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The Fairmile #3
Dawnlands
It is 1685 and England is on the brink of a renewed civil war. King Charles II has died without an heir and his brother James is to take the throne. But the people are bitterly divided, and many do not welcome the new king or his young queen. Ned Ferryman cannot persuade his sister, Alinor, that he is right to return from America with his Pokanoket servant, Rowan, to join the rebel army. Instead, Alinor and her daughter Alys, have been coaxed by the manipulative Livia to save the queen from the coming siege. The rewards are life-changing: the family could return to their beloved Tidelands, and Alinor could rule where she was once lower than a servant.
Alinor’s son is determined to stay clear of the war, but, in order to keep his own secrets in the past, Livia traps him in a plan to create an imposter Prince of Wales—a surrogate baby to the queen.
From the last battle in the desolate Somerset Levels to the hidden caves on the slave island of Barbados, this third volume of an epic story follows a family from one end of the empire to another, to find a new dawn in a world which is opening up before them with greater rewards and dangers than ever before.
Alinor’s son is determined to stay clear of the war, but, in order to keep his own secrets in the past, Livia traps him in a plan to create an imposter Prince of Wales—a surrogate baby to the queen.
From the last battle in the desolate Somerset Levels to the hidden caves on the slave island of Barbados, this third volume of an epic story follows a family from one end of the empire to another, to find a new dawn in a world which is opening up before them with greater rewards and dangers than ever before.
Paperback
First published November 1, 2022
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About the author
Philippa Gregory
135 books36.8k followersDR PHILIPPA GREGORY studied history at the University of Sussex and was awarded a PhD by the University of Edinburgh where she is a Regent and was made Alumna of the Year in 2009. She holds an honorary degree from Teesside University, and is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff. Philippa is a member of the Society of Authors and in 2016, was presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Historical Fiction Award by the Historical Writers’ Association. In 2018, she was awarded an Honorary Platinum Award by Neilsen for achieving significant lifetime sales across her entire book output. In 2021, she was awarded a CBE for services to literature and to her charity Gardens for the Gambia. and was elected as a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
She welcomes visitors to her site www.PhilippaGregory.com.
Philippa's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PhilippaGregoryOfficial
She welcomes visitors to her site www.PhilippaGregory.com.
Philippa's Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/PhilippaGregoryOfficial
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 692 reviews
December 7, 2022
Dawnlands, the third book in the series is a captivating story of survival and political intrigue and in my opinion is slightly better than the other two books in the series, Dark Tides and Tidelands.
Set in 17th century England, the historical period is not just used for the setting. It is the story; with real and fictional characters woven into the plot to embellish an already fascinating historical era.
Authentic, absorbing, intense, and politically mind blowing, where the battle over lineage and the right to rule is every bit as potent as the political and religious wars that threatened Britain’s stability. Combine this with the fictional lives and characters of the others in the story and we have an odyessy of love, sacrifice, honour, loyalty but also deception and ambition. Simply wonderful.
The Historical Background (if you don’t know already)
The year is 1685, and England is now under the rule of James II, a Stuart king who wants to restore England back to its Catholic heritage after replacing Charles II, whose father (Charles I) was famously executed in London.
Once again, we see the culmination of political, religious and military conflicts between the royalists, papists and parliamentarians that threatens civil war and results in political mayhem and instability. Despite James II’s attempts to give civic equality to Roman Catholic and Protestant dissenters the country remains strongly divided. The papists want to return England back to its Catholic religion and restore relationships with Rome, and those who had wished for the transformation and reformation to the protestant church established under Henry VIII oppose any such compromise. So, James is in danger of alienating both sides in this bloody conflict.
When Charles II's illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth stages a rebellion, the fictional and real characters come to life in the story where the personal agenda of each of the characters start to clash with the already opposing sides, even within families and it unclear who can be trusted.
The Plot
This is also a continuation of Alinor’s story. A character that has added so much richness and depth to the series and represents the dangerous and risky life of women who wanted a voice and were prepared to step outside the permitted role of women in society. Ned her brother, who was once exiled, now returns with no signs of his political ambition and thirst for rebellion dwindling. Older and wiser, they both dance with danger and live a precarious life, in an unstable political climate, where both play roles as the manipulator and the manipulated.
The stories of Livia, the queen, Rowan and the others brought much of the romance, tragedy, personal sacrifice, love, and honour to the story which added so much intrigue to the fictional storyline.
Review and Comments
As a strong advocate of history and historical fiction, I found this book a treat. Dawnlands suited my tastes a little more because the real historical events played a greater role, although the first two books offered so much more on the fictional side. So, it is a personal choice.
Overall, I have loved this series and was surprised that the first two books did not draw more readers and fans. With this book there is a slight change of approach from the first two books and a return to Philippa Gregory's 'more popular' style which I describe as a retelling of the Tudor history and the lives of the Monarch’s, princesses etc.. where fact is embellished with fiction rather than the other way round.
We know what happens in history but what is intriguing are the fictional aspects of this story. Particularly the young Rowan, a girl saved from slavery by Ned, only to be mistakenly put on a boat heading for the sugar plantations, and here the dreadful and shameful trade of people is once again exposed.
For presenting an intriguing and volatile political landscape, for creating the perfect febrile atmosphere and for building characters into the story that are brutal, manipulative, deceptive, and ambitious – I give this book 4 stars.
A compelling and perfectly balanced story of fact and fiction and written by such a gifted author.
Set in 17th century England, the historical period is not just used for the setting. It is the story; with real and fictional characters woven into the plot to embellish an already fascinating historical era.
Authentic, absorbing, intense, and politically mind blowing, where the battle over lineage and the right to rule is every bit as potent as the political and religious wars that threatened Britain’s stability. Combine this with the fictional lives and characters of the others in the story and we have an odyessy of love, sacrifice, honour, loyalty but also deception and ambition. Simply wonderful.
The Historical Background (if you don’t know already)
The year is 1685, and England is now under the rule of James II, a Stuart king who wants to restore England back to its Catholic heritage after replacing Charles II, whose father (Charles I) was famously executed in London.
Once again, we see the culmination of political, religious and military conflicts between the royalists, papists and parliamentarians that threatens civil war and results in political mayhem and instability. Despite James II’s attempts to give civic equality to Roman Catholic and Protestant dissenters the country remains strongly divided. The papists want to return England back to its Catholic religion and restore relationships with Rome, and those who had wished for the transformation and reformation to the protestant church established under Henry VIII oppose any such compromise. So, James is in danger of alienating both sides in this bloody conflict.
When Charles II's illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth stages a rebellion, the fictional and real characters come to life in the story where the personal agenda of each of the characters start to clash with the already opposing sides, even within families and it unclear who can be trusted.
The Plot
This is also a continuation of Alinor’s story. A character that has added so much richness and depth to the series and represents the dangerous and risky life of women who wanted a voice and were prepared to step outside the permitted role of women in society. Ned her brother, who was once exiled, now returns with no signs of his political ambition and thirst for rebellion dwindling. Older and wiser, they both dance with danger and live a precarious life, in an unstable political climate, where both play roles as the manipulator and the manipulated.
The stories of Livia, the queen, Rowan and the others brought much of the romance, tragedy, personal sacrifice, love, and honour to the story which added so much intrigue to the fictional storyline.
Review and Comments
As a strong advocate of history and historical fiction, I found this book a treat. Dawnlands suited my tastes a little more because the real historical events played a greater role, although the first two books offered so much more on the fictional side. So, it is a personal choice.
Overall, I have loved this series and was surprised that the first two books did not draw more readers and fans. With this book there is a slight change of approach from the first two books and a return to Philippa Gregory's 'more popular' style which I describe as a retelling of the Tudor history and the lives of the Monarch’s, princesses etc.. where fact is embellished with fiction rather than the other way round.
We know what happens in history but what is intriguing are the fictional aspects of this story. Particularly the young Rowan, a girl saved from slavery by Ned, only to be mistakenly put on a boat heading for the sugar plantations, and here the dreadful and shameful trade of people is once again exposed.
For presenting an intriguing and volatile political landscape, for creating the perfect febrile atmosphere and for building characters into the story that are brutal, manipulative, deceptive, and ambitious – I give this book 4 stars.
A compelling and perfectly balanced story of fact and fiction and written by such a gifted author.
August 28, 2022
I've enjoyed all 15 of the Plantagenet and Tudor collection written by, and when I learned she'd begun writing a new series, Fairmile, based on mostly fictional characters, I was intrigued. Book 1 was great, while book 2 was just average. But in this final one (I think, perhaps there could be more coming) is the best of the three. My only beef was the sudden death of two characters that deserved a little more focus in the end. That said, the various generations of this family are amazing, and I'm loving the growth and substance standing alongside them. Add to that the annoying but clever Livia's plotting, plus the fictionalized account of their friendships with Queen Mary and King William during the late 1600s, I was all in for this story. Pages easily turned. Characters were stronger than ever. I do hope there is another book.
November 17, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
I am a huge fan of Philippa Gregory and I was anticipating the third book in her Fairmile series. We are now in the 1680's of English history and another civil war. Once again we meet with Ned Ferryman, returned from America with a young Pokanoket servant, Rowan. Ailnor, her son Rob, her daughter, Alys and their offspring are also on the dividing lines of the events brewing in the country. In addition to the nation's history, we have the exploration of marriage alliances, old loves, slavery, and the power of family.
The more books I read in this series, the more I like it. I even shed a few tears in this one. This should surprise no one who reads my reviews. I am a crier by nature. I loved the addition of Alys' granddaughters- Mia and Gabriella and Ned's servant, Rowan. This was a page turner and only my report cards kept me from finishing this historical fiction in one mighty swoop. It would be an absolute delight to have a mini-series about this family. I do love them so much!
#Dawnlands #NetGalley.
Publication Date 08/11/22
Goodreads Review 16/11/22
I am a huge fan of Philippa Gregory and I was anticipating the third book in her Fairmile series. We are now in the 1680's of English history and another civil war. Once again we meet with Ned Ferryman, returned from America with a young Pokanoket servant, Rowan. Ailnor, her son Rob, her daughter, Alys and their offspring are also on the dividing lines of the events brewing in the country. In addition to the nation's history, we have the exploration of marriage alliances, old loves, slavery, and the power of family.
The more books I read in this series, the more I like it. I even shed a few tears in this one. This should surprise no one who reads my reviews. I am a crier by nature. I loved the addition of Alys' granddaughters- Mia and Gabriella and Ned's servant, Rowan. This was a page turner and only my report cards kept me from finishing this historical fiction in one mighty swoop. It would be an absolute delight to have a mini-series about this family. I do love them so much!
#Dawnlands #NetGalley.
Publication Date 08/11/22
Goodreads Review 16/11/22
January 7, 2023
Historical fiction of the reign of James II and the struggles of a country. Enjoyed it overall the ending seemed abit rushed though
November 24, 2022
This was my least favorite in this series. It picks up 15 years after the last book, Dark Tide, but never gives an update of what happened in that time. There was too much politics for me and I skimmed that and the battle descriptions. Ned is sentenced to death but Rowan, his Indian friend, rescues him and takes his place as a slave in Barbados. I found Rowan interesting but somehow it just didn't work for me with all the intrigue happening in England. Livia makes another appearance and I thought we were done with her. I am appalled at all the things that she does and the other characters know about it but still fall for her lies. There was a lot of back and forth between what Ned was doing for the insurrection, Livia at the palace and Alys at the reef. If there is another book in the series I'll probably skip it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for providing me with a digital copy.
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria for providing me with a digital copy.
October 28, 2022
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: November 8, 2022
“Dawnlands” is the third novel in the Fairmile series by historical fiction writer Philippa Gregory. The first two novels, “Tidelands” and “Dark Tides” were captivating and engaging, and I expected the same from “Dawnlands”. Gregory, being the talent that she is, delivered this and more.
In 17th century England, King Charles the Second has died without leaving an heir, and the entire country is in upheaval, divided over their dislike of the King’s brother, James, and his new wife, who will now take the vacant Royal seat. Ned Ferryman knows a civil war is coming and wants to fight on the side of the rebels, but his sister and mother, Alys and Alinor, are determined to stay out of the conflict, and want Ned to do the same. But when the manipulative Livia comes to the Fairmile estate, begging Alinor and Alys for help, she offers them their greatest hopes and dreams, if they take the side of the disliked Queen. As civil war looms, the entire country is in chaos and a family is at risk of being torn apart.
The Fairmile series is one of those that should be read in order. The family drama and character background is the most interesting part of this series, and the enjoyment won’t be complete without the full scope. I read all three novels and, while reading this one, had to go back to parts of the previous novels in order to jog my memory.
“Dawnlands” is the first series by Gregory that features primarily fictional characters. Although the Royal characters are real, “Dawnlands” is told from the perspective of Ned, Alys, Alinor, Rowan and Livia who did not exist, but are no doubt based on similar characters from the time. All of Gregory’s characters in this one are well developed and craftily well written. Livia returns in her full manipulative form, and she’s ever bit as easy to love as she is to hate.
From London, to an abandoned, decrepit shoreline residence, to caves in Barbados, “Dawnlands” has all of the action, romance and family drama that fans of Gregory will recognize. Each chapter is short, which is unusual for Gregory, but it just makes for quicker page-turning enjoyment. The novel does bring an end to the storyline, but it is definitely not final enough and I anxiously look forward to another Fairmile novel. Gregory continues to be one of my favourite historical fiction writers of all time.
Expected publication date: November 8, 2022
“Dawnlands” is the third novel in the Fairmile series by historical fiction writer Philippa Gregory. The first two novels, “Tidelands” and “Dark Tides” were captivating and engaging, and I expected the same from “Dawnlands”. Gregory, being the talent that she is, delivered this and more.
In 17th century England, King Charles the Second has died without leaving an heir, and the entire country is in upheaval, divided over their dislike of the King’s brother, James, and his new wife, who will now take the vacant Royal seat. Ned Ferryman knows a civil war is coming and wants to fight on the side of the rebels, but his sister and mother, Alys and Alinor, are determined to stay out of the conflict, and want Ned to do the same. But when the manipulative Livia comes to the Fairmile estate, begging Alinor and Alys for help, she offers them their greatest hopes and dreams, if they take the side of the disliked Queen. As civil war looms, the entire country is in chaos and a family is at risk of being torn apart.
The Fairmile series is one of those that should be read in order. The family drama and character background is the most interesting part of this series, and the enjoyment won’t be complete without the full scope. I read all three novels and, while reading this one, had to go back to parts of the previous novels in order to jog my memory.
“Dawnlands” is the first series by Gregory that features primarily fictional characters. Although the Royal characters are real, “Dawnlands” is told from the perspective of Ned, Alys, Alinor, Rowan and Livia who did not exist, but are no doubt based on similar characters from the time. All of Gregory’s characters in this one are well developed and craftily well written. Livia returns in her full manipulative form, and she’s ever bit as easy to love as she is to hate.
From London, to an abandoned, decrepit shoreline residence, to caves in Barbados, “Dawnlands” has all of the action, romance and family drama that fans of Gregory will recognize. Each chapter is short, which is unusual for Gregory, but it just makes for quicker page-turning enjoyment. The novel does bring an end to the storyline, but it is definitely not final enough and I anxiously look forward to another Fairmile novel. Gregory continues to be one of my favourite historical fiction writers of all time.
Read
October 25, 2022Philippa Gregory what a great author. It features something many books in this era forget, Native American peoples were sold into slavery when their land was taken. They went to the islands along with African slaves. This story starts with Ned Ferryman saving Rowan , a indigenous girl from slavery. It leads back to England where Alinor and her family are trying to remain separate from the Glorious Revolution. Ned will do anything for freedom and liberty, and Rowan follows him into the war. Livia is as sneaky and wicked as before, doing everything for the young queen in order to get what she wants which is power and a title. It also tells of the horrors of the sugar plantations, the pain of religious freedom being taken away, and the start of the cause of liberty , democracy. Highly recommend.
January 15, 2023
With such wonderful historical research, and made so interesting through the characters, one feels right there, amidst the action, minus the danger!
This book wraps up the Fairmile series and brings us up to the onset of another civil war in 1685, England. We also travel to Barbados through Rowan and read about the atrocities of slavery.
I loved Rowan, the Native American child now a young woman.
I loved the outrageously devious Livia, a queen in her own right when it comes to political intrigue (or intrigues full stop).
Alys, who falls under a love spell of sorts.
Alinor, with "the sight"., now an older lady. And James of course, still very much in love with her.
Ned Ferriman, the incorrigible rebel.
A great cast that I am sad to leave, with, however, a perfect ending to the series!
This book wraps up the Fairmile series and brings us up to the onset of another civil war in 1685, England. We also travel to Barbados through Rowan and read about the atrocities of slavery.
I loved Rowan, the Native American child now a young woman.
I loved the outrageously devious Livia, a queen in her own right when it comes to political intrigue (or intrigues full stop).
Alys, who falls under a love spell of sorts.
Alinor, with "the sight"., now an older lady. And James of course, still very much in love with her.
Ned Ferriman, the incorrigible rebel.
A great cast that I am sad to leave, with, however, a perfect ending to the series!
June 1, 2023
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Dawnlands, set in 17th century England, is the third book in The Fairmile series.
Dark Tides ended with Alys and Alinor settled in their merchant business on the wharves in London and Alinor's brother, Ned Ferryman, living in America.
As with the previous two books there is a large gap of time between this book and the previous book. Having the books set in different time frames allows them to be read well as standalone.
Ned is leaving America to join the rise against King James II. The native American Pokanoket people have been enslaved and are being sent to the sugar farms in Barbados.
I love how Gregory mixes history and fiction and as you read it on the page it feels like her characters are real and were part of the downfall of James II.
Livia is back and scheming her way into the young Queen's favour to garner position for herself and her son. The character of Livia will not disappoint! She is beautiful, charismatic and evil. No act was too low for her if it meant bettering her position in life.
Dawnlands is a story of tyranny, greed, slavery and the fight for equality and freedom. The slavery and conditions on the sugar farms was an eye-opening addition to the story, showing the greed and cruelty of plantation owners. Apart from the cruelty we also get the thoughts of 'good white folk' who thought slavery was fine as long as you treated them well, thinking they were actually doing these people a favour.
Gregory states that Dawnlands took three years to write and I think it was well worth the wait. Her writing is captivating and it flows effortlessly from one scene to the next with each point of view being just as interesting as the last.
An extensive bibliography shows that the novel was thoroughly researched.
Bringing a new generation into the story with Alys's granddaughters and Rob's daughter makes me feel like this series won't be ending here!
Trades done, deals made, slaves entrenched, intrigue abounded, loves lost and a King overthrown; Dawnlands is a must read!
*I received a copy from the publisher
Dawnlands, set in 17th century England, is the third book in The Fairmile series.
Dark Tides ended with Alys and Alinor settled in their merchant business on the wharves in London and Alinor's brother, Ned Ferryman, living in America.
As with the previous two books there is a large gap of time between this book and the previous book. Having the books set in different time frames allows them to be read well as standalone.
Ned is leaving America to join the rise against King James II. The native American Pokanoket people have been enslaved and are being sent to the sugar farms in Barbados.
I love how Gregory mixes history and fiction and as you read it on the page it feels like her characters are real and were part of the downfall of James II.
Livia is back and scheming her way into the young Queen's favour to garner position for herself and her son. The character of Livia will not disappoint! She is beautiful, charismatic and evil. No act was too low for her if it meant bettering her position in life.
Dawnlands is a story of tyranny, greed, slavery and the fight for equality and freedom. The slavery and conditions on the sugar farms was an eye-opening addition to the story, showing the greed and cruelty of plantation owners. Apart from the cruelty we also get the thoughts of 'good white folk' who thought slavery was fine as long as you treated them well, thinking they were actually doing these people a favour.
Gregory states that Dawnlands took three years to write and I think it was well worth the wait. Her writing is captivating and it flows effortlessly from one scene to the next with each point of view being just as interesting as the last.
An extensive bibliography shows that the novel was thoroughly researched.
Bringing a new generation into the story with Alys's granddaughters and Rob's daughter makes me feel like this series won't be ending here!
Trades done, deals made, slaves entrenched, intrigue abounded, loves lost and a King overthrown; Dawnlands is a must read!
*I received a copy from the publisher
December 20, 2022
4,5 ✨✨✨
This was the last book of the Fairmile series.
I loved it! 💕
I'm a fan of well-researched historical fiction.
This was the last book of the Fairmile series.
I loved it! 💕
I'm a fan of well-researched historical fiction.
April 1, 2023
read the three books and it ends like that??? just like that?? the person we most disliked never got what she deserved ????
Another story that I immersed myself in, only to be disappointed again and again at the wind down and the ending. Horrible .
Another story that I immersed myself in, only to be disappointed again and again at the wind down and the ending. Horrible .
January 19, 2026
Pirmoji serijos dalis "Potvyniai" taip patiko, taip įstrigo galvon, širdin, kad vos gavusi naują serijos dalį - iškart čiumpu. Pamilau veikėjus: tyrą ir teisingą Alinorą, išdidžią jos dukrą Elisę ir visus kitus, atsiradusius puslapiams bėgant.
Ši dalis - paskutinioji, užbaigianti meilės, intrigų, karų ir kovos, teisybės ir atpildo paieškų istoriją. Sodrus istorinis fonas, ryškūs personažų portretai, vis atsirandančios ir nustebinančios intrigos. Knygoje ir toliau per gyvenimą einame su Alinora, jau žengiančia į savo gyvenimo saulėlydį, bet vis dar dalinančia patarimus, kurių šeima nepaisyti negali. Antroje dalyje atsiradusi Livija vėl tiek pat kelia pyktį, kiek verčia žavėtis savo sumanumu ir gebėjimu iš visų balų išlipt sausai. Tiesa, trilogijoje nestinga ir ano metų politinių kovų, sukilimų prieš karalių, kurie skaitėsi ne taip įdomiai, kaip kitos romano temos.
Viską susumavus, tikrai puiki serija, kurią perskaičiau su dideliu malonumu. Tiesa, pats finalas kiek nuvylė - taip ir norisi dar knygą pratęsti, kad tikrai visi taškai ant i sudėti būtų. Bet kokiu atveju - rekomenduoju būtinai skaityti nuo pirmos dalies ir patirti kokybiškų istorinių romanų malonumą.
Ši dalis - paskutinioji, užbaigianti meilės, intrigų, karų ir kovos, teisybės ir atpildo paieškų istoriją. Sodrus istorinis fonas, ryškūs personažų portretai, vis atsirandančios ir nustebinančios intrigos. Knygoje ir toliau per gyvenimą einame su Alinora, jau žengiančia į savo gyvenimo saulėlydį, bet vis dar dalinančia patarimus, kurių šeima nepaisyti negali. Antroje dalyje atsiradusi Livija vėl tiek pat kelia pyktį, kiek verčia žavėtis savo sumanumu ir gebėjimu iš visų balų išlipt sausai. Tiesa, trilogijoje nestinga ir ano metų politinių kovų, sukilimų prieš karalių, kurie skaitėsi ne taip įdomiai, kaip kitos romano temos.
Viską susumavus, tikrai puiki serija, kurią perskaičiau su dideliu malonumu. Tiesa, pats finalas kiek nuvylė - taip ir norisi dar knygą pratęsti, kad tikrai visi taškai ant i sudėti būtų. Bet kokiu atveju - rekomenduoju būtinai skaityti nuo pirmos dalies ir patirti kokybiškų istorinių romanų malonumą.
August 17, 2022
I want to thank Atria Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book. I have read many, if not all of Philippa Gregory's historical fiction novels. I have always enjoyed them and when I first heard that she was beginning a series, based on wholly fictional characters, I was intrigued. I enjoyed the first book, but has some concerns about the characters and where the story line was going to lead. The second book was ok, my main concerns were that it was essentially split between 2 storylines, one in England and one in America, and both took place about 15 years after the end of the first book. This gap was concerning, as there was no recap of events, no here's what happened in the last 15 years, just a casual Alinor is in London and Ned in Boston. The second book also introduced one of the most annoying characters ever( in my opinion) , that of Livia. I had hoped she would not be in the 3rd book. Sadly, she is back. So book 3 is similar to book 2 in that everything takes place 15 years later. Again, no recap, no exposition of how things happened, just random statements- "Sarah says her daughters are coming from Venice to visit". A timeline or family tree somewhere would be helpful, since the books come out about 2 years apart. I did go back and re read the last few chapters of book 2, which, was not a big help. It is as if you missed season 3 of a tv show, and then started to watch season 4- the characters are familiar, but you are lost. The blurb for the book talks about the plot line with several exciting twists. Be warned , none of these actually happen until almost halfway through the book. One does not come in into play until I hit the 85% mark. Most of the book sets up the plot at a leisurely, almost glacial pace. There is more historical fiction in this, as the family gets caught up in the anti royalist sentiment ( and anti catholic sentiment) in England. There is also a second subplot concerning slaves in Barbados.The book is long ( 480 pages), and meandering. There are some good scenes with Alinor and her long ago love, Sir James Avery, and some other good characterizations, but for the most part it was dull and heavy handed. Count me out for any further volumes.
October 9, 2022
The third in the epic Fairmile series, this continues the story of herbalist Alinor Reekie and three generations of her family, while paralleling the narrative of the fall of the Stuarts.
It is the 1860s, James II is king and the country seems ripe for another civil war. Ned Ferryman returns from America with his companion, Rowan, a Pokanoket slave, to fight for freedom. The devious Livia is back in the story as a confidante of the queen while pursuing her own best interest. Alinor’s son, Rob, gets caught up in the drama as he seeks to help Ned avoid execution and Rowan avert deportation to Barbados.
There are different storylines, told from various POVS of royals, tradesmen and slaves.
The reader is provided insight into not only the history of England during that period,
but also the horrors of slavery and the sugar plantation economy in Barbados.
Well written, readable, parts were a bit fantastical. For history lovers, more in depth focus on historical events would have been appreciated. As in Tidelands, there is another abrupt ending to this book, with questions left unanswered. Another sequel?
Thanks to @netgalley and #atriabooks for the ARC.
It is the 1860s, James II is king and the country seems ripe for another civil war. Ned Ferryman returns from America with his companion, Rowan, a Pokanoket slave, to fight for freedom. The devious Livia is back in the story as a confidante of the queen while pursuing her own best interest. Alinor’s son, Rob, gets caught up in the drama as he seeks to help Ned avoid execution and Rowan avert deportation to Barbados.
There are different storylines, told from various POVS of royals, tradesmen and slaves.
The reader is provided insight into not only the history of England during that period,
but also the horrors of slavery and the sugar plantation economy in Barbados.
Well written, readable, parts were a bit fantastical. For history lovers, more in depth focus on historical events would have been appreciated. As in Tidelands, there is another abrupt ending to this book, with questions left unanswered. Another sequel?
Thanks to @netgalley and #atriabooks for the ARC.
November 5, 2022
This book really does a great job at describing and letting the reader know what the time period was like.
This book follows a lot of different characters and all with there very different perspectives. They were hard to keep track of at times, but enough description was given to help out.
I really likes following Rowan's part of the story. Ned saves her from slavery and she travels with him under the disguise of a boy. Her native culture shows through in her character in many parts in the book. Her story eventually takes you to Barbados and you learn all the slavery atrocities that go on there.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
This book follows a lot of different characters and all with there very different perspectives. They were hard to keep track of at times, but enough description was given to help out.
I really likes following Rowan's part of the story. Ned saves her from slavery and she travels with him under the disguise of a boy. Her native culture shows through in her character in many parts in the book. Her story eventually takes you to Barbados and you learn all the slavery atrocities that go on there.
Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
October 14, 2025
Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory is the third book in the Fairmile series that began in 2019 with
Tidelands
(Book 1) and follows straight on after the events in
Dark Tides
(Book 2). This instalment in the historical fiction series begins in spring 1685 and takes us through to summer in 1689. So much happens in this generational family saga that it's hard to believe the plot takes place in just 4 years, but this encompasses the disquiet around the religious beliefs and practices of King James II, the unrest around monarchy and parliament and of course, the divide between Catholics and Protestants.
Philippa Gregory has a talent for showing how the politics and living conditions of the day affected everyone from the Queen right down to the every man, or ferryman as the case may be. A sub plot in the book took a few characters to Barbados this time and introduced the reader to the atrocious conditions of the slave trade and sugar harvesting industry. In Dark Tides we followed Ned to New England and the two contrasting settings didn't strike the right chord for me. This time however, I was equally entertained by the goings on in Barbados as I was for the happenings back in England, and largely, I think that was down to the character of Rowan.
In Dawnlands we catch up with the same main characters in the family, and continue to follow them through their work lives, personal lives, loves, losses and changes in favour. This allows for deep character development and I enjoyed the introduction of a different sort of love one character has for another:
"No! Never. He loves her as a man loves a woman, as a young man loves a young woman, and that's good and right for him. But I love her as if she were a star in the sky. I love her as if she were the wind blowing over the water. I don't need to own her, I just want her to be in the sky, moving over the deep, I just want her to shine." Page 377
Lady Livia Avery is still a force in their lives and a thorn in their side. A manipulative woman and a terrific villain in the series, here a character tries to deliver a warning about her:
"I promised myself I'd never look back. I advised you to do the same. She's like laudanum: at first it's wholly beneficial, then you can't imagine your health without it's support, and you want more and more." Page 92
I enjoyed Gregory's take on the warming pan incident surrounding the birth of James Edward Francis Stuart to Queen Mary in 1688, although it could prove controversial for some readers. What was certain, is that the Royal couple needed a male heir, and it's clear in the following passage that the Court was equally desperate for her to conceive:
"There'd better be nothing in this that is dangerous," Livia warned her bluntly. "If she gets ill then I will be in terrible trouble, but you're a dead woman." "Nothing but thyme to boil in sweet wine. She should take honey and pepper every day, and she should eat hare and venison, male meat, the pizzle and the parts. Can you order that for her?" "Of course I can," Livia said. "She's the Queen of England. I can get almost anything in the world but a son in the cradle!" Page 261
Dawnlands is just as entertaining as Tidelands and the machinations of Lady Avery are increasingly manipulative and self-serving and just as hard to deal with for the characters as they are for the reader. The author has created a terrific villain in the series and I can't wait to see what plans she has in store for this social climbing, conniving woman.
While I haven't heard of a fourth book in the Fairmile series, I have no reason to believe there won't be one. The characters are continuing to eke out their various livings as best they can, with some striving to improve their station in life while others remain motivated to pursue political justice or concentrate on their individual or family legacy.
Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and best read as part of a series.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
Philippa Gregory has a talent for showing how the politics and living conditions of the day affected everyone from the Queen right down to the every man, or ferryman as the case may be. A sub plot in the book took a few characters to Barbados this time and introduced the reader to the atrocious conditions of the slave trade and sugar harvesting industry. In Dark Tides we followed Ned to New England and the two contrasting settings didn't strike the right chord for me. This time however, I was equally entertained by the goings on in Barbados as I was for the happenings back in England, and largely, I think that was down to the character of Rowan.
In Dawnlands we catch up with the same main characters in the family, and continue to follow them through their work lives, personal lives, loves, losses and changes in favour. This allows for deep character development and I enjoyed the introduction of a different sort of love one character has for another:
"No! Never. He loves her as a man loves a woman, as a young man loves a young woman, and that's good and right for him. But I love her as if she were a star in the sky. I love her as if she were the wind blowing over the water. I don't need to own her, I just want her to be in the sky, moving over the deep, I just want her to shine." Page 377
Lady Livia Avery is still a force in their lives and a thorn in their side. A manipulative woman and a terrific villain in the series, here a character tries to deliver a warning about her:
"I promised myself I'd never look back. I advised you to do the same. She's like laudanum: at first it's wholly beneficial, then you can't imagine your health without it's support, and you want more and more." Page 92
I enjoyed Gregory's take on the warming pan incident surrounding the birth of James Edward Francis Stuart to Queen Mary in 1688, although it could prove controversial for some readers. What was certain, is that the Royal couple needed a male heir, and it's clear in the following passage that the Court was equally desperate for her to conceive:
"There'd better be nothing in this that is dangerous," Livia warned her bluntly. "If she gets ill then I will be in terrible trouble, but you're a dead woman." "Nothing but thyme to boil in sweet wine. She should take honey and pepper every day, and she should eat hare and venison, male meat, the pizzle and the parts. Can you order that for her?" "Of course I can," Livia said. "She's the Queen of England. I can get almost anything in the world but a son in the cradle!" Page 261
Dawnlands is just as entertaining as Tidelands and the machinations of Lady Avery are increasingly manipulative and self-serving and just as hard to deal with for the characters as they are for the reader. The author has created a terrific villain in the series and I can't wait to see what plans she has in store for this social climbing, conniving woman.
While I haven't heard of a fourth book in the Fairmile series, I have no reason to believe there won't be one. The characters are continuing to eke out their various livings as best they can, with some striving to improve their station in life while others remain motivated to pursue political justice or concentrate on their individual or family legacy.
Dawnlands by Philippa Gregory is highly recommended for fans of historical fiction and best read as part of a series.
* Copy courtesy of Simon & Schuster *
October 1, 2022
This is the third installment in the series, and with that ending, I'm sad to see the author has left room for another novel, which is not at all needed. Another 50 pages or so would have given us all the resolution we would ever need.
Livia is back with her scheming, Johnnie is a bit of a shit, Ned is my favorite, honor bound and now with a Native friend. Rowan was probably the second-best character. I was disappointed in how it ended for Alinor; I thought she deserved more. It's all a bit repetitive and drawn out, and I'm not sure that I would read another.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Livia is back with her scheming, Johnnie is a bit of a shit, Ned is my favorite, honor bound and now with a Native friend. Rowan was probably the second-best character. I was disappointed in how it ended for Alinor; I thought she deserved more. It's all a bit repetitive and drawn out, and I'm not sure that I would read another.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Read
February 17, 2023I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but something is just not working for me in this installment. The story begins many years after the events of the second book but there is little to indicate what happened in the interim.
There are a lot of characters, a complicated family make-up and many subplots that don't get sufficient time and attention. My interest started waning very early on and I came to accept that I am done with this series unfortunately.
There are a lot of characters, a complicated family make-up and many subplots that don't get sufficient time and attention. My interest started waning very early on and I came to accept that I am done with this series unfortunately.
August 5, 2022
A huge thank you to Netgalley and the publisher Atria Books for giving me the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. This is by far the best book of the Fairmile series that I have read.
I am a long time Phillippa Gregory fan and although I was a little apprehensive when she stopped writing historical fiction around the Tudor era and began this story, I am really impressed with how this new series has grown and evolved!
I adored this book and I cannot wait to read the next installment. I could not stop reading this book. I read it into the wee hours of the night literally every chance I got. The book is very engrossing and I love the characters and exciting storylines. I didn't want it to end!
Thank you so much for letting me have the privilege of reading/reviewing this amazing book! When the time comes and I am allowed to write a more thorough review I will. I will definitely be recommending this book to all of my friends and on goodreads. Fantastic book!
I am a long time Phillippa Gregory fan and although I was a little apprehensive when she stopped writing historical fiction around the Tudor era and began this story, I am really impressed with how this new series has grown and evolved!
I adored this book and I cannot wait to read the next installment. I could not stop reading this book. I read it into the wee hours of the night literally every chance I got. The book is very engrossing and I love the characters and exciting storylines. I didn't want it to end!
Thank you so much for letting me have the privilege of reading/reviewing this amazing book! When the time comes and I am allowed to write a more thorough review I will. I will definitely be recommending this book to all of my friends and on goodreads. Fantastic book!
December 8, 2022
Enjoyed this series very much this is book 3 (The Fairmile) I started reading these kind of books at a early age and watching the movies. This is my first book that I have own and hopefully won't be the last. Thank you Goodreads giveaway and Phillipa Gregory for choosing me to win . I highly recommend this series and any of PhillIpa Gregory books.
December 14, 2022
Part 4???
Although I truly hate Mateo's mother, I also have so much respect for her and her clever, clever, lesbian brain.
Although I truly hate Mateo's mother, I also have so much respect for her and her clever, clever, lesbian brain.
January 24, 2023
‘I never give up.’
Spring, 1685. England is on the brink of another civil war. King Charles II has died without a legitimate heir and his brother James is to take the throne. But the English people are bitterly divided, and neither James nor his second wife, Mary of Modena, are universally welcomed.
Ned Ferryman in Boston, New England, hears of the prospect of a rebellion against James II and returns from America with his Pokanoket servant to join the uprising. Ned swears loyalty to Charles II’s illegitimate son, James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth who leads a rebellion against the monarchy.
Livia Avery, who is surely one of the most manipulative, opportunistic, and dislikeable characters in fiction, joins the court as a lady-in-waiting to the new queen. Her actions put the Reekie family at risk. After inveigling Matteo into helping save the queen from Monmouth’s invasion, Livia secures the manor of Foulmire for him. Foulmire is where Ned, Alinor and Alys once lived, and the family can return ‘home’ to the TiIdelands. But Livia has not yet finished meddling.
While I enjoyed the setting and much of the story, I kept wishing that Livia would meet her comeuppance. And I wondered whether King James II and his wife were really so vapid. Possibly. But the main characters for me were members of the Reekie family together with Ned Ferryman and his Pokanoket servant. The story shifts between England and Barbados, where sugar is king, and slavery makes Britain’s fortunes as a superpower.
Now that I have finished, I want a fourth book to find out what will happen next. The Fairmile series an expansive family saga set during a tumultuous period of history.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
Spring, 1685. England is on the brink of another civil war. King Charles II has died without a legitimate heir and his brother James is to take the throne. But the English people are bitterly divided, and neither James nor his second wife, Mary of Modena, are universally welcomed.
Ned Ferryman in Boston, New England, hears of the prospect of a rebellion against James II and returns from America with his Pokanoket servant to join the uprising. Ned swears loyalty to Charles II’s illegitimate son, James Scott, the Duke of Monmouth who leads a rebellion against the monarchy.
Livia Avery, who is surely one of the most manipulative, opportunistic, and dislikeable characters in fiction, joins the court as a lady-in-waiting to the new queen. Her actions put the Reekie family at risk. After inveigling Matteo into helping save the queen from Monmouth’s invasion, Livia secures the manor of Foulmire for him. Foulmire is where Ned, Alinor and Alys once lived, and the family can return ‘home’ to the TiIdelands. But Livia has not yet finished meddling.
While I enjoyed the setting and much of the story, I kept wishing that Livia would meet her comeuppance. And I wondered whether King James II and his wife were really so vapid. Possibly. But the main characters for me were members of the Reekie family together with Ned Ferryman and his Pokanoket servant. The story shifts between England and Barbados, where sugar is king, and slavery makes Britain’s fortunes as a superpower.
Now that I have finished, I want a fourth book to find out what will happen next. The Fairmile series an expansive family saga set during a tumultuous period of history.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
February 21, 2023
It is with a tear in my eye, I say goodbye to this trilogy that had me gripped throughout. What a great ending!
November 8, 2022
The third book in the Fairmile series, "Dawnlands" by Philippa Gregory continues the story of a family in 17th century England. Oh how I love Ms. Gregory's writing and her latest is no exception! Ms. Gregory breathes life into long ago times. This is the kind of book in which you become completely immersed in the past so that, when you finally look up from the pages hours after starting, you have to reorient and adjust yourself back to the present. I was wholly drawn into the opulence and political intrigue of the Stuart Court, as well as the disappointment of the failed Monmouth uprising, the horrors of the slave trade and sugar industry in the Caribbean, and the triumph of William of Orange. The mixture of fictional characters with historical ones makes this book educational as well as entertaining. Ms. Gregory's characters are vividly written and the multiple layers of plot make for a thoroughly engrossing and complex read.
As the third book of the series, I was thrilled to become reacquainted with old, familiar characters, particularly Ned who is way ahead of his time, as well as to meet some new ones, particularly Rowan, a native woman who longs for freedom in a white man's world. I eagerly await more books in this series; the ending of this one left open the possibility of at least one more book! This book further cemented Ms. Gregory's place as one of my all-time favorite authors. Her books always earn a place on my limited shelf space!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy of this fabulous book, in exchange for my honest review.
As the third book of the series, I was thrilled to become reacquainted with old, familiar characters, particularly Ned who is way ahead of his time, as well as to meet some new ones, particularly Rowan, a native woman who longs for freedom in a white man's world. I eagerly await more books in this series; the ending of this one left open the possibility of at least one more book! This book further cemented Ms. Gregory's place as one of my all-time favorite authors. Her books always earn a place on my limited shelf space!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy of this fabulous book, in exchange for my honest review.
March 26, 2023
2.5
This was the best book in the series, though that really isn't saying much. Some of the characters were better than previous books, while others were worse. The plot was okay; there's a lot going on and the book jumps between multiple plot lines. The chapters are all pretty short, with some taking only a minute or two to read before it ends and switches to the next. It can make it hard to keep track of what's going on with so many threads and so little time devoted to each one. It can also make it hard to care about what's happening, as something will happen and then the chapter ends and switches to another plot line and won't come back to the one you were reading for several chapters.
I had hoped Livia wouldn't be around in this book, but unfortunately she appears right off the bat and is still as horrible as before. She has absolutely no redeeming qualities. She only uses people to get what she wants and has no qualms whatsoever about hurting people or pretending she cares to further her goals. I had almost given this book 3 stars, but her appearance at the very end ruined it for me. After 35 years, Alys still has not had any growth. She still blames James 100% for what happened to Alinor, and still forgets that it was 100% her own fault that Alinor was in that position in the first place. I believe James was actually regretful for what happened, and I think being married to Livia was punishment enough. But both he and Alinor have very abrupt endings to their stories in the middle of the book, and after that are thought of very little. I wish something more had been done with both of them. I felt bad that Matthew had to be caught up in Livia's scheming and that he couldn't see that she didn't have any real love for him. She only came around when she wanted something from him, and had no problem ruining his life to suit her wants or needs. Johnnie was quite the frustrating character; he basically had YA standard insta-love for Rowan, but only when it was convenient for him. He wanted her for a wife, but as a proper English wife. When she ended up in Barbados, he planned to make enough money to buy her from her owner and hold her slave debt as his own, and would set her free after her 10 years of servitude. When he heard she was dead, he didn't question it at all and went on his merry way, but when Ned revealed she was still alive, the insta-love came back full force. It was odd to say the least. Ned was a little better than the previous book, though I still feel he is written with too much of a 21st century perspective. His line at the end of the book, where he says, "And when we choose liberty, and justice for all, we will have it," was slightly eye-roll inducing. Might as well have him out reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
I also noticed something in this book that I didn't in the previous two, where the author sticks questions marks at the end of sentences where there should be periods. It's very jarring to be reading and have had the sentences end in questions, especially when most of them shouldn't have been. A good example is when Johnnie is talking to some women about silk he had ordered that was perfect for the new prince, as it was Prince of Wales purple. A lady asks if it was new, and he replies that it was for the very occasion of the prince's birth. To which the woman states, "And you bought it in ready? How clever of you?" There is absolutely no reason for the question mark at the end of the second sentence. This happens repeatedly throughout the book. It's hard to tell if it's from bad writing or bad editing. Either way, it's irritating.
The book really only picked up in the last 10% with the fleeing of the Queen and all the riots and invaders moving in. I wish it had ended with the second to last chapter, as the last one ruined what could have been a decent ending. It also ends in a way that there could be another book, though I think this is highly unnecessary.
Had I not received an invitation from the publisher to review this book, I never would have slogged through the second one in order to get to this one. This is by far the most disappointing and frustrating series I've ever read, and one I would have added to the DNF pile had it not been for a review request. It also contains one of the worst characters ever put to paper, and one that lives at the top of my most hated list.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was the best book in the series, though that really isn't saying much. Some of the characters were better than previous books, while others were worse. The plot was okay; there's a lot going on and the book jumps between multiple plot lines. The chapters are all pretty short, with some taking only a minute or two to read before it ends and switches to the next. It can make it hard to keep track of what's going on with so many threads and so little time devoted to each one. It can also make it hard to care about what's happening, as something will happen and then the chapter ends and switches to another plot line and won't come back to the one you were reading for several chapters.
I had hoped Livia wouldn't be around in this book, but unfortunately she appears right off the bat and is still as horrible as before. She has absolutely no redeeming qualities. She only uses people to get what she wants and has no qualms whatsoever about hurting people or pretending she cares to further her goals. I had almost given this book 3 stars, but her appearance at the very end ruined it for me. After 35 years, Alys still has not had any growth. She still blames James 100% for what happened to Alinor, and still forgets that it was 100% her own fault that Alinor was in that position in the first place. I believe James was actually regretful for what happened, and I think being married to Livia was punishment enough. But both he and Alinor have very abrupt endings to their stories in the middle of the book, and after that are thought of very little. I wish something more had been done with both of them. I felt bad that Matthew had to be caught up in Livia's scheming and that he couldn't see that she didn't have any real love for him. She only came around when she wanted something from him, and had no problem ruining his life to suit her wants or needs. Johnnie was quite the frustrating character; he basically had YA standard insta-love for Rowan, but only when it was convenient for him. He wanted her for a wife, but as a proper English wife. When she ended up in Barbados, he planned to make enough money to buy her from her owner and hold her slave debt as his own, and would set her free after her 10 years of servitude. When he heard she was dead, he didn't question it at all and went on his merry way, but when Ned revealed she was still alive, the insta-love came back full force. It was odd to say the least. Ned was a little better than the previous book, though I still feel he is written with too much of a 21st century perspective. His line at the end of the book, where he says, "And when we choose liberty, and justice for all, we will have it," was slightly eye-roll inducing. Might as well have him out reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
I also noticed something in this book that I didn't in the previous two, where the author sticks questions marks at the end of sentences where there should be periods. It's very jarring to be reading and have had the sentences end in questions, especially when most of them shouldn't have been. A good example is when Johnnie is talking to some women about silk he had ordered that was perfect for the new prince, as it was Prince of Wales purple. A lady asks if it was new, and he replies that it was for the very occasion of the prince's birth. To which the woman states, "And you bought it in ready? How clever of you?" There is absolutely no reason for the question mark at the end of the second sentence. This happens repeatedly throughout the book. It's hard to tell if it's from bad writing or bad editing. Either way, it's irritating.
The book really only picked up in the last 10% with the fleeing of the Queen and all the riots and invaders moving in. I wish it had ended with the second to last chapter, as the last one ruined what could have been a decent ending. It also ends in a way that there could be another book, though I think this is highly unnecessary.
Had I not received an invitation from the publisher to review this book, I never would have slogged through the second one in order to get to this one. This is by far the most disappointing and frustrating series I've ever read, and one I would have added to the DNF pile had it not been for a review request. It also contains one of the worst characters ever put to paper, and one that lives at the top of my most hated list.
I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2023
This series is one of my favorites and I am so glad I got to read the arc of the latest book, Dawnlands! I’m obsessed with 17th century history and this series is faced paced with incredible history and characters.
Right away it starts with Ned Ferryman saving Rowan , a indigenous girl from slavery. It leads back to England where Alinor and her family are trying to remain separate from the Glorious Revolution. Ned will do anything for freedom and liberty, and Rowan follows him into the war. Livia is as sneaky and wicked as before, doing everything for the young queen in order to get what she wants: power and a title.
It features something many books in this era forget: Native American peoples were sold into slavery when their land was taken. They went to the islands along with African slaves. Because of my indigenous roots, I feel good the author included this forgotten piece of history.
It also tells of the horrors of the sugar plantations, the pain of religious freedom being taken away, and the start of the cause of liberty , democracy.
Right away it starts with Ned Ferryman saving Rowan , a indigenous girl from slavery. It leads back to England where Alinor and her family are trying to remain separate from the Glorious Revolution. Ned will do anything for freedom and liberty, and Rowan follows him into the war. Livia is as sneaky and wicked as before, doing everything for the young queen in order to get what she wants: power and a title.
It features something many books in this era forget: Native American peoples were sold into slavery when their land was taken. They went to the islands along with African slaves. Because of my indigenous roots, I feel good the author included this forgotten piece of history.
It also tells of the horrors of the sugar plantations, the pain of religious freedom being taken away, and the start of the cause of liberty , democracy.
December 8, 2022
This series was amazing. Whilst I’m more interested in Gregory’s Tudor court fiction from an historical POV, the writing is far better in the Fairmile novels. James and Alinor’s relationship was the most interesting by far, it was both realistic and fairytale-like. Whilst in “Dark Tides”, I found Ned’s portion of the narrative boring, Ned’s interaction with Rowan and clearer connection with the rest of the characters made for a far more interesting read this time around.
I loved reading this series, it held a special place in my heart. I will miss it!
I loved reading this series, it held a special place in my heart. I will miss it!
July 6, 2023
I am so glad that I am finally finished with this book. I literally started this at the beginning of the year and it took me 7 months to finally finish it. Of course I've been reading other things in between, but I would put off reading this. I just do not get into this series the way I have gotten into other series. It's slow, it drags, few of the characters are even likeable. There are certainly characters I dislike more than others, but I don't think I even like any of the characters. The ending was abrupt and I was thankful to see the end of this book.
January 18, 2023
Gregory has carved an industry out of flogging dead horses, each becoming progressively more unreadable stodge.
November 18, 2022
If you are read the first two books in the Fairmile series, hopefully you remember where it left off, because readers jump right in at the start of Dawnlands. It's right after the Glorious Revolution and England is at a crossroads. Catholic James II is King, but many families are still divided as some want Charles II's son on the throne. Then there's Livia, who is still plotting, and Alinor who finds herself in the middle of it. Ned Ferryman, Alinor's brother, is coming back home to England, but not without drama. Coming home with him is Rowan, whom Ned saved from the clutches of slavery, and to top it off, Ned wants to join the Rebel Army much to Alinor's dismay. Philippa Gregory weaves many plot lines in Dawnlands, but they all weave together to form a bigger picture; fans of her Fairmile series won't be disappointed.
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
Read the rest of my review here:
http://www.confessionsofabookaddict.c...
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