The Reckoning by Penman, Sharon New Edition

by Sharon Kay Penman

Paperback

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

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved “Here Be Dragon”s, her first book in this trilogy. I was very disappointed in the second book. It was more about Simon De Monteforte and the English throne. But it did give context to this last book. This last book redeemed my disappointment in the second story. The last book was wonderful. The Welsh have such a fabled and enchanting history. Unfortunately, the English had more power and all but crushed this culture. I hope Welsh and Scottish culture come back. I also think it’s time that the British Monarchy restore the title Prince of Wales to the Welsh. Give the next heir apparent a title that comes from England, not Wales or Scotland. This book is a must read.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoy Sharon Penman’s books. So well researched with so much history. Her characters come to life on the pages as do their surroundings.
I sympathise with the other reviewer’s opinion that the title Prince of Wales should be returned to the Welsh. 7 centuries would seem to be long enough for the English to hold it.