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The Saga of Roland Inness #3
The Broken Realm
This is an alternate cover edition for B0190PI6QA
Roland Inness has been knighted for valor at the siege of Acre and sent home to England with a vital message for Queen Eleanor. But his homecoming proves to be as violent and dangerous as the Crusade he left behind him. He finds his home burned and his master’s family gone—made fugitives by his sworn enemy William de Ferrers. Roland and Declan O’Duinne set out to find Lady Catherine and Millicent de Laval in the wild borderlands of Wales and are drawn into the center of a growing civil war. Roland, Declan and Millicent must fight for their lives and for the honor of their Earl, as Philip of France and Prince John conspire to end King Richard’s rule and Queen Eleanor struggles to hold the King’s broken realm together.
The Broken Realm, the action-filled sequel to Longbow and Warbow, is the third book in The Saga of Roland Inness.
Roland Inness has been knighted for valor at the siege of Acre and sent home to England with a vital message for Queen Eleanor. But his homecoming proves to be as violent and dangerous as the Crusade he left behind him. He finds his home burned and his master’s family gone—made fugitives by his sworn enemy William de Ferrers. Roland and Declan O’Duinne set out to find Lady Catherine and Millicent de Laval in the wild borderlands of Wales and are drawn into the center of a growing civil war. Roland, Declan and Millicent must fight for their lives and for the honor of their Earl, as Philip of France and Prince John conspire to end King Richard’s rule and Queen Eleanor struggles to hold the King’s broken realm together.
The Broken Realm, the action-filled sequel to Longbow and Warbow, is the third book in The Saga of Roland Inness.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2015
415 people are currently reading
200 people want to read
About the author
Wayne Grant
15 books99 followersWayne Grant grew up in a tiny cotton town in rural Louisiana where hunting, fishing and farming were a way of life. Between chopping cotton, dove hunting and Little League ball he developed a love of great adventure stories like Call It Courage and Kidnapped.
Like most southern boys of that era he saw the military as an honorable and adventurous career. Every living male member of his family had served in the Army covering World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam, so it was a natural step for him to attend and graduate from West Point. He just missed Vietnam, but found that life as a Captain in an army broken by that war was not what he wanted.
After tours in Germany and Korea, he returned to Louisiana and civilian life where he began a 10 year career in government including four years as a senior official in the Pentagon during the Reagan administration. During those years he saw the Army reborn from its post-Vietnam nadir to the outstanding force it became and remains today.
The Saga of Roland Inness series began as the coming-of-age tale of a fourteen-year-old boy who possessed extraordinary talent with a longbow. It is a story of courage, loyalty, honor and treachery. Most of all, it a story of high adventure set in a time so filled with drama it has spawned legends that fascinate people to this day. It is the time of Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood, Eleanor of Aquitaine and William Marshall, legendary figures all--some real and some fictional.
The Saga of Roland Inness begins with four books--Longbow, Warbow, The Broken Realm and The Ransomed Crown. These four books are the coming-of-age story I set out to tell. Having told that tale, I fully intended to move on to other stories, but something unexpected happened. Readers all over the world found something special in Roland Inness and his companions and wanted more. I'd grown rather fond of my boy with the longbow as well and knew there were more stories to tell. So the Saga continues. A Prince of Wales, the fifth in the series was published in November, 2017. A new Roland Inness adventure will be out in fall, 2018.
If you would like to know more about the author or get updates on new books, visit his webpage at www.waynegrantbooks.com or the Longbow Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Longbowbooks/ .
Like most southern boys of that era he saw the military as an honorable and adventurous career. Every living male member of his family had served in the Army covering World Wars I and II, Korea and Vietnam, so it was a natural step for him to attend and graduate from West Point. He just missed Vietnam, but found that life as a Captain in an army broken by that war was not what he wanted.
After tours in Germany and Korea, he returned to Louisiana and civilian life where he began a 10 year career in government including four years as a senior official in the Pentagon during the Reagan administration. During those years he saw the Army reborn from its post-Vietnam nadir to the outstanding force it became and remains today.
The Saga of Roland Inness series began as the coming-of-age tale of a fourteen-year-old boy who possessed extraordinary talent with a longbow. It is a story of courage, loyalty, honor and treachery. Most of all, it a story of high adventure set in a time so filled with drama it has spawned legends that fascinate people to this day. It is the time of Richard the Lionheart, Robin Hood, Eleanor of Aquitaine and William Marshall, legendary figures all--some real and some fictional.
The Saga of Roland Inness begins with four books--Longbow, Warbow, The Broken Realm and The Ransomed Crown. These four books are the coming-of-age story I set out to tell. Having told that tale, I fully intended to move on to other stories, but something unexpected happened. Readers all over the world found something special in Roland Inness and his companions and wanted more. I'd grown rather fond of my boy with the longbow as well and knew there were more stories to tell. So the Saga continues. A Prince of Wales, the fifth in the series was published in November, 2017. A new Roland Inness adventure will be out in fall, 2018.
If you would like to know more about the author or get updates on new books, visit his webpage at www.waynegrantbooks.com or the Longbow Facebook page, www.facebook.com/Longbowbooks/ .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 20, 2018
Adventure? No, HIGH ADVENTURE!
I have been a fan of this era, Robin and Tuck, the Crusades, Richard the Lionheart and brave knights, for about 67 years. I had a very hard time putting this book down. Now on to books 4 and 5.
I have been a fan of this era, Robin and Tuck, the Crusades, Richard the Lionheart and brave knights, for about 67 years. I had a very hard time putting this book down. Now on to books 4 and 5.
June 21, 2021
I am completely addicted to this series! This book was fantastic and I couldn't wait to move on to the next one! I am learning so much -- the historical aspect of this is amazing. This is the best way ever to learn about history. The characters are so real that I have grown quite emotionally attached to them. This is the sort of book (and series) that I get very immersed in! I highly recommend it!! :)
March 31, 2024
This whole series is very very nice to read!
I have enjoyed this series so much. Very nice characters. Some might call it simplistic, but overall it is very enjoyable!
I have enjoyed this series so much. Very nice characters. Some might call it simplistic, but overall it is very enjoyable!
April 21, 2024
Broken Realm is the third of this series. It's set in England where Roland, the hero, must deal with the terror and violence that the Princes [John in this case] and Kings [which John will soon be] of England wrought upon the country and its people, including Roland and his adopted family. While John is never referred to as 'good' King John' here he's not only bad but ambitious with glinty evil eyes, too.
November 10, 2018
The writing, the historical detail, and the storyline continue to impress in this 3rd book of the series. I thoroughly enjoyed traveling to 12th century England and being witness to the exploits of Roland and Declan. Knowing a fair amount about the history of England during this period I was pleased to meet many of its principal characters as the story unfolded.
While I’m looking forward to the next book in the series I’m holding off because I don’t want the series to be over!
While I’m looking forward to the next book in the series I’m holding off because I don’t want the series to be over!
December 25, 2015
Enjoyable Historical Fiction. Richard the Lion Heart is on the 3rd Crusade in the Holy Land while his brother Prince John tries to steal his throne. Their mother Eleanor of Aquitaine tries to keep it for Richard. Enter recently knighted Roland Innes who works with Eleanor towards that end
June 4, 2018
What happens next
I have been reading this series for days, feel like I am in the midst of history. These books get better and better.
I have been reading this series for days, feel like I am in the midst of history. These books get better and better.
April 25, 2024
Two young men land in England and begin their journey home, to the Welsh marches. They are not the cheerful young boys they were nearly two years ago, when they set off for the Holy Land with their lord. They have experienced Hell, in blistering heat and clouds of flies and a desperate stand against the best of Saladin’s army. But if they’ve come back to England expecting peace and safety, they will find neither. The sniveling John is steadily attempting to usurp his brother’s throne, and he has allies in the Midlands soaking the people to increase his coffers, not knowing those allies are more in service to the French than himself. Roland and Declan’s master’s lord has gotten caught up in this devilry, and when they arrive home they find their former household naught but ashes. The bastard de Ferrers, the man who killed Roland’s father for poaching a deer that he never touched, is growing in power and arrogance and has unlawfully seized Cheshire and hangs all who resist him from the walls of Chester. Roland and Declan must find the remains of Sir Roger’s household, who have sought refuge in Wales, and find a way to stay alive and hopefully undermine all his villainry. They are not alone: Sir Roger’s daughter, Millie, is an agent of Queen Eleanor, working to expose all the plotting, and the Queen herself is no less formidable for her advancing age. Oh, and there’s also Robin of Loxley and Friar Tuck wandering around!
This is not a series I’d intended to get into: honestly, after reading No King, No Country, I was just curious as to what one of Grant’s other books might be like, and now I’m three books into it. There’s a lot to like here: we began with a frightened young orphan who is now an accomplished warrior, and increasingly a leader of men. There’s the great drama of politics, of course, both the domestic power plays and the way they’re being inflamed and enveloped into France’s ambitions. Seeing the Robin Hood story slowly percolating here adds a splash of whimsy, but it’s just a splash: Grant is careful to led his leads dominate, with Robin and Tuck remaining extremely minor characters. Although the beginning of this series struck me as written for young teens, all three of the once-minor leads are on the verge of adulthood now, each taking on responsibilities. Both Roland and Declan have moments of command here, and Millie is a key player in the plot, no less courageous than her crusader father and just as wily as the Queen herself. She and Roland’s attachment to each other is also beginning to mature. As this series continues, it’s becoming more of an ensemble with a leading man, instead of being the Roland-and-Millie show, but that’s to its benefit as I enjoy seeing Eleanor work to maintain the peace of the realm despite Johnny-boy’s ambitions. One new character this round is Llewellyn, the exiled king of Gwynedd whose lands are taken by his uncles Owain and Dayffd: I have a feeling he will make a return, as his alliance with Roland’s people is meant to be one of mutual support: I’d bet money one future book is Roland supporting Llewellyn against the conspiring uncles.
This is not a series I’d intended to get into: honestly, after reading No King, No Country, I was just curious as to what one of Grant’s other books might be like, and now I’m three books into it. There’s a lot to like here: we began with a frightened young orphan who is now an accomplished warrior, and increasingly a leader of men. There’s the great drama of politics, of course, both the domestic power plays and the way they’re being inflamed and enveloped into France’s ambitions. Seeing the Robin Hood story slowly percolating here adds a splash of whimsy, but it’s just a splash: Grant is careful to led his leads dominate, with Robin and Tuck remaining extremely minor characters. Although the beginning of this series struck me as written for young teens, all three of the once-minor leads are on the verge of adulthood now, each taking on responsibilities. Both Roland and Declan have moments of command here, and Millie is a key player in the plot, no less courageous than her crusader father and just as wily as the Queen herself. She and Roland’s attachment to each other is also beginning to mature. As this series continues, it’s becoming more of an ensemble with a leading man, instead of being the Roland-and-Millie show, but that’s to its benefit as I enjoy seeing Eleanor work to maintain the peace of the realm despite Johnny-boy’s ambitions. One new character this round is Llewellyn, the exiled king of Gwynedd whose lands are taken by his uncles Owain and Dayffd: I have a feeling he will make a return, as his alliance with Roland’s people is meant to be one of mutual support: I’d bet money one future book is Roland supporting Llewellyn against the conspiring uncles.
November 19, 2021
.
Today I learned that women have most of the brains, all the testosterone, and actually run the world, while the dumb stupid moronic idiot weakling mere Male Cavemen do what women tell them to do, because males are born inherently dumb and stupid. You know…like worker bees.
. 😀
As she said to Roland (a mere male knight):
“‘Think what you will!’ she said, her voice rising. ‘I need not answer to you for my actions….
“‘…Of course you do not answer to me, my lady—my apologies….’”
“‘…Just remember one thing.’
“‘My lady?’
“‘I do not take orders from you….’”
“‘…And, Archbishop, be aware, my spy from Chester is no man.’
“‘Ahh, I should have known!’
“‘Of course she’s not.’”
***
“…She had arrived, unannounced, in Portsmouth…and had set a pace thereafter that would have laid low men half her age….”
This just makes me wish I were a woman. I pray that all of my grandsons and sons will be women!
This thing just reeled out inexorably and me me tired.
.
Today I learned that women have most of the brains, all the testosterone, and actually run the world, while the dumb stupid moronic idiot weakling mere Male Cavemen do what women tell them to do, because males are born inherently dumb and stupid. You know…like worker bees.
. 😀
As she said to Roland (a mere male knight):
“‘Think what you will!’ she said, her voice rising. ‘I need not answer to you for my actions….
“‘…Of course you do not answer to me, my lady—my apologies….’”
“‘…Just remember one thing.’
“‘My lady?’
“‘I do not take orders from you….’”
“‘…And, Archbishop, be aware, my spy from Chester is no man.’
“‘Ahh, I should have known!’
“‘Of course she’s not.’”
***
“…She had arrived, unannounced, in Portsmouth…and had set a pace thereafter that would have laid low men half her age….”
This just makes me wish I were a woman. I pray that all of my grandsons and sons will be women!
This thing just reeled out inexorably and me me tired.
.
August 5, 2017
I just finished this one today, and I can't wait to get into the next. I think I'll be disappointed to see this series end. I liked the development in this one, but I was curious about the burgeoning relationship between Millie and Roland. I think the writing is well done, but, for example, the night they spent in Lady Contance's chambers would have been a great time for a little talk or an understanding. I appreciate greatly that the romance is low-key -- I want to be able to recommend this series to middle school students without reservations. Also, I wondered where she was during the battle -- we didn't find out until after that she was waiting with a soldier in the woods. I love the interplay between Welsh and English, and the complexity of the Normans/Saxons/Danes, etc.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2022
Yay! Roland is home from the Crusades. I am so glad. And Audible is no longer calling it a children's book so this old lady can feel okay about reading it. Well, I felt okay from the start because I really enjoy these books particularly 1 and 3 so far. Although only sixteen when the book begins, Roland has come back from the Crusades a man. Is good to see him maturing. It is less good to see England on the brink of Civil War but that's what happened. Just a reminder that other countries, besides ours, have gone through Civil War and survived as a country. And, it is also good to remember that much of what happens in a country can be the result of political machinations and greed. Just saying.
October 5, 2021
Tightly woven, strong characters
Sir Roger and King Richard’s absence continue to take a toll. I really like the strong women in this saga and how they are drawn. They (Queen Eleanor, Lady Catherine de Val, and Millie) each have an indispensable role to play in the action. They are intelligent, loyal, clear-sighted (usually), courageous, resourceful and strong willed. I also like the way the alliance between the old enemies, Prince Llewelyn of Wales and Earl Ranulf of Chester develops. It’s a terrific series!
Sir Roger and King Richard’s absence continue to take a toll. I really like the strong women in this saga and how they are drawn. They (Queen Eleanor, Lady Catherine de Val, and Millie) each have an indispensable role to play in the action. They are intelligent, loyal, clear-sighted (usually), courageous, resourceful and strong willed. I also like the way the alliance between the old enemies, Prince Llewelyn of Wales and Earl Ranulf of Chester develops. It’s a terrific series!
August 8, 2017
This third book in the Saga of Roland Inness series was much like the first couple books. This continues to be a simplistic take on the events surrounding the Robin Hood tale. The focus remains on Roland though as Robin and Friar Tuck are still just side characters. In this book Roland has grown up and returned home to fight the treachery going on in England. More focus on leadership as well as some romantic tension. Plenty of action and fighting still.
December 17, 2017
Roland Innes returns to England carrying a message from the crusading King Richard, whose kingdom is sinking into civil war. Spy masters and surly beasts. Fortifications and pardons. Headstrong women and besieged castles. Double dealings and first love.
A solid installment. Looking forward to the next!
A solid installment. Looking forward to the next!
May 11, 2018
I love this series!
This is a great series. The heart of the people and willingness to sacrifice is amazing. The writing has a natural flow that allows the reader to become lost in the adventure. Even though the story of Robin Hood is widely known the perspective of this story is fresh and very enjoyable.
This is a great series. The heart of the people and willingness to sacrifice is amazing. The writing has a natural flow that allows the reader to become lost in the adventure. Even though the story of Robin Hood is widely known the perspective of this story is fresh and very enjoyable.
September 18, 2018
Took me awhile to finish this series. The author tends to spend a lot of time rephrasing the same information from different character's POVs. I found it a bit tedious after awhile, but I will mark that down as my own personal preferences as someone who primarily reads YA. Overall, the story never felt forced and seemed to be true to the historical backdrop it was set in.
February 4, 2020
Fabulous
!i've this series set in the time of Richard the Lion Heart. The author does a wonderful job of protesting the hardships and struggles these people endured. The main characters, Roland, Dec, Roger and Milli are valve and you are cheering for them. Great story, keep writing Mr. Grant.
!i've this series set in the time of Richard the Lion Heart. The author does a wonderful job of protesting the hardships and struggles these people endured. The main characters, Roland, Dec, Roger and Milli are valve and you are cheering for them. Great story, keep writing Mr. Grant.
April 4, 2022
Outstanding Series Continues👏
This is a great historical action adventure series. An excellent cast of well developed characters are immersed into an exciting historical storyline that is truly fascinating. The quality of writing is top notch, and the description of time and place is vivid. I will get the next volume soon!🤗
This is a great historical action adventure series. An excellent cast of well developed characters are immersed into an exciting historical storyline that is truly fascinating. The quality of writing is top notch, and the description of time and place is vivid. I will get the next volume soon!🤗
September 20, 2022
Better than Book 2... Action returns
Ok ok. I'm not a professional book reviewer; Never claimed to be one. Action has returned to the saga of Roland Inness and the pace and tempo is gaining ground on the mischief that is sure to unfold in Book 4. Its about time to hear about the mischievous ways of Robin Hood, Friar Tuck... Purely speculation on my part
Ok ok. I'm not a professional book reviewer; Never claimed to be one. Action has returned to the saga of Roland Inness and the pace and tempo is gaining ground on the mischief that is sure to unfold in Book 4. Its about time to hear about the mischievous ways of Robin Hood, Friar Tuck... Purely speculation on my part
November 10, 2022
the broken realm
Just what you expect from a fine medieval novelist,has everything believable for the reader.
Look forward to the sequels!
You would not want to miss them!
Welsh archers were very expert ,infact one killed the greatest fighting man in England,Harry Hotspur ,see Shakespeare.
Northumberland and the north never forgave them!
Some still mourn our Harry!
Just what you expect from a fine medieval novelist,has everything believable for the reader.
Look forward to the sequels!
You would not want to miss them!
Welsh archers were very expert ,infact one killed the greatest fighting man in England,Harry Hotspur ,see Shakespeare.
Northumberland and the north never forgave them!
Some still mourn our Harry!
July 25, 2017
Roland's saga continues to entertain
Some aspects of the author's timeline feel off - have we really only followed 3 years of Roland's life? I could swear it was four. But the author's interest and research in this era shoe, and the story continues to entertain.
Some aspects of the author's timeline feel off - have we really only followed 3 years of Roland's life? I could swear it was four. But the author's interest and research in this era shoe, and the story continues to entertain.
February 7, 2018
Goodbook
Enchanting story and will only make the reader ready to open the best book. A good take on life in medieval England and the Crusades. Enjoy the book easy reading. Author leads all characters along verywell
Enchanting story and will only make the reader ready to open the best book. A good take on life in medieval England and the Crusades. Enjoy the book easy reading. Author leads all characters along verywell
February 25, 2018
Top shelf historical fiction
Gripping and believable story line. Character development is well done and appropriate for the time. This story is entertaining and hard to put down .
Gripping and believable story line. Character development is well done and appropriate for the time. This story is entertaining and hard to put down .
May 30, 2018
Very good!
A great tale of Roland Inness that includes a different take on Robin of Locksley and Frior Tuck. Nicely tied in with King Richard's failed crusade and turmoil back in England. Anxious to begin the third in the series.
A great tale of Roland Inness that includes a different take on Robin of Locksley and Frior Tuck. Nicely tied in with King Richard's failed crusade and turmoil back in England. Anxious to begin the third in the series.
March 16, 2019
Excellent!
An incredibly good read. Continuously able to maintain one's intetest. Never a dull moment. I highly recommend this series. This is a highly entertaining series of books.
An incredibly good read. Continuously able to maintain one's intetest. Never a dull moment. I highly recommend this series. This is a highly entertaining series of books.
July 2, 2019
A great read
My daughter encouraged me read the series. The third book doesn’t disappoint.
Moves quickly. A great historical fiction for those interested in King Richards time as king of England
My daughter encouraged me read the series. The third book doesn’t disappoint.
Moves quickly. A great historical fiction for those interested in King Richards time as king of England
March 5, 2020
I have read many of the other five star reviews that reflect my views on this author’s book series. The trivial thing that I will add that for me it is analogous to eating potato chips that when I have one I want another and then another.
March 23, 2020
The saga continues
I absolutely love these books and can't wait to start the next one. Mr. Grant is an exceptional story teller and a fabulous writer. I never want the saga to end.
I absolutely love these books and can't wait to start the next one. Mr. Grant is an exceptional story teller and a fabulous writer. I never want the saga to end.
May 3, 2024
Hard battles
Really enjoying this series. Is well done. Not a fan of war stories, tend o struggle to get through them. Apart from that, a great read. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. A good clean read. Recommend it.
Really enjoying this series. Is well done. Not a fan of war stories, tend o struggle to get through them. Apart from that, a great read. Can't wait to read the rest of the series. A good clean read. Recommend it.
May 13, 2024
Masterly written saga
Great read. A saga entwined in the history of the Crusades and England under Prince John. Although fiction it enthrals the reader and lets the imagination take you to that time
Great read. A saga entwined in the history of the Crusades and England under Prince John. Although fiction it enthrals the reader and lets the imagination take you to that time
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews