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Falls the Shadow: A Novel
596 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 19, 2008
87 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Kay Penman
42 books4,059 followersPenman received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she majored in history, and also received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, and later worked as a tax lawyer.
The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following the success of When Christ and His Saints Slept (which dealt with the Anarchy and the early career of King Henry II of England), Penman ventured into the historical whodunnit with four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reign of Richard I. The mysteries did not enjoy the same success as her "straight" historical novels, to which she returned in 2002, with Time and Chance, again covering the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. In 2008, she published Devil's Brood, which was to be the final book in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She soon realized that there was still more of the Angevins' story to tell and the result was Lionheart , followed by The King's Ransom. Henry and Eleanor's celebrated and controversial son, Richard the Lionheart is the major character in both books, although Eleanor, John, and Richard's favorite sister, Joanna, also get to spend time on center stage. She has just finished The Land Beyond the Sea, set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century. It will be published in the U.S. by G.P. Putnam's and in the U.K. and Down Under by Macmillan and co; the publication date is early March, 2020.
The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following the success of When Christ and His Saints Slept (which dealt with the Anarchy and the early career of King Henry II of England), Penman ventured into the historical whodunnit with four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reign of Richard I. The mysteries did not enjoy the same success as her "straight" historical novels, to which she returned in 2002, with Time and Chance, again covering the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. In 2008, she published Devil's Brood, which was to be the final book in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She soon realized that there was still more of the Angevins' story to tell and the result was Lionheart , followed by The King's Ransom. Henry and Eleanor's celebrated and controversial son, Richard the Lionheart is the major character in both books, although Eleanor, John, and Richard's favorite sister, Joanna, also get to spend time on center stage. She has just finished The Land Beyond the Sea, set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century. It will be published in the U.S. by G.P. Putnam's and in the U.K. and Down Under by Macmillan and co; the publication date is early March, 2020.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 8, 2025
The incomparable Sharon Kay Penman brings medieval history to life as no other writer has. The depth of research and the breadth of knowledge that are encompassed in her books is astounding. Some readers will find the scope of her novels daunting. Others will be enthralled by the vivid portrait of thirteenth century Europe. Book two of her trilogy focuses on Simon de Montfort, the champion of the common people, and King Henry III of England, an incompetent monarch determined to hold onto absolute power. It also sets up book three, “The Reckoning,” the story of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales, who defied the might of England to maintain his country’s integrity and independence.
August 23, 2025
Moving
Sharon Kay Penman is a fine author and historian. Her books are so packed with stressful history that they can be exhausting to read. I found myself in tears more than once over Simon and Nell and family.
Sharon Kay Penman is a fine author and historian. Her books are so packed with stressful history that they can be exhausting to read. I found myself in tears more than once over Simon and Nell and family.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews