The Dead King

The Norman Invasion #1

by A.V. Arms

The year is 1066. The Duke of Normandy has arrived on English soil, quickly quashing any uprising from the native Saxons and wresting the crown from King Harold. The men of Tresche are a strong Saxon family. Made up mostly of bastards, the men are warriors from the moment they are old enough to hold a wooden sword in their tiny hands. Nothing could prepare them for the army of Duke William, and nothing could prepare them for the losses they suffer at the Battle of Hastings. They are left with only their memories of the past as they embark on a journey to bring the shattered pieces of their lives, and their family, back together. AUTHOR’S This book includes graphic scenes of violence that depicts a dark time in history. Historically, before he became King of England, William the Bastard secured his duchy by gouging out the eyes and cutting off the hands and feet of his prisoners. He then catapulted them into the town of Alencon, whose barons were not accepting of him as a nobleman. This is a story of a family William seeks vengeance upon. Though this book and the full three book series falls under the romance genre, this is not a typical romance of fairy tales and happily ever afters.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 23, 2019

About the author

I love historical fiction!!!
I like to write about strong women trying to overcome extraordinary odds. Though women have been repressed in history, it does not mean they were not strong and outspoken. They found ways to have a voice, whether whispering in a man’s ear or taking up the sword herself. Women shaped history even more than men because those men would not exist without the strong woman that brought them into the world.
Historical fiction is a great way to honor those who came before us. Our ancestors built great civilizations. They had to experience pain, lose loved ones, and survive countless adversities and suffering that most of us cannot imagine. They were fighters, males and females alike. Through their suffering, despite betrayals, murders, and corruption of one another, they carried on. Significant figures have led humanity while staving off those who might have led society into hell. These stalwart ancestors are my inspiration for the characters I create.
Without stories, ghosts of our ancestors would be exorcised. Those who fought, good and evil, have lessons to teach. We should not judge the people of the past to today’s standards. It is unfair to view how people reacted to situations around them within the constraints and prejudices of their time. I try to remember this while researching the past and recreating it.

Reviews

[Karen Wrobel · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a Goodreads giveaway. I’m not quite sure what to do with this book. I cared enough about the characters to want to know what happens to them, but I’m not sure that is enough to make me want to read the next installment. It’s an easy read, a little slow in places, and could’ve used a bit more editing, but my biggest issue was some of the historical ‘accuracy’. Yes, I understand, things were brutal in those days. Just the same, I thought some of the ‘historically accurate’ scenes crossed the line between history and poor taste and were just unnecessary. The author bills this as essentially a love story. The level of violence and just plain old gore negates that.

[Grace Abens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saw this book had a great review on Amazon. I read it and came here to rate but saw one star and I'm not sure why unless the reader just didn't like the genre. It is definitely not your typical happy ever after romance. I couldn't put it down. It's a part of a trilogy and can't wait to start the second book.

[Susan Burlew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is well written and I got caught up in the story right away. I could not finish because some of the scenes are brutal. The author does warn about this and it's historically accurate. It's a good story if you can get past that

[Harriett Edmonds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a well written book with a great story reminiscent of Game of Thrones (minutes the paranormal). I recommend to anyone that likes historical fiction. It has violence, but the story is definitely a romance.

[Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It has action, tragedy, heartbreak, and war. Not for the faint of heart.