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.

Dan Jones has created a powerful set of characters in the Essex Dogs trilogy and in Lion Hearts, they are pulled together again for a final outing. I’m not a huge fan of this type of historical fiction, but I enjoyed the first book in the series because the period was really brought to life. I know little about this era and the battles, but had a strong sense of people, time and place, created by skilful descriptions and a rich narrative that takes the reader to the heart of every adventure. I became invested in their adventures and Lion Hearts is full of pirates, treasures and skullduggery, but there’s a human heart in each of those depicted. They’re not just a band of brigands; they have a clear moral compass, loyalties and loves and I’ve enjoyed this series immensely. My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley fir an early review copy.

I read all of the Essex Dogs so it’s no surprise that I enjoyed this one and hope for a fourth. It’s amazes me that this hasn’t yet been made into a TV show since it’s perfect for a swashbuckling, bloody drama with Loveday as a battered olden days Jack Reacher :)

Rounded up 3

I wanted to love this book, but it just doesn’t land for me in the way I wanted it too

Book 2 was really good, the story was gritty, honest and it felt like a real story, with real consequences.

Book 3, moves so far away from this approach. I feel book 2 could have been an extra 100 pages and wrapped all the characters arc, I don’t think we needed another book.
The story is quite loose and doesn’t have any of the emotional impacts. It just felt like we were spending more time with the characters and we moved away from the historical elements of the book

Dan does write in a beautiful way and it was an easy read. I just never felt like this story was planned, it just didn’t have the emotional punches of the previous books

The third and probably final book in the Essex Dogs trilogy (no spoilers here). The remaining Dogs have been spread to the winds but fate and circumstances bring them together in a marvellous tale of derring-do featuring smuggling, piracy and war against the tricky Castilians as well as Loveday trying his hardest to settle down to a life of domestic normality after his soldiering exploits.

Of course he is drawn back into battle and leads his band of brothers once more. All the gang are here with Romford and a new character in the brilliantly drawn Rigby are back and the book is a glorious read particularly given the historical accuracy of the descriptions of time, place and people.

A rip-roaring series that I have greatly enjoyed.

Highly recommended.

The Essex Dogs had fought together in many battles for many different leaders. However those among them had died, or been lost and the group were separated. By fate they are brought back together to fight the Castilian’s who threaten to invade England. Great third instalment, which leaves you wanting more!