanna Gregory
'Vivid imagination and gripping prose' Anthony Riches
'Another fantastic series from Michael Jecks' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'All I can say is roll on the next one. I could not put this book down!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'A brilliant read whatever your normal genre.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Another masterpiece by Michael Jecks. Whatever you do, do not miss reading this novel it is amazing!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'All action!' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review
'Outstanding! A terriific read.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ reader review"
"August, 1558. As London is bustling with growing trade from foreign lands, and Queen Mary's health is once again a hot topic, Jack Blackjack has much to keep him busy. And that's before his new tenant - a Dutch merchant - disappears under a cloud of suspicion, quickly presumed murdered, and Jack's latest female companion's body is found mere streets from her dwelling place. People around Jack keep inconveniently getting murdered, and he seems to be the most likely culprit! With both the authorities and the unsavoury echelons of London on his tail, nowhere is safe for Jack to hide. He must go about proving his innocence - and uncovering the mirky truth - while ensuring he doesn't find himself dancing the Tyburn jig!"
"March 1557. Jack Blackjack is back in London and enjoying a sedentary life. After his treacherous voyage back to his beloved city the previous year, he desires nothing more than women, wine, beer and more women. But his new parish of St Helen's has different ideas for him . . . A week after first laying eyes on the tempting Miss Rachel Nailor, she turns up dead on the church vestry floor . . . and someone is trying to frame him for her murder! Rachel was a woman with many secrets. But was she murdered in a fit of lustful rage, or was it part of a wider political play? Who would want Rachel dead - and Jack hanged for it? With his master breathing down his neck, and old foes crawling out of the woodwork, Jack has never been in more danger!"
"August 1556. Jack Blackjack is on a simple mission: make it back home to his beloved London. It should be simple, right? Wrong. He's made it as far as Exeter, but before he can secure a fresh steed in that hellish city, he's faced with a dead priest, ruthless thieves, and a devious Dean who's determined to see the back of Jack. That suits Jack just fine - he wants to leave! So when wealthy merchant Wolfe, offers passage to London via sea, Jack jumps at the chance . . . and unwittingly into further danger! With thieves, pirates and potential murderers at every turn who can Jack trust? Will he uncover the truth behind the dead priest and missing merchant ships? But more importantly, will he ever make it home to London with his purse strings and limbs intact?"
"July 1556. Jack Blackjack spends the night at a Devon tavern, agrees to a game of dice - and ends up accused of murder. To make matters worse, the dead man was the leader of the all-powerful miners who rule the surrounding moors. But who would frame Jack for murder . . . and why? Jack realises that the only way to clear his name - and save his skin - is to unmask the real killer. But knowing nothing of the local ways and customs, how is he to even begin? As Jack's attempts to find answers stirs up a hornet's nest of warring factions within the town, events soon start to spiral out of control . . ."
"London, 1556. Hal Westmecott, one of the city's most feared executioners, reckons Jack Blackjack owes him a favour – and now he's come to collect his dues. Hal has ordered Jack to track down his long-lost son. But when Jack's search draws him to the attention of a ruthless nobleman, a dead priest's vengeful brother and finally to a bloodstained body in a filthy lodging house, he comes to realise he is an unwitting pawn in a mesh of schemes dreamed up by the most powerful people in England. Just who is a friend, who is a foe – and will Jack escape with his life intact?"
"1555. A priest has been stabbed to death in the village of St Botolph, his body left to rot by the roadside – and Jack Blackjack stands accused of his murder. As well as clearing his name, Jack has his own reasons for wanting to find out who really killed the priest, but this is an investigation where nothing is as it seems. Was it a random attack by a desperate outlaw, or do the answers lie in the murdered priest's past? As he questions those who knew the dead man, Jack is faced with a number of conflicting accounts – and it's clear that not everyone can be telling him the whole truth."
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