Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN: 9780006513841
ISBN: 0006513840
Label: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Number Of Pages: 484
Publication Date: June 04, 2001
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd
Studio: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

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Editorial Review:

Amazon.co.uk Review:
Following the phenomenal success of the Sharpe novels set in the Napoleonic Wars, Bernard Cornwell has turned his storytelling talents to another great moment in English history, the Hundred Years War between England and France throughout the 14th century. Harlequin is the first book in Cornwell's Grail Quest series, which chronicles the adventures of young Thomas of Hookton, "a big, bony, black-haired country boy". Thomas rejects the church in favour of the life of an archer in France after his village is brutally sacked by the French. The young Thomas fights back against the French with his bow, and "in that one instant, as the first arrow slid into the sky, he knew he wanted nothing more from life". He vows to seek revenge on the plains of France, and recover the holy relic of St. George stolen from his village by the sinister "harlequin" with whose destiny Thomas finds himself inextricably entwined. The rest of the action moves at a hectic pace across the violent and bloody battlefields of northern France, as Thomas falls for a beautiful French widow nicknamed "the Blackbird", makes a mortal enemy of the "poor, bitter and ambitious" Sir Simon Jekyll, and follows the ensign of King Edward III and his heroic son, the Black Prince. Harlequin is a fast-paced and graphic recreation of the Hundred Years War, despite a rather gratuitous fixation on rape and pillage. The action comes thick and fast, although it remains to be seen if Thomas of Hookton has the wit and flair of Cornwell's other great heroic creation, Richard Sharpe. --Jerry Brotton




Rating: - Cornwell is as steady as usual
I bought this on holiday as the book I was reading was just too depressing. I had read most of his Sharpe books so thought this would be good. Don't expect anything different, this is Sharpe 200 years earlier, but as I love that series, I was happy!
So, if you love this genre, wont get too uptight if the history is slightly inaccurate and love a good historical fiction novel, then buy this, you wont regret it.

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Rating: - AWESOME
This is one great novel. Fans of Sharpe will see some similaritis in the character, but nonetheless an excellent read.

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Rating: - Fantastic!
Okay, I read this book a couple of years ago now. And how glad I did.

Originally I bought Heretic, and wondered after a couple of pages who these people were. I realised I had bought the second in a series, so needless to say a purchase was made and I started on Heretic. A very, very good read. Cornwell's excellent writing style is evident as always - easy to read. In some ways Cornwell's excellent prose is a crime, suddenly you take a quick break to get a drink and you realise that ... Read More

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Rating: - Good Medieval Adventure!
Harlequin centres around Thomas of Hookton, an archer who joins the English army in France, after his father is murdered, and an ancient relic, is stolen from the church, when his village is plundered by French bandits.

I found this book a fascinating read. The 14th century is brought vividly back to life in its pages, as various battles are fought, based around true events, and the strategies and weaponery used are described very well.

Thomas also makes friends, enemies, ... Read More

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Rating: - A Good Start to the Series


Bernard Cornwell is the author of the acclaimed Richard Sharpe series, set during the Napoleonic Wars. I have not as yet read any of this series. The books about Arthurian England are much more my cup of tea and I read those avidly. He has also written among others, Stonehenge 2000 B.C. Bernard Cornwell lives with his wife on Cape Cod.

This book is I believe the start of a trilogy, beginning in the 14th century and following the lives of a family who have in their possession ... Read More

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