Reviews

Blood of the Innocents by Michael Jecks

errantreads's review

adventurous dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

5.0

Blood of the Innocents completes an outstanding three-book saga. The story follows a company of English archers throughout a brutal campaign rampaging across France during the Hundred Years War. Berenger Fripper, a vintener (think: first sergeant or company commander), anchors the storyline as he wrestles with both his internal and external struggles with the horror of war—especially war of this time—and how it has affected him, the landscape, the people, and his compatriots. The exploration of the inanity and failed logic of why we fight, which is then expertly painted with a grim backdrop of debased humanity, is a fascinating throughline. Each book improves upon the last and the story will stick with you for a long time to come. Jecks really nails this.