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Robert the Wayward Prince #1
Robert: The Wayward Prince
alternate cover for B00EIC3ZAI
The life of a prince in turbulent times, Robert, Duke of Normandy.Forever at odds with his cantankerous father, Robert goes his own way most of the time without regard to the Conquerors wishes, Queen Matilda watches patiently as Robert lives his own life and funds her rebellious son without the knowledge of King William.From time to time, when they are speaking, the king sends Robert off on some impossible tasks. As a diplomat, to persuade the Scots back over the border. Then as a lover, firstly to try and forge an alliance with the Welsh through a liaison with a Welshwoman, then to try the same with an Italian Contessa, in order to complete the Norman domination of Italy.Robert’s idea of diplomacy swings from formal persuasion to cosy chats in the bedchamber, with varying degrees of success. Here in full detail is the amorous life of an adventurer who has been falsely reported in the chronicles of the time, and basely betrayed by his own grasping brothers.
This is the true story of the Conqueror’s eldest son, living within the family from hell, where sedition and treachery go hand in hand with love and loyalty. A very modern tale from the eleventh century plucked straight off the pages of history and brought to life in a very readable way.
The life of a prince in turbulent times, Robert, Duke of Normandy.Forever at odds with his cantankerous father, Robert goes his own way most of the time without regard to the Conquerors wishes, Queen Matilda watches patiently as Robert lives his own life and funds her rebellious son without the knowledge of King William.From time to time, when they are speaking, the king sends Robert off on some impossible tasks. As a diplomat, to persuade the Scots back over the border. Then as a lover, firstly to try and forge an alliance with the Welsh through a liaison with a Welshwoman, then to try the same with an Italian Contessa, in order to complete the Norman domination of Italy.Robert’s idea of diplomacy swings from formal persuasion to cosy chats in the bedchamber, with varying degrees of success. Here in full detail is the amorous life of an adventurer who has been falsely reported in the chronicles of the time, and basely betrayed by his own grasping brothers.
This is the true story of the Conqueror’s eldest son, living within the family from hell, where sedition and treachery go hand in hand with love and loyalty. A very modern tale from the eleventh century plucked straight off the pages of history and brought to life in a very readable way.
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First published August 13, 2013
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About the author
Austin Hernon
10 books8 followersI was born in turbulent times, hence I suppose that the state of the world, not having altered much in my lifetime, should be considered 'normal'. So I very much get on with it.
I have had a mostly military life, joining the Sea Cadets at fifteen, then progressing into the Royal Marine Reserve until I joined the regular Army at aged twenty. There I remained until I retired twenty three years later, wiser and creaking somewhat, but well travelled.
After that I managed transport networks for British Telecom and The Post Office before retiring for the last time - until now, that is; who needs retirement anyway, it usually ends in death and I'm not ready yet.
I have had a mostly military life, joining the Sea Cadets at fifteen, then progressing into the Royal Marine Reserve until I joined the regular Army at aged twenty. There I remained until I retired twenty three years later, wiser and creaking somewhat, but well travelled.
After that I managed transport networks for British Telecom and The Post Office before retiring for the last time - until now, that is; who needs retirement anyway, it usually ends in death and I'm not ready yet.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 21, 2021
Did Not Finish
For my taste there is too much about Robert's amorous adventures and too little about his activities as a prince and warrior. When I was an inquisitive young teen I would probably have loved this book.
For my taste there is too much about Robert's amorous adventures and too little about his activities as a prince and warrior. When I was an inquisitive young teen I would probably have loved this book.
October 1, 2013
Hmm - so far reads like a Mills and Boon contender - think I may have been hoping for a bit more of the historical fiction component rather than the erotic adventure of a rascally Norman prince - cue Benny Hill chase music.
I really just could not find anything to recommend this book to me despite the subject matter being of interest. Sorry.
I really just could not find anything to recommend this book to me despite the subject matter being of interest. Sorry.
November 30, 2014
Robert the Wayward Prince Book One: The Getting of Empire by Austin Hernon tells the tale of the not-so-well-known oldest son of William the Conqueror, Robert. This story of Robert begins in 1079, thirteen years after the Battle of Hastings and the Norman takeover of England. Robert, who was about 12 when his father conquered England is now aged 25 and is out and about practicing war games in the borderlands of France. He is there after another disagreement with his father. So begins the pattern of Robert's life. A life full of conflict, love, and adventures.
Robert had a great many conflicts with his father William, many arising from Robert's way of ruling which disappoints and angers his sire. Robert excels at military campaigns and diplomacy which William takes full advantage of as in his dealings with Malcolm of Scotland. When William dies he leaves Normandy to Robert who becomes Duke and England to his second son, William Rufus. Robert and William Rufus get along for the most part but some conflicts do arise as when William Rufus thinks he can rule Normandy better than Robert. William Rufus will also make use of Robert's skill in warfare and diplomacy in certain of his dealings. Thrown into the mix is William the Conqueror's third son, Henry, who is left money but no land when William dies but will scheme for the land denied him. Throw in a great many rebellious Norman lords and Robert had his hands full. The novel covers all the conflicts Robert endured.
Covered in the tale is Robert's loves, such as his first love Morberga and a Welsh Princess Tegwin, the mother of his two sons, Richard and William. Tegwin, a love of long standing, is made to suffer long separations from Robert as he tries to govern Normandy. While the story does contain some graphic language in the love scenes, one can feel for Robert and Tegwin enduring their separations and the mutual love and respect they have for each other.
One adventure highlighted in the book is Robert's journey to meet Matilda of Canossa, Italy, a fascinating lady of history. We see the journey Robert and his mesnie have to endure and the friendship that develops between Robert and Matilda. Further adventures await Robert and the reader as Book Two: Robert Warrior of the Cross will be coming soon.
If you are a reader who likes a long, adventurous story that covers a great span of time then this book is for you. Austin Hernon writes with authenticity of the time period. One can feel they are part of Prince Robert's mesnie as they attack their enemies or as they travel around Normandy, England, and Italy, so vivid are the descriptions. I greatly enjoyed reading Prince Robert's story and look forward to reading his continuing adventures in the Holy Land coming in Book Two. I leave you with a quote found at the beginning of the book by the author which so profoundly describes Robert and his life.
Be certain good princes, that when you defy convention you should also write your own history- else those whom you did frighten or discomfort will gladly write it for you. Or worse, bury it
Robert had a great many conflicts with his father William, many arising from Robert's way of ruling which disappoints and angers his sire. Robert excels at military campaigns and diplomacy which William takes full advantage of as in his dealings with Malcolm of Scotland. When William dies he leaves Normandy to Robert who becomes Duke and England to his second son, William Rufus. Robert and William Rufus get along for the most part but some conflicts do arise as when William Rufus thinks he can rule Normandy better than Robert. William Rufus will also make use of Robert's skill in warfare and diplomacy in certain of his dealings. Thrown into the mix is William the Conqueror's third son, Henry, who is left money but no land when William dies but will scheme for the land denied him. Throw in a great many rebellious Norman lords and Robert had his hands full. The novel covers all the conflicts Robert endured.
Covered in the tale is Robert's loves, such as his first love Morberga and a Welsh Princess Tegwin, the mother of his two sons, Richard and William. Tegwin, a love of long standing, is made to suffer long separations from Robert as he tries to govern Normandy. While the story does contain some graphic language in the love scenes, one can feel for Robert and Tegwin enduring their separations and the mutual love and respect they have for each other.
One adventure highlighted in the book is Robert's journey to meet Matilda of Canossa, Italy, a fascinating lady of history. We see the journey Robert and his mesnie have to endure and the friendship that develops between Robert and Matilda. Further adventures await Robert and the reader as Book Two: Robert Warrior of the Cross will be coming soon.
If you are a reader who likes a long, adventurous story that covers a great span of time then this book is for you. Austin Hernon writes with authenticity of the time period. One can feel they are part of Prince Robert's mesnie as they attack their enemies or as they travel around Normandy, England, and Italy, so vivid are the descriptions. I greatly enjoyed reading Prince Robert's story and look forward to reading his continuing adventures in the Holy Land coming in Book Two. I leave you with a quote found at the beginning of the book by the author which so profoundly describes Robert and his life.
Be certain good princes, that when you defy convention you should also write your own history- else those whom you did frighten or discomfort will gladly write it for you. Or worse, bury it
October 26, 2020
I'm being generous with two stars. This is labelled Historical Fiction. Robert was the first-born son of William the Conquerer, and he did walk his own path. The book alludes to that, but, there is little history here. Mostly this book is about 'randy Robert' and his many alliances and the techniques involved. From someone else's perspective one might label this book "Historical Romance," but there is little romance, and the sex is boring.
So, if you like your history light, and your romance mild, this might be the story for you. I won't be reading the follow on novels because Robert led an exciting life outside of the bedroom. Search 'children of William the Conqueror' for all the delicious details.
So, if you like your history light, and your romance mild, this might be the story for you. I won't be reading the follow on novels because Robert led an exciting life outside of the bedroom. Search 'children of William the Conqueror' for all the delicious details.
March 29, 2024
A lot of sex
The author provided a lot of information about the rancorous relationships among William the Conqueror and among his three sons from the point of view of the eldest, Robert. However Her on seems to most enjoy describing Robert’s sexual exploits. I could have with much less sex, it became boring and repetitive.
The author provided a lot of information about the rancorous relationships among William the Conqueror and among his three sons from the point of view of the eldest, Robert. However Her on seems to most enjoy describing Robert’s sexual exploits. I could have with much less sex, it became boring and repetitive.
February 12, 2023
medieval sex
I bought this book as I love medieval fiction but there was more detailed medieval shagging going on than fighting,the storyline was poor with every chapter taken up with bonking,not my cup of tea and waste of money!
I bought this book as I love medieval fiction but there was more detailed medieval shagging going on than fighting,the storyline was poor with every chapter taken up with bonking,not my cup of tea and waste of money!
November 5, 2013
I tried, I really did. I just could not finish this. First off, I do not like first-person narrative in historical fiction. I can overlook it sometimes, if the writing and character are compelling. Neither of those is true here. Perhaps I should have known from the title that the main character was not one I could find fascinating. Robert is the eldest son of William the Conqueror, but he was neither liked by his family or by history. Most accounts describe him as lazy and self-indulgent, him being a fairly good fighter did nothing to endear him to anyone apparently. This is how he is portrayed in this book, as well. The main problem I have with first-person narrative is that the audience only hears about certain events after the fact, if the main character isn't there. The author tried to solve this problem by having the main character say someone told him what happened and he, the main character, narrates it like a memory. For example, the private conversation between a father and daughter about whether or not she will take Robert as her lover is related to us by Robert narrating the scene, saying that the father told him all about it, so he knows it happened this way. Then we come to the sex. There is a lot of it, and all highly unnecessary. It has the feeling of a man bragging about how many times he has gotten laid. Then we have the modern language. Well, I am assuming the phrases like "The randy git is sniffing my arse" weren't really used much. Plus, other vulgar language and situations are used, as well. I guess to titilate or to try and be gritty. It all fails.
February 6, 2016
Robert: The Wayward Prince
Book One: The Getting of Empire
Austin Hernon
Synopsis
The story of William the Conqueror's eldest son.
Read how King William's death-bed pronouncement, while suffering from a fevered blood poisoning, led to the destruction, within a generation, of the House of Normandy.
King William's dynastic ambitions, supposedly realised through Robert's romantic liaisons, come to naught amidst the European cauldron of self ambition and the cynical self-seeking of lords, priests,kings - and siblings.
See how the relentless ambition of the youngest brother was to turn Normandy into an ungovernable failed state, and how the genesis of England's turbulent relationship with the near continent began.
Robert comes as a shining beacon through the blood-mists and treachery of twelfth century politics. But ask yourself if he would have been a better King, as Robert I of England, rather than his brother Henry,a man suspected of both fratricide and regicide
Review
Well this was a disappointing read, the plot captivated my interest as I've read several books about William the Conqueror and Elleanor of Aquitaine and was interested to read about their son and what is role was as an english monarch.
Unfortunately the writing was stilted and there wasn't enough world building or plot . I was expecting historical fiction, but got historical erotica.
2 stars
Book One: The Getting of Empire
Austin Hernon
Synopsis
The story of William the Conqueror's eldest son.
Read how King William's death-bed pronouncement, while suffering from a fevered blood poisoning, led to the destruction, within a generation, of the House of Normandy.
King William's dynastic ambitions, supposedly realised through Robert's romantic liaisons, come to naught amidst the European cauldron of self ambition and the cynical self-seeking of lords, priests,kings - and siblings.
See how the relentless ambition of the youngest brother was to turn Normandy into an ungovernable failed state, and how the genesis of England's turbulent relationship with the near continent began.
Robert comes as a shining beacon through the blood-mists and treachery of twelfth century politics. But ask yourself if he would have been a better King, as Robert I of England, rather than his brother Henry,a man suspected of both fratricide and regicide
Review
Well this was a disappointing read, the plot captivated my interest as I've read several books about William the Conqueror and Elleanor of Aquitaine and was interested to read about their son and what is role was as an english monarch.
Unfortunately the writing was stilted and there wasn't enough world building or plot . I was expecting historical fiction, but got historical erotica.
2 stars
January 4, 2016
The Robert, which this book is written about, is Robert Curthose, the son of William the conqueror. This time period has always interested me so, even though I did not read the first book, I was able to follow along very well.
Robert goes on the First Crusade, leaving his mistress and his children in England. The country is left under the ruling of William, Robert's brother. When he returns he finds that his brother has dies and now Robert can become King.
This is a historical fiction but still the details are interesting. I was able to stay with this book and I felt like it was well-written. I look forward to reading more works by this author.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Robert goes on the First Crusade, leaving his mistress and his children in England. The country is left under the ruling of William, Robert's brother. When he returns he finds that his brother has dies and now Robert can become King.
This is a historical fiction but still the details are interesting. I was able to stay with this book and I felt like it was well-written. I look forward to reading more works by this author.
I was given this book by NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews