Set in England during the 1040s and 1050s, when Edward the Confessor was King, "Challenges of a King" details the rise and fall of the family of Godwin, Earl of Wessex.

The narrative alternates between Edward and the Godwins, and gives us a sense that Edward was in control of his own destiny and of the political machinations that would ultimately lead up to the events at Hastings as we know them. One cannot but side with the Godwins against Edward's Norman advisers.

Whilst the action is confined to the halls of power, once gets a true sense of the impending drama that is about to unfold.

Looking forward to the next in the series.

My thanks to the Author publisher's and NetGalley for providing me with a Kindle version of this book to read and honestly review.
Having seen the cover and read the blurb I expected an action packed story to close the gap in my Historical fiction left by the end of Bernard Cornwells Uhtred series, but in fact there was little or no action in the story, the first in a series leading to the battle of Hastings. So you assume I didn't enjoy the book WRONG, this well written and researched story was an engaging read from start to finish. Authentic atmospheric full of mystery politics and subterfuge with a real feel for time and place. Totally absorbing from first to last page.
Completely and utterly recommended.

Wonderful! This book had me from the first page to the last. I have read other books on the Godwin family but this was the best. The author does an amazing job of truly making you feel so engaged with the characters and the story. You will find it very hard to put down. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for an e

I have been a fan of Ashman for a while but this wasn’t my favorite. The beginning story build felt a bit disjointed as if trying to bite off more than needed or force too much development too quickly as a reader who loves details it didn’t resonate with me.

That being said about midway with the focus shifting from background to the story itself I was drawn in and enjoyed the novel. Definitely feel into more of an expected rhythm of Ashman from that point forward.