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Brothers of Gwynedd #1-4
The Brothers of Gwynedd
Llewelyn's burning vision is of one Wales, united against the threat of the English. But before he can achieve his dream, he must first tackle enemies nearer home. All three of his brothers hamper his efforts to create an independent state. The best-loved of the three, David, brought up throughout his childhood at the English court, restless, charming, torn between loyalties, is fated to be his brother's undoing. Despite the support of his beloved wife Eleanor, Llewelyn finds himself trapped in a situation where the only solution is his own downfall and tragic death...
The four novels in the BROTHERS OF GWYNEDD quartet in one volume, including:
SUNRISE IN THE WEST
THE DRAGON AT NOONDAY
THE HOUNDS OF SUNSET
AFTERGLOW AND NIGHTFALL
The four novels in the BROTHERS OF GWYNEDD quartet in one volume, including:
SUNRISE IN THE WEST
THE DRAGON AT NOONDAY
THE HOUNDS OF SUNSET
AFTERGLOW AND NIGHTFALL
821 pages, Paperback
First published August 17, 1989
135 people are currently reading
2757 people want to read
About the author
Edith Pargeter
48 books188 followersaka Peter Benedict, Jolyon Carr, Ellis Peters (later editions of her work are sometimes published under this pseudonym), and John Redfern
West Midlands Literary Heritage website biography
Novelist. Born September 1913 at Horsehay, Shropshire. Her father was a clerk at a local ironworks. Edith attended Dawley Church of England School and the Coalbrookdale High School for Girls. Through her mother, she grew to love the history and countryside of Shropshire, her home for all of her life.
Before World War II she worked as a chemist's assistant at Dawley. During this time she started writing seriously for publication while gathering useful information on medicines that she would draw upon later when tackling crime stories. Her first published novel was Hortensius, friend of Nero (1936), a rather dry tale of martyrdom that was not a great success but she persevered and The city lies foursquare (1939) was much more warmly received.
During the war she worked in an administrative role with the Women's Royal Navy Service in Liverpool, a relatively brief period away from Shropshire, and for her devotion to duty she received the British Empire Medal. Many more novels appeared at this time, including Ordinary people (1941) and She goes to war (1942), the latter based on her own wartime experiences. The eighth champion of Christendom appeared in 1945 and from now on she was able to devote all her time to writing. She was particularly proud of her Heaven tree trilogy, which appeared between 1961 and 1963, which had as a backdrop the English Welsh borderlands in the twelfth century.
It was not until 1951 that she tackled a mystery story with Fallen into the pit, the first appearance of Sergeant George Felse as the investigating police officer. Her other great character, and the one for which the author will continue to be known the world over, Brother Cadfael, was to follow many years later. The first appearance of this monk at Shrewsbury Abbey was in A morbid taste for bones (1977) and he mixed his herbs and unravelled mysteries in this atmospheric setting for a further nineteen novels. This kept the author very busy for the remaining 18 years of her life, to the virtual exclusion of all other work.
The name "Ellis Peters" was adopted by Edith Pargeter to clearly mark a division between her mystery stories and her other work. Her brother was Ellis and Petra was a friend from Czechoslovakia. A frequent visitor to the country, Edith Pargeter had begun her association and deep interest in their culture after meeting Czechoslovakian soldiers during the war. This was to lead to her learning the language translating several books into English.
She won awards for her writing from both the British Crime Writers Association and the Mystery Writers of America. She was also awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), an honorary Masters Degree from Birmingham University and the Gold Medal of the Czechoslovak Society for Foreign Relations. There is a memorial to her in Shrewsbury Abbey.
After her death in October 1995, The Times published a full obituary that declared that here was "a deeply sensitive and perceptive woman....an intensely private and modest person " whose writing was "direct, even a little stilted, matching a self-contained personality".
West Midlands Literary Heritage website biography
Novelist. Born September 1913 at Horsehay, Shropshire. Her father was a clerk at a local ironworks. Edith attended Dawley Church of England School and the Coalbrookdale High School for Girls. Through her mother, she grew to love the history and countryside of Shropshire, her home for all of her life.
Before World War II she worked as a chemist's assistant at Dawley. During this time she started writing seriously for publication while gathering useful information on medicines that she would draw upon later when tackling crime stories. Her first published novel was Hortensius, friend of Nero (1936), a rather dry tale of martyrdom that was not a great success but she persevered and The city lies foursquare (1939) was much more warmly received.
During the war she worked in an administrative role with the Women's Royal Navy Service in Liverpool, a relatively brief period away from Shropshire, and for her devotion to duty she received the British Empire Medal. Many more novels appeared at this time, including Ordinary people (1941) and She goes to war (1942), the latter based on her own wartime experiences. The eighth champion of Christendom appeared in 1945 and from now on she was able to devote all her time to writing. She was particularly proud of her Heaven tree trilogy, which appeared between 1961 and 1963, which had as a backdrop the English Welsh borderlands in the twelfth century.
It was not until 1951 that she tackled a mystery story with Fallen into the pit, the first appearance of Sergeant George Felse as the investigating police officer. Her other great character, and the one for which the author will continue to be known the world over, Brother Cadfael, was to follow many years later. The first appearance of this monk at Shrewsbury Abbey was in A morbid taste for bones (1977) and he mixed his herbs and unravelled mysteries in this atmospheric setting for a further nineteen novels. This kept the author very busy for the remaining 18 years of her life, to the virtual exclusion of all other work.
The name "Ellis Peters" was adopted by Edith Pargeter to clearly mark a division between her mystery stories and her other work. Her brother was Ellis and Petra was a friend from Czechoslovakia. A frequent visitor to the country, Edith Pargeter had begun her association and deep interest in their culture after meeting Czechoslovakian soldiers during the war. This was to lead to her learning the language translating several books into English.
She won awards for her writing from both the British Crime Writers Association and the Mystery Writers of America. She was also awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire), an honorary Masters Degree from Birmingham University and the Gold Medal of the Czechoslovak Society for Foreign Relations. There is a memorial to her in Shrewsbury Abbey.
After her death in October 1995, The Times published a full obituary that declared that here was "a deeply sensitive and perceptive woman....an intensely private and modest person " whose writing was "direct, even a little stilted, matching a self-contained personality".
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
April 7, 2010
This quartet of novels covers much of the same ground as Sharon Kay Penman's Welsh Trilogy (Here be Dragons, Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning). In looking at some of the amazon reviews, it seems that if you are a fan of Pargeter's work, you feel compelled to trivialize Penman. For my part, I enjoyed both these authors. Pargeter wrote these novels some decades ago, while Penman's work is somewhat more recent. I think Pargeter devoted more time to military battles and tactics than Penman. In general, Penman's characterization skills are a bit better, though I think Pargeter succeeded far more in making David a truly complex but ultimately sympathetic man. Penman made far more of Simon de Montfort and his family, devoting all of her 2nd book to that aspect of the overall story. I still cannot remember if Penman portrayed David as a childhood friend of Edward IV, but she did write movingly of a friendship between the elder De Montfort sons with Edward IV, which apparently Pargeter did not believe was authentic or chose to leave out.
August 20, 2008
Well written and well researched but, just couldn't get into this book. I was familiar with the story of Llewellyn the last and his Eleanor from reading Sharon Kay Penman's Welsh trilogy (LOVED IT!!). This book, or rather these four books in one tell a similar tale as SKP's Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning, but I found this version to be a bit dry and dragged in many places.
Part of it may be from telling the story in the first person, thus limiting the story telling to what is observed by that person, loosing a lot of character development. I think also because these were originally written as four smaller books, they might stand better alone with some breathing room in between. Looking at it as one book it could well have stood some serious editing. Also suffering due to the first person account is more about Eleanor except for when Samson the clerk is there, so much of the magic of the tale of Llewellyn and his Eleanor is not told here.
Maybe it's just me, although I usually devour large historical fictions about this time period without hardly taking a breather. This one I could always put down, found myself skipping a lot of pages and praying for the book to end -- how many times did we need to have demonstrated in such great, lengthy detail about the legal manipulations of Edward I?
Part of it may be from telling the story in the first person, thus limiting the story telling to what is observed by that person, loosing a lot of character development. I think also because these were originally written as four smaller books, they might stand better alone with some breathing room in between. Looking at it as one book it could well have stood some serious editing. Also suffering due to the first person account is more about Eleanor except for when Samson the clerk is there, so much of the magic of the tale of Llewellyn and his Eleanor is not told here.
Maybe it's just me, although I usually devour large historical fictions about this time period without hardly taking a breather. This one I could always put down, found myself skipping a lot of pages and praying for the book to end -- how many times did we need to have demonstrated in such great, lengthy detail about the legal manipulations of Edward I?
November 7, 2008
Well..I am giving it four stars for the historical content..but it would be three stars for the way it has been put together. I think that if I had read this book BEFORE I was spoiled rotten by Sharon Kay Penman's welsh series I may have been able to enjoy this more. But knowing what can be done with these facts as in SKP trilogy I kept comparing and being disappointed. When I first started to read it did take me quite a while to get into the way this is written, the words didn't seem to flow for me.
I am glad that I read this but I wouldn't read it again and I would recommend that if you haven't read SKP work yet and plan to read both read this first otherwise you may feel a bit let down.
I am glad that I read this but I wouldn't read it again and I would recommend that if you haven't read SKP work yet and plan to read both read this first otherwise you may feel a bit let down.
June 14, 2010
Edith Pargeter's novel, The Brothers of Gwynedd is comprised of four stories: Sunrise in the West, The Dragon at Noonday, The Hounds of Sunset and Afterglow and Nightfall.
For this review we will be focusing on the first story: Sunrise in the West, which tells the story of Llewelyn ap Grruffyd (also called Llewelyn the Last) of Wales, grandson to Llewelyn the Great, through the eyes of his clerk, friend and closest confidante Samson. Samson is truly an invaluable narrator with his keen sense of insight and candidness. He's a character that you can't help but like immediately and I don't think this novel would have the depth that it does were it written first person. I believe that some people in our lives know us better than we do ourselves and thus can explain it more clearly, so through Samson, I feel I know the real Llewelyn.
Through a series of events including the death of their father and the imprisonment of Llewelyn's mother and brothers at the English court, and with King Henry III encroaching bit by bit into Wales it primarily falls to Llewelyn tohelp unite his country and drive the English out, though he is but the second son, not the heir. Like his grandfather and namesake Llewelyn dreamed of a complete Wales, united under one leader, one Prince.
Opposition to Llewelyn's ambition doesn't just come from afar, but close to home when his brothers take up arms against him and fight for a bigger piece of the Welsh pie. Llewelyn's victory and justice are swiftly dealt and he is now ready to take on King Henry III of England.
I have to admit that when I first started this book my initial feeling was one of confusion. Within the first few pages, I was baffled as to how was who and it doesn't help that they all seem to have the same name. But, hang in there, I promose it all became clear soon enough and there is a family tree to refer to. Pargeter's writing style took a little getting used to with the long sentences, but once you slow down and really savor the words it's quite beautiful and almost prose-like. And there are some excellent quotes throughout, my favorite being:
"So does the impetus of habit continue to carry us when the heart has ceased to put forth any power or passion"
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading The Brothers of Gwynedd....bear in mind that is no light read by an means, however it is an extremely rewarding one! Savor this novel...like you would a fine wine! It is well worth the journey!
*****Reviews on Book 2-4 will be added here as they are written.*****
For this review we will be focusing on the first story: Sunrise in the West, which tells the story of Llewelyn ap Grruffyd (also called Llewelyn the Last) of Wales, grandson to Llewelyn the Great, through the eyes of his clerk, friend and closest confidante Samson. Samson is truly an invaluable narrator with his keen sense of insight and candidness. He's a character that you can't help but like immediately and I don't think this novel would have the depth that it does were it written first person. I believe that some people in our lives know us better than we do ourselves and thus can explain it more clearly, so through Samson, I feel I know the real Llewelyn.
Through a series of events including the death of their father and the imprisonment of Llewelyn's mother and brothers at the English court, and with King Henry III encroaching bit by bit into Wales it primarily falls to Llewelyn tohelp unite his country and drive the English out, though he is but the second son, not the heir. Like his grandfather and namesake Llewelyn dreamed of a complete Wales, united under one leader, one Prince.
Opposition to Llewelyn's ambition doesn't just come from afar, but close to home when his brothers take up arms against him and fight for a bigger piece of the Welsh pie. Llewelyn's victory and justice are swiftly dealt and he is now ready to take on King Henry III of England.
I have to admit that when I first started this book my initial feeling was one of confusion. Within the first few pages, I was baffled as to how was who and it doesn't help that they all seem to have the same name. But, hang in there, I promose it all became clear soon enough and there is a family tree to refer to. Pargeter's writing style took a little getting used to with the long sentences, but once you slow down and really savor the words it's quite beautiful and almost prose-like. And there are some excellent quotes throughout, my favorite being:
"So does the impetus of habit continue to carry us when the heart has ceased to put forth any power or passion"
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading The Brothers of Gwynedd....bear in mind that is no light read by an means, however it is an extremely rewarding one! Savor this novel...like you would a fine wine! It is well worth the journey!
*****Reviews on Book 2-4 will be added here as they are written.*****
June 19, 2017
Whewww; what to post?? I am a very proud Cymraes. (Welshwoman) and anything having to do with the land of my own ancestors is something I want to learn about. This book was one I wanted to read for some time now. I didn't realize when I bought it that this was actually several books put into one. (I bought this on my Kindle). If you are familiar with the "odd" old style language of this timeframe, it wont throw you off too much, though I admit; trying to keep track of the different Welsh locations and various people of the Welsh, whose names are at best; difficult to pronounce; will be a bit of a task for some; because it was for me and I would like to think I am fairly good with this at this point; but; as for the book; if you want to get one (or more) good books on the history of Wales; make this one of them. Sadly, like watching that movie about the Titanic; this just doesn't come out with a happy ending. But; it does give you an idea WHY the Welsh were so hard to subdue and why to this very day, though the country has to accept a prince of England as their Prince of Wales; it also shows how proud and independent a nation Wales is, still. This is a long, long book so if you aren't into a book that has well over 800 pages, you may want to try other authors attempts at the history of this country; Sharon Kay Penman has a series on the Welsh dynasty, also not a short read, but not this long either that will be easier to digest, but; I love a good, well written book on my ancestors and yes indeed; I am of Welsh Royals; we are the decendants of the Owens and Tewdrs (Tudors). (I have to give myself five days off reading, as my Kindle was left behind after our truck caught fire on the freeway, in the middle of my book! had to have it sent to me, couldn't wait to get the truck back to dive back into my book. (yes, its that good).
April 2, 2019
I have long loved the Cadfael books and movies but never knew that Ellis Peters also wrote under another name! Her real name, actually! I read the first of the four books expecting that would do it. It did not do it. I quickly found this giant book (821 pages) containing all four at the library and plowed through. Some of the legal bits were too much for me, but the beauty of her descriptions of the characters, relationships and scenery, the deep goodness and evil of the people involved, was gripping and so inspiring. It made me want to be a better person. Here is one especially powerful quote by Llewelyn,
"It is what I do," said the prince harshly, "not what is done to me, that shows to my credit or my shame. There is only one man born who can humiliate me, and his name is Llewelyn ap Griffith. And I will see to it that he shall not."
"It is what I do," said the prince harshly, "not what is done to me, that shows to my credit or my shame. There is only one man born who can humiliate me, and his name is Llewelyn ap Griffith. And I will see to it that he shall not."
August 28, 2023
Very good and emotional.
After reading the book here be dragons by SPK I found myself very interesting in Welsh history, and I found this novel that explains the end of Wales as an independent Kingdom, is not recent, but is very well researched and well written, I admit that I dislike the fact that it tells and not shows, and we have very very few dialogues that's why Im giving 4 stars, but to be honest it's extremely well done, and it works.
The story is told by Samson, who is the son of a lady in waiting of the lady Senena, the wife of Lord Griffin, who was the eldest but illegitimate son of Llewellyn the great, Samson doesn't know his father, and his mother soon becomes wife to a soldier who mistreats Samson, so his mother sent him to the monks where he is happy and gets education, later he follows his mother to England, and finish following the son of Griffin also named Llewellyn, who was born the same day that Samson and both have a very deep connection, Samson of course is ficticios but he shows the story in a very good manner he has his own issues but to give credit to the author his life doesn't take much of the story and it's interesting, apart of his step father, Samson has a problem because he loves a woman that is married and they can't be together, the story follows the historical record and finish with the death of Llewellyn, but what I like about it is how emotional this is, the betrayals the broken dreams, the love, the unfairness all is so present that I finis this extremely sad 😭😭😭 so very good reading.
After reading the book here be dragons by SPK I found myself very interesting in Welsh history, and I found this novel that explains the end of Wales as an independent Kingdom, is not recent, but is very well researched and well written, I admit that I dislike the fact that it tells and not shows, and we have very very few dialogues that's why Im giving 4 stars, but to be honest it's extremely well done, and it works.
The story is told by Samson, who is the son of a lady in waiting of the lady Senena, the wife of Lord Griffin, who was the eldest but illegitimate son of Llewellyn the great, Samson doesn't know his father, and his mother soon becomes wife to a soldier who mistreats Samson, so his mother sent him to the monks where he is happy and gets education, later he follows his mother to England, and finish following the son of Griffin also named Llewellyn, who was born the same day that Samson and both have a very deep connection, Samson of course is ficticios but he shows the story in a very good manner he has his own issues but to give credit to the author his life doesn't take much of the story and it's interesting, apart of his step father, Samson has a problem because he loves a woman that is married and they can't be together, the story follows the historical record and finish with the death of Llewellyn, but what I like about it is how emotional this is, the betrayals the broken dreams, the love, the unfairness all is so present that I finis this extremely sad 😭😭😭 so very good reading.
November 1, 2022
This is the story of the first true prince of Wales, Llewelyn, grandson of Llewelyn Fawr. I read this quartet and liked it so much that I purchased Sharon Kay Penman's Welsh trilogy to learn even more about these fascinating characters. By comparison, Penman's book are soap operatic although still entertaining. Pargeter is able to paint a dramatic scene with fewer but eloquent words. I found myself crying at the end for people who lived and died 800 years ago. Great storytelling and lyrical writing.
September 21, 2007
This book told me so much about myself and the man I love, it was almost spooky in a completely honorable, truly dignified, romantic way. This is my favorite story of all time.
February 11, 2024
Only got through the first two. I read quite a bit of historical fiction. This was too much of a snoozefest to keep going.
January 31, 2025
A moving, but dense, chronicle of the life of Llewelyn Ap Griffith, the last true prince of Wales, as seen from the eyes of his best friend Samson (a fictional character)
This is definitely a book that’s worth finishing but probably 75% of readers won’t be able to. It’s very very dry. There’s way more descriptions of legal letters than there are of any battles. I like to imagine the Author’s editor begging her to spice it up and her ardently refusing. Still, Pargenter has crafted a very epic medieval saga that brings history to life.
Pargenter’s choice of having it told from the first person appears limiting at first, but in the end it adds to the immersion. While the reader isn’t able to look directly into historical figures’ minds, the reader is drawn into the position of someone who would have actually known the grand figures of the age, and gains an intimate look into what it really would have been like to know these people. Like in real life, the reader is forced to judge the characters by their exteriors while their inner hearts remain a mystery.
It’s easy to forgot that this was written in 1970 and not by an actual chronicler of the time. The narrator’s voice remains consistent across all four novels and Pargenter truly captures the wistfulness of an older man looking back on the triumphs and tragedies of his time. Although it is somewhat lacking in action, the content rings true as to what the narrator character actually would write about these events.
The beating heart of this book is the relationship between Llewelyn and his brother David. Whereas Llewelyn is steadfast, honest, and simple, David is restless, cunning, and complex, but the reader comes to love them both. They had a long and tortured relationship filled with betrayal and reconciliation, that moved me deeply. Llewelyn is easy to admire as a heroic figure, but David’s complexity and weakness makes him the breakout character. If you like books featuring engaging familial relationships this is one of the best.
This book takes an honest look at the world and acknowledges that the evil most often triumph over the good, but the author’s open handed admiration of honor and righteousness is inspiring. It serves as a good reminder that even if the game of life is rigged, it is still worth playing fairly.
With the book covering so many years and events it’s hard to give a review accurately covering all its flaws and successes. If you like character driven historical fiction and can stand portions being more history than fiction you should read it. I’d recommend giving the first book a shot and if you read to the scene of the snowy cabin and aren’t gripped, you probably won’t enjoy continuing.
This is definitely a book that’s worth finishing but probably 75% of readers won’t be able to. It’s very very dry. There’s way more descriptions of legal letters than there are of any battles. I like to imagine the Author’s editor begging her to spice it up and her ardently refusing. Still, Pargenter has crafted a very epic medieval saga that brings history to life.
Pargenter’s choice of having it told from the first person appears limiting at first, but in the end it adds to the immersion. While the reader isn’t able to look directly into historical figures’ minds, the reader is drawn into the position of someone who would have actually known the grand figures of the age, and gains an intimate look into what it really would have been like to know these people. Like in real life, the reader is forced to judge the characters by their exteriors while their inner hearts remain a mystery.
It’s easy to forgot that this was written in 1970 and not by an actual chronicler of the time. The narrator’s voice remains consistent across all four novels and Pargenter truly captures the wistfulness of an older man looking back on the triumphs and tragedies of his time. Although it is somewhat lacking in action, the content rings true as to what the narrator character actually would write about these events.
The beating heart of this book is the relationship between Llewelyn and his brother David. Whereas Llewelyn is steadfast, honest, and simple, David is restless, cunning, and complex, but the reader comes to love them both. They had a long and tortured relationship filled with betrayal and reconciliation, that moved me deeply. Llewelyn is easy to admire as a heroic figure, but David’s complexity and weakness makes him the breakout character. If you like books featuring engaging familial relationships this is one of the best.
This book takes an honest look at the world and acknowledges that the evil most often triumph over the good, but the author’s open handed admiration of honor and righteousness is inspiring. It serves as a good reminder that even if the game of life is rigged, it is still worth playing fairly.
With the book covering so many years and events it’s hard to give a review accurately covering all its flaws and successes. If you like character driven historical fiction and can stand portions being more history than fiction you should read it. I’d recommend giving the first book a shot and if you read to the scene of the snowy cabin and aren’t gripped, you probably won’t enjoy continuing.
May 23, 2024
Slow reading , more historical than historical fiction
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May 19, 2013Thoughtful and evocative quartet of novels telling the powerful story of Llewellyn ap Griffith, last prince of independent Wales, and his mercurial brother David.
Review of Sunrise in the West: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/s...
Review of The Dragon At Noonday: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/d...
Review of The Hounds of Sunset: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/h...
Review of Afterglow and Nightfall: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/a...
Review of Sunrise in the West: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/s...
Review of The Dragon At Noonday: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/d...
Review of The Hounds of Sunset: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/h...
Review of Afterglow and Nightfall: http://www.carlanayland.org/reviews/a...
March 31, 2014
I'm a fan of Sharon Kay Penman, but this is a good version of the story told from the Wales point of view. The writing is superb, took a bit to get used to the style, but very nicely done. Could use more editing as some things didn't convert well from an older version. Saw quite a few Ring Henry instead of King Henry among other such errors.
September 10, 2013
Excellent historical fiction! I've been reading Sharon Kay Penman's books of the same period and find Ms. Pargeter's books just as good with less violence, so I am able to recommend it to my wife.
November 15, 2024
There is one glaring inconsistency with Samson’s love story with Cristin that I noticed which really set me off. I was very annoyed! Other than that, I really loved her novel. Four books is long, and I have to say that she detailed everything to the point that I skipped through by speed reading a few dull, parts, not many, but a few. Equally, i underlined and journaled a number of passages that really resounded with me. Like this, “When you have half my years…you will have learned that where the human heart is concerned there is nothing strange in inconsistency. Only what is too consistent is strange.” She is a poetic writer full of profound sayings. I really connected with the princes and the Welsh in this tale. I also came to loath Edward Longshanks beyond measure! I had previously read Sharon Kay Penman’s Welsh Trilogy books. Both stories and writers are great! SKP and Edith Pargeter’s stories are equally strong, and I liked them for different reason and I don’t think one is better than the other. I was captivated by SKP’s first and last books especially. EP’s books I read altogether as one book. She does not recount Llewelyn Fawr’s history, like SKP does. Also, I noticed how differently she treated David from SKPs version of him. I found EP’s portrayal more conceivable. I think he was a headstrong and bright youth. A self starter who tended to stir the pot. As he matured, he became aware of his mistakes and his power —how far it could and couldn’t reach…and as well, where his heart lay. Lewellyn, like his grandfather, was a remarkable person and in both versions, he was a steadfast and honorable leader, whom the Welsh can be proud to claim! I can see how Camelot, and other magically infused stories that this land inspires came to be. Wales is an enchanting land and so are its people. There is definitely a huge spot in my heart now for Cymraeg!
January 1, 2024
I realize these are novels, and I don't know just how much Pargeter had to create in terms of characters and details of events, but I feel like I know a piece of history now that I knew nothing of before. It was slow going sometimes, especially in the first two of the four books, and if I weren't determined to finish the books I start I might have given up. There was just so much detail, and so much activity that didn't seem to really move things along much. Finally once Eleanor came into the story it got me wanting to keep reading to see what came next. Of course I knew in general how it would end, even without having known anything much about Llewelyn or David, but the ending was not drawn out too much, and the ending was fairly satisfying.
August 13, 2024
As a fan of historical novels, these four were right up my alley. A story of a 12th century Prince of Wales, and the constant warfare and betrayal by English kings, it’s a glimpse at the early colonizing by the British, and the distinct lands and culture of Wales. Add to that a soupçon of romance, the discord among royal families, and you have a good historical tale. Told through the eyes of Simon, his own story a parallel to the Prince, and born on the same day, it adds another layer of interest in how people of that time were educated and lived. But the language references language of that time, so beware if that’s not your cup of tea!
September 24, 2022
I'm finished with the book but I haven't finished the book. I almost always finish books no matter how much I dislike them. I've tried several times to get through this one and just can't. I love Welsh mythology and historical fiction from this period. I have also very much enjoyed reading Pargeter's other books. I don't know what it is about this one that just makes it interminable. Nonetheless, it falls into that tiny category of books I haven't completed.
August 10, 2023
An epic, a tour de force! This is 4 novels in one. Over 1100 pages but worth the read. Years ago I spent a month in Wales and so am familiar with some of the places named, albeit over 800 years ago. Great! Historical novel. This novel has battles, romance, brotherly affection and betrayal and so much more. More. For those not familiar with Wales, I would suggest having a map of Wales close at hand when reading this novel.
August 14, 2020
I'll have to read it again. I read it 21 years ago. I'm a big fan of Sharon Kay Penman, but I was devouring anything and everything Wales back in 1999. I took the train from London to Bangor, and then a taxi to Caernarfon... in November of '99. Then returned in the spring, loved it so much! So yes, I like Edith Pargeter's books. Also her pen name Ellis Peters books as well.
September 10, 2020
Excellent description of the varied landscapes. The story follows historical events, which makes it laboured in places. Llewelyn takes second place to Simon de Montfort for much of this section, of which the ending is a hard read. However, Edith Pargeter draws the threads together to leave us with a good conclusion.
July 15, 2022
Edith Pargeter writes beautifully, but for me a little too beautifully. I found myself often skimming through the detailed descriptions to get on with the story. She tells the history very well and it is powerful history but the story ended too abruptly. Her characters didn't have enough story of their own.
June 11, 2023
Brilliant narrative in a historical context
This period of Welsh history has always seemed very complicated with the princes, changing sides and allegiances throughout amidst Edward’s greed and treachery. The quartet helps explain the relationships in a gripping and exciting storyline.
This period of Welsh history has always seemed very complicated with the princes, changing sides and allegiances throughout amidst Edward’s greed and treachery. The quartet helps explain the relationships in a gripping and exciting storyline.
July 31, 2019
The true Prince of Wales
Wonderful and well written. Anyone who loves Wales and the people need to read this book. Brave and fearless then and now. England did the wrong. So much wrong to a proud and beautiful land.
Wonderful and well written. Anyone who loves Wales and the people need to read this book. Brave and fearless then and now. England did the wrong. So much wrong to a proud and beautiful land.
August 30, 2017
This is a gorgeous portrayal of 13th century Wales.
February 20, 2019
Excellent writing and incredibly detailed. There were times it sort of plodded along, but the perspective of the clerk to the Prince of Wales made for an interesting narration.
August 26, 2019
This book absoluletly wonder ful.
January 10, 2022
A history of Llewelyn the Last, defeated by Edward I Longshanks, contemporary and ally of Simon de Montfort
April 28, 2023
A great story of Medieval Wales
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