If you love historical fiction that pulls you right into the mud, blood, and brutal realities of medieval warfare, Fields of Glory will sweep you away. Michael Jecks brings Edward III’s army—and the common men who fought for it—to vivid, unforgettable life.
Fields of Glory by Michael Jecks
Series: The Vintener Trilogy #1
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

1346. France.King Edward III is restless. Despite earlier victories the French crown remains intact. Determined to bring France under his own rule, Edward has devised a new plan of attack – one which he believes will finally bring the French army to its knees: a final, cataclysmic battle ...

Berenger Fripper, Vintener of a pox-ridden mob of sixteen who make up the Vintaine of Sir John de Sully, storms the beaches of Normandy to bring victory to their king. But the French are nowhere to be seen…

And so Berenger leads his Vintaine through France and onward to battle - the Battle of Crécy – one which will both bond and break his men and be a decisive turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

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Review

In the opening novel of his Hundred Years’ War trilogy, Michael Jecks masterfully brings the common soldiers of Edward III’s army to life, crafting a richly detailed, immersive story that lingers long after the final page. Fields of Glory follows Berenger Fripper and his vintaine of twenty archers from their landing near Cherbourg through the harrowing siege of Caen and the brutal march to the legendary Battle of Crécy in 1346.

Jecks captures not only the violence and chaos of medieval warfare, but also the diverse motives, hopes, and fears of the men who fought in it. Berenger is a wonderfully complex protagonist—loyal, conflicted, and deeply human—and the addition of a master gunner character offers a fascinating exploration of gunpowder’s early impact on European warfare. The battle scenes are expertly written, but Jecks also excels in depicting the long, grueling marches and the psychological toll of endless conflict. While grim at times, the vivid storytelling and compelling characters make this a deeply rewarding read. A must for fans of realistic, character-driven historical fiction.

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