Paul Cobb

This book gave me WAY more than I expected, and I loved every page. I love historical fiction; however, I have never read anything set in 1031 traversing the continents of Spain, Normandy and England. Thankfully, the author begins this adventure with a family tree, pronunciations, place names and a little more historically correct information to help take you back to a place in time that has had a significant impact on history but seems to have been forgotten.

This is so immersive and detailed that you really can tell how much time and effort and research the author put into this. If you have ever read any of my other reviews about historical fiction, you know I am going to chase about a bazillion rabbit holes just to learn more!

Hint hint – there will be a Part 2 – no spoilers here, but I can’t wait.

This book was an interesting read which I soon got into. It involves an Arab scientist, a Jewish astronomer called Samra and a Christian monk, the year is 1031. Samra owns a knife that has text written on it that when used in connection with a special book that is centuries old, it is very powerful and can help with foretelling the future.

This was an older historic read for me than usual and I’m not into all the Royal houses that were mentioned in this book. It was well written and very informative. We travelled between countries and over the sea. It was very well plotted and had been well thought out. There were a lot of characters involved and one or two really stood out. This is book one of the series.

I read this in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. The Book and The Knife is a fantastic historical fiction that shows a great deal of passion and love of research too. I adored the introduction with help on pronunciation and place names and the added historical context at the end.

The writing showed a great understanding and research of the time period and cultures as well as a flair for fantastic story telling. I loved how the pace and plot kept you hooked but allowed you to settle in and keep up with what was going on at the same time. I know this is part one so I cannot wait for the next chapter as it were. 

The Book and the Knife is part one in The Thegn of Berewic series and is an immersive, historical novel, set about 1000 years ago, and is a fascinating glimpse into one of my favourite periods of history, medieval times.

It's fiction but based on real people and real events, and I absolutely loved the idea of a prophecy written on the blade of a knife, foretelling of a new ruler in England, and of the link to an ancient text, which leads to conflict, betrayal and a devastating feud.

So all in all, a great read full of rich 11th century detail. The author’s obvious thorough research is plain to see.

The pace of the story is just right and the characters are believable and feel real.

If you're a fan of history, and historical novels, this is certainly the book for you, and one to savour.

 I loved the cover and blurb of this book. I did really enjoy it. I liked the short chapters. I got through it a lot quicker. It was very well written and very well researched. I liked the pace of the book. I'm looking forward to the next book. I would recommend it.

As far as historical fiction goes this was the absolute bees knees. This book was so rich in atmosphere and history, the characters were so brilliantly written and the chapters were the perfect length. From Spain, to Normandy to England this book takes you on a journey through time during the 11th century that shaped the course of history for reigning kings and kings to come. From the Viking’s to the Wessex kings and even a little back story of William The Conqueror I thoroughly enjoyed this story! 

The cover grabbed me right away—it just oozes atmosphere! From the moment I opened the book, I was reassured by the helpful explanations of characters, their relationships, and even the pronunciations of some of the trickier historical terms. Little touches like that made it so much easier to relax and settle into the story.

The chapters are fairly short, and the pacing is steady with just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages. Cobb’s characters feel real and believable, and they develop beautifully as the story unfolds, giving you a real sense of the evolving narrative.

If you’re a fan of historical fiction, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s a strong start to what promises to be an intriguing series, and I’m looking forward to seeing where Cobb takes the story next!

Powerful medieval book that becomes caught up in the struggle between the two leading English families of the time and leads to the follow up of the Norman invasion of 1066. Fiction based around real events and historical figures a perfect novel for lovers of historical adventures, an enthralling read.

This is certainly and epic and powerful book set in medieval times. About the struggle between two families, it is certainly an book for the adventurous. This is a fiction novel but is based on real events and real people of the times. It is quite a long book but it will hold your attention and keep you reading.

Set in numerous places, filled with the excitement, loyalty, treachery, control feuds and the Norman Invasion of 1066, this book has it all and will keep you enthralled and on the edge of your seat. A great start to a series, I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Troubador for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

A good historical fiction draws the reader into compelling characters interwoven with historical ones. Set in the early 11th Century, the story moves from Spain to Normandy to England. The Vikings under Cnut have claimed the Crown and the former kings, the Wessex kings, are now banished. It is a time of great change and upheaval particularly in England and in only a few years, there will be changes that will set the course of history for centuries to come. The book, although it ends long before 1066, tells some of the backstory of William The Conquer who, as it turns out, had a stronger claim to the throne than the Godwins and Harold.

The historical story is told while woven into the story of a remarkable woman and a very special book and knife... There are few out and out villains although some of the “heroes” do some despicable things. The true villains are treacherous but many still have some redeeming qualities. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes the characters and how the author approaches the conquest. Four purrs and two paws up.