A great book. It starts with a great page-turning story about the lead up to the battle of Azincourt and finally ends up with the bloody battle itself. Characters are extremely real and this book is based closely on fact, which really appealled to me. From someone who was initially very wary of books like these (I love hard fact history books) I have been converted. I'm now a Cornwell fan! Top stuff.

I read it last year and thought it was the best historical fiction I had read but then I read david edwards the ebb and & flow and now I have a new favourite. I think david edwards and bernard cornwell are less soft and fluffy compared to philippa gregory, maybe more manly?

Forget your Merlins, Camelots and Hollywood drivel; this drips authenticity and is all the more frightening for it. Characterisation, ambience and dialogue all mesh together to make this a really un-put-down-able experience.

My first Bernard Cornwell book and a great change out of the world of Fantasy, for example. This book sort of activated an interest in historical fiction, though still at a very low level. It's great to read about one of the battles of the 100-year war and thus learn while reading a fascinating story. It's easy to connect with the main character (Nick Hook) and the feelings he has for a French girl, for his brother.. how he's determined to succeed, how he fights mental battles with his arch enemies (Perill brothers). Also interesting to read how the battle was fought, how hard it was to capture Harfleur and not admit it was a small victory (when more was expected), how life back then was far from pleasant. But foremost how both forces (English vs French) fought and how the first played it tactically quite brilliant. At least in this book. And last, how corrupt the church was (save for some priests) and how this continues today. Heavily recommended for fans of historical fiction and those wanting to learn more about this part of the 100 years war.