Set against the turbulent backdrop of post-Crécy France, Ashes of Rebellion delivers gripping battles, political intrigue, and the unmistakable craftsmanship of Michael Jecks. While it feels very much like a “middle book,” it still offers plenty to keep readers turning the pages.
Ashes of Rebellion by Michael Jecks
Series: The Vintaine #4
Genres: Fiction, Historical, Historical Fiction

Beware the red and blue hoods - the signs of revolution

1358, Northern France. In a land ravaged by war, King John II is the prisoner of the King of England. His son, the teenaged Dauphin, must battle to impose control over the fractured kingdom. But King Charles of Navarre wants to wrestle power for himself. He leads Parisians and the Jacquerie to open rebellion, upending the social order, pitting noble against commoner in a brutal struggle for power.

A free company of English men and boys, led by John Hawkwood, previously of Sir John de Sully’s Vintaine, must navigate the treacherous landscape with only their wits, combat skills and each other to rely on.

From the smouldering ruins of small French villages, to the blood-soaked battlefields, their journey is fraught with danger, dogged by a mysterious enemy intent on revenge. As they face the harsh realities of medieval warfare, their bonds are tested, and their fates intertwined with the destiny of a nation.

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I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Review

Having read book one of the series but not books two and three, I did find myself missing a bit of context going into Ashes of Rebellion. There’s little in the way of recap, which makes it harder for newer or lapsed readers to fully connect with some of the characters. Because of this, most of the cast felt more like they were treading water than developing further—though I will say the antagonist stood out as the one character who truly grew and evolved over the course of the story.

That said, the novel itself is engaging. Jecks writes with confidence and authority, and the pacing never dragged. The conflicts were layered and compelling, the action sequences clear and well-constructed, and the historical setting immersive without feeling overwhelming. Even without knowing all the backstory, I was able to follow along and enjoy the unfolding drama.

While this installment didn’t quite spark the desire to rush back for the earlier books or eagerly anticipate the next one, I still came away satisfied. As a piece of historical fiction, it delivers solid entertainment, and for readers more familiar with Jecks’ world—or particularly interested in the years following the Battle of Crécy—it likely offers even greater rewards.

In short, Ashes of Rebellion is a well-written and enjoyable chapter in the series that earns a solid four stars.

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