Review: Rebellion by Richard Cullen

Today, I'm delighted to share my review of Rebellion, the first novel in an exciting, new medieval adventure series by Richard Cullen. Do check it out!

Rebellion is currently on blog tour with Rachel's Random Resources. Make sure to check out the other fabulous tour stops!

 

 

Rebellion

Chronicles of the Black Lion

Richard Cullen

 

Rebellion starts with a gruesome scene, which sets the tone of this fast-paced medieval adventure. The boy whose bolt was the cause of King Richard II – the Lionheart – was being punished, and it wasn't a pretty sight. But at the event, we meet the mercenary Sandre, whose discomfort at the brutality of the punishment is in stark contrast to the unfolding scene. Even with his background, all he wanted to do was return home. But another, more important, task awaits.

Fast forward 14 years, and the story unfolds in Ireland, where young Estienne Wace travels on the death of the man who'd raised him – Sandre. With him, he carries a mysterious letter – sealed – which he shows the lord of the manor. None other than Earl William Marshal, currently banished to his Irish estate by King John. 

Marshal is a fascinating character, loyal to the crown even in the face of John's murderous actions, and he makes for an interesting main character. Under his guidance, Estienne learns to become a squire. Not an easy feat for a boy of obscure background, only skin and bones. But his perseverance – especially when having to face bullies – pays off, and soon, with France plotting against the king, they are recalled to England to ward off the French attacks.

 

 

Estienne is curious, brave, headstrong, and of course, he makes the mistakes you expect a teenager to make, which makes him realistic to us readers. Some of these lead him into serious trouble – and you wouldn't want to be on King John's wrong side! As he forges a close friendship with William's son, Richard, he is thrown into a tough world of battles and sieges. 

The author has packed a lot of action into Rebellion, and Estienne's journey is not an easy one. But with his skill and quick thinking, he manages to make a name for himself. 

The challenges to King John's throne and kingdom are well known, and they provide an thrilling backdrop for a squire's coming-of-age. It was a time of much upheaval and uncertainty, yet Estienne learns fast to deal with everything he must face. 

Very well researched, Rebellion keeps a fast, relentless pace. It is a gritty read, with very few light moments. Rather, the descriptions of battles and events are detailed, accurate, and not for the faint-of-heart. 

An interesting new character on the historical fiction circuit, Estienne's journey will continue in a series of novels, and I'd be curious to see how it continues. Especially with the intriguing ending...

Rebellion is fascinating tale of a boy looking for his place in a world of warfare and danger.

 ~~~

Blurb:

The start of an epic new historical adventure series from Richard Cullen introducing The Black Lion

As war approaches, the lion will roar…

1213AD.

King Richard the Lionheart is dead, and his brother, John Lackland, sits uneasily upon the throne of England.

Across the sea, Prince Louis, heir to the powerful King Philip Augustus of France, looks to King John’s crown with a covetous eye.

But King John must be wary of rebellion, as well as invasion, for even his own barons would see their king unseated, and the French pretender put in his place.

Thrust amid this tumult is young Estienne Wace, orphan squire to Earl William Marshal – the greatest knight to ever serve the kings of England, and one of the few men who still holds faith in King John’s rule.

Raised by Marshal as his ward, Estienne must prove himself worthy of his adopted father’s name, but acceptance may be the least of his troubles. War is looming, as usurpers emerge from every quarter, determined to steal England's crown from its most wretched king.

Perfect for the fans of Bernard Cornwell, Ben Kane and Conn Iggulden.

 

Universal Buy Link: https://mybook.to/RebellionSocial

~~~

About the Author:

Richard Cullen

Richard Cullen is a writer of historical adventure and epic fantasy. His historical adventure series Chronicles of the Black Lion is set in thirteenth-century England.

 

Connect with Richard: 

Facebook: @Wordhog

Twitter: @rich4ord

Instagram: @thewordhog

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/RichardCullenNews