Reviews

The Archer's Tale by Bernard Cornwell

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rhoadesd20's review against another edition

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adventurous informative tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

andrewawilson's review against another edition

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adventurous informative medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

aoc's review against another edition

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4.0

Also known under the alternate title of “The Archer's Tale” Harlequin serves as first part of the Grail Quest trilogy and I was pleasantly surprised by how it turned out. I'll get more into it later in the review, but it's clear Cornwell really did major legwork in regards to research for the novel and it paid off big time.

Set at the cusp of events that will eventually become the real start of what we now refer to as the Hundred Years War between England and France, Harlequin has a somewhat plain start – our protagonist's village gets raided and a supposedly holy relic ends up stolen. Simple and overused idea, which admittedly doesn't carry much weight overall aside from establishing Thomas of Hookton really, really wants to be a famous English archer instead of following his somewhat crazy priest father's wishes to follow in his footsteps, yet it is also this origin story that provides the motivation for revenge and grander goal later on in the future. Problem is neither of these are realized that well, and keep in mind book avoids cheap cliffhanger ending, so you get a feeling it was just there because having a guy without some motivation beyond “I want to fight for my country” would be seen as superficial. Adding a mysterious past certainly didn't help the case as far as I'm concerned.

As I hinted above though, that's really just distant motivation because this book excels and revels in entirely different elements. Did you ever want to know how sieges, pillaging and engagements in general worked during the Middle Ages? You'll get your fill in this one because author knows his history and, as historic notes are quick to point out, there are only two minor events in the entire book that are fictional. Book goes into great detail as we witness events surrounding the matter of succession of Brittany and famous Battle of Crecy, as well as other skirmishes where we see just how superior Englishmen were because of their longbows and how at the time the Frenchmen simply could not stand up to them even with superior numbers and finest cavalry they could muster. Still, while the English side offers most POVs there are some exceptions and not all fighting for the French are incompetent imbeciles. There are good people on the other side so it doesn't feel completely one-sided or dull. You quickly learn chivalry is a neat idea that has no place on the battlefield aside from ransoming important people and Harlequin plays up this brutal yet mundane aspect of warfare without over-glorifying the entire thing. Well, aside from already referenced English archers who did, in fact, kick ass at the time so it's justified.

I must comment how much I like Bernard Cornwell's writing style as well. He dispenses with purple prose many writers resort to and keeps his style clean, with phrases like period-appropriate war cries interjecting and immersing you immensely into the events. This is quite important considering combat and colorful depiction thereof makes up for large portion of the page count. So much so that I was genuinely puzzled when I was left wanting for more. His clashes, raiding parties and sieges never get repetitive because you follow them all the way from initial logistics, act itself and to aftermaths, all without holding back any punches. There's culling, there's rape, there's pillaging and all other things you can imagine. All of those are portrayed as the norm and something soldiers do as part of the process. If you can't stand that for whatever reason I would advise against reading this one.

Few, albeit mostly likable characters, because military types either fall into love or hate categories, with some civilians here-and-there not really making significant impressions outside of being in distress and in need of saving or just temporary obstacles that get handled, contribute to a smaller roster you have to keep track of, but also one where you'll solely remember Thomas and his motley crew of archers. Significant romantic interest gets phased out and real movers and shakers are distant enough to not get explored in any significance. What I'm trying to say is this ain't your Game of Thrones where names are thrown at you just for the sake of coming off as densely written. Like everything else in the book this also serves its purpose and isn't there for indulgence's sake.

This one I enjoyed to unexpected degree and can wholeheartedly recommend if you're even remotely interested in the period and/or works of historical fiction. There's nothing offensively wrong or annoying in Harlequin provided you don't have something against the English plowing through French king's army. Multiple times.