The story of William is a interesting mixed tale. Born to unmarried parents he rose very high in the social
hierachy though he was not popular with many. He and his wife Mathilde were very much in love which was a nice
note in an era where marriage, especially amongst the upper classes was for convenience, connections and money.

Bloodthirsty and brutal was the pointers for this age and survival and annexing lands and properties was the
sole focus of many in order to hold on to power. Unpleasant but part of the era.

It was a detailed read going back before the 11th century and gave you much information on who changed the face
of England.

Very good read for history buffs.

Was a book that didn’t draw me in as I had hoped. I will check back again in the future but for the time being is not one I could complete. Was very intrigued by the choice in history and generally so love the timing. Believe it to be a more personal timing than anything else.

A rollicking fictional journey through the eventful life of William the Conqueror and the birth of the Norman rule in England.

Highly entertaining and historically accurate, this adrenaline-fueled novel will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish with its dazzling narrative pace and its exqui
sitely drawned characters!

To be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Many thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for this terrific ARC

The life story of a famous historical character whom oddly,we know very little about. An outstanding book written by.a highly regarded author.
William was a very complex character who frequently displayed unexpected compassion, but he could be unbelievably brutal to those who got in his way, including many innocent civilians.
John Wingate has obviously put in an enormous amount of research into the period and the large amount of key players in William’s life. Many have similar sounding names which can be quite confusing at times, fortunately there is a long index of names at the front of the book to help the confused reader. I lost count of the amount of battles and sieges that he took part in, both before, and after the Battle of Hastings.
A violent and ambitious man who had an immense impact on English history, culture and architecture.
This is a well written and constructed book, that I thoroughly enjoyed reading and can definitely recommend it to lovers of mediaeval and military history.

I think it's the first time I read a biography of William the Conqueror and found this one engrossing and well researched.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A decent retelling of William of Normandy’s story. My only fault is that it didn’t add anything new to his sort and largely tells things from the people around him, leaving out his thoughts and feelings.

445 pages

5 stars

This is the first comprehensive biography of William the Conqueror that I have read. I have long been interested in William and what kind of man he was. I knew that his parents were not married and found myself bemused that he rose so far.

I learned a great deal about William that I did not know. As Duke of Normandy, he was not popular in certain circles. His escape with the insurgents hot on his heels was exciting, and a surprise to me. I had no idea whether he was liked or not in his home country. That he and his wife, Mathilda were very much in love warmed me.

The cruelty and barbarity displayed by the average man did not surprise me. It was the age in which these people lived. I wish it weren’t so.

At the death of Edward the Confessor of England, William decides to seek his fortune there. There are staunch obstacles in his way of other claimants to the throne of England. This does not deter William however. He knows how to be ruthless and unforgiving.

William must also face the Saxons. They are very good warriors. There are vicious battles. When William felt that he had finally subdued the English/Saxons, he let his troops pillage their way to London. They destroyed and burned along the way.

On 5 March 1067, William’s coronation as King of England took place.

This book was a very good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was well written and Mr. Wingate brought the characters to life. I felt at times as though I was reading an historical novel.

I want to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for forwarding to me a copy of this most interesting book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.