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The Attebrook Family Saga #1
The Outlaws
Eustace FitzWalter, Giselle de Hafton, and Robert Attebrook could not be more different. Eustace is the bastard son of an earl, Giselle the sheltered daughter of a dotting gentry father, and Robert the son of an impoverished village carpenter. In ordinary times, their lives would not intersect. But when Robert breaks his uncle out of Earl Roger FitzWalter’s gaol, he sets in motion a series of events that sends their lives colliding in a maelstrom of murder and revenge that drives them all outside the laws and customs of England. Step into the tumultuous years of the Twelfth Century, and stand alongside Eustace as he schemes to inherit his father’s title, lands, and power, using every means within his grasp; Giselle as she fights to free herself from a forced marriage and to save her inheritance; and Robert as he struggles to rise above the limitations of his birth in the face of Eustace’s quest for vengeance. A saga to rival Ken Follett’s Pillars of the Earth, The Outlaws sweeps from serene English villages and quiet forest glens, to French battlefields, remote Welsh fortresses, and even the court of King Henry II, where nobles and clergy vie for power and wealth, and disputes are often decided with steel and blood. The Outlaws is sure to please fans of the Stephen Attebrook mysteries, for it reveals the truth about the founding of the powerful Attebrook family — a secret that family would sooner forget.
678 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 2, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
March 4, 2015
I really enjoy his Stephen Attebrook series and was looking forward to reading this book as well. I did enjoy it, for the most part but it really dragged in the last half. Also, the character and plot development left a bit to be desired in spots but that might be due to editing. I think it needs to be edited again. For instance, Hugh. He suddenly shows up in England. Did I miss the chapter that tells about that? Because all of a sudden he is there and I am thinking, who the heck is this guy, then he mentions Gascony and I think, ooooooo, him. And honestly, how many times does someone have to do bad things to you before you start to use your brain. Eustace isn't that smart, just mean (or evil). That part of the storyline just really started to get on my nerves.
Enough of the negative. I think this book has great potential, as does Jason Vail as a historical fiction writer, particularly of this time period. He really knows his stuff and is able to weave a story around a time that is gritty, tough, and well, I am sure am glad that I wasn't living in this era of woman being a man's property. I gave the book three stars because it really needs to be tightened up. I would have given it four because I enjoy his other series and will definitely read more books by Vail as they are published, but don't want to give others a false impression.
Enough of the negative. I think this book has great potential, as does Jason Vail as a historical fiction writer, particularly of this time period. He really knows his stuff and is able to weave a story around a time that is gritty, tough, and well, I am sure am glad that I wasn't living in this era of woman being a man's property. I gave the book three stars because it really needs to be tightened up. I would have given it four because I enjoy his other series and will definitely read more books by Vail as they are published, but don't want to give others a false impression.
May 22, 2022
An author can sometimes feel constrained when writing a series and will look to try their chops at something different. This family saga is very different from the Stephen Attebrook mysteries -- it's dark with little humor and the tragedies feel true to life, with no real justice and no remorse. At times it felt like the storyline only moved from one tragic event to the next, and the point of it was to show how the characters managed to survive the hardship -- only to be kicked in the teeth again when I turned the page. I suppose I should feel better about the modern world after reading about the trials of living under a feudal system. The pity is, despite some minor differences, things haven't really changed enough over the centuries. While I prefer to feel more uplifted after finishing a book, I still feel compelled to read the next book in the family saga.
July 1, 2021
Evil or love for family.
Well now we get to see how Stephen family beings. They sure did go through a lot of hell. Matilda Attebrook raises her family the best that she can. There are alot of ups and downs but she always comes out ahead in the end. Her son Robert falls for a woman with a small manor. But she is in fight for her life an keeping her manor. The most evil of person that has lived. Eustance, he has high ambition. He dose very thing he to bring down Giselle his wife he takes her money an trays to take her life. She has to pay at every turn even to get a annulment. She gets married to Robert an they fight against Eustance together.
A fast pace read with evil at every turn.
Well now we get to see how Stephen family beings. They sure did go through a lot of hell. Matilda Attebrook raises her family the best that she can. There are alot of ups and downs but she always comes out ahead in the end. Her son Robert falls for a woman with a small manor. But she is in fight for her life an keeping her manor. The most evil of person that has lived. Eustance, he has high ambition. He dose very thing he to bring down Giselle his wife he takes her money an trays to take her life. She has to pay at every turn even to get a annulment. She gets married to Robert an they fight against Eustance together.
A fast pace read with evil at every turn.
May 20, 2017
Really good story, well told.
I was surprised to see Gail had written a prequel to the Attebrook books. I had no expectations, but was more than pleasantly surprised. His geographical and historical settings are very well portrayed. His knowledge of Armour and fighting techniques of the era are unsurpassed. An excellent read and accessible even if you have read none of his other works. Bravo!
I was surprised to see Gail had written a prequel to the Attebrook books. I had no expectations, but was more than pleasantly surprised. His geographical and historical settings are very well portrayed. His knowledge of Armour and fighting techniques of the era are unsurpassed. An excellent read and accessible even if you have read none of his other works. Bravo!
September 26, 2021
Bit long winded but interesting
Tales of history and derring-do are beginning to sound repetitive with miserable weather, sinister villains and sorely misunderstood and put-down heroes. This book is not much difference. Okay the story varied from others but before I was a third of the way into the book, Could predict the outcome. A decent holiday read but a second book is beyond me.
Tales of history and derring-do are beginning to sound repetitive with miserable weather, sinister villains and sorely misunderstood and put-down heroes. This book is not much difference. Okay the story varied from others but before I was a third of the way into the book, Could predict the outcome. A decent holiday read but a second book is beyond me.
July 4, 2023
Memorable Historical Fiction
This novel by Jason Vail was outstanding in plot, character development, historical detail and intrigue.
A thriller that reminds me of great writers such as Ken Follett and Bernard Cromwell.
Laden with details of that period, this novel truly is hard to put down.
I highly recommend The Outlaws and can’t wait to begin the next novel in the Attebrook Family Saga.
This novel by Jason Vail was outstanding in plot, character development, historical detail and intrigue.
A thriller that reminds me of great writers such as Ken Follett and Bernard Cromwell.
Laden with details of that period, this novel truly is hard to put down.
I highly recommend The Outlaws and can’t wait to begin the next novel in the Attebrook Family Saga.
March 13, 2017
Wonderful read the story is engaging and well developed. I enjoyed the characters and the pace of the story...looking forward to more! The time period is an interesting choice..d
I didn't think I would like it as much as I did...shades of pillars of the earth! Good read goog plot!
I didn't think I would like it as much as I did...shades of pillars of the earth! Good read goog plot!
April 1, 2021
Fantastic
If you're a lover of pillars of the earth and stories like it then this is just as good, full of characters medieval history, plenty of twists and turns, fighting, loss and gain, brilliantly executed story . After the first page I couldn't put it down, would make a brilliant tv series.
If you're a lover of pillars of the earth and stories like it then this is just as good, full of characters medieval history, plenty of twists and turns, fighting, loss and gain, brilliantly executed story . After the first page I couldn't put it down, would make a brilliant tv series.
August 7, 2021
This is the best of the of the Attebrook series so far. I will not go into plot or sub plot details, suffice it to say that the story is strong with three dimensional characters and twists and turns with great rapidity. I am dredging deeply for faults when I point out that a twelfth century knight is unlikely to think of an adversary as an "asshole". Read the book and see what you think. You will not be disappointed by Jason Vail at his very best.
February 21, 2023
Good story, love and hard work
At anytime in history people rise from poverty through love, hard work, and loyalty. Also you have those who are born to privilege and feel entitled to more and make life difficult for others. This is the tale of Robert and Eustace in this instance. Good read. Thanks to the author.
At anytime in history people rise from poverty through love, hard work, and loyalty. Also you have those who are born to privilege and feel entitled to more and make life difficult for others. This is the tale of Robert and Eustace in this instance. Good read. Thanks to the author.
March 30, 2019
Riveting Story
Loved the characters especially the way the author allowed them to grow. I did not like all the trials some of the characters went through. Perhaps there is another story following these characters????
Loved the characters especially the way the author allowed them to grow. I did not like all the trials some of the characters went through. Perhaps there is another story following these characters????
June 7, 2019
Enjoyable, and even mentions an ancestor of mine!!
Slow starting but picked up steadily. Sometimes one found oneself getting a little confused as settings changed unexpectedly - perhaps the fault of the Ebook layout.
Slow starting but picked up steadily. Sometimes one found oneself getting a little confused as settings changed unexpectedly - perhaps the fault of the Ebook layout.
August 18, 2023
The twists and turns!
What a wonderful romp into the past! I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter and the constant cliff hangers kept me up late for week! Can’t wait to read the next book!
What a wonderful romp into the past! I thoroughly enjoyed every chapter and the constant cliff hangers kept me up late for week! Can’t wait to read the next book!
June 22, 2018
The Outlaws
Another absorbing page-turner by Jason Vale, marred only by the Americanized dialogue. A readable prequel to his Stephen Attebrook series.
Another absorbing page-turner by Jason Vale, marred only by the Americanized dialogue. A readable prequel to his Stephen Attebrook series.
January 21, 2019
An author who I would suggest to readers
I enjoyed this book, the story is lively and interesting. It's characters are good, but not goody two shoes good. Thank you Jason Vail.
I enjoyed this book, the story is lively and interesting. It's characters are good, but not goody two shoes good. Thank you Jason Vail.
March 7, 2020
Always excellent.
Yet another compelling read that’s difficult to put down. Top notch story teller. Waiting anxiously for more of this era to come.
Yet another compelling read that’s difficult to put down. Top notch story teller. Waiting anxiously for more of this era to come.
October 20, 2020
Many twists and turns
A Most enjoyable tale. Just when you think things couldn’t get worse , they do. A surprising ending. Well worth the read.
A Most enjoyable tale. Just when you think things couldn’t get worse , they do. A surprising ending. Well worth the read.
July 17, 2021
An extremely LONG book, but the storytelling pulls you along. Well-developed characters, and an epic tale. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
December 1, 2021
Good read
Well worth thd read. The author hits on the frailty of medieval life and how tenuous safety can be and I appreciate it. The words and the action flows forward smoothly.
Well worth thd read. The author hits on the frailty of medieval life and how tenuous safety can be and I appreciate it. The words and the action flows forward smoothly.
December 17, 2021
A good read!
A good read. I do so hate having to write these reviews. ApparentlyI could not exit the kindle book with out writing this!
A good read. I do so hate having to write these reviews. ApparentlyI could not exit the kindle book with out writing this!
April 24, 2023
goodread
World of interest to me . Going to get number two shortly. I can’t imagine not reading all of the saga,,!
World of interest to me . Going to get number two shortly. I can’t imagine not reading all of the saga,,!
September 28, 2016
Superb.
At last a more lengthy book than is usual. Interesting characters and storyline all set in medieval times telling the stories of the main characters in England, Wales, and France, at the same time talking of life at the top and bottom of society. A great read!
At last a more lengthy book than is usual. Interesting characters and storyline all set in medieval times telling the stories of the main characters in England, Wales, and France, at the same time talking of life at the top and bottom of society. A great read!
June 8, 2015
I enjoyed reading the other Medievel mystery fiction works by Jason Vail, so I thought this was the next in the series. Actually it is a precursor book, but written just as well as the others. The characters are developed so that you can almost picture them in your mind's eye, and the action keeps you involved. There is a little jumping around from the story lines of the different characters, but I never got confused and was glad that all the threads came together at the end. I'm looking forward to the next book!
August 26, 2015
Brilliant book I am only half way through but i did want to mention one thing, The author mentioned the word Fanny, which means some thing totally different in England and it really surprised me when I saw that word to be honest, as it was meant to be an English person that word would not have been used, they would have said bottom or some thing else.
Apart from that I really love the book it is giving me many happy hours of reading.
Apart from that I really love the book it is giving me many happy hours of reading.
October 7, 2015
A fairly predictable tale, but a good one nevertheless. What I like best about this series is the fascinating glimpses in regular life during the Middle Ages. So many books focus on royalty or nobles, but here we see what life was (supposedly) like in the small towns and villages around the minor manor houses. Our protagonist, a commoner himself, spends his life with the commoners and we see how they lived.
A 3 star book but the richness of detail earns an extra star.
A 3 star book but the richness of detail earns an extra star.
August 29, 2016
The Outlaws?
Except that Robert was deemed an outlaw at one time, no one else earned the designation of "outlaw". I kept expecting other real outlaws to come to his aid as he often needed aid. However, most of the other main characters did things which should have put them beyond the law. Maybe that is the reasoning for the title. I enjoy Jason Vail's writing and this book is no exception. It is obvious that there will be a sequel. I will look forward to it.
Except that Robert was deemed an outlaw at one time, no one else earned the designation of "outlaw". I kept expecting other real outlaws to come to his aid as he often needed aid. However, most of the other main characters did things which should have put them beyond the law. Maybe that is the reasoning for the title. I enjoy Jason Vail's writing and this book is no exception. It is obvious that there will be a sequel. I will look forward to it.
November 4, 2016
I liked this very long, rambling one, although I can't believe someone compared Vail to Follett - his Pillars no less. Tsk. It's episodic, which makes for an occasionally jumpy read. Since it is so long the end is a mad dash to the finish but I, for one, was glad to be spared the details. It's supposed to be the backstory of Sir Steve's [from the Attebrook mystery series] family but I haven't a clue how he fits into this long saga.
January 8, 2016
Could not put it down!!
There are so many rotten conniving characters that keep the plot unfolding that it is impossible to put this book down. It was a great read and one that I won't forget for a long time. Now looking forward to the next Vail novel.
There are so many rotten conniving characters that keep the plot unfolding that it is impossible to put this book down. It was a great read and one that I won't forget for a long time. Now looking forward to the next Vail novel.
February 5, 2016
Plotting, devilment, murder
Non-stop action with evil people plotting against good people. Tournaments, skirmishes & fickle kings. Everything required for a good medieval novel. Really enjoyable read.
Non-stop action with evil people plotting against good people. Tournaments, skirmishes & fickle kings. Everything required for a good medieval novel. Really enjoyable read.
November 1, 2022
Wonderful and terrible
Its a great book but it is terrible when theory heroes keep getting knocked down. However you love to cheer them on and are breathless reading about their success.
Its a great book but it is terrible when theory heroes keep getting knocked down. However you love to cheer them on and are breathless reading about their success.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews