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The Blood of Kings #5
The Blade Bearer
AD 1136 Across a barren battlefield in the shadows of Kidwelly Castle, the bodies of a defeated army lay abandoned, left to rot as a warning to all who dare rebel against the authority of the English crown. Throughout the kingdom, the people are subjected to a renewed campaign of brutality from the victorious castellans, and any thoughts of freedom are abandoned as they struggle simply to survive each passing day. However, deep beneath the Cathedral of Saint David, in a cold and damp cell that has been his home for many years, an old monk kneels in prayer. He prays for strength, he prays for courage but most of all, he prays for forgiveness for the vengeance he is about to unleash.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 31, 2018
About the author
K.M. Ashman
52 books233 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 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this adventure in the hills and valleys and mountains of Wales during this period when England was first throwing itself into a chaos of uncertainty, civil war and upheaval. This isn't about Matilda and Stephen and their fight over female submission, but about the fights of the Welsh for their country, which they ended up losing to the English in the following centuries, even losing their right to be called a kingdom when England began calling their heirs 'prince of wales': even now, when the British civil wars are spoken of in academic circles, it's known as the wars of the three Kingdoms (England, Scotland and Ireland) - Wales is merely a principality, I was told during my history degree, not a Kingdom. Not sure such rich history and such a separate peoples should be seen as anything less, even nearly a millennium later.
This is an atmospheric and and engaging novel of the later days of the independence of Wales, and makes me want to know more about their struggles. It also makes me wonder, how different was humanity then to how it is now? Well, to be honest, whatever century you live in, people are fighting not to lose their independence somewhere, people are somehow programmed to want to be set above others, as if we're not all the same!
An interesting and eminently readable novel.
This is an atmospheric and and engaging novel of the later days of the independence of Wales, and makes me want to know more about their struggles. It also makes me wonder, how different was humanity then to how it is now? Well, to be honest, whatever century you live in, people are fighting not to lose their independence somewhere, people are somehow programmed to want to be set above others, as if we're not all the same!
An interesting and eminently readable novel.
May 11, 2022
Well Done
This was the final book in a wonderful series. The battle scenes were so incredibly written that I felt that I was right there with them. The only disappointment I have was to not have the conclusion of Nesta's life. I had to Google it. Needless to say, I have found a new author to love!
This was the final book in a wonderful series. The battle scenes were so incredibly written that I felt that I was right there with them. The only disappointment I have was to not have the conclusion of Nesta's life. I had to Google it. Needless to say, I have found a new author to love!
February 26, 2019
The Blade Bearer.
I didn’t read the previous books but no need. The first pages didn’t engage me and I was going to quit when everything changed, the rhythm of the story increased which every page. Excellent
I didn’t read the previous books but no need. The first pages didn’t engage me and I was going to quit when everything changed, the rhythm of the story increased which every page. Excellent
February 20, 2023
Exceptional series that I thoroughly enjoyed I love reading but books that keep you engaged like these do are rare nowadays , please if you get the chance read these books can guarantee you won’t be dissapointed just be prepared for no sleep as you won’t be able to put them down and take plenty of snacks and drinks !
March 18, 2024
Interesting
I’ve really enjoyed reading about a part of Welsh history. I’d never anything about Wales before and now that my appetite is definitely whetted I want to read more! Great storytelling by the author, as always, with plenty of action and believable characters. Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
I’ve really enjoyed reading about a part of Welsh history. I’d never anything about Wales before and now that my appetite is definitely whetted I want to read more! Great storytelling by the author, as always, with plenty of action and believable characters. Definitely worthy of 5 stars.
July 25, 2024
excellent final chapter in this five book saga
Finally the story of Wales in the time of rule by the Normans has come to an end. Being in equal parts Welsh, English, Irish and Scots I appreciate the dramas that have forged our United Kingdom to its status today and thank zero Ashman for both this series and the historical accounts he highlighted.
Finally the story of Wales in the time of rule by the Normans has come to an end. Being in equal parts Welsh, English, Irish and Scots I appreciate the dramas that have forged our United Kingdom to its status today and thank zero Ashman for both this series and the historical accounts he highlighted.
April 13, 2018
Love the entire series!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and could not put down this last novel as it is action in packed! Ashman does an excellent job of keeping many stories related and going on at the same time .. LOVE IT!
I thoroughly enjoyed this series and could not put down this last novel as it is action in packed! Ashman does an excellent job of keeping many stories related and going on at the same time .. LOVE IT!
April 22, 2018
Perfect series ending
Amid battles, betrayal, victory, and failure, some very touching scenes. The author brings this period back to life by filling in where history is short. A realistic portrayal of a severely hard time.
Amid battles, betrayal, victory, and failure, some very touching scenes. The author brings this period back to life by filling in where history is short. A realistic portrayal of a severely hard time.
June 30, 2018
Nama karakternya ngebingungin. Belum lagi harus menghapal relasi antara tokoh satu dengan lainnya. Kalau baca bukunya dari buku pertama bisa jadi lebih mudah ngikutinnya. Padahal Ashman mengepak ceritanya dengan baik.
October 30, 2025
Great Finale to Epic Story
A triumphant ending to the incredible struggle for Welsh independence. Really glad that Salisbury finally got just what he deserved -- a sword through his gut. And even happier that Nesta wielded it. Great story telling by Mr. Ashman. Bravo!
A triumphant ending to the incredible struggle for Welsh independence. Really glad that Salisbury finally got just what he deserved -- a sword through his gut. And even happier that Nesta wielded it. Great story telling by Mr. Ashman. Bravo!
May 30, 2018
Great series!
Enjoyed the entire series and the characters that were followed through all the books. Fascinating look at Welsh history. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
Enjoyed the entire series and the characters that were followed through all the books. Fascinating look at Welsh history. A thoroughly enjoyable read!
January 28, 2019
Good mix of history and artist interpretation
I've loved all of the books in the series. They all take you back in history to show a snapshot of what that time was like.
I've loved all of the books in the series. They all take you back in history to show a snapshot of what that time was like.
March 21, 2019
Good short read.
KM Ashman has kept me awake many many nights. Very good book and hard to put down once you start.
KM Ashman has kept me awake many many nights. Very good book and hard to put down once you start.
May 7, 2019
Fantastic
Brilliant read and truly captivating throughout the 5 books. Hats off to the writer for such a great series. Shame it had to end.
Brilliant read and truly captivating throughout the 5 books. Hats off to the writer for such a great series. Shame it had to end.
May 27, 2019
Great book
There is nothing to say good about a war but when you have lived for years under a tyrant, war becomes necessary.
There is nothing to say good about a war but when you have lived for years under a tyrant, war becomes necessary.
June 21, 2019
Brilliant
What a way to end a series. The gradual story leading to a very different battle where the unexpected happened and the priest had the final scene. Great!
What a way to end a series. The gradual story leading to a very different battle where the unexpected happened and the priest had the final scene. Great!
October 4, 2020
Another great K M Ashman book. For a top quality medieval yarn look no further. Never read a bad book by Mr Ashman.
February 4, 2021
Great final book ending the series. Enjoyed all the series from start to finish well recommend
August 27, 2021
Sold 4, Very good conculsion to the 5 book series The Blood of Kings.
November 16, 2022
Bloody fantastic
I am so sorry that this saga has finished. Can't wait for more. Thank you Kevin for keeping me entertained lol don't tell Jan 😉
I am so sorry that this saga has finished. Can't wait for more. Thank you Kevin for keeping me entertained lol don't tell Jan 😉
October 5, 2023
One of the best set of stories I have read and I have read a few.
Keep writing
Keep writing
May 5, 2026
Very well written and the historic events that happened in this time period .
Very enjoyable read as always with this Author loved it great read
Very enjoyable read as always with this Author loved it great read
August 30, 2019
Cracking boook
Absolutely loved this rip roaring story of oppression and loathing of the the English tyranny.
Highly recommend this book
Brilliant!!
Absolutely loved this rip roaring story of oppression and loathing of the the English tyranny.
Highly recommend this book
Brilliant!!
January 1, 2019
Excellent story telling
A great final volume giving the history of the Welsh struggle against the Norman invasion and oppression wrapped up in a super story.
A great final volume giving the history of the Welsh struggle against the Norman invasion and oppression wrapped up in a super story.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews