Talbot Company: A Story of War and Suffering

Information

Status

Ongoing

Year

2020

Author

Michael Regal

• Chapter 9
  Nov 29, 2020
• Chapter 8
  Nov 27, 2020
• Chapter 7
  Nov 23, 2020
• Chapter 6
  Nov 23, 2020
• Chapter 5
  Nov 23, 2020
• Chapter 4
  Nov 23, 2020
• Chapter 3
  Nov 23, 2020
• Chapter 2
  Nov 23, 2020
• Chapter 1
  Nov 23, 2020

Reviews

Community Reviews(4)

• Aristides HarezRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  It's rare to find historical fiction on Royal Road and even harder to find great ones. So I'm thankful to say that this is one of the best I've found. In short, the plot is that during the 30 Years War a mercenary company called the Talbot Company is hired by a Swedish noble to retake his castle which was captured by a rogue Polish colonel. The story itself follows various members of the Talbot Company who come from different parts of Europe and their journey across Europe and their interpersonal conflicts and tensions.
  Since the central conflict of the story is about the characters and their struggles, it's good that the characters are all enjoyable and understandable. What I mean is that you get a sense of how their lives before joining the company impact their current actions. They are also all enjoyable to read, since they have distinct personalities and never feel worn out or stale.
  I also want to make special mention of the use of languages in this story because I love it. Since each character is from a different part of Europe, they all speak different languages. What makes this story stand out on that front is that the author writes these conversations in the actual language of the characters. Other than English, I speak Spanish and the Spanish in this book seemed to be correct, so I assume the other languages are correct as well.
  The action itself is very good and the strategies are accurate to my limited knowledge of Early Modern warfare. It also shows the brutality of the period with the regular cruelties of war that were inflicted on both soldiers and civilians alike. Which is something important if you want to depict this period of history.
  I honestly couldn't think of any major critiques I could make of this story which is very impressive. Any fan of history and/or historical fiction should read this book. Overall, this story is superb and I'll be eagerly awaiting whatever else the author writes.
• Inkwell RabbitRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  This is shaping up to be a facinating story. I dont tend to read historical fiction, but a friend recommended it to me, and I have to say, Im hooked. Ive been learning a lot as well. Its like a lesson on the politics of the 30 year war. With all the different cultures, languages, and customs, i might look for other historical fiction after this!
  Right, onto the in depth aspect of this review!
  Style
  As an author myself, I write shorter chapters then this, feeling that pacing is important and try not to get wordy. This author is the opposite. But he uses his lengthy chapters to his advantage, filling each chapter to the brim with set ups for future chapters.
  Another aspect that I honestly dont see in most other stories is the use of foreign languages. Im guessing that this author is a polyglot.
  Story
  The story centers around a company of mercenaries from all walks of like as they are charged to assist a nobleman's family and liberate his estate during the 30 year war. The action im sure will be grand towards the end of the story, but the main chunk of the story is the march their, concentrating heavily on the officers of the Talbot Company.
  Ill go into this more in the "character section" but this is year our author excells: His characters. They are so rich and bounce well off each other.
  I should mention the author's knowledge of his forte being medieval history and warfare feels spot on. It feels authentic and as if im right there in the thick of it all.
  Grammar
  Grammar is a large problem here on Royal Road, as most of the writers are first time or still young. Talbot Company has no errors I could find.
  Characters
  Ok, I love, like all the characters in the story...mostly. They are unique in their own way, both background and personality and this shows in spades!
  As I mentioned before they all bounce of each other well. I love the witty dialogue, I tend to find myself smiling at the creative insults as well.
  I love my beloved Talbot Company and I wish none of them di
• TjimsittRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Read by far too little. An excellent piece of historical fiction depicting characters and history both in depth and detail. The addition of neat bits of the characters native languages and history worked into the story makes one invested - but one can easily guess the meaning based on context and it does not interrupt. The politics are masterfully worked into a story of action, marching, waiting and money.
• kleptomaticRoyal Road

  ★★★★★ 5.0

  Talbot Company, Talbot Company.
  A beautiful little story. Historical fiction is on point and fire - so are the other books by this author.
  Well written and compelling to boot - plot is good and characters are well developed.
  Give it a read!
  Do I want to read the end? Yes. Unfortunately I don't have the means to purchase it right now, or when I first read this.