Thirteenth-century Wales is a divided country, ever at the mercy of England’s ruthless, power-hungry King John. Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, secures an uneasy truce by marrying the English king’s beloved illegitimate daughter, Joanna, who slowly grows to love her charismatic and courageous husband. But as John’s attentions turn again and again to subduing Wales—and Llewelyn—Joanna must … decide where her love and loyalties truly lie.
The turbulent clashes of two disparate worlds and the destinies of the individuals caught between them spring to life in this magnificent novel of power and passion, loyalty and lies. The book that began the trilogy that includes Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning, Here Be Dragons brings thirteenth-century England, France, and Wales to tangled, tempestuous life.
more
One of my favorite historical novels! Love it!
I think almost everyone knows the story of Richard the Lionheart, and King John’ s troubles with his nobles that led to the Magna Carta. But I didn’t know anything about the Princes of Wales. (Not the English ones-that came later). Told from King
John’s daughter’s point of view; we get a picture of what life was like in 12th century Europe. Women had no rights and were bartered like cattle,.even girls as young as 4! The English king and family didn’t speak English, they spoke French, and war was an everyday occurrence. Even though the marriage between Joanna and Llewellyn of Wales was arranged, and the groom was about 20 years older than his child bride, it turned out to be a love match that lasted over 20 years. Well written, and researched, I found this fascinating and could not put it down.
This author really brings these historic people to life. I especially like how she introduces characters who have been in the room watching, then join a conversation. It give the effect of someone very calculatingly sneaking up on another character. I have enjoyed all her books many times over the years.
Excellent, well researched historical fiction.
A great story!
This is a truly wonderful read. I first picked this book up twenty years ago when I was at Uni, then a month ago a copy sat on a bookshelf in a second hard store. The cover alluring, I took i down and dipped back into the first few pages and I was instantly hooked as I had been years before. Snapping the book shut, I paid, went home, put the kettle on and settled down to devour what can only be described as an historical fiction classic. Sharon Kay Penman set the standard with this book that many have followed, if historical fiction is your genre then you need to add this to your to read list. I can honestly say you will not be disappointment – this is a book that will stay with you for a long time.
Historical fiction is not ordinarily my genre, but when a good friend hands you a book … I loved reading this 700+page brick for a number of reasons, but it primarily appealed to my writing self. How do you keep a reader engaged for so long? The devices Penman employs are a lesson for all of us who write. She uses each chapter as a scene, with its own arc; internal dialogue includes provocative questions; and most scenes end with an element of suspense. Her dialogue and descriptions are like a time machine and the steamy bits are well wrought (if not cringe-worthy for the historically accurate ages of the girls). The best part? All the characters and events are true.
I loved this book so much that I hope to visit many of the sites from it, especially those in Wales.