Toby Clements

Toby Clements is a British author best known for his Kingmaker historical fiction series set during the Wars of the Roses in 15th century England. As a journalist and book reviewer for The Daily Telegraph, Clements developed a deep interest in medieval history and combat. He undertook extensive research into the period, including learning archery and participating in historical combat reenactments to ensure authenticity in his writing. The Kingmaker series, beginning with "Winter Pilgrims" (2014), follows fictional characters Thomas and Katherine as they navigate the brutal landscape of medieval England during one of its most turbulent periods. The series comprises four novels: Winter Pilgrims, Broken Faith, Divided Souls, and Kingdom Come. Prior to writing historical fiction, Clements worked as a journalist for over twenty years, reviewing books and contributing to various sections of The Daily Telegraph newspaper.

Readers praise Clements' accurate historical detail and vivid depiction of medieval life during the Wars of the Roses. His combat scenes receive specific mention for their realism, with readers noting his firsthand research into medieval warfare techniques shows in the writing. Liked: - Authentic period details and medieval medical knowledge - Complex characters who feel genuine to the era - Balanced portrayal of both sides in the conflict - Clear explanation of complex historical events Disliked: - Some find the pacing slow in the early chapters - Violence level too graphic for some readers - Historical names and titles can be confusing to follow Ratings: Goodreads: Kingmaker: Winter Pilgrims - 4.05/5 (2,100+ ratings) Kingmaker: Broken Faith - 4.21/5 (900+ ratings) Amazon: Winter Pilgrims - 4.4/5 stars Broken Faith - 4.6/5 stars Readers frequently compare his work to Bernard Cornwell's historical fiction, though note Clements' style is more focused on common people's experiences rather than major historical figures.

The Kingmaker Series: Winter Pilgrims (2014) A monk and nun flee their priory in 1460 England and become caught up in the Wars of the Roses as they develop skills in archery and healing.

Broken Faith (2015) Thomas and Katherine navigate the aftermath of the Battle of Towton while serving opposing sides in the continuing Wars of the Roses.

Divided Souls (2016) The protagonists face new challenges as the conflict between Lancaster and York intensifies during the 1460s.

Kingdom Come (2017) Thomas and Katherine's story concludes against the backdrop of the final battles of the Wars of the Roses.

Humor: The Asti Spumante Code (2005) A parody novel that satirizes Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and similar conspiracy thrillers.

Bernard Cornwell writes detailed historical fiction set in medieval and Dark Ages Britain, with a focus on military campaigns and battlefield tactics. His works like The Last Kingdom series demonstrate deep research into historical combat and weaponry.

C.J. Sansom created the Matthew Shardlake series set in Tudor England, combining murder mysteries with political intrigue during the reign of Henry VIII. His work shows careful attention to period details and the social dynamics of medieval England.

Sharon Kay Penman produces historical novels about medieval England and Wales, with particular focus on the Plantagenet dynasty. Her works demonstrate extensive research into medieval politics and daily life during the Wars of the Roses period.

Conn Iggulden writes historical fiction series about the Wars of the Roses and other medieval conflicts, focusing on military campaigns and political machinations. His work emphasizes battlefield scenes and the strategies of medieval warfare.

Elizabeth Chadwick creates historical fiction set in medieval England, based on primary source research and detailed knowledge of medieval life. Her books focus on both noble and common characters while incorporating authentic period details about warfare, politics, and daily life.