A good historical fiction draws the reader into compelling characters interwoven with historical ones. Set in the early 11th Century, the story moves from Spain to Normandy to England. The Vikings under Cnut have claimed the Crown and the former kings, the Wessex kings, are now banished. It is a time of great change and upheaval particularly in England and in only a few years, there will be changes that will set the course of history for centuries to come. The book, although it ends long before 1066, tells some of the backstory of William The Conquer who, as it turns out, had a stronger claim to the throne than the Godwins and Harold.

The historical story is told while woven into the story of a remarkable woman and a very special book and knife. I was so wrapped up in her trials and tribulations that I found the book left her in a murky spot. I found I was turning pages late into the night to see how it ended and was disappointed that it had such an open end. Clearly other stories are to follow but I wish the characters might have been in a more stable spot. But then stability was not a cornerstone of that era.

There are few out and out villains although some of the “heroes” do some despicable things. The true villains are treacherous but many still have some redeeming qualities. I cannot wait to see where the next book takes the characters and how the author approaches the conquest. Four purrs and two paws up.

This is certainly and epic and powerful book set in medieval times. About the struggle between two families, it is certainly an book for the adventurous. This is a fiction novel but is based on real events and real people of the times. It is quite a long book but it will hold your attention and keep you reading.

Set in numerous places, filled with the excitement, loyalty, treachery, control feuds and the Norman Invasion of 1066, this book has it all and will keep you enthralled and on the edge of your seat. A great start to a series, I look forward to seeing what comes next.

Thank you NetGalley and Troubador for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.