CW: Attempted rape of a child, and actual rape of woman. Some scenes of gory violence.

In 1081, King Gruffydd unites with King Tewdwr in Wales - both men who have had their kingdom snatched from them by traitors to fight against others who plan to associate under the English crown.

This is a fast-paced historical action book that told the story of a part of history I know very little about and I am keen to read and learn more about. The only other book I've read that focused on Welsh history was Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman which takes place a couple of centuries after the events in this book.

I did find it a little hard at times to remember who was who, and who was allied with who as Welsh names are a little bit unfamiliar to me and I was also trying to make sure I was reading them the way they should be pronounced. So I was confused at times but after a few paragraphs I could figure out again what was happening.

There is obviously a lot of fighting and action in this book, and while most of it is fine there were some odd bits of over the top violence that was a bit jarring (the death of Annie Apples for instance). I also was really disgusted at the attempted rape of Nesta by a soldier and I don't really think it was necessary for the plot at all.

I actually found myself more interested in Nesta more so than other characters in the books, as I do think she has a very interesting history. And personally I do love reading history through the lives of women who lived during the time periods rather than the men.

I enjoyed this book for what it was which was a bit of fast-paced history, and it will remain to be seen if I continue with the series.