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Uneasy Lies the Crown, A Novel of Owain Glyndwr
For centuries, the bards have sung of King Arthur’s return,
but is this reluctant warrior prince the answer to those prophecies?
In the year 1399, Welsh nobleman Owain Glyndwr is living out a peaceful gentleman’s life in the Dee Valley of Wales with his wife Margaret and their eleven children. But when Henry of Bolingbroke, the Duke of Lancaster, usurps the throne of England from his cousin Richard II, that tranquility is forever shattered. What starts as a feud with a neighboring English lord over a strip of land evolves into something greater—a fight for the very independence of Wales.
Leading his crude army of Welshmen against armor-clad columns of English, Owain wins key victories over his enemies. After a harrowing encounter on the misty slopes of Cadair Idris, the English knight Harry Hotspur offers Owain a pact he cannot resist.
Peace, however, comes with a price. As tragedies mount, Owain questions whether he can find the strength within himself not only to challenge the most powerful monarch of his time, but to fulfill the prophecies and lead his people to freedom without destroying those around him.
but is this reluctant warrior prince the answer to those prophecies?
In the year 1399, Welsh nobleman Owain Glyndwr is living out a peaceful gentleman’s life in the Dee Valley of Wales with his wife Margaret and their eleven children. But when Henry of Bolingbroke, the Duke of Lancaster, usurps the throne of England from his cousin Richard II, that tranquility is forever shattered. What starts as a feud with a neighboring English lord over a strip of land evolves into something greater—a fight for the very independence of Wales.
Leading his crude army of Welshmen against armor-clad columns of English, Owain wins key victories over his enemies. After a harrowing encounter on the misty slopes of Cadair Idris, the English knight Harry Hotspur offers Owain a pact he cannot resist.
Peace, however, comes with a price. As tragedies mount, Owain questions whether he can find the strength within himself not only to challenge the most powerful monarch of his time, but to fulfill the prophecies and lead his people to freedom without destroying those around him.
434 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2012
83 people are currently reading
994 people want to read
About the author
N. Gemini Sasson
20 books175 followersFormer teacher and track coach. Runner, gardener, dog lover and sometimes farmer. Author of medieval historical fiction: The Crown in the Heather (The Bruce Trilogy: Book I), Worth Dying For (The Bruce Trilogy: Book II) and Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 3, 2013
I was somewhat disappointed by this. I was interested in knowing more about Glyndwr and the Welsh revolt, and was hoping for a book that would give me plenty of historical information woven into a solid story. Sadly, it was unsatisfying on both counts. Major events such as the capture of Conwy Castle were glossed over in mere sentences, when they could easily have justified pages or even whole chapters. And the characters never really got a chance to show their true natures.
Really, the book needed to be twice the length - and that's not something I often say. It was okay, but nowhere near the calibre of the historical novels of Bernard Cornwell or Nigel Tranter, and that's what this story called for.
Really, the book needed to be twice the length - and that's not something I often say. It was okay, but nowhere near the calibre of the historical novels of Bernard Cornwell or Nigel Tranter, and that's what this story called for.
February 20, 2013
This is a vast and detailed novel of the life of Owain Glyndwr--a descendant of Welsh Princes who fought against Henry IV and Henry V of England. I found his story to be remarkable, both inspiring and incredibly sad. It has cast a new light upon an era of history that I have previously read so much about.
The character of Owain Glyndwr in this novel is a very complex one, constantly changing in reflection of the course of his life's events. Unfortunately, in many ways, his character did not necessarily change for the better. His attitude towards his wife in particular drastically changed and in my opinion this was one of the tragedies in the book. I really liked Margaret and found her an intriguing character.
Overall this was a well-written novel, however there were a few things that made it a bit of a heavy-going read. The sheer wealth of information the author provides is remarkable, and yet it was a bit overwhelming at times and almost took away from the story. I felt as though I was reading an account of what happened, rather than being there and experiencing it first hand.
Also, perhaps in part due to this, many of the characters did not come to life for me as I would have liked. Margaret in particular could have been developed so much more, as could a few of Owain's fellow soldiers. In fact I felt as though Owain was the only character to have been truly developed--from the Welsh perspective anyway. On the other side of the border it was the soon to be Henry V who stood out as the dominant character. I actually thought the author did a fantastic job in creating "Harry" as an historical figure brought to life.
All in all I am very glad I read to have read this novel, even though it did take me a while to get through it. With historical novels as detailed as this one I often find it is better to take your time reading it and absorb as much as you can. I imagine I'll remember this story for years to come.
The character of Owain Glyndwr in this novel is a very complex one, constantly changing in reflection of the course of his life's events. Unfortunately, in many ways, his character did not necessarily change for the better. His attitude towards his wife in particular drastically changed and in my opinion this was one of the tragedies in the book. I really liked Margaret and found her an intriguing character.
Overall this was a well-written novel, however there were a few things that made it a bit of a heavy-going read. The sheer wealth of information the author provides is remarkable, and yet it was a bit overwhelming at times and almost took away from the story. I felt as though I was reading an account of what happened, rather than being there and experiencing it first hand.
Also, perhaps in part due to this, many of the characters did not come to life for me as I would have liked. Margaret in particular could have been developed so much more, as could a few of Owain's fellow soldiers. In fact I felt as though Owain was the only character to have been truly developed--from the Welsh perspective anyway. On the other side of the border it was the soon to be Henry V who stood out as the dominant character. I actually thought the author did a fantastic job in creating "Harry" as an historical figure brought to life.
All in all I am very glad I read to have read this novel, even though it did take me a while to get through it. With historical novels as detailed as this one I often find it is better to take your time reading it and absorb as much as you can. I imagine I'll remember this story for years to come.
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October 17, 2016Gollie! I'm calling this one before the steam clears from this pile of shit! What I wanted was the courageous tale of the last Welsh Prince of Wales as he battles the tyranny of Britain and eventually fails. What I got was stories of Welsh women giving birth with a Welsh battle thrown in here and there. No characterization and thin plot make this a displeasure to read. Why do many birth scenes? I'm still scratching my head.
January 18, 2019
"On the Threshold of Heaven Lies Wales"
A rare and delightful book that contains the best of historical plot writing, Uneasy Lies the Crown is available in whispersynced Kindle & Audible narrated by Kyle McCarley. The narrator reads this story in the perfect Welsh accent of a native. It weaves the historical events of the revolution in Wales centered around the year 1400 and the life of Owain Glyndwr. It is written with all the enchantment and glory of the old King Arthur legends. It draws you in from the first word. But, the first chapter was so beautiful that I had to read it twice before I could proceed with the book.
This was my stop in Wales of the United Kingdom, on my Journey Around the World in 80 Books for 2019. Originally, I planned to read Wild Wales by George Borrow. I've only gotten 20% of that read thus far. As a reader, I suffer from the compulsion to youtube the pronunciation of every unfamiliar word before proceeding. Though the book is written in English, it features many Welsh words. And, I don't know Welsh pronunciation at all, so I am making very slow progress there. I am still reading it. It is an excellent memoir, through which I am learning much. But, I was so filled with longing to hear those Welsh words spoken by a native speaker that I soon found myself searching for another book set in Wales with available narration. That was how I discovered this book.
It looks like both the narrator and author have numerous other books that I will be enjoying in the future. In the meantime, it's on to France for me on my journey. But, I'm smuggling a book of Welsh poetry and another book of Celtic Castles, and the George Borrow book along with me in my suitcase. I'd accidentally on purpose bought the Castle book recently at Barnes & Noble for no reason. It turned out that quite a few Castles of Wales are in this beautiful book, filled with photos. I was able to find the Castles that figured into this story in that book. For my stop in France I will be reading The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris; though, I admit to being secretly part way through Papillon already. I couldn't resist reading both, because they are both good reads. Papillon is an innocent French guy who breaks out of prison repeatedly. The Americans in Paris tells the story of the lives of several famous Americans who spent some time in France. Now, tell me: How could I choose between those?! So many good books and so little time.
A rare and delightful book that contains the best of historical plot writing, Uneasy Lies the Crown is available in whispersynced Kindle & Audible narrated by Kyle McCarley. The narrator reads this story in the perfect Welsh accent of a native. It weaves the historical events of the revolution in Wales centered around the year 1400 and the life of Owain Glyndwr. It is written with all the enchantment and glory of the old King Arthur legends. It draws you in from the first word. But, the first chapter was so beautiful that I had to read it twice before I could proceed with the book.
"Above, the first stars of twilight pierced an endless silver sky. Around, the mountains lay in eternal slumber."
This was my stop in Wales of the United Kingdom, on my Journey Around the World in 80 Books for 2019. Originally, I planned to read Wild Wales by George Borrow. I've only gotten 20% of that read thus far. As a reader, I suffer from the compulsion to youtube the pronunciation of every unfamiliar word before proceeding. Though the book is written in English, it features many Welsh words. And, I don't know Welsh pronunciation at all, so I am making very slow progress there. I am still reading it. It is an excellent memoir, through which I am learning much. But, I was so filled with longing to hear those Welsh words spoken by a native speaker that I soon found myself searching for another book set in Wales with available narration. That was how I discovered this book.
It looks like both the narrator and author have numerous other books that I will be enjoying in the future. In the meantime, it's on to France for me on my journey. But, I'm smuggling a book of Welsh poetry and another book of Celtic Castles, and the George Borrow book along with me in my suitcase. I'd accidentally on purpose bought the Castle book recently at Barnes & Noble for no reason. It turned out that quite a few Castles of Wales are in this beautiful book, filled with photos. I was able to find the Castles that figured into this story in that book. For my stop in France I will be reading The Greater Journey: Americans in Paris; though, I admit to being secretly part way through Papillon already. I couldn't resist reading both, because they are both good reads. Papillon is an innocent French guy who breaks out of prison repeatedly. The Americans in Paris tells the story of the lives of several famous Americans who spent some time in France. Now, tell me: How could I choose between those?! So many good books and so little time.
May 1, 2013
Testament to the need for good editors. Appalling stuff - overwraught and overwritten. Poorly structured and poorly pased. If there was character development, I didn't see any evidence of it. Got 25% of the way through and could do no more. Throwing historical figures at a page and crossing your fingers is not how to write a novel.
April 17, 2018
Well enough written, though I was disappointed by it being a fictionalized account of a specific time period, clearly trying for a Braveheart styled tale. If you're interested in the infinitely more interesting and factual history, find a proper historical account.
June 26, 2018
Before reading this book, I knew nothing of Owain Glyndwr other than a mention in a biography that I recently read about Henry IV. Henry learned that seizing the crown was one thing but keeping it was another especially when the Welsh, the Scots, and the French were all willing to go to war against him (and did). However Owain of Wales was content to live in peace as he had during the reign of Richard II, but when Henry usurped the throne from his cousin, not everyone was pleased, especially those in Wales who had been living peacefully under the reign of Richard.
This story is told by an invisible third party person along with the Bard, Iola Goch, although I think I liked the latter’s voice better and he is the one who should’ve told the story of Glyndwr who was not just another Welshman but a descendent of the last Prince of Wales, Llewellyn the Last. Therefore it was not uncommon for his people to turn to him to deliver them from the English and thinking he might be the coming of the new Arthur of Lancelot.
This is historical fiction but very heavy on the fiction although you can’t totally blame the author for that since so much of Owain’s life was sketchy and unknown, including when he disappeared and/or died. How many children did he have in total? Many and unfortunately he watched so many of them die during his fight for an independent Wales because the Welsh people did not have the freedom the English did and were continued to be subject to their laws. On the other hand, the Welsh people never forgot him and stories abound to this day, including monuments and those who claim to be his direct descendants. His daughter married a Mortimer and his cousins were the ancestors of the House of Tudor, and so all in all it was an interesting read because I remembered that the skeleton of the story was probably the only thing that was true.
This story is told by an invisible third party person along with the Bard, Iola Goch, although I think I liked the latter’s voice better and he is the one who should’ve told the story of Glyndwr who was not just another Welshman but a descendent of the last Prince of Wales, Llewellyn the Last. Therefore it was not uncommon for his people to turn to him to deliver them from the English and thinking he might be the coming of the new Arthur of Lancelot.
This is historical fiction but very heavy on the fiction although you can’t totally blame the author for that since so much of Owain’s life was sketchy and unknown, including when he disappeared and/or died. How many children did he have in total? Many and unfortunately he watched so many of them die during his fight for an independent Wales because the Welsh people did not have the freedom the English did and were continued to be subject to their laws. On the other hand, the Welsh people never forgot him and stories abound to this day, including monuments and those who claim to be his direct descendants. His daughter married a Mortimer and his cousins were the ancestors of the House of Tudor, and so all in all it was an interesting read because I remembered that the skeleton of the story was probably the only thing that was true.
August 19, 2018
I’ve been reading a bit about the Welsh revolts in the last years and since so little is written about this particular prince I decided to give this book a try. I’ve been spoiled. Having read the amazing work of Sharon Kay Penman about some of the previous revolts this one did let down a bit, I really shouldn’t compare because it isn’t fair but I do wonder what mrs Penman could have done with the characters, they are so interesting but with this one it fell a bit flat. Can’t really put my finger on where it went wrong exactly. Character development was one, since Owain was the only one you could say got developed a bit. Glossing over major events that should of gotten more time as well. It was ok but never great. The ending was heartbreaking though, that such a larger then life man had to end his days like that. At least he wasn’t captured, that’s something, especially in Welsh history. All in all I would say it was a 2.5 star book, but decided to give it three because two didn’t feel like enough.
February 5, 2019
This novel of Owen Glyndyr, self-titled Prince of Wales, was about the last Welshman to lead a rebellion against England. It ends sadly, as all rebellions against superior forces do.
This could have been far more enjoyable w/o the tedious to-and-fro across Wales during the long years of Glyndyr’s rebellion. This may be more meaningful to those w/ a knowledge of Welsh topography; it meant nothing to me. The sameness of the chapters really made it difficult to finish the novel. But that very pointlessness did add to the storyline of it being pointless to rebel against the English to begin with. It’s all very “Braveheart” w/o Mel Gibson in a kilt and hair extensions.
I also had trouble w/ all the Welsh place names; it would have been helpful if there had been a phonetic guide at the beginning, other than how to pronounce Glyndyr’s sons’ names. The ending was very poetic and heart-rending, thus the two stars.
This could have been far more enjoyable w/o the tedious to-and-fro across Wales during the long years of Glyndyr’s rebellion. This may be more meaningful to those w/ a knowledge of Welsh topography; it meant nothing to me. The sameness of the chapters really made it difficult to finish the novel. But that very pointlessness did add to the storyline of it being pointless to rebel against the English to begin with. It’s all very “Braveheart” w/o Mel Gibson in a kilt and hair extensions.
I also had trouble w/ all the Welsh place names; it would have been helpful if there had been a phonetic guide at the beginning, other than how to pronounce Glyndyr’s sons’ names. The ending was very poetic and heart-rending, thus the two stars.
June 18, 2025
I picked up Uneasy Lies the Crown before a trip to Wales (isn't following the path of Owen's Welsh rebellion on everyone's vacation bucket list?). The focus of the book was on Owen but with interesting side stories on Harry Hotspur, Henry of Bolingbroke (Henry IV), and Henry of Monmouth (Henry V). Character development and writing felt middling. I thought there might be more placement of the time in a longer arc of Welsh Independence. Clearly apples to oranges, but I had just read Wolf Hall, and nearly any book is going to suffer in close proximity to that one.
September 2, 2017
This is an historical fiction novel. It covers the time period late 1300s to mid 1400 when Wales is trying to break free of England and their new king. I found it interesting, but it wasn't a book I couldn't put down.
November 16, 2018
I loved it! I thought the presentation was a little strange but I always appreciate the history lesson she includes in her writings. The investigation,as always, was intriguing with all it’s twists and turns. Another work well done!
June 11, 2018
Another Sasson Marvel
Excellent, courageous and historically refreshing. You will enjoy reading this Welsh novel. Owain 's life had many twists and you will admire him.
Excellent, courageous and historically refreshing. You will enjoy reading this Welsh novel. Owain 's life had many twists and you will admire him.
October 28, 2024
The first 30 or so pages were filled with paper thin characters and titled men. I know the period so was able to figure things out. Once she got to the story it was well written, and I enjoyed it.
December 31, 2016
I had a hard time keeping all the Welsh names straight.
January 8, 2023
An interesting book with some great characters. It’s well written, but I found it hard to follow at times with all the jumping around from Wales to Scotland to England and back to Wales, with subplots being played out in each area.
May 7, 2013
A long time fan of author N. Gemini Sasson, I was eager to read this, her latest novel. I expected to be dazzled with great story telling, and I truly was.
Known as the last true Welsh prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr, dedicated his entire life in trying to secure Wale’s freedom from English rule. A man of honor, greatly respected, and with the heart of a lion, Owain lives a happy life surrounded by his wife and children. As turmoil with the English increases, Owain soon finds himself torn away from his beloved family, leading a rebellion, and ultimately being adorned with a crown proclaiming him prince.
The author does an outstanding job of showing us not only Owain’s finest qualities, but also his many faults, and it is this that made Owain seem real to me, for no one in this world is perfect. It is a testament to N. Gemini’s talents as a writer that Owain truly comes alive while reading this book. What I was also more than impressed with was the fact that historical fact and complicated politics are skillfully presented in simple, easy to understand prose. The author leaves no stone unturned and does not shy away from writing detailed love scenes, battles, executions, and daily hardships faced by people in turbulent eras. Highly researched and meticulously written, The Uneasy Crown is a brilliant novel about a poignant hero and the sacrifices he made to fight for his country. If you’ve never read one of N. Gemini Sasson’s novels, then definitely make this your first one. And if you’ve read her other books, know that this one is just as satisfying and brilliant as her others.
Known as the last true Welsh prince of Wales, Owain Glyndwr, dedicated his entire life in trying to secure Wale’s freedom from English rule. A man of honor, greatly respected, and with the heart of a lion, Owain lives a happy life surrounded by his wife and children. As turmoil with the English increases, Owain soon finds himself torn away from his beloved family, leading a rebellion, and ultimately being adorned with a crown proclaiming him prince.
The author does an outstanding job of showing us not only Owain’s finest qualities, but also his many faults, and it is this that made Owain seem real to me, for no one in this world is perfect. It is a testament to N. Gemini’s talents as a writer that Owain truly comes alive while reading this book. What I was also more than impressed with was the fact that historical fact and complicated politics are skillfully presented in simple, easy to understand prose. The author leaves no stone unturned and does not shy away from writing detailed love scenes, battles, executions, and daily hardships faced by people in turbulent eras. Highly researched and meticulously written, The Uneasy Crown is a brilliant novel about a poignant hero and the sacrifices he made to fight for his country. If you’ve never read one of N. Gemini Sasson’s novels, then definitely make this your first one. And if you’ve read her other books, know that this one is just as satisfying and brilliant as her others.
December 20, 2013
This was a great book, but it's not my usual genre. There were a lot of names to keep track of -- and if you're not familiar with the names of this culture that can make it even more confusing. I was able to keep up for the most part. The book starts out with Owain as a child and comes full circle through his struggles, triumphs and eventual... well, read the book.
This is not a light read, and if you get attached to the people you're reading about, it can be a bit emotionally traumatizing. Things don't wrap up all pretty with a bow and a happy ending. It is long and there is war. It is definitely worth reading, though. Owain fought for a worthy cause -- the freedom of his people. They fought valiantly. There are a lot of little side stories in the middle. Many people get married and have children; some people wind up having affairs.
It's hard to come away from this book without being changed and without thinking about it quite a bit afterwards. I am glad I read it.
This is not a light read, and if you get attached to the people you're reading about, it can be a bit emotionally traumatizing. Things don't wrap up all pretty with a bow and a happy ending. It is long and there is war. It is definitely worth reading, though. Owain fought for a worthy cause -- the freedom of his people. They fought valiantly. There are a lot of little side stories in the middle. Many people get married and have children; some people wind up having affairs.
It's hard to come away from this book without being changed and without thinking about it quite a bit afterwards. I am glad I read it.
May 17, 2014
One of the best historical fictional audiobooks that I’ve heard. Uneasy Lies the Crown is a retelling of the story of Owain Glyndwr, the last Welsh Prince of Wales. He started the Welsh Revolt against England’s King Henry IV, which was successful initially but eventually collapsed from key weaknesses. For those Shakespeare enthusiasts, he was portrayed in his play, Henry IV, as a wild person ruled by emotion.
The book was incredibly well-written in easy to understand prose by pulling me into the struggles the main characters experienced. The author wrote not only about their finest qualities, but also their many faults, making the characters real in an imperfect world. The author, N. Gemini Sasson, is the author of several other novels set in medieval England.
Uneasy Lies the Crown is a brilliant novel about a real historical hero and the sacrifices he made for his country. The audiobook narration was well spoken, making the words easy to understand.
The book was incredibly well-written in easy to understand prose by pulling me into the struggles the main characters experienced. The author wrote not only about their finest qualities, but also their many faults, making the characters real in an imperfect world. The author, N. Gemini Sasson, is the author of several other novels set in medieval England.
Uneasy Lies the Crown is a brilliant novel about a real historical hero and the sacrifices he made for his country. The audiobook narration was well spoken, making the words easy to understand.
February 19, 2013
I like historical fiction but expect it to be more or less half history and half fiction with something to learn. This book regarding the Welsh independence movement circa 1400 led by their Prince Owain Glyndwr seems to be only about 20% history with spurts of historical names and relationships that don't add much to the story but probably relate to some research find. None the less, it's a relatively interesting adventure story with romance, treachery, politics and social injustice in the mix. It's somewhat entertaining and moves at a good pace.
July 13, 2015
Love any story about Wales, and this author does the wild, Welsh mountains justice! This story follows the life of Owain Glyndwr, the unnamed King of Wales. This story is full of battles and skirmishes between the fierce Welshmen, led by Glyndwr, and the King of England (from Richard to Henry of Bolingbroke to Henry's son, Harry, or Henry V). If only Owain had gotten support from with Scotland or France! But those countries have their own tale to tell. Owain was a brave warrior who never gave up his freedom, even to the very end.
March 18, 2013
This book was really interesting - I didn't know anything really about Owain Glyndwr or Welsh history before I started reading but the book made me want to find out more about him and his role in the story of Wales. The book has a good mixture of narrative and dialogue, and I was able to tell from the quality of the narrative that the author had done a lot of research. I liked the way the narrative rotated between third person and first person.
February 22, 2013
3.75 - 4 stars. Good read. Good character development, although there were so many characters, it was sometimes hard to keep track of where they fit in. No loose ends. Very good on research, appreciated the bibliography. Remarkably, not too much blood and gore, but battles were fully described. Looking forward to reading more.
March 9, 2013
The author's character development was excellent. Each has flaws that may mirror some of our own, which strengthens the reader's connections to these 700-year-old characters. Knowing little detail about this era of British history, I enjoyed this glimpse into the political challenges and absurdities of the time.
December 9, 2012
The story of Owain Glyndwr struggle for independence from England fighting against Henry IV. If you don't know the story, it's well worth reading. Sasson is an excellent writer and has done her research. I highly recommend this.
February 10, 2013
Interesting history. Hadn't read any specifically about this point in time before. She's also a good writer. But I must admit I could easily put it down. I had to push through to finish it. Fortunately, I enjoyed the last half more than the first half.
April 22, 2013
An interesting story about the Welsh fight to free their country from English rule in the early 1400s. Owain Glyndwr is thought to fulfill the prophesy of Merlin that Arthur will return and a Welshman will rule England. A book well worth reading.
December 16, 2013
Was a free Amazon download. I gave it a try and unfortunately I agree with some earlier reviewers. I just couldn't get into it, so I'm putting this one down and moving onto other books on my reading list.
August 31, 2016
A good read- there isn't much fiction around on the Welsh Princes and Edward I, certainly not from the Welsh perspective.
An interesting read, esp liked the parts in Conwy Castle - my favourite castle that I've been to many times, it really brings it to life
An interesting read, esp liked the parts in Conwy Castle - my favourite castle that I've been to many times, it really brings it to life
November 16, 2013
This is the second book I have read by this author. I am very impressed with her. It is about the life of Owain Glyndwr who was the last Welsh Prince of Wales and the fight for independence from England. I'm looking forward to read her other books.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews