The main character, an archer, is, literally, a bastard. His nemesis is a crazy, lecherous priest. These are patented Cornwell tropes and the first third of the book reads almost like a parody of a Cornwell novel. Fortunately, things get more interesting later on when our hero arrives in France for the siege of Harfleur. We’re treated to a vivid, detailed siege narrative followed by a action-filled account of the battle of Againcourt that’s pure vintage Cornwell.
(There’s an extensive and interesting author’s note at the end on the history behind the novel. Cornwell credits Juliet Barker’s Agincourt as a great source.)