Heretic

By: Bernard Cornwell

Narrated by: Tim Pigott-Smith

From New York Times bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, the sequel to The Archer’s Tale and Vagabond—the spellbinding tale of a young man, a fearless archer, who sets out wanting to avenge his family’s honor and winds up on a quest for the Holy Grail.

Already a seasoned veteran of King Edward's army, young Thomas of Hookton possesses the fearlessness of a born leader and an uncanny prowess with the longbow. Now, at the head of a small but able band of soldiers, he has been dispatched to capture the castle of Astarac. But more than duty to his liege has brought him to Gascony, home of his forebears and the hated black knight who brutally slew Thomas's father. It is also the last place where the Holy Grail was reported seen. Here, also, a beautiful and innocent, if not pious, woman is to be burned as a heretic. Saving the lady, Genevieve, from her dread fate will brand Thomas an infidel, forcing them to flee together across a landscape of blood and fire. And what looms ahead is a battle to the death that could ultimately shape the future of Christendom.

©2003 Bernard Cornwell; (P)2003 HarperCollins Publishers

A Fitting Conclusion to a Great Series

For those who are familiar with Bernard Cornwell's other series, this one starts with An Archer's Tale and concludes in a very satisfying way with this book. I read this book in paperback on a long flight and decided to listen to the series. The narrator was superb and the story really seemed to come alive. It was exciting without being gratuitously violent. There was romance without lurid details and adventure without meaningless action sequences. Everything in the story contributed to the conclusion and all the story lines were brought together skillfully. I can hardly wait for Mr. Cornwell to start another series about this era of Norman/British history.

The story

I liked the whole thing but the narrator was outstanding! A solid story and great adventure.

great

Would you listen to Heretic again? Why?

Yes, if I could get the unabridged version I'd listen to it again.

What did you like best about this story?

Wonderful main character doing what he's best suited to.

Which character – as performed by Tim Piggott-Smith – was your favorite?

Thomas of Hookton who did was he was best suited to and so made his greatest mark- as himself

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

an Archer's Heart

Any additional comments?

the only thing wrong with this is that it's abridged! I want all of it

WHERE IS THE UNABRIDGED? otherwise, 4 star story

The only reason I gave the story 3 stars was because it was abridged & I'm sure I missed so many specifics that make Cornwell's books so great to read... I think it takes place at least 5 years before 1356 but it ends a great trilogy... If you haven't read 1356, you should read it to get an extension of the merry band of characters in this book... its quick, highlighted, & to the point, so even though I got the general idea of the story I think I'll have to read the unabridged to get the full effect... If you have coupon $$ I'd suggest using the free cash they give you at times for getting books to get this because its only a bit over 6 hours... but its Cornwell....

Sharp Revisited

The setting is different, but the gore is the same as are many of the battle scenes. I have enjoyed so many of Cornwell's books that it is a shame to see him running out of new ideas. If you liked the Sharp books stay away from this series.