Bows And Arrows - Walkmen

Advantages: Great battle scenes, historical accuracy.
Disadvantages: Slightly week protagonist, although this is just a minor quibble.

...painstakingly and (according to the author) with much historical research (most of the character names, including William Hook, are lifted directly from historical records). It is in these moments that Hook, and the novel itself, come to life. The skills of a trained archer are depicted with supreme clarity, and the raft of sensations that come with combat ? blood, death, fear, panic, revulsion, terror ? commingle into a tense and gory whole. Such moments serve to lift this above the ordinary. It?s not spectacular by any means, but it does precisely what you?d expect, and serves as a great primer to one of the most important battles in British history. For fans of historical fiction, it?s a must-read. Overall it?s a decent package, with appendices giving historical insight into the battle and the yew bows put to such deadly use by the English... Read review

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Advantages: Gives a new perspective on heaven!
Disadvantages: Had to end.

...A while ago my younger sister had a book clearout, knowing my love of reading she ?donated? them to my ongoing book club that I run through my workplace, hence the review. The book I will now review is - ?Poison Arrows by Morag Prunty? This is a shock book to me. I only picked this book up to read as it was on the top of the pile and my daughter was asleep and I didn?t want to disturb her?.. Not really a reason is it! But by god (excuse the pun), I?m glad I did! I will try to do a general overview, there is rather a varied storyline happening so bear with me! Christian is a cupid, this means he is a messenger of God and aids in the ?pairing? of suitable couples on earth, he is by design also gay, something that makes for some great lines from fellow cupids further on in the book, especially from a cupid called Mayday who has... Read review

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Advantages: You may gain insight into a turbulent time in English History - the War of the Roses (white and red)
Disadvantages: It is not always easy to unravel who is on which side at which time; sentences can be long and complicated.

...one such who changed sides when it suited him. I expect, like so many classics I read as a child, I first read an abridged version of this book ~ I have colourful illustrations in my mind already as I re-read this, and wonder how many illustrations I saw and how many were created by my imagination as I first read it. One of the strongest images in my mind is that of the blind leper tapping and ringing his bell as he stalks the young Richard Shelton and John Matcham in the woodland as they are fleeing to the safety of Holywood. There are echoes of the "Robin Hood" story in the outlaws seeking to find justice by the cross-bow with their trademark "black-shafted" arrows which give this book its title. Surely there were many such displaced persons in England's history! There is humour, and irony, in this book. Above all, it... Read review

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