It would seem strange to those who know me that I would choose to do a book review on something completely different to the normal subjects I generally read such as Astronomy/Space books and Science Fiction.

During 2003 I came into contact with the above Boston (England) based author and we got chatting about history (which I am interested in and indeed Archaeology was one of my main interests whilst at school). A year or two earlier, Laurence had written an Historical Novel based on the events surrounding the Battle of Hastings and the invasion of William the Conqueror. This book was 'Housecarl' and had as its hero, a Saxon by the name of Ranulf Redbeard. Naturally I bought the book and enjoyed it, although (as Laurence is the first to admit) as his first novel it had a rough edge to it and was very constrained by trying to keep to the known facts for the period depicted. Nonetheless it did capture my imagination and rekindled my interest in history.

Over the last year I have badgered Laurence on when the sequel would be out and lo and behold it has now been published and we can find out more about what happens to Ranulf in the new book: 'Cold Heart, Cruel Hand'.

Laurence has clearly learned a great deal on how to weave a tale of intrigue, epic battles, life and death struggles and the tortuous affairs of the heart that sometimes afflicts even the best of us! This time the action involves the main character Ranulf his wife Alice and child Hal, Hereward the Wake and William the Conqueror as well as several subplots involving minor (but important) characters.

I bought the book and found I could not put it down and within 4 days had finished it (yes I did have more important things to do but this took over)! It flowed smoothly from start to finish and the story never seemed to falter like some tend to do. I don't want to go into specific details about what happens to Ranulf as that would spoil everyone else's enjoyment. Suffice to say that Laurence puts him and his family through much pain and hardship which is understandable considering the harrowing times that a saxon would live through under 'the Conqueror's rule'. The book brings it home what it must have been like to have your life turned upside down as the Norman's effectively take over the country, ensuring that their word was law and woe betide anyone who resisted them.

Although the novel has a similar remit to 'Housecarl' in that it has certain historical facts to take into account, Laurence has successfully woven them into what I think is a great story and certainly worthy of a Movie spin-off on the scale of several recent blockbusters so Movie Directors - take note!

The only thing more I can say now is BUY IT and see for yourself.

My rating
9/10

Website links:

'Cold Heart, Cruel Hand' is available from most good bookshops and is available from Amazon.co.uk as well.