From New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, the sequel to The Archer's Tale—the spellbinding tale of a young man, a fearless archer, who sets out wanting to avenge his family's honor and winds up on a quest for the Holy Grail.
In 1347, a year of conflict and unrest, Thomas of Hookton returns to England to pursue the Holy Grail. Among the flames of the Hundred Years War, a sinister enemy awaits the fabled archer and mercenary soldier: a bloodthirsty Dominican Inquisitor who also seeks Christendom's most holy relic. But neither the horrors of the battlefield nor sadistic torture at the Inquisitor's hands can turn Thomas from his sworn mission. And his thirst for vengeance will never be quenched while the villainous black rider who destroyed everything he loved still lives.
""Cornwell writes the best battle scenes of any writer I've read past or present.""—George R.R. Martin
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"A stunning next chapter in the Grail series. We find ourselves in the north of England outside Durham with Thomas in search of answers to the mysteries left from his father about the Holy Grail. An exciting read full of action and twists. Yet the story continues... "
— Russamun82 (4 out of 5 stars)
“Another typically excellent Cornwell work.”
— VOYA“Cornwell is meticulous about historical facts and period detail, and his descriptions of butchery with arrow, mace and battleaxe are nothing if not convincing. As expected, the book culminates with battlefield slaughter on an epic scale. Cornwell fans will eat this up.”
— Publishers Weekly“An extremely well-written novel, grounded in actual historic events. As in the Sharpe books, Cornwell's battle scenes are particularly memorable…Highly recommended.”
— Library Journal“There will be torture, siege, and treachery. Historically accurate and huge fun. Vintage Cornwell.”
— Kirkus Reviews" 2nd of the Grail Quest series. Quite liked the first one, so I'll give this one a whirl. (and I have part 3 ready and waiting to be read) <br/> "
— Sho, 3/19/2011" As good as Harlequin with good battle scenes at both ends of book with a lot of intrigue thrown in with Thomas's search for clues to finding the Grail. Look forward to Reading heretic "
— Kevin, 3/14/2011" Strong action, good characterization and period flavor "
— Barbara, 3/9/2011" 2nd in the series about Thomas Hookton in the 14th Century. "
— Dick, 1/24/2011" Not as action packed as the first book in the series but still entertaining and typical Bernard Cornwell. "
— Lo, 12/17/2010" This historical novel, the second of the Grail Quest trilogy, brings to life the horrible and brutal fighting in England and France during the Hundred Years War. Not for the faint-hearted. "
— Shana, 11/30/2010" A soldiers journey on a holy quest leads him with friends to so many differnt places, many battles with other armies and holy men. The bonds he makes with his commarades is strong enough to endure anything. A truly wonderful story. "
— Mary, 10/7/2010" So far, more of the same. But it moves quickly. "
— Evan, 8/2/2010Bernard Cornwell, born in London, worked for the BBC and Thames Television before coming to the United States to write full time. His sweeping historical novels, including the acclaimed Richard Sharpe series and many more, make him a number one bestselling author in the United Kingdom and around the world. He is the author of the acclaimed New York Times bestselling Saxon Tales series, which serves as the basis for the hit television series The Last Kingdom.
Tim Pigott-Smith is an award-winning English actor of film, television, and stage and an audiobook narrator. He has narrated several notable television documentaries, including Crimes That Shook the World. He has won two AudioFile Earphones Awards, for The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene and The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyesvky. He was a three-time finalist for the 2006 Audie Award for Best Original Work for the three-part Eyewitness series by Joanna Burke. His film career includes roles in major motion pictures, including V for Vendetta, Quantum of Solace, The Remains of the Day, Gangs of New York, and more. His numerous television credits include Downton Abbey, The Jewel in the Crown, and North and South. He is also a noted radio actor, appearing in many productions on BBC Radio 4, and a regular stage actor in Shakespearean and Greek roles.