I just finished "The Greatest Knight". Quite an enjoyable read but there was one aspect I didn't love. I realize that I am probably going to get flamed for posting anything like that
This is merely my opinion though as all readers like different things.
Things I did like:
-I really enjoy Chadwick's easy reading style and ability to draw me into the medieval world and this book was no different in this area.
-I really enjoyed learning about this remarkable man and couldn't believe he was honorable enough to stick to his guns for loyalty as he did.
-I realize his life is so full of details that writing a novel about him couldn't be easy and I thought Chadwick did a very nice job of this with having to span large gaps of time between some chapters. It felt pretty seamless.
-Thought she did a very nice job portraying the English royal family and they seemed consistent with every thing I have read about them.
-Seem very historically accurate (As much as I know about the subject)
The one aspect that I didnt love:
I felt like the book had WAY to much about his familial life with his wife\concubine and the royal court political discussions. It felt like this was 80% of the book. Now I realize he really was a big part of English court politics of the time but it really felt like there were pages and pages and pages of it. I am a male reader however and I realize that my interest is more in his tourney and military career. I don't dislike familial details but would have just liked a bit less of it. I would have liked the book better if it was closer to 50/50.
There were many times in the book where I felt like the book was building up to an interesting castle siege and then I turn the page and he is back with his wife and tells her how the siege went in a few sentences after the fact. I felt like the book had a good start with the battle at Drincourt and some early tourney's but it felt like he really quickly become this great tourney champion without really showing us why he was so good. Same thing with his military skills.
Anyway, I hope I don't offend by posting my opinion as that's all it is...an opinion.
I have read quite a few of Chadwick's books and really enjoy them even though some tend to vere too far into the romance category.
Cheers and keep them coming Ms. Chadwick! (Although I wish there were less Romancy covers for the newer ones)
