El Cid: Castilian Knight

Reconquista Chronicles, Book 1

By: Griff Hosker

Narrated by: Frazer Blaxland

This first instalment in the Chronicles tells of Rodrigo’s rise to prominence when he became the champion of Prince Sancho of Castile.

This is but the beginning of a tale which still stirs the blood a millennium after it began. The legend that was El Cid began more than 1,000 years ago, and time has meant that reality and fiction are intertwined like the threads of a spider’s web.

This is the story of a time when brother fought brother and Christian fought Christian. Power was all, and Spain was riven by strife which was political, religious and familial!

One man came from the harsh land of Castile to make one land and one state. Spain truly began with Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, El Campeador, El Cid. His story is told through the eyes of the warrior who spent his life at his side. William Redbeard came from humble origins, but he was destined for greatness too as he walked in the seemingly endless shadow of El Cid.

©2019 Griff Hosker (P)2020 W. F. Howes

Fun War Story

I’m a fan of historical fiction, I’ve read a little too much Harry Turtledove and Bernard Cornwell, as such a writer like Griff Hosker is right up my alley. El Cid is a captivating story and one that I really like seeing expanded upon. What I didn’t like in this story is Will Redbeard. He is an unbelievable character. There is no struggle with inner demons, there is no self discovery, no jealousy of his friend that he needs to come to terms with. Just a one dimensional warrior. I’ll listen to the next book but I don’t qualify this as the definitive El Cid story, at least not at this point. Maybe Will morphs into a real person in the next volume.

Great story

This book caught my attention right from the start and kept it all the way to the very end. I thought the story was well written with some good historical fiction about Spain. I would highly recommend this book.

A wonderful and refreshing historic fiction piece

I came to this book looking for a story of El Cid, and came away with a new appreciation for Will the Red Beard. It was a wonderful book and it was refreshing to hear of Rodrigo De Vivar's early life, even if it's just a fun story

Couldn’t put it down.

Wonderful historical fiction. Full of action, pace and detail, and from an unexpected point of view. A thoroughly enjoyable book.

Gripping story

Good introduction to the story of El Cid. Moves fast and was much better than expected.