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To Remain Vigilant: Book I of the Epic of Hotspur Historical Novel Review, May 2025
Written by Liz Sevchuk Armstrong
Review by Deborah Cay Wilding
The year is 1399, and England is in turmoil. King Richard II is barely hanging on to his crown, Henry Bolingbroke has returned from exile to recover a fortune unlawfully seized by the king, and Sir Harry Percy finds himself caught in the middle. Nicknamed “Hotspur” for his ceaseless vigilance along the rugged Anglo-Scottish border—where it’s said his spurs never cool—Sir Harry has been Richard’s loyal Warden in the North. But the king’s excessive taxation and self-serving royal edicts turn Harry toward Bolingbroke’s cause. That is, until Henry forces parliament to crown him King Henry IV. Although Harry wrestles with his conscience over the turn of events, duty bids him swear allegiance to Henry for the sake of England and all he holds dear.
Author Armstrong brings medieval England to life in a compelling tale filled with historical characters that almost jump off the page in authentic dress, armaments and language. The opening pages introduce Sir Harry as “Hotspur”—one of Shakespeare’s most memorable characters drawn from history—during a jousting tournament where he acts with courage and honor. From there, the author details experiences that shape not only his actions, but those around him. Well-researched historical events briskly move the story along, and strategically placed flashbacks and backstory add layers of depth to the storytelling. The final chapters switch gears quite abruptly to conclude with slow steamy romance scenes, so readers will have to wait for the next in this three-book series to learn of Hotspur’s future, a knight in service to king and country. Genealogical charts would have been handy, but that minor issue aside, this is a wonderfully engaging start to the series.
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PUBLISHED
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Review
APPEARED IN
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Paperback
PAGE COUNT
332
Historical Novels Review Issue 113, August 2025 (publication of the Historical Novel Society)
To Be Worthy In Honor: Book II of the Epic of Hotspur
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Written by Liz Sevchuk Armstrong
Review by Deborah Cay Wilding
To Be Worthy in Honor is the second in a trilogy that chronicles several years in the life of Sir Harry Percy, nicknamed Hotspur for his swift action along the unruly Anglo-Scots border. It’s November 1400. King Henry IV has been in power for only a year when tensions between Harry and the king begin to simmer. Although Harry is building a life for himself in Northumberland with his newfound lady-love, the king heaps increasingly erratic demands on him—keep the raiding Scots in check, quell a Welsh uprising, mentor Prince Hal (destined to become King Henry V), attend the Great Council in London. The list goes on. Yet, the king refuses to pay the wages of Harry’s fighting men as required by law, claiming the Exchequer is empty, and commands that Harry betray a treaty signed in good faith. With his honor at stake, amidst cutthroat political maneuvering at court and a personal tragedy in Northumberland, Sir Harry confronts conflict on all sides.
An impressive mix of deep historical research, character development, and writing craft is woven into Armstrong’s powerful tale of honor, royal vanity, and military action in 15th-century Britain. After a rather slow-burn first chapter, where Sir Harry is reintroduced to readers as an honorable, if financially strapped and lovestruck warrior knight, the pace hurtles along at breakneck speed. There’s a castle siege, Scottish reiver attacks, and military diplomacy that all figure into the storytelling, with the often harsh reality of medieval life and warfare described in vivid scenes of utter despair and hard-won triumph. Period details abound—from lances, swords, and other weaponry to the exquisite floor tiles of Westminster. Historical notes and an extensive bibliography conclude this emotionally moving novel that had me glued to the story from start to finish.
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PUBLISHER
PUBLISHED
GENRE
Biographical Fiction, Military
PERIOD
CENTURY 15th
Review APPEARED IN
REVIEW FORMAT
Paperback
PAGE COUNT
312
Amazon: top reviews from the United States
5.0 out of 5 stars A careful fidelity to history in a tilling of the life of Sir Harry Percy
Reviewed in the United States on June 27, 2025 Verified Purchase
To Remain Vigilant transports you in English history, allowing you to see the intrigues and clash of wills making up the time. At the heart of it is also a character study of Sir Harry Percy-Hotspur, a fine individual, buffeted by the plotting pride of those of regal rank whose hubris clearly savages the moment. Chivalry for Sir Harry reeks of compassion and practicality. His attention to due process, as well equality under the law would benefit those who profess to currently govern us and side step truth for the sake of power. Liz Armstrong has a knack for placing us within the story. The motivations and thoughts of the characters are displayed in a way that we observe their antics as if we are telepathic flies on the wall, viewing historical discourse and thinking, point of view adding realism to the work. It is evident that much study and effort has gone into its creation. Ms. Armstrong is an award winning journalist, her careful attention to detail is evident. I must say that, historical fiction has not been my cup of tea, however the reading of To Remain Vigilant has left a pleasant taste in my mouth. A lingering appreciation of the times and the people within it, as well as a fondness for Harry Percy, a pleasant gift from the author.
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5.0 out of 5 stars A great historical fiction
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2025
To Remain Vigilant is a wonderful read, not just a historical fiction novel, but biographical as well, as it follows the life and actions of Sir Harry Percy, known as Longspurs. The author's knowledge of England's late 1400s: weapons, armour, court life and politics, shows in the writing, which is well written, making it great read. Highly recommended for any that want not only an enjoyable book, but one that tells of a history that explains much.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great historical novel
Reviewed in the United States on January 2, 2025
Frank F
I thoroughly enjoyed To Remain Vigilant. It’s a great read, filled with political intrigue, ambition, greed, courage, and love, all dressed up in the clothes, language, and armaments of turn-of-the-15th Century England. Liz Sevchuk Armstrong immerses us with total credibility in the people and sense of the times (even as they resonate with today). Incredible detail of dress, architecture, armaments – even underwear – and her use of language and patterns of speech that approach Shakespearean in tone deftly draw us in. The research required for the book is awesome. Sevchuk Amstrong is an effective storyteller, knowing how to keep her readers wondering about the outcome of her cast of characters. The story focuses on Sir Harry Percy, aka 'Hotspur', one of Shakespeare's best-known characters in his historical plays. The number of historical characters can become challenging at times, and I hope in the next two offerings of her Hotspur trilogy she offers a cast of characters and a map for reference. I look forward to reading them.
5.0 out of 5 stars a superb page-turner
Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024
Heidi A. Wendel
This is such an engrossing page-turner and beautifully-written book. The characterization is excellent, the plot is so well-crafted and fast-paced, and the historical detail is fascinating. I could not put this book down from the moment I started reading it. I can't wait to read the second volume of this wonderful epic novel!
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5.0 out of 5 stars Extraordinary Historical Fiction!
Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024
Eileen Charbonneau
What Hilary Mantel does for Tudor England and Thomas Cromwell, Armstrong does for a pivotal character among the Plantagenets. In the last year of the 14th century, England is in turmoil. Her greatest knight, the dashing Sir Harry Percy, known as Hotspur struggles to navigate between court intrigues as plots and counterplots vie for the kingship. Harry has been raised with both the reigning king, Richard II and the man seeking to dethrone him, Henry Bolingbroke. Harry Percy's life has been eventful, from overcoming a stutter and underestimation that plagued his childhood, to a steady rise, proving himself a worth heir of his powerful father though service in the crusades, wars, and tournaments. But nature-loving Harry is most comfortable as Warden of wild and beautiful Northunberland, his home. He has a passion for justice in governing, which often puts him at odds with less principled people at court, including his estranged wife. Told with humor and heart as well as well-researched detail, To Remain Vigilant was a great pleasure to read. Characters and conflict jump off the pages, defying the time that separates us. Book One of this trilogy even contains a touch of magic, as Harry finds true and lasting love. By the end, you may want to transport valiant and chivalrous Hotspur to the present, to help us with our own troubled times. I can't wait for Book 2!
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Memorable Medieval biographical fiction.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 30, 2024
Rosemary Morris
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When the author studied for her degree in medieval history her required research project was the conflict between Sir Harry Percy – Hotspur - and King Henry IV. Son of Henry Percy, first earl of Northumberland, Harry, the bravest and staunchest knight in all England, was an English nobleman and military commander during Richard II’s and Henry IV’s reigns in the lead up to the War of the Roses
I enjoyed the description of a tourney in which Hotspur excelled but refused to celebrate because he wanted to hunt and find out what the Scots were up to on the border. Life at Westminster paled in comparison to “…long gallops through the windswept Cheviots, wandering alone, seeking the year’s first woodland flowers in a final dusting of snow, swimming in isolated lakes, or watching the sun stab itself on western peaks, to blend crimson across the moors.”
Hotspur was not a legendary hero, he was a real one. All England rang with his fame. “Educated and keen of mind,” Harry told Richard II he would never abandon his duties toward his people – the king’s subjects – he could not misuse them. Men said Hotspur was the greatest knight in England since the Black Prince and even Richard the Lionheart.
I congratulate Ms Serchuk Armstrong for bringing Harry to life and guiding the reader through the era in which he lived.
My only negative comment is that I would have liked a few details such as what the main protagonists looked like and what they wore.
If you like medieval historical fiction based on fact you will enjoy To Remain Vigilant. I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading The Epic of Hotspur Book 2 when it is published.
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Barns and Noble
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ 5 out of 5 stars. Read reviews for To Remain Vigilant 5.0
Autumn 2024:
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Editorial Reviews
The popular view of Medieval Europe, particularly England, often romanticizes the era with its lords, ladies, chivalrous knights in armour, and courtly love. However, Liz Sevchuk Armstrong's 'To Remain Vigilant' presents the harsh truth of these brutal times. Armstrong excels at weaving the facts of this historical period into a compelling tale, making her novel an enthralling read for modern audiences.
Editor - Victoria Chatham
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October 2024
Eva Blake
Vermont
Wonderful Historical Novel of Plantagenet England!
What Hilary Mantel does for Tudor England and Thomas Cromwell, Armstrong does for a pivotal character among the Plantagenets. In the last year of the 14th century, England is in turmoil. Her greatest knight, the dashing Sir Harry Percy, known as Hotspur struggles to navigate between court intrigues as plots and counterplots vie for the kingship. Harry has been raised with both the reigning king, Richard II and the man seeking to dethrone him, Henry Bolingbroke. Harry Percy's life has been eventful, from overcoming a stutter and underestimation that plagued his childhood, to a steady rise, proving himself a worth heir of his powerful father though service in the crusades, wars, and tournaments. But nature-loving Harry is most comfortable as Warden of wild and beautiful Northunberland, his home. He has a passion for justice in governing, which often puts him at odds with less principled people at court, including his estranged wife. Told with humor and heart as well as well-researched detail, To Remain Vigilant was a great pleasure to read. Characters and conflict jump off the pages, defying the time that separates us. Book One of this trilogy even contains a touch of magic, as Harry finds true and lasting love. By the end, you may want to transport valiant and chivalrous Hotspur to the present, to help us with our own troubled times. I can't wait for Book 2!
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Emotional, Family, Action Packed, Couldnt Put It Down
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