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Conquest #1
Daughter of the Last King
1093. An invasion and a curse. The three sons of William the Conqueror fight with each other for control of the Anglo-Norman kingdom created by their father’s conquest. The Norman Marcher lords are let loose to consolidate the conquest of Wales, pushing across the English border to the east and invading from the sea to the south.
Nest ferch Rhys is the daughter of the king of south-west Wales. Captured during the Norman assault on her father’s lands, she is raised by her captors, the powerful Montgomery family. Nest is groomed to be the wife of a Norman, despite her pre-existing betrothal to a Welsh prince. Arnulf Montgomery has taken over her father’s lands and is her intended husband, but Count Henry, the youngest son of the Conqueror, is also captivated by the Welsh noblewoman.
Who will Nest marry, and can the Welsh rebels oust the Normans?
Book I in the Conquest trilogy centring on the turbulent life of Nest ferch Rhys and the reign of King Henry I.
'I could not put this book down from the moment I started it. I practically inhaled the content.' Poppy Coburn
Nest ferch Rhys is the daughter of the king of south-west Wales. Captured during the Norman assault on her father’s lands, she is raised by her captors, the powerful Montgomery family. Nest is groomed to be the wife of a Norman, despite her pre-existing betrothal to a Welsh prince. Arnulf Montgomery has taken over her father’s lands and is her intended husband, but Count Henry, the youngest son of the Conqueror, is also captivated by the Welsh noblewoman.
Who will Nest marry, and can the Welsh rebels oust the Normans?
Book I in the Conquest trilogy centring on the turbulent life of Nest ferch Rhys and the reign of King Henry I.
'I could not put this book down from the moment I started it. I practically inhaled the content.' Poppy Coburn
434 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2016
25 people are currently reading
2881 people want to read
About the author
Tracey Warr
24 books49 followersTracey Warr was born in London, lived in southwest Wales and now lives in southern France. The castles and landscapes of Wales and France inspire her historical fiction. She is the author of six historical novels set in medieval Europe. She draws on old maps, chronicles, poems and objects to create fictional worlds for readers to step into. Sign up for her quarterly newsletter for book offers, events, and articles on writing and publishing. https://justmeandering.substack.com
Her writing awards include an Author’s Foundation Award, a Literature Wales Writer’s Bursary, the Rome Film Festival Book Initiative, and a Santander Research Award.
She has also published books on contemporary art including The Artist's Body and Remote Performances in Nature and Architecture. She is the author of future fiction: Meanda (French edition) and The Water Age and Other Fictions. She has also published the workbooks: The Water Age Art and Writing Workshops and The Water Age Children's Art and Writing Workshops.
Before becoming a full-time writer she worked as a contemporary art curator and art history academic. She teaches on MA Poetics of Imagination at Dartington Arts School, UK.
She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Historical Novel Society, Historical Writers Association.
Her writing awards include an Author’s Foundation Award, a Literature Wales Writer’s Bursary, the Rome Film Festival Book Initiative, and a Santander Research Award.
She has also published books on contemporary art including The Artist's Body and Remote Performances in Nature and Architecture. She is the author of future fiction: Meanda (French edition) and The Water Age and Other Fictions. She has also published the workbooks: The Water Age Art and Writing Workshops and The Water Age Children's Art and Writing Workshops.
Before becoming a full-time writer she worked as a contemporary art curator and art history academic. She teaches on MA Poetics of Imagination at Dartington Arts School, UK.
She is a member of the Society of Authors, the Historical Novel Society, Historical Writers Association.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 23, 2022
I found this first installment of the Conquest series to be pretty good but I would recommend it with reservations, meaning I would recommend it if you are a big fan of Medieval historical fiction and are happy with more history and less fiction.
The story takes place towards the end of the 11th century during the reigns of William the Bastard's (as he was known then) three sons: Robert II Duke of Normandy, William Rufus and Henry I. I hadn't read much about this period and knew about these characters in broad strokes and the big things they had done as described in novels taking place a few generations later. Here it was interesting to get a feel for what the times were like and to get a more detailed account of things that took place, a bit like filling in the gaps.
The human interest, more fictionalized part of the story was a bit slow and lacking depth. Our main character is Nest, an orphaned Welsh princess. Her story is interesting but it developed at a snail's pace. To be fair, partially that could be because life was much slower back then, so maybe it's actually realistic, but it did seem to go over the same ground repeatedly and it didn't get my feelings involved until 80% in.
I will continue the series and if you're a Medieval historical fiction fan like I am, it's a good read, but it could have been better.
The story takes place towards the end of the 11th century during the reigns of William the Bastard's (as he was known then) three sons: Robert II Duke of Normandy, William Rufus and Henry I. I hadn't read much about this period and knew about these characters in broad strokes and the big things they had done as described in novels taking place a few generations later. Here it was interesting to get a feel for what the times were like and to get a more detailed account of things that took place, a bit like filling in the gaps.
The human interest, more fictionalized part of the story was a bit slow and lacking depth. Our main character is Nest, an orphaned Welsh princess. Her story is interesting but it developed at a snail's pace. To be fair, partially that could be because life was much slower back then, so maybe it's actually realistic, but it did seem to go over the same ground repeatedly and it didn't get my feelings involved until 80% in.
I will continue the series and if you're a Medieval historical fiction fan like I am, it's a good read, but it could have been better.
May 11, 2023
Wowww so glad I came across this trilogy and look forward to reading the other two I actually thought it would be a complicated read as most historical novels are but no it was so easy and flowing
April 3, 2017
My knowledge of history is mainly more modern so this covers a period (post the Norman invasion) that Iam not familiar with. It's obvious that a huge amount of research has gone into it and yet it doesn't weigh too heavily on the narrative (something I feel some historical novels suffer from). The main strength of the novel is the central character, Nest. Tracey Warr very skilfully manages to make her a feisty young woman fighting to control her own destiny and yet avoids the trap of making her seem too modern. The careful details of life in a Norman household - the clothes, food etc - make the story come alive. My only very small problem was that, at times, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of characters introduced.
March 8, 2023
This is the first book of an series about Nest, a welsh woman that lost her home and is forced to be a norman. I really like that Nest, even to everyone tries that she forget her welsh heritage and her real family she presistes to hold her beliefs. It is true that she is only one more cart in that political game, but in the XII century very few woman married who really want. Nest uses her best qualities the better way to assure security and maintain her dream one day to win her home again.
Also know more about of England History and these important historical figures was other that things that I love to discover. Especialy queen Matilda, what a wise and strong woman!
Also know more about of England History and these important historical figures was other that things that I love to discover. Especialy queen Matilda, what a wise and strong woman!
August 28, 2023
Historical fiction about a real woman, Nesta ferch Rhys: daughter of a King of Wales, mistress of the King of England, wife to 3 men in the Welsh Marches. This novel starts really well, the first person POV of Nest as the Normans come to destroy her family was well done. BUT! Novel has 2 nearly fatal flaws: First nothing really happens until 80%. There is no character growth (she's a hostage, she wants to be married, she's attractive and would be an excellent wife.) Most of the action in this novel isn't about Nest, but mainly describing the machinations of the Montgomery family supporting Duke Robert against the 2 Kings of England. (but not even in their POV.)
Second: Instead of continuing in Nest's POV the end of every chapter veers off into (not well done) letters between 2 secondary characters, [Knight Haith and his sister Nun Benedicta] with occasional diary entries from Gerald FizWalter. Initially the point of these letters is to explain medieval English/ Norman history that the author can't seem to fit into the narrative. I started to groan every time I got to the letters (and I LOVE medieval English history!) And to make it worse, the letters have line by line conversations so they weren't even like letters. Look, don't write a first person POV story if you can't carry it off. I will admit the letters do get better later in the novel.
So first 3 or so chapters are great, but then the main action that affected Nest in this novel - that she marries, becomes Henry' mistress, and bears a son - all happens very quickly after pages of not even historical fiction so much as history. I was disappointed. I may read book 2 in the series since my goal was to read different Nest interpretations and this one really wasn't about Nest's life.
Aside, Warr has a different take on Nest -King Henry's relationship then Chadwick does in The King's Jewel, which was interesting. There isn't much about Nest and Gerald in this novel so maybe I'll read the next one to compare? Undecided.
Second: Instead of continuing in Nest's POV the end of every chapter veers off into (not well done) letters between 2 secondary characters, [Knight Haith and his sister Nun Benedicta] with occasional diary entries from Gerald FizWalter. Initially the point of these letters is to explain medieval English/ Norman history that the author can't seem to fit into the narrative. I started to groan every time I got to the letters (and I LOVE medieval English history!) And to make it worse, the letters have line by line conversations so they weren't even like letters. Look, don't write a first person POV story if you can't carry it off. I will admit the letters do get better later in the novel.
So first 3 or so chapters are great, but then the main action that affected Nest in this novel - that she marries, becomes Henry' mistress, and bears a son - all happens very quickly after pages of not even historical fiction so much as history. I was disappointed. I may read book 2 in the series since my goal was to read different Nest interpretations and this one really wasn't about Nest's life.
Aside, Warr has a different take on Nest -King Henry's relationship then Chadwick does in The King's Jewel, which was interesting. There isn't much about Nest and Gerald in this novel so maybe I'll read the next one to compare? Undecided.
October 19, 2016
This review first appeared on our blog where the author talks about research and setting:
http://www.tripfiction.com/historical...
I remember vaguely from school history lessons drawing a motte and bailey, a castle essentially situated on a fortified hill. As a child I rather struggled to imagine from a 20th Century perspective what life might have been like 9 or so centuries ago. And therefore I was immediately struck by the detailed drawing at the beginning of the book, together with helpful family trees that set the scene for the period and place.
As the story opens Nest is a young girl, the daughter of the last independent Welsh king, who is captured by the Normans and taken to their lair in Cardiff, imprisoned in the motte. Here she is watched over by heavily pregnant Sybil de Montgommery, sister to Arnulf, who it seems led the attack on Nest’s home at Llansteffan, imprisoning and killing her family members.
In her new abode, Nest must learn Norman, in other words an early form of French. It is more than frowned upon to speak Welsh, and she must find her feet.
There is much political intrigue, both women and men plot and scheme to their own ends, it is a period of upheaval and danger. What is to become of Nest, where does her future lie? Will she be rescued? Whom will she marry?
The sons of William the Conqueror fight with each other for control of the Anglo-Norman kingdom which serves to underline the precarious nature of the peoples, each vying for control. Nest, an astute young woman, has to straddle the warring sides, hone her loyalties and her resolve is tested as she tries to maintain control over her own destiny – and being a woman, that is a hugely difficult thing to achieve.
The detail of daily life of the period seems so well researched – imagine the hand washing of clothes and bedding that must have happened, and factor in weighty woollen blankets and garments; locusts have been brought from the southern lands as a memento and their bug eyes beadily watch the goings-on in the household. The guards keep a watchful eye, sentries are stationed at intervals to keep those inside safe – it all feels redolent of the period.
The writing in the novel flows smoothly, it was a pleasure to read and provides a real sense of the echoes of footsteps past.
http://www.tripfiction.com/historical...
I remember vaguely from school history lessons drawing a motte and bailey, a castle essentially situated on a fortified hill. As a child I rather struggled to imagine from a 20th Century perspective what life might have been like 9 or so centuries ago. And therefore I was immediately struck by the detailed drawing at the beginning of the book, together with helpful family trees that set the scene for the period and place.
As the story opens Nest is a young girl, the daughter of the last independent Welsh king, who is captured by the Normans and taken to their lair in Cardiff, imprisoned in the motte. Here she is watched over by heavily pregnant Sybil de Montgommery, sister to Arnulf, who it seems led the attack on Nest’s home at Llansteffan, imprisoning and killing her family members.
In her new abode, Nest must learn Norman, in other words an early form of French. It is more than frowned upon to speak Welsh, and she must find her feet.
There is much political intrigue, both women and men plot and scheme to their own ends, it is a period of upheaval and danger. What is to become of Nest, where does her future lie? Will she be rescued? Whom will she marry?
The sons of William the Conqueror fight with each other for control of the Anglo-Norman kingdom which serves to underline the precarious nature of the peoples, each vying for control. Nest, an astute young woman, has to straddle the warring sides, hone her loyalties and her resolve is tested as she tries to maintain control over her own destiny – and being a woman, that is a hugely difficult thing to achieve.
The detail of daily life of the period seems so well researched – imagine the hand washing of clothes and bedding that must have happened, and factor in weighty woollen blankets and garments; locusts have been brought from the southern lands as a memento and their bug eyes beadily watch the goings-on in the household. The guards keep a watchful eye, sentries are stationed at intervals to keep those inside safe – it all feels redolent of the period.
The writing in the novel flows smoothly, it was a pleasure to read and provides a real sense of the echoes of footsteps past.
October 27, 2017
CONQUEST - DAUGHTER OF THE LAST KING by Tracey Warr is a richly detailed, historical story of life, love, and power in 11th Century Anglo-Norman kingdom.
When Nest fetch Rhys is nothing but a child, her world and everyone she calls family is destroyed at the hands of the Normans, and she finds herself reduced from a Welsh Princess to a hostage that will be bartered when the time is right. Treated well and embraced by the Montgommery family, her captors, Nest blossoms from a child to a woman in their home, and she struggles with how that affects her. She hates them for what they have done to her family, yet she cares for some of them as they have become the only family she has left. Knowing that she will be married off at some stage, all she can hope for is that she will once again find herself in a position to help her own people and find some peace back where she belongs. But Nest has no idea how many people will yearn to have her, and the lengths that they will go to to get what they want ...
CONQUEST - DAUGHTER OF THE LAST KING by Tracey Warr is not a historical romance but a harsh, realistic, factually-based historical story that will grip you from start to finish. Reading this story I became hooked by the workings of power, the betrayals and lies, and the treatment of women in the King's court, and the author really lets you step back into the past to a much harsher time. I can only imagine the amount of research that was involved in writing such an absorbing historical novel and I doff my hat to the author for succeeding in such a huge task. There are many characters in this book but you soon get the hang of who is who, and I became very invested in what would happen to Nest who has limited options but still portrays a steely strength of spirit that is admirable. With plenty of danger, subterfuge, and shocking revelations, CONQUEST - DAUGHTER OF THE KING by Tracey Warr is an outstanding piece of historical fiction and I eagerly await the next book in this series!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
When Nest fetch Rhys is nothing but a child, her world and everyone she calls family is destroyed at the hands of the Normans, and she finds herself reduced from a Welsh Princess to a hostage that will be bartered when the time is right. Treated well and embraced by the Montgommery family, her captors, Nest blossoms from a child to a woman in their home, and she struggles with how that affects her. She hates them for what they have done to her family, yet she cares for some of them as they have become the only family she has left. Knowing that she will be married off at some stage, all she can hope for is that she will once again find herself in a position to help her own people and find some peace back where she belongs. But Nest has no idea how many people will yearn to have her, and the lengths that they will go to to get what they want ...
CONQUEST - DAUGHTER OF THE LAST KING by Tracey Warr is not a historical romance but a harsh, realistic, factually-based historical story that will grip you from start to finish. Reading this story I became hooked by the workings of power, the betrayals and lies, and the treatment of women in the King's court, and the author really lets you step back into the past to a much harsher time. I can only imagine the amount of research that was involved in writing such an absorbing historical novel and I doff my hat to the author for succeeding in such a huge task. There are many characters in this book but you soon get the hang of who is who, and I became very invested in what would happen to Nest who has limited options but still portrays a steely strength of spirit that is admirable. With plenty of danger, subterfuge, and shocking revelations, CONQUEST - DAUGHTER OF THE KING by Tracey Warr is an outstanding piece of historical fiction and I eagerly await the next book in this series!!
*I voluntarily reviewed this book from the Publisher
October 7, 2024
Kindle edition. Fascinating story of the Norman conquest of Wales. I learned a lot. Nest was an interesting character and her life shows how powerless women were at the time. She is pushed around and used as a pawn in Henry 1’s intrigues. Even though both Henry and Gerald are, in some ways, nice men, they don’t prioritise Nest’s happiness. I’m looking forward to book 2.
July 18, 2023
This tale of early Wales is wonderfully done. I enjoyed the plunge into Welsh and Norman society set in medieval times.
Nest is a good character that seems very believable in both her age and the circumstances that she finds herself in. I could never imagine being a pawn in the whims of powerful men.
I had a small issue with the novel being broken up by correspondences. The letters (at least in the ebook) were not well defined and I felt that they took away from the flow of the narrative.
I found the author’s research into Welsh history was well done. The novel showed the great detail of the country at the time and the conflicts that overwhelmed it.
This novel was well written and was an easy read. I was able to finish it within a few hours of starting. The first person narrative is always a bit difficult to me, I find myself unable to fully immerse into the story with this type of writing. I was pleasantly surprised that this point of view did not terribly detract from my reading experience.
A wonderful new series has begun and I find myself curious on how Nest’s story ends.
I received a complementary advanced readers copy of this novel for free and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
Nest is a good character that seems very believable in both her age and the circumstances that she finds herself in. I could never imagine being a pawn in the whims of powerful men.
I had a small issue with the novel being broken up by correspondences. The letters (at least in the ebook) were not well defined and I felt that they took away from the flow of the narrative.
I found the author’s research into Welsh history was well done. The novel showed the great detail of the country at the time and the conflicts that overwhelmed it.
This novel was well written and was an easy read. I was able to finish it within a few hours of starting. The first person narrative is always a bit difficult to me, I find myself unable to fully immerse into the story with this type of writing. I was pleasantly surprised that this point of view did not terribly detract from my reading experience.
A wonderful new series has begun and I find myself curious on how Nest’s story ends.
I received a complementary advanced readers copy of this novel for free and am leaving my honest review voluntarily.
January 23, 2023
this first chapter in the Conquest series does a great job in being a historical novel. It worked with the sons of William the Conqueror concept and I loved the character Nest as a main focus. She worked with the story and it felt like it worked in the historical setting along the way. I was invested in what was written from Tracey Warr as it worked with what I wanted. I'm glad I got to read this and am excited to read more in this universe.
"When Matilda was occupied in conversation with Archbishop Anselm, who sat on the other side of her, the king leant close, his mouth grazing my ear, and whispered, ‘I regret I had to choose the Saxon princess over the dimpled one’.I was momentarily stunned. He had only been married for one hour, yet sitting alongside his new wife and archbishop, he flirted with me? I should reprimand him, yet that was impossible since he was the king, and anyway, my vanity ached for such recognition. I felt a certain attraction to his shamelessness, enjoying his naughty delight in me. ‘The dimpled one is also regretful.’"
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
"When Matilda was occupied in conversation with Archbishop Anselm, who sat on the other side of her, the king leant close, his mouth grazing my ear, and whispered, ‘I regret I had to choose the Saxon princess over the dimpled one’.I was momentarily stunned. He had only been married for one hour, yet sitting alongside his new wife and archbishop, he flirted with me? I should reprimand him, yet that was impossible since he was the king, and anyway, my vanity ached for such recognition. I felt a certain attraction to his shamelessness, enjoying his naughty delight in me. ‘The dimpled one is also regretful.’"
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 26, 2023
The story line hooked me right away. I was confused by a couple of the characters, Haith and Benedicta, that the story jumps to off and on and some of their written conversations didn’t seem to add to the story. Later on in the book, I realized that was probably my ignorance of what those conversations are there for. I think those letters are in part, to summarize a little of what has happened as well as to provide a way to give some of the in-between history without the story having to include everything.
The story reads easily, the dialogue and dialect is not clunky. Luckily I knew a little about the historical part with King William, King Henry, etc., as there are a lot of names, and difficult pronunciations of locations - which made it hard for me to keep straight. But I pretty much got caught up in the book. I thought the character development was well done. I’d like to read the next book in the series. If you’re not interested in medieval history, though, this might not be the book for you. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story reads easily, the dialogue and dialect is not clunky. Luckily I knew a little about the historical part with King William, King Henry, etc., as there are a lot of names, and difficult pronunciations of locations - which made it hard for me to keep straight. But I pretty much got caught up in the book. I thought the character development was well done. I’d like to read the next book in the series. If you’re not interested in medieval history, though, this might not be the book for you. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2017
Nest Ferch Rhys, daughter of the King of Deheubart, has a future to look forward to. She is betrothed to Prince Owain ap Cadwgan, and one day, when she is all grown up, her husband will be the King of Powys.
But then the soldiers came.
They slaughter her kin and take her to Cardiff Castle as their special guest. Now she has to pretend gratitude towards people that she hates and she has to find the courage to live and prosper under the watchful eyes of the enemy.
Conquest: Daughter of the Last King by Tracey Warr is a compelling tale and a realistic account of what life was like for a Welsh King's daughter, in a Norman court, in the 11th Century. This book is rich with historical detail, it is very obvious that Ms. Warr has spent a great many hours in researching this fascinating era. The story itself was refreshing, and the writing was very elegant. This is certainly a sit-down-and-finish book.
I adored the characterisation of Nest. She is a brave and courageous heroine who I came to adore. My heart broke for her when she was so cruelly snatched away from her family, but despite it all, she manages to keep hold of her dignity and grace. She is treated very much as a pawn by the Normans — I am not going to give away any spoilers, but I will say that how some of these powerful men treated her was nothing short of appalling. But she kept her head held high and her dignity intact.
Conquest: Daughter of the Last King is a very well written book and one I certainly enjoyed.
I Highly Recommend.
* I received a copy of this book, from the publishers, for review consideration.*
But then the soldiers came.
They slaughter her kin and take her to Cardiff Castle as their special guest. Now she has to pretend gratitude towards people that she hates and she has to find the courage to live and prosper under the watchful eyes of the enemy.
Conquest: Daughter of the Last King by Tracey Warr is a compelling tale and a realistic account of what life was like for a Welsh King's daughter, in a Norman court, in the 11th Century. This book is rich with historical detail, it is very obvious that Ms. Warr has spent a great many hours in researching this fascinating era. The story itself was refreshing, and the writing was very elegant. This is certainly a sit-down-and-finish book.
I adored the characterisation of Nest. She is a brave and courageous heroine who I came to adore. My heart broke for her when she was so cruelly snatched away from her family, but despite it all, she manages to keep hold of her dignity and grace. She is treated very much as a pawn by the Normans — I am not going to give away any spoilers, but I will say that how some of these powerful men treated her was nothing short of appalling. But she kept her head held high and her dignity intact.
Conquest: Daughter of the Last King is a very well written book and one I certainly enjoyed.
I Highly Recommend.
* I received a copy of this book, from the publishers, for review consideration.*
December 14, 2017
This was the first book I have read about the Welsh Royal family so I found this book particularly interesting. It follows Nest fetch Rhys , the daughter of the last independent Welsh king who is captured as a young girl by the Normans and raised with the Montgomery family, her captors, whilst her father and some of her brothers are killed in an attempt to wipe out the Welsh royal line.
She is forced to learn French whilst she is ward of the King. Eventually Nest becomes close to Sybil Montgomery who she sees as a sister and her 4 daughters.
The English King Henry has an eye for Nest, amongst other women, despite being married and we learn that she did give birth to a son of the King's which she also named Henry. In the meantime the sons of William the Conqueror continue to fight each other to gain more of the Anglo/Norman land of their father's.
All in all this is great book to read if you want to know more about what was going on after the reign of William the Conqueror in the 11th Century. The author Tracey Warr has to be congratulated on adding the Welsh and English dynasties at the front of the book and a description of the motte and bailey so we can understand where the Welsh and English Royal families descended from.
She is forced to learn French whilst she is ward of the King. Eventually Nest becomes close to Sybil Montgomery who she sees as a sister and her 4 daughters.
The English King Henry has an eye for Nest, amongst other women, despite being married and we learn that she did give birth to a son of the King's which she also named Henry. In the meantime the sons of William the Conqueror continue to fight each other to gain more of the Anglo/Norman land of their father's.
All in all this is great book to read if you want to know more about what was going on after the reign of William the Conqueror in the 11th Century. The author Tracey Warr has to be congratulated on adding the Welsh and English dynasties at the front of the book and a description of the motte and bailey so we can understand where the Welsh and English Royal families descended from.
October 30, 2017
In 1093, Rhys, Welsh king of Deheubarth, is killed in a fierce battle against the Normans. His young daughter, Lady Nest, is taken prisoner and raised and educated by the Montgommery family. Based on the lives of real people living in the turbulent times of the 11th and 12th centuries, this first novel in the Conquest trilogy tells Nest's early story, from her anxieties over who she will be made to marry, to her divided loyalties between her Welsh roots and her Norman friends.
This is a wonderfully written historical novel, full of details that bring to life the people and the England and Wales of the time. From the descriptions of the wild Welsh coast, to the splendid court of Henry I, Tracey Warr makes you feel you are there alongside Nest, experiencing all of the sights and sounds of the medieval world.
Highly recommended, this book will appeal to all readers who enjoy well written and well researched historical fiction.
Thank you to Impress Books and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
This is a wonderfully written historical novel, full of details that bring to life the people and the England and Wales of the time. From the descriptions of the wild Welsh coast, to the splendid court of Henry I, Tracey Warr makes you feel you are there alongside Nest, experiencing all of the sights and sounds of the medieval world.
Highly recommended, this book will appeal to all readers who enjoy well written and well researched historical fiction.
Thank you to Impress Books and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
February 25, 2018
This is historical fiction at its very best. I loved reading this book because it wasn't just a series of historical events - it was rich in sensory detail, full of emotion and there was plenty of multi-layered conflict due to the cast of characters chosen by the author. It tells of major historical events, of course, and the involvement of the female protagonist, Nest, in them. But it's also a roller-coaster ride through sadness, happiness, envy and trepidation. I really liked Nest's integrity - once again, Warr has made an alluring female character from a historical name. In addition to the sensory details - which made you feel you were present in the castles, manors, courts and travelling with Nest - there were fascinating details of life at the medieval period (for example, what it felt like to kiss a skeleton relic in an abbey). The author's note explains which aspects are documented and what has been imagined and there are maps, family trees and floor plans to consult. I will certainly be reading the sequel, and am delighted that this is a trilogy.
September 19, 2017
This is my first Tracy Warr novel and I really enjoyed it. The maps and the family tree's at the begining of the book are invaluable in knowing who is who and what is where.
The story commences in April 1093 with 12 year old Nest ferch Rhys and her brother Goronwy, children of the Welsh King playing in the sand. Suddenly from the beach they see their fathers fort go up in flames and Nest is captured by Norman horsemen as the assault on her fathers fort is carried out.
The story of the Norman Invasion is captivating as we follow historical facts alongside Mary growing up and becoming a young woman. The attention to detail is spectacular and the reader can actively envisage each scene in detail. This novel is so well researched and the characters are vivid and believable.
I would recommend this fascinating book.
I received this novel from the author and Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
The story commences in April 1093 with 12 year old Nest ferch Rhys and her brother Goronwy, children of the Welsh King playing in the sand. Suddenly from the beach they see their fathers fort go up in flames and Nest is captured by Norman horsemen as the assault on her fathers fort is carried out.
The story of the Norman Invasion is captivating as we follow historical facts alongside Mary growing up and becoming a young woman. The attention to detail is spectacular and the reader can actively envisage each scene in detail. This novel is so well researched and the characters are vivid and believable.
I would recommend this fascinating book.
I received this novel from the author and Goodreads in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
February 5, 2023
As a lover of medieval historical fiction, I found this tale enjoyable. However, I did find the structure slightly distracting since it is clearly designed to be part of a larger whole and not entirely a stand alone novel. I appreciated the level of detail in the historical narrative but I was disappointed when it devolved largely into a love-sick heroine trope.
May 16, 2019
This book is fab, all about a welsh princess.
October 9, 2021
3.5 stars. Enjoyable historical novel at the time of the Norman conquest of England and Wales.
October 31, 2016
5 Stars. This was an amazing book on many levels for me and I was indeed sorry for it to end. I think there may be a sequel, and I have downloaded The Viking Hostage by Tracey Warr so I'm comforted..
Nest ferch Rhys is someone I knew about historically, and since my name is Carrow, also someone I needed to know about. I should tell you that I pursue genetic genealogy and have tons of Welsh DNA matches I cannot yet figure out. John Carrow my 9th great grandfather was likely from close to there and his sons and grandsons marry into Welsh families. I did know about Carew Castle, and Nest's children, but this book has so much more. That of course is one level of amazement.
I think all the characters in this novel have great depth, some more than others. The author has positioned her story in a way that brings Nest into contact with important persons in her life. Gerald FitzWalter de Windsor ( Carew Castle) and Henry I of England and Owain, Nest's cousin who abducts her were some of them. Haith who is historically known as Hait,Sheriff of Pembroke was not known to me and Nest's last husband was not either.
The history as we know it was amazingly well documented (Orderic Vitalis and other documents) and the characters were vivid and engaging. Sybil de Montgomerey and her husband Robert FitzHamon ( known as FitzHamon here) Lord of Gloucester and Glamorgan, a confidante of some of the sons of William the Conquerer, specifically William Rufus and Henry I.
That Sybil Montgomerery and Fitzhamon's ties lead them in different directions at the time that Nest is entrusted into their care is a strong thread in the story. Gerald's ties to Glamorgan are known as was his on again and off again career at Pembroke Castle so it works quite well.
Definitely recommended to all Medieval history lovers of this period. It is engaging and artfully written and is one time that multiple person storytelling works for me.
Nest ferch Rhys is someone I knew about historically, and since my name is Carrow, also someone I needed to know about. I should tell you that I pursue genetic genealogy and have tons of Welsh DNA matches I cannot yet figure out. John Carrow my 9th great grandfather was likely from close to there and his sons and grandsons marry into Welsh families. I did know about Carew Castle, and Nest's children, but this book has so much more. That of course is one level of amazement.
I think all the characters in this novel have great depth, some more than others. The author has positioned her story in a way that brings Nest into contact with important persons in her life. Gerald FitzWalter de Windsor ( Carew Castle) and Henry I of England and Owain, Nest's cousin who abducts her were some of them. Haith who is historically known as Hait,Sheriff of Pembroke was not known to me and Nest's last husband was not either.
The history as we know it was amazingly well documented (Orderic Vitalis and other documents) and the characters were vivid and engaging. Sybil de Montgomerey and her husband Robert FitzHamon ( known as FitzHamon here) Lord of Gloucester and Glamorgan, a confidante of some of the sons of William the Conquerer, specifically William Rufus and Henry I.
That Sybil Montgomerery and Fitzhamon's ties lead them in different directions at the time that Nest is entrusted into their care is a strong thread in the story. Gerald's ties to Glamorgan are known as was his on again and off again career at Pembroke Castle so it works quite well.
Definitely recommended to all Medieval history lovers of this period. It is engaging and artfully written and is one time that multiple person storytelling works for me.
August 19, 2025
Post-Conquest, Norman nobles are scrambling to wed the orphaned princesses of their vanquished Scottish and Welsh foes.
Nest verch Rhys, daughter of the last Dinefwr king Rhys ap Tewdwr, has been placed with Lady Sybil and her husband Robert FitzHamond, in Cardiff Castle. FitzHamond is tasked by the king with subduing the Welsh. Nest nurses hopes of rescuing the Royal Deheubarth line, and wants to realise her betrothal to her noble cousin Owain ap Cadwgan. But she realises she would miss Lady Sybil and her little daughters and the maid Amelina.
Meanwhile, there is a scramble for the English throne, and personal fortunes rest on backing the winning side. FitzHamond is for King Rufus. Duke Robert and other Norman lords depart on crusade. Owain comes to Cardiff dressed as a tinker and slips a whisper to Nest that he will come for her, but on the night he doesn't show.
Listening around corners, Nest discovers a plot against the king involving Sybil’s brother Arnulf.
King Rufus denies marriage petitions from Arnulf and from Owain. When King Rufus dies, his brother Henry takes the throne, and alliances shift. Those who backed the new man are in favour. Some barons believe the older brother Duke Robert was the legitimate heir. Duke Robert thinks so, too, and challenges his brother in battle.
The new king marries the Scottish Princess Matilda, though Nest had entertained thoughts that he might choose her.
The story is told mainly through Nest’s point of view, but also through the knight Haith and his sister, nun Benedicta, in coded letters containing all the royal gossip.
Book 1 in the Conquest series, this novel is an enjoyable look at the daily lives of nobility during a period of great social change. The story illustrates how, unlike England, the Norman conquest of Wales was slow, though equally painful. Nest’s ‘desire to be resistantly Welsh is… necessarily compromised and hedged about by love’.
Nest’s brother Gruffydd ap Rhys was my 20th great grandfather.
Nest verch Rhys, daughter of the last Dinefwr king Rhys ap Tewdwr, has been placed with Lady Sybil and her husband Robert FitzHamond, in Cardiff Castle. FitzHamond is tasked by the king with subduing the Welsh. Nest nurses hopes of rescuing the Royal Deheubarth line, and wants to realise her betrothal to her noble cousin Owain ap Cadwgan. But she realises she would miss Lady Sybil and her little daughters and the maid Amelina.
Meanwhile, there is a scramble for the English throne, and personal fortunes rest on backing the winning side. FitzHamond is for King Rufus. Duke Robert and other Norman lords depart on crusade. Owain comes to Cardiff dressed as a tinker and slips a whisper to Nest that he will come for her, but on the night he doesn't show.
Listening around corners, Nest discovers a plot against the king involving Sybil’s brother Arnulf.
King Rufus denies marriage petitions from Arnulf and from Owain. When King Rufus dies, his brother Henry takes the throne, and alliances shift. Those who backed the new man are in favour. Some barons believe the older brother Duke Robert was the legitimate heir. Duke Robert thinks so, too, and challenges his brother in battle.
The new king marries the Scottish Princess Matilda, though Nest had entertained thoughts that he might choose her.
The story is told mainly through Nest’s point of view, but also through the knight Haith and his sister, nun Benedicta, in coded letters containing all the royal gossip.
Book 1 in the Conquest series, this novel is an enjoyable look at the daily lives of nobility during a period of great social change. The story illustrates how, unlike England, the Norman conquest of Wales was slow, though equally painful. Nest’s ‘desire to be resistantly Welsh is… necessarily compromised and hedged about by love’.
Nest’s brother Gruffydd ap Rhys was my 20th great grandfather.
May 22, 2023
This story is the first in a series of three, based on real historical events around the Anglo-Norman kingdom of the late 11th and early 12th century.
Nest ferch Rhys is the young daughter of the Welsh king of Deheubarth in south-west Wales and promised in marriage to the son of another Welsh king.
At the beginning of the story, Nest is kidnapped and taken to Cardiff Castle by the Normans, whilst her father and two of her brothers are killed and another imprisoned.
Sybil de Montgomery, the Norman woman who takes responsibility for Nest, is kind. This enables Nest, over time, to adjust to her new surroundings.
Determined and resourceful, Nest manages to preserve her Welsh identity in spite of having to embrace the Norman language and way of life. She comes to the attention of Arnulf de Montgomery, who wishes to marry her, but her marriage is the gift of the King.
Nest also draws the attention of Count Henry, the youngest son of William the Conqueror, who is battling with his two brothers for control of the Anglo-Norman kingdom bequeathed by their father.
I found this a fascinating story and extremely well-written and researched by Tracey Warr. Nest was engaging and it was good to see a strong female character at the forefront of the narrative. I also enjoyed learning more about the historical events of this period.
There are two more books in this series and I look forward to reading them.
I received a review copy of this book for free via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Nest ferch Rhys is the young daughter of the Welsh king of Deheubarth in south-west Wales and promised in marriage to the son of another Welsh king.
At the beginning of the story, Nest is kidnapped and taken to Cardiff Castle by the Normans, whilst her father and two of her brothers are killed and another imprisoned.
Sybil de Montgomery, the Norman woman who takes responsibility for Nest, is kind. This enables Nest, over time, to adjust to her new surroundings.
Determined and resourceful, Nest manages to preserve her Welsh identity in spite of having to embrace the Norman language and way of life. She comes to the attention of Arnulf de Montgomery, who wishes to marry her, but her marriage is the gift of the King.
Nest also draws the attention of Count Henry, the youngest son of William the Conqueror, who is battling with his two brothers for control of the Anglo-Norman kingdom bequeathed by their father.
I found this a fascinating story and extremely well-written and researched by Tracey Warr. Nest was engaging and it was good to see a strong female character at the forefront of the narrative. I also enjoyed learning more about the historical events of this period.
There are two more books in this series and I look forward to reading them.
I received a review copy of this book for free via Booksirens, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2017
This is a beautifully written story, set against impressively researched history and narrated at a thriller pace. The story opens with Nest and Goronwy, children of an 11th century Welsh King, playing on the beach under their father’s fort. As they see the fort go up in flames two Norman horseman charge at them, one swoops up Nest and the other kills Goronwy. We follow the story of Nest, brought up captive in the family of Norman lords in a Welsh castle. The story of this young woman, ward to the Norman King of England who holds her fate in his hands, unfolds against a breathtaking account of the Norman invasions of England and Wales. This is history brought to life with real characters, real events and a great story. I couldn’t put it down and greatly anticipate the second volume.
February 14, 2023
As a lover of medieval historical fiction, I found this tale enjoyable. However, I did find the structure slightly distracting, since it clearly is designed to be part of a larger whole, and not entirely a stand alone novel. I appreciated the level of detail in the historical narrative, but I was disappointed when it developed largely into a lovesick heroine trope.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 5, 2022
Nest, daughter of the last Welsh King Rhys, had to live with the Normans, when they invaded Wales. A young princess betroth to a young Welshman named Owen, but as a result of the invasion, she had no choice but to marry a Norman.
William the Conqueror had been to Wales and his sons lived on to become kings, Nest lived through Henry I reign.
William the Conqueror had been to Wales and his sons lived on to become kings, Nest lived through Henry I reign.
July 13, 2022
Excellent ,exciting and extremely addictive!!
If you're a history lover them this book is for you. Nest is a character I've never come across in other books and she opens up a whole new interesting world. I can't wait to read the next book.
If you're a history lover them this book is for you. Nest is a character I've never come across in other books and she opens up a whole new interesting world. I can't wait to read the next book.
September 22, 2017
Visit the locations in the novelCastles in Wales
I really enjoy going back in time via a book and this one really appealed. As the drawbridge came down and I ventured in, I was not disappointed. In fact I remember nothing of what happened in my every day life until I came out at the end.
The level of detail and care and attention which has gone into this novel is spellbinding but it never gets in the way of the plot at all. It strengthens and improves it explaining how life must have been, how daily tasks were carried out to how the ward of a king must behave. The story of Nest is complex and multilayered but reads like a charm. Don’t be fooled into thinking that this book will be heavy going given the subject matter, it’s not – it’s a brilliantly woven tapestry of historical intrigue where I felt as if I’d been part of the novel, and part of Nest’s life and I missed her for a while afterwards.
This is a rich feast for the eyes
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