Rebellion's Forge

The Blood of Kings #3

by K.M. Ashman

An uneasy peace reigns in Wales. It’s 1109 and the truce with England hangs by the thinnest of threads. While King Gruffydd ap Cynan’s rule of law holds in the north, a spirit of rebellion is rising in the south, as tearaway princes and rebels grow to resent England’s oppression of their homeland. And when Nesta, married off in a political move by England’s King Henry, leaves the safety of her husband’s castle to attend a celebration, the rebels seize their opportunity.

The truce broken, England’s rulers look to turn the ensuing chaos to their advantage, and to crush Wales under their boot once and for all. Gruffydd is left with a stark choice: enforce the peace he so desires for his land, and betray his countrymen, or risk everything he has built by going to war with the English once again. But the decision is soon taken out of his hands by those who ride for liberty from the depths of Rebellion’s Forge.

Rebellion’s Forge is the third book in the Blood of Kings trilogy.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Medieval, Historical, Ebooks

386 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2017

About the author

Kevin 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.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A corking ending to a most enjoyable trilogy! Loaded with action between Welsh rebels and the English occupiers of Wales! Much brutality, especially the gruesome maiming of Sir Julian, an English knight, for which his friend, another knight, Sir Broadwick, vows to avenge him. Sir Broadwick follows his quest for years before the final confrontation. A mysterious rebel, known as "Diafol" [Devil] wreaks havoc on English supply lines. We follow Nesta in her loveless marriage to an English knight and her romance with a swashbuckling Welsh prince. Gwenllian, the tomboy daughter of Gruffydd, drives much of the action, attempting to save a Welsh prince by fleeing Wales with him and his brother. The author's historical notes on the background of several characters who really lived were especially enlightening!

Highly recommended!

[Sarah.Aldahas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story of heroes and legends <3

Loved everything about this trilogy. The setting, the characters, how things developed in each book, and that powerful ending <3

Highly recommended.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly Amazing

A wonderful conclusion to a brilliant series. I am very sad to see it end. It has everything and more you could ask for in a historical fiction series. This book even had a twist that I got completely wrong. I am a huge fan and look forward to more from this gifted author.

[Mo Marshall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what can I really say that I haven't already said?

As I moved on the the third book of The Blood Kings Trilogy I was saddened to read that it was the last installment in the series. So much has happened, so many years have passed, and still I was hooked. I loved how certain characters who had been nowt but children, had grown into adults and were now carrying on the fight for freedom. As this book unfolded, I found myself nervous for the safety of certain characters. It captured my imagination and as I neared the end of the book I held on for dear life hoping upon hoping that my favourite characters would make it.

A whirlwind of emotions were felt during my reading time with this book, especially right at the end. I couldn't believe how lucky the Welsh were, but I shall say no more as to do so would be spoiling it.

I would definitely read this series again and I am not known to do that very often. K.M. Ashman from the very first book captured the heart of the freedom fighters. I found myself laughing along with the characters, grieving with them and cheering them on the whole way through. A must read for all Historical Fiction fans!

[Sally Lindsay-briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our story takes place in the 1100's AD. It's loosely based on real Wales history. There is Nesta and Knight Gerald in an arranged marriage, in order to keep the peace between England and the Welsh people. But, Owain is in love with Nesta and manages to cleverly disrupt the peace with war and mayhem because of it. There is also a mysterious devilish rebel who constantly attacks English caravans, loaded with lots of supplies. He murders visciously and steals capriciously. Nobody can find him except one person who hunts him down obsessively. Additionally, there is also beautiful Gwenllian, who is a very skilled princess in the art of war. She falls in love with Tarw and this gets England and the Welsh in a great big pickle.
This was a fantastic, free Kindle Goodreads Giveaway! Lots of action, warfare and excitement. Bravo!

[Fiona Warburton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the final installment in the trilogy, I have quite enjoyed it, but didn't feel the need to read them back to back.
This one follows the story of Welsh princess Nesta, who is the second book was the (only slightly) unwilling mistress of English King Henry, and her two brothers Hywel, who was imprisoned for years by the English, but now free, and the younger Tarw, now back in Wales after growing up in exile in Ireland.
Nesta is now married to Gerald, one of Henry's knights, she has two sons, one to Henry and one to Gerald. One night their castle is attacked by the rebel Owain, and Nesta and her sons are kidnapped. Rumours are that Owain is the "Diafol" (Welsh for Devil) who is attacking the English with particular brutality.
At the other end of Wales Gruffydd, King of Gwynedd, who is allied with King Henry and the English, and his children are living in relative peace and security. His two sons are growing up, as well as his daughter Gwenllian who, is not looking like she is going to develop into a traditional princess at all. Gwellian was the most interesting character and there wasn't nearly enough of her.

I have quite enjoyed this series but feel it somehow missed the mark a bit and it was a bit lacking, I can't quite put my finger on why I think that. It was fairly well written, and the story held my interest but it seemed a bit flat.
I should have loved it, I'm Welsh, and love a historical novel so it should have been right up my street. I didn't hate it, but equally I wouldn't add it to one of my favourites either.

[Nick Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great novel and the strongest of the three in this series. Less episodic than the previous volume with more room for the characters to grow and a chance for Tarw to truly start to come into his own rather than be in the shadows. Seeing part of the story from the English point of view also adds depth and makes one realise that even the clear antagonists have three dimensions. The English (or more technically the Normans) are not all bad (though they mostly are) and the Welsh are not all good (though they mostly are).

The story continues with that of Gwenllian and I look forward to reading Mr Ashman’s take on the take of this great Welsh folk hero.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read and perfect start to 2022.

So many parts to this book, loved it. Fascinated by the story of Owain, why did he end up serving Henry. This is an interesting turn around and will lead begin to reading up more on him.

Gruffydd so Cynan is another great character and his obvious struggle with holding the peace and being loyal to his country is evident.

The great thing about Wales is there were so many princes with great stories to tell. If you are interested then look into them as real treats await you.

Fantastic ending to this book. Definitely on to the next one. Thanks K M Ashman to a great start to the year.

[Alan Lampe · Rating 4 out of 5]

One thing I didn't understand in this novel was Gerard's title. In the previous book, it is stated he is King Henry's brother. Yet, he is titled as "castellan", or "knight". Shouldn't he be called "prince"? I never could figure that out.

Anywho, the story moves along well and it is an easy read. This story feels like a bridge to a new series as the primary characters have aged and their kids are picking up the rebellion. Or the series should have been more than a trilogy. After reading this, it felt like there is more story to tell, but alas, the trilogy is over. Still, it gives a wonderful history of early Wales.

[GILLIAN GRANNUM · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mostly well written but ...

There seemed to be a fixation on how (literally) filthy most folk were during this era. Reading repetitions of this condition grew quite literally odious after a while.

What's worse, the last few pages descended into an explosion of improbable mayhem and bloodlust that literally went beyond any personal attempt at "suspension of disbelief."

This book is rescued from a '1' rating due to the quality of the two earlier books in this 3-part series.

[antony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story, you think you know what's going to happen but you find it's not as predictable as you might think. Great backdrop of the heroic welsh going up against the Normans who are trying to consolidate their hold on all of Britain.

The author likes to tell a story, that's for sure, and it's not all just action, he paints his characters with detail. It's got everything you expect and more.

This series of books with grip you

[Maria Cancel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story and its content was great... i been reading these books for few years now... Im just very interested in that history of english and miedeval time which i find fascinating!! The characters were very much alive and each did something in their circumstance... i have read most books from the author mr Ashman!! Thank you!!

[ELzabeth Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good reading

Plenty of action combined with the individual family histories; easy to get confused. I need to separate families and which eventually became the final way for the two countries to find peace?

[Estela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mr. Ashman writes great historical fiction. Rebellion's Forge does a wonderful job of telling the tales of Welsh oppression under the King of England. He does a marvelous job of weaving in historical fact with the fiction needed to flesh out a story.

[Brenton Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome combination of fiction and storytelling

Great piece in an amazing series. I can't remember the last time I was glued to a book that long.

[Dennis Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical read!

Exciting and liveable . . . Strong characters in spite of the confusion of unprouncable names. I was involved to the very end.

[Keith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Great stories. Riveting characters. Will be watching for more from Ashman. Very pleased with these three. Like the added touch of pronouncements of names.

[dsjohnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Waiting for the next one,

Waiting for the next one, needs to finish the story great read, highly recommended
Enjoyed listening to it via talking books,

[Isabel EAsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable reading

Really enjoyed this book, has a real feel for battle and love stories. Would like to think there is a follow up.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read

I'm fascinated with the historical references and settings. I definitely appreciate Mr. Ashman's portrayal of the historical subjects in this series

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[steve evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Enjoyable from start to finish , all three books offering an insight into Welsh history and the Norman's . Definitely recommend for the price of a cup of tea.

[E.P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Rebellion's Forge" is a rip-snorting tale of battle and adventure. There's also some other stuff, but it takes backstage to the action.

Loosely based on historical events, the story takes place in the early 12th century, when the Normans were trying to extend their conquest from England to Wales. King Gruffydd is walking a fine line between the two parties in order to keep his kingdom semi-independent, but rebellious princes and English lords are constantly fomenting trouble on both sides, and the beautiful Welsh princess Nesta is desired by Welsh and English alike. Anyone with even a cursory knowledge of history knows how this eventually ends, but in the short term there is still hope for the Welsh cause, and the reader can't help but hope that they will win at least a few battles, if not the war.

Although this is historical fiction, it's not weighed down by excessive detail, or characterization, or anything else that might get in the way of the breathless gallop from action scene to action scene. While I personally would have preferred a little more backstory and character development, and much of the book is written in a modern vernacular that I found a little jarring, there's no doubt that this is a page-turner. Readers hoping for the kind of weighty tome that you'd normally find in the historical section of the bookstore may be disappointed, but anyone looking for a thrilling romp through medieval Wales are likely to find a lot to enjoy here.

My thanks to NetGalley for providing a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Pamela N.]

I did not read the books written earlier in the series, of which this one is the last. That didn't affect my reading experience. The story was coherent and made sense. Mr. Ashman provided plenty of assistance in understanding the era, pronunciation of names, and context. The story was exceptionally researched, yet the story never reads like a history book. The author was adept at presenting the facts wrapped in a well-woven tale, so much so I felt the chill go through me when he described the weather. I felt the yearning of the Welch wife for her Knight, and the frustration of unrequited love all without the mushiness of a romance novel. I couldn't read many chapters at one time, but was always eager to get back to the story. I look forward to reading Mr. Ashman's other books.

[Fermentum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I won this book in a giveaway for an honest review after reading it. It was good and I liked the historical aspects. I will have to read the first and second of this series...this was the third in the series.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another classic tale from Mr Ashman

Rebellions Forge is the third instalment of KM Ashman's The Blood of Kings series. Fast paced and action packed, this book is a must for all lovers of historical adventures. Looking forward to Book 4.

[gerald morson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic read

I thoroughly enjoyed the book ,it is a gripping story and shows what regard the English had for us welsh

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had received this kindle book as a goodreads giveaway.

I vaguely remember in a childhood watching with my dad on television some reenactment of British clan warfare. So I was prepared for the violence that I assumed this book would contain. I don't much like violence in movies or books and I was scared that there might be descriptions of rape. But I was pleasantly surprised instead to come across the strong female, Nesta, who never has to endure such an awful thing.

The book is easier to read than I thought it would be, despite the many difficult to pronounce Irish names.

I think I would have given this book more stars had I read the other 2 books published before this one.

Also this was my first book I've read on a Kindle, which I found highly enjoyable.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. This is the third in the series, and I wouldn't recommend it unless you have read the first two. I enjoyed his series a lot. I don't know much about this time in Welsh history. While the story is good, the author used a lot of imagination because not a lot is known. The character development was good and The writing style was easy. The names were sometimes difficult, but the author includes a guide. If you are looking for historical accuracy, this probably isn't the one for you. If you are looking for a good story to get you familiar with some characters in welsh history, then I highly recommend.

[Serena]

In compliance with FTC guidelines, I have won this book through the Goodreads Giveaways.

My Rating System:
* couldn't finish, ** wouldn't recommend, *** would recommend, **** would read again, ***** have read again.