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
For fans of historical fiction, book one of this trilogy (a story of Prince Llewellyn of Wales) is a great read. I come back to it every few years to re-read.
Interesting historical perspective of Wales & England struggles.
I’ve read this book several times and yet, never tire of it. I love all of Sharon Penman’s books, but I belive this is my favorite. Highly recommend!
Excellent historical fiction by an author who blends real characters into a great story. I always learn while enjoying.
Having ancestry going back to Welch immigrates to the US in the 1600’s, I felt connected to the characters and their fight for their homeland. Our ancestors were Quakers and had their own battles with the English, including imprisonment for holding illegal religious services. My sympathies were defiantly with the Welch.
This book was well written, but without some background knowledge of the history of the Welch, English, and French ruling families, the reader may get a little lost. Adding a pedigree chart would be helpful. The descriptions of central Wales and the Welch/English border towns were spot on. Such a beautiful place and wonderful history. Definitely enjoyed the book.
I’ve been married to a true Welshman for over 35 years and it was wonderful to read about the history and what made Wales what it is.
It’s historical fiction, but a bit of historical romance.
Well done series about the Plantagenents
Great way to learn history
Wonderfully written piece of history of which little is known and little can be researched on the characters. Therefore what can be researched of the time makes this book come to life in wonderful ways.
I love history and I love historical fiction and I absolutely LOVE Sharon Kay Penman as an author! I bought this book thinking it was a fantasy with dragons so imagine my shock when I got home and read the back blurb. A book about John 1 and his daughter who was married and living in Wales? Since I don’t believe in wasting money, I settled down to read the first chapter. By the first PARAGRAPH I was hooked! When finished I just had to go back and buy the other two books by this author! Since then, I have read everything she has written and none of them have disappointed me. For anyone interested in very well researched history that reads like a novel and not a text book, this is the book for you.
Very good book of historical fiction
This series of books about the battles and loves among the English monarchy is very well done. Information + adventure = great read.
Fast moving, detailed, realistic, and interesting. Gave a broad view of King John, and he still came off as a cruel, unpleasant man. The book was entertaining, and I enjoyed reading it.
A fast entertaining read. Very enjoyable.
If you are interested in early history of Wales and their struggles with English intervention and rule, this is an excellent book. It is Long and intense and fascinating. The characters are true to life for that time period and it is difficult to imagine what they have to go through in their daily life just to survive. Their struggles and battles boggle the mind. I heartily recommend this book.
This was an amazing story about some of the people in history of Wales and England. She truly brings a human aspect to them.
not much
I’ve read every book that Sharon Kaye Penman has written. None have disappointed me. It’s been several years since she has published a new one but if she did, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. An excellent account of English history…very accurate…and when she has no record of what actually happened and has to write the story…she tells you at the end of the book. I have thoroughly enjoyed all of her books.
Nice piece of historical fiction with interesting characters and sufficient action.