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Medieval #2
In Shadows of Kings
Henry III is dead and Edward Longshanks is on his way back from crusade to claim the crown and impose his iron will on a weakened country.
The nobles of north Wales are nervous and grow frustrated at the inaction of their own leader and make a daring pact to replace him with a figurehead to unite the warring factions against the English Prince.
Meanwhile, in the south, two young men attempt to rebuild their lives after a terrifying ordeal in Acre. Desperate to heal old wounds and build for the future, they try to rebuild the family forge but the appearance of an old enemy tears them apart once more and forces them onto different paths.
Whilst the life of an outlaw beckons for one, the other finds himself on an extraordinary quest to find an unknown land, achieve an unlikely outcome and secure an uncertain future.
The nobles of north Wales are nervous and grow frustrated at the inaction of their own leader and make a daring pact to replace him with a figurehead to unite the warring factions against the English Prince.
Meanwhile, in the south, two young men attempt to rebuild their lives after a terrifying ordeal in Acre. Desperate to heal old wounds and build for the future, they try to rebuild the family forge but the appearance of an old enemy tears them apart once more and forces them onto different paths.
Whilst the life of an outlaw beckons for one, the other finds himself on an extraordinary quest to find an unknown land, achieve an unlikely outcome and secure an uncertain future.
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First published November 5, 2013
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About the author
K.M. Ashman
52 books227 followersKevin Ashman is the author of twenty-six novels including the best-selling Roman Chronicles and highly ranked Medieval Sagas.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
Always pushing the boundaries he found further success with the India Sommers Mysteries as well as three other stand-alone projects, Vampire, Savage Eden and the dystopian horror story, The Last Citadel. These cross-genre books have now been added to by the two Sci-fi novels, The Legacy Protocol and The Seventh God.
Kevin was born and raised in Wales in the United Kingdom and now writes full time having been signed by a major publishing company. He is married with four grown children and enjoys cycling, swimming and watching rugby as his hobbies.
Recent works include the Blood of Kings trilogy and the follow-up books, Warrior Princess and The Blade Bearer.
The most recent project is a five-book series about the Templars during the 12th century. Templar Steel, Templar Stone, Templar Blood and Templar Fury are already on sale and Templar Glory is due for release in Oct 2021.
An exciting project is also underway, a three-book series chronicling the years leading up to and beyond the Battle of Hastings.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 16, 2022
Rhodri ap Gruffydd, nicknamed Tarian (Shield of the Poor), has summoned his knights to a secret banquet. King Henry of England is dead, Edward Longshanks yet in the Holy Land, but more battles with the Welsh are in store on his return. Tarian and his knights are doubting the leadership of Prince Llewelyn.
At Brycheniog Abbey, Abbot Williams, the man who murdered Garyn’s parents, discusses the transport of the True Cross to Rome. Garyn ap Thomas, the blacksmith’s son, joins his wife Elspeth for dinner, exhausted from rethatching the roof. His brother Geraint, missing the camaraderie of the Crusades, is about to leave on a journey aboard a ship commissioned by Tarian.
Owen Cadwallader comes to the manor of the deceased Sir Robert Cadwallader to forge a marriage between Sir Gerald of Essex and the elder daughter, Suzette.
Father Williams and the newly betrothed Sir Gerald seem to have it in for Garyn’s family and livelihood, and he has to flee. He joins the Blaidd (Wolves) mercenaries to fight brigands. The rescue of a kidnapped girl brings new information about the True Cross, leading Garyn to realise that he had been double crossed.
Tarian’s flotilla disembark on a new world and battle with the natives, aided by the Mandan, a people who speak their language. They’ve come seeking the descendant of Madoc, who travelled three times to the New World.
The characters are lively, the dialogue credible and the plot exciting, alternating interestingly between Wales and the new World. The writing is just archaic enough to pass, but without any embellishments. This is Book 2 in the Medieval Series, and Book 1’s backstory of the retrieval of the True Cross and the persecution of Garyn’s parents is handled skilfully. It keeps the promise of the ‘direction you will not expect’ promised in the Foreword.
This review was originally written for Historical Novels Review.
At Brycheniog Abbey, Abbot Williams, the man who murdered Garyn’s parents, discusses the transport of the True Cross to Rome. Garyn ap Thomas, the blacksmith’s son, joins his wife Elspeth for dinner, exhausted from rethatching the roof. His brother Geraint, missing the camaraderie of the Crusades, is about to leave on a journey aboard a ship commissioned by Tarian.
Owen Cadwallader comes to the manor of the deceased Sir Robert Cadwallader to forge a marriage between Sir Gerald of Essex and the elder daughter, Suzette.
Father Williams and the newly betrothed Sir Gerald seem to have it in for Garyn’s family and livelihood, and he has to flee. He joins the Blaidd (Wolves) mercenaries to fight brigands. The rescue of a kidnapped girl brings new information about the True Cross, leading Garyn to realise that he had been double crossed.
Tarian’s flotilla disembark on a new world and battle with the natives, aided by the Mandan, a people who speak their language. They’ve come seeking the descendant of Madoc, who travelled three times to the New World.
The characters are lively, the dialogue credible and the plot exciting, alternating interestingly between Wales and the new World. The writing is just archaic enough to pass, but without any embellishments. This is Book 2 in the Medieval Series, and Book 1’s backstory of the retrieval of the True Cross and the persecution of Garyn’s parents is handled skilfully. It keeps the promise of the ‘direction you will not expect’ promised in the Foreword.
This review was originally written for Historical Novels Review.
June 14, 2018
Talk about a story. Once again the author hypnotises the reader, entwining a number of stories that warp and weave across the page and across the oceans.
Intrigue and mystery scent these pages as the twisting tales draw the reader on and on. First on foot and then horseback, beneath billowing sail across endless seas you will chase and be chased. You will face battle against thousands of warriors and turn history on its head.
This author does not disappoint. There’s more to come with two more books in the series.
Intrigue and mystery scent these pages as the twisting tales draw the reader on and on. First on foot and then horseback, beneath billowing sail across endless seas you will chase and be chased. You will face battle against thousands of warriors and turn history on its head.
This author does not disappoint. There’s more to come with two more books in the series.
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January 17, 2023our Welsh hero
So far book 2 of 4 gives us an exciting story of our hero. Most of the key events probably did happen but a lot of the people weren’t real. I can not wait for book 3.
So far book 2 of 4 gives us an exciting story of our hero. Most of the key events probably did happen but a lot of the people weren’t real. I can not wait for book 3.
August 22, 2017
Good Reading
Was really fascinating reading about the 'history'of Wales. Bit difficult with the names but a satisfying ending. Looking forward to the next episode;
Was really fascinating reading about the 'history'of Wales. Bit difficult with the names but a satisfying ending. Looking forward to the next episode;
September 15, 2017
Another good read. Easy to get into and follow. Bit surprised about the Indians, but still enjoyed.
July 31, 2021
A poor follow-up to the first one that is pretty much a placeholder for the third one
April 8, 2023
Set between the years 1274 and 1280. The action takes place in Wales and America. It seems that a Welsh prince had made 3 voyages to America and stayed with th Mandan tribe.
September 23, 2015
Medieval II - In Shadows of Kings (The Medieval Sagas Book 2) By K.M. Ashman
I love this series of books! The author takes you from Wales to the Mideast to the New World! The characters are interesting and realistic. A touch of history and some religious facts keeps the story moving. The author says the books stand alone, but I wouldn't advise that, out of order would leave the story incomplete! These are easy books to read, but the characters and places have unusual names that can be challenging. This is the third series I've read by this author, by far one of my favorites!
I love this series of books! The author takes you from Wales to the Mideast to the New World! The characters are interesting and realistic. A touch of history and some religious facts keeps the story moving. The author says the books stand alone, but I wouldn't advise that, out of order would leave the story incomplete! These are easy books to read, but the characters and places have unusual names that can be challenging. This is the third series I've read by this author, by far one of my favorites!
June 4, 2014
Fantastic book! amazing story. Hoping the third part will be out soon.
January 18, 2015
A wonderful tale.
A fascinating story. Well written. I could not put the book down. looking forward to finishing the series. Fortunate to have discovered this author.
A fascinating story. Well written. I could not put the book down. looking forward to finishing the series. Fortunate to have discovered this author.
February 1, 2015
Want.to.read more
Liked the genre _ will read anything about medieval life and times. Easy and quick to read/ no more to say
Liked the genre _ will read anything about medieval life and times. Easy and quick to read/ no more to say
March 9, 2015
Entertaining and certainly goes in an unexpected direction. still worth sticking with the series
August 12, 2017
Gripping
Yet another great story,intertwining fact and fiction together .Move over Columbus the welsh discovered America, another masterpiece by k m ashman
Yet another great story,intertwining fact and fiction together .Move over Columbus the welsh discovered America, another masterpiece by k m ashman
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews