"These were times that tried a man's character, tested his courage, and challenged his honor."
 |
Troubled Times by Gene Baumgaertner Trafford Publishing
book review by L.A. Webb
The Hundred Years War is raging in fifteenth century England. In these troubled times, William Wulfgar Howard comes of age and fights to defend the country he loves. As the bastard child of an errant knight, William is sent to live at Arundel Castle. There he trains in the tilting yards with skilled warriors and befriends Hugh Fitzalan. The two boys soon embark on an adventure that takes them deep into the battlefield. The English seem to always be on the cusp of capturing the elusive French King, Charles VII. At every turn, "the French fox had slipped past the English hound." As the hunt intensives, so does the danger. Friends are captured by the enemy and daring rescues and jail breaks ensue. William and Hugh quickly put their warrior skills to the test as they battle the enemy on both sea and land.
Baumgaertner has created a rich account of these dangerous and daring times. It's a story about friendship, honor, and rising to the occasion that transcends any time period. He mixes historical and fictional characters together to build a strong novel. A well-sourced appendix is included for those wanting more details about the character's family trees. Baumgaertner's development of William's character from a young lad frivolously playing with his cousins to fighting hand to hand combat on the high seas at the ripe old age of twelve is well-done. However, this is only Part I in the series. William and Hugh are set to continue their adventures in Royal Interlude.