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**From the co-author of the No.1 bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, WAR CRY. **
In DEVIL, David Churchill writes with the immediacy of Conn Iggulden, the epic ambition of Bernard Cornwell and the plotting of CJ Sansom. The Leopards of Normandy trilogy tells the story of William the Conqueror in all its wild, intoxicating, unfailingly dramatic glory.
The fate of England hangs in the balance of a fight between brothers
The noble families of Europe are tearing themselves apart in their lust for power and wealth.
Emma, Queen of England, is in agony over the succession to her husband Canute's throne ... while her brother, the Duke of Normandy's sons battle in the wake of his death.
Robert, the younger son, has been cheated of Normandy's mightiest castle and sets out to take it by force. He emerges from a bloody siege victorious and in love with a beautiful - and pregnant - peasant girl.
Robert's child will be mocked as William the bastard. But we have another name for him
... Conqueror.
The first instalment in the Leopards of Normandy trilogy paints a world seething with rivalry and intrigue, where assassins are never short of work.
In DEVIL, David Churchill writes with the immediacy of Conn Iggulden, the epic ambition of Bernard Cornwell and the plotting of CJ Sansom. The Leopards of Normandy trilogy tells the story of William the Conqueror in all its wild, intoxicating, unfailingly dramatic glory.
The fate of England hangs in the balance of a fight between brothers
The noble families of Europe are tearing themselves apart in their lust for power and wealth.
Emma, Queen of England, is in agony over the succession to her husband Canute's throne ... while her brother, the Duke of Normandy's sons battle in the wake of his death.
Robert, the younger son, has been cheated of Normandy's mightiest castle and sets out to take it by force. He emerges from a bloody siege victorious and in love with a beautiful - and pregnant - peasant girl.
Robert's child will be mocked as William the bastard. But we have another name for him
... Conqueror.
The first instalment in the Leopards of Normandy trilogy paints a world seething with rivalry and intrigue, where assassins are never short of work.
480 pages, Paperback
First published February 26, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
June 3, 2016
This is not in the first rank of historical novels, nor really in the second, although it would be overly harsh to give it only one star.
The underlying history is perfectly OK, but there are so many things that irked me.
First, the appalling dialogue, which was very stilted and not very believable. Medieval men and women were not as childlike or naive as this book would have us believe. It's the dialogue and the poor characterisation conveyed by it that makes one feel no real empathy whatsoever with any of the characters.
Second, the complete lack of subtlety in the cardboard cut-out, one-dimensional characterisation. Basically, it's a 'black hat for baddy, white hat for goody' book, where you can tell who the villains are, and how villainous they are meant to be, by their behaviour - basically, the villains are portrayed as being as misogynistic and coarse as the author can make them, and betray their villainy by the coarseness of their language. If the dialogue were better this might not be so bad, but (for example) the sexual perversities of the Belleme family - the main thing that tells us that they are 'villains' - read as though they were constructed by a teenager with rape fantasies. It's neither clever nor well-enough written to pass muster.
And when will authors understand, as the most basic of research, or even reading of other books will tell them, that medieval kings were NOT REFERRED TO AS "YOUR MAJESTY"? It's basic stuff, and extremely irritating. Seriously, it happens time and time again and is just plain WRONG! Aarrgghh!
I just don't understand why there are so many 4 and 5 star reviews of this book. Sure, it was readable, and I might even read the next in the series; but it is most deceiving for the blurb to suggest that this is at all to be compared with Cornwell, Iggulden or Sansom.
The underlying history is perfectly OK, but there are so many things that irked me.
First, the appalling dialogue, which was very stilted and not very believable. Medieval men and women were not as childlike or naive as this book would have us believe. It's the dialogue and the poor characterisation conveyed by it that makes one feel no real empathy whatsoever with any of the characters.
Second, the complete lack of subtlety in the cardboard cut-out, one-dimensional characterisation. Basically, it's a 'black hat for baddy, white hat for goody' book, where you can tell who the villains are, and how villainous they are meant to be, by their behaviour - basically, the villains are portrayed as being as misogynistic and coarse as the author can make them, and betray their villainy by the coarseness of their language. If the dialogue were better this might not be so bad, but (for example) the sexual perversities of the Belleme family - the main thing that tells us that they are 'villains' - read as though they were constructed by a teenager with rape fantasies. It's neither clever nor well-enough written to pass muster.
And when will authors understand, as the most basic of research, or even reading of other books will tell them, that medieval kings were NOT REFERRED TO AS "YOUR MAJESTY"? It's basic stuff, and extremely irritating. Seriously, it happens time and time again and is just plain WRONG! Aarrgghh!
I just don't understand why there are so many 4 and 5 star reviews of this book. Sure, it was readable, and I might even read the next in the series; but it is most deceiving for the blurb to suggest that this is at all to be compared with Cornwell, Iggulden or Sansom.
December 28, 2018
This book is the first in a trilogy. Wonderful, terrible unputdownable. Real people, who held significant power, in the 10th thru to the 11th century, mainly in Normandy. Most of the book is centered around Robert, who became Duke of Normandy. He is a very appealing person: mainly honourable, a strategist, he thinks ahead and understands consequences. Also, history describes him as handsome, a man with a very strong personal 'presence' and loyal.
The title Devil falsely represents the book. He was described then as a 'devil' but because he was a formidable strategist and a feared enemy because his tactics were unpredictable. Can not wait to read the next 2 books.
The title Devil falsely represents the book. He was described then as a 'devil' but because he was a formidable strategist and a feared enemy because his tactics were unpredictable. Can not wait to read the next 2 books.
December 23, 2015
My heart must have broke about 4-5 times during this wonderful book… Bloody hell, I seriously cried… Twice! And I feel like I have so much to say about this book without knowing where to start…
This book is based on historical events of Britain, and is the first book in a planned trilogy. I look forward to reading the next one as William the Bastard (Robert the Duke’s illegitimate son) will have some pretty difficult situations to overcome. Some of the characters are based on real life historical people and some of them are fictional. Author makes it easy for the reader to make a difference in between them but providing an overview of both. There is also a guide to the different houses of lords, kings and dukes explaining who is related to who.
The book starts with a prologue around Rollo the Strider. A giant of a Viking who sets this whole book, the history in motion. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a prologue as much as I did starting this book. It was so effective and pulled me in to the whole story, to the whole world yet to evolve on the pages.
The 450+ pages of this book are full of power struggles, personal sacrifices, politics, religion, hypocrisy, but also wit, respect and banter. And love. Love, as we tell ourselves, will conquer all. But will it?
Author uses simple short sentences which make the action scenes and the complicated politics and relationships so much easier to understand and in this case the proof is in the pudding- simple does work. Long, complicated, overly described scenes are not necessary to deliver an impactful book. And this is exactly how I would describe this creation- impactful. This simple structure of sentences helps a lot in keeping the story flowing perfectly and the reader’s focus throughout.
The way author describes characters and situations is so wonderfully done, that the rest of the world around the reader dissolves. It’s just the book and those words. Magical. I liked Rollo from the prologues so much so that I was sad I only got to read about his actions in the prologue. Thankfully, Robert, Rollo’s descentant, inherited much of his forefather’s personality. Robert the Duke was most definitely my favorite character. Headstrong, fair and sadly, ends up in the clutches of religion. Life really isn’t easy when you’re a powerful man. I can’t tell you how many times I yelled at the book, trying to get through to Robert to flip off the Archbishop (Robert’s uncle) and go back to Viking ways.
There was so many characters I thought I could take a liking to, only to find out, every single mofo is out for their own benefit and it made me so angry, I wanted to be at the scene and start “Jarl the Viper-ing” people out of equation. Jarl the Viper is one of the fictional characters who is basically, what you’d call in a modern day world, a Hitman. An interesting character who I cannot wait to catch up with in the next installment of this series. But there were also characters whose loyalty saw no bounds. People without whom the kings, dukes and lords could not survive.
If you enjoyed watching Game of Thrones and Vikings, then this book is definitely a must read, and will not let you down. You’ll read about battles, wins and losses, horrible characters and death. You’ll read about deceit and difficult decisions. It’s dripping with hypocrisy and if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s hypocrisy, but as we all know, despicable acts make the most interesting reading material!
I received this book via bookbridgr! Thank you!
I wish to congratulate author David Churchill for writing this magnificent book, for writing so brilliantly and for creating those exciting fictional characters to carry real historical events!
This book is based on historical events of Britain, and is the first book in a planned trilogy. I look forward to reading the next one as William the Bastard (Robert the Duke’s illegitimate son) will have some pretty difficult situations to overcome. Some of the characters are based on real life historical people and some of them are fictional. Author makes it easy for the reader to make a difference in between them but providing an overview of both. There is also a guide to the different houses of lords, kings and dukes explaining who is related to who.
The book starts with a prologue around Rollo the Strider. A giant of a Viking who sets this whole book, the history in motion. I don’t think I have ever enjoyed a prologue as much as I did starting this book. It was so effective and pulled me in to the whole story, to the whole world yet to evolve on the pages.
The 450+ pages of this book are full of power struggles, personal sacrifices, politics, religion, hypocrisy, but also wit, respect and banter. And love. Love, as we tell ourselves, will conquer all. But will it?
Author uses simple short sentences which make the action scenes and the complicated politics and relationships so much easier to understand and in this case the proof is in the pudding- simple does work. Long, complicated, overly described scenes are not necessary to deliver an impactful book. And this is exactly how I would describe this creation- impactful. This simple structure of sentences helps a lot in keeping the story flowing perfectly and the reader’s focus throughout.
The way author describes characters and situations is so wonderfully done, that the rest of the world around the reader dissolves. It’s just the book and those words. Magical. I liked Rollo from the prologues so much so that I was sad I only got to read about his actions in the prologue. Thankfully, Robert, Rollo’s descentant, inherited much of his forefather’s personality. Robert the Duke was most definitely my favorite character. Headstrong, fair and sadly, ends up in the clutches of religion. Life really isn’t easy when you’re a powerful man. I can’t tell you how many times I yelled at the book, trying to get through to Robert to flip off the Archbishop (Robert’s uncle) and go back to Viking ways.
There was so many characters I thought I could take a liking to, only to find out, every single mofo is out for their own benefit and it made me so angry, I wanted to be at the scene and start “Jarl the Viper-ing” people out of equation. Jarl the Viper is one of the fictional characters who is basically, what you’d call in a modern day world, a Hitman. An interesting character who I cannot wait to catch up with in the next installment of this series. But there were also characters whose loyalty saw no bounds. People without whom the kings, dukes and lords could not survive.
If you enjoyed watching Game of Thrones and Vikings, then this book is definitely a must read, and will not let you down. You’ll read about battles, wins and losses, horrible characters and death. You’ll read about deceit and difficult decisions. It’s dripping with hypocrisy and if there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s hypocrisy, but as we all know, despicable acts make the most interesting reading material!
I received this book via bookbridgr! Thank you!
I wish to congratulate author David Churchill for writing this magnificent book, for writing so brilliantly and for creating those exciting fictional characters to carry real historical events!
December 29, 2018
This marvellous book by David Churchill, which is a pseudonym for his real name is David Thomas, is the 1st volume of "The Leopards of Normandy" trilogy.
As a beginning this book is absolutely outstanding, for the author has certainly produced a very lifelike portrayal of William of Normandy, "the Bastard" or "the Conqueror", and his entire family, and especially in this 1st instalment a wonderful portrayal of his father Duke Robert, "the Magnificent", but also known by his enemies as "the Devil".
This great 1st volume contains the period between AD 1026 until AD 1037.
Concerning the storytelling, it is very immaculate and thrilling, for it takes you as a reader right to the heart of the lives of the Dukes of Normandy.
The tale itself is mainly about William's father Duke Robert of Normandy, "the Magnificent" or "the Devil", who after having been cheated of Normandy's mightiest castle sets out to take it by force.
During these actions Duke Robert will meet Herleva, daughter of Fulda the Tanner, and after having fallen in love with her, they will soon become the parents of the child who will be called William.
This book is a most remarkable book, for it's full with wonderful storytelling and historical details, thus making this tale for me "A Stunning Opener"!
As a beginning this book is absolutely outstanding, for the author has certainly produced a very lifelike portrayal of William of Normandy, "the Bastard" or "the Conqueror", and his entire family, and especially in this 1st instalment a wonderful portrayal of his father Duke Robert, "the Magnificent", but also known by his enemies as "the Devil".
This great 1st volume contains the period between AD 1026 until AD 1037.
Concerning the storytelling, it is very immaculate and thrilling, for it takes you as a reader right to the heart of the lives of the Dukes of Normandy.
The tale itself is mainly about William's father Duke Robert of Normandy, "the Magnificent" or "the Devil", who after having been cheated of Normandy's mightiest castle sets out to take it by force.
During these actions Duke Robert will meet Herleva, daughter of Fulda the Tanner, and after having fallen in love with her, they will soon become the parents of the child who will be called William.
This book is a most remarkable book, for it's full with wonderful storytelling and historical details, thus making this tale for me "A Stunning Opener"!
February 25, 2023
A very readable book. It does get a little confusing in parts because everybody is called Robert, Richard or William; the author acknowledges this in the Afterward and has made a solid attempt to differentiate the characters. Otherwise I sped through this book in a few days. A common problem historical fiction novels have is that they stay too close to the facts and it becomes a little dry. However since so much is unknown about the period, the author is able to invent all sorts of fun escapades and characters, and it is a great story.
February 24, 2015
*screams* READ IT.
Review from my blog at https://lilypadblogs.wordpress.com/20...
Oh wow. Oh wow.
This is an earthy, gritty, brutal piece of historical fiction – and I love it.
Characters – realistic. They are so brilliant in their grey morality, and Churchill shows that you can write women well without them having to be strong. The struggles these characters faced broke my heart – I was hoping that certain conflicts would be resolved and happiness gained but I knew it was unlikely to happen. Churchill managed to more than tug on the heartstrings; the first time that happened, I knew I’d started something good. These characters are more than just engaging – they are so very human, and the novel is all the more wonderful for it.
I should point out that this novel is not for the faint hearted. Devil is set in a bloody period of history, and so of course there was going to be violence. And we get it in spades. I have to admit, I quite like gritty violence in literature, so this discovery was excellent. Churchill brings a fairly obscure tale behind William the Conqueror to the table, and manages to make it into something compulsively readable – and easy to read, at that. I flew through this; I will definitely be looking out for the sequel (this is a planned trilogy).
Despite being a medieval history student, I know very little about William the Conqueror and his familial history; Devil has made me more inclined to research more about this, and if you’re a lover of historical fiction, pick this up. It’s great. You’ll love it. Now go read it. It comes out two days (26th February) after I post this review. Plenty of time for you to get excited.
Review from my blog at https://lilypadblogs.wordpress.com/20...
Oh wow. Oh wow.
This is an earthy, gritty, brutal piece of historical fiction – and I love it.
Characters – realistic. They are so brilliant in their grey morality, and Churchill shows that you can write women well without them having to be strong. The struggles these characters faced broke my heart – I was hoping that certain conflicts would be resolved and happiness gained but I knew it was unlikely to happen. Churchill managed to more than tug on the heartstrings; the first time that happened, I knew I’d started something good. These characters are more than just engaging – they are so very human, and the novel is all the more wonderful for it.
I should point out that this novel is not for the faint hearted. Devil is set in a bloody period of history, and so of course there was going to be violence. And we get it in spades. I have to admit, I quite like gritty violence in literature, so this discovery was excellent. Churchill brings a fairly obscure tale behind William the Conqueror to the table, and manages to make it into something compulsively readable – and easy to read, at that. I flew through this; I will definitely be looking out for the sequel (this is a planned trilogy).
Despite being a medieval history student, I know very little about William the Conqueror and his familial history; Devil has made me more inclined to research more about this, and if you’re a lover of historical fiction, pick this up. It’s great. You’ll love it. Now go read it. It comes out two days (26th February) after I post this review. Plenty of time for you to get excited.
March 23, 2023
I am a lover of historical fiction, but this was a let down: too much fiction and not enough history. I know enough about the Norman invasion and William the Conqueror to realize this was way on the fantasy side. Skip it.
December 9, 2022
Superb
I have had this book on my TBR list for a couple of years and decided to give it a read, and I am so glad that I did, this is without a doubt the best book I have read this year, it is a real page turner charting the lives of William the conquerers parents and his early years, this is a real Game of Thrones and is a outstanding read. This is the first of a trilogy and I will be starting the next book immediately. Very highly recommended.
I have had this book on my TBR list for a couple of years and decided to give it a read, and I am so glad that I did, this is without a doubt the best book I have read this year, it is a real page turner charting the lives of William the conquerers parents and his early years, this is a real Game of Thrones and is a outstanding read. This is the first of a trilogy and I will be starting the next book immediately. Very highly recommended.
March 26, 2015
interesting read of the first part of a trilogy detailing the dukes of Normandy especially Richard and Robert and how interlinked with English history with Emma of Normandy (Edward the confessor's mother)and all the court politics and how in the latter parts of the book William enters the fray as a child as feel this book is the background for later events as all the major players are introduced in this book. felt however in parts the author had used a lot of licence but the series can only get much better.
May 5, 2015
I have just finished this book and found it to be a wonderful read. History was never my favourite subject at school, but Churchill's skill as a writer really brings alive the time period as his narrative weaves fact and fiction together like an early Bayeaux tapestry.
Packed with believable characters, exquisite plotting and a real sense of place, Leopards of Normandy: Devil is a fantastic novel. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Packed with believable characters, exquisite plotting and a real sense of place, Leopards of Normandy: Devil is a fantastic novel. I can't wait for the next one in the series.
January 8, 2016
Loved it, a really good read. A good mix of battles, politics and strategies from a part of medieval history I didn't know much about.
January 15, 2016
Nothing more than textbook history, foul language, and badly written smut. My dachshund could write better.
March 4, 2017
not very good
June 21, 2017
Very entertaining with the odd excellent dramatic moment, and plenty of historical twists and turns that can only have come from the annals. The advantage of focusing on this period of medieval history is that there is a fair amount of narrative out there with which to deal, but a lack of detail that gives the author free reign to create and play around. Churchill does this well, creating convincing (if sometimes slightly stereotypical) portrayals of real and imagined people. The book is not faultless; the world within which these characters operate is only rarely hinted at, and we don't get an impression of a full world: the narrative rather sits on top of and distinct from feudal Normandy, and with only minor changes could really take place at any period of time. Nonetheless, this is a fun and fast book that you can power through, and that will not only entertain but also elucidate and (to an extent) educate.
September 7, 2019
After a great start, the book is a little disappointing.
Set in the 11th century, the novel charts the rise of the Duchy of Normandy, from the arrival of the Vikings under the leadership of Rollo, the life of Duke Robert III and the birth and childhood of his son William.
Whilst the history is very interesting, I didn't know much about that period, and includes England during the reign of King Canute and Emma of Normandy, I found it hard to become immersed in the book.
The period detail is not as rich as I would have liked. The characters are two dimensional, there is no depth to them, they are what they seem and nothing else. The dialogue is naive and hardly believable.
There are two more books in the series, culminating (presumably) in the conquest of England in 1066. I may read the others, purely for the historical content.
Set in the 11th century, the novel charts the rise of the Duchy of Normandy, from the arrival of the Vikings under the leadership of Rollo, the life of Duke Robert III and the birth and childhood of his son William.
Whilst the history is very interesting, I didn't know much about that period, and includes England during the reign of King Canute and Emma of Normandy, I found it hard to become immersed in the book.
The period detail is not as rich as I would have liked. The characters are two dimensional, there is no depth to them, they are what they seem and nothing else. The dialogue is naive and hardly believable.
There are two more books in the series, culminating (presumably) in the conquest of England in 1066. I may read the others, purely for the historical content.
November 14, 2022
I have just finished this book, I picked it up in a local charity shop as I have recently become interested in historical fiction. I had no expectations when I opened this book but was instantly drawn in.
I instantly fell in love with the characters of this book, becoming invested in the twists and turns throughout. It had so many different elements from politics, treachery, battle, and romance. It really brought our history to life and has sparked in me a new interest in this period of our history. I could not put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. I was sad when it ended as I was so invested in the story. I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series. A fantastic read.
I instantly fell in love with the characters of this book, becoming invested in the twists and turns throughout. It had so many different elements from politics, treachery, battle, and romance. It really brought our history to life and has sparked in me a new interest in this period of our history. I could not put this book down and thoroughly enjoyed the writing style. I was sad when it ended as I was so invested in the story. I look forward to reading the next instalment in this series. A fantastic read.
December 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this, Churchill plays fast and loose with what little historical evidence there is around the Duchy of Normandy and adds colour and personality to give us an entertaining and thrilling tale of a dynasty.
I will be very pleased to continue with the second book once I grab a copy. Like the author says of himself, I had very little knowledge of this era and honestly didn't realise how sparse it was until I started to read this novel. Very entertaining, with classic good vs bad characters.
I'm not quite sure why other reviews complain about the historical facts here, it is a fiction book. If you want dry facts, there is a whole other category just waiting for you.
I will be very pleased to continue with the second book once I grab a copy. Like the author says of himself, I had very little knowledge of this era and honestly didn't realise how sparse it was until I started to read this novel. Very entertaining, with classic good vs bad characters.
I'm not quite sure why other reviews complain about the historical facts here, it is a fiction book. If you want dry facts, there is a whole other category just waiting for you.
August 23, 2017
The book is about: the history of William the conqueror, this is the first part of a trilogy and covers William's parents and earlier antecessors.
I liked: the historical background (which I scarcely knew), the portrayal of links between the different reigning families, the role of illegitimate children of nobles, the conspiracies between the different noble families all tied to each other, the sudden turns in the story and especially the end.
I didn't like: some characters are a bit obvious (amongst which the heroes Richard and small William).
I liked: the historical background (which I scarcely knew), the portrayal of links between the different reigning families, the role of illegitimate children of nobles, the conspiracies between the different noble families all tied to each other, the sudden turns in the story and especially the end.
I didn't like: some characters are a bit obvious (amongst which the heroes Richard and small William).
June 21, 2018
Not a bad novel but for some reason I did not engage with the characters and it was too easy to put down. I will read the sequel but I'm not rushing headlong into it as I would have liked. Time for a break from the genre I think for I believe I may have been spoiled of late and my expectations have risen as a result. A Lee Child novel is calling my name.
October 31, 2023
4/6
Very good historical fiction! I don’t know much about this time period, but the love between Robert and Herleva was well written and yet so sad. I always read the Wikipedia (it’s generally correct tbf) so I was “spoiled” by how Robert met his end, but I wish he had made it back to Normandy to raise William. I’d like to read the other books in this series as well!
Very good historical fiction! I don’t know much about this time period, but the love between Robert and Herleva was well written and yet so sad. I always read the Wikipedia (it’s generally correct tbf) so I was “spoiled” by how Robert met his end, but I wish he had made it back to Normandy to raise William. I’d like to read the other books in this series as well!
September 1, 2017
I come across this book by accident, I enjoy books about history, factual and historical fiction, I had returned some books to my local library and browsed through the historical reading section, "Devil" caught my eye, the colour of the cover and after reading the back it grabbed my attention. I have always been interested in the Battle of Hastings and have visited the Battle site.
What I like about this book (and what the series will be about) is that it goes back to the history of Williams Father and Mother, how they meet, the politics and social status against their relationship, the rivalry between Will aims father and his brothers and why he would one day look to be a King,
The story also leaps across the channel to England and what is going on.
It has given me a bigger picture about the conquest and people in it.
The writing is at a nice pace, good character detail, bloody battle scenes (as medieval battles were brutal)
I also loaned out the second book in the series and will be reading very soon and on to the third part.
What I like about this book (and what the series will be about) is that it goes back to the history of Williams Father and Mother, how they meet, the politics and social status against their relationship, the rivalry between Will aims father and his brothers and why he would one day look to be a King,
The story also leaps across the channel to England and what is going on.
It has given me a bigger picture about the conquest and people in it.
The writing is at a nice pace, good character detail, bloody battle scenes (as medieval battles were brutal)
I also loaned out the second book in the series and will be reading very soon and on to the third part.
April 13, 2018
This book brought alive historical characters I knew nothing about. William the Conquerer has always been a shadowy king,but this series makes this period of history come to life. Looking forward to reading the second book in the series.
April 17, 2018
I am very happy with this trilogy. Here is one of the best historical fiction I came across for a long time. The language is flowing, the characters are well researched and one of the most important chapters of the European history is colourfully described.
Can not wait for the next 2 books.
Can not wait for the next 2 books.
June 13, 2020
Enjoyable reading of the background to Norman Conquest - a period I don't know at all. Lots of political maneuvering and military outbursts. A map of Normandy and England would have been a useful addition. Looking forward to rest of trilogy.
July 7, 2024
Book so good, had trouble spending time with my husband!
Just couldn’t put it down.
Seriously fascinating from the very first page!
Very much looking forward to the next two in this trilogy.
Just couldn’t put it down.
Seriously fascinating from the very first page!
Very much looking forward to the next two in this trilogy.
September 13, 2017
Good
I have read this before but wanted to read the full series in one go. Good action packed read. Recommend it to anyone.
I have read this before but wanted to read the full series in one go. Good action packed read. Recommend it to anyone.
March 10, 2018
Excellent account of the early life of William the Conqueror, beginning with the story of his parents.
August 19, 2018
This was O.K. But not stunning. It never seemed to get fully out of second gear for me. So a low three stars.
September 6, 2018
Well crafted story of William the Conquerers early years
Recommend this book for the historical and fictional story telling as it makes you want to continue the journey of William
Recommend this book for the historical and fictional story telling as it makes you want to continue the journey of William
February 13, 2020
I really enjoyed reading this book. Added so many new things & layers.
From William the Bastard to William the Conqueror!
Got to read the continuation now!
From William the Bastard to William the Conqueror!
Got to read the continuation now!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews