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!

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.

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 :)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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..

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...

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.

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?

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

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