TBHonest earns commission if you click on the link to buy!
Fields Of Glory by author Michael Jecks is the latest book to be published via Boldwood Books. It’s the first book in The Vintaine series.
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.
In Fields of Glory, Michael Jecks masterfully brings the brutal reality of 1346 France to life, immersing readers in the chaos and exhaustion of King Edward III’s relentless campaign. Far from romanticising medieval warfare, Jecks delivers a vivid, gritty portrayal where survival often feels like a greater achievement than victory.
Berenger Fripper, the rough-edged and relatable leader of a small Vintaine, anchors the story with emotional authenticity. Through his leadership, struggles, and hard choices, Michael captures both the bond and the heartbreak of soldiers marching toward the pivotal Battle of Crécy. The novel’s greatest strength lies in its atmosphere — the mud, fear, and fatigue feel tangible — and its ability to maintain real tension even with known historical outcomes.
That said, the meticulous focus on military strategy, while impressive, occasionally slows the narrative and can make it challenging to keep track of secondary characters. A bit more early character distinction would have given later moments even greater emotional weight.
Overall, Fields of Glory is a gripping, grounded, and deeply human portrayal of war. Michael Jecks offers readers not just a history lesson, but a hard-earned story of endurance, loyalty, and survival.
You can get a copy here!
TBHonest earns commission if you click on the link to buy!
About Author
2 comments
Comments are closed.