I definitely rounded up my rating basically because a new character that I really liked was introduced. This is the third book in the Fairmile series. I have not read anything by this author other than this particular series. But the thing that I like most is that the author makes up her own characters in this series, which is not what she has done in the past.

Regarding the series, I really enjoy it a lot. I love the main characters and I find myself rooting for them and hoping that their lives will turn out in a manner that suits them, despite all of the tragedy and hardships they encounter.

As far as this installment, it felt like a sort of spacer that spent time introducing new characters, even though I was under the assumption that this would be the last book in the series. I might be wrong. But this book didn't have as much going on as the other books. Either she struggled to end it or she's setting up future books. I was left feeling unfulfilled.

As usual, Philippa Gregory created a good story around historical events in an entertaining manner. My only complaint is I did not realize it was book 3. Fortunately, I am familiar with the history so I could follow along but I am now going to have to purchase the other two books.

In 1685 England, King Charles II died without an heir and many people don't want his brother James to take the throne. Ned Ferryman wants to return from America with his Pokanoket servant to join the rebel army. His sister Alinor and her daughter Alys are convinced to save the queen in exchange for the chance to return to Tidelands and rule. Alinor’s son wants nothing to do with the war, but is coerced to create an imposter Prince of Wales.

Dawnlands is the third book of the Fairmile series, but I missed the first two books of this generational saga. That's okay, I don't feel like I missed anything. Any pertinent information regarding relationships are supplied by context, and there's enough new tension to roll with it. The family is once again embroiled in situations borne of royal issues. England is firmly Protestant at this point, but the Stuart King James and his wife Mary Beatrice are Catholic. The religious tension trickles down to the people as well, though merchant's tend to avoid conflicts of principles. Johnny verbalized it the most with Ned: money is the only thing of value for most people, as it's the way of getting power, comfort and safety. Ned is an idealist, believing all people are equal regardless of gender, nationality or religion. This is obviously not a common sentiment for the time period, and his efforts to make changes are stymied because of his lack of wealth.

As an epic story spanning generations, we have different priorities between the characters, discussions of past events, and the current political instability to bring it to the reader's attention. We see the harsh reality of slavery in Barbados before it became so widespread in the American colonies, the need to survive at all costs (however it's defined by the characters) and how for some characters that drive to succeed ultimately leaves them alone at the end. They don't fail, exactly; Johnny is a businessman, and Livia schemes her way to the top no matter who she has to manipulate. It was fascinating to see this play out against history. Focusing on the family means we have a vested interest in this era of history in England, and the impact it had on the common people, not just the nobility and royalty.

Knowing nothing about this period can make reading fiction during it hard. I’ve enjoyed the first two in the Fairmile series, but I have to read them pretty slow. I’m sure someone with more historical knowledge would enjoy them more due to pacing. I really enjoy these because I feel like I’m learning so much!

It is hard to find any adjectives to decribe Philippa Gregory's library of titles. I think they have all been used many, many times. You can pick any title in her library, whether one of the "Queen" titles, Plantagenet or Stuart titles or my favorite, The Other Bolyen Girl, and fall into history with the first chapter. Dawnlands is populated with fictional characters but will still keep historical fiction readers turning pages quickly while we watch the Ferryman family navigate late 17th century intrigue.
this is the 3rd book in the Fairmaile series. To get the most enjoyment, I'd recommend you read the first two books.

This is the 3rd installment of the Fairmile series and, in my opinion, the best so far! In Dawnlands, we continue the story of Alinor the herbalist and the next 3 generations of her family all while the historical fall of the Stuarts in 17 century England is taking place. Once again, Philippa Gregory brings us well researched history in colorful detail, a completely immersive reading experience! Thank you NetGalley, Atria Books and the author for this eARC in exchange for my honest review. This book is available for purchase now!

Rich Historical Series book 3

I adore Philippa Gregory's historical fiction; it's like you crawl into a time machine but can come back 'home' for supper. This is book 3 of a series about a time I know very little about; it is very rich in detail and characters -- good, bad and a mixture. I would advise reading the first 2 books of the series first if you can, as, being as it's been a while since I did, it took me a while to reacquaint myself with the characters and situations. Absolutely top historical fiction, give yourself a few days by the fire to digest this one!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Another fantastic book by Philippa Gregory! Full of great detail of the ongoing saga of the Reekie family and those who meddle with it!

This book, so rich in detail - I felt like I was watching the action in-person. I also found myself attached to various characters and felt for them when adversity struck. All this - I felt this story was very real. Though I wish certain things in the story did not occur, I understand why they did.

Regarding the ending - though I cringed, it left me feeling hopeful. When someone else reads the book, they will feel the same!

When I first picked up this book I did not realize it was the third in a series, so at first I was confused by the large cast of characters and the web of relationships and connections between them , but I was soon caught up in the vivid historical details and excellent as always writing that I have come to expect from this author.
There is plenty of drama and high emotional stakes, and even though it is quite a long book, it flew by.
I read and reviewed an ARC courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher, all opinions are my own.

In book 3 of the Fairmile Series, it is now 1685, King Charles II has died without an heir and his brother James is to take the throne. The people are divided, and many do not welcome the new king or his young queen. Ned Ferryman is certain that the country is ready for a renewed civil war, so he returns from America with a Pokanoket servant, Rowan,ready to join the cause. Alinor and her daughter Alys, have been coaxed by the manipulative Livia to save the queen from the coming siege. The rewards are life-changing: the family could return to their beloved Tidelands,
I love this series, and this book was a wonderful end to the series (actually I am not positive this was the final book, but several ends were tied up nicely, leading me to think it was). The storyline stretches from America to England, from Sealsea Island to the sugar plantations in Barbados. In addition to the cast of characters from the previous two books, there were a few new additions. I especially liked Rowan. She disguised herself as a boy when she was being sold as a slave, spoke to Ned in her native language, letting him know who she was and begging him to purchase her and take her with him. That made her indebted to Ned and they forged an unbreakable bond. Livia was back and up to no good once again. Somehow she always manages to land on her feet though. Whether you are a diehard fan of this author or this is your first time reading anything by her, you will love this series. I do suggest starting at book one, just so you know everyone's backstory. You will definitely love this!

Alinor and her family navigate conflicting loyalties when Catholic King James II accedes to the throne.⁠

If you enjoyed the first two books in the Fairmile series, you'll probably enjoy this one. Beautifully written and intricately plotted, this installment is the least disappointing of the three but still unsatisfying. The audiobook is extremely well done.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Set during 17th century against the backdrop of a brewing civil war- this historical fiction is rich in secrets, gossip, and royal court drama. Fans of Phillipa Gregory will empty Dawnlands, written in her signature style of creating rich atmosphere and dynamic characters. She breathes new life and interest into the long ago times of Kings and Queens.

The third book in the Fairmile series, "Dawnlands" by Philippa Gregory continues the story of a family in 17th century England. Oh how I love Ms. Gregory's writing and her latest is no exception! Ms. Gregory breathes life into long ago times. This is the kind of book in which you become completely immersed in the past so that, when you finally look up from the pages hours after starting, you have to reorient and adjust yourself back to the present. I was wholly drawn into the opulence and political intrigue of the Stuart Court, as well as the disappointment of the failed Monmouth uprising, the horrors of the slave trade and sugar industry in the Caribbean, and the triumph of William of Orange. The mixture of fictional characters with historical ones makes this book educational as well as entertaining. Ms. Gregory's characters are vividly written and the multiple layers of plot make for a thoroughly engrossing and complex read.

As the third book of the series, I was thrilled to become reacquainted with old, familiar characters, particularly Ned who is way ahead of his time, as well as to meet some new ones, particularly Rowan, a native woman who longs for freedom in a white man's world. I eagerly await more books in this series; the ending of this one left open the possibility of at least one more book! This book further cemented Ms. Gregory's place as one of my all-time favorite authors. Her books always earn a place on my limited shelf space!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the privilege of reading an advanced digital copy of this fabulous book, in exchange for my honest review.

It had been a year since the last book and I was concerned if I would remember the characters but since there is such great story telling I did. A new character Rowan is introduced who I completely loved. Her and Ned had a great relationship. The historical backdrop adds layers to the story and keeps the reader engaged. Alinor and James get a good conclusion. I am curious if there will be another book, If so I would read it.

A complex read about a challenging and often confusing time in the UK but it boils down to family. It's 1685 and the struggle between the highest level of the British ruling family pulls in so many others. Ned has returned from the "New England," bringing with him Rowan, a young Native American woman and he has once again joined with rebels. His sister Alinor and her daughter Alys have fostered Matthew for the venal Livia, now serving the Queen, who is desperate to bear a son in order to secure the throne. This gets so complicated with family and politics that it's next to impossible to explain but know that the reader will be immersed and all that will drop away. I found myself most engaged with Ned and Rowan, whose story moves to Barbados and forces the family to consider their own involvement with slavery. I'd only read one of the books in the series but that wasn't a problem- Gregory smartly provides enough info about each character that you'll never be lost (although I admit I was a tad at sea with some of The Who's who about the warring parties.). Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I'm sure her fans will be thrilled with this as it's an excellent read.

The Fairmile series is back with Alinor and her family getting entangled in the palace gossip, politics, and a lot of secrets and backstabbing.

We are in 17th-century England. Continuing with Alinor’s story. The year is 1685 and England is once again thinking of another civil war. The Stuart kings and the families are torn in two.

Ned is heading home to fight with a rebel army with his Pokanoket servant. Alinor tries to talk him out of it, but no.

Meanwhile, Livia has told Alinor that if she helps her she could get Tidelands back. Powerful stuff for someone whose position before was on the bottom. Her son doesn’t want war but leaves to rescue Ned. And oh my, there is a threat to the throne.

This is an epic tale that takes us to England, America, and even Barbados. This is the third installment of this series.

I loved this story. My uncle wrote our family history and often mentioned the fallout from backing a Stuart king. It divided our family and I really enjoyed this one!


NetGalley/November 8th, 2022 by Atria Books

I'm a great fan of Philippa Gregory and have enjoyed the Fairmile series thus far. However, Dawnlands, the third in the series was a disappointment. It all comes down to too many storylines. Alinor in Foulmire, Alys on the dock, Ned at war, Livia in the castle, Rowan in Barbados, Matthew and the girls trading glances; {sigh} It's all too much and no one, and no one event, got the treatment he/she/it deserved. The treatment we're used to from Philippa Gregory. Three of five stars.

Immersive and intriguing. Book three in this series welcomes us to the political and social unrest of 17th century England . . . so good to catch up with Alinor and how her brood is dealing with life in the late 1600s.

If you read Tidelands and Dark Tides then this is an absolute must-read. This latest installment follows those characters you have come to know and love, and some you have loved to hate, but it was also fun to meet a few new and interesting faces as well.

The scenes surrounding travel to Barbados in this sequel are beautiful . . . so vivid and compelling. I hope the Fairmile Saga will continue.

I’d like to thank NetGalley for an advanced copy of Dawnlands for my unbiased evaluation. 4 stars

This book really does a great job at describing and letting the reader know what the time period was like.

This book follows a lot of different characters and all with there very different perspectives. They were hard to keep track of at times, but enough description was given to help out.

I really likes following Rowan's part of the story. Ned saves her from slavery and she travels with him under the disguise of a boy. Her native culture shows through in her character in many parts in the book. Her story eventually takes you to Barbados and you learn all the slavery atrocities that go on there.

This book is well written and very descriptive to help feel a part of the time period.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Fairdale series book 3, Dawnlands, is set in the later Stuart years, with awful, conniving Livia placed next to Queen Mary Beatrice. From here, she stirs the pot for the extended Reekie clan. Matthew, her son, fostered by the Reekies, is growing up, and at her command. Alinor is growing old, and returns to Foulmere, a gift from the Queen to Livia to Matthew. Sensible Alys continues to be the only rational family member, while Ned travels from New England back to England to stand against the King, bringing with him an indigenous girl who is loyal to the end.

The Reekie clan keeps on keeping on, in slaveholder Barbados, in William of Orange's army, and on the Lindon wharves. This great book can't be the end of the series; we have more to learn and love about the family, who will stick together no matter what.