Listen free for 30 days
-
Medieval: Blood of the Cross
- The Medieval Sagas, Book 1
- Narrated by: David Parkinson
- Series: The Medieval Sagas, Book 1
- Length: 7 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £18.29
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Medieval II: In the Shadow of Kings
- The Medieval Sagas, Book 2
- By: K. M. Ashman
- Narrated by: Richard Mitchley
- Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
King Henry is dead, and his son, Edward Longshanks, is on his way back from crusade to claim the crown and impose his iron will on a weakened country. The nobles of north Wales are nervous and grow frustrated at the inaction of their own leader, and make a daring pact to replace him with a figurehead to unite the warring factions against the English prince. In the south, two young men attempt to rebuild their lives after a terrifying ordeal in Acre.
-
English Knight
- Anarchy, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Malk Williams
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The throne of England is slipping from King Henry’s grasp. His only son has drowned in the English Channel, and the predators are gathering ready to devour both England and Normandy. When the last of King Harold’s housecarls returns to England to die, he brings with him a reluctant hero who will save the kingdom. Alfraed, son of Ridley, is the first of a new breed; he is an English knight.
-
-
Griff Hosker does it again! Great Book!
- By Wayne on 07-03-22
-
Lord Edward's Archer
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
13th Century, Wales and England. To young Gruffyd, life has been unkind. Eking out a meagre living with his father, he has learned very quickly how to look after himself in the hostile borderlands. His father, an archer, has taught him well, and at 17 Gruffyd is a keen and able bowman. Young, loyal and skilled, it’s not long before Gruffyd finds himself following in his father’s footsteps, working as an archer in the bordering castle. But tragedy strikes when his lord commits a devastating deed, and Gruffyd is forced to make a life altering decision.
-
-
Love these books
- By Kindle Customer on 08-02-20
-
Tudor Warrior
- Tudor Warrior, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Frazer Blaxard
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
James of Ecclestone is one such youth and when he runs away to become a billman fighting the Yorkist pretender, Lambert Simnel, he begins a journey that will shape him from a youth to a man, a wild child to a Tudor warrior. Set against the backdrop of the early years of King Henry VII’s reign, this fast-moving novel takes us from the Battle of Bramham Moor to the siege of Boulogne. Beginning with the battle of Bosworth field and ending with the Skirmish of Glastonbury Tor, we see an England changing from Yorkist to Lancastrian and James of Ecclestone becoming a warrior of renown.
-
-
The throne
- By Jack Birth on 29-05-22
-
Crécy: The Age of the Archer
- Sir John Hawkwood, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A hero’s journey begins in an exhilarating new series by Griff Hosker. In 1335 the Black Death was just 13 years away from England, but there were other threats and dangers. Young John Hawkwood is forced to leave his home and seek a life in London. There he learns how to survive and, more importantly, how to fight. Leaving his life as an apprentice tailor he follows the army and King Edward to fight the Scots. He has a skill: he can not only use a bow, but he can use a sword and his mind.
-
-
Not a great story
- By Martyn Walker on 06-04-21
-
Lion
- The Golden Age, Book 1
- By: Conn Iggulden
- Narrated by: Tim McInnerny
- Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the Gods. After the myths and legends came the world of Men. In their front rank stood Pericles. The Lion of the Golden Age. Experience the epic battlefields of Ancient Greece with master storyteller Conn Iggulden.
-
-
Good but below Iggulden’s normal high standard
- By Anonymous User on 30-06-22
-
Medieval II: In the Shadow of Kings
- The Medieval Sagas, Book 2
- By: K. M. Ashman
- Narrated by: Richard Mitchley
- Length: 9 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
King Henry is dead, and his son, Edward Longshanks, is on his way back from crusade to claim the crown and impose his iron will on a weakened country. The nobles of north Wales are nervous and grow frustrated at the inaction of their own leader, and make a daring pact to replace him with a figurehead to unite the warring factions against the English prince. In the south, two young men attempt to rebuild their lives after a terrifying ordeal in Acre.
-
English Knight
- Anarchy, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Malk Williams
- Length: 8 hrs and 54 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The throne of England is slipping from King Henry’s grasp. His only son has drowned in the English Channel, and the predators are gathering ready to devour both England and Normandy. When the last of King Harold’s housecarls returns to England to die, he brings with him a reluctant hero who will save the kingdom. Alfraed, son of Ridley, is the first of a new breed; he is an English knight.
-
-
Griff Hosker does it again! Great Book!
- By Wayne on 07-03-22
-
Lord Edward's Archer
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 8 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
13th Century, Wales and England. To young Gruffyd, life has been unkind. Eking out a meagre living with his father, he has learned very quickly how to look after himself in the hostile borderlands. His father, an archer, has taught him well, and at 17 Gruffyd is a keen and able bowman. Young, loyal and skilled, it’s not long before Gruffyd finds himself following in his father’s footsteps, working as an archer in the bordering castle. But tragedy strikes when his lord commits a devastating deed, and Gruffyd is forced to make a life altering decision.
-
-
Love these books
- By Kindle Customer on 08-02-20
-
Tudor Warrior
- Tudor Warrior, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Frazer Blaxard
- Length: 10 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
James of Ecclestone is one such youth and when he runs away to become a billman fighting the Yorkist pretender, Lambert Simnel, he begins a journey that will shape him from a youth to a man, a wild child to a Tudor warrior. Set against the backdrop of the early years of King Henry VII’s reign, this fast-moving novel takes us from the Battle of Bramham Moor to the siege of Boulogne. Beginning with the battle of Bosworth field and ending with the Skirmish of Glastonbury Tor, we see an England changing from Yorkist to Lancastrian and James of Ecclestone becoming a warrior of renown.
-
-
The throne
- By Jack Birth on 29-05-22
-
Crécy: The Age of the Archer
- Sir John Hawkwood, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 8 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A hero’s journey begins in an exhilarating new series by Griff Hosker. In 1335 the Black Death was just 13 years away from England, but there were other threats and dangers. Young John Hawkwood is forced to leave his home and seek a life in London. There he learns how to survive and, more importantly, how to fight. Leaving his life as an apprentice tailor he follows the army and King Edward to fight the Scots. He has a skill: he can not only use a bow, but he can use a sword and his mind.
-
-
Not a great story
- By Martyn Walker on 06-04-21
-
Lion
- The Golden Age, Book 1
- By: Conn Iggulden
- Narrated by: Tim McInnerny
- Length: 14 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After the Gods. After the myths and legends came the world of Men. In their front rank stood Pericles. The Lion of the Golden Age. Experience the epic battlefields of Ancient Greece with master storyteller Conn Iggulden.
-
-
Good but below Iggulden’s normal high standard
- By Anonymous User on 30-06-22
-
Blood on the Crown
- Struggle for the Crown, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 10 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Will, son of Harry, is about to join one of the freebooting mercenaries who serve the Black Prince in Gascony and Spain. Soldiers of fortune, they fight for pay and for loot. Circumstances mean that he comes to the attention of the heir to the English throne, Prince Edward, and is chosen as the bodyguard for his sons, Edward and Richard. When the Black Prince dies before his father and his elder brother, Edward, also dies, a young Richard of Bordeaux becomes heir to the throne, and Will has a greater responsibility than he expected.
-
-
Disappointed
- By David G. on 11-01-20
-
The Lion of Wales
- The Complete Series, Books 1-5
- By: Sarah Woodbury
- Narrated by: Tom Mumford
- Length: 17 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Love. Magic. Faith. By the autumn of 537 AD, all who are loyal to King Arthur have retreated to a small parcel of land in North Wales. They are surrounded on all sides, heavily outnumbered, and facing near certain defeat. But Myrddin and Nell, two of the king's companions, have a secret that neither has ever been able to face: Each has seen that on a cold and snowy day in December, Saxon soldiers sent by Modred will ambush and kill King Arthur. And together, they must decide what they are willing to do, and to sacrifice, to avert that fate.
-
Sword for Hire
- Border Knight, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When his father is killed at Arsuf protecting King Richard, Thomas is knighted. His hopes of inheriting his family's manor are dashed when Prince John takes power in his brother's absence. With a handful of men, Sir Thomas is forced to travel to Sweden where he joins the Jarl Birger Brosa fighting the Estonians, Karelians and Slavs. Fighting in the harsh environment of a Baltic winter makes Sir Thomas and his men stronger. There he learns of further treachery and dishonour among Bishops, Kings and Princes who value thrones more than men.
-
Blade Bearer
- By: K M Ashman
- Narrated by: Richard Mitchley
- Length: 10 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
AD 1136. Across a barren battlefield in the shadows of Kidwelly Castle, the bodies of a defeated army lay abandoned, left to rot as a warning to all who dare rebel against the authority of the English crown. Throughout the kingdom, the people are subjected to a renewed campaign of brutality from the victorious castellans, and any thoughts of freedom are abandoned as they struggle simply to survive each passing day. However, deep beneath the Cathedral of Saint David, in a cold and damp cell that has been his home for many years, an old monk kneels in prayer.
-
A Time for Swords
- A Time for Swords, Book 1
- By: Matthew Harffy
- Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
- Length: 17 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lindisfarne, AD 793. There had been portents - famine, whirlwinds, lightning from clear skies, serpents seen flying through the air. But when the raiders came, no one was prepared. They came from the North, their dragon-prowed longships gliding out of the dawn mist as they descended on the kingdom's most sacred site. It is 8th June AD 793, and with the pillage of the monastery on Lindisfarne, the Viking Age has begun. While his fellow monks flee before the Norse onslaught, one young novice stands his ground.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Robert on 16-09-21
-
Viking Slave
- Dragonheart, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A young Saxon boy and his mother are captured in a Viking raid. Fate transforms his destiny and, thanks to an ageing one-armed warrior, he wins his freedom and becomes one with the Vikings. Clan rivalries force Dragonheart and his new Jarl to sail the seas searching for a new home. Landing on the Isle of Man, they must fight for their very survival with enemies old and new seeking their destruction.
-
-
Great listening
- By Laurence Walker-kukan on 07-05-22
-
The Saxon Wolf
- Fire Born 2
- By: Angus Donald
- Narrated by: Ade Dimberline
- Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
March, AD 773. Bjarki Bloodhand is now Fire Born - a legendary berserker inhabited by the ferocious spirit of a bear in battle. Yet he has sworn never again to allow that sacred rage to possess him, lest he for ever lose himself in the madness like his father. Tor Hildarsdottir yearns to save pagan Saxony from the grip of the Christian Franks, who now occupy half the region. But she also has serious problems closer to home with her fast-growing pet bear cub, Garm, and, worse, she seems to be falling in love.
-
The Dragon Sword
- Danelaw Saga, Book 1
- By: Griff Hosker
- Narrated by: Marston York
- Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
This story is set at the end of the 10th century and charts the journey of a young warrior, whose father, Bersi, is killed during a raid on Wessex. Sven Bersisson has to grow up quickly and to follow in his father’s footsteps. Sweyn Skull Taker, his uncle, becomes his foster father and they raid Wessex and Frankia, where the young warrior becomes a man. King Sweyn Forkbeard, the king of Denmark, uses their clan to help in his dream of defeating the Norwegians and then taking the throne of England.
-
-
A MASSIVE LETDOWN.
- By Dean on 21-10-21
-
Hawkwood's Sword
- The Brand New Adventure from the Master of Historical Fiction
- By: Christian Cameron
- Narrated by: Peter Noble
- Length: 21 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
1368. War is coming between France and Spain, and England, and in Italy the pope and the Visconti princes are battling for bloody supremacy. The worst years of Sir William Gold's life are about to begin. Leaving the side of his commander, Sir John Hawkwood, William embarks on a journey to serve the Count of Savoy, finding fame and favour in his service. But when his wife and children are struck down by the plague, William uses the poisoning of the Duke of Clarence as an excuse to escape on a witch hunt across Southern France and embark on a pilgrimage that he'd always pledged to do.
-
-
Superb as usual
- By J. H. Hillman on 24-06-22
-
King
- By: Ben Kane
- Narrated by: Philip Stevens
- Length: 14 hrs and 3 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Autumn 1192. With Jerusalem still in the Saracens' hands, and a peace treaty agreed with their leader Saladin, Richard the Lionheart is free at last to travel back to his strife-ridden kingdom. By his side at every turn is the loyal knight Ferdia, also known as Rufus. Together they will face not just Richard's archenemy Philippe Capet of France, but also the king's treacherous younger brother, John.
-
-
Excellent series
- By Anonymous User on 30-07-22
-
The Serpent Sword
- The Bernicia Chronicles, Book 1
- By: Matthew Harffy
- Narrated by: Barnaby Edwards
- Length: 12 hrs and 9 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Beobrand is compelled by his brother's almost-certain murder to embark on a quest for revenge in the war-ravaged kingdoms of Northumbria. The land is rife with danger, as warlords vie for supremacy and dominion. In the battles for control of the region, new oaths are made and broken, and loyalties are tested to the limits. With no patronage and no experience, Beobrand must form his own allegiances and learn to fight with sword and shield. Relentless in pursuit of his enemies, he faces challenges which transform him from a boy to a man.
-
-
Almost a Prequel To Cornwell's King Alfred Books.
- By Farniboy on 11-04-17
-
Viking Blood and Blade
- By: Peter Gibbons
- Narrated by: Nicholas Jordan
- Length: 9 hrs and 48 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
AD 865. The fierce Vikings stormed onto Saxon soil hungry for spoils, conquest, and vengeance for the death of Ragnar Lothbrok. Hundr, a Northman with a dog's name...a crew of battle hardened warriors...and Ivar the Boneless. Amidst the invasion of Saxon England by the sons of Ragnar Lothbrok, Hundr joins a crew of Viking warriors under the command of Einar the Brawler. Hundr fights to forge a warriors reputation under the glare of Ivar and his equally fearsome brothers, but to do that he must battle the Saxons and treachery from within the Viking army itself...
-
-
Well crafted Viking Saga
- By Mair on 25-06-22
Summary
AD 1270: Antioch has fallen, Tripoli is under siege, and Sultan Baibaars targets his Mamluk hoards against Krak des Chevalier, the Crusaders' greatest stronghold in Syria. The Holy Land is in turmoil and desperately awaits the arrival of Edward Longshanks and his relieving army of French and English Crusaders.
This is a time of brutality, an age of chivalry. A time of strong men with stronger hearts, an era with no place for the weak.
Yet a thousand miles away, a 14-year-old boy learns a disturbing secret that drives him on a Crusade of his own. A quest to avenge his family, save his brother, and in the process recover the holiest relic in the history of Christendom.
More from the same
Author
What listeners say about Medieval: Blood of the Cross
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Storm
- 26-11-14
Gird your loins, death rides to meet us!
Where does Medieval: Blood of the Cross rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
About on a par with most of them although not as good as the very best like Cornwell's Winter King.
What other book might you compare Medieval: Blood of the Cross to, and why?
Hard to say. This is obviously based in medieval times and the author has gone to great lengths to make the speech fit the period. I'm not sure if I've read many other books that are quite like this in that respect. In terms of the story, it's historical fiction, with swords and blood and a quest to retrieve a holy artifact - all well used themes but that's because they work! I'd say if you're a fan of Bernard Cornwell, Michael Jecks or any of the other recent authors exploring this period you should enjoy this story.
What three words best describe David Parkinson’s performance?
Understated (not always in a good way - some of the male characters lack emotion when talking)
Pleasant (mostly)
Okay
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
No, but that's nothing to do with the book - I just like to take my time with audiobooks!
Any additional comments?
Overall I thought the story was somewhat let down by the narrator. Although the narration is for the most part okay, the dialogue is read in something of a monotone and it means the characters and exciting scenes don't come to life as they would do if you were reading the book yourself. That said, it's still a good listen, I just think it could be even better if there was more fire and emotion in the performance.
If you're looking for some medieval fiction to listen to then I'd recommend this as it's good value for money and the story tears along for the most part.
3 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Pete Marsh
- 10-09-15
I really hoped, but you know what hope did
As books go this has a great cover and I was full of anticipation for a story that would enthral and involve me.....Oh dear how wrong I was the narration was lumbering in the most British plum in the mouth, matter of fact documentary style that for me would have been well placed on an Open University lecture, that lacked any real passion for the story.
There was little or no characterisation and what there was, was very poor indeed. I gave up listening to David Parkinson's drystone wall of a voice, and returned to the good old read it for myself, and found in doing so, that the book was so much better for that simple change of focus. That said this is a series and there are other titles in the series and I don't think I was hooked enough to bother exploring those, other than looking at the covers which are all sporting some fine artwork.
Overall the book held my interest until the end, so it wasn't awful; the history was accurate enough and I learnt a little about the crusades, which from a novel of this type is the least I would hope for.
I was however disappointed that it just boiled down to a holy relic quest in the end and to be honest that particular story line has in my opinion been done to death and in most cases far better than this. So don't expect a great read and you will do fine,but don't, and I say again DON'T buy the audio it is truly atrocious!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Garry Brooks
- 14-07-20
entertaining and captivating
It felt like I was there with Garen and that I wish I could have helped him. The story has unfinished business in areas, which makes me think a swmequel is possible.
-
Overall
- dani
- 14-02-18
Great read
I recommend reading this book highly enjoyable read. I shall be reading the next one
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- roy
- 12-02-18
Gipping medieval story
Loved this book with a strong storyline and interesting characters and lots of research having been carried and the use of actual historical events and places it was very cleverly written and based in wales to my delight as a Welsh reader
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jarrett
- 04-02-15
Meh
Wow. What's the rush? I felt like the whole book was rushed to get to the climax, which seems to be the only thing this author is interested in. So much potential and detail skipped out. And the main protagonist. We need more. To see him grow. 1 chapter he's a lil boy. A few chapters later he's a "young man" coming into his own. I sure never felt that reading it. And the narrator. The darn vocals and character voices change from one sentence to the next early on. I had to stop and restart. Thought I skipped some parts but no. The sound just totally changed without warning. The plot was decent enough. Which is why a finished the book. But could of been so much better.