Brilliant!
I have done much research on John de Warenne, the 6th Earl of Surrey who is a character in Battle Song, so was intrigued to read Ian Ross's account and see how the earl was portrayed, especially given the title of the book. 'Song' refers to the Song of Lewes, a poem written about the battle. John de Warenne does not come out very well in the poem - though he fairs a little better in Ian Ross's novel.
But Warenne is only a supporting character. Simon de Montfort takes centre stage, alongside two fictional characters.
Ian Ross works his magic and weaves a wonderful tale of the build up to the 1264 Battle of Lewes and the dispute between Simon de Montfort and Henry III that led to all-out war.
It is a fast-paced, energetic novel that will leave the reader gripped to the very end

Excellent story about a bit of history I was unfamiliar with. The descriptions of fighting and going into battle are very intense. Followed this with War Cry and look forward to the 3rd in the series.

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
I have always thought of myself as an amateur History buff the only subject I enjoyed in school. However I have never heard of the Battle of Lewes in 1264, or the uprising led by Simon de Montfort. Well written with superb characterisation throughout this is a gripping story with plenty of beautifully detailed action along the way. Atmospheric descriptive intelligent with a real feel for time and place.
Completely and utterly recommended.

A very interesting read based in an era that truthfully I dont know much about.
It felt well researched and the characters were very likable. I am keen to check out more by this author

Set in a period of great turmoil in England during the 1260s.
King Henry 3rd and the church have caused great unrest by seizing lands and favoring foreign knights over their English counterparts.
Simon de Montfort Earl of Leicester leads rebellion to try to force the King to hold to the Magna Carta and the Oxford agreement to rule through government and treat people more fairly.
Is he really a Saint or Sinner out for his own gain?
Set against this a young disinherited squire with his mentor Robert a knight of fortune, bastard son of Humphrey Earl of Hereford, charts his fortunes and joins De Montfort's cause in attempt to regain his lands and spurs.
If you like medieval battles you will enjoy this.
It helped me understand a bit of history with which I was less familiar.

Adam de Norton is a lowly squire with few prospects but lots of ambition. When chance means that he is to serve Sir Robert de Dunstanville, Adam is dismayed. However through strong training and experience on the tournament circuit Adam learns to be an effective fighter and to learn more about politics. On their return to England Robert and Adam must choose sides, to support the King or to support the barons he is in conflict with.
There are not many historical novels written around the 13th Century and particularly the Baron's War so this makes this book particularly interesting. There is lots of detail of tournaments and fighting, the love scenes are clunky and characterisation is not a strong feature. However I really liked the focus on the jewish population of England and the anti-semitic violence of the medieval times. Overall it's an exciting read.

A historical fiction based on the second half of the 13C involving a young squire (Adam de Norton) and his landless knight (Robert de Dunstanville). They earn their keep in jousting tournaments throughout Europe before returning to England to participate in the conflict between Henry III and his barons led by Simon de Montford. For what side, read the book.
A great well researched novel.
My thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Stoughton for this ARC in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

A magnificent medieval fictional journey through the beginning of the Second Barons'War that plagued England's political landscape between 1264 and 1267 and the political and military struggles between Henry III and his most powerful baron and brother in law, Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester.

As the story starts in 1262, we follow the adventures and misadventures of a young squire, Adam de Norton and his new master, the enigmatic Robert de Dunstanville as they navigate the various jousting tournaments in Europe but very soon the plot starts shifting towards England where the first menacing clouds of the upcoming conflict are gathering on the horizon and back on the English soil our main protagonists will have to decide on which side their loyalty will stand...

Battle song is historical fiction at its best.
A captivating and highly entertaining novel full of chivalrous deeds, violent military clashes and dubious political shenanigans. Its cinematic qualities are simply unforgettable and from the colorful knights and their jousting tournaments, the violent pogroms in London, the bloody siege of Rochester to the horrific Battle of Lewes, this adrenaline-fueled voyage into martial chaos will keep you entranced and under its magical narrative spell well beyond its last page...

Brilliantly researched, gorgeously plotted and blessed with a terrific cast of exquisitely drawn characters, this gripping tale deserves to be discovered and enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Hopefully, Ian Ross will offer us a second opportunity to meet Adam and Robert once again very soon 🙏

Many thanks to Hodder & Stoughton and Netgalley for this fabulous ARC!