I don’t have anything bad to say about this book at all but it felt very formulaic and that is why I haven’t given it a higher score. While I have no problem with authors repeating things that clearly work, almost the entire plot of this book is pretty much identical to the last one. I did like the ending, however, and I almost never say that. I thought it was the only way the book could have ended with any sort of credibility at all and I thought it was nicely handled. A good, solid, series of books and I enjoyed reading them.

Fortunatamente in questo terzo libro della saga la storia diventa un po' più interessante e appassionante, e il libro scorre via abbastanza bene, con poche parti noiose. Siamo lontani dalla qualità complessiva della saga di Artù, però.

8/10

Probably the best book I've read by this author, one in which large parts are not based on history other than the fights that provide the opening and the climax of the novel. The characters are beautifully drawn, and we fully enter the world of the beliefs of the day without ever sacrificing plausibility and empathy. A brilliant read.

The most disappointing thing about this book was that it had to end. As much as I like Cornwell's Saxon Tales, this series is my favorite of his. Perfect blend of history and action. Great conclusion to the series.

Heretic is #3 in Bernard Cornwell's Grail Quest series set in the 14th Century. Thomas Hookton is an English archer whose father was believed to possess the Holy Grail. Thomas's father was killed by those who wanted the power they thought the Grail would give them. In this story Thomas goes to Gascony in France to learn about his family and seek out his father's murderer. Many adventures and battles follow.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books of the series, so this one was a bit of a let down for me.

Bernard Cornwell is great at battle scenes, and creating memorable characters. However I found this book not up to the same standards as the other two books. There was a lot less action, and while I really felt for the main character Thomas in the last book because his decisions resulted

Spoiler

in the death of his wife-to-be and child

, but this book I just felt annoyed with him. You would think he would learn from that. But nope.

In this book, after again making foolish decisions for the sake of ANOTHER woman, Thomas is described by another character as a prick-for-brains. I don't think it could be said any better.

The new love interest I found flat and uninteresting, and the "romance" was skipped over altogether. Not something I would normally complain about, but it just seemed that because she was pretty she was automatically Thomas' woman. No chemistry needed, just looks. He'd become a fugitive for her. Because she was pretty. He would sacrifice a friend. Because she was pretty. He would do anything for her. Because pretty.

Doesn't hurt that she also likes to take her clothes off and dance naked in a thunderstorm.

Bloody prick-for-brains.

Such a good and satisfying classic ending!
(I love Robbie)