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The Blood of Kings #2
A Wounded Realm
Gruffydd ap Cynan is missing, his army scattered. Twelve long years have passed since the king was taken prisoner and his people think him long dead.
In the dirty shadows of Chester Castle, a beaten prisoner looks up from the squalor of the street. Dressed in rags, mocked and pelted with filth, he seems a broken man. Yet deep inside, the desire for freedom burns like the hottest furnace.
Nesta is a princess in fetters of a different kind. After the death of her father, Tewdwr, she is taken against her will to London to attend the court of King William, son of the Conqueror. There she will find that court politics, and the attentions of princes and lords, are just as dangerous as the arrows and swords of the battlefield.
The royal blood of Wales is scattered and weakened, but while it flows in the bloodline of Rhodri Mawr, hope remains—Hope that a broken kingdom can be reborn.
Audio CD
First published January 12, 2016
214 people are currently reading
574 people want to read
About the author
K.M. Ashman
52 books226 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 43 reviews
May 7, 2022
Masterful
I laughed, I cried, I felt pity and thrills. This story has it all and the females in it are kick ass! This installment of the series truly moved me and I just couldn't put it down. This author is truly an artist in this genre!
I laughed, I cried, I felt pity and thrills. This story has it all and the females in it are kick ass! This installment of the series truly moved me and I just couldn't put it down. This author is truly an artist in this genre!
January 19, 2017
Fantastic read
Yet again km Ashman keeps you on tender hooks ,waiting to see what will happen next ,a great way to expand on our welsh history
Yet again km Ashman keeps you on tender hooks ,waiting to see what will happen next ,a great way to expand on our welsh history
May 17, 2016
HNS review link: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
This is the second installment of the Blood of Kings series by Ashman. I also read and reviewed the first book of the series, and the second book picks up roughly twelve years after the first left off. The struggle for control of the Welsh house of Aberffraw continues, with the rightful ruler Gruffydd ap Cynan missing and unable to claim his place as the leader who can try to unite the warring houses of Wales.
Nesta ferch Rhys, the daughter of Gwladus, Queen of Deheubarth, is just as much a prisoner as Gruffydd, though of a different sort. She is taken to the court of William II as a royal hostage, where she eventually becomes the mistress of the eventual Henry I. She learns to navigate the morass of court politics and becomes a strong and capable woman in the process.
I have to confess that the first book in the series didn’t do much for me, but this second book held my interest very well. The writing is more sophisticated and the action more organic. Similarly, the character development is strong throughout the novel, as are the scene descriptions. Ashman has moved beyond telling rather than showing, which does wonders for the narrative. Based on these changes within the novel, I will gladly look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
This is the second installment of the Blood of Kings series by Ashman. I also read and reviewed the first book of the series, and the second book picks up roughly twelve years after the first left off. The struggle for control of the Welsh house of Aberffraw continues, with the rightful ruler Gruffydd ap Cynan missing and unable to claim his place as the leader who can try to unite the warring houses of Wales.
Nesta ferch Rhys, the daughter of Gwladus, Queen of Deheubarth, is just as much a prisoner as Gruffydd, though of a different sort. She is taken to the court of William II as a royal hostage, where she eventually becomes the mistress of the eventual Henry I. She learns to navigate the morass of court politics and becomes a strong and capable woman in the process.
I have to confess that the first book in the series didn’t do much for me, but this second book held my interest very well. The writing is more sophisticated and the action more organic. Similarly, the character development is strong throughout the novel, as are the scene descriptions. Ashman has moved beyond telling rather than showing, which does wonders for the narrative. Based on these changes within the novel, I will gladly look forward to reading the rest of the books in this series.
March 24, 2016
Always loved History. This book tells the tale of Welsh Ancestry which was well written and i enjoyed reading it very much. Plots, honor, duty, fate, faith, trust, hope, determination, will, and truth are all wound up in this book and very well played out in this story. A must read.
September 7, 2020
Following on from “A Land Divided”, the first book in the “Blood of Kings” series, which I reviewed here, the second in this history of medieval Wales continues the story of the kings and queens of Wales and how the realm dealt with the English invaders. The review contains SPOILERS for the the first book, so if you do wish to read from the start of the series, you might prefer to leave this review for now.
Mr Ashman picks up the story thirteen years later, where an uneasy peace has settled over North Wales. Gruffydd ap Cynan is still alive, but only just, having been paraded as a joke and a watchword all over England by Huw D’Avranches. He is being returned to Huw’s castle in Chester after one such display when he is spotted by a fellow Welshman, freed and put on a boat to Ireland to his wife, Angharad.
In the intervening years, Tewdwr of Deheubarth has died in battle against a Norman baron based in the neighbouring kingdom. His wife, Gwladys, with the help of Marcus, Tewdwr’s right-hand man, has managed the estates until her son, Tarw, who is also in exile in Ireland, comes of age and can take his place as king of Deheubarth. Unfortunately, William, king of England, fears another uprising, and to minimise the risk, has brought Nesta, Gwladys’s daughter, to London where she is effectively a hostage, and Gwladys is with her to help her navigate the treacherous waters of the royal court.
When unrest in Wales causes William to move Nesta to the castle of his brother, Henry, in Windsor for safe-keeping, Gwladys returns home to manage the situation in Deheubarth. Nesta, who had been interested in one of William’s young knights, is swayed by Henry’s charm and good looks, and a relationship develops between the two of them.
Henry is ambitious, however, and arranges to have William killed during a hunt. As William’s surviving heir, Henry becomes king, and through his negotiations with the bishops and barons, is required to marry Matilda, the daughter of a Scottish king to bring an alliance which will further English national ambition.
Gruffydd’s recovery in Ireland is slow, but steady, and gradually, as his family grows, his heart and his eyes look back to Wales and the lands which he and his family have lost.
Once again, the historical research and character development is wonderful to read. It makes for a story rich with plenty of intrigue, tension, and satisfying moments. His characters are wonderfully human, flawed beings, and in particular, the women are sure of their own authority and strength of character and ability, despite the limitations of the era, helping to further the Welsh national identity.
Mr Ashman picks up the story thirteen years later, where an uneasy peace has settled over North Wales. Gruffydd ap Cynan is still alive, but only just, having been paraded as a joke and a watchword all over England by Huw D’Avranches. He is being returned to Huw’s castle in Chester after one such display when he is spotted by a fellow Welshman, freed and put on a boat to Ireland to his wife, Angharad.
In the intervening years, Tewdwr of Deheubarth has died in battle against a Norman baron based in the neighbouring kingdom. His wife, Gwladys, with the help of Marcus, Tewdwr’s right-hand man, has managed the estates until her son, Tarw, who is also in exile in Ireland, comes of age and can take his place as king of Deheubarth. Unfortunately, William, king of England, fears another uprising, and to minimise the risk, has brought Nesta, Gwladys’s daughter, to London where she is effectively a hostage, and Gwladys is with her to help her navigate the treacherous waters of the royal court.
When unrest in Wales causes William to move Nesta to the castle of his brother, Henry, in Windsor for safe-keeping, Gwladys returns home to manage the situation in Deheubarth. Nesta, who had been interested in one of William’s young knights, is swayed by Henry’s charm and good looks, and a relationship develops between the two of them.
Henry is ambitious, however, and arranges to have William killed during a hunt. As William’s surviving heir, Henry becomes king, and through his negotiations with the bishops and barons, is required to marry Matilda, the daughter of a Scottish king to bring an alliance which will further English national ambition.
Gruffydd’s recovery in Ireland is slow, but steady, and gradually, as his family grows, his heart and his eyes look back to Wales and the lands which he and his family have lost.
Once again, the historical research and character development is wonderful to read. It makes for a story rich with plenty of intrigue, tension, and satisfying moments. His characters are wonderfully human, flawed beings, and in particular, the women are sure of their own authority and strength of character and ability, despite the limitations of the era, helping to further the Welsh national identity.
October 19, 2017
An engaging sequel to A Land Divided, it continues the Welsh struggle to maintain or regain land and power from the English under King Henry 1st. Replete with wonderful characters and interest grabbing plots and scenarios, the author has once again shown his creative abilities conjuring up some great fiction interspersed with his knowledge of the historical record. A fascinating look at a period of upheaval and change following the events of 1066. Looking forward to book 3, Rebellion's Forge. 4 stars.
May 27, 2019
An enjoyable novel with interesting historical subject matter. I feel a connection to the narrative and the characters which develops as the novel progresses. The start feels a little disjointed, covering several years in a couple of hundred pages and acting as a bridge between the first novel in the series and the more pronounced events of the final hundred pages or so but it is pacy and zips along well. Once we reach the denouement, which also ties up the loose ends from the previous novel, the tension ramps up and makes for a truly exciting ending.
Straight on to book three.
Straight on to book three.
October 11, 2019
I enjoyed the first in this series last year, and this was a worthy sequel, with the story moving on at quite a pace, with a number of good characters but not so many that it was hard to keep track of.
I prefered the story of Nesta and Gwladys, and found the portrayal of the young Henry I quite intriguing.
I don't know a huge amount about Welsh history of the time, so I am not sure how much of it is true, but there are enough true historical references to keep it real and interesting.
I will definitely read the third volume at some point.
I prefered the story of Nesta and Gwladys, and found the portrayal of the young Henry I quite intriguing.
I don't know a huge amount about Welsh history of the time, so I am not sure how much of it is true, but there are enough true historical references to keep it real and interesting.
I will definitely read the third volume at some point.
April 21, 2023
I found this book harder to read than the first one. The first in the series was fantastic and very dark, however i found that this one read more like a love story integrated with a story about a woman finding her way in life. It was more of a daytime TV type story in comparison to the carnage of the first book.
That aside, i still finished it and i will still be reading the last in the series. Hopefully the pace will pick up and we can get back to kings kicking the crap out of each other in the glorious landscape of Wales!
That aside, i still finished it and i will still be reading the last in the series. Hopefully the pace will pick up and we can get back to kings kicking the crap out of each other in the glorious landscape of Wales!
May 21, 2024
I want to start with saying I typically do not read a book in one day. However, I was flying and had a six-hour layover with little else to do but read. That's why this book got read so fast.
The story of Wales' freedom continues in "A Wounded Realm". The story is action-packed. However, with the amount of characters presented, not all of them are given the spotlight. They come in, do their thing, and then leave. The story spans several years and there are probably some backstory items missing in those gaps. However, the story is easy to read and keeps you entertained throughout.
The story of Wales' freedom continues in "A Wounded Realm". The story is action-packed. However, with the amount of characters presented, not all of them are given the spotlight. They come in, do their thing, and then leave. The story spans several years and there are probably some backstory items missing in those gaps. However, the story is easy to read and keeps you entertained throughout.
February 6, 2018
Dragged...
I quite enjoyed the first book in this series but I am afraid that I found this volume a bit of a chore to get through. The Errol Flynn dialogue really began to annoy. When I started this enterprise I knew not that the honeyed water would so quickly turn to gall...The rather disjointed and drawn out story didn't rescue it for me this time. I will not be reading the third in the series.
I quite enjoyed the first book in this series but I am afraid that I found this volume a bit of a chore to get through. The Errol Flynn dialogue really began to annoy. When I started this enterprise I knew not that the honeyed water would so quickly turn to gall...The rather disjointed and drawn out story didn't rescue it for me this time. I will not be reading the third in the series.
September 9, 2018
The setting is 11th century Wales; Gruffydd ap Cynan, has been missing in action for 12 years, whilst Princess Nesta has been taken to the English court following the death of her father. The complexities of Anglo-Welsh politics are well captured, so careful reading of the first in the series is recommended for those stepping into unfamiliar territory.
Again, very familiar with this period of history - and was attracted to the story of Nesta, a woman with a colourful past.
Again, very familiar with this period of history - and was attracted to the story of Nesta, a woman with a colourful past.
March 10, 2021
Second book in the Blood Of Kings series. Gruffyd Ap Cynan is still held captive in Chester 12 years after he was tricked. He is rescued by a fellow Welshman and escapes to Ireland to recover. He returns with the help of Irish mercenaries and a horde Of Vikings to reclaim his crown. Meanwhile his friend Tewder has been killed in battle against William Rufus and his daughter, Nesta, is taken to London where she finds the eye of Prince Henry.
November 22, 2024
K. M. Ashman has a way of breathing life into history. As I was reading this book, I could see where George R R Martin might have gleaned many of the ideas in his fictional works in the Game of Throne series from historical information of past events (as he has alluded to in interviews). Ashman does a fine job of stringing factual historical information and even gossip to create an interesting and compelling story.
December 10, 2021
So enjoyed this, I get a bit repetitive in my Welsh history reviews. Never come across a bad one yet. What is it that makes Welsh kings so fascinating to me, I have no idea. Maybe I'm hoping one day they might actually get a better deal 😏.
I'm straight on to the next in series and more of this author in backup. If you like historical fiction definitely give these a read.
I'm straight on to the next in series and more of this author in backup. If you like historical fiction definitely give these a read.
March 30, 2024
FRUSTRATING READ
As in Book One, orthography and punctuation dereliction stupefy any reader with even the slightest awareness of English grammar. It is such a shame for an author or a proofreader to ruin a good narrative by eschewing language conventions through sheer ignorance of or disdain for the rules!
As in Book One, orthography and punctuation dereliction stupefy any reader with even the slightest awareness of English grammar. It is such a shame for an author or a proofreader to ruin a good narrative by eschewing language conventions through sheer ignorance of or disdain for the rules!
September 3, 2017
Once again, K.M. Ashman transports us into the desperate and tenuous life of those fighting to keep Wales free of Norman England. If the essence of good writing is in conflict, Ashman has found the ideal setting. Alliances and liaisons are transformed. Daring escapes and rescues are undertaken. And always a heavy cost is to be paid in the battle for freedom. I am looking forward to the final installment of the trilogy.
September 16, 2017
This second was even much better than the first one.
You see how the characters develop and how people seek vengeance for they can't forget the past. How one survives cruel time just to stay alive and get back home to his family and land.
I loved it <3
You see how the characters develop and how people seek vengeance for they can't forget the past. How one survives cruel time just to stay alive and get back home to his family and land.
I loved it <3
June 4, 2017
Very good sequel.
Looking forward to the third book. Well written and engaging story lines with good characterization. Plus a wee twist at the end !
Looking forward to the third book. Well written and engaging story lines with good characterization. Plus a wee twist at the end !
May 29, 2018
Good read
I have enjoyed this book which I bought after reading the first. Ashman is on a par with Bernard Cornwall for keeping you enthralled. I can't wait to read the next story.
I have enjoyed this book which I bought after reading the first. Ashman is on a par with Bernard Cornwall for keeping you enthralled. I can't wait to read the next story.
September 14, 2018
Enjoyed the first book in the series more then the second.
February 28, 2020
Ashman has captured my total interest in this series. Each chapter is exciting, the characters are noble or base, good conflict and resolution. The conclusion of this one brought me to tears.
October 10, 2020
Interesting book
Really enjoyed this story. Being Scottish I like to hear when the English get their comeuppance. It is a good story and well written.
Really enjoyed this story. Being Scottish I like to hear when the English get their comeuppance. It is a good story and well written.
November 20, 2020
Wow!!
Book 2 was a good story on welsh history!! Lady nesta was ahead of her time!! Couldn't put story down!! Now book 3!!
Book 2 was a good story on welsh history!! Lady nesta was ahead of her time!! Couldn't put story down!! Now book 3!!
April 18, 2021
I really like that the author sticks to the facts. He took real people out of history and brought them to life.
June 29, 2022
Yet another great book
Another great book from start to finish. Slow too start but gathers speed throught. Excellent read and story. Well done.
Another great book from start to finish. Slow too start but gathers speed throught. Excellent read and story. Well done.
March 29, 2023
Good read. A little deeper than some of my night reads. Enjoyable.
February 7, 2017
This installment of The Blood Kings Trilogy is fantastic. I found myself lost in Wales on numerous occasions, cheering on the Welsh in their fight for freedom. The characters are so well written that I often found myself hating certain characters and absolutely loving others. The injustices that happened found me on many occasions swearing out loud, and on other occasions I celebrated right a long with them.
K.M. Ashman has superbly written an amazing series here. I couldn't put it down and once I was finished I went straight onto the next book. I am so glad that I found this series and I do highly recommend it for Historical Fiction fans.
K.M. Ashman has superbly written an amazing series here. I couldn't put it down and once I was finished I went straight onto the next book. I am so glad that I found this series and I do highly recommend it for Historical Fiction fans.
March 7, 2017
I received a copy of this for free through Goodreads First Reads
I usually don't care for historical fiction, but this was fantastic! I don't know much about Wales or England of this time period, but the author really made it come to life. I am on the hunt for the first book now, and hope to get my husband to also read the series as I think he will enjoy it even more than I did.
I usually don't care for historical fiction, but this was fantastic! I don't know much about Wales or England of this time period, but the author really made it come to life. I am on the hunt for the first book now, and hope to get my husband to also read the series as I think he will enjoy it even more than I did.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews