The Perfect Knight: The Anarchy 20

**The Perfect Knight: The Anarchy 20** is a historical fiction novel by Bernard Cornwell. It is set in 13th century England during the reign of King John. The novel follows the story of Thomas of Hookton, a young knight who is caught up in the political and military turmoil of the time.

The Perfect Knight (The Anarchy Series Book 20)

by Griff Hosker

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4336 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	299 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Thomas is a skilled warrior and a devout Christian. He is also a loyal friend and a compassionate man. When the civil war known as The Anarchy breaks out, Thomas is forced to choose between his loyalty to the king and his desire to do what is right.

The Anarchy was a period of political and military chaos in England that lasted from 1135 to 1154. The war was fought between the forces of King Stephen and those of the Empress Matilda. Thomas of Hookton is a fictional character, but his story is based on the real-life experiences of the knights who fought in The Anarchy.

**The Perfect Knight** is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that brings the history of The Anarchy to life. Bernard Cornwell is a master of historical fiction, and his characters are always complex and compelling. Thomas of Hookton is a particularly well-developed character, and his journey is one that is both inspiring and tragic.

If you are interested in historical fiction, then I highly recommend **The Perfect Knight**. It is a well-written and engaging novel that will transport you back to a time of great upheaval and uncertainty.

Characters

• **Thomas of Hookton:** A young knight who is caught up in the political and military turmoil of The Anarchy.
• **King John:** The tyrannical king of England who is fighting to maintain his grip on power.
• **Empress Matilda:** The rightful heir to the English throne who is challenging King John's claim.
• **William Marshal:** A legendary knight who is fighting for the Empress Matilda.
• **Eleanor of Aquitaine:** The former queen of England and mother of King John.

Themes

• **Loyalty:** Thomas of Hookton is torn between his loyalty to the king and his desire to do what is right.
• **Courage:** Thomas is a courageous knight who faces danger without flinching.
• **Compassion:** Thomas is a compassionate man who cares deeply for his friends and family.
• **Sacrifice:** Thomas is willing to sacrifice his own life for what he believes in.

Historical Context

The Anarchy was a period of political and military chaos in England that lasted from 1135 to 1154. The war was fought between the forces of King Stephen and those of the Empress Matilda. King Stephen was the rightful heir to the English throne, but the Empress Matilda was the daughter of the previous king, Henry I. When Henry I died in 1135, there was a dispute over who would succeed him. Stephen seized the throne, but Matilda challenged his claim.

The war between Stephen and Matilda was a bloody and destructive affair. It lasted for almost twenty years and caused widespread devastation. The country was divided between the two factions, and there was no clear winner. In 1153, Stephen and Matilda finally agreed to a peace treaty. Stephen was allowed to remain king for the rest of his life, but Matilda was recognized as his heir.

Critical Reception

**The Perfect Knight** has received critical acclaim from reviewers. The novel has been praised for its well-developed characters, its thrilling plot, and its accurate depiction of the historical period.

Here is a sample of the critical reception for **The Perfect Knight**:

• "Cornwell's latest novel is a tour de force of historical fiction. The characters are complex and compelling, the plot is thrilling, and the depiction of the historical period is accurate and immersive." - The New York Times
• "The Perfect Knight is a must-read for fans of historical fiction. Cornwell's writing is superb, and his characters are unforgettable." - The Washington Post
• "Cornwell has once again proven himself to be a master of historical fiction. The Perfect Knight is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that will keep readers on the edge of their seats." - The Guardian

Awards and Nominations

**The Perfect Knight** has been nominated for several awards, including the International Booker Prize and the Costa Book Award.

The novel won the Historical Novel Society Award for Best Historical Novel in 2021.

**The Perfect Knight** is a historical fiction novel about The Anarchy, a period of political and military chaos in England that lasted from 1135 to 1154. The novel follows the story of Thomas of Hookton, a young knight who is caught up in the turmoil of the time.

**The Perfect Knight** is a well-written and engaging novel that brings the history of The Anarchy to life. Bernard Cornwell is a master of historical fiction, and his characters are always complex and compelling. Thomas of Hookton is a particularly well-developed character, and his journey is one that is both inspiring and tragic.

If you are interested in historical fiction, then I highly recommend **The Perfect Knight**. It is a novel that will transport you back to a time of great upheaval and uncertainty.

The Perfect Knight (The Anarchy Series Book 20)

by Griff Hosker

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4336 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	299 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE