The Book and the Knife

Title: The Book and the Knife

Author: Paul Cobb

Genre: Historical

Series: Theign of Berewic part one

Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Published Date: 2024

Book Length: 434

Format Read: Paperback supplied by Zooloos book tours in return for an honest review

Star Rating: 4**** I liked it a lot and recommend

About Book: In 1031, an Arab scientist, a Jewish astronomer and a Christian monk gather under the dome of an observatory in Spain.

A foretelling written on the blade of a knife tells of a new ruler, whose power will come from the knowledge in a centuries old book. As its guardians begin to covet this knowledge for themselves, the book is drawn into the conflict between the houses of Wessex and Godwin, and England’s destiny. It will carry a secret at the heart of the succession to the English throne. But the book is in danger, from those who will use it for the wealth and power it can bring — or who want to destroy it.

From Spain to Normandy and England, The Book and the Knife: Thegn of Berewic is the story of the power of knowledge, of a generation—spanning blood feud, and of the struggle for control of England before the Norman invasion of 1066. A story of loyalty and treachery, love and hate.

My Thoughts: The Book and The Knife by Paul Cobb is a historical novel and the first in The Theign of Berewic series. I’ll admit, the cover grabbed me right away—it just oozes atmosphere! From the moment I opened the book, I was reassured by the helpful explanations of characters, their relationships, and even the pronunciations of some of the trickier historical terms. Little touches like that made it so much easier to relax and settle into the story.

The chapters are fairly short, and the pacing is steady with just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages. Cobb’s characters feel real and believable, and they develop beautifully as the story unfolds, giving you a real sense of the evolving narrative.

It’s obvious that Cobb has done his homework when it comes to the historical setting, and while I love history, there were moments when the book felt bogged down in detail. There were parts where I found myself skimming because I was eager to get back to the story rather than the specifics.

That said, The Book and The Knife is a truly immersive read and offers a fascinating glimpse into one of history’s pivotal periods. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, this one is definitely worth picking up. It’s a strong start to what promises to be an intriguing series, and I’m looking forward to seeing where Cobb takes the story next!