Book Review - Battle Song by Ian Ross.

 Battle Song.

I have read and enjoyed Ian Ross's "Twilight of Empire" series of novels set in the late Roman period and even appeared on one of the early book covers as it is one of my other periods of reenactment.  This book is the first of a new trilogy set in the mid-Thirteenth century during the years around the rebellion of Simon de Montfort. 

Title: Battle Song.

Author: Ian Ross.

Publisher:  ‎ Hodder & Stoughton

Date: 2023.

ISBN: 978-1399708845

Pages: 416

Review:

Starting in the year 1262, this book follows the lives of the squire, Adam de Norton, and his allegedly, slightly disreputable master, Sir Robert de Dunstanville.

The background of this novel is well researched and brings the mid-Thirteenth century alive through the eyes of Adam who is quite naive and idealistic in contrast to Dustanville’s worldly and somewhat cynical views.

The portrayal of the tournament circuit in northern France is excellent, combining the clash between the ideals of chivalry and the pragmatic need of the characters as a landless knight and his squire who need to earn money from their tourneys to simply make a living.

Add to that the turmoil of political reform and rebellion that was churning in Britain at that time. The characters brush against the leading personalities such as Lord Edward and Earl Simon de Montfort.

Ross is very good at describing the combat and the atmosphere of the large tournaments and the smaller one-on-one challenges that were also commonplace in this period. His narration of the techniques of fighting, both on horseback and on foot, are accurate and exciting.

The first part of the book details their life taking part in tournaments in France up to their return to England.

The second part of the book covers their adventures and involvement in the rebellion against King Henry III led by Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester. Without too many spoilers, they are present in London during the rebels attacks on foreigners and Jews. Then the political storyline sweeps them thorugh a siege and onto the finale of the book at the Battle of Lewes in May 1264.

If you want a taste of action and a bit of medieval politics, with good characters and a few surprises then this is the book for you.

I am really looking forwards to the next books in this series.