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The King's Jewel
Wales, 1093.
The warm, comfortable family life of young Nesta, daughter of Prince Rhys of Deheubarth is destroyed when her father is killed and she is taken hostage. Her honor is further tarnished when she is taken as an unwilling concubine by King William's ruthless younger brother Henry, who later ascends the throne under suspicious circumstances.
Gerald FitzWalter, an ambitious young knight is rewarded for his unwavering loyalty to his new King with Nesta's hand in marriage. He is delighted, having always admired her from afar, but Nesta's only comfort is her return to her beloved Wales where cannot help but be tempted by the handsome, charismatic and dangerous son of the Welsh prince, Owain. When he offers her the chance to join him in his plan to overthrow Norman rule she must choose between her duty and her desire . . .
The warm, comfortable family life of young Nesta, daughter of Prince Rhys of Deheubarth is destroyed when her father is killed and she is taken hostage. Her honor is further tarnished when she is taken as an unwilling concubine by King William's ruthless younger brother Henry, who later ascends the throne under suspicious circumstances.
Gerald FitzWalter, an ambitious young knight is rewarded for his unwavering loyalty to his new King with Nesta's hand in marriage. He is delighted, having always admired her from afar, but Nesta's only comfort is her return to her beloved Wales where cannot help but be tempted by the handsome, charismatic and dangerous son of the Welsh prince, Owain. When he offers her the chance to join him in his plan to overthrow Norman rule she must choose between her duty and her desire . . .
512 pages, Hardcover
First published April 13, 2023
250 people are currently reading
1380 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Chadwick
48 books3,262 followersBest selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the landmark historical novels of the last ten years.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
December 19, 2024
I feel protective of Nesta, heroine of THE KING'S JEWEL. Like the Nesta in the ACOTAR series, she is prickly, proud, and prone to making decisions that hurt her as much as they hurt others...but I feel like I want to shield her from the readers who will just dismiss her as "unlikeable" and ask "why can't she just see what a good thing she has in front of her?"
Nesta is a real woman from history: a Welsh princess who, upon her father's death in a raid, was taken hostage by the English. She lived as a captive when the rest of her family and her home was wrenched away, she was made mistress to the future King Henry I (likely with very little choice of her own in the matter), she bore him a son, then was married off to one of his vassals: Gerald, a Norman lord who is also granted her father's old lands and manor to govern. Gerald is a stroke of luck for Nesta; he values her right from the start and takes her back to her childhood home where he rules and she is now Lady of the lands her family once governed. Gerald loves her, consults her, treats her well...and there will be those who get impatient when Nesta continues to regard him coolly, and turns toward the Welsh prince who tempts her with the one thing she hasn't had since about the age of 10: a choice.
I get it. Yes, she got lucky in her husband and ends up landing in a plum spot. Yes, she has a good thing right in front of her. But so what? She still asked for none of it: to be taken hostage, to lose her home and family, to be victimized by a king, or to be married off to someone not of her choosing once he got tired of her. Nesta is a shining example of a woman who struggles--really struggles--to find happiness when choice has been almost entirely removed from her. She is not happy about this, and why should she be? History says these are the things that happened to women, and folks frequently say "well, women learned to make the best of it." Yes, they did. They had to. But Nesta shows it often didn't happen without a lot of anguished soul-searching, a lot of teeth-grinding, and a lot of rage and resentment. The happy ending she earns for herself is lovely--this is a terrific read from the always-terrific Elizabeth Chadwick.
Nesta is a real woman from history: a Welsh princess who, upon her father's death in a raid, was taken hostage by the English. She lived as a captive when the rest of her family and her home was wrenched away, she was made mistress to the future King Henry I (likely with very little choice of her own in the matter), she bore him a son, then was married off to one of his vassals: Gerald, a Norman lord who is also granted her father's old lands and manor to govern. Gerald is a stroke of luck for Nesta; he values her right from the start and takes her back to her childhood home where he rules and she is now Lady of the lands her family once governed. Gerald loves her, consults her, treats her well...and there will be those who get impatient when Nesta continues to regard him coolly, and turns toward the Welsh prince who tempts her with the one thing she hasn't had since about the age of 10: a choice.
I get it. Yes, she got lucky in her husband and ends up landing in a plum spot. Yes, she has a good thing right in front of her. But so what? She still asked for none of it: to be taken hostage, to lose her home and family, to be victimized by a king, or to be married off to someone not of her choosing once he got tired of her. Nesta is a shining example of a woman who struggles--really struggles--to find happiness when choice has been almost entirely removed from her. She is not happy about this, and why should she be? History says these are the things that happened to women, and folks frequently say "well, women learned to make the best of it." Yes, they did. They had to. But Nesta shows it often didn't happen without a lot of anguished soul-searching, a lot of teeth-grinding, and a lot of rage and resentment. The happy ending she earns for herself is lovely--this is a terrific read from the always-terrific Elizabeth Chadwick.
August 13, 2023
Read: 8/12/23
3.5 stars
This wasn't as good as EC's other books. I was a little disappointed 😞 Thats probably bc I love her books so much.
The romance was almost nonexistent, but the history was well researched as always.
The h wasn't that likable. She has a husband who adored her, and she cheated on him with another man. It was hard to forgive her even if I understood why she felt the way she did. Personally, I'd take Gerald any day.
Again, the historical aspect was great. It was fascinating to know these characters were real people. I think I enjoyed the author's notes more than the story.
3.5 stars
This wasn't as good as EC's other books. I was a little disappointed 😞 Thats probably bc I love her books so much.
The romance was almost nonexistent, but the history was well researched as always.
The h wasn't that likable. She has a husband who adored her, and she cheated on him with another man. It was hard to forgive her even if I understood why she felt the way she did. Personally, I'd take Gerald any day.
Again, the historical aspect was great. It was fascinating to know these characters were real people. I think I enjoyed the author's notes more than the story.
September 1, 2024
Love, love Elizabeth Chadwick’s writing. This was an amazing story. A real page turner. It is the story of Nesta who became a mistress of Henry I.
Nesta as a young girl is taken hostage after the death of her father Prince Rhys of Deheubarth. Henry the younger brother of the king catches her eye. She eventually gives Henry a son and is married to Gerald Fitzwalter. Nesta is never happy after leaving her homeland of Wales. Along comes Prince Owain, of Wales who gives her an opportunity to leave Gerald and help him rule Wales. What will Nesta do?
This was a beautifully written story, very well researched. It is a gem of a story.
Nesta as a young girl is taken hostage after the death of her father Prince Rhys of Deheubarth. Henry the younger brother of the king catches her eye. She eventually gives Henry a son and is married to Gerald Fitzwalter. Nesta is never happy after leaving her homeland of Wales. Along comes Prince Owain, of Wales who gives her an opportunity to leave Gerald and help him rule Wales. What will Nesta do?
This was a beautifully written story, very well researched. It is a gem of a story.
April 24, 2024
Who can resist historical fiction filled with Welsh names and traditions and wars for 99 cents? I couldn't. But it does take a good deal of attention unless familiar with all those Welsh characters to begin with. Chadwick succeeds in keeping all that history interesting.
September 29, 2023
A solid, engaging, thought-through medieval historical fiction. Like always with Elizabeth Chadwick.
The love story of Nesta and Gerald didn't take my breath away (like a few others by the author). Yet, their marriage was complex, deep, and in the end, the painted picture of it was very satisfying.
I didn't root for Nesta - it was hard to like her hatred and her "narrow vision". Nonetheless, she was real. Her personality fitted to the times. Mrs Chadwick deserves prizes for her creations.
Like always with medieval historical fiction, I got many times confused by persons (they loved to use the same names) and places. But it doesn't matter much. I am always too gripped by the plot to mind it.
Elizabeth Chadwick writes about begone times, in a very different world, yet her historical (and fictional) characters are real and like us.
[4.5 stars]
The love story of Nesta and Gerald didn't take my breath away (like a few others by the author). Yet, their marriage was complex, deep, and in the end, the painted picture of it was very satisfying.
I didn't root for Nesta - it was hard to like her hatred and her "narrow vision". Nonetheless, she was real. Her personality fitted to the times. Mrs Chadwick deserves prizes for her creations.
Like always with medieval historical fiction, I got many times confused by persons (they loved to use the same names) and places. But it doesn't matter much. I am always too gripped by the plot to mind it.
Elizabeth Chadwick writes about begone times, in a very different world, yet her historical (and fictional) characters are real and like us.
[4.5 stars]
February 19, 2023
Nesta is a woman like no other. You want to be her friend and then give her a swift kick in the butt at times. Elizabeth Chadwick has a way of bringing her words to life as well as her characters. The story is well paced and is very well rounded in character development. I'm a huge fan of this author and hope she continues to write about lesser known historical women. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 12, 2025
I have heard of Nesta, so a whole book about her was interesting. She was born a Welsh princess, but then the Normans killed her father. Her brother fled to Ireland and she ended up a hostage. Later she became a unwilling mistress to Henry I. Women had no say at all. After giving Henry a son he saw fit to give her away in marriage to a Norman Lord residing in her old home.
So yes she was used and discarded, and she did the best she could. She knew she was only a chess piece and at least here she grew to care for her husband. But her story did not end there, instead she was later called the Helen of Wales. Because there is this handsome Welsh prince....
Fascinating and Chadwick tells it so well. History in the eyes of a woman. Also Nesta´s bloodlines lives on. She was not erased from history.
So yes she was used and discarded, and she did the best she could. She knew she was only a chess piece and at least here she grew to care for her husband. But her story did not end there, instead she was later called the Helen of Wales. Because there is this handsome Welsh prince....
Fascinating and Chadwick tells it so well. History in the eyes of a woman. Also Nesta´s bloodlines lives on. She was not erased from history.
November 8, 2024
The story of Nesta and Gerald in the 12th century Wales, carefully researched and written like no one else can write British history, kept me reading for hours! This is the time period of Henry I and follows a timeline that shares political and social history. I loved living medieval days through the eyes of Nesta. For those who would want to know, sexual content is high but a very relevant part of the story. Her cycles and pregnancies and desires and hygiene show us what it was really like for women without the conveniences we have today.
How did she avoid a baby while in captivity as a mistress to King Henry?, who by the way had 21 illegitimate children and just two by marriage!
Where all these people in history went on to take their place in the records is shared in the authors notes. Genealogy tells us their descendants lead all the way to John F. Kennedy! Fascinating and enjoyable read.
How did she avoid a baby while in captivity as a mistress to King Henry?, who by the way had 21 illegitimate children and just two by marriage!
Where all these people in history went on to take their place in the records is shared in the authors notes. Genealogy tells us their descendants lead all the way to John F. Kennedy! Fascinating and enjoyable read.
December 27, 2024
While the book was undeniably captivating, some passages felt slightly overburdened with detail, occasionally slowing the pace. And I wish a few secondary characters could have been fleshed out more to add depth to the story. But overall, The King’s Jewel was a thoroughly enjoyable read that fans of early Welsh/English historical fiction will savor. Chadwick’s talent for storytelling and her dedication to authenticity made this a standout and I highly recommended for anyone seeking a transporting and immersive historical adventure.
January 21, 2025
Very well written, did not know much about Nesta before reading this
March 5, 2023
Elizabeth Chadwick has done it again! What an amazing story. Her writing makes you feel like you are standing right next to Nesta and Gerald as they live their lives in the 1100's. She brings her characters to life, warts and all so you definitely understand the motivations for what they do. The King's Jewel will certainly be in my top 10 books for 2023 and in the top 10 of all of Elizabeth's books. I have read all but one. Very strongly recommended!
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and the publishers. All thoughts about the book are entirely my own.
I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and the publishers. All thoughts about the book are entirely my own.
March 25, 2025
Once again I love historical fiction. So well written and so flowed so well. Only have to give it four because I feel like the message was kinda weird - like it's probably for the best to fall in love with a man who conquered your country and killed your father.
June 14, 2025
The King’s Jewel is a biographical novel on Princess Nest ferch Rhys. Princess Nesta’s father, Prince Rhys al Tewdwr is killed and her Welsh kingdom is invaded by Normans. Princess Nesta is captured and becomes the mistress of Prince Henry of Normandy (who later becomes King Henry I of England). Once Princess Nesta bears Prince Henry a son, Prince Henry discards her and marries her to the Norman lord, Gerald de Windsor. With the new marriage, Princess Nesta is back in her own kingdom where she reigns as a Norman lady. However, her peaceful life soon changes when she becomes infatuated with the Welsh prince, Owain ap Cadwgan.
Before reading The King’s Jewel, I have never heard of Princess Nest ferch Rhys. Therefore, I found Princess Nest’s story to be very fascinating. While I found Nesta’s story to be very interesting, I did not find Nesta to be a likable character. In fact, I found her to be very cold. Initially, I liked her and sympathized with her because she experienced a lot of trauma. When she became infatuated with Owain, she made many foolish choices and became very cruel to her loving husband. Nesta was very entitled and selfish. She had no redeeming qualities. Instead of wishing that she would have a happy marriage with Gerald, I hoped that she would get her just desserts. The book also tried to portray Nesta to be a major political player. While Nesta tries to be manipulative, she was mostly a pawn to be used by powerful men.
Overall, this book is about marriage, choices, and survival. While I did not like Nesta, I thought the other characters were well developed. I strongly disliked the reckless Owain, and I could not wait for him to get his own comeuppance. I liked her gentle husband, Gerald, who loved her deeply and did everything he could to make his wife happy. I also liked how Mrs. Chadwick makes medieval Wales come alive. I thought she had a good understanding of Welsh politics during Princess Nesta’s time. She perfectly portrayed the infighting amongst the Welsh that allowed the Normans to invade and conquer their kingdom. Overall, The King Jewel is a very mesmerizing novel that reads like a soap opera! There is betrayal, treachery, and scandal! The story was also very fast-paced, and I found it hard to put down! I recommend this novel for fans of Anne O’Brien, Carol McGrath, and Patricia Bracewell!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
Before reading The King’s Jewel, I have never heard of Princess Nest ferch Rhys. Therefore, I found Princess Nest’s story to be very fascinating. While I found Nesta’s story to be very interesting, I did not find Nesta to be a likable character. In fact, I found her to be very cold. Initially, I liked her and sympathized with her because she experienced a lot of trauma. When she became infatuated with Owain, she made many foolish choices and became very cruel to her loving husband. Nesta was very entitled and selfish. She had no redeeming qualities. Instead of wishing that she would have a happy marriage with Gerald, I hoped that she would get her just desserts. The book also tried to portray Nesta to be a major political player. While Nesta tries to be manipulative, she was mostly a pawn to be used by powerful men.
Overall, this book is about marriage, choices, and survival. While I did not like Nesta, I thought the other characters were well developed. I strongly disliked the reckless Owain, and I could not wait for him to get his own comeuppance. I liked her gentle husband, Gerald, who loved her deeply and did everything he could to make his wife happy. I also liked how Mrs. Chadwick makes medieval Wales come alive. I thought she had a good understanding of Welsh politics during Princess Nesta’s time. She perfectly portrayed the infighting amongst the Welsh that allowed the Normans to invade and conquer their kingdom. Overall, The King Jewel is a very mesmerizing novel that reads like a soap opera! There is betrayal, treachery, and scandal! The story was also very fast-paced, and I found it hard to put down! I recommend this novel for fans of Anne O’Brien, Carol McGrath, and Patricia Bracewell!
(Note: I read an ARC copy of this book in courtesy of Netgalley.)
September 21, 2023
One of Ms.Chadwick’s Best Novels Yet!
I found the story of Nesta and Gerald, to be such a refreshing, fascinating read! As a long time fan of Elizabeth Chadwicks’s books I feel that this one is one of the very best ! The story grabbed me from the first few pages and it only got better as the pages were turned!
Now - when will her next book (maybe even hopefully more about Wales?!) be released? I am ready to read more!
I found the story of Nesta and Gerald, to be such a refreshing, fascinating read! As a long time fan of Elizabeth Chadwicks’s books I feel that this one is one of the very best ! The story grabbed me from the first few pages and it only got better as the pages were turned!
Now - when will her next book (maybe even hopefully more about Wales?!) be released? I am ready to read more!
February 24, 2025
This was my first Elizabeth Chadwick read, and it will not be my last! This story reminded me of a Sharon Kay Penman novel, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much! I didn't want to put this book down. I love this era in history, and I especially appreciate the Welsh aspect. I am looking forward to reading the two other Elizabeth Chadwick novels I downloaded on my Kindle. I plan on reading one on my second trip to England.
November 18, 2024
Loved this book the first time now re reading.
April 22, 2023
Before reading The King’s Jewel, I knew nothing about medieval Wales. I do vaguely remember learning about the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This was when William, duke of Normandy — aka William the Conqueror — invaded England and became the king of England. William gradually expanded his territory into Wales, as did his first son who succeeded him, William Rufus. The environment of this story is mostly during the reign of the next king, William Rufus’ brother, Henry I.
Chadwick does a brilliant job of bringing to life Wales in the late 11th and early 12th century, when King Henry’s Normans were invading and taking control of more Welsh territory. She clearly did a ton of research and it paid off. The world of the book felt real and I was immersed in it. I enjoyed the complex politics in this story, but Chadwick’s writing style is very accessible. It’s not difficult to follow the plot at all. At the very beginning, I did have to work hard to keep track of all the characters but it didn’t take long for me to have a grasp on all of them. The list of characters at the beginning was appreciated!
I also really appreciated the author’s note about the documented history, where she made educated guesses, and where she filled in the gaps in the historical record with her imagination. This novel has left me wanting to know more about the Welsh history of the time. One of the things I love about historical fiction is its ability to transport readers to another time and place, and to learn something while reading a great story!
One of the challenges with writing fiction about historical women is that, sadly, they often had minimal agency and control over their own lives. Things happened to them, often with them having very little say in the matter. That’s certainly true in this book. Lots of things happen to our main character, the Welsh princess, Nesta. Her father is killed, she’s abducted, taken as a concubine, raped, married off, moved around from place to place like chattel (albeit precious chattel), and so on. She makes very few of her own decisions. But the couple of big ones she DOES make are doozies! No spoilers here, though, don’t worry.
Despite Nesta’s relative lack of agency, we feel her passion for Wales and the Welsh people. Just as intensely, we feel her fiery hatred for the Norman invaders. We sympathize when she experiences the difficulty of hating an enemy as a group (the Normans), but admiring and even feeling affection for specific individuals in that group. And vice versa. She’s torn between loving her “own people” (the Welsh) and realizing that some individuals in that group are opportunistic trouble-makers or otherwise undeserving of her loyalty. My favourite aspect of The King’s Jewel is this exploration of the tension between personal and political loyalties.
Many thanks to Mobius Books for an advance copy of this book, which was published on April 18th. The thoughts in this review are entirely my own.
Chadwick does a brilliant job of bringing to life Wales in the late 11th and early 12th century, when King Henry’s Normans were invading and taking control of more Welsh territory. She clearly did a ton of research and it paid off. The world of the book felt real and I was immersed in it. I enjoyed the complex politics in this story, but Chadwick’s writing style is very accessible. It’s not difficult to follow the plot at all. At the very beginning, I did have to work hard to keep track of all the characters but it didn’t take long for me to have a grasp on all of them. The list of characters at the beginning was appreciated!
I also really appreciated the author’s note about the documented history, where she made educated guesses, and where she filled in the gaps in the historical record with her imagination. This novel has left me wanting to know more about the Welsh history of the time. One of the things I love about historical fiction is its ability to transport readers to another time and place, and to learn something while reading a great story!
One of the challenges with writing fiction about historical women is that, sadly, they often had minimal agency and control over their own lives. Things happened to them, often with them having very little say in the matter. That’s certainly true in this book. Lots of things happen to our main character, the Welsh princess, Nesta. Her father is killed, she’s abducted, taken as a concubine, raped, married off, moved around from place to place like chattel (albeit precious chattel), and so on. She makes very few of her own decisions. But the couple of big ones she DOES make are doozies! No spoilers here, though, don’t worry.
Despite Nesta’s relative lack of agency, we feel her passion for Wales and the Welsh people. Just as intensely, we feel her fiery hatred for the Norman invaders. We sympathize when she experiences the difficulty of hating an enemy as a group (the Normans), but admiring and even feeling affection for specific individuals in that group. And vice versa. She’s torn between loving her “own people” (the Welsh) and realizing that some individuals in that group are opportunistic trouble-makers or otherwise undeserving of her loyalty. My favourite aspect of The King’s Jewel is this exploration of the tension between personal and political loyalties.
Many thanks to Mobius Books for an advance copy of this book, which was published on April 18th. The thoughts in this review are entirely my own.
March 13, 2025
It felt so good to be reading Elizabeth Chadwick again. She really encapsulates medieval life so well and there are few authors who can match her skill - her research is always outstanding and she knows her genre exceptionally. I always enjoy her historical notes at the end, which provide a really good sense of how much of the story she puts together from chronicles and research and how she adds in the fictional parts to ensure everything more or less fits into the recorded timeline.
Her writing is always so absorbing and easy to fall into as she brings castle life alive.
Nesta’s story was fascinating and her courage and fortitude through the loss of her family, abduction, rape and time spent as King Henry I’s concubine, her removal to Woodstock to live with the other concubines who produced illegitimate children for the king and her marriage to Gerald, all in a few short years, is a haunting and compelling example of how women were treated during such times.
She spent her life with Gerald torn between hatred for the Normans and yet recognising he was a truly gentle and loving man, who allowed her to be lady of her ancestral home and to bring their children up with a Welsh influence even though they were half-Norman.
Her time spent enraptured by the wild and violent Owain ap Cadwgan left a lasting effect on her life and despite knowing he would never give her the wealth and comforts Gerald did, she struggled with her hatred of the Normans who killed her father and the disturbing fire Owain ignited within her.
It is a tale of how a medieval woman endeavoured to cling to her Welsh birthright as a princess of Dyfed had to capitulate and find a way to accept the Norman rule so that her children could find a decent future.
From the historical notes, I found it interesting to read what became of her children and the link to my favourite historical knight, marshal and regent Chadwick has brought alive through many of her books - William Marshall.
A grandson of Nesta’s became a very famous chronicler of Welsh history and further descendants married into the family of JFK.
I simply adore having an Elizabeth Chadwick book in my hands and this was no exception. I lose myself in the story; I lose myself in the history and lose myself in the telling of the life of a woman who lived over 900 years ago. A beautifully written medieval tale of a woman surviving the challenges of a violent and uncertain time.
Her writing is always so absorbing and easy to fall into as she brings castle life alive.
Nesta’s story was fascinating and her courage and fortitude through the loss of her family, abduction, rape and time spent as King Henry I’s concubine, her removal to Woodstock to live with the other concubines who produced illegitimate children for the king and her marriage to Gerald, all in a few short years, is a haunting and compelling example of how women were treated during such times.
She spent her life with Gerald torn between hatred for the Normans and yet recognising he was a truly gentle and loving man, who allowed her to be lady of her ancestral home and to bring their children up with a Welsh influence even though they were half-Norman.
Her time spent enraptured by the wild and violent Owain ap Cadwgan left a lasting effect on her life and despite knowing he would never give her the wealth and comforts Gerald did, she struggled with her hatred of the Normans who killed her father and the disturbing fire Owain ignited within her.
It is a tale of how a medieval woman endeavoured to cling to her Welsh birthright as a princess of Dyfed had to capitulate and find a way to accept the Norman rule so that her children could find a decent future.
From the historical notes, I found it interesting to read what became of her children and the link to my favourite historical knight, marshal and regent Chadwick has brought alive through many of her books - William Marshall.
A grandson of Nesta’s became a very famous chronicler of Welsh history and further descendants married into the family of JFK.
I simply adore having an Elizabeth Chadwick book in my hands and this was no exception. I lose myself in the story; I lose myself in the history and lose myself in the telling of the life of a woman who lived over 900 years ago. A beautifully written medieval tale of a woman surviving the challenges of a violent and uncertain time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2023
I received an ARC of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.
The King's Jewel is a veritable gem of a book; rich in history, drama, romance, action and the good kind of heartbreak, Elizabeth Chadwick outdoes herself in this Welsh period piece.
The story of Nesta ferch Rhys is one I, and I imagine not a lot of folks, are very familiar with. Taken by Norman invaders after the death of her father, Welsh princess Nesta becomes a concubine to Henry I, before being given in marriage to one of his constables. Torn between the desire for vengeance against her father's killers, love for her homeland and the care of her new husband, Nesta balances a fine line and must navigate the politics of 1100's Wales with care.
While her life might have been reduced to those paltry two sentences in a history book, Chadwick's lush and vivid epic gives Nesta her own story and agency. Watching Nesta grow, suffer under the thumbs of "great" men, make mistakes, and learn to love despite it all was just stunning. I especially loved how Chadwick took history and wrote it in such an approachable and beautiful way. The names are all in their original Welsh which was stunning, and while many historical fictions tend to focus on the tragedy, I confess to have been very relieved when the story had an HEA.
For fans out Outlander and the Tales of King Arthur, The King's Jewel is for you. Beautifully rich and engaging, the tale is one for the ages and may glimmer for as long.
The King's Jewel is a veritable gem of a book; rich in history, drama, romance, action and the good kind of heartbreak, Elizabeth Chadwick outdoes herself in this Welsh period piece.
The story of Nesta ferch Rhys is one I, and I imagine not a lot of folks, are very familiar with. Taken by Norman invaders after the death of her father, Welsh princess Nesta becomes a concubine to Henry I, before being given in marriage to one of his constables. Torn between the desire for vengeance against her father's killers, love for her homeland and the care of her new husband, Nesta balances a fine line and must navigate the politics of 1100's Wales with care.
While her life might have been reduced to those paltry two sentences in a history book, Chadwick's lush and vivid epic gives Nesta her own story and agency. Watching Nesta grow, suffer under the thumbs of "great" men, make mistakes, and learn to love despite it all was just stunning. I especially loved how Chadwick took history and wrote it in such an approachable and beautiful way. The names are all in their original Welsh which was stunning, and while many historical fictions tend to focus on the tragedy, I confess to have been very relieved when the story had an HEA.
For fans out Outlander and the Tales of King Arthur, The King's Jewel is for you. Beautifully rich and engaging, the tale is one for the ages and may glimmer for as long.
September 1, 2023
The King's Jewel by Elizabeth Chadwick takes you on a thrilling ride through 11th century Wales and England, told from the perspectives of the main characters, Nesta, daughter of Prince Rhys of Deheubarth and Gerald of Windsor.
Nesta's life is full of trials and tribulations, with the shifting politics and resulting skirmishes of the time upending the stability of her girlhood and thrusting her into a chaotic and deeply sad time period. It's easy to sympathize with her conflicting emotions as she deals with decisions that are made for her.
Gerald of Windsor, Nesta's husband, is written with such depth and serves as a perfect compliment to Nesta's personality. Reading about what they had to endure as a couple with all the issues of the time was very interesting and shows how things were for women in that time period.
Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing author who thoroughly researches and writes multi-faceted characters that readers can relate to, with story lines that flow effortlessly. All of her books are page-turners that you won't want to put down. Even the many and varied secondary characters are well-written, with nuances that support and interact with Nesta & Gerald seamlessly. As always, I am impatiently awaiting her next release, knowing I'll be entertained and immersed into whatever she chooses to write about.
Nesta's life is full of trials and tribulations, with the shifting politics and resulting skirmishes of the time upending the stability of her girlhood and thrusting her into a chaotic and deeply sad time period. It's easy to sympathize with her conflicting emotions as she deals with decisions that are made for her.
Gerald of Windsor, Nesta's husband, is written with such depth and serves as a perfect compliment to Nesta's personality. Reading about what they had to endure as a couple with all the issues of the time was very interesting and shows how things were for women in that time period.
Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing author who thoroughly researches and writes multi-faceted characters that readers can relate to, with story lines that flow effortlessly. All of her books are page-turners that you won't want to put down. Even the many and varied secondary characters are well-written, with nuances that support and interact with Nesta & Gerald seamlessly. As always, I am impatiently awaiting her next release, knowing I'll be entertained and immersed into whatever she chooses to write about.
November 11, 2023
I love Elizabeth Chadwick's books, but I can honestly say this is the best one yet!
She writes from a woman's perspective, usually portraying how difficult their lives are in historical times and the strength they need to stand up to, oppose and control parts of their lives dominated by men.
This is no exception. Nesta is a Welsh princess, who is taken hostage after her father is killed by the English...well, Normans...and raised until she is of marriageable age. Unfortunately, the cold and ruthless Kind Henry takes a shine to her and forces her to become one of his many affairs.
She has his child, but is then married off to Gerald, a Constable, who has always wanted her.
There are two things I don't particularly like about the characters here, although I understand what Elizabeth Chadwick is doing.
In Gerald, she wants to show that some men can still be gentlemen and treat women kindly. I think Gerald's character, though, is VERY over the top in this regard, even putting up with Nesta's affair, which wouldn't happen even in today's society.
Nesta also comes across as selfish, self-centred and more concerned with gifts than anything else.
It's a great story, based in history, apart from this. Elizabeth Chadwick provides a list of characters which are essentially spoilers - if you don't want this, skip the section LOL.
She writes from a woman's perspective, usually portraying how difficult their lives are in historical times and the strength they need to stand up to, oppose and control parts of their lives dominated by men.
This is no exception. Nesta is a Welsh princess, who is taken hostage after her father is killed by the English...well, Normans...and raised until she is of marriageable age. Unfortunately, the cold and ruthless Kind Henry takes a shine to her and forces her to become one of his many affairs.
She has his child, but is then married off to Gerald, a Constable, who has always wanted her.
There are two things I don't particularly like about the characters here, although I understand what Elizabeth Chadwick is doing.
In Gerald, she wants to show that some men can still be gentlemen and treat women kindly. I think Gerald's character, though, is VERY over the top in this regard, even putting up with Nesta's affair, which wouldn't happen even in today's society.
Nesta also comes across as selfish, self-centred and more concerned with gifts than anything else.
It's a great story, based in history, apart from this. Elizabeth Chadwick provides a list of characters which are essentially spoilers - if you don't want this, skip the section LOL.
March 12, 2023
Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing writer whose works have the ability to draw you right into the history and the story from the very beginning. The King's Jewel begins in 1093 in South Wales and tells the story of Nesta, a young teen Welsh princess who is taken from her home by the invader Normans after her father is killed. After becoming an unwilling concubine to Henry I and bearing him a son, she is given by him in marriage to Gerald FitzWalter, an Anglo-Norman lord in charge of the castles of Carew, Pembroke, and Cenarth Bychan. Nesta harbors a deep anger and hatred of the invader Normans and although she seems contented with Gerald, she finds herself infatuated with Owain ap Cadwgan, a wild Welshman who "kidnaps" her and her children from their home. There were so many times in this story where I wanted to slap Nesta into realizing that Owain was a major jerk and that Gerald, although not Welsh by birth, was the better partner for her. There is much more to this story; it's a great read that left me wanting to learn more about Welsh history, Nesta, Gerald, and their children.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
April 27, 2024
The main characters of Nesta and Gerald are real, and the author did a remarkable job of making their lives come to life. The setting is well over 1200 years ago during a time period in the dark or Middle Ages. Nesta is a princess in Wales when her father is killed in war by the English who were their enemies. King Henry the 1st was king at the time. Nesta was only 14 at the time, and she was known as being extremely beautiful. The king takes her makes her his concubine at court. She conceives a child whom she names Henry. Once she becomes pregnant, King Henry loses interest in her, and she is relegated even in her teen years to live in a castle for Henry’s cast-off women and children. Gerald, on the other hand, is English, but he loves Wales. He falls in love with Nesta and the king gives him permission to marry Nesta. The relationship is one way. Nesta despises Gerald because he is English, but Gerald continues to love her unconditionally. This is the well researched story of their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the first book by this author that I’ve read, and I will likely read more. I find novels about this time period, which we know so little about, to be fascinating.
September 23, 2023
Yes, I did enjoy this book , although it was perhaps a bit long. I also very much enjoyed reading the author's note at the end of the book explaining what we actually knew through prime sources and what was dramatic license. However, I found it difficult to warm to Nesta. She indeed had a hard time of it, especially at the beginning of her life, but I felt so sorry for poor Gerald ! No matter what he tried, he could never be Welsh!
I found her brother Gruffydd not very believable. Having been brought up in Ireland from the age of 4, with no Welsh influence as far as we know, it seems strange that he should have been so patriotic and keen to regain his Welsh lands. Maybe there is more about his upbringing which was not brought out in the book.
The depiction of the lives of noble women in the twelve century was very enlightening, particularly the way they could influence men even though they appeared totally submissive.
This is perhaps not Ms Chadwick's most exciting book, but it is enjoyable nonetheless and I would recommend it especially if like me you are not Welsh but have lived in the country all your adult life and are interested in its history.
I found her brother Gruffydd not very believable. Having been brought up in Ireland from the age of 4, with no Welsh influence as far as we know, it seems strange that he should have been so patriotic and keen to regain his Welsh lands. Maybe there is more about his upbringing which was not brought out in the book.
The depiction of the lives of noble women in the twelve century was very enlightening, particularly the way they could influence men even though they appeared totally submissive.
This is perhaps not Ms Chadwick's most exciting book, but it is enjoyable nonetheless and I would recommend it especially if like me you are not Welsh but have lived in the country all your adult life and are interested in its history.
October 28, 2025
I’ve had to DNF this at 50%
I normally really enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick’s books, this just wasn’t it for me. I disliked Nesta intensely. I understand that she had a terrible time at the hands of the Normans until Gerald but she drove me mad. I just couldn’t see her as anything other than a petulant person. Her rapid change of mind all the time annoyed me. I just couldn’t understand her thought processes. After being given to Henry to “use” I just didn’t believe her casual change of heart and manipulation of the situation, the writing just was too rushed in these parts for a young girl to just come to terms with immediately. Plus she was so awful to Gerald, faking feelings to him and then allowing Owain to manipulate her without a thought. I stopped reading when the Welsh and Owain kidnapped/liberated Nesta and the children, leaving Gerald hiding in the latrine pipe, when Owain said she wasnt allowed to take her dog and she just allowed it. I would have liked to see the story out for fomo but I can’t put myself through it. The author missed the mark here for me. I feel bad saying this because I usually really enjoy her works.
I normally really enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick’s books, this just wasn’t it for me. I disliked Nesta intensely. I understand that she had a terrible time at the hands of the Normans until Gerald but she drove me mad. I just couldn’t see her as anything other than a petulant person. Her rapid change of mind all the time annoyed me. I just couldn’t understand her thought processes. After being given to Henry to “use” I just didn’t believe her casual change of heart and manipulation of the situation, the writing just was too rushed in these parts for a young girl to just come to terms with immediately. Plus she was so awful to Gerald, faking feelings to him and then allowing Owain to manipulate her without a thought. I stopped reading when the Welsh and Owain kidnapped/liberated Nesta and the children, leaving Gerald hiding in the latrine pipe, when Owain said she wasnt allowed to take her dog and she just allowed it. I would have liked to see the story out for fomo but I can’t put myself through it. The author missed the mark here for me. I feel bad saying this because I usually really enjoy her works.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2023
The King’s Jewel is a super interesting story about two people who are as different as was possible.. Nesta, a young Welsh Princess and Gerald, the younger son of Norman nobility meet when Nesta’s father is killed defending his land against Norman raiders. When King Williams younger brother Henry becomes king after his death, Nesta is first a hostage and then Henry’s concubine, her mother is sent to a convent and her younger brother goes into exile in Ireland. It’s a rocky beginning to what will eventually become a marriage that produces a dynasty of sorts, but not without lots of obstacles and challenges galore.
The King’s Jewel is well researched, beautifully written and a fascinating story of two people in challenging times politically where one’s life is always at risk and at the whim of the king. I am a huge Elizabeth Chadwick fan, and this new book doesn’t disappoint. It is inspiring and Nesta and Gerald are beautifully detailed and satisfyingly flawed humans in the time of the first King Henry. A must read! I would give it 10 stars if I could!
The King’s Jewel is well researched, beautifully written and a fascinating story of two people in challenging times politically where one’s life is always at risk and at the whim of the king. I am a huge Elizabeth Chadwick fan, and this new book doesn’t disappoint. It is inspiring and Nesta and Gerald are beautifully detailed and satisfyingly flawed humans in the time of the first King Henry. A must read! I would give it 10 stars if I could!
April 23, 2023
"The King's Jewel" is Elizabeth Chadwick's historical novel of Nesta of Wales. This Welsh princess saw her family lose power, herself be the abused prize of war of a prince, a victim of an arranged marriage, kidnapping, and more. While Nesta's story here is a love story (mostly to Wales, as well as to her ultimate husband), it's mostly a story of survival in a time that was frankly horrific for women.
What's interesting: Nesta's story hasn't featured heavily in historical fiction, so I greatly appreciated something outside of the usual Tudor books. It's a fairly realistic depiction as well, underlining how little power women had in this society.
What's iffier: I found Nesta herself both sympathetic and not. There were times when I wanted to yell through the Kindle at Nesta to stop being a spoiled brat (even though this poor woman had already gone through the unthinkable).
With gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
What's interesting: Nesta's story hasn't featured heavily in historical fiction, so I greatly appreciated something outside of the usual Tudor books. It's a fairly realistic depiction as well, underlining how little power women had in this society.
What's iffier: I found Nesta herself both sympathetic and not. There were times when I wanted to yell through the Kindle at Nesta to stop being a spoiled brat (even though this poor woman had already gone through the unthinkable).
With gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 28, 2025
Absolutely HATED Nesta to the end because even up to the end of this book she was abusing, taking for granted, and manipulating and stomping on poor emotionally abused and severely overlooked unconditional love Gerald had for his fickle, hate-filled, selfish woman wife, Nesta.
Nesta had SEVERAL children with this man (Gerald the patient, loving, perfect, forgiving, constantly abused Norman husband who loved her beyond reason AND her Welsh people) whom she supposedly “loved” but NEVER showed any care for her children or safety. She was still nurturing her hate and revenge, even pinning after Owain until the end of the book. NOTHING on Nesta’s life, her devoted loving husband, her numerous children with this man, and all the people who had faith and believed in her meant NOTHING compared to the hate and immature feelings that developed when she was 12 and her father was killed.
Nesta was an awful character who received too much forgiveness and chances treating everyone else’s life expendable for her selfish ends!
Nesta had SEVERAL children with this man (Gerald the patient, loving, perfect, forgiving, constantly abused Norman husband who loved her beyond reason AND her Welsh people) whom she supposedly “loved” but NEVER showed any care for her children or safety. She was still nurturing her hate and revenge, even pinning after Owain until the end of the book. NOTHING on Nesta’s life, her devoted loving husband, her numerous children with this man, and all the people who had faith and believed in her meant NOTHING compared to the hate and immature feelings that developed when she was 12 and her father was killed.
Nesta was an awful character who received too much forgiveness and chances treating everyone else’s life expendable for her selfish ends!
February 28, 2023
Elizabeth Chadwick is a master at historical fiction. I loved how she brought the story of Nesta, a Welsh princess, to life. I had never heard of Nesta before, even though I have read quite a few books set in the 11th and 12th centuries. Nesta's home is attacked, her father is killed, and her brother is sent fleeing to Ireland. Nesta is forced to live with the Normans until she is of an age to be married off. After a couple of years as a hostage, she catches the eye of Henry, the kings younger brother. He forces her to become his mistress, and Nesta starts a new form of captivity. After having Henry's son, Nesta is offered in marriage to Gerald, who is a Norman who currently lives on the land where she grew up. Gerald is a decent and honorable man but he is not Welsh and Nesta has never really been given a choice where her love life is concerned. Owain enters her life and Nesta has to make a choice for herself. Does she stay with Gerald or does she set a new coarse and follow the handsome Owain.
After reading this book I had to find out more about Nesta. I saw somewhere that she was dubbed the Helen of Troy of Wales. She is a fascinating woman and I love that the author includes a historical note about her. This is why I love historical fiction because I can learn about these fascinating women and the author's interpretation since their real stories have so few details left behind. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction especially if they want to find out about fascinating women in history.
Thank you to Mobius Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
After reading this book I had to find out more about Nesta. I saw somewhere that she was dubbed the Helen of Troy of Wales. She is a fascinating woman and I love that the author includes a historical note about her. This is why I love historical fiction because I can learn about these fascinating women and the author's interpretation since their real stories have so few details left behind. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction especially if they want to find out about fascinating women in history.
Thank you to Mobius Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy.
November 3, 2023
The life of Nesta ferch Rhys, a Welsh princess, is disaster on disaster on disaster from the killing of her father to her abduction by the Normans to her rape by Prince Henry, son of William the Bastard. Nesta bears Henry a bastard son and is then married off to Gerald of Windsor, a Norman who was in the warband that killed her father.
To survive Nesta comes to a working arrangement with Gerald but then onto the scene comes a charismatic Welsh prince to tempt Nesta. What will happen? Buy the book to find out!
I did approach this novel with some trepidation as author Elizabeth Chadwick's last book, "A Marriage of Lions" was only a three star effort compared to her usual five star and I did wonder if she had started to lose her normally excellent writing skills. However, Chadwick is back on form and produced another page turner with fully developed characters. Be warned the characters are all very flawed, except for Gerald.
To survive Nesta comes to a working arrangement with Gerald but then onto the scene comes a charismatic Welsh prince to tempt Nesta. What will happen? Buy the book to find out!
I did approach this novel with some trepidation as author Elizabeth Chadwick's last book, "A Marriage of Lions" was only a three star effort compared to her usual five star and I did wonder if she had started to lose her normally excellent writing skills. However, Chadwick is back on form and produced another page turner with fully developed characters. Be warned the characters are all very flawed, except for Gerald.
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