It’s been three years since the siege of Calais. The year is 1350 and the Essex Dogs are scattered.
Loveday is the owner of an inn in the town of Winchelsea and he is barely getting by.
Romford is a squire at the court of Edward the Third and life is so much better than he could imagine.
The rest of the Dogs are lost or scattered, but fate has a funny way of drawing the Dogs back together.
With the ever present fear of the Black Death and a fleet of Castilian ships of the coast. Life is about to become very difficult for the King and his subjects, and it’s not too long before luck and chance bring the Essex Dogs back together for one final battle.
Lion Hearts is the finale in the trilogy of The Essex Dogs and boy what a finale.
I loved this series and hope someday Dan Jones might come back to writing about this group of characters.
Never has there been a more vivid and honest piece of writing about this period of history.
Dan Jones not only entertains the reader, he brings history to life like few other authors can.
I personally think that this is one of the best historical fiction series I’ve ever read and one I most definitely recommend.

Historian and novelist Dan Jone returns to the world of 14th Century Britain for the third of his Essex Dogs books – Lion Hearts. This series, which started with Essex Dogs and continued with Wolves of Winter, followed a misfit group of archers as they fought in France in the early years of the 100 Years War. In Lion Hearts, Dan Jones revisits these characters after three tumultuous years which included the first outbreak of the Black Death.
After a brief prologue, Jones takes readers to the small coastal village of Winchelsea in 1350 where Loveday Talbot, former leader of the Essex Dogs, has purchased a tavern. But Loveday is not particularly good at peacetime life and soon finds himself in debt and working for a local smuggler. The only upside is that this brings him back in touch with some of his old crew. Meanwhile, young archer Romford has become a squire to a high powered knight and this book finds them on their way to a celebration at the under-renovation Windsor Castle. Meanwhile the threat of Castilian raids and piracy grows.
The Essex Dogs series has been characterised by its ability to conjure a time and place but to do so through the eyes of a bunch of likeable rogues. Lion Hearts is no exception as Jones paints a picture of post-plague Britain (during which 60% of the population died) that is also still under threat from European warmongering. He does not spare the hard scabble or the violence of these characters but he also leavens this with warmth, camaraderie and humour. While there is a battle to cap off this novel, it paints a very different picture to the previous two which were both spent on the battlefield in France.
Once again the two central characters of this story are Loveday and Romford, both facing very different challenges to those they have faced before. Loveday is trying to put his wartime past behind him and be an innkeeper but is not too good at it and yearns for the time he spent in battle with his crew. Romford meanwhile is essentially financially supporting the knight for whom he works while also getting as deep understanding of the problematic way in which the British aristocracy works
It feels like Lion Hearts my be the final volume in this series (although the historical note suggests that more exploits of the Essex Dogs may be in the works). Either way Jones continues to build out and illuminate a fascinating time and place through a cast of loveably flawed and often dangerous characters.

I love the fact that all the books in the Essex Dogs trilogy had a different vibe and feeling.
Lion Hearts is the perfect conclusion to this eventful and thrilling story of the gang we grew to love so much.
Impeccable writing and details, and I'm no history geek, but even I enjoyed the masterfully interwoven historical details brought to life in all the books, and Lion Hearts was no exception to that wonderful work.
Scattered all over the world, our beloved crew found each other for a final adventure filled with danger, smuggling and bloodshed.
Safe to say, Loveday's plans for retirement and leading a peaceful life as an inn owner aren’t going as expected. Owing debts, the inn in such a bad shape, it's crumbling and a not so wise offer accepted sets the pace for this page—turning story, and I definitely couldn't put it down.
It's challenging to describe without getting into spoilers, but it's a perfect wrap-up for all the characters, and I enjoyed every gritty, emotional moment of it even more than the second book.

LION HEARTS concludes this often brutal but accurate examination of the Hundred Years' War with some naval action.

This book is very different to the others in the series, both structurally and in terms of what it is focusing on. Structurally, it is in three parts. The first follows Loveday, then the second part switches across to Romford in Windsor and his new employment as a squire. There is no in-story link between these two parts as they are untouching events, but they come together in the final part. This is quite different to the more linear story telling of the previous books, following the band who are largely together and interacting more.

This difference in structure gives the book a bigger scope to examine England in the aftermath of the first phase of the Hundred Years' War. Edward III has won his victories in France but the black death has now plagued England and finances are tight. From the commons - trying to get higher wages given their labour is in demand, but forced into a more informal economy thanks to rules aimed at restricting wages - to the wealthy who are in debt from the war and struggling to keep up appearances thanks to reduced revenues from their labourer-reduced land, this book shows the bad state England was in at this time. I appreciated the look at both ends of society.

Of course, in the middle of all this, the Essex Dogs are trying to survive. They've gone on quite different paths and their usual bad luck is with them again. Their reunions were so nice; having spent several books getting to know them, it was satisfying to see them come back together. And, naturally, they get caught up in the conflict with the Castillians.

The ending is a little abrupt, the entire climactic sequence over pretty fast and seeing them all caught up in battles again - despite some of their members' attempts to get free after WOLVES OF WINTER. I sat with it for a bit before deciding I liked how it reflected the reality of life for common folk with a background in war at this point; what else were they to do when the nobles were often fighting?

In all, I have enjoyed this trilogy about ordinary fighters in the first phase of the Hundred Years War and appreciated its attention to historical accuracy.

Now that his war years are behind him, Loveday runs a pub in Winchelsea with his beloved Gilda and her infant son Sammy. But when the roof starts to leak and he receives help from the strange Mr. Large, he unwittingly agrees to smuggle goods. In the meantime, the Spanish decide to side with the French and pirates target the English coast.

Lion hearts is the third and assumed the last book in this series about a group of soldiers - The Essex Dogs - during the miserable Hunderd Years' War. Though the ending leaves it open for a sequel. I loved the first book Essex dogs, but was somewhat disappointed by Wolves of winter so I didn't know what to expect.

Fortunately, I liked this book back a lot better. The first half we follow Loveday who has left his fellow dogs behind, survived The Black Death and now runs a tavern. He feels at peace until the Castilians decide to attack the English coastside. Afterwards, we also return to court with Romford at Windsor Castle, who's a knight to sir Thomas Holland.

This novel has a clear plot again and focuses on the battle of Winchelsea against the Spanish - a naval battle I didn't really know anything about. The Dogs find each other again, including a new addition, Thorp's nephew Rigby, who gets himself into a lot of mischief.

I found the personalities of Joan Of Kent and Thomas Holland not so easy to understand. I get that Jones wants to portray the common man versus the nobility. But Joan became a character for comic purposes, even though she was also a formidable woman.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I'm now curious if this is a goodbye or a see you soon?

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

He has done it again!
Dan Jones thank you for another Essex Dogs adventure.
As usual the start of the book was gripping with Loveday, the leader of the Essex Dogs retired to Winchelsea, the not so proud owner of the Green Lion Inn, which is falling down. With the black death killing so many people, tradesmen are hard to come by. Loveday is offered help by a local trader. His inn is soon looking more presentable but he has not been asked for any payment, he is already in debt. Mr Large asks him to help a smuggling gang who bring in expensive cloth and store it in his cellar. Thorp, Millstone and Thorp's nephew arrive at the Inn and part of the Dogs are reunited. All of the dogs are involved in the smuggling until it gets too dangerous and Loveday pulls out. In revenge Large gets him put into the stocks and he is badly beaten, his sudden release is because the Castilians have landed and are robbing and murdering their way through the town. The Inn is set alight.
In Windsor a former Dog Romford is a squire to Sir Thomas, an impoverished Knight who uses Romford's money. The castle is being altered so is chaotic. A meeting of the King's special Knights of the garter is held which is expensive for everyone. During a wrestling bout Romford sees Scotsman another former Dog, Scotsman is still huge but weakened by ill treatment, he is pleased to see Romford and a plan is hatched to remove a hostage from Windsor and claim a reward. They take their hostage to the port of Winchelsea and meet up with the other Dogs. so they are all together again. Their next task is to rescue Rigby and their opportunity arrives when they join the crew of a new ship, will they succeed and get back safely?
Thank you Dan, NetGalley and Ariel for this fantastic ARC

Lion Heart is the climactic ending to the Essex Dogs trilogy, a historical fiction based in the 1300’s war with France. I always find final books hard to review because spoilers for book one are so far from my mind when all I want to do is scream from the top of my lungs about the latest escapades that the Dogs find themselves in.

Personal expectations of this book were low, after book 2 didn’t give me the highs and enjoyment of book one. Lion heart took less than 3 chapters to pull me back into the world and be hooked with all the transgressions forgotten as I was whipped through the book at break neck speed.

This book was the definition of non-putdownable, it told you to strap in and its your fault if you fall out this rollercoaster.

A solid 5 star book to start and end this series and I will be recommending it if anyone does want a very non-magical historical fiction.

The epic conclusion of the Essex dogs trilogy. I probably would have dismissed this book as a man's book if I saw it in a bookstore but we read the first book at my local bookshop book club and from the first chapter I was invested in this uncouth band of characters. I was super excited to read the final instalment on NetGalley it was an instant download when I saw it. The book didn't disappoint finally we get to know what happens to each character since their years fighting has come to an end along with some new characters and more epic adventures. Like the other two in the series it's bloody and grisly and not for the feint hearted. I found the language in this third book a little too much at times it distracted from the story .
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC a great conclusion but is it ? Read on kindle for NetGalley

Loveday leader of the Essex Dogs has retired to run a pub in Winchelsea.
The pub is collapsing and in the wake of the Black death he has spent his booty accumulated fighting for Edward III in France on repairs.
When the roof collapses with no monet to repair it, he is offered a deal which leads to trouble, the payment being a price he wasn't prepared for.
At the same time the Castillian pirates are raiding the English coast.
King Edward gathers ships to fight their continuing menace so that the Essex Dogs re-united once more go to war.
A great light hearted read where English men at arms and the longbow is employed against the enemies of England.

Lionhearts is the epic conclusion to Dan Jones’s Essex Dogs trilogy and what a ride this series has been. I’ve loved every second of it, and it’s been five-star reads all the way through.

What I’ve enjoyed most is how we’ve followed one brilliant narrative thread (the life of a soldier) across three wildly different books. Essex Dogs gave us the thrill of battle, Wolves of Winter explored the burnout and disillusionment that follows, and now Lionhearts takes us into the aftermath life after the military.

Lionhearts wraps up Loveday’s journey, and the Essex Dog’s story, with a bang. If you loved book one but found book two a bit slow, I’d still highly recommend seeing it through Lionhearts delivers a strong finish that’s worth it.

We all know Dan Jones from his non-fiction work, but this first foray into fiction has been a wild, brilliant shift. His background as a historian shines through which I know might sound obvious, but as a history nerd myself, I really appreciated the depth it added. That historical insight brings the world and its characters to life on a whole different level.

Now... how soon is too soon for a re-read?

This is the third chapter in the story of the Essex Dogs and probably my favourite so far but could easily be enjoyed as a standalone. They return in a thrilling tale set around the town of Winchelsea and the royal court at Windsor in the years following the plague. As always the historical detail is finely tuned to create a realistic environment of a country trying to get back on its feet with all the trials and tribulations of hardship and loss. But civilian life does not always sit easy as Loveday, now retired and running The Green Man misses the old days. As the Castilians loom on the horizons, the remaining Essex Dogs gradually reunite, the familiar camaraderie restored and excitement reignites in his slightly larger belly
It is wonderful storytelling, drawing the reader into the lives of the characters both old and new yet keeping up the pace and momentum. The descriptions of the court, the building site that is Windsor Castle are lively and colourful (the language a little too colourful at times for me). I really enjoyed the short contemporary historical excerpts at the beginning of each chapter that remind the reader that the story revolves around real events.
There is plenty of action and intrigue, with smugglers and hostages and a riveting stand off at sea thrown in for good measure.
As danger threatens and loyalties are torn, Dan Jones thrusts the reader into the heart of the battle but never loses sight of the fact that, although mainly fictional, the characters represent the lives of real people.
The climax is dramatic and heart rending but, although depleted in numbers there is a gentle hint that we haven’t seen the last of the Essex Dogs and I look forward to whatever the future holds in store for them.

Time has passed and the surviving Dogs are about their own business. In a country barely past the plague a new threat, piratical Castilians, proves instrumental in the Essex Dogs fortuitous reunion and their resolve to rescue one of their own.
A memorable trilogy from an author worth following.

Another brilliant book about the Essex Dogs. Crude, rude, blasphemous, violent and viscious - and so so readable. Dan Jones must be the master of medieval curses!! The Essex Dogs had split and separated but they eventually find each other for another thrilling adventure. Older but not necessarily wiser. I got the feeling that this was the last in what has been a brilliant trilogy. But I would like to know more...

Rich in detail and emotional depth, this novel captures a vivid moment in time through personal, intimate storytelling. The characters feel fully lived-in, shaped by history but never reduced by it. Themes of love, survival, and quiet resilience unfold against a beautifully rendered backdrop. It’s a moving, immersive read that balances historical accuracy with narrative grace.

Having read the first two books in the Essex Dogs trilogy and really enjoyed them I was looking forward to the third.

The storyline moved along at a good pace and the book tied up several loose ends from the previous novels. Overall I thought it was a really enjoyable read. To me though it didn’t quite live up to the excitement of the first two books; the first novel in particular set a high bar.

I’ve given 4 stars as I couldn’t give 3.5⭐️

Another chapter in the story of the Essex Dogs, hopefully not the last.
Very well written and convincing, plus an education in a part of history that I am unfamiliar with.

If you have read the first two Essex Dog books, you need to read this one to finish the story of the men who make up this special group. Let's finish this amazing story together.

Three years after the siege of Calais, and after the Black Death had ravaged the land, the Essex Dogs find themselves fighting once again, though this time it's on their home soil. Loveday buys an inn and finds love after swearing he will not fight anymore. Thorpe and Millstone had a very close brush with death, while Romford is healthy and happy as a squire in the court of King Edward III. But fate brings them back together with ill intent and violence coming their way.

This book has a very different tone from the others, but it was a different world after the Black Death. The main thing it has is the Essex Dogs and the feeling of brotherhood and love that fighting men share. It is a wonderful end to the story.

I love this series of books. The Essex Dogs are the best and worst of men
This book did not disappoint plenty if fights swearing and general bad behaviour if you are a fan if Bernard Cornwell and Matthew Harffy don't hesitate read this book.

Narratively - and emotionally - satisfying conclusion to the Essex Dogs trilogy. Jones writes with his typical mastery of place - it wears its research likely but gives a real sense of the look and smell of 1350 and the aftermath of the Death.

I enjoyed Romford’s story and the ultimate link up back with remaining dogs, I didn’t think he’d make it this far! Hoping the ending allows for a new book / set of books..

Magnificent series, the adventures of the Essex Dogs continue in this the third episode. This time set more on England’s coast than in foreign battles the threat from Castilian forces is used to gradually bring the old comrades back together. The change in circumstances especially for Romford and Loveday now a tavern owner is beautifully described as is the presumed dead from a previous episode Scotsman. It all builds to a glorious climax once again skilfully using real historical characters woven into the text and leaves one hoping for more although it was billed as a trilogy.