Heretic is a great read and I highly recommend it. This third book in the Grail Quest Series ties up all the loose ends from the previous 2 books but could also be read by itself. A great storyteller and writer of historical fiction, the author keeps the reader involved in the story and character development. He has the writing skills to transport the reader into the actual story's place and time. After reading the preceeding 2 novels and a few other of Cornwell's works I am hooked and want to read more from this author. In my humble opinion to read a Cornwell book is to read historical adventure. I also highly recommend The Archer's Tale and Vagabond, the two books that preceeded Heretic.