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The Blood of Kings #1
A Land Divided
1081. William’s bloody conquest is over and Britain is under Norman rule. But one bastion of resistance remains: Wales. A divided land where brother fights brother and kings battle for power. The English use this to further their own ends, and while one king is tempted by an offer he cannot resist, the others wage war over long-forgotten feuds.
Gruffydd ap Cynan, true heir to the kingdom of Gwynedd, is in exile across the sea. When he hears of the betrayal of the Welsh people by the imposter in his throne, Gruffydd unites with Tewdwr, a monarch deposed by the traitors, and they forge an army from the ashes of their kingdoms. But Tewdwr’s wife and daughter—the source of much of the allies’ strength—are a weakness their enemies will exploit.
Betrayal, treachery and war await, but both men know they must fight to the bitter end, when the sundered lands of Wales are drenched...in the blood of kings.
322 pages, Paperback
First published August 11, 2015
606 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Ashman
52 books228 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 - 30 of 89 reviews
October 10, 2015
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
I think I owe Ashman an apology. I almost put this book down. It wasn’t because the writing was bad. It was more because it felt a little like some many other historical novels. Courtly king who wants to whack things, wife who is a little wary of this. You know, you see it all the time.
And then Nesta enters the story.
And Annie Apples. Then the story becomes a thrilling chase and you’re on the edge of seat. But no, you have to put down the book damnit, and go to work.
So, I am sorry Mr. Ashman, I really am.
A Land Divided concerns Wales when Wales was many different kingdoms. The story starts after the Norman Conquest of England. Pretty much, if you like Game of Thrones, you might like this. There’s no fantasy element, but the writing is solid. While some of the characters are simply types and lack depth, many, such as Nesta and Annie Apples among others, do not. Ashman seems to sense this and eventually gives more space to those characters.
It’s a quite enjoyable read.
I think I owe Ashman an apology. I almost put this book down. It wasn’t because the writing was bad. It was more because it felt a little like some many other historical novels. Courtly king who wants to whack things, wife who is a little wary of this. You know, you see it all the time.
And then Nesta enters the story.
And Annie Apples. Then the story becomes a thrilling chase and you’re on the edge of seat. But no, you have to put down the book damnit, and go to work.
So, I am sorry Mr. Ashman, I really am.
A Land Divided concerns Wales when Wales was many different kingdoms. The story starts after the Norman Conquest of England. Pretty much, if you like Game of Thrones, you might like this. There’s no fantasy element, but the writing is solid. While some of the characters are simply types and lack depth, many, such as Nesta and Annie Apples among others, do not. Ashman seems to sense this and eventually gives more space to those characters.
It’s a quite enjoyable read.
November 10, 2015
A time period not much covered in fiction--nearly a generation [late 11th century] after William of Normandy had conquered England, telling of the disputes between the various Welsh kings [Wales long before it become a unified Wales; the land at this time was split into various kingdoms.] I was tickled to read this, having some Welsh blood myself; and I really enjoyed this absorbing, quick read.
Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd, allies himself with Rhys ap Tewdwr, King of Deheubath. Together, they and their men fight a decisive battle at Mynydd Carn in the south and defeat an alliance of three other kings, one of whom is usurper to Gruffydd's throne. These three and their armies answer to William of England. Tricked into offer of friendship by Huw, Earl of Chester, Gruffydd is imprisoned in an obliette. There's also a parallel story, Tewdwr's queen, Gwladys and daughter Nesta escape from their castle and try to evade the forces of Caradog, the usurper, aided by Annie Apples, an old peasant woman, and Walters, a cook.
Fighting among kingdoms was sometimes gruesome, but nothing I couldn't handle. The only horrible incidents that were too grisly were the murder of Annie Apples. Also, the treatment of the Welsh prisoners at the hands of Huw's henchman was horrendous. Most of the characters were generic nobles, royalty, and commoners. Outstanding characters were the tomboy princess Nesta, Annie Apples, and Gwladys, queen of Deheubarth. If anyone is interested, there's an excellent novel on Nesta: The Golden Hive.
Names were confusing until I finally sorted them out. The author did try to make it easy as he could and his Note helped me understand better who was who. I thought the book too loaded with deus ex machina incidents and successful, clever ruses to be completely believable. I don't think back then the behavior of the queen and princess while fleeing for their lives would be plausible, e.g., Nesta, an 8 year old, cooking soup. I would have thought royalty back then pretty helpless in common things and they would not interact with commoners as their equals. They would maintain class differences.
Highly recommended. The last sentence in the book has whetted my appetite for the sequel; the author, speaking of Angharad, Gruffydd's queen: "Little did she know that one day she would give birth to a child that would change the future of Wales."
I appreciate Goodreads First-Reads sending me this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Gruffydd ap Cynan, King of Gwynedd, allies himself with Rhys ap Tewdwr, King of Deheubath. Together, they and their men fight a decisive battle at Mynydd Carn in the south and defeat an alliance of three other kings, one of whom is usurper to Gruffydd's throne. These three and their armies answer to William of England. Tricked into offer of friendship by Huw, Earl of Chester, Gruffydd is imprisoned in an obliette. There's also a parallel story, Tewdwr's queen, Gwladys and daughter Nesta escape from their castle and try to evade the forces of Caradog, the usurper, aided by Annie Apples, an old peasant woman, and Walters, a cook.
Fighting among kingdoms was sometimes gruesome, but nothing I couldn't handle. The only horrible incidents that were too grisly were the murder of Annie Apples. Also, the treatment of the Welsh prisoners at the hands of Huw's henchman was horrendous. Most of the characters were generic nobles, royalty, and commoners. Outstanding characters were the tomboy princess Nesta, Annie Apples, and Gwladys, queen of Deheubarth. If anyone is interested, there's an excellent novel on Nesta: The Golden Hive.
Names were confusing until I finally sorted them out. The author did try to make it easy as he could and his Note helped me understand better who was who. I thought the book too loaded with deus ex machina incidents and successful, clever ruses to be completely believable. I don't think back then the behavior of the queen and princess while fleeing for their lives would be plausible, e.g., Nesta, an 8 year old, cooking soup. I would have thought royalty back then pretty helpless in common things and they would not interact with commoners as their equals. They would maintain class differences.
Highly recommended. The last sentence in the book has whetted my appetite for the sequel; the author, speaking of Angharad, Gruffydd's queen: "Little did she know that one day she would give birth to a child that would change the future of Wales."
I appreciate Goodreads First-Reads sending me this novel in exchange for an honest review.
July 23, 2022
Well reimagined story of Wale's fight for freedom from the English.I thought it was nicely told but I would have appreciated more character development as I thought some people just lacked any at all beyond knowing that they were good or bad.The battle scenes were really interesting as well as the plot twists and glimpses of Nesta as a child.I will be continuing this hoping for more expanded characters in the future.
September 14, 2020
CW: Attempted rape of a child, and actual rape of woman. Some scenes of gory violence.
In 1081, King Gruffydd unites with King Tewdwr in Wales - both men who have had their kingdom snatched from them by traitors to fight against others who plan to associate under the English crown.
This is a fast-paced historical action book that told the story of a part of history I know very little about and I am keen to read and learn more about. The only other book I've read that focused on Welsh history was Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman which takes place a couple of centuries after the events in this book.
I did find it a little hard at times to remember who was who, and who was allied with who as Welsh names are a little bit unfamiliar to me and I was also trying to make sure I was reading them the way they should be pronounced. So I was confused at times but after a few paragraphs I could figure out again what was happening.
There is obviously a lot of fighting and action in this book, and while most of it is fine there were some odd bits of over the top violence that was a bit jarring (the death of Annie Apples for instance). I also was really disgusted at the attempted rape of Nesta by a soldier and I don't really think it was necessary for the plot at all.
I actually found myself more interested in Nesta more so than other characters in the books, as I do think she has a very interesting history. And personally I do love reading history through the lives of women who lived during the time periods rather than the men.
I enjoyed this book for what it was which was a bit of fast-paced history, and it will remain to be seen if I continue with the series.
In 1081, King Gruffydd unites with King Tewdwr in Wales - both men who have had their kingdom snatched from them by traitors to fight against others who plan to associate under the English crown.
This is a fast-paced historical action book that told the story of a part of history I know very little about and I am keen to read and learn more about. The only other book I've read that focused on Welsh history was Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman which takes place a couple of centuries after the events in this book.
I did find it a little hard at times to remember who was who, and who was allied with who as Welsh names are a little bit unfamiliar to me and I was also trying to make sure I was reading them the way they should be pronounced. So I was confused at times but after a few paragraphs I could figure out again what was happening.
There is obviously a lot of fighting and action in this book, and while most of it is fine there were some odd bits of over the top violence that was a bit jarring (the death of Annie Apples for instance). I also was really disgusted at the attempted rape of Nesta by a soldier and I don't really think it was necessary for the plot at all.
I actually found myself more interested in Nesta more so than other characters in the books, as I do think she has a very interesting history. And personally I do love reading history through the lives of women who lived during the time periods rather than the men.
I enjoyed this book for what it was which was a bit of fast-paced history, and it will remain to be seen if I continue with the series.
August 24, 2021
I love stories that explore a subject I am unfamiliar with. This book got my attention because it is set in the immediate post-conquest time frame and it deals with the life and politics of an area of which I have read little. Ashman does a superb job of setting out both. His battle scenes are well-written and have an authentic 'feel' to them. I will be reading the following novels in this series.
March 4, 2018
The history of Wales is so convoluted, but the author makes it pretty understandable by switching from place to place and seeing things from different points of view. The writing is good. I'm mostly listening to it as an audiobook and and enjoy pronouncing some of the Welsh names at least in my head. I'm not sure I could get my tongue around some of them. And of course it doesn't hurt that the fictionalized female characters come off strong and interesting
February 7, 2017
Full review to come!
Read
November 3, 2017A Land Divided
The history of Wales is something that has always intrigued me. Having read a few books about Wales that inspired me to search for more.
This book was enjoyable, although the dialog of characters was a bit flat, at times, unbelievable in regards to gender and age of the players in the story. The long statements, dialogs presented just seemed a little stiff and far fetched coming from a young child or men in the midst of a heated, bloody battle. Happily, the characters began taking on some depth. More believable dialog, although still somewhat stiff and doubtful. Descriptions of more than a few scenes caused some 'eye rollings' from me as to either the ridiculous overt stupidity of a character who had previously been described as clever, intelligent, and savvy, to then expect the reader to believe the same brilliantly smart character to have walked into a perilous situation any 8 year old could have seen coming.
But, when all was said and done, I still look forward to book 2 hoping our characters have each developed personality and each situation a little more believability.
The author has written other books I plan to buy.
I do recommend this book, an easy quick read with enough information about the history of that wild and beautiful land and it's proud people.
The history of Wales is something that has always intrigued me. Having read a few books about Wales that inspired me to search for more.
This book was enjoyable, although the dialog of characters was a bit flat, at times, unbelievable in regards to gender and age of the players in the story. The long statements, dialogs presented just seemed a little stiff and far fetched coming from a young child or men in the midst of a heated, bloody battle. Happily, the characters began taking on some depth. More believable dialog, although still somewhat stiff and doubtful. Descriptions of more than a few scenes caused some 'eye rollings' from me as to either the ridiculous overt stupidity of a character who had previously been described as clever, intelligent, and savvy, to then expect the reader to believe the same brilliantly smart character to have walked into a perilous situation any 8 year old could have seen coming.
But, when all was said and done, I still look forward to book 2 hoping our characters have each developed personality and each situation a little more believability.
The author has written other books I plan to buy.
I do recommend this book, an easy quick read with enough information about the history of that wild and beautiful land and it's proud people.
May 5, 2022
Very good
This author never fails to deliver for me. Once again I am caught up in this world and am looking forward to the reminder of the series. Rich in characters and storytelling, this book is not one to miss.
This author never fails to deliver for me. Once again I am caught up in this world and am looking forward to the reminder of the series. Rich in characters and storytelling, this book is not one to miss.
November 9, 2021
I don't really know how to describe this book other than it was decidedly average. I was expecting a lot more from it, considering it covers a time period and location I haven't really gotten the chance to read a lot about and the author seems to be well informed in the subject matter as it covers historical events.
The problem was, it wasn't good. It wasn't entirely terrible or anything, but it really wasn't good.
It gives a painfully slow start to begin with and immediately it became obvious that we were rolling with some painfully basic and bare bones characters. There's not much to tell them apart, even if you're well versed in Welsh names and can remember them right off the bat. There isn't really a stand out character in this. None of them are really appealing and they experienced little development. In fact, the one character with any development whatsoever is the young child .
The storytelling itself was very weak. It does have its moments, particularly the battle scenes that are easily the most well done part of the entire book. Aside from that, there's just no real oomph behind it. It made the entire thing unmemorable and unremarkable as a whole. The dialogue sometimes seems cheesy and silly. Even when they're being threatening, I don't feel any fire behind it. If you asked me a few months from now what the most interesting part of this book was, I'd probably barely remember anything of it because there really wasn't much.
Again, the battle scenes are well done. Great job on those.
I've seen some people who say that the ending is great and I'm just going to side eye those people. It wasn't. The lack of anything interesting about the characters made me kind of eh the ending. . It also didn't have the pay off that I hoped for and, really, helped cement my decision to not continue this series.
Trigger warning for attempted child rape and an actual rape scene of a grown woman, both of which were HIGHLY UNNECESSARY and ADDED NOTHING TO THE STORY but I guess we needed to include those to be all dark and gritty and realistic, or something.
The problem was, it wasn't good. It wasn't entirely terrible or anything, but it really wasn't good.
It gives a painfully slow start to begin with and immediately it became obvious that we were rolling with some painfully basic and bare bones characters. There's not much to tell them apart, even if you're well versed in Welsh names and can remember them right off the bat. There isn't really a stand out character in this. None of them are really appealing and they experienced little development. In fact, the one character with any development whatsoever is the young child .
The storytelling itself was very weak. It does have its moments, particularly the battle scenes that are easily the most well done part of the entire book. Aside from that, there's just no real oomph behind it. It made the entire thing unmemorable and unremarkable as a whole. The dialogue sometimes seems cheesy and silly. Even when they're being threatening, I don't feel any fire behind it. If you asked me a few months from now what the most interesting part of this book was, I'd probably barely remember anything of it because there really wasn't much.
Again, the battle scenes are well done. Great job on those.
I've seen some people who say that the ending is great and I'm just going to side eye those people. It wasn't. The lack of anything interesting about the characters made me kind of eh the ending. . It also didn't have the pay off that I hoped for and, really, helped cement my decision to not continue this series.
Trigger warning for attempted child rape and an actual rape scene of a grown woman, both of which were HIGHLY UNNECESSARY and ADDED NOTHING TO THE STORY but I guess we needed to include those to be all dark and gritty and realistic, or something.
September 7, 2020
I am a sucker for good historical fiction, and this book does not disappoint. The first in a five-part series entitled “The Blood of Kings”, dealing with the history of Wales in the eleventh century, it takes the reader through a gruelling journey, all the more compelling because the novel combines thorough research and good story-telling.
Wales is a divided land with rival kingdoms, and each kingdom often at war with its neighbour, depending on who is in power and how much military might he has accrued. However, the story begins in Ireland with Gruffydd (think Griffith) ap Cynan who is in exile living with his wife’s family. As a young man new to his rule, he had been driven out of Wales by Trahern, a rival king, but he has a passion to return to his homeland and claim his inheritance. He begins to make plans, putting together an alliance of paid mercenaries from Ireland and disaffected and sympathetic kings. The problem is that the more militant kings are being backed by William, king of England, through his man in Chester, Huw D’Avranches, and encouraged to take out the smaller kingdoms, putting Wales in the hands of a few men who are favourable to an alliance with the English.
One of those who support Gruffydd is Tewdwr of Deheubarth, a relatively minor king, but still influential. When Trahern attacks his home while he away hunting, the fort falls to Trahern’s men, although Tewdwr’s wife, Gwladys, and daughter, Nesta, manage to escape thanks to the kindness of a local medicine woman. Unfortunately, his son, Hywel, is not lucky and is captured and imprisoned.
Tewdwr manages to find them, and they claim sanctuary at St David’s cathedral on the south-western tip of Wales, which is where Gruffydd meets him to ask whether he will join him in a campaign to reclaim Gwynedd, his home lands. Where Tewdwr might have thought twice in the past, he now has a vested interest in defeating Trahern and removing his army from his lands as well, and so begins the preparations for a battle against a much more organised, better prepared, and better funded foe.
The risk with any historical fiction is that it can very easily become a recitation of facts about people, places, dates, how people lived, what they wore, what they ate, but Mr Ashman has managed to write a book which, while being well grounded in the historical milieu, relates the stories of the real people (and some imagined) the years of great change, struggle, and hardship. It is a rousing story, and one which explains the deeply ingrained and still simmering antipathy that exists between the English and Welsh people.
Wales is a divided land with rival kingdoms, and each kingdom often at war with its neighbour, depending on who is in power and how much military might he has accrued. However, the story begins in Ireland with Gruffydd (think Griffith) ap Cynan who is in exile living with his wife’s family. As a young man new to his rule, he had been driven out of Wales by Trahern, a rival king, but he has a passion to return to his homeland and claim his inheritance. He begins to make plans, putting together an alliance of paid mercenaries from Ireland and disaffected and sympathetic kings. The problem is that the more militant kings are being backed by William, king of England, through his man in Chester, Huw D’Avranches, and encouraged to take out the smaller kingdoms, putting Wales in the hands of a few men who are favourable to an alliance with the English.
One of those who support Gruffydd is Tewdwr of Deheubarth, a relatively minor king, but still influential. When Trahern attacks his home while he away hunting, the fort falls to Trahern’s men, although Tewdwr’s wife, Gwladys, and daughter, Nesta, manage to escape thanks to the kindness of a local medicine woman. Unfortunately, his son, Hywel, is not lucky and is captured and imprisoned.
Tewdwr manages to find them, and they claim sanctuary at St David’s cathedral on the south-western tip of Wales, which is where Gruffydd meets him to ask whether he will join him in a campaign to reclaim Gwynedd, his home lands. Where Tewdwr might have thought twice in the past, he now has a vested interest in defeating Trahern and removing his army from his lands as well, and so begins the preparations for a battle against a much more organised, better prepared, and better funded foe.
The risk with any historical fiction is that it can very easily become a recitation of facts about people, places, dates, how people lived, what they wore, what they ate, but Mr Ashman has managed to write a book which, while being well grounded in the historical milieu, relates the stories of the real people (and some imagined) the years of great change, struggle, and hardship. It is a rousing story, and one which explains the deeply ingrained and still simmering antipathy that exists between the English and Welsh people.
July 11, 2017
A compelling tale of the Welsh struggle to unify in the wake of William's takeover of England. Gruffydd ap Cynan having been defeated and in exile in Ireland, raises an army and returns to Wales; joins forces with another Welsh King, Rhys ap Tewdwr, and undertakes the simple task of defeating three newly allied Kings to reclaim their lands and thrones - newly allied and in cahoots with William the Bastard. The story goes back and forth between the battling armies and the two Queens(of Gruffydd and Tewdwr) who are facing their own battles to survive, not only physical hardships, but the mental anguish of not knowing the fate of their husbands.
As in any well told tale, there are ample plot surprises, well developed characters, efficiently researched history and the ability to take the reader into the very land and actions described. The ending is especially intriguing and the best part of that scenario is that it paves the way for a sequel; which I ordered within moments of finishing A Land Divided. It took a while for me to get around to reading this book/author, but I'm glad I finally did. 4.3 stars
As in any well told tale, there are ample plot surprises, well developed characters, efficiently researched history and the ability to take the reader into the very land and actions described. The ending is especially intriguing and the best part of that scenario is that it paves the way for a sequel; which I ordered within moments of finishing A Land Divided. It took a while for me to get around to reading this book/author, but I'm glad I finally did. 4.3 stars
April 22, 2021
I really wanted to like this book as it is a great story, set in a very interesting place and time. I have recently read some truly great historical fiction by several different and talented authors, so perhaps this booked suffered in my eyes due to those high standards previously set.
It’s not that the book was terrible, it just wasn’t very good. I found the writing to be fairly poor and lazy. The dialogue was terribly wooden and nearly every character seemed to have the same personality. Whether they be priests, witches, old, young, males, female, rich or poor, different nationalities, they pretty much all talk the same, act the same and even seem to think the same way. It’s becomes kinda ridiculous after a while. This aside, or perhaps because of this, none of the characters were overly interesting and I found it very hard to really give a shit about any of them.
I am however, still tempted to read the next installment in hope of drastic improvement, and to see where the story goes.... But I won’t because it’s probably going to be just as crap.
It’s not that the book was terrible, it just wasn’t very good. I found the writing to be fairly poor and lazy. The dialogue was terribly wooden and nearly every character seemed to have the same personality. Whether they be priests, witches, old, young, males, female, rich or poor, different nationalities, they pretty much all talk the same, act the same and even seem to think the same way. It’s becomes kinda ridiculous after a while. This aside, or perhaps because of this, none of the characters were overly interesting and I found it very hard to really give a shit about any of them.
I am however, still tempted to read the next installment in hope of drastic improvement, and to see where the story goes.... But I won’t because it’s probably going to be just as crap.
August 20, 2017
This first installment of a trilogy delivers on action and intrigue in medieval Wales under threat from domestic and foreign warlords. The politics of post-Conquest Norman England begin to cast a deep shadow over divided Celtic Wales as throned and deposed kings plot to unify the realm by varied means and for different ends. There are battles and strategies aplenty with heroes and villains worthy of song as the factions compete. Ashman doesn't pour on the gore, but he doesn't shy from the dark details where they serve the story. I particularly enjoyed some of the scenes with which Kings Gruffydd and Tewdwr rally their men or dispense justice; Ashman shows a real strength in these scenes as well. Without giving way the outcome, I will say that Book One is a very full story on its own, but it sets the stage for the next installments nicely and I am looking to returning to battle-torn Wales soon.
January 8, 2018
Interesting story
I have to say that I enjoyed reading this book but I am easily pleased with historical novels set in this period.
I am not sure of the accuracy of some of the military description as I felt that there were some anachronisms there but the story was interesting enough for me to turn a blind eye. The style, especially the conversations, had something of the Errol Flynn Hollywood about it which became a little irritating at times but once again I was relatively happy to go along with it. It gave it a sort if period feel.
I have already bought the second in the series so that must mean something.
I have to say that I enjoyed reading this book but I am easily pleased with historical novels set in this period.
I am not sure of the accuracy of some of the military description as I felt that there were some anachronisms there but the story was interesting enough for me to turn a blind eye. The style, especially the conversations, had something of the Errol Flynn Hollywood about it which became a little irritating at times but once again I was relatively happy to go along with it. It gave it a sort if period feel.
I have already bought the second in the series so that must mean something.
April 6, 2023
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars however it starts off very slowly (as others have said on here). The first 40% odd of the book is a bit of world building and filler. However, please stick with it! Once that is all out the way it really takes off and erupts into epic battles in the valleys of Wales.
As someone born in England, with Welsh parents i had no idea that this even took place! The history behind it is fascinating and just like in his other books, K.M. Ashman does a brilliant job to weaving his story into the history of the event.
I can't wait to get into the next one.
As someone born in England, with Welsh parents i had no idea that this even took place! The history behind it is fascinating and just like in his other books, K.M. Ashman does a brilliant job to weaving his story into the history of the event.
I can't wait to get into the next one.
March 27, 2024
TO LIE OR TO LAY, THEREIN . . .
A good read despite the almost criminal disregard for punctuation rules. Cashman goes one better than most authors - he simply disregards the rules entirely. The run-on patterns simply leave the reader aghast, not to mention breathless. Cashman has yet to meet a comma he likes. Then, there is the asinine misuse of lie and lay. Cashman needs a crash course in transitive vs. intransitive verbs. If the error occurred once, that would be fine. However, the error occurs repeatedly. Therein lies the problem I lay at your feet, Mr. Ashman! And if I were (not was) you, Mr. Cashman, a review of the subjunctive mood wouldn't hurt.
A good read despite the almost criminal disregard for punctuation rules. Cashman goes one better than most authors - he simply disregards the rules entirely. The run-on patterns simply leave the reader aghast, not to mention breathless. Cashman has yet to meet a comma he likes. Then, there is the asinine misuse of lie and lay. Cashman needs a crash course in transitive vs. intransitive verbs. If the error occurred once, that would be fine. However, the error occurs repeatedly. Therein lies the problem I lay at your feet, Mr. Ashman! And if I were (not was) you, Mr. Cashman, a review of the subjunctive mood wouldn't hurt.
September 15, 2017
It has been a very long time since I've enjoyed a good historical fiction book. This was an amazing read, I've enjoyed every page and never felt bored at all.
It tells the story of Gruffydd ap Cynan, whose land has been taken from him and was in exile in Ireland. Now, he seeks alliance with another king to save Wales from William the Bastard-King of England.
Thought out the story, you'll meet honourable men and traitors. Those who want to save their land and those who want only money and their own benefit.
I can't wait to start the second book.
It tells the story of Gruffydd ap Cynan, whose land has been taken from him and was in exile in Ireland. Now, he seeks alliance with another king to save Wales from William the Bastard-King of England.
Thought out the story, you'll meet honourable men and traitors. Those who want to save their land and those who want only money and their own benefit.
I can't wait to start the second book.
August 14, 2018
I'm a big fan of historical fiction, but this is not a period I have read a lot about.
This came highly recommended and I was looking forward to it and it did not disappoint. It was easy to read without being superficial, some great characters like Annie Apples.
Being welsh myself, I enjoy fiction about Wales and this was definitely no exception, very enjoyable, not too taxing as the number and names of characters were manageable.
A good read, will read the rest of the series, definitely.
This came highly recommended and I was looking forward to it and it did not disappoint. It was easy to read without being superficial, some great characters like Annie Apples.
Being welsh myself, I enjoy fiction about Wales and this was definitely no exception, very enjoyable, not too taxing as the number and names of characters were manageable.
A good read, will read the rest of the series, definitely.
April 2, 2020
Slow burner but OKAY.
This wasn't too bad of a read. I felt that it was rather slow to start with a little too much talk but once it got started it was a really interesting story with plenty of action and it showed the savagery of this period of history. The story seemed well researched and I appreciate that the author has the right to use some artistic licence. The other thing that I would like to say is that the title of the book "A Land Divided" even though it is set in the 11th century is still pretty accurate today.
This wasn't too bad of a read. I felt that it was rather slow to start with a little too much talk but once it got started it was a really interesting story with plenty of action and it showed the savagery of this period of history. The story seemed well researched and I appreciate that the author has the right to use some artistic licence. The other thing that I would like to say is that the title of the book "A Land Divided" even though it is set in the 11th century is still pretty accurate today.
January 6, 2018
I started reading this with some trepidation. In the past year I read a number of historical fiction works in series form, including Hosker, May, Haffry, Cornwell and more.
I say with trepidation because in the beginning there was a lot of description and no action, then a lot of talk with no seeming purpose.
But then soon enough the mist cleared and the story began. Intrigue, treachery, battles and shocking twists in the storyline.
I want to see what happens next
I say with trepidation because in the beginning there was a lot of description and no action, then a lot of talk with no seeming purpose.
But then soon enough the mist cleared and the story began. Intrigue, treachery, battles and shocking twists in the storyline.
I want to see what happens next
October 2, 2018
Nicely done !!
I love the way the way the author incorporated the main characters and into the world around them .the pace was beautifully written and detail of the betrayals was done in a way that made me so angry .at the traitor .I hope that the author wrote a very vengeful second book the way the book finished left everything up in the air with no closure .I can't wait to see what the author comes up with in next book.
I love the way the way the author incorporated the main characters and into the world around them .the pace was beautifully written and detail of the betrayals was done in a way that made me so angry .at the traitor .I hope that the author wrote a very vengeful second book the way the book finished left everything up in the air with no closure .I can't wait to see what the author comes up with in next book.
September 16, 2024
I received this book from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for a free and honest review.
A book set during the reign of William the conqueror as the Welsh kings are fighting for independence. A really compelling story especially as it's based on true events with lots of battles, scheming and betrayals. I really enjoyed this book as it was informative and action packed. I would recommend to history buffs and fans of Game of Thrones.
A book set during the reign of William the conqueror as the Welsh kings are fighting for independence. A really compelling story especially as it's based on true events with lots of battles, scheming and betrayals. I really enjoyed this book as it was informative and action packed. I would recommend to history buffs and fans of Game of Thrones.
May 19, 2017
Entertaining. Whilst perhaps not accurate in certain aspects, a very good read.
Chosen as recommended. Happy to go with the easy read flow. Once you get over to difficult names the story is graphic in battle description and deaths come thick and fast.
Am looking forward to the next two books
Chosen as recommended. Happy to go with the easy read flow. Once you get over to difficult names the story is graphic in battle description and deaths come thick and fast.
Am looking forward to the next two books
February 27, 2018
Exhilarating
Whilst new to the history of Wales, I very much enjoyed this historical novel, knowing that though some parts were poetic licence, others were true. I am looking forward to more books in this series, wondering if the Twdwr in the book is an ancestor of Henry Tudor....
Whilst new to the history of Wales, I very much enjoyed this historical novel, knowing that though some parts were poetic licence, others were true. I am looking forward to more books in this series, wondering if the Twdwr in the book is an ancestor of Henry Tudor....
October 23, 2018
Excellent story
This is a true to life story of the struggles of the Welsh people in 10th and 11th century , I first read warrior Princess but wish I had read this first to follow the life of Nesta, I can't wait to follow the other stories in the series. Couldn't put it down makes me want to research the story further.
This is a true to life story of the struggles of the Welsh people in 10th and 11th century , I first read warrior Princess but wish I had read this first to follow the life of Nesta, I can't wait to follow the other stories in the series. Couldn't put it down makes me want to research the story further.
April 13, 2021
Loved it
At first it was confusing due to the Welsh names and spelling. I almost didn't continue with it but I'm so glad I did. I myself am of Welsh decent so I always like to read anything about my heritage. I've always known that if the Welsh could unite forces they would be a force to reckon with.
At first it was confusing due to the Welsh names and spelling. I almost didn't continue with it but I'm so glad I did. I myself am of Welsh decent so I always like to read anything about my heritage. I've always known that if the Welsh could unite forces they would be a force to reckon with.
January 14, 2025
As a fan of Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden sagas, I am often left wanting when looking for historical fiction. Rhythm, dialogues, fact checking are often a bit light. In Ashman’s “Land Divided” I found a style of writing which matches the aforementioned authors. I found it gripping and also learnt some more History of Wales (albeit fictional) which is quite often hard to come by.
February 6, 2017
Historically Accurate and Good Story Line
Having developed a liking for this historic period, provides an interesting fictional accounting based on historical facts. Well worth the read if you have similar interests.
Having developed a liking for this historic period, provides an interesting fictional accounting based on historical facts. Well worth the read if you have similar interests.
June 25, 2017
Some of the dialogue was a bit clunky at times but the story is still enjoyable. I didn't know that much about medieval Wales so this was informative and enjoyable. I look forward to reading the rest of the series
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