This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

This book focuses more on Simon de Montfort’s early years than the time he spent in England being a thorn in the side of Henry III. There are some inaccuracies as Simon would have been trained as a soldier and been made a squire from the age of 10 and before that he would have been required to serve as a page in a noble household. No son of a noble family would have had what we see as a childhood, even if they were the second son or destined for the church.

I wish I would’ve had time to read the first six books in this oh brilliant series. In this book Lord Simon demand Ford leaves France to retain the estate his dad left behind and although without money king Henry brings him into his confidence quite quickly sending him to Chester to reform his lackadaisical troops there in the whole time dangling his dukedom-ship in his face. He and his newly married man of arms goals to Chester in lord Simon leaves his man of arms to get the troops ready while he goes about to rally other troops because once again king henry insinuated that he could rally an army to defeat the revengers he will get his dukedom. Wild Simon is out in the countryside he goes to Ashford castle and meets Lord Yusuf Who act first has no intentions of joining King Henry‘s fight but after Simon explains the seriousness of the situation Yusuf is on board and contributes more troops and although Simon has gathered 3000 troops when the meeting between him and the invading army looks like it’s going to be certain death for King Henry’s men but thankfully lady Eleanor has interceded and sent the holy man to set up a negotiations meeting this is when Simon travels back and although he is uncertain as to whether he should attend the meeting or not after another visit with the Lord Yusuf he is more undecided as to whether he should fight for the king or not. I know this isn’t the best summaries but trust me when I say this is a great book the wasn’t a lot of fighting hardly any at all which to be honest I love those and there’s a reason I read these books but this story totally made up for the lack of fight scenes because it is so good and you really feel the uncertainty Lord Simon faces and how he wants to do the right thing but feels he should also be loyal to Henry not to mention he still wants his estate and title I hope this Siri‘s continues because this was an excellent book and one I can’t wait to read more of I felt so bad for Simon that he was in love with merle and all that happened with her love her so much! I am going to start this series because if all the books are thas great as this one it should be a fun ride. This is definitely a solid five star read and one I highly recommend. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind to dictate my review.

The tumultuous relationship between Henry III and his brother in law and vassal the impetuous Simon Montfort is at the heart of this latest addition to David Field's captivating medieval saga centered primarily around the Plantagenets.

A truculent fictional journey cleverly plotted and blessed with very colorful cast of characters. Another winner and an adrenaline-fueled reading experience that kept me on the edge of my seat for a few hours last night!

Highly recommended and to be discovered and enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever!

Many thanks to Sapere Books and Netgalley for this terrific ARC!