This book tells the story of John (FitzGilbert) Marshal, father of William. It's an interesting read and you get a sense about the time when Stephen and Matilda fought about who should be rightfully King/Queen if England. I just didn't really like the jumps in the time line, the chapters usually describe episodes in one year before the next chapter jumps to the next year. It feels like the flow of losing oneself in the atmosphere is broken after each chapter. Hence the 3 stars.