War, loyalty, and betrayal collide in this gripping continuation of The Vintaine Series, where the stakes are higher, the dangers closer, and every decision could mean survival or ruin. This is a story that pulls you straight into the chaos of battle while keeping you invested in the men fighting through it.
Treaty of Blood by Michael Jecks
Series: The Vintaine #5
Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

Once they'd had enough of war... Now they've had enough of peace

1359, Northern France. With the ink still drying on the Treaty of Bretigny, an agreement most believed to be nothing more than a stalemate between King Edward III of England and John II of France, the country is left riddled with both English and French armies – exhausted, adrift and directionless.

An atmosphere ripe for rebellion.

Berenger Fripper returns to the only life he truly understands, among the troops of Hawkwood's company. But danger and treachery lurks around every abandoned French farm or village. When the company comes across the promise of riches hidden in a monastery, the motley crew finally feel as though their luck is changing…

But as quickly as they find the treasure, quicker still it's stolen from under their noses, and as they seek revenge on the unknown thief, they find themselves swept up in the might - and the politics - of the Great Company… Will any of them get out alive?

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In this series: Fields of Glory , Ashes of Rebellion
Other books from this Author Fields of Glory , Ashes of Rebellion

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

Treaty of Blood delivers a strong and engaging continuation of the series, packed with action, political intrigue, and the harsh realities of war. Even without full context from earlier books, the story remains immersive and easy to follow, though it’s clear that returning readers will gain an even deeper appreciation of the characters and their histories.

The narrative follows familiar warriors—Berenger, Hawk, Robin, and the ever-irritating Dogbreath—as they are once again thrown into the turmoil of conflict, this time venturing deep into French territory. The tension between the French and English is palpable, and the missions undertaken by the Vintaines add a layer of strategy and danger that keeps the story moving at a steady, engaging pace.

What stood out most for me was the balance between action and intrigue. The battle scenes are vivid and intense, but the story doesn’t rely on action alone. There’s a strong undercurrent of mystery and shifting alliances that keeps you guessing, especially with the introduction of new characters who add depth and unpredictability to the narrative.

The historical setting is richly detailed, bringing both the landscape and the political complexities of the time to life. The author clearly understands the period, weaving in enough historical context to ground the story without overwhelming it. This makes the book particularly appealing for readers who enjoy military history and realistic depictions of warfare.

At times, I did feel that having read the previous book would have added more emotional weight to certain relationships and events. However, this didn’t take away from my overall enjoyment—it simply made me more interested in going back to the beginning of the series.

Overall, Treaty of Blood is a compelling historical read that blends action, strategy, and character-driven storytelling. It’s a solid four-star installment that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and military drama.

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