many other people, I have always perceived William the Conqueror and his Norman army as a menacing and relentless invading force that squashed the Saxons through overwhelming brute force rather than following up on a legal right to succession.

Griff Hosker’s novel Hastings, at first glance, may look an interesting take on the traditional view of 1066. It is subtitled “Conquest: Book 1” with the cover message “The Battle That Changed Everything.” This is a book coming to 1066 from a Norman perspective.

I knew that with Hosker, I would get a deeply researched and authentic medieval-age story. He has written historical novels spanning the Roman era to World War II, with my favorite series being the Lord Edward’s Archer books set in 13th-century Wales and England.

What I wasn’t ready for in Hastings were the emotional stakes of the story, which soon captured me. The protagonist, Richard fitz Malet, is a man with a complicated family background living in a complicated time of constantly shifting alliances. His father was a Norman knight, Lord Robert Malet, but his mother was English. She was the young daughter of an English housecarl, a bodyguard who served Lord Robert when he came to England. Seduced and swiftly discarded, she gave birth to an illegitimate son that the Norman family reluctantly raises, but at a distance.

There are enormous tensions springing from the circumstances of Richard’s birth. His grandfather resents the seduction of his daughter, which ruined her for marriage and broke her health, leading to an early death. Richard learns conversational English from his grandfather, the only loving family he has, which will prove crucial in later chapters. As his grandfather is responsible for teaching warrior skills and weaponry handling to the boys of the large household, he pays special attention to the training of his grandson. As he tells Richard, the Normans see the English as inferior and Richard is intended to live as a bodyguard of his half-brothers, inherently disposable. He needs the finest warrior skills obtainable in order to stay alive.

“Thanks to my grandfather, I never felt myself a Norman,” Richard tells the reader. But throughout his childhood and young manhood, he absorbs Norman standards of manhood and strengths in warfare. He respects those strengths, which made the Normans a feared group throughout Europe. However, his emotional loyalty is to his grandfather and the friends he makes himself, and later to warriors who go out of their way to look out for him, as opposed to seeing him as nothing but a human shield.

There is a great deal of tense and absorbing drama in Richard’s changing position as he slowly transforms from ignored bastard son of an obscure English girl to a formidable warrior. The Malet family is not wholly proud of those skills, especially his nasty half-brother Durand. Because Richard is not one of the “important” legitimate brothers, and these knights, squires, and housecarls often plunge into deadly conflicts, it’s by no means a certainty to the reader that Richard will escape from any encounter unscathed.

In these encounters, Hosker’s ability to describe battles--both the “big picture” and the reality of up-close fighting between men grimly trying to kill each other—really shines. He knows every detail of the weapons and armory. Those curious about William the Conqueror will find fascinating descriptions of his court and his trips to England with Richard in his retinue. These trips were diplomatic for the most part, and I was surprised by how close he was to the childless King Edward. Duke William’s claim to succeed to the English throne is outlined well.

Richard fitz Malet is more than a proficient warrior and a feared athletic combatant in a time of fierce war. He is someone of deep loyalty. While he has a good heart, there is a simmering bitterness inside Richard. I am eager to see where the next novels in Hosker’s series take this engaging protagonist.3 s James40

A great Tale of Life, Death, Honor and Dishonor.

As a Retired Soldier who fought in Vietnam, I can’t imagine what it took to fight in those days. All battle was fought hand to hand. Sometimes it was hard to say whether you won or lost. I would hope I would fight and survive but you never knew until it was over. True, we had battles similar to this in Vietnam, but I don’t think anything was as horrible as this. As usual, another great read by Griff Hosker. I think you’ll enjoy it. Andrew Kramer120

Hastings was a decent read. Unfortunately, it was a repeat of "Pistol and Gun" in that the protagonist was a lowly orphan who clawed his way up to become someone substantial. The protagonist doesn't have time for women and possesses excellent martial skills. Wash, rinse, repeat.

The book was misnamed, as the Battle of Hastings took up less than 10% of it. The preceding 90% involved the decades leading up to 1066. It was quite interesting and provided some historical accuracy if you wanted a completely Norman slant. Susan Chapman3

Another great story from the master storyteller that is Griff Hosker.
Never did I expect to be so willingly and wholeheartedly rooting for anybody to be conquering England! You just can’t help but root for Dick and his friends. Such strong characters who draw you in to their world and bring you along for the ride.
It’s such a good thing that Griff is as prolific as he is, for when you just want more, you know it’s coming, and soon. 4380088

Another excellent Grif Hosker special

Hastings from a Norman perspective a young Norman warrior with English blood rises to be rewarded after the Battle of Hastings.
His story as a bastard son, half brother to the Duke of Normandy among a slew of bastard sons surviving and striving to be warriors with spurs to yearn for. Terrie Williams14 1 follower

Cannot wait for the next book!

I cannot wait for book 2 of the Hastings series. I have read Griff's books for years and every book gets better. Take a chance. You will not regret it! Richard Hamilton12 1 follower

Yorker outdid himself

I especially d this book as the villains all received their just rewards, The leading character and his close group are all strong in their own ways. The battle details were great as usual. This is a series that I am anxious to follow.
michelle jenkins64

Well done

Wow is all I can say Griff Hosker is an amazing writer, there's not a single book that he has written that I've not d. This telling of William the Conqueror has been totally fascinating. Thank you Steve Minnick102 2

What a Fun and Exciting way to learn!!!!

This story was thoroughly entertaining and rich with history. I Eagerly await for the next book to be set into print!!!!!!

Griff Hosker is a Master Storyteller!!!!!!!!!!!! Sue Merritt20

Excellent new series of the Norman conquest


This is another triumph for Griff Hosker! It's also a tease for the second Installment is not available. I will be anxiously waiting to see the further adventures of Richard Fitz Malet. Daniel Burton25 1 follower

Daring and tantalising

Enjoyed the flow of this interesting book . Enjoyed the story line of a young boy growing into manhood in these difficult times and striving to retain his honor. Kim4

History Made Real

This is another marvelous novel by Griff Hosker.
Hosker not only brings history to life, he simultaneously makes it captivating and fun. There are too few authors capable of crafting such artistry.
Thank you, Griff! Carl A10

History with a twist

History as told by Hosker is interesting not boring. The times ,places and people are right and the dialog makes it interesting. Now i just wonder what the world would be if the battle had gone the other way.
Dan Matherly3

Hastings 1.

This is a great start to this series. Really excited to see this from a more Norman point of view. Nice idea and work Mr. Hosker, neillcowans46

as always

A great cracking story as always, thoroughly enjoyed this latest yarn
Great main character brought to life
Well done griff
But
Write faster Kevin Burnell79

Another excellent read. As the series is called " conquest " it about the Normans invading Britain from the Norman point of view. This book deals with period 1050 and 1066. Craig12 1 follower

Kudos to Hosker

I have read many of Mr Hosker’s books but this in my opinion is one of his very best. It was a great read am I recommend it to all readers of Historical Fiction. Gordon Craig14

Review

A very readable book, almost page turner. Seemed to follow the history correctly and left you looking for the next in the series Kd47 4

A well told tome

Well done Griff - you hold the tale and build to a crescendo without overdoing the suspense. The story is that much better for the balance. Tim78 2

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