The Pretend King

The Norman Invasion #2

by A.V. Arms

The battle ground at Hastings has fallen quiet. The only sound that is heard over the murders of her surviving countrymen, is the voice of her brother, “Run!” Ash flees as the life she knows is ripped from her. She must find a way to survive as the army of Duke William spreads like a plague across England. Will she ever see her brothers again? What will be left of their home once William is crowned? 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

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 28, 2020

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

[Christine Polli · Rating 3 out of 5]

**I received this Kindle book from goodreads giveaways**

I gave this book 3 stars because over all the story was good. I don't usually read books out of order but had to get this one read for the giveaway. I will probably read the third one so I can find out what happens to Ash and Caine's daughters. It is an easy read and flows well most of the time. I would have liked to see less repetition while Ash is in the camps and perhaps more with the characters.

I would give this book a 2 for grammar, spelling and incorrect word choice. I have seen comments about other kindle stories, so I don't know if there is something that gets messed up in translation but the mistakes in the writing of this book drove me crazy. The repetitive statement about Ash putting her hands on her hips or cocking her hip was just annoying and thankfully ended. For an author who works in journalism, these mistakes should not have been made in word choice/spelling (the correct words are in parentheses): immerging (emerging); dawned (donned); foot ware (footwear); road-wary (road weary-several times); their (there); she would, not walk alone (no comma needed); sat and sit (set; happened much too often); winch? (wench?); raised my brothers and I (me). These are just the ones I highlighted.

As to the historical fiction designation, it just skims that category. I wouldn't say there was much about the history of the time. Including more historical details could have enriched the story more.

My husband read it before I did and he liked it as well. It isn't a grand literary work, but it is interesting enough to keep your attention.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book of the series I could not wait to see what happened to the family. Since I love a good book with a strong female this book was perfect for me! Ash fought, she mourned, she raged, she was a human stuck in war. I can't wait to read the final book.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a difficult read for me. Without the first book in the series, it took me some time to get into the story and then I found myself distracted by the brutality and horrible setting. It was well written, seemed to be historically accurate and certainly had an interesting plot. Ash was magnificent and I really wish there had not so much left at the end. But, this is a book that eventually captivated me and I'll look for the next one.
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway for this honest review.

[Grace Abens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great second part to a trilogy. Anxiously waiting for the final book to find out if the family is reunited or if they're all dead.