Back to my other love in this post with reviews of three historical novels from different eras but first the follow up to The Song of Achilles:

Madeline Miller: Circe

Beautifully written and absorbing with a great central character: Circe grows up wanting to please her father Helios yet remaining a strong and independent spirit which eventually earns her exile. Telling the story of her developing skills as a witch as well as her relationships with Hermes and Odysseus amongst others, it has a strongly feminist feel and brings to life several aspects of Greek mythology. Very much more to my taste than its predecessor - I loved it.

For these next two, I'm back in the Middle Ages when the Kings of England had to prove themselves in battle if they were to win the support of the people that mattered. First:

Conn Iggulden: Ravenspur

This final part of Iggulden's Wars of the Roses series sees Edward IV deposed, restored and dead with more bloody battles between the rival houses of York and Lancaster. Then, after his brother's untimely death, Richard nabs the throne for himself at the expense of his young nephews whose disappearance from the Tower of London has caused much debate ever since - was Richard responsible or was it the work of another villain altogether? But, whilst it offers interesting insights into some key historical figures, it glosses over Richard's transformation from loyal brother to usurper king which is a shame as I would have liked more on this aspect of the story. Otherwise, this is a satisfactory end to a great series.

And secondly, going further back in time to the reign of King Edward III with:

Bernard Cornwell: Harlequin

Based during the reign of Edward III, Cornwell places us alongside Thomas of Hookton and the English forces as they plunder their way through Northern France in the run-up to the Battle of Crecy (1346). At the heart of the novel is a family feud as Thomas is charged with retrieving a holy relic stolen from his father as he is dying after a vicious attack on Hookton. To complete his quest, Thomas must first discover the identity of the murdering thief and so uncover his own personal history. Great characterisation, detailed descriptions of action and a good helping of humour and romance make this a very entertaining and absorbing read. Looking forward to the second book in the series.

And finally, an Audible offering narrated expertly by Juliet Stephenson:

Diane Setterfield: Once Upon a River

In the tradition of all great fairy tales, Once Upon a River tells an epic story of heroes and villains where good ultimately triumphs over evil but it is peopled not with princes, goblins and wicked witches but with ordinary folk: an innkeeper, a photographer, a farmer, a nurse, going about their daily business along the upper reaches of the River Thames towards the end of the nineteenth century. It begins when an injured man carries a drowned child into the Swan at Radcot Bridge and explores the impact that this dramatic event has on the local community. Beautifully written with some memorable characters, scenes and the river itself coming to life under Setterfield's deft touch, it is story telling at its very best. My favourite novel of the year so far: 10/10!