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The Blood of Kings #4

The Warrior Princess

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1135 AD. Wales is a broken land. Many of its true-born rulers are in hiding, or married into noble English families. But, though low and dim, a flame of vengeance still burns…

In the southern kingdom of Deheubarth, Gerald of Windsor governs. Firm but fair, he commands the respect of those he reigns over, and the love of Nesta, his wife.

But then treachery strikes from the heart of the English ranks and peace and stability are quickly forgotten. Nesta, daughter of a long-dead prince, is more than what she seems. And when her family is threatened, she takes drastic action to protect it…

In the mountainous rebel heartland of Cantref Mawr, the Welsh resistance has found a new a fearless warrior, born with a sword in her hand, and with vengeance in her heart.

The Warrior Princess is coming. And the English will know fear.

485 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 8, 2017

395 people are currently reading
585 people want to read

About the author

K.M. Ashman

52 books227 followers
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.

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5 stars
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466 (37%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
Profile Image for Nicky.
4,138 reviews1,115 followers
November 4, 2017
Received to review via Netgalley; publication date 22nd August 2017

I really appreciate that someone’s taken a bit of Welsh history and made a novel from it — there’s plenty of Welsh history to choose from, but apart from books based on the lives of some of the Tudors, I can’t think of many other books that really touch on it. While I knew about Nest ferch Rhys (Nesta, here; I believe that’s a popular version of her name which maybe sounds better to the English-speaking ear), I didn’t know anything about Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd, for whatever reason, so if nothing else I’m grateful to this book for drawing her to my attention!

The style is a little disappointing, though; I found it rather wooden at times, even with the author’s attempts to vary the vocabulary by varying the inquits (asked, sighed, etc). The pacing was quite slow, too, and I felt at times like I was having the information dumped on me, rather than introduced organically. If you enjoy the author’s writing style, it’s likely you’ll enjoy this as well; it’s probably a personal taste thing as much as anything.

I did appreciate the historical note at the end — always good to get a bit of the background, so you know where to research if you’re interested.

Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.
Profile Image for Blair Hodgkinson.
894 reviews23 followers
September 10, 2017
This novel picks up where the Blood of Kings trilogy ends, and it is perfectly set up by that set. Where the previous volumes primarily studied Welshman and Anglo-Norman men fighting for the fate of Wales, this novel primarily follows two Welsh noblewomen, Gwenllian, the daughter of a Welsh king, and Nesta, the high-born Welsh wife of an English representative of the invasive Norman monarchs. While the two women live in very different worlds, with Gwenllian a hands-on freedom fighter and Nesta conflicted by feelings of patriotism and love, they both contribute greatly to the clash between Wales and England. Ashman has a gift for making the struggle of another century feel real and gives the lowest baker and the highest knight real and believable motivation and power. There's a certain glorification taken here in the determination of the underdog, fully aware that he is committed to a doomed cause and no less bound for all that, and there is a certain beauty to the idea of following ideals at any cost. A good read, filled with well-drawn characters, political intrigue and convincing action sequences.
Profile Image for Hollylovesbooks.
1,091 reviews
March 23, 2021
I didn’t realise it was the fourth book in a series until I was about 20% through but, I understood everything well enough and it can definitely be read as a standalone.
I think I’m going to go back one day and read the first three books hehe.
I loved that it was set in Wales, I haven’t read any books before that are set in Wales and I don’t think there are that many. I was a little mislead as I thought the book would be more focused on Nesta, or at least that’s what it sounded like when I read the synopsis. However, I really liked Tarw and Gwenllian and once I got over the fact that I had misread the synopsis I really enjoyed reading from all the characters perspectives.
The writing was really good as where the fight scenes.
I really enjoyed this book
Profile Image for Monica.
37 reviews62 followers
November 3, 2017
I won this e-book from a goodreads giveaway. Ashman does a great job of drawing you in to the characters' lives and making you love, respect, suspect, or dislike them. I am not usually into books about war, but I love reading about strong women. The blood and gore are not too gory. In fact, I liked the soldier named Dog. According to other reviews, this book is related to other books by Ashman. That said, this is a good stand-alone novel. Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd is a very strong woman who faces the sexism of her day and the battle against the English in Wales. The only downside of this book is that the ending is rather abrupt. I know that historically, authors can only work with what they have, but it would have been nice to see how the characters continued. Maybe that will be or is in another book. I enjoy Ashman's writing style and will seek out more of his work.
Profile Image for ilze skujina.
2 reviews
September 14, 2017
I read it for two reasons: 1) living in Wales historical fiction helps me to learn, memorise and understand the history of the place and people and 2) I am a "sucker" for warrior princesses' stories.
While the book is sticking to all the known historical facts and details out the legends, when reading it I did not feel like early medieval Wales. I think it was the language: the dialogues and word choice made me feel like it was perhaps 18th/19th century as well as I found them a bit simplistic.
Profile Image for Dani Patrick.
169 reviews1 follower
February 7, 2018
Ashman is the king of Welsh historical fiction. Although I am a fan in general, he really shines when retelling the Welsh rebellions against the English. I often find his other novels rushed or unconcluded but when it comes to his Welsh tales, he fights the ending just as much as I do and always leaves room for another piece of the story.

I was rather disappointed in myself for not reading the description. I had read the first Blood of Kings novel and really enjoyed it and was looking forward to the next novel in the series; however when the audio wouldn't download (as I cannot pronounce any name or place on my own), I put it off for another time. I did not realize that The Warrior Princess was in fact a continuation of The Blood of Kings series. Many of my questions in regards to the characters of the original novel were answered. This did NOT detract from my want to read anything that Ashman writes about the Welsh rebellion.

Tarw, Bull of Wales, returns from hiding in an ineffective effort to save his son. When the rebellion asks for his return, he declines to be leader. His warrior and princess wife, Gwenllian takes charge of the efforts. With the death of the King of England and discord as to his successor, the rebellion has never seen a better opportunity. Early battles prove that the Welsh are at their strongest while the English struggle. The rebellion efforts are further blessed with information for Nester, Tarw's sister, who has been wed to an English knight.

With the Welsh rebellion at its height, Nester discovers a letter detailing a bolster to the English defensive's, which she passes on to Gwenllian. Forced with much stronger forces, Tarw heads to Gwenllian's father for additional men, while the rebellion plans the most effective way to deal with the new English strength. The rebellion decides on a two prong assault and go their separate ways.

The situation seems to be in the favor of the rebellion, Gwenllian's forces lies in wait. The second assault also lies in wait until they can take it no longer and discover they are days behind and missed the line, being lead by a Welsh soldier down secret paths, upset at Gwenllian's control of the rebellion. Too late is it realized that Gwenllian has walked right into a trap.

The final chapters of Gwenllian's struggle are sad and desperate but she presses on for the cause and her men. History and Ashman paint her as a leader so inspirational it would be difficult not to fight for and defend her. Ashman does a fantastic job explaining the tactics of battle minimally while heightening the emotions. Throughout the novel the reader is compelled to feel a conneciton to the characters and the cause of the Welsh.

Although one can tell the novel will end historically rather than rosey, I continued on till the bitter end along with Gwenllian. Ashman leaves room for further novels as Tarw has not returned, Nester has not been broken by her unknown betrayal, and Gwenllian and Tawr have younger heirs that are safe and sound. Hope remains for this hardly culturized part of history. I cannot wait to retrace Tawr and Gwenllian's story through the novels I have missed and hope to explore any further stories Ashman has to tell.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Wytzia Raspe.
530 reviews
August 7, 2017

Thanks to Outlander en Braveheart even we non-British people know the stories of the Scottish rebellions. However to me the Welsh rebellion was totally unknown. A few weeks ago I read a simple romance novel in which the heroine's mother wanted her to be a second Gwenllian. The first Gwenllian was apparently some freedom fighter who was still remembered in the Welsh battlecry. I thought all of that was fiction till all of a sudden the book Netgalley asked me to review was about exactly that Gwenllian. First thing I did was check Wikipedia. Yes she was a historical figure. No do not check before you have read the book as the tale is as historically correct as possible and checking a history book will spoil the suspense of the story!

It is less then 100 years after the Normans under William the Conqueror aka the Bastard have invaded England. But even now they have their claws in the Wales territory and have occupied some of the principalities/kingdoms while others are still free. Princess Gwenllian and her husband prince Gruffydd ap Rhys alias Tarw of Deheubarth had been fighting the English invaders but have disappeared / died a decade before. The sister of the prince is happily married to a Norman knight who holds one of the big English castles in the area, Pembroke.

All seems more or less peaceful but then the English king dies, the son of the steward of Llandeilo is arrested for rebelling against the English and the second man of castle Pembroke has plans of his own. In a few months time the area is knees deep in a civil war.

The book is a fascinating read for people who are interested in history and people who like to read about military campaigns. Because it is done as a novel it reads a lot better than when done as an article.

What surprised me to see was how much European (continental) influence there was in the conquest of Wales. Flemish knights, mercenaries from Saxony and I read somewhere also many Flemish immigrants sent there to colonise Wales. EU migration 1000 years early. It also made me wonder why the Normans rather had foreigners there than trying to conquer the Welsh hearts. I mean England did not have that much of a problem with them unless we have to believe Ivanho.

While we more or less see what happens to all the players in the book from a birds eye perspective, that does prevent a bit to form a strong connection with the individuals. It is more their acts than their thoughts we read about.

When you have finished do go to Wiki and see what happened with the ones who are still alive at the end of the book. The author did explain the historical facts at the end. Maybe he should have also added a little bit of an historical epilogue. I liked the successtory of son Rhys.

Not a book you finish in a day.

Five out of five stars. Really recommend it.





Profile Image for Tony Parsons.
4,156 reviews101 followers
August 28, 2017
1135 AD. Wales. Deheubarth (southern kingdom). Gruffydd ap Rhys Youngest son (Tarw, Gwenllian’s husband) was killed.
Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd (Gruffydd Daughter, Tarw warrior wife, rebels Leader) just kind of vanished from the face of the earth.
Now there was very little threat to the English Crown.

Lord Bevan ap Maldwyn (Llandeilo, loyal to the Rebellion) & Master Carwyn were enjoying their ales.
Master Jonas might not sell his farm to Lord Bevan.
So, a counter offer was made to him.
Cantref Mawr. Taliesin ap John rebels Leader was surveying his troops.
Carwyn of Llandeilo, & Maelgwyn (16, son) were discussing Dog (Taliesin’s right-hand man, paid mercenary).
2/27/AD1135, Hywel ap Maredudd Lord of Brycheniog) has a huge army & plans on taking Brycheniog by a storm.
Gwenllian ferch Gruffydd (Gruffydd Daughter, “Tarw”, warrior wife, rebels Leader), Taliesin ap John (2nd. rebel Leader), Dog (Taliesin’s right-hand man, paid mercenary), Tomas Scar (soldier), Robert of Llandeilo (Gwenllian’s trusted right-hand man) & her caravan were pulling out of
Pembroke headed for Kidwelly.
What was their mission?
Ending timeline: 2/18/AD1136.

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading & reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers & authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Only an honest one.

A very awesome book cover, great font & writing style. Wow, a very well written Welsh tale (historical fiction) book. It was very easy for me to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. There were no grammar/typo errors, nor any repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a huge set of unique characters to keep track of. This could also make another great Welsh tale movie, or better yet a mini TV series. A very easy rating of 5 stars.

Thank you for the free author; Goodreads; MakingConnections; Thomas & Mercer; Amazon Digital Services LLC.; book
Tony Parsons (Washburn)
Profile Image for English .
834 reviews
November 21, 2018
Not my usual read, because its not Inspy fiction, but I have a new Kindle Unlimited subscription. I chose this book because I know almost nothing about Welsh history but I had heard of the story of Gwenllian (pronounced Gwen-l- an), a 12th century Welsh warrior princess. Basically a female equivalent of William Wallace in the Welsh imagination.

So yeah, I really enjoyed this book. It gave some interesting context to one of Wales' many rebellions against the English (or rather Anglo-Normans), their culture and some of the key figures involved. What is interesting about Wales is that unlike England and Scotland it was apparently never unified into one single kingdom under one ruler- well at least not permanently anyway- so there were several semi- independent regions who all had their own royal families.

Even for a hardcore Anglophile and proud Englishwoman like me its hard no to feel sympathy with the plight of the Welsh at this time: although the author does not fall into the trap of demonizing all English people.

This novel is not a dry historical account though, its very readable, and since I've just discovering Immersion Reading on my Kindle, even moreso. The characters are well drawn and the villain, just so terrible. It also portrays the values and ideals of the time quite well, without the recourse to a lot of bedroom scenes. Its honest, but not gratuitous. Also, the battle scenes were very well written: not excessive or overdone, but just about right in their portrayal of tactics and the visceral nature of Medieval combat.

Well worth a read. Might try more by this author since another 4 of his books are on Kindle Unlimited.
Profile Image for E.E. Leivo.
Author 6 books11 followers
April 4, 2018
Tätä kirjaa ei ole käännetty suomeksi, joten luin sen englanniksi. Kirja oli varsin helppolukuinen ja mukaansatempaava, mutta melko usein dialogi ja kohtaukset olivat kuin näkemistäni elokuvista ja siksi jollakin tavoin ennalta arvattavia. Elokuvamaisuutta enemmän minua kuitenkin häiritsi se, että nämä 1100-luvulla Walesin metsissä henkipattoina leirielämää viettävät päähenkilöt puhuivat keskenään tunneista ja jopa minuuteista ikään kuin heillä olisi ollut rannekellot kädessään. Aikaa on ihmiskunnan historiassa toki mitattu monin tavoin, mutta mekaanisen kellon läpimurto Euroopassa tapahtui vasta 1300-luvulla, jolloin kellot aluksi olivat kirkoissa ja muissa julkisissa rakennuksissa. Ei historiallisen romaanin tarvitse olla totta, eihän todenmukaisuus ylipäätään ole romaanin tarkoitus, sillä tietokirjat ovat siihen tarkoitukseen. Kuitenkin tämän perin juurin selvän ja tarkistettavissa olevan historiallisen faktan laiminlyöminen vaikutti minuun, historiafriikkiin, luotaantyöntävästi. Olen käsittänyt, että romaanin kirjoittaja haluaa pitäytyä historiallisessa todellisuudessa, olihan teoksen lopussa historiallinen katsauskin. Historiallisen romaanin kirjoittamista itse kokeilleena tiedän puuhan olevan vaativaa, joten ainakin tämä kelloasia olisi mielestäni pitänyt kirjoittajan ottaa huomioon ihan jo lukijoiden vuoksi.
2,081 reviews18 followers
April 15, 2018
I won this book as a Goodreads Giveaway, and was excited to read it, because from the description, it appeared to be about Gerald of Windsor and Nesta Ferch Rhys, who are my ancestors. While they were prominent characters, they are not the focus of the book, which is instead Gwenllian, a Welsh freedom fighter. I gather that the author has written books prior to this one, but I haven't read any of them.

Apart from the book not quite being what I had expected from the description, it was pretty well-done. I found some of the dialogue a bit too modern at times, and there were some editing issues near the end, but overall, I enjoyed it. The one thing that kind of bothered me was the note at the end about how the one character was completely made up. The biggest part of that that bothered me is that even though he was made up and clearly set up as a villain, the book never had the payoff of a really bad ending for him, which would have been deeply emotionally satisfying, and if he wasn't actually real, wouldn't have disrupted the historical record. Perhaps that's yet to come in a planned sequel, but I'm not so sure.

In any case, despite not being what I had expected, I enjoyed this book, though the personal connection probably helped quite a bit.
Profile Image for Audrey Spencer.
25 reviews3 followers
November 27, 2017
I gave this book a real try. I don't read a lot of history-based novels, but the title and summary I read made me think this would be an exciting introduction into the genre. It is indeed easy to read; the vocabulary does not take you out of the flow of the story and there was a very handy breakdown of Welsh name pronunciations in the foreword. The author's presentation of setting was awesome; I never had a problem with picturing where the rebels were conspiring or the castle that Nesta called home.
However, I just never got "involved" in the story. Perhaps the voice or language was too simplified for the era it was representing? Or maybe it was the jumping between characters? I anticipated a story about Gwenllian, who sounded like a strong, alpha woman from a time long-past. While she was strong, the story did not center on her like I thought it would, which would have been find if I hadn't been led to believe otherwise.
Overall, I DON'T think this was a bad book, I just don't think it was my preferred flavor.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
802 reviews31 followers
August 3, 2017
3.5 stars. It was a good read, although not really my usual historical novel type, I tend to avoid a lot of battle scenes and gore. That being said, I think the author's notes were superb, so for sure some history was there. I gave it a bumping grade for that reason.

I have read several books about Nest so had no idea this one would lead to multiple executions, and that Gerald of Windsor sort of vanishes at the end. I would have liked, or hoped that Nest would have gone on towards her next relationship at the end.

Also was Nest or Gwenllian the Warrior Queen, the primary character? There was a bit too much of jumping from scene to scene with depth and context. Curious as to whether this was a standalone of a sequel to the Blood of Kings Series.

I appreciated being given an ARC at Netgalley by Thomas and Mercer for this read. Recommended for followers of this author and others who write about Welsh rebellions.
Profile Image for Nancy.
Author 14 books83 followers
February 6, 2019
I've read other novels by Kevin Ashman before, thoroughly enjoyed them, and found this one a really interesting journey back in time. I know almost nothing about the history of Wales so could not comment on any accuracy, but I found the setting very credible.
This novel, about the attempts of Gwenllian and Tarw to oust the English invaders who have settled in Wales A.D. 1135, reads very fluently. There are multiple well-portrayed characters in the novel and I would be hard put to say that Nesta, wife to Gerald of Windsor and sister of Tarw (Gruffydd ap Rhys), is the main one even though the back blurb seems to indicate it may be so. Nesta' s part in the failed rebellion which results in the death of The Warrior Princess Gwenllian, is a tragic one.

If you like reading historical novels with more than a touch of adventure in them, I'm sure you'll love reading The Warrior Princess
Profile Image for Megan Tee.
804 reviews19 followers
September 9, 2017
Unlike the title which promises a warrior princess which doesn’t happen till the end. And well, frankly this bored me till the end.

Not even one of them have any personality that drew me to this. Especially the moments where they should have simply focused on Gwenilian, she barely has any role earlier and doesn’t do anything powerful until the end. And well, that is a lot of time and a lot of wasted pages on the intrigue and bunch of other characters, who apparently are mostly her villains. What happened to developing her personality as the main character.

Do I care about unknown warlords? I would have very much preferred if it focused on our main character first before going to develop the others, since I was very well confused why was it that we ended up only knowing her very late into the book.

And history without a character I can focus on, is what that bores me. Although that the prose was very well written and even developed, but I barely could not enjoy the atmosphere. Not when most of the book is spent just building it and nothing is really done or making me excited until the last few pages.

And well, that’s where I give up too. My verdict: will not recommend.
Profile Image for David Grieve.
385 reviews4 followers
May 2, 2018
A great story based on 12th century rebel factions in Wales, fighting against English oppression. The story is action packed, exciting and rattles along at a great rate.

The characters are all well drawn but are fairly one dimensional - either good or bad. There is also no subtlety in the allegiance of the author - Welsh good, English bad is the message rammed home at regular intervals. The language is a bit forced at times and while I know it is impossible to represent the language they spoke in that time, some of the phrases jarred becuase they were too modern colloquial.

That all said, it was a great fun read.
Profile Image for Melisende.
1,228 reviews146 followers
September 8, 2018
Already familiar with the history and character of Nesta ferch Rhys, I was intrigued by this fictional adaption of this notable Welsh woman.

I was in too minds with this book - 1130s in Anglo-Welsh history is a fascinating one filled with plots & conspiracies, rebellion & battles, larger than life men & women, personal loss & gain. Here is a woman conflicted by her loyalities to family, husband, children - who fell a little flat for me, probably in part due to the various other voices demanding our attention.

I would recommend reading the series in order to get a fuller sense of characters and story, especially if unfamiliar with this period of history.

Profile Image for Laura Newsholme.
1,282 reviews8 followers
August 9, 2017
Given the subject matter, this should have been an exciting and interesting read. It tells the story of Gwenllian, the warrior princess of the title, and her Welsh rebellion against English rule in the 1100s. Unfortunately, I found this pretty slow and the dialogue was incredibly wooden. It took a long time for the story to really get going and then the bulk of the action all happened in a rush towards the end. The prose wasn't great and overall, I was quite disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Jo.
514 reviews10 followers
August 21, 2017
A mix of historical fact and fiction, this book should not be relied for for absolute accuracy. As the author notes at the end, Salisbury, a deliciously evil character, is entirely fictitious.

I wasn't sure until nearly the halfway point whether Nesta or Gwenllian would be the warrior princess, because up until then the story is broad and doesn't focus on the rebel princess. For those who hate sad endings, well, we all know how the Welsh rebellion ended.

I won this in a Goodreads giveaway and appreciated the chance to read it.
Profile Image for Diane Griffiths.
198 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2017
This story covers the history (with some fiction thrown in) and follows two Welsh noblewomen, Gwenllian, who is the daughter of a Welsh king, and Nesta, who is a high-born wife of an English representative and of the Norman monarchs. These are both very strong women and I enjoyed the build up of their strength and story.
At times the writing was a little rough and the story ran "slow" which gets me to start skipping paragraphs and loses my interest.
I did finish the book and thought it was generally interesting, and enjoyed the story. Not my favorite book though.
Profile Image for Heather.
19 reviews
August 15, 2017
I received this book as part of a Goodreads book giveaway! I was thrilled as I love historical fiction and as I have some small Welsh heritage, I really looked forward to this, to me, unknown character. I really felt that the author took what little there is known about the figure and made her, and her family come alive on the page. The story had twists, turns and betrayal and ended before I would have wanted, but stayed true to the facts known.
981 reviews9 followers
December 28, 2017
I got this book through a giveaway. I have Welsh ancestry found the story to be interesting historically. The Welsh names were a bit distracting at first, but as the story gained momentum, that became less of an issue. Every nation has its own story of being conquered and it is always heartwrenching to see defeat due to treachery and betrayal. This is no different.
Profile Image for Martin Murphy.
120 reviews1 follower
December 25, 2019
A superb read

The story and characters are expertly crafted, and I found it hard to put down. There are highs and lows for the rebellion culminating in the final battle. I've enjoyed the series and find the whole subject very interesting as little of this history is taught or known.
882 reviews3 followers
January 7, 2022
I enjoyed reading about history from the Welsh point of view instead of the ever-present English point of view. And I enjoy the time frame. The story did grab me from the beginning. Perhaps there really was such a character in history but I found it just a bit unbelievable just as I find some of the literary licenses taken with Joan of Arc story. It's and okay read.
Profile Image for Julia.
364 reviews1 follower
February 12, 2022
The fourth book in series and can't wait to read the fifth.

Being aware of Welsh history, the story is unlikely to end well but cannot help but root for the welsh and they do have some success along the way.

Great characters again such as Gwenllian and Nesta, but for me it was the creepy and nasty Salisbury, love to loath a villian.
Profile Image for Christine Cazeneuve.
1,468 reviews42 followers
May 10, 2022
Colossal

OMG! One of the best books I've ever read. Full of action and so many surprises. I found myself talking back to my Kindle Fire in disbelief. This book will easily satisfy any historical fiction lover. You will feel like you are transported into the story. I felt so many emotions reading this. I hope the author continues to write Nesta's story!
18 reviews
October 26, 2025
Exciting and Brutal

Compelling story and characters of Welsh long and Brutal struggle for independence. Impossible to imagine being a man in that awful period when death was always near. That a woman could not only survive but thrive enough to lead warriors successfully against the powerful English forces is superhuman!!
Profile Image for Polly Krize.
2,134 reviews44 followers
August 28, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Historically accurate, this book touches on (to me) the little known history of the Welsh rebelling against the British in the 1100s. Although a touch gory, this is well written and developed well.
217 reviews
August 29, 2017
Great book

Freedom! Prices become quite high when one is fighting for their freedom as always comes to light in any war. Bravery beyond the highest to give your life for your fellow man
6 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2017
Potential to be a great story

The premise of this book is great but I felt like it needed to be longer to really delve into the characters and story line. It left a lot to be desired in detail.
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