Austin Hernon's The Battle for England tells the story of two women forgotten by history as they stand against the enemies of young Henry III. Rich with detail, the book plots the siege and defense that ultimately saves England from becoming French owned. Very good book and I love finding women centric books!

This is an English historical fiction story that takes place as war is brewing after the writing and signing of the Magna Carta. I am a sucker for anything relating to English history, particularly around this time period, so I was very excited to be able to read this. I thought Austin Hernon did a great job of making the history and the story very accessible, so that any reader can enjoy this story, even if they aren't very familiar with this time in history. Hernon's writing is also very engaging-it kept me on the edge of me seat while I was reading. I also very much appreciated how historically accurate this was; it was obvious that Hernon did his research!

Thankyou to NetGalley, Sapere Books and the author, Austin Hernon, for the opportunity to read a digital copy of The Battle For England in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
I thought this book provided a good, solid read. As a fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed the action and the narrative of the characters.
The scenery was highly descriptive and beautifully written. It was like watching history unfold before your eyes. 3.5 stars.
Worth a read.

I love historical fiction and was really looking forward to reading this book, however I found it hard to get into. I like the fact that it’s centred around strong female characters, virtually unheard of in history, who were supporting King Henry after the death of his father King John, who had signed the Magna Carta and then tried to renegade on it, leaving Henry facing a possible invasion. I think the author had researched the period and the chapters dealing with the battles were the most interesting ones. I think the next book in the series will be interesting because the scene has already been set and the characters introduced.

admit to being slightly obsessed with the second decade of the 13th century, and the historical events in England at that time. The Magna Carta, Prince Louis invasion. A period when the future of England largely lay in the hands of three septuagenarians, William Marshall, Peter des Roches, and Nichola de la Haye.
Nicola was the only recorded female Sheriff in English history, and I was very exited about a novel about her and the events of the period.

It takes a while to get into this novel, and it can get a little confusing at times, since each chapter is narrated by a different character, and not always the main ones.
I didn't know about Matilda de Caux, or Matilda of Laxton, an heiress who had the duty of protecting parts of Sherwood Forest.

Eventually I did get more caught up in the story about Nicola and Matilda, and their friends fighting to protect their lands whilst the country was descending into a state of virtual civil war. Both are written as strong and determined ladies, but they generally work within the roles and expectations of the period.
By which I mean they aren't motivated by anachronistic modern ideals about reacting against the patriarchy. They are instead noble widows, who are aware of their rights and roles, and are prepared to protect their lands and retainers from invading forces. This is what they are not just expected, but sometimes expressly encouraged to do by the King.

The battle scenes were probably the best written parts, which is understandable considering the military connections of the author.

However, the story felt a little cliched in places. Matilda's character for instance, becomes something of a stereotypical 'Warrior Woman' who goes around in men's clothes. This leads to one of a few of the clangers in the story: a reference to her wearing a button fronted shirt.
Buttons were not invented until at least the 14th century, and the button fronted style did not become fashionable until a few centuries after that.

A couple of minor characters could also have stepped straight off the set of Ironclad. As much as I liked the two 'Saxon' characters, I doubt 'Saxons' in 13th century Britain would really looked so much different from anyone else. In this novel though, they come across as wild, barbarian and almost Viking like. One is a blonde giant and the female carries around a Seax.

Still it was an enjoyable story, and provides some interesting insights about why the Magna Carta was so important: for women as well as for society in general.

Thanks to Sapere books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to write a review, and all the opinions expressed are my own.

Thanks to NetGalley and Sapere Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for an impartial review. The book is set in England of 1216. King John has reneged on his promises in the Magna Carta. The common people are in an uproar over the King’s heavy taxes and some rebel barons have appealed to the French Prince Louis to invade England and lead a war to overthrow the King. Soon Dover Castle is under siege and England is in revolt. The French forces march into the Midlands which are guarded by the mighty fortress of Lincoln. Lincoln and its nearby supporting fortress of Laxton are in the hands of two women loyal to the king, Nicholaa of Lincoln and Matilda of Laxton, both hereditary keepers of the King’s lands and forests. Neither woman is fond of the obnoxious King John, but loyal to England and swear to never let it fall to the French invaders. The story of the Siege of Lincoln is told in alternating points of view including Nicholaa, Matilda, Father Barnard, and others. My favorite, and the most frequently used, is the priest, Father Barnard, confidant of Nicholaa of Lincoln. It provides a fascinating look at the times and people of on that era. I only have two complaints. One was the use of certain terms of that period without explanation to the modern reader. I had to Google on a number of occasions to find descriptions. The other was that I felt that the author failed to adequately build the drama of the siege and the growing desperation of the castle’s inhabitants. This is a great book for anyone interested in English or Medieval history, and could have so much better with just a little more flair for the dramatic.

Interesting book about Britain after Magna Carta. The main characters are well developed and I enjoyed the plot. Good historical fiction.

I really enjoyed this book, it tells the story of the death of king John and the invasion of the French from several different subjects which I feel enhanced the story. I found it well researched and a joy to read can't wait for the next one. I highly recommend it to any lover of historical fiction

Thank you to Sapere Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this novel.
I have not read a piece of historical fiction for quite some time and I found this one enjoyable. It was fast paced and did not waste too much time on events etc. The changing POV was good as you got to experience the events through all the main characters eyes and therefore understand their motivations.
It was at times all little to in-depth in its descriptions and discussions, one that sticks in my mind is the discussion about gates, I also felt that at times the vocabulary was unnecessarily historical and it seemed a bit verbose. But, that might just be me being pedantic.
The narrative is about two strong women who stand out in a patriarchal society and the narrative never lets you forget that - so if you are a reader who gets triggered by comments like ‘ I am a woman and I need to remember to act like a man to survive’ then do not read this book.
If you love a good narrative and are happy to just enjoy it for what it is a fast paced historical work of fiction based loosely on actual events then get reading.

A good historical fiction, I found this book entertaining and engaging.
It's quite fast paced, well researched and sometimes it's like reading a history book more than fiction.
I liked the characters and the plot.
I look forward to reading next instalment in this series.
Recommended!
Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this ARC