What do you think?
Rate this book
Ravenstow Trilogy #0
Das Herz des Feindes: Historischer Roman
Zwei Feinde müssen lernen, einander zu vertrauen, wenn sie überleben wollen ...
Die walisischen Grenzen, 1069: Als ihr Zuhause von brutalen normannischen Eindringlingen überfallen wird, ist Lady Christen gezwungen, den Tod ihres geliebten Ehemannes mitanzusehen. Es scheint, der Albtraum sei vorbei, als der Anführer Miles Le Gallois den Angriff abbricht. Doch der Normanne hat Christens Bruder in seiner Gewalt und schlägt ihr einen Deal Er lässt ihren Bruder leben, wenn sie den Normannen heiratet. Christen geht wohl oder übel auf das Angebot ein. Und so ist sie plötzlich mit ihrem Feind verheiratet. Doch dieses Bündnis stößt auf Missbilligung und ruft von allen Seiten Widersacher auf den Plan ... Weitere Romane von Elizabeth Chadwick (Auswahl): Die irische Prinzessin
Der letzte Auftrag des Ritters
Das Vermächtnis der Königin
Die walisischen Grenzen, 1069: Als ihr Zuhause von brutalen normannischen Eindringlingen überfallen wird, ist Lady Christen gezwungen, den Tod ihres geliebten Ehemannes mitanzusehen. Es scheint, der Albtraum sei vorbei, als der Anführer Miles Le Gallois den Angriff abbricht. Doch der Normanne hat Christens Bruder in seiner Gewalt und schlägt ihr einen Deal Er lässt ihren Bruder leben, wenn sie den Normannen heiratet. Christen geht wohl oder übel auf das Angebot ein. Und so ist sie plötzlich mit ihrem Feind verheiratet. Doch dieses Bündnis stößt auf Missbilligung und ruft von allen Seiten Widersacher auf den Plan ... Weitere Romane von Elizabeth Chadwick (Auswahl): Die irische Prinzessin
Der letzte Auftrag des Ritters
Das Vermächtnis der Königin
312 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2020
297 people are currently reading
931 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
July 31, 2022
This book is 272 pages long, but the underdeveloped characterization made this seem more like a novella; I'd be curious to know the word count of The Coming of the Wolf. Elizabeth Chadwick's prose is strong and she clearly has done her research on this period. I'm impressed enough to read more from her, but the characterization is the main reason why I'm keeping this book at 3 stars. I was glancing at her other books and someone left Chadwick a critical review claiming that while she includes historical details that result from her research (little things like clothing, food, historical events) all her characters come across as "liberal atheists." I understand where this reviewer is coming from. Religion was completely, utterly lacking from this book, which is highly unrealistic for this period. According to the reviewer, religion is a common absence in Chadwick's work. While I'm sure atheists existed in this time period (though they wouldn't use that word), that doesn't change how religion would've influenced their lives. I think what the reviewer meant by "liberal" was that the characters come across as rather modern. In this book, I found this true for the hero. He was very noble - disapproving of war, rape, violence, men who look down on women, yada yada yada. He seemed like a 21st century man dropped into medieval times and making the best of his lot.
Another issue I had was the portrayal of the heroine's grief. I very much enjoyed the beginning, and felt the heroine's devastation when she witnessed her first husband's death. He was 30 years her senior, 45 years old when he married the then 15 year old heroine. I liked that the author characterized the heroine as accepting of her arranged marriage and falling in love with her husband who treated her kindly, despite the age difference. Thus, it was hard for me to accept the bodice rippery smut scene in this book that occurred so soon after her husband's death while she was still grieving. I was wondering if the author was trying to make the hero more morally ambiguous, an asshole, but instead, the heroine seemed to completely forget about her grief in the midst of her sexual reawakening. *rolls eyes* The transition between her first husband and second husband was rough around the edges. I suppose the hero demanding the consummation of their marriage was more authentic to the time period, it's the heroine's response & attitude that didn't make complete sense to me.
Further, another reason this is more 3 stars for me is the failure of the MMC to kill Osric, despite Osric betraying his own family 510 times. In the middle of the book I became bored with the plot and mostly annoyed by some of the characters and had the urge to skim. Despite my complaints, I found the heroine likable and admirable in her attitude and perseverance. Idk mixed feelings is definitely what I have towards this book. I liked the side character Guyon, despite tiring of his disapproval of Miles' marriage at first, and I was pleased to learn he's the MMC in the next book, The Wild Hunt, which I'll be reading next. Since this is Chadwick's first story she ever wrote, I'm hopeful her writing has improved with time.
Another issue I had was the portrayal of the heroine's grief. I very much enjoyed the beginning, and felt the heroine's devastation when she witnessed her first husband's death. He was 30 years her senior, 45 years old when he married the then 15 year old heroine. I liked that the author characterized the heroine as accepting of her arranged marriage and falling in love with her husband who treated her kindly, despite the age difference. Thus, it was hard for me to accept the bodice rippery smut scene in this book that occurred so soon after her husband's death while she was still grieving. I was wondering if the author was trying to make the hero more morally ambiguous, an asshole, but instead, the heroine seemed to completely forget about her grief in the midst of her sexual reawakening. *rolls eyes* The transition between her first husband and second husband was rough around the edges. I suppose the hero demanding the consummation of their marriage was more authentic to the time period, it's the heroine's response & attitude that didn't make complete sense to me.
Further, another reason this is more 3 stars for me is the failure of the MMC to kill Osric, despite Osric betraying his own family 510 times. In the middle of the book I became bored with the plot and mostly annoyed by some of the characters and had the urge to skim. Despite my complaints, I found the heroine likable and admirable in her attitude and perseverance. Idk mixed feelings is definitely what I have towards this book. I liked the side character Guyon, despite tiring of his disapproval of Miles' marriage at first, and I was pleased to learn he's the MMC in the next book, The Wild Hunt, which I'll be reading next. Since this is Chadwick's first story she ever wrote, I'm hopeful her writing has improved with time.
October 28, 2022
Really good classic Chadwick. As always, she's a master at immersing us in Medieval England/Wales, giving us the full experience of what it could have been like for a minor aristocrat back then.
In this book we're in the years shortly after William the Bastard's invasion of England when he's killing his own people to put down rebellions and secure his reign.
I wish I could have given it 5 stars but it lacked character development of the main female character. I didn't feel her plight, didn't really get too invested in her scene, wasn't sucked in. But the rest really worked for me so I still enjoyed it and am planning on rereading the next one, The Wild Hunt.
In this book we're in the years shortly after William the Bastard's invasion of England when he's killing his own people to put down rebellions and secure his reign.
I wish I could have given it 5 stars but it lacked character development of the main female character. I didn't feel her plight, didn't really get too invested in her scene, wasn't sucked in. But the rest really worked for me so I still enjoyed it and am planning on rereading the next one, The Wild Hunt.
November 20, 2020
I was delighted to hear that Elizabeth Chadwick, my favourite historical author, had released a prequel to 'The Wild Hunt' (actually written a long time ago, her first novel, I think) and also delighted to find the Kindle edition on offer for 99p - I snapped it up. The setting is post-Conquest Britain and our heroes, Miles, half-Norman, half-Welsh and Christen, his initially reluctant English bride; the story concerns their struggle to survive in these turbulent times. As always with EC, I was drawn quickly into the narrative, loved the characters and became absorbed in a convincingly evoked early medieval world. I'd say it lacked a little of the depth and richness of her later novels maybe because it is an early work but it's a three and a half and I enjoyed it :)
April 27, 2022
It was definitely Elizabeth Chadwick's novel. So, it was a great piece of historical fiction taking place in the Middle Ages. Moreover, the descriptions were gripping, interesting, and picturesque.
Yet, it was clearly one of the first books by the author (written many years ago, published for the first time recently). As a whole, it lacked a kind of thread and the characters weren't as dimensional/great as in her other stories.
So, I was savouring her descriptions of the medieval world, from the small details to scenes of battles. But my joy from the plot and characters wasn't as satisfying as from Chadwick's other novels.
Yet, it was clearly one of the first books by the author (written many years ago, published for the first time recently). As a whole, it lacked a kind of thread and the characters weren't as dimensional/great as in her other stories.
So, I was savouring her descriptions of the medieval world, from the small details to scenes of battles. But my joy from the plot and characters wasn't as satisfying as from Chadwick's other novels.
June 25, 2021
So, why did I buy “The Coming of the Wolf”? Well, firstly I enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick’s books, secondly I have all her books bar the King Arthur one she modified from a film script, thirdly it deals with events in the Welsh Marches immediately post Norman Invasion that involve Eadric Cild (or Edric the Wild as he is better known). These events, and Eadric’s resistance to the Normans, also makes up a large part of my own novel “Woden’s Wolf” (available from Amazon in e-book and paper back formats) – the big difference being Chadwick’s novel is from the Norman perspective and mine from the English perspective. My main character actually leads one of Eadric’s wolf packs that were involved in the type of raids that feature in “The Coming of the Wolf”.
The period immediately post Norman Invasion is a fascinating one and not just from the raiding and counter raiding and skirmishes. We know from contemporary records that many Normans married the widows or daughters of English Thegns who had died fighting the Normans – it was a good way for the women to maintain their status and protect the folc and for the Norman to gain a measure of acceptance from the folc and also come to understand how the landholding ran and its local traditions. The mixing and matching of the races involved is what, finally, allowed a new, but still recognisably English England to emerge from the bloody carnage and chaos of the times. This theme is part of “The Coming of the Wolf” and, indeed, “Woden’s Wolf”.
Chadwick’s hero is Miles le Gallois: half Norman via his father and half Welsh via his mother. Miles was born in England on the Welsh Marches where his Norman father, brought to England by King Edward the Confessor as one of the Norman castle builders meant to keep the Welsh in their place, held a motte and bailey castle. The heroine is Christen, married to Lyulf, Thegn of Ashdyke. The story starts with blood and ends with blood with more fighting in it than is usual with the author’s works. But, given the times and the acts of the Norman wolves as they struggled to maintain their grip on the land they had stolen, lead by William the Bastard, a man with little or no conscience, this is of no surprise. There is, as with all Chadwick’s works, romance, but of a practical kind – she never writes bodice rippers.
I gave it 4 stars – it is a good read. Others will give it 5, but I have problems with The Norman Conquest and cringe whenever a Norman gets the better of us English – prejudice, I know, but that is how it is.
The period immediately post Norman Invasion is a fascinating one and not just from the raiding and counter raiding and skirmishes. We know from contemporary records that many Normans married the widows or daughters of English Thegns who had died fighting the Normans – it was a good way for the women to maintain their status and protect the folc and for the Norman to gain a measure of acceptance from the folc and also come to understand how the landholding ran and its local traditions. The mixing and matching of the races involved is what, finally, allowed a new, but still recognisably English England to emerge from the bloody carnage and chaos of the times. This theme is part of “The Coming of the Wolf” and, indeed, “Woden’s Wolf”.
Chadwick’s hero is Miles le Gallois: half Norman via his father and half Welsh via his mother. Miles was born in England on the Welsh Marches where his Norman father, brought to England by King Edward the Confessor as one of the Norman castle builders meant to keep the Welsh in their place, held a motte and bailey castle. The heroine is Christen, married to Lyulf, Thegn of Ashdyke. The story starts with blood and ends with blood with more fighting in it than is usual with the author’s works. But, given the times and the acts of the Norman wolves as they struggled to maintain their grip on the land they had stolen, lead by William the Bastard, a man with little or no conscience, this is of no surprise. There is, as with all Chadwick’s works, romance, but of a practical kind – she never writes bodice rippers.
I gave it 4 stars – it is a good read. Others will give it 5, but I have problems with The Norman Conquest and cringe whenever a Norman gets the better of us English – prejudice, I know, but that is how it is.
August 9, 2020
Love this
As soon as I got it I couldn't put it down and now it's finished I want to start reading The Wild Hunt again to remember what happens next for the family.
As soon as I got it I couldn't put it down and now it's finished I want to start reading The Wild Hunt again to remember what happens next for the family.
June 19, 2022
Read this in TWO DAYS. Two. Romantic historical fiction (especially written by Elizabeth Chadwick) is my jam
October 21, 2020
Trying to rate this book was hard.
My initial thought was excitement at revisiting the setting and characters I had loved so much in the Wild Hunt series.
I loved EC’s fiction so much more when it is about fictional characters than a fictionalised account of real people. I wish she would write more like this.
However, compared to the Wild Hunt and The Running Vixen this is a weaker novel and less satisfying as a stand alone novel- Miles only works as a rounded character as we have met him previously and know him already, Christen who reminds me of Ailith from the Conquest, would have benefited from further fleshing out.
Gerard was a pleasant surprise, would love to read more about his story.
My initial thought was excitement at revisiting the setting and characters I had loved so much in the Wild Hunt series.
I loved EC’s fiction so much more when it is about fictional characters than a fictionalised account of real people. I wish she would write more like this.
However, compared to the Wild Hunt and The Running Vixen this is a weaker novel and less satisfying as a stand alone novel- Miles only works as a rounded character as we have met him previously and know him already, Christen who reminds me of Ailith from the Conquest, would have benefited from further fleshing out.
Gerard was a pleasant surprise, would love to read more about his story.
February 22, 2021
I've been an eager fan of Elizabeth Chadwick's novels for many years now - starting from when The Wild Hunt was first published - and so it was a great pleasure to read this title as a prequel to Ms Chadwick's excellent debut series (well, debut way back, when she first started writing!) The Coming Of The Wolf is a standalone read, but I would wager you will go on to read the others, if you have not already done so.
This one is of the 'romance' genre rather than Ms Chadwick's recent novels, which are more biographical fiction in nature, but the detail of research and 'feel' for the period remains the same, along with the author's impeccable writing skill.
Personally, I prefer Ms Chadwick's later novels written about real characters of the past (William Marshal, Eleanor of Aquitaine etc) but this is still a brilliant read - entertaining, enjoyable, absorbing - although I do admit (as anyone who knows me is well aware) I am no fan of Duke William of Normandy or his 1066 era followers, so I did rather root for the anti-Norman characters here in The Coming of the Wolf.
What a pity that the author could not make it alternative fiction though!
Recommended for an enjoyable read.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
This one is of the 'romance' genre rather than Ms Chadwick's recent novels, which are more biographical fiction in nature, but the detail of research and 'feel' for the period remains the same, along with the author's impeccable writing skill.
Personally, I prefer Ms Chadwick's later novels written about real characters of the past (William Marshal, Eleanor of Aquitaine etc) but this is still a brilliant read - entertaining, enjoyable, absorbing - although I do admit (as anyone who knows me is well aware) I am no fan of Duke William of Normandy or his 1066 era followers, so I did rather root for the anti-Norman characters here in The Coming of the Wolf.
What a pity that the author could not make it alternative fiction though!
Recommended for an enjoyable read.
Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
April 21, 2022
I listened to the ebook, but so enjoyed the story of the interactions between different people groups in the Welsh Marches post William the Conqueror's invasion of England.
Elizabeth writes well and her prose allows you to picture scenes so well.
The complexity of human interactions, interactions between those in high positions wanting to gain more land and wealth, those younger trying to make their way, and women is well covered.
I know that Elizabeth Chadwick researches using both primary sources and secondary sources, visits locations and has an author's note in her books that allows you more insight.
For those who love historical fiction and would like to learn more of the unrest that still existed after William the Conqueror claimed the crown of England I highly recommend this book.
Elizabeth writes well and her prose allows you to picture scenes so well.
The complexity of human interactions, interactions between those in high positions wanting to gain more land and wealth, those younger trying to make their way, and women is well covered.
I know that Elizabeth Chadwick researches using both primary sources and secondary sources, visits locations and has an author's note in her books that allows you more insight.
For those who love historical fiction and would like to learn more of the unrest that still existed after William the Conqueror claimed the crown of England I highly recommend this book.
October 17, 2022
Another enjoyable Elizabeth Chadwick book. It just seemed so short and a bit rushed. I felt like I was skimming the last twenty or so pages because it went so quickly I kept having to go back and reread because I missed a few things.
January 30, 2021
I have wanted this story since I first read The Wild Hunt nearly twenty years ago.
Loved it and read it in one sitting.
Loved it and read it in one sitting.
November 10, 2025
A really great book filled with fantastic history. I love how all the different people were represented in this book: English, Normans, Welsh, even Flemings and Danes. The romance was a much smaller part than I anticipated based on some reviews, which was totally fine with me. I prefer straight historical fiction to historical romance anyway. I'm surprised this book isn't more popular considering how good it was.
September 21, 2023
This was a page turning easy read for me. Set around the turbulent years after 1066 this story centres on some great characters with a full mix of English, Welsh and Norman blood between them, with all the challenge this entails. The action mostly happens in the Welsh Marches. A great read and I look forward to reading The Wild Hunt very soon!
September 14, 2022
Als ich das Buch in der Vorschau sah, war mir gleich klar, dass ich es lesen muss. Nicht nur, dass es ein neuer Roman von Elizabeth Chadwick war, nein, ich hatte mal wieder so richtig Lust auf einen historischen Schmöcker.
Für alle, die mit ihrem Namen nichts anfangen können, das ist DIE eine Autorin für historische Romane voller Intrigen, Kämpfe, Liebe und Drama. Alles hinter einem sehr gut und breit recherchierten historischen Hintergrund mit lebenden und fiktiven Personen.
VORFREUDE WAR GROSS
Daher hatte ich das Buch gleich beim Verlag anfragen müssen, als es herauskam und war überrascht. Es war schmal, für Elizabeth Chadwick-Verhältnisse schmal mit knapp 350 Seiten und ich bin sonst einfach an das Doppelte von ihr gewöhnt! Mindestens!
Meine Verwirrung war groß, aber ich fing trotzdem an begeistert zu Lesen und war sofort vertieft in die “Enemies to Lovers” – Handlung.
Wir befinden uns in der aufgewühlten Phase nach der Schlacht bei Hastings von Wilhelm I., den man schlichtweg auch “den Eroberer” nannte. Neuer König von England an der Macht und das Land vor ihm gespalten.
INHALT SCHNELL ERKLÄRT
So kommt es, dass das Heim der jungen Lady Christen von Normannen angegriffen wird, wobei ihr bereits älterer Ehemann ums Leben kommt. Es ist der Albtraum schlechthin für die Frau und als noch ihr rebellischer Bruder von einer zweiten, neuen Normannengruppe festgenommen wird, steht sie vor der Wahl. Heiratet sie diesen Normannen, der vor ihr steht oder nimmt sie den Tod?
Das Buch wäre noch viel kürzer, wenn sie sich an der Stelle für den Tod entschieden hätte, und sie entscheidet sich natürlich für ihn, wodurch die Geschichte ins Rollen kommt.
Damit befindet sich die junge Christen plötzlich im Lager der Feinde mit einem neuen Ehemann und Heim, um das sie sich kümmern muss. Umgeben von Missbilligungen, Verrat und Intrigen, nimmt ihr Leben unerwartete Wendungen an.
UM WAS ES SICH GENAU BEI DEM BUCH HANDELT …
Mir war gleich klar, als ich das Buch in der Hand hielt, dass es sich um eine Novelle von Chadwick handeln muss, bzw. für die Verhältnisse der Autorin ist es eine Novelle.
Mit ein paar Recherchen habe ich dann auch herausgefunden, dass es sich bei diesem Buch um die Vorgeschichte zu ihrer allseits bekannten und beliebten Reihe “Die Ravenstow-Trilogie” handelt, die in den 90er Jahren erschienen ist. Mittlerweile gibt es auch die Reihe unter neuen Titel bei uns wieder zu kaufen als E-Book (Band 1: Die Gefährtin des Normannen – früher Die wilde Jagd).
ZU MEINER MEINUNG
Zu dem Inhalt kann ich sagen, dass es für mich zu kurz war. Die Geschichte geht sehr schnell voran und auch das Thema “Enemies to Lovers” war deutlich ausbaufähiger. Ihre Beziehung war in meinen Augen ein viel zu schnelles Hin und Her der Gefühle von Hass auf Liebe, wobei das Potenzial verloren ging.
Vieles kam für mich in dem Roman zu knapp, wobei er auch alles hatte, was man von Chadwick erwartet: Machtkämpfe, Intrigen, Verrate, Liebe und viele historische Fakten. Eben in einer ungewöhnlich abgespeckten Version, wobei man darüber leicht hinwegsehen kann, wenn man es als Prequel zu ihrer bekannten Trilogie sieht.
Für die, die sie noch nicht kennen, kann ich mir vorstellen, dass es ein guter Einstieg in ihre Welt sein könnte. Mit dem Roman bekommt man ein Gefühl für ihren Schreibstil und die historische und zeitgeschichtliche Tiefe, die sie weitervermittelt.
Trotz allem ist es in meinen Augen ein guter Chadwick-Roman, besonders für Einsteiger. Ein Roman, der wieder mehr Lust macht auf ihre über 600 Seiten Schmöker und mehrbändigen Reihen. Denn für mich heißt es nun erstmal “Ravenstow-Trilogie”!
Für alle, die mit ihrem Namen nichts anfangen können, das ist DIE eine Autorin für historische Romane voller Intrigen, Kämpfe, Liebe und Drama. Alles hinter einem sehr gut und breit recherchierten historischen Hintergrund mit lebenden und fiktiven Personen.
VORFREUDE WAR GROSS
Daher hatte ich das Buch gleich beim Verlag anfragen müssen, als es herauskam und war überrascht. Es war schmal, für Elizabeth Chadwick-Verhältnisse schmal mit knapp 350 Seiten und ich bin sonst einfach an das Doppelte von ihr gewöhnt! Mindestens!
Meine Verwirrung war groß, aber ich fing trotzdem an begeistert zu Lesen und war sofort vertieft in die “Enemies to Lovers” – Handlung.
Wir befinden uns in der aufgewühlten Phase nach der Schlacht bei Hastings von Wilhelm I., den man schlichtweg auch “den Eroberer” nannte. Neuer König von England an der Macht und das Land vor ihm gespalten.
INHALT SCHNELL ERKLÄRT
So kommt es, dass das Heim der jungen Lady Christen von Normannen angegriffen wird, wobei ihr bereits älterer Ehemann ums Leben kommt. Es ist der Albtraum schlechthin für die Frau und als noch ihr rebellischer Bruder von einer zweiten, neuen Normannengruppe festgenommen wird, steht sie vor der Wahl. Heiratet sie diesen Normannen, der vor ihr steht oder nimmt sie den Tod?
Das Buch wäre noch viel kürzer, wenn sie sich an der Stelle für den Tod entschieden hätte, und sie entscheidet sich natürlich für ihn, wodurch die Geschichte ins Rollen kommt.
Damit befindet sich die junge Christen plötzlich im Lager der Feinde mit einem neuen Ehemann und Heim, um das sie sich kümmern muss. Umgeben von Missbilligungen, Verrat und Intrigen, nimmt ihr Leben unerwartete Wendungen an.
UM WAS ES SICH GENAU BEI DEM BUCH HANDELT …
Mir war gleich klar, als ich das Buch in der Hand hielt, dass es sich um eine Novelle von Chadwick handeln muss, bzw. für die Verhältnisse der Autorin ist es eine Novelle.
Mit ein paar Recherchen habe ich dann auch herausgefunden, dass es sich bei diesem Buch um die Vorgeschichte zu ihrer allseits bekannten und beliebten Reihe “Die Ravenstow-Trilogie” handelt, die in den 90er Jahren erschienen ist. Mittlerweile gibt es auch die Reihe unter neuen Titel bei uns wieder zu kaufen als E-Book (Band 1: Die Gefährtin des Normannen – früher Die wilde Jagd).
ZU MEINER MEINUNG
Zu dem Inhalt kann ich sagen, dass es für mich zu kurz war. Die Geschichte geht sehr schnell voran und auch das Thema “Enemies to Lovers” war deutlich ausbaufähiger. Ihre Beziehung war in meinen Augen ein viel zu schnelles Hin und Her der Gefühle von Hass auf Liebe, wobei das Potenzial verloren ging.
Vieles kam für mich in dem Roman zu knapp, wobei er auch alles hatte, was man von Chadwick erwartet: Machtkämpfe, Intrigen, Verrate, Liebe und viele historische Fakten. Eben in einer ungewöhnlich abgespeckten Version, wobei man darüber leicht hinwegsehen kann, wenn man es als Prequel zu ihrer bekannten Trilogie sieht.
Für die, die sie noch nicht kennen, kann ich mir vorstellen, dass es ein guter Einstieg in ihre Welt sein könnte. Mit dem Roman bekommt man ein Gefühl für ihren Schreibstil und die historische und zeitgeschichtliche Tiefe, die sie weitervermittelt.
Trotz allem ist es in meinen Augen ein guter Chadwick-Roman, besonders für Einsteiger. Ein Roman, der wieder mehr Lust macht auf ihre über 600 Seiten Schmöker und mehrbändigen Reihen. Denn für mich heißt es nun erstmal “Ravenstow-Trilogie”!
February 4, 2021
really enjoyed this always good to read an author's early imaginings of characters
July 20, 2025
2.5 Mediocre historical fiction. Nothing in this book really caught my interest. I finished, but it was a slog
August 15, 2025
Solid. That's what I'd call this: solid, workmanlike, dependable historical fiction by a well-seasoned practitioner of the craft. I encountered the book effectively at random, plucking it from a library shelf for the sole reason that it had a wolf on the cover and the title tickled my fancy, but after half an hour in the library it had engrossed me enough to take it away and finish it at home. Colour me satisfied.
I'm not a historian so I won't use terms like "historical accuracy", but I liked this book for its unsympathetic portrayal of what must indeed been a hideously violent period of social upheaval after the Norman conquest of Britain. A lot of people die, usually not elegantly, and including characters you've grown to like (). Food, occupations, armour, medicine and so on mostly gybe with what I'd imagine of the time — give or take some cankers and rashes, for which I'll gladly accept the author's reticence. Marriage arrangements are coolly pragmatic. The historical characters, up to and including William the Conqueror, are portrayed with an impressive and entirely convincing air of intelligent brutality — monsters by any modern standard, but merely effective rulers in the context of their time.
Within that setting, interpersonal relations do occasionally get a little bodice-rippy: I smiled tolerantly at the nth description of Miles le Gallois's catlike prowl, and you'd better believe he's good in the sack. And how nice that both protagonists like a bath before sex. But it's okay: this isn't a novel about people fucking, it's a novel about people faced with deadly choices in chaotic times, and it serves the tale that the central alliance includes a little mutually satisfactory tussling. In general the characters are convincing, the prose is fair though not inspiring, the plot carries the story, and the pacing is good (perhaps a tad rushed in the last quarter). If you want to spend a few hours zipping back a thousand years, this is a decent way to travel.
I'm not a historian so I won't use terms like "historical accuracy", but I liked this book for its unsympathetic portrayal of what must indeed been a hideously violent period of social upheaval after the Norman conquest of Britain. A lot of people die, usually not elegantly, and including characters you've grown to like (). Food, occupations, armour, medicine and so on mostly gybe with what I'd imagine of the time — give or take some cankers and rashes, for which I'll gladly accept the author's reticence. Marriage arrangements are coolly pragmatic. The historical characters, up to and including William the Conqueror, are portrayed with an impressive and entirely convincing air of intelligent brutality — monsters by any modern standard, but merely effective rulers in the context of their time.
Within that setting, interpersonal relations do occasionally get a little bodice-rippy: I smiled tolerantly at the nth description of Miles le Gallois's catlike prowl, and you'd better believe he's good in the sack. And how nice that both protagonists like a bath before sex. But it's okay: this isn't a novel about people fucking, it's a novel about people faced with deadly choices in chaotic times, and it serves the tale that the central alliance includes a little mutually satisfactory tussling. In general the characters are convincing, the prose is fair though not inspiring, the plot carries the story, and the pacing is good (perhaps a tad rushed in the last quarter). If you want to spend a few hours zipping back a thousand years, this is a decent way to travel.
February 24, 2022
Entertaining and fast paced read.
Ashdyke Manor, home to the Lady Christen, is attached by Norman's due to english rebels using it as a temporary base. About to be destroyed, a Norman/Welsh lord of a nearby town calls off the attack much to the displeasure of his fellow Normans. Keen to combine his nearby lands with that of the Lady Christen's they agree to a reluctant marriage, a certain bargaining tool playing a pivotal role. What follows amongst the turbulent backdrop of the post battle of Hastings era is an unlikely relationship blossoming determined to protect both their lands and their family from English rebels, Welsh raiders and Norman conquerors.
The action started right from the off and never ceased throughout the book making for a quick paced, engrossing read. I enjoyed how the relationship developed between the Lady Christen and Miles, the aforementioned lord of a nearby town being Milnham-on-wye. Starting as wary enemies they grew to see the strength of the other realising that together they could solidify their families position. The author explored the link between Norman Settlers and the Welsh through the character of Miles which showed that it was complex and fraught at times.
You never quite knew where the next danger would come from. Miles and Christen had connections to each part of the warring factions. These relationships twisted and turned and you never quite knew how the tale would pan out. This added to the intensity of the storyline. The ending I felt was slightly abrupt but I think that was more in keeping with what happened in reality.
This is the first Elizabeth Chadwick novel I have read and will not be the last. Judging by the reviews this leads well into The Wild Hunt.
Ashdyke Manor, home to the Lady Christen, is attached by Norman's due to english rebels using it as a temporary base. About to be destroyed, a Norman/Welsh lord of a nearby town calls off the attack much to the displeasure of his fellow Normans. Keen to combine his nearby lands with that of the Lady Christen's they agree to a reluctant marriage, a certain bargaining tool playing a pivotal role. What follows amongst the turbulent backdrop of the post battle of Hastings era is an unlikely relationship blossoming determined to protect both their lands and their family from English rebels, Welsh raiders and Norman conquerors.
The action started right from the off and never ceased throughout the book making for a quick paced, engrossing read. I enjoyed how the relationship developed between the Lady Christen and Miles, the aforementioned lord of a nearby town being Milnham-on-wye. Starting as wary enemies they grew to see the strength of the other realising that together they could solidify their families position. The author explored the link between Norman Settlers and the Welsh through the character of Miles which showed that it was complex and fraught at times.
You never quite knew where the next danger would come from. Miles and Christen had connections to each part of the warring factions. These relationships twisted and turned and you never quite knew how the tale would pan out. This added to the intensity of the storyline. The ending I felt was slightly abrupt but I think that was more in keeping with what happened in reality.
This is the first Elizabeth Chadwick novel I have read and will not be the last. Judging by the reviews this leads well into The Wild Hunt.
November 28, 2020
‘Lying in bed, Christen listened to the bird song.’
The Welsh Borders, 1069. Three years have elapsed since the defeat of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, but not everyone has accepted the Norman invaders. Unrest on the borders invites retribution, and Ashdyke Manor, home of Lady Christen and her husband Lyulph is attacked by the Normans under the leadership of William FitzOsbern. Christen, aged twenty, has been married to Lyulph (thirty years her senior) for five years. When Lyulph is murdered, she has a choice between losing her home, lands and title and entering a nunnery or marrying Miles Le Gallois, the Lord of Milnham-on-Wye who calls off the attack on Ashdyke Manor. By marrying Miles, Christen hopes to save the life of her brother Osric, whose actions have caused the attack on Ashdyke. Osric leaves, swearing vengeance.
The union between Miles and Christen is viewed with distrust on all sides: Miles has married without the King’s permission, and William FitzOsbern, Earl of Hereford and relative of King William would like the lands around Ashdyke Manor. Miles is summoned to serve the King and Christen is left to keep watch over the lands. What does the future hold for Miles and Christen? Can she keep the lands safe? Osric, naturally, has plans of his own.
What follows is a fast-moving romantic adventure in an historical setting. This was Ms Chadwick’s first novel, has just been published for the first time, and it is a prequel to ‘The Wild Hunt’. I enjoyed this novel and plan to reread ‘The Wild Hunt’. While I enjoy all of Ms Chadwick’s novels,
my absolute favourites are her novels about William Marshal.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
The Welsh Borders, 1069. Three years have elapsed since the defeat of King Harold at the Battle of Hastings, but not everyone has accepted the Norman invaders. Unrest on the borders invites retribution, and Ashdyke Manor, home of Lady Christen and her husband Lyulph is attacked by the Normans under the leadership of William FitzOsbern. Christen, aged twenty, has been married to Lyulph (thirty years her senior) for five years. When Lyulph is murdered, she has a choice between losing her home, lands and title and entering a nunnery or marrying Miles Le Gallois, the Lord of Milnham-on-Wye who calls off the attack on Ashdyke Manor. By marrying Miles, Christen hopes to save the life of her brother Osric, whose actions have caused the attack on Ashdyke. Osric leaves, swearing vengeance.
The union between Miles and Christen is viewed with distrust on all sides: Miles has married without the King’s permission, and William FitzOsbern, Earl of Hereford and relative of King William would like the lands around Ashdyke Manor. Miles is summoned to serve the King and Christen is left to keep watch over the lands. What does the future hold for Miles and Christen? Can she keep the lands safe? Osric, naturally, has plans of his own.
What follows is a fast-moving romantic adventure in an historical setting. This was Ms Chadwick’s first novel, has just been published for the first time, and it is a prequel to ‘The Wild Hunt’. I enjoyed this novel and plan to reread ‘The Wild Hunt’. While I enjoy all of Ms Chadwick’s novels,
my absolute favourites are her novels about William Marshal.
Jennifer Cameron-Smith
January 23, 2021
The Coming of the Wolf begins in the mid-eleventh century in the early years of the reign of William the Conqueror when the border lands were particularly troublesome with Norman marauders searching for easy prey. When Ashdyke Manor on the Welsh Borders is attacked and Lady Christen's elderly husband is savagely murdered she has no-one to to come to her aid except a Norman knight, Miles le Gallois, Lord of Milnham-on-Wye, who calls off the attack and sends the culprits fleeing into the night.
With her home, and personal circumstances in ruins, and with her life in danger, Lady Christen has no choice but to accept the protection of this enigmatic Norman knight even if it means entering into a marriage of convenience which alienates her from everything she has known. However, Christen finds to her cost, that the hand of fate is fickle and her sheltered life once so precious is now over and times are about to get far more dangerous.
It's been nearly thirty years since I read The Wild Hunt trilogy of historical adventures and this prequel makes an interesting addition to the series. I have enjoyed starting back at the beginning and getting to know the characters who have only ever existed as a shadowy mention in the later novels. There's no need to have read any of The Wild Hunt novels in order to enjoy this story, in fact I think you are probably at an advantage if you are entirely new to the stories as this book will blend beautifully into The Wild Hunt which opens in 1098.
The Coming of the Wolf is a beautifully written historical adventure which has at its heart, a dash of danger, a smattering of intrigue and an exciting love story.
With her home, and personal circumstances in ruins, and with her life in danger, Lady Christen has no choice but to accept the protection of this enigmatic Norman knight even if it means entering into a marriage of convenience which alienates her from everything she has known. However, Christen finds to her cost, that the hand of fate is fickle and her sheltered life once so precious is now over and times are about to get far more dangerous.
It's been nearly thirty years since I read The Wild Hunt trilogy of historical adventures and this prequel makes an interesting addition to the series. I have enjoyed starting back at the beginning and getting to know the characters who have only ever existed as a shadowy mention in the later novels. There's no need to have read any of The Wild Hunt novels in order to enjoy this story, in fact I think you are probably at an advantage if you are entirely new to the stories as this book will blend beautifully into The Wild Hunt which opens in 1098.
The Coming of the Wolf is a beautifully written historical adventure which has at its heart, a dash of danger, a smattering of intrigue and an exciting love story.
April 7, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
The historical frame for this novel is England near the Welsh border - the Welsh marches - beginning in the year 1069, just three years following the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest. It was a time that came to be known as the harrowing, when King William used brutal means to subdue the English who rebelled against his rule in the north. William’s troops, English rebel bands, Welsh raiders, and Flemish mercenaries all wrecked havoc on innocent townspeople and peasants. Some refer to this period of death and destruction as a genocide and the repercussions lasted in England for hundreds of years and are still felt by some today.
When her home is raided and her Saxon husband killed by Norman invaders, Lady Christen agrees to a politically expedient marriage to Miles Le Gallois, a half-Norman, half Welsh lord who serves William but whose loyalties are divided. Mistrust and mayhem rule the day as the two struggle to forge their marriage bond and keep their lives and their land intact.
I enjoyed Chadwick’s writing, the evocative details and the spot-on historical accuracy of this novel. The characters were likable but cliched and the plot a bit predictable. It had a romance element, which Chadwick is known for, but it mostly was grounded in reality. This was Chadwick’s first written novel - although not the first published - and serves as a prequel to her Wild Hunt series. I liked it well enough to pick up the second book in the series.
The historical frame for this novel is England near the Welsh border - the Welsh marches - beginning in the year 1069, just three years following the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Conquest. It was a time that came to be known as the harrowing, when King William used brutal means to subdue the English who rebelled against his rule in the north. William’s troops, English rebel bands, Welsh raiders, and Flemish mercenaries all wrecked havoc on innocent townspeople and peasants. Some refer to this period of death and destruction as a genocide and the repercussions lasted in England for hundreds of years and are still felt by some today.
When her home is raided and her Saxon husband killed by Norman invaders, Lady Christen agrees to a politically expedient marriage to Miles Le Gallois, a half-Norman, half Welsh lord who serves William but whose loyalties are divided. Mistrust and mayhem rule the day as the two struggle to forge their marriage bond and keep their lives and their land intact.
I enjoyed Chadwick’s writing, the evocative details and the spot-on historical accuracy of this novel. The characters were likable but cliched and the plot a bit predictable. It had a romance element, which Chadwick is known for, but it mostly was grounded in reality. This was Chadwick’s first written novel - although not the first published - and serves as a prequel to her Wild Hunt series. I liked it well enough to pick up the second book in the series.
August 13, 2021
In 1066, thousands of men lost their lives in The Battle of Hastings and though William of Normandy was the clear winner, the people and land he won were anything but willing to accept him.
Lyulph may have survived the battle but the injury to his pride and soul were never healed. As his wife, Lady Christen knew her duty but worried for her home. Ashdyke Manor had been her families legacy and without a fierce protector, her home was in jeopardy. When her rebel brother appears looking for shelter from the Normans he unknowingly leads the enemy right to the door and all that Christen’s known is destroyed. As her husband lays dead and brother faces death, she sacrifices herself in order to save him. Little does she know that the man who accepts the deal, just might be her salvation.
As a prequel to The Wild Hunt, I knew this book would include adventure and romance but was pleasantly surprised that I loved it. I knew I would enjoy it but usually prequels/sequels are never as good as the original, this story was the exception. The man that Christen ends up marrying is a likable character, the usual brave and handsome but he’s also kind and smart. The battle scenes and romance connected well together and I really enjoyed the history that weaves throughout the story. Excellent read and highly recommended!
Lyulph may have survived the battle but the injury to his pride and soul were never healed. As his wife, Lady Christen knew her duty but worried for her home. Ashdyke Manor had been her families legacy and without a fierce protector, her home was in jeopardy. When her rebel brother appears looking for shelter from the Normans he unknowingly leads the enemy right to the door and all that Christen’s known is destroyed. As her husband lays dead and brother faces death, she sacrifices herself in order to save him. Little does she know that the man who accepts the deal, just might be her salvation.
As a prequel to The Wild Hunt, I knew this book would include adventure and romance but was pleasantly surprised that I loved it. I knew I would enjoy it but usually prequels/sequels are never as good as the original, this story was the exception. The man that Christen ends up marrying is a likable character, the usual brave and handsome but he’s also kind and smart. The battle scenes and romance connected well together and I really enjoyed the history that weaves throughout the story. Excellent read and highly recommended!
January 9, 2025
Favorite Characters - Miles, Hrothgar, Gerard
Favorite Scenes - Miles attacking Oxley, Miles asking William for Oxley
And just like that, one of my favorite series has now come to an end. It's quite funny that the series finishes before it even starts, with a prequal novel to rival the sequel novels, I can thoroughly say I will always hold this series close.
Miles was a character I liked throughout all three books. It was nice to see how he became the man he is today, and it only helped show why Chadwick is such a phenomenal character writer. The Stress and PTSD the Miles go through is something I do not think is highlighted enough in Historical fiction centered in 12th Century England. I think for some reason people believe that just because close combat was more normalized back in this time period, than that means no-one was affected by it. As if knights didn't feel the weight of taking another's life. As if there armor not only protected them physically, but emotionally as well. Chadwick does a great job at showing you how mentally draining going to war can be, reminding the reader that there is a human under that suit of armor.
I'm very excited to reread these books one day, and look forward to reading all of Mrs. Chadwick works.
Favorite Scenes - Miles attacking Oxley, Miles asking William for Oxley
And just like that, one of my favorite series has now come to an end. It's quite funny that the series finishes before it even starts, with a prequal novel to rival the sequel novels, I can thoroughly say I will always hold this series close.
Miles was a character I liked throughout all three books. It was nice to see how he became the man he is today, and it only helped show why Chadwick is such a phenomenal character writer. The Stress and PTSD the Miles go through is something I do not think is highlighted enough in Historical fiction centered in 12th Century England. I think for some reason people believe that just because close combat was more normalized back in this time period, than that means no-one was affected by it. As if knights didn't feel the weight of taking another's life. As if there armor not only protected them physically, but emotionally as well. Chadwick does a great job at showing you how mentally draining going to war can be, reminding the reader that there is a human under that suit of armor.
I'm very excited to reread these books one day, and look forward to reading all of Mrs. Chadwick works.
December 8, 2020
I'm a big fan of Elizabeth Chadwick's historical novels. This is set just three years after William, Duke of Normandy, invaded at Hastings, killed Harold and took the English crown, but the actual Conquest continues with the Harrying of the North which caused whole tracts of land to be listed as 'waste' in the Domesday Book because William's thugs had put down a potential rebellion with extreme prejudice. That's the background. The main characters are entirely fictional, but there are actual historical personages on the periphery. Lady Christen witnesses her elderly husband's murder when their manor is attacked, and barely a day later she's agreed to marry Miles Le Gallois, Lord of Milnham on Wye, because he's her best option for protecting the manor and the people in it. Miles has ambition. He marries Christen as a preemptive move to gain her lands, but in doing so angers those further up the food chain. As you might expect from a Chadwick novel, love grows, but there's also plenty of peril and action. It's a quick read with a good climax, but the final resolution happens off the page which rounds it off nicely, but is a little disappointing.
February 7, 2021
Family, kinship, tribe and loyalty are strong even as they become less obvious marks of division with generations of inter-tribal marriages. Chadwick writes battle and power play really well, and I like how she has personal offense swell into battle motivation, hatred and power lust. All this - much of it is Chadworth's invention albeit on the historical landscape of 1066 England - is a pretty awesome background for the love story of Miles and Christen. Both Miles and Christen are pretty obviously heroic characters, full of virtue and admirable qualities, and many of the bad characters are pretty obviously bad characters. Chadwick totally won me over with Osric, the good for nothing brother who was impervious to good will, empathy or reason. I was incredulous and outraged each time the ungrateful man received yet another free passage, and I really enjoyed the way Chadwick wove him and his destructive stupidity through the plot: each time someone showed Osric empathy or leniency I felt almost defeated by the certainty that he reappear later, trailing destruction and ill will before him.
April 21, 2023
This is a historical fiction set in 1069 in the Welsh borders near Herefordshire. The story starts with the English Lady Christen’s home being attacked by the invading Normans, her world turned upside down, and her husband, who has already suffered in the Norman conquest, murdered in front of her. Worse still is that this attack was brought on as a result of her harbouring her rebel brother.
In the face of crisis, Christen chooses to survive and we see both the fierceness and softness of this woman. Her situation is complicated by her loyalty to her dead husband, the villagers they were responsible for, and her future allies.
At first, it’s hard to like some of the characters in this book due to the cruelty they cause, but as the story unfolds we start to understand how the information they have access to and their drive to survive affects the way they behave, and we ultimately start to empathise with them.
This story is a fascinating exploration of the tensions between the occupied and occupiers in the aftermath of a bloody invasion. It’s also a story of love tested by the distance, lies, death, and scandal war causes.
In the face of crisis, Christen chooses to survive and we see both the fierceness and softness of this woman. Her situation is complicated by her loyalty to her dead husband, the villagers they were responsible for, and her future allies.
At first, it’s hard to like some of the characters in this book due to the cruelty they cause, but as the story unfolds we start to understand how the information they have access to and their drive to survive affects the way they behave, and we ultimately start to empathise with them.
This story is a fascinating exploration of the tensions between the occupied and occupiers in the aftermath of a bloody invasion. It’s also a story of love tested by the distance, lies, death, and scandal war causes.
April 18, 2021
This is the prequel to The Wild Hunt series (of which I have read books 1 & 2). I adore Elizabeth Chadwick's books, such a sucker for historical fiction. This book is set at the beginning of the 11th century, not long after the Battle of Hastings and William the Conqueror 's early reign. During these turbulent times, there was a three way siege between the Welsh, the English and the Normans. You would have had to pick your side carefully. Lady Christen is married to an elderly English knight from King Edward's reign when their manor is suddenly under attack. During the skirmish, her husband dies, she meets Miles le Gallois and the real adventure begins. The story is a topsy turvy ride filled with battles, feuds and deceit. Through miscommunication, misconception and one knobhead brother, the family is almost destroyed. The last 25% of the book, I could not put it down. An intense and accelerating gallop through history.
May 26, 2022
This was actually one of the first things she ever wrote, but instead she published the second book first and this prequel stayed where it was. And it does show, she is amazing with making history come alive. You can taste it, feel it! But here even if edited you could still sense the first time writer. Still a good book though, but maybe not one that you got totally immersed in like her later ones.
Christen is Saxon. Then he husband dies, the Normans come and to save her people, her brother and castle she marries a Norman.
Miles is half Welsh, half Norman. But he understands that everyone needs to live together, but yeah this is a bloody time. Normans are trying to put down Saxon rebellions, the Welsh are raiding. Life is pretty miserable.
It was a rather short book. They get married. There is trouble, there are battles, blood and death. But they work together well. I liked that. It is a fascinating time. I always enjoy her books
Christen is Saxon. Then he husband dies, the Normans come and to save her people, her brother and castle she marries a Norman.
Miles is half Welsh, half Norman. But he understands that everyone needs to live together, but yeah this is a bloody time. Normans are trying to put down Saxon rebellions, the Welsh are raiding. Life is pretty miserable.
It was a rather short book. They get married. There is trouble, there are battles, blood and death. But they work together well. I liked that. It is a fascinating time. I always enjoy her books
November 12, 2020
Only 3 stars.....here's why
As much as I love Elizabeth Chadwick novels, the historical settings, colourful characters and amazing storylines and the way you are captured and transported to the era, I just got the feeling from this one that I had read this story before......but can't seem to remember where!
From the setting, to the characters and storyline, I knew what was to happen, which is a real shame.
I'm not sure where I've 'read' this story, but got a feeling it's a repeat of another of the authors novels that follow this prequel The wild Hunt......hmm but just to be on the safe side, better start with the next book then.....😂
As much as I love Elizabeth Chadwick novels, the historical settings, colourful characters and amazing storylines and the way you are captured and transported to the era, I just got the feeling from this one that I had read this story before......but can't seem to remember where!
From the setting, to the characters and storyline, I knew what was to happen, which is a real shame.
I'm not sure where I've 'read' this story, but got a feeling it's a repeat of another of the authors novels that follow this prequel The wild Hunt......hmm but just to be on the safe side, better start with the next book then.....😂
Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews