The Reckoning

Welsh Princes #3

by Sharon Kay Penman

"Penman's characters are so shrewdly imagined, so full of resonant human feeling that they seem to breathe on the page." —San Francisco Chronicle"Never forget, Llewelyn, that the world's greatest fool is a Welshman who trusts an English king."His father's words haunt Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales, who has been ruling uneasily over his fractious countrymen. Above all else, Llewelyn fears that his life and his own dream—of an independent, united Wales—might be lost to Edward I's desire to expand his English empire. Alive from the pages of history, this is the hauntingly beautiful and compelling tale of a game poised to play itself out to its bloody finale as English and Welsh cross swords in a reckoning that must mean disaster for one side or the other. For anyone who has ever wanted to experience the rich tapestry of British history and lore, this bold and romantic adventure must be read.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Medieval, British Literature, Romance, 13th Century

612 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1991

About the author

Penman received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she majored in history, and also received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, and later worked as a tax lawyer.

The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following the success of When Christ and His Saints Slept (which dealt with the Anarchy and the early career of King Henry II of England), Penman ventured into the historical whodunnit with four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reign of Richard I. The mysteries did not enjoy the same success as her "straight" historical novels, to which she returned in 2002, with Time and Chance, again covering the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. In 2008, she published Devil's Brood, which was to be the final book in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She soon realized that there was still more of the Angevins' story to tell and the result was Lionheart , followed by The King's Ransom. Henry and Eleanor's celebrated and controversial son, Richard the Lionheart is the major character in both books, although Eleanor, John, and Richard's favorite sister, Joanna, also get to spend time on center stage. She has just finished The Land Beyond the Sea, set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century. It will be published in the U.S. by G.P. Putnam's and in the U.K. and Down Under by Macmillan and co; the publication date is early March, 2020.

Reviews

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

My gosh. All I can say is I'm so sad it's over. This was by far the best trilogy I have ever read. Some day I will go back and read them all over again.
Penman can introduce a ton of characters and somehow she writes where you can keep them all straight in your head. She makes you FEEL for these characters until you think you actually know them. I caught myself slowing down and wanting to stop reading because I didn't want it to end! Wonderful. Everyone should read this trilogy!

[Paul Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The English scorn us as a backward, primitive people, Godless and befouled with sin.”

“Edward is a crusader King; he’d see it as his divine duty to bring [the Welsh] the dubious benefits of English custom and English law. And he’d open the floodgates to English settlers, charter English towns on Welsh soil, … we’d become aliens in our own land, denied our own laws, our own language, even our yesterdays, for a conquered people are not allowed a prideful past. Worst of all, we’d be leaving our children and grandchildren a legacy of misery and loss, a future bereft of hope.”

THE RECKONING is Sharon Kay Penman’s final instalment in her history of the long-standing bitter relationship between England and Wales spanning the 12th and 13th centuries. Llewelyn Fawr (labeled by history as “the Great”) opened the epic in HERE BE DRAGONS with his declaration of autonomy and Welsh participation in the attempted curtailing of the English monarchy’s “God-given” rights with the Magna Carta at Runnymede. She continued her magnificent historical opus magnum in FALLS THE SHADOW with the heroic tale of Simon de Montfort’s participation in the preparation of the Oxford Provisions, England’s first stumbling efforts at granting the people true authority in an actual parliament and the natural successor to the Magna Carta. The story culminates in THE RECKONING with Edward I, acknowledged to be one of Britain’s greatest and most ruthless and capable military minded kings, and his ruthless (not to mention incessantly double-dealing, self-serving and narcissistic) suppression of Wales’ ultimately futile opposition led by Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Llewelyn the Great’s grandson.

Despite its inordinate three volume length as a triple barrel doorstopper and its unquestionable complexity, Sharon Kay Penman’s brilliant story-telling powers and her extraordinary ability to create true-to-life characters with brilliantly portrayed depth and motivation made the entire trilogy a gripping and deeply compelling read from first page to last.

While THE RECKONING might be read purely at face value as a historical romance and a horseback, swords and maces war-time adventure tale, I doubt very many readers would take that approach. Sharon Kay Penman’s consistent attention to over-arching historical themes – misogyny and the use of women as political pawns in arranged marriage; the unfolding development of modern English from Welsh, Latin, and Norman French; pregnancy, childbirth, midwifery and the very sketchy state of medical care; the rather questionable attention paid to considerations of personal hygiene; the expectation of monarchies to unquestioned obedience and rights to such things as taxation despite the often capricious nature of their decision making; Islamic hatred and anti-Semitism; and the gob-smacking extraordinary power of the Roman Catholic Church and the papacy – make THE WELSH PRINCES trilogy an excellent learning tool for the entire topic of 13th century life in Great Britain.

Notwithstanding its awesome near 2000 page length, Sharon Kay Penman’s THE WELSH PRINCES trilogy ranks as some of the finest historical fiction a reader could possibly lay their hands on. Unquestionably recommended

Paul Weiss

[Rio (Lynne) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the third book in this engrossing and fulfilling trilogy. In book 1 Here be Dragons we are introduced to Llywelyn the Great. He was The Prince of Wales for over 40 years. In Book 2 Falls the Shadow we see the rising of Simon de Montfort who fought for the people of England's civil rights and the continuation of the English and Welsh wars. Falls the Shadow continues the family drama of Llywelyn's children and his grandchild and namesake Llywelyn aka Llelo. In this final trilogy, without giving too much away a grown up Llelo aka Llywelyn The Last continues to fight the English for an independent Wales. King Edward, like King John just refuses.

I went into all three books not knowing about the Welsh wars and knowing little about Simon de Montfort. As I was told, do not google as you read, for the stories are all page turners and you want to be surprised. Penman as usual sticks to a lot of historical accuracy, which is why you don't want to google until the end. So many of these scenes were just incredible, but true! Some characters as she mentions were real, but little was known about them. Overall, most people when they think of English wars with the surrounding countries think of the Scottish wars. The Welsh ones were just as interesting. Read these in order to get the complete experience. Fascinating reads! Deep character involvement and how can you not get attached when you start with the Grandparents in Book 1 and get to know these characters from their births and experience their whole lives? A 5 Star Trilogy!

[Sud666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Poor Wales. So far from Heaven, so close to England."

Such is the sad lament of the Welsh. Penman's trilogy of the struggles of Wales comes to an end. A multi-generational conflict that could be deemed as the Welsh nation versus the Plantagenets and the English (Technically, the Norman-French). This is a conflict of nations that starts with the Great-Grandfather (Henry II), then the Grandfather (John), then the father (Henry III), reaching its apogee, and subsequent end, with the latest Plantagenet to clash with Wales. Sadly, unlike the distracted Henry II and King John, as well as the inept and weak Henry III, this time Wales has the misfortune of dealing with Edward, King of England, First of His Name. Edward the Battle King. Edward the Hammer of the Scots and the Dragon of Wales.

This story revolves around Llewelyn ap Gruffydd of Gwynedd—grandson of Llewelyn the Great. When reading this story, you will be struck by how the Welsh destroyed themselves. Their unique culture, which they put much stock in, laid the seeds for the conflict to come. The concept of dividing the lands among the sons, may make sense for the lower orders but is a devastating concept for Nobility. This same lesson has been shown time and again from Henry II's issues with his sons inheritences to the dissolution of Charlemagne's Empire. But the Welsh perversely clung to this tradition even though it only brought civil war and a weakened nation.

This is what Llewelyn the Great and Llewelyn of Gwynedd were trying to accomplish. Ever undermined by the headstrong and stupid Welsh who fought against him. Their betrayals will lead only to more English involvement, until the end which comes with Edward. From this time onwards, the title "Prince of Wales" will belong to the English Prince.

A wonderful historical fiction that covers the fall of Wales. This multi-generational conflict is worth the time of any history fan, as it has some of the most famous of the Plantagenets involved. But it is the ruthless and militarily-able Edward who seals the deal on the Welsh. A King not to be trifled with.

Highly recommended series.

[Tracey Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Greatest Trilogy of all time!

In my entire history of reading, no book(s) have affected me the way SKP’s Welsh Trilogy has. This entire trilogy was so engrossing, beautiful, heart rending and a fantastic adventure. I fell totally and completely in love with Wales and her people. SKP’s books are so historically accurate with just enough added drama, you just can’t help fall in love with these characters.

This particular book “The Reckoning”, which concludes the trilogy, has been on my night stand for a few weeks with the last 100 pages of the book still to be read. When I finished I wanted no interruptions (my life recently has become out of control busy) for I knew I would be completely heartbroken for it to end.

I feel my words just don’t convey the greatness of these books but, I highly recommend this trilogy to all!! “Here Be Dragons” the first is my favorite! And what’s not to love about that awesome title! I just discovered SKP this year and she has rapidly topped my list of favorite authors.

[Emma Deplores Goodreads Censorship · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reckoning is a solid read and a better book than Falls the Shadow, so I give it four stars despite some reservations.

This last installment of Penman's Welsh trilogy covers the years 1271-1283, as Edward I wages war on Wales in his determination to bring the entire island under English rule. Llewelyn ap Gruffyth, grandson of Llewelyn Fawr, is Prince of Wales and, in the same vein as his grandfather, is determined that Wales remain independent and united. Other Welsh lords, most notably Llewelyn's brother Davydd, resent his leadership and make unreliable allies at best. This sets the stage for a series of high-stakes wars.

As always with Penman, I learned a fair bit of history from this book. Additionally, it is much better-plotted and more cohesive than Falls the Shadow. It helps that this one only spans 13 years, making it much easier for the reader to stay in touch with the characters' lives. As the book rushes toward its dramatic conclusion, the plot is focused and well-paced. It also helps that these characters had eventful lives; there's even a pirate attack, which is very well-done.

But while Penman is a much better character writer than your average historical novelist, this book is not the best example of her talents (or I've simply read too many of them). Llewelyn is a Standard Penman Hero and almost indistinguishable from his grandfather: he's totally devoted to his cause, he's brave, he's a loving husband; if he has a flaw it's that he's a bit self-righteous. Ellen has her moments (as do the other de Montforts, for certes), but she's quite similar to previous heroines, and while the build-up to her eventual meeting with Llewelyn is excellent, their actual relationship seems like a mishmash of relationships in previous Penman books.

Meanwhile, several supporting characters, while sympathetic and with interesting stories to tell, are primarily characterized by their loyalty to the principals, making them very similar to each other and to other Penman supporting characters. And Edward I makes a good villain, but he's not the complex character study that Kings John and Henry III were; he's mostly just a villain, brave but power-hungry, determined to believe himself a good guy even if it requires self-delusion. Edmund, his supportive younger brother, seemed a carbon copy of Richard, King John's supportive illegitimate son. None of these characters are flat by any means, but they're not quite as complex as previous protagonists, and share too many traits with those same previous protagonists to be particularly memorable. Davydd stands out as perhaps the most complex of the bunch, and his troubled relationship with Llewelyn is an apt focal point for this story.

The writing itself is good, aside from Penman's excessive fondness for the comma splice. And while her dialogue--always competent--improved as of Falls the Shadow when she stopped overusing auxiliary verbs in an effort to make it sound more archaic, I do find the sheer amount of banter included in this book odd, given that none of it is remotely humorous on the page. To be fair, the jokes are apparently intended to illuminate the characters' relationships and show that they have a sense of humor even under pressure, not to make readers chuckle; still, it's a bit overdone.

Finally, while we do see something of the characters' everyday lives, I feel a bit shortchanged when it comes to immersion in the culture in which the characters lived. This may be unfair to Penman--particularly as I just finished reading Anya Seton's Katherine, where the author takes a far more anthropological interest in 14th century England--but while this book is without a doubt solid on its historical information and psychological truths, its picture of 13th century life is sketchy. England doesn't feel different from Wales or France, aside from a few references to the terrain; Penman's 13th century is much like her rendering of the 12th or the 15th. Italy has its own character, but the rest of the world depicted here has the same generic backdrop of castles and abbeys, servants and prostitutes. Maybe the life of the nobility really was the same everywhere; still, to me at least, the scene-setting felt rather perfunctory.

I recommend this book to those who enjoyed the first two; it could also be read independently, as Penman does a good job of getting the readers up to speed at the beginning, but one who started here would miss the background and the protagonists' young lives. The book does a solid job of finishing the trilogy; the end is sad, but well-done. An enjoyable reading experience, if not without flaws.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book concludes the trilogy to a wonderful Historical novel, centering around the vying powers of Wales and England. It is written in a manner where most readers can relate to the powers on both sides . .. difficult to do especially in the second and third book, when Longshanks or Edward I, comes into the spotlight.
Wales is losing ground and, for the first time, England has a powerful ruler who can take advantage of it. And, he does.

And, as the rulers of Wales plot against each other, Edward grows stronger. He even marries off one of his cousins, hoping to make the strongest Welsh prince, come to his way of thinking but it does little good.

This is where the third book starts . . . and where it ends. Fans of the Welsh side should be warned that this tale will be bittersweet to tragic.

Tale is lyrical and unlike the previous novel tends to slow down in pace in certain chapters hence the four stars over the usual five in the series. Still very good, though.

REVISION NOTE AS OF 09/05/03: I have re-read THE RECKONING so my memory if far more clear. The beginning of this novel is truly a conclusion to the Montfort Family from the second book. As some will recall, this is the family that lost to the English King and had to retreat to France. It is there that old wounds are gradually healed, the Montforts continue upward, or downard, in their lives and the family is connected back to England through a broken plight troth: prince Lwellyn of Wales to Eleanor de Montfort.

But unlike his grandfather, Lwellyn Fawhr, Lwellyn ap Gruffyd has more brothers, who are out to fight and betray him; a stronger English King who has the drive and strategy to absorb Wales into the Kingdom, and a number of incidents, resulting in bad fortune. In addition, Lwellyn's bride is captured by Edward I and held for three years before she is finally freed. By the time she is freed, Edward has forced Lwellyn to give up territories and privileges.

So, by the time Lwellyn goes to war against Edward, a portion of Wales has already been partitioned off. In addition, a fatal wound and no heir, leaves Wales in turmoil, leaving Edward I the advantage of taking over the country.

Note that Edward I was also Longshanks, who was the English King in BRAVEHEART. A fine movie but not entirely accurate in the Historical sense, since the French princess was 7, Edward I had many more children, there was no bridge shown at the Battle of Stirling and people tended to wear helmets to protect themselves in such bloody fights. Lastly and obviously, there was no bastard son born from Wallace and the princess. Nice dramatic punch though.

STORY/PLOTTING: B to B plus; CHARACTERS/DIALOGUE: B plus to A minus; HISTORICAL FLAVOR: B plus to A minus; HISTORICAL ACCURACY: B plus to A minus; LOVE STORIES: B minus to B; WHEN READ: January 2013 (3 reads); OVERALL GRADE: B to B plus.

[Deborah Pickstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Edward I, Edward Longshanks, Hammer of the Scots doesn't even get a mention in a list of Worst Kings of England. The usual suspects appear (along with a couple of Queens, which scarcely seems fair). For me, there is no question - he was the worst, the very worst King England ever had. We use the word 'ruthless' these days as if it were a concept in and of itself - ruth has become an archaic concept; it means 'a feeling of pity, distress or grief'. Compassion. Edward had little of any of that - he was ruthless.

He also had a firm belief that God wanted him to.....do exactly as he pleased, which meant hammering Scots, going on Crusade to hammer infidels, decimating the Jewish population of England and annihilation of the Welsh, who it pleased him to see as being in rebellion against him. Except that they weren't part of England so it's a bit of a trick for me to see how they were rebels. Howsomever.

The story of the death fight of the Welsh, the fratricidal fractures that helped and the story of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd and Ellen de Montfort is told with pretty faithful adherence to the history as it is known and is certainly brought to life. It is only bettered by The Brothers of Gwynedd. Ms Penman is into her stride in her writing by the time she wrote this final novel dealing with Welsh history and it is a riveting read.

Sadly, history seems to value the 'Warrior King' (Edward) rather than vilify him as a cheating, lying, vindictive, vicious, arrogant bully. He won, natch. He was followed by Edward II who does make it onto the list, having been a 'weak' king who preferred chaps and gave lots of money to his 'favourites'. He wasn't, though, responsible for the huge loss of life and general public mayhem that was his father's legacy to his own country. If I could travel back in time and change on thing in history - Sultan Baibers' assassin would have been successful in 1272.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

So far, this has been one of the best book series I’ve read, and undeniably one of the most heart-wrenching, too. I think the last time I have allowed myself to become this dreadfully upset over a book and ended up being a monumental cry-baby was after reading The Kite Runner and A Dog of Flanders. I never realized I’d actually foster the same sentiment for Simon de Montfort and the two Llewelyns who lived so many centuries ago, came from halfway across the globe, and did not even grace the pages of our World History textbooks. This series has led me to appreciate and respect these heroes and the causes they fought for, to shed a considerable volume of tears I never thought I actually possessed (as I don’t cry that easily), and for that alone, Miss Penman deserves more than 5 stars from me.

Anyway, I was supposed to write an objective review about this book, but my mind is still in 13th century Wales and brooding over the many “what ifs”—however foolish—that this book/series has conjured up.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

The final book in Penman's Welsh Princes series is even better than the first two; less political, more emotional, and in the last 100 pages, totally heartbreaking.

Adorable little Llelo from Falls the Shadow has grown up into Llewelyn, Prince of Wales, as courageous as his namesake grandfather from Here be Dragons, and facing the same adversaries in the form of treacherous kin and arrogant kings. And talking of kings, I hated Edward I in this, hated him. What a dirty, double-dealing, unrelenting git.

The book had me in tears twice for the tragic deaths of first Ellen and then Llelo. Both those chapters were unbearably and beautifully moving, a desperate end to a doomed story. But still there’s more, with Edward’s final acts of spiteful vengeance. I sat in silence for a while after finishing, taking in the full story from all three books, all filled with so much hope and so much sadness.

The Welsh Princes trilogy is one of the best series' I’ve read.

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars -- The least of my favorite out of the trilogy, however still a damn great book. I don't even have complaint with this, other than it didn't feel as... legendary? At least, that was how I felt, until I read the last 80 pages. It really felt like it was standing on the shoulders of the characters of the first two books, with constant mention of Llywelyn the Great and Simon de Monfort. Maybe that's why I favored those two books, because I truly felt connected with those two heroes. This third book, was The Great's grandson, who was still heroic and lovable, but just didn't quite top his predcessor. I enjoyed his quarrels with his younger, devious brother -- and his constant struggle against the big baddy, England's King Edward I. If nothing else, I would say that Edward definitely out-douched his grandfather King John.

Anyways, Sharon Kay Penman, (may she rest in peace) truly was a fantastic character writer. Many reviews of this Welsh Prince trilogy rain praises on how well she brought these medieval characters to life, and I whole-heartedly agree. The ending of this third book is one I will remember for a long, long time. Also, she writes romance in a way that is classy and engaging. I've said before, and I'll say again: I couldn't give two thoughts on a book's love interest, normally. But Ms.Penman's knack for writing love, always has me rooting for the lovers. She knows how to write sex-scenes without the reader feeling sleezy. And lastly, she always likes to elaborate the difficulties of medieval medicine and childbirth. Every character, as was in real life of that time, constantly faced the threat of death.

[Mela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wales will endure. Scriptures tell us so, tell us that one generation passeth away, and another generation cometh, but the earth abideth forever. We must remember that in the dark days that lie ahead.

Was it a good ending of the series? Can I call it so thinking of what befell with Wales?

What to add? A magnificent saga. Great stories, great (but not flawless) people. The touching events. Phenomenal historical accuracy (even about quite bizarre happenings).

I would have liked to read such novels about the whole history - it would be pure pleasure and a memorable lecture.

I should write a very long review, considering how excellent the book (and the saga) was but I am too full of these superb stories to have a place for my own words.

PS I have had a very realistic dream tonight. I was a 'cariad' for someone who was a mix of two Llewelyns and Simon. I was pregnant and he had to go for war (for Wales, of course). And he didn't come back. When I heard he died my heart broke. The feeling of sorrow, of despair, was so deep and real that after waking up I had to think for a while to myself that it was just a dream. I don't recall now which other book touched me so deeply to be able to create such a dream (although I am sure there were a few).

[David Canford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A few weeks ago we were getting ready to go to North Wales on vacation and I wanted to read a novel set there. In the process of looking for one, I have discovered this superb American author who has written many novels about medieval Britain, though sadly she died a few years ago. For me, she is already up there with Lucia St Clair Robson (who has written such detailed and great books about Native American heroines and their struggles against the white invaders).
This novel is about the conflict between Llewelyn ap Gruffydd and Edward I. As it’s historical fiction, and the author was known as a stickler for being accurate about the facts, I knew what the outcome would be but still found the ending sad.
Not only is her writing first rate but she weaves a wonderful account. It’s not an easy read - you need to concentrate and, in my case, reread some parts to stay on top of how the characters are linked to each other - but it’s a great way of learning of this period in history. She creates such atmosphere - you can feel the cold of a Welsh winter and the wild, untamed landscape.
Following his victory, Edward in only a few years built his ‘ring of iron’ - Harlech, Caernarfon and Conwy castles as well as city walls - all of which we visited while there. They are now Unesco world heritage sites and 'must sees' if you visit the area, which not only has amazing historical sites, but also superb mountain scenery and a stunning coastline.
(I watched some you tube videos on Welsh pronunciation to try and get to grips with how to read the characters' names and places in Wales. The ‘dd’s, ‘ll’s, and consonants ‘w' and ‘y' appearing in the middle of words instead of vowels are a challenge. It turns out Welsh has seven vowels, including ‘w' and ‘y'. It’s apparently a Brittonic language - common Britonnic was spoken widely across Britain until about 600. When the Anglo Saxons came from Germany, English began to develop from German, and then Norse when the Vikings invaded, and finally French when William the Conqueror invaded. It’s just as well they have dual language signs in Wales because English and Welsh bare little similarity.)

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one was definitely the most emotional book out of the trilogy - actually, it’s the most emotional SKP book I’ve read yet. Though I always enjoy Penman’s characterizations, I got so attached to the characters in this one that I was really depressed when certain inevitabilities happened. I think that’s why Penman introduced Hugh and Caitlin - they served as fictional protagonists that she could actually give a happy ending to. But even that was kind of bittersweet, knowing all they’d lost too.

You know an author is great at what they do when they can take a character who tried to assassinate the main protagonist, his own brother, and convince the reader to empathize with him by the end. I was so devastated for Davydd and his family at the end - but then, he did do a lot of growing up in the second half of the book.

I was also devastated for Wales and the Welsh, though I’ve only ever been there once and have no prior attachments or associations with them, SKP makes you feel for them wholeheartedly nonetheless.

I know that Edward I was known for his ruthlessness and this novel really does an excellent job at portraying why.

At the risk of sounding like a fangirl, this is the best book I’ve read in the last couple years. I do think it’s worth reading the first two books in the series too, since they are also excellent books and it’s worth reading all the build up to the climax in this one. But this one really moved me in a way the others didn’t, in a way that a book hasn’t for a while.

[Misfit · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book. Along with an engrossing story I learned much about English history that I had never heard of before. I have to admit, some of the things that came up during the courtship/marriage of Llewellen and Ellen seemed absolutely bizarre, and then I searched the internet on these characters and they did actually happen. Edward I was and is an absolute two timing double faced snake in the grass!!

I won't give it away, but a scene at the end of the book was so heartbreaking I literally cried for about 10-15 minutes. I can't recall any other book affecting me so. This was an awesome series, Here Be Dragons, Falls the Shadow and the Reckoning.

[Karen Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes, it’s really difficult reading the novels of a writer whom you know takes great pains to be historically accurate while still telling a sweeping, dramatic and emotionally fraught tale. So it is with Penman who, in this last book of The Welsh Prince series, brings the story of the struggles of the Welsh prince, Llewelwyn, and the machinations of Edward Longshanks, King of England, to a close.
For those who know the history, you understand the ending is not a happy one and it’s this that makes the novel difficult reading. The tale of Llewelyn’s reign, his marriage, love, triumphs and losses, his turgid and troubled relationship with is brother, the complex Davyd, are all explored in wonderful, deep and moving ways. Likewise, Edward’s motivations, the relationship he has with not only his brother and cousins, but also his conscience, which appears to conveniently massage events and consequences to suit his purpose, are all told with such emotional truth, you both delight and ache for the characters and the futures that await them.
I adored this book – as I have all the others in this series and, indeed, by Penman. She is a historical novelist par excellence – in that she manages to balance both the history and the story-telling so very well. Lost in the chaos and turmoil of the era, the bloodshed, treachery and religiosity, the story is also laced with romance, honour, adventure (including pirates!) and betrayal.
As is usual with Penman’s work, she brings the female characters (those often diminished or elided by history) particularly to life, representing them as strong, brave, fully-rounded women who while they may not be on the frontline in the physical sense as battles and politics rage around them, nonetheless form the backbone and emotional rearguard upon which their men (husbands, brothers, fathers, cousins and sons) will rely to succour them.
From Ellen to Eleanor to Nell, they are three-dimensional, amazing women who loved their men – faults and all – and in the end, it’s they who bear the heavy cost of their loyalty and love.
A superb conclusion to a tumultuous and possibly lesser known period of history, I cannot recommend this series (or any of Penman’s novels) highly enough.

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can now say I've read all of Penman's novels, a baker's dozen of them, and my favorites remain The Sunne in Splendour and the first novel in the Welsh Princes trilogy, Here Be Dragons. I'd say this ranks just the next level down--a four and a half, rather than a five. Not to be counted among my favorite books of all time and it didn't move me to tears--but great as historical fiction nevertheless. I'm newly impressed with Penman's skills as a historical novelist. Her research is evident, she definitely conveys how alien the medieval mindset was compared to our times but makes her characters relatable. It can't be easy, fleshing out these stick figures we get mere outlines of from chroniclers, putting actions and words that fit.

If anything, that was the problem as I reached the end of the book. I dreaded that ending and it made me drag my feet those last hundred pages. In fact, I had deliberately avoided the last two books in this trilogy for years. Here Be Dragons is a true life love story--among the most moving I'd ever read, all the more for being based on real people. As a love story, it's has it's share of the bitter among the sweet, but of all of Penman's books I'd say its the most upbeat. But the other two? Well, anyone who knows anything about British history would know that it wasn't long after the events of that book that Wales was swallowed into England. The very titles of the books gave me pause: "Falls the Shadow" and "The Reckoning." If that weren't enough, well, Penman is all to good at showing the flaws and foibles of the characters that doomed them--and poor Wales. All at the same time making medieval Wales terribly appealing to a modern reader. At the same time she doesn't demonize Edward I--but you want to damn him thoroughly anyway!

And now, if you'll excuse me I think I'll begin the process of Penman withdrawal by finding the fluffiest, more sickening sweet and upbeat story I can.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic conclusion to Penman's Welsh trilogy. This book tells the story of Llewellyn the last and Simon de Montfort's children, who are inextricably linked due to the cruelties of England's King Edward Longshanks, son of the ineffectual King Henry, and Llewellyn's planned marriage to Eleanor (Ellen) de Motfort. The novel illuminates King Edward's medieval English version of manifest destiny and his ruthless desire to destroy Wales as an independent principality.

Penman does a masterful job at turning these historical figures, politics, and complex family relationships into an engaging story. The novel explores Llewellyn's tortured relationships with his brothers Owain, Davydd, and Rhodri, King Edward's relationship with his de Montfort kin, young Simon "Bran" de Montfort's guilt over his role in his father's death and the impact of the family's downfall on the de Montfort children. Penman's style made me root for Llewellyn and Ellen and become emotionally connected to them. By the end of the novel, even though the I knew that Wales ultimately becomes a part of England, I hoped that history would have gone another way and that King Edward would have let Wales survive on its own. The Reckoning is a masterful conclusion to a great trilogy. Unfortunately, history prevents it from having a happy ending; consequently the novel ends with shocking brutality.

After I finished this novel I started Sunne in Splendour and I have the Eleanor of Aquitaine series on order. I've become a serious Sharon Kay Penman fan!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was dull by the pages several times. The author used commas where a connecting word would have made the reading better. At times I would have rated the book one star. At other times, all of the stars in the Milky Way would have been too few. Ms. Penman is an outstanding author.

I read the Welsh trilogy straight through without a break, and my favorite character was the last Prince Llewellyn. In his death scene, I wanted some super natural power to reattach his head to his body and let him live for a few more pages. The Welsh aristocracy never caught a break, and their losses of kin, property and life made for such sad reading. That is life--people are born and then they die. What they are in the 'meantime' determines their legacy be it grand or be it of little consequence. The princes of Wales leave an enduring legacy that is unique.

In reading this trilogy, I focused on the aristocratic ladies who rubbed elbows with the princes. To my way of interpretation, the princes had an over abundance of charm. Thinking back, the princes' enemies were men. The women loved those men!

Thank you, Ms. Penman, for a good read.

[Anthony Hillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Penman sadly passed away in January (one month after I received this book for Christmas). If this is any indication of what the rest of her work is like, I should have been reading her for a long time before this.

The (mostly) true story of Llewelyn ap Gruffyd, Ellen de Montfort, Davydd ap Gruffyd and King Edward I and the conflicts that resulted in the English taking over Wales. This is one of those rare long books in which not a word is out of place, and the pace never drags. I will definitely be reading more. Beginning with her final novel, last year's The Land Beyond the Sea.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking. Wonderfully researched, wonderfully written.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart rending masterpiece.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great book, such a wonderful trilogy. I may return to say more, but, quite frankly, I'm speechless at the moment, and that may be all I need to say.

[Deyanira C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really regret having read this book...Because it is so beautiful but so sad, that I almost cried, it is by far my favorite of the trilogy, even though I loved the first one.

I'll be honest it took me a while to start reading this book because the second in the saga bored me, and I was not too intrigued, but after reading "brothers of gwynedd" I decided to read it and I'm glad I did it.


In this third book we follow the lives of Llewellyn the great's grandsons, more specifically Llewellyn and Davyd, and how Wales ends up being taken over by England despite Llewellyn's efforts and thanks in part to Davyd's repeated betrayals to his own family and his own country, in general it is a story of rivalries, envy, war, ambitions, but also love, honor, family and above all it is the end of a kingdom or many kingdoms, the end of centuries of traditions, history and struggles .

The story is very deep and emotional, it is impossible not to get involved, it not only covers one character but many of them, kings, knights, pages, princes, and not only focuses on Wales, but also on England and France, as always SKP recreates a scenario that happened centuries ago and does it in such a human and real way that it is easy to imagine the circumstances in which these people lived, but above all I loved the characterization.

Eleonor the Montfort, she is beautiful but she is also brave, intelligent although impulsive, her relationship with Llewellyn was refreshing I liked reading a woman who was not shy and isn't afraid of express her desires and needs, their fights give realism to the relationship, the Llewellyn's past with women is so realistic that I liked it, and even though it was heartbreaking that it will last so little I truly believe that they lived the best time possible.

Davyd betrayed his brother 3 times causing partly the destruction of Wales but still I couldn't hate him and that is due to the beautiful way that SKP create her characters I mean , a person that is ambitious and envious does not mean that has to be evil , aggressive, or lacking in charm, right? In the end, all humans have good and bad things, and Davyd is a sample of that, an envious treacherous brother but a good husband, someone who learns from his mistakes although too late, not a very good father but charming with women, his relationship with Elizabeth was my favorite, of all the couples, it was like reading the typical playboy (Davyd) who falls in love without expecting it, and without deserving it, he receives an English wife with a dowry, as part of a political arrangement, does not know her and does not adore her madly, but wants to conquer her because is what he does conquer women, Elizabeth has been mistreated, ignored and used all her life, so when Davyd shows her tenderness and respect she falls in love immediately, he is not faithful to her and he is not the type to believe in love but he ends up too delighted with her and the love she professes for him, and they end up being a successful marriage she becomes his confidant to the surprise of davyd himself, maybe because I liked them both so much I felt very very sad with the heartbreaking scene of guards ripping off their children.

Llewellyn is a prince in every sense of the word, very much like his grandfather, honest, proud, loyal, brave, intelligent, perhaps too benevolent, but well he is just as I imagined the last great prince Wales had, although I am saddened that he spent most of his life running and fighting something he could not win, being betrayed even though he will forgive again and again, the fact that he did not deny his desire to have children and his disappointment showed him to me as a man of meat and bone more than like a hero.

Other characters, although I liked his story, made me unnerved at times like Caitilin, and Edward I came to hate him but even the "villain" of the story has a beautiful relationship with his wife that made me hate him less....

In the end, everything works and although I really liked it, I don't know whether to read it again because the ending is so sad, it changed my vision of Wales forever, from now on whenever I hear the word "Wales" or see it on a map, I will see it with admiration.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding historical fiction series. Very well written and Ms. Penman brings these characters to life.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two things spurred me to read this trilogy after I first became aware of it - the fact that although I had read a fair amount both fiction and non-fiction on the Tudors& Plantaganets, I had not ventured to the Welsh 'side of the story' so to speak - the other was because our Mum was Welsh. A blanket statement would be that I liked the books, which in a way was almost a given because of the subject matter; more succinctly put, I like her writing style. So, putting the two together and adding a soupçon of historical accuracy embellished by her establishing a human aspect to the characters made these a really good read. Even though I knew of Simon de Montfort's horrific death at Evesham at the hands of Edward's men, it was brought home much more by reading of the reaction of his family and friends. Same with the death of LLewellyn ap Gryffudd, equally as horrific and almost more poignant because it also signalled the death of a dream & a country. I suppose I am hooked.

I have ordered Ms. Penman's Sunne in Splendour - given the discussion of Richard III I thought I might dust off my history & for a (perhaps) different view of the Llewellyns, Edith Pargeter's The Brothers of Gwynned Quartet.

It's the time of year to 'nest' with a good book & a cuppa :)

[Susana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This trilogy was a fantastic adventure! from king John and Llywelyn Fawr to king Edward longshanks and Llywelyn the last, it's been a heart wrenching experience. The magistral writing of SKP in this books achieves greatness. She takes the reader inside the story as an spectator, one can be witness of great moments in history and at the same time of the very personal lives of its characters. I came to love so many characters in this books, that almost dreaded to read the author's note were she would reveal which were total creation, and it blows me away how she endowed them to the point that they could've existed!
Trough Sharon learned about R3 and came to appreciate him as a great leader and a great man. Trough this trilogy I have found another great leader, one to admire and love, one I didn't know about: Simon the Montfort. Will learn more about him and his great reforms, spectacular character, masterfully depicted here by Sharon.
There's, in my opinion, no better way of learning history that trough SKP writing. Had an special time, loved every second of it and will definitely read more of Sharon's books. Fortunately she has many more for me to enjoy. So I have a happy and long tread before me.

[Overbooked ✎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novel, set in late 13th century, Sharon Kay Penman brings to life the final chapter in the English-Welsh wars, she proves as masterful and engaging storyteller as ever.
I am rating this novel lower than previous novels of this trilogy (Here be Dragons, Falls the Shadow) only because the story of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd and Helen de Montfort interesting as it is, cannot compete with the likes of Llewelyn Fawr and Joanna nor of Simon de Montfort and Nell.
I’d highly recommend her books to other historical novels enthusiasts. 3.5 stars rounded up

Fav. quotes:

Drinking did not make men more amusing, it only made them think it did.

What is forgiveness worth without trust?

A man with a sense of divine mission is a very dangerous foe, indeed.

[Lori Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was heartbreakingly good. I've read three other books by Penman and each one is such a pleasure to read -- I look forward to my bedtime so much more (and go to bed even earlier!) because I have one of her thick books to read.

You probably already know how marvelous Penman is with her research, but she has a way of building the story that makes it seem so real -- well, real-er than a history book. I was so upset when certain characters died, so sure that they WOULDN'T die because it just wasn't TIME. I got emotionally involved in the book, which is one of my criteria for a Truly Great Book.

Hope you'll read it!

Lori Anderson

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[Kiesha ~ Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an ending to an amazing series. This was by far the most emotional for me due to losses and change of circumstances. This is a series I will forever remember.