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Welsh Princes #2
Falls the Shadow
This is Simon de Montfort's story—and the story of King Henry III, as weak and changeable as Montfort was brash and unbending. It is a saga of two opposing wills that would later clash in a storm of violence and betrayal, a story straight from the pages of history that brings the world of the thirteenth century completely, provocatively, and magnificently alive. Above all, this is a story of conflict and treachery, of human frailty and broken legends, a tale of pageantry and grandeur that is as unforgettable as it is real....
580 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 1988
304 people are currently reading
6705 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Kay Penman
42 books4,029 followersPenman received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she majored in history, and also received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, and later worked as a tax lawyer.
The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following the success of When Christ and His Saints Slept (which dealt with the Anarchy and the early career of King Henry II of England), Penman ventured into the historical whodunnit with four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reign of Richard I. The mysteries did not enjoy the same success as her "straight" historical novels, to which she returned in 2002, with Time and Chance, again covering the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. In 2008, she published Devil's Brood, which was to be the final book in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She soon realized that there was still more of the Angevins' story to tell and the result was Lionheart , followed by The King's Ransom. Henry and Eleanor's celebrated and controversial son, Richard the Lionheart is the major character in both books, although Eleanor, John, and Richard's favorite sister, Joanna, also get to spend time on center stage. She has just finished The Land Beyond the Sea, set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century. It will be published in the U.S. by G.P. Putnam's and in the U.K. and Down Under by Macmillan and co; the publication date is early March, 2020.
The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following the success of When Christ and His Saints Slept (which dealt with the Anarchy and the early career of King Henry II of England), Penman ventured into the historical whodunnit with four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reign of Richard I. The mysteries did not enjoy the same success as her "straight" historical novels, to which she returned in 2002, with Time and Chance, again covering the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. In 2008, she published Devil's Brood, which was to be the final book in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She soon realized that there was still more of the Angevins' story to tell and the result was Lionheart , followed by The King's Ransom. Henry and Eleanor's celebrated and controversial son, Richard the Lionheart is the major character in both books, although Eleanor, John, and Richard's favorite sister, Joanna, also get to spend time on center stage. She has just finished The Land Beyond the Sea, set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century. It will be published in the U.S. by G.P. Putnam's and in the U.K. and Down Under by Macmillan and co; the publication date is early March, 2020.
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September 21, 2024
“… never forget it, never – that the world’s greatest fool is a Welshman who trusts an English King.”
FALLS THE SHADOW is a fictionalized biography of Simon de Montfort, the 13th century champion of representative government who fought to the death for the Oxford Provisions, the natural descendant of Runnymede’s Magna Carta. De Montfort, now known as the hero of the people and a man ahead of his time who crafted the embryonic structure of a people's parliament, was the bitter enemy of Henry III, a man now known as one of England’s weakest and most incompetent monarchs and a fervent believer in the God-given right of kings to rule their feudal kingdom with complete, unquestioned authority.
As expansive as the historical canvas on which Sharon Kay Penman paints her recreation of 13th century England is - its politics, its landscapes, and its evolution, warfare, social customs, law and marriage, even its dietary proclivities – she keeps a firm and disciplined grip on all of the story lines, all of her characters, and all of the meaningful real-life historical developments. The reader of what is a door-stopper by any definition will never find themselves forced to re-read, or to stop to gather one’s thoughts. The lush drama, the thrill, the gripping re-creation of the real-life historical developments and the heart throbbing romance that Penman has chosen to create between Simon and his wife, Nell, is, to say the least, compelling.
On the horrors of medieval siege warfare, for example:
“The mangonels heaved boulders into the inner bailey, and the trebuchets hurled the dreaded Greek fire, which not even water could extinguish. The castle came rapidly to life; men appeared, yawning and cursing, upon the roof battlements, at the narrow arrow slits … he knew how unpleasant conditions must be for those mewed up within the keep, denied light or fresh air, unable to escape the pungent stink of the latrines, having to ration every swallow of water, to count every mouthful of food.”
Some wry humour on the vagaries of bathing and brothels:
“ ‘I’m just going out to take a piss. It’s sweltering in here; mayhap I’ll take another dip in the lake.’ ”
“ ‘Again?’ She was accustomed to humoring the quirks of her customers, but never had she encountered one so bizarre. In truth, the man was besotted with bathing, even insisting that she take a bath herself ere he’d bed her! Were all lords so daft about soap and water?”
Next up, of course, THE RECKONING, the final entry in Penman’s masterful Welsh Princes trilogy, in which Llewelyn, now reluctantly acknowledged by the English crown as the Prince of Wales, butts heads with Edward I, the willful and much more capable son of the mercurial Henry III. Sharon Kay Penman is a master of the historical fiction genre and her Welsh Princes trilogy deserves a strong recommendation and a place on the shelves of any lover of the genre.
Paul Weiss
FALLS THE SHADOW is a fictionalized biography of Simon de Montfort, the 13th century champion of representative government who fought to the death for the Oxford Provisions, the natural descendant of Runnymede’s Magna Carta. De Montfort, now known as the hero of the people and a man ahead of his time who crafted the embryonic structure of a people's parliament, was the bitter enemy of Henry III, a man now known as one of England’s weakest and most incompetent monarchs and a fervent believer in the God-given right of kings to rule their feudal kingdom with complete, unquestioned authority.
As expansive as the historical canvas on which Sharon Kay Penman paints her recreation of 13th century England is - its politics, its landscapes, and its evolution, warfare, social customs, law and marriage, even its dietary proclivities – she keeps a firm and disciplined grip on all of the story lines, all of her characters, and all of the meaningful real-life historical developments. The reader of what is a door-stopper by any definition will never find themselves forced to re-read, or to stop to gather one’s thoughts. The lush drama, the thrill, the gripping re-creation of the real-life historical developments and the heart throbbing romance that Penman has chosen to create between Simon and his wife, Nell, is, to say the least, compelling.
On the horrors of medieval siege warfare, for example:
“The mangonels heaved boulders into the inner bailey, and the trebuchets hurled the dreaded Greek fire, which not even water could extinguish. The castle came rapidly to life; men appeared, yawning and cursing, upon the roof battlements, at the narrow arrow slits … he knew how unpleasant conditions must be for those mewed up within the keep, denied light or fresh air, unable to escape the pungent stink of the latrines, having to ration every swallow of water, to count every mouthful of food.”
Some wry humour on the vagaries of bathing and brothels:
“ ‘I’m just going out to take a piss. It’s sweltering in here; mayhap I’ll take another dip in the lake.’ ”
“ ‘Again?’ She was accustomed to humoring the quirks of her customers, but never had she encountered one so bizarre. In truth, the man was besotted with bathing, even insisting that she take a bath herself ere he’d bed her! Were all lords so daft about soap and water?”
Next up, of course, THE RECKONING, the final entry in Penman’s masterful Welsh Princes trilogy, in which Llewelyn, now reluctantly acknowledged by the English crown as the Prince of Wales, butts heads with Edward I, the willful and much more capable son of the mercurial Henry III. Sharon Kay Penman is a master of the historical fiction genre and her Welsh Princes trilogy deserves a strong recommendation and a place on the shelves of any lover of the genre.
Paul Weiss
June 10, 2019
Words fail me. Just leaving you with this image to let you know what I thought of this book.
(CTTO)
(CTTO)
October 27, 2021
Falls the Shadow is the second novel in this medieval trilogy. This is the story of Simon de Montfort, who marries King Henry’s sister.
This novel starts where Here be Dragons leaves off with Llewelyn in Wales, but the main story is Simon. King Henry and Simon have conflicts. Simon opposes the King and brings on a rebellion for the king to accept “Oxford Provisions” for the rights of the people.
This is a compelling story with well developed characters who come alive on the page.
It is an amazing saga of bravery, betrayal and courage, A novel not to be missed.
I can’t wait wait to read the next book in this trilogy.
This novel starts where Here be Dragons leaves off with Llewelyn in Wales, but the main story is Simon. King Henry and Simon have conflicts. Simon opposes the King and brings on a rebellion for the king to accept “Oxford Provisions” for the rights of the people.
This is a compelling story with well developed characters who come alive on the page.
It is an amazing saga of bravery, betrayal and courage, A novel not to be missed.
I can’t wait wait to read the next book in this trilogy.
May 21, 2021
"Between the idea
And the reality
Between the motion
And the act
Falls the Shadow"
-T.S. Elliot "The Hollow Men"
The second book in the "Welsh Princes" series was excellent. I enjoyed it more than the first. "Here Be Dragons" looked into the deep romance between Llywelyn ap Fawr (Llywelyn the Great) and Joanna, King John's daughter. I wasn't all that interested in the romantic side of it. so I didn't like it as much. It was still a very good book and worth reading. The titles of the three books seem to make sense to me, as the first "Here Be Dragons" showed a Wales that still was an unknown factor to the Normans and King John. In "Falls the Shadow", covering a period stretching from 1231 to 1266, the outcome of the novel's timeframe will be Edward, soon to be Edward I, and he is the "shadow" of the title. The third and final book is called "The Reckoning". For obvious reasons.
This is a tale of three people. Henry III, King of England; Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester; and Llywelyn ap Gryffydd, grandson of Llywelyn the Great. Henry is a weak and incompetent King. lacking his father's, King John, cunning and not a good soldier-Henry comes to depend on the brash and up and coming Simon de Montfort. More soldier than statesman, Simon turns out to be a truly honorable Knight, as well as a great tactical commander, and his struggle to get King Henry to do the right things will someday lead to the creation of the Parliament. Into this conflict comes Llywelyn and his struggles against his own family and seeking to ally himself with Simon de Montfort as they both struggle against King Henry. But against the backdrop of this conflict is Henry's son- the, currently young, but very formidable Edward. The consequences of this volume will be felt in the third book known as "The Reckoning" as Edward does not have a merciful reputation.
I really enjoyed this volume. Penman's Henry III is a King always on the verge of ineptness. His sheer inability to do anything will force Montfort into the actions to follow. The blame mostly lies on Henry. His son, Edward, though is an altogether different beast.
A great historical fiction with amazing characters and a great deal of accuracy. Penman is a master!
And the reality
Between the motion
And the act
Falls the Shadow"
-T.S. Elliot "The Hollow Men"
The second book in the "Welsh Princes" series was excellent. I enjoyed it more than the first. "Here Be Dragons" looked into the deep romance between Llywelyn ap Fawr (Llywelyn the Great) and Joanna, King John's daughter. I wasn't all that interested in the romantic side of it. so I didn't like it as much. It was still a very good book and worth reading. The titles of the three books seem to make sense to me, as the first "Here Be Dragons" showed a Wales that still was an unknown factor to the Normans and King John. In "Falls the Shadow", covering a period stretching from 1231 to 1266, the outcome of the novel's timeframe will be Edward, soon to be Edward I, and he is the "shadow" of the title. The third and final book is called "The Reckoning". For obvious reasons.
This is a tale of three people. Henry III, King of England; Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester; and Llywelyn ap Gryffydd, grandson of Llywelyn the Great. Henry is a weak and incompetent King. lacking his father's, King John, cunning and not a good soldier-Henry comes to depend on the brash and up and coming Simon de Montfort. More soldier than statesman, Simon turns out to be a truly honorable Knight, as well as a great tactical commander, and his struggle to get King Henry to do the right things will someday lead to the creation of the Parliament. Into this conflict comes Llywelyn and his struggles against his own family and seeking to ally himself with Simon de Montfort as they both struggle against King Henry. But against the backdrop of this conflict is Henry's son- the, currently young, but very formidable Edward. The consequences of this volume will be felt in the third book known as "The Reckoning" as Edward does not have a merciful reputation.
I really enjoyed this volume. Penman's Henry III is a King always on the verge of ineptness. His sheer inability to do anything will force Montfort into the actions to follow. The blame mostly lies on Henry. His son, Edward, though is an altogether different beast.
A great historical fiction with amazing characters and a great deal of accuracy. Penman is a master!
March 24, 2014
With the exception of a few authors, I've found most Historical fiction to be too factual and not dramatic enough. In cases where the drama was heavy, the facts are off (i.e. look at BRAVEHEART; great film but missing some Historical points, like the fact that the princess was about 7 or 8 at the time). Anyway, I know my standards are high but that's the way it is and that's why I'm very glad I've found Penman.
This tale centers around the power struggle between Earl Simon de Montfort, a true Historical figure, and King Henry III. As the latter continues to show his incompetence, Simon realizes he must fight against the tyranny of the British king. To make this even harder is the fact that the earl's sons have grown up with the sons of Henry III, which includes soon to be Edward I (Longshanks) . . . and, Simon is married to Henry's sister.
But, what makes this story above and beyond most Historical fiction is it's heart. The characters truly come alive and burn through the page setting the readers' soul on fire as we fall deeper and deeper into the story. In other words, it breathes passion and most of us read to get those experiences which we fail to get in real life. Enough said.
REVISION NOTE: I have just finished a second reading of this stellar novel and need to add a few points:
(1)Penman writes excellent subplot love stories;
(2) The relationship between Simon and his wife is well charged, lively and passionate; and
(3) There is a whole set of chapters about Wales, which deals with Lwellyn ap Gruffyd's conflicting loyalties to his father and grandfather. A lot of this is setup for the next story in THE RECKONING (edited as of 09/05/03)
This tale centers around the power struggle between Earl Simon de Montfort, a true Historical figure, and King Henry III. As the latter continues to show his incompetence, Simon realizes he must fight against the tyranny of the British king. To make this even harder is the fact that the earl's sons have grown up with the sons of Henry III, which includes soon to be Edward I (Longshanks) . . . and, Simon is married to Henry's sister.
But, what makes this story above and beyond most Historical fiction is it's heart. The characters truly come alive and burn through the page setting the readers' soul on fire as we fall deeper and deeper into the story. In other words, it breathes passion and most of us read to get those experiences which we fail to get in real life. Enough said.
REVISION NOTE: I have just finished a second reading of this stellar novel and need to add a few points:
(1)Penman writes excellent subplot love stories;
(2) The relationship between Simon and his wife is well charged, lively and passionate; and
(3) There is a whole set of chapters about Wales, which deals with Lwellyn ap Gruffyd's conflicting loyalties to his father and grandfather. A lot of this is setup for the next story in THE RECKONING (edited as of 09/05/03)
January 10, 2015
This is a book of two halves. The first starts just after Here be Dragons finished, so we are reacquainted with Llewelyn the Great, his warring sons, his daughter and his awful daughter-in-law, as well as meeting his adorable little grandson Llelo. This first half tells the tale of the bitter ongoing struggle for control of Wales between Lleweyln’s sons (and later his grandsons), and the marriages of his daughter. We also meet his late wife’s siblings, Henry III of England and Eleanor (Nell), who in turn marries Simon de Montford. The storytelling here is so good that it was easy to forget it was based on fact, and I enjoyed it for itself as much as for history.
The second half of the book concentrates on the dramatic rise and fall of de Montford. He fought long and hard against Henry for parliamentary reform, and this part of the book becomes one of plotting and civil war. It also introduces us to Henry’s son, later to become Edward I. As ever, Penman’s research is impeccable and although I found the story of de Montford’s rebellion very interesting (and its end very moving), I must admit I tired of so much political detail. This is typically me though, so nothing new to note there!
My only slight gripe is that the Welsh princes, who this trilogy is supposed to about, were put very much on the backseat in the second part of the book and I missed them. I do however appreciate that they and their English counterparts were linked by battles and families for several generations, and I'm sure once I've read the final book in the series, The Reckoning, I'll be glad I got the complete story.
The second half of the book concentrates on the dramatic rise and fall of de Montford. He fought long and hard against Henry for parliamentary reform, and this part of the book becomes one of plotting and civil war. It also introduces us to Henry’s son, later to become Edward I. As ever, Penman’s research is impeccable and although I found the story of de Montford’s rebellion very interesting (and its end very moving), I must admit I tired of so much political detail. This is typically me though, so nothing new to note there!
My only slight gripe is that the Welsh princes, who this trilogy is supposed to about, were put very much on the backseat in the second part of the book and I missed them. I do however appreciate that they and their English counterparts were linked by battles and families for several generations, and I'm sure once I've read the final book in the series, The Reckoning, I'll be glad I got the complete story.
May 12, 2018
I hate that I have almost read all of Sharon Kay Penman's books. I know I can always reread them, but there is no recreating the first read. I love her books. You should read them too.
March 14, 2025
Seldom have I read a historic novel that stays so close to the documented facts, while at the same time being thrilling and engaging on every page.
There was no point where I lost concentration or interest.
Penman really makes the characters and events come alive.
Falls the Shadow is the sequel to Here Be Dragons and is the story of two great men- Simon de Montfort, the principal leader of the Baronial opposition to Henry III, and the progenitor of representative democracy in England. It also feature's Simon's beautiful and strong-spirited wife Eleanor (Nell)- a daughter of King John and Isabelle of Angouleme, and their children.
It also traces the story of Welsh national hero Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, his rise to power as Prince of Wales, and his struggle for Welsh national self-determination, as well as struggles and relations withing the Welsh princely house of Llywelyn Far.
The book deals with the rise of the young De Montfort, and parallels
events in Wales and England, as well as scenes taking place in France and Italy.
The book deals with the persecution of the Jews in England, and the man who stood up for their rights, the Mayor of London, Thomas FitzThomas, who continually fought for the rights and welfare of the Jews of London.
Like it's predecessor, Falls the Shadow always strikes the right balance between the dramatic events that shaped the history of Britain, as well as the trials and tribulations of the men, women and children, featured in the accounts.
There was no point where I lost concentration or interest.
Penman really makes the characters and events come alive.
Falls the Shadow is the sequel to Here Be Dragons and is the story of two great men- Simon de Montfort, the principal leader of the Baronial opposition to Henry III, and the progenitor of representative democracy in England. It also feature's Simon's beautiful and strong-spirited wife Eleanor (Nell)- a daughter of King John and Isabelle of Angouleme, and their children.
It also traces the story of Welsh national hero Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, his rise to power as Prince of Wales, and his struggle for Welsh national self-determination, as well as struggles and relations withing the Welsh princely house of Llywelyn Far.
The book deals with the rise of the young De Montfort, and parallels
events in Wales and England, as well as scenes taking place in France and Italy.
The book deals with the persecution of the Jews in England, and the man who stood up for their rights, the Mayor of London, Thomas FitzThomas, who continually fought for the rights and welfare of the Jews of London.
Like it's predecessor, Falls the Shadow always strikes the right balance between the dramatic events that shaped the history of Britain, as well as the trials and tribulations of the men, women and children, featured in the accounts.
August 28, 2018
I am so happy I discovered this trilogy and author. Although this one did not move me like the first book "Here Be Dragons" it was still another fascinating read. I love how SKP stays so true to actual historical facts and adds just the right amount of drama.
March 22, 2022
I can't say that I've enjoyed this book MORE than Here Be Dragons, but that I enjoyed it differently. Here Be Dragons was an intense love story, but set the stage for the tensions between England and Wales. It was also a thorough education on King John. Love him or hate him, he was a legend.
Falls The Shadow was about Simon De Monfort, yet another legend, who was allegedly the greatest soldier of the time and apparently paves the way for a constitutional government. The dramas between Simon and Henry III was probably the most interesting aspect of this story. Not to mention, how satisfying it was when Henry III was made to look like the little bitch that he was.
Now Henry's son, Edward, I can't tell if history views him as a hero or a villain, but this series so far describes him as cunning and deadly, like a great white shark. He took the reins from his father and pretty much ruled England while Henry wore the crown. And the Battle of Evesham was probably the craziest I've yet read. That's going to stick with me for a long time.
I definitely look forward to the 3rd book, The Reckoning because it's going to feature more of Edward I, and I can't wait to see how he manages as King.
Falls The Shadow was about Simon De Monfort, yet another legend, who was allegedly the greatest soldier of the time and apparently paves the way for a constitutional government. The dramas between Simon and Henry III was probably the most interesting aspect of this story. Not to mention, how satisfying it was when Henry III was made to look like the little bitch that he was.
Now Henry's son, Edward, I can't tell if history views him as a hero or a villain, but this series so far describes him as cunning and deadly, like a great white shark. He took the reins from his father and pretty much ruled England while Henry wore the crown. And the Battle of Evesham was probably the craziest I've yet read. That's going to stick with me for a long time.
I definitely look forward to the 3rd book, The Reckoning because it's going to feature more of Edward I, and I can't wait to see how he manages as King.
May 29, 2020
Like Here Be Dragons --> a remarkable, magnificent, gripping historical fiction that is the best textbook for the history you can imagine. Simon de Montfort's life, his story was amazing, I have no words to describe it. He was a man with virtues and flaws. He wasn't a saint. But he was a man with a vision (again, like Llewelyn in the previous book) and with determination to make it real. Some visions become true in a hero's life, some after years or centuries, some die... Nonetheless, people who are able to fight for their principles are worth be remembered. I admire how Penman tried to show us all those people and their life. There was no judgment. Their deeds speak for themself.
I started this book with tears in my eyes because in the first chapters I had to say goodbye to heroes from the 'Here Be Dragons'. It wasn't easy, because Penman's storytelling makes you feel them and for them. And now I am compelled (my whole heart is screaming) to read the next part. But what then? I ask you: what next?? Do you know the feeling, after reading a superb book, when you can't imagine that there are others yet? Yes, I know, there are other novels by Penman, there are those by Elizabeth Chadwick, and by many other writers. But at this moment I root only for the characters from Welsh Princes series.
I started this book with tears in my eyes because in the first chapters I had to say goodbye to heroes from the 'Here Be Dragons'. It wasn't easy, because Penman's storytelling makes you feel them and for them. And now I am compelled (my whole heart is screaming) to read the next part. But what then? I ask you: what next?? Do you know the feeling, after reading a superb book, when you can't imagine that there are others yet? Yes, I know, there are other novels by Penman, there are those by Elizabeth Chadwick, and by many other writers. But at this moment I root only for the characters from Welsh Princes series.
February 2, 2009
OK... I am loving this author and this Welsh Trilogy. Book Two starts up where the Here Be Dragons ends and completes the story of Llewelyn, the Prince of Wales, and his wife Joanna. The story then picks up with Llewelyn's sons and grandsons and their conflicts and turmoil as rulers of Wales. That story line runs parallel with the story of Simon de Montfort's rise to power. Simon is a French Nobleman who marries Eleanor (Nell) sister of King Henry III of England. Nell is also the Lady Joanna's half sister. Simon de Montfort ends up mounting a civil war against Henry III.
About half way through the book I felt like the author had abandoned the tale of the Rulers of Wales and focused solely on de Montfort. According to the author that is exactly what happened because the story of Simon de Montfort was so compelling that the Rulers of Wales took a back seat to be picked up again in Book 3. I hope so. I love the Welsh storyline. That said I also REALLY liked Simon de Montfort and his family. I think Penman should have just focused on them rather than drop the Welsh like a hot potato half way through. It was a little jarring.
This book had less of a love story...although the marriage of Simon and Nell was a wonderful story of a devoted marriage...but the focus of this book was more on the battles and intrigues of war, politics and the religious ideology of the time. I loved Simon de Montfort and the de Montfort sons and their relationship with and devotion to their father. This book had a completely different feel from book one but I definitely enjoyed it. I can't wait to read book three. This is wonderful historical fiction!!
My rating: Better than good but not quite excellent due to the storyline switch but still a fantastic read.
About half way through the book I felt like the author had abandoned the tale of the Rulers of Wales and focused solely on de Montfort. According to the author that is exactly what happened because the story of Simon de Montfort was so compelling that the Rulers of Wales took a back seat to be picked up again in Book 3. I hope so. I love the Welsh storyline. That said I also REALLY liked Simon de Montfort and his family. I think Penman should have just focused on them rather than drop the Welsh like a hot potato half way through. It was a little jarring.
This book had less of a love story...although the marriage of Simon and Nell was a wonderful story of a devoted marriage...but the focus of this book was more on the battles and intrigues of war, politics and the religious ideology of the time. I loved Simon de Montfort and the de Montfort sons and their relationship with and devotion to their father. This book had a completely different feel from book one but I definitely enjoyed it. I can't wait to read book three. This is wonderful historical fiction!!
My rating: Better than good but not quite excellent due to the storyline switch but still a fantastic read.
April 6, 2011
I'll admit from the start that I read Falls the Shadow soon after The Sunne in Splendour; this book, while not bad, suffered by comparison. Besides, I can't read too much of one author too quickly without becoming annoyed by her quirks. That said, Falls the Shadow was something of a disappointment.
First the good. As always with Penman's books, I learned a lot. I knew little about the time period and this book brought it to life. The major players are excellently drawn: Henry III, Simon de Montfort, and Nell (Henry's sister and Simon's wife) in particular. (I especially liked Nell, who's more spirited than Penman's previous heroines.) An author who's both renowned for historical accuracy and skilled at creating real people and interesting scenes out of history is a rare treasure. Finally, tics of dialogue that irked some readers in previous books (think "I do be tired" and overuse of character names) are much reduced here.
Speaking of tics, though, brings me to the problems. Penman seems to have taken a personal dislike to the word "and," and her preferred sentence structure began to grate on me ("He made a jest, laughed loudly"). More importantly, while Penman's books always span decades, here I really felt like it hurt the story. The Sunne in Splendour spans 27 years (not counting the six-years-later epilogue) in over 900 pages; Falls the Shadow has 575 pages to cover 36 years. Only toward the end does the story focus in enough to have several chapters set in the same year, with the result that for most of the book it's hard to keep track of the characters. Simon spends years on crusade and makes a name for himself there, but we never see a single scene of it; Simon and Nell go from meeting to declaring their undying love in all of three scenes together.
Even worse, while Simon fought to defend the Oxford Provisions and there's much talk about his belief that kings should be responsible to the people, I still have no idea how the Provisions were meant to accomplish that. A bit more discussion of the specifics (as Welsh law is discussed in Here Be Dragons) would have helped immensely for those of us lacking extensive prior knowledge of the period. The provision that's repeatedly mentioned is keeping foreigners off the king's council; I don't know why this was important, especially to the foreign-born Simon. Thus, it was hard to care as much as I should have about the ideals he was fighting for.
I'm of two minds when it comes to Penman's take on anti-Semitism here. On the one hand, it's to her credit that she deals honestly with a problem that's almost always ignored in medieval fiction. There are a couple of sympathetic Jewish characters, but Penman doesn't whitewash the Christian nobility, many of whom seem incapable of interacting with non-Christians without becoming violent. Still, I'm uncomfortable with Penman's use of the two token Jewish characters; besides telling us how much their lives suck, their primary purpose in the story seems to be praising London's (Christian) mayor.
Finally, Falls the Shadow suffers from being the middle book in a trilogy, if a nontraditional one. There are scenes with Llewelyn Fawr, Joanna, and Elen which add little and seem to be present mostly due to the characters' prominence in the last book. And there are more scenes with Llewelyn the younger which also add little; we meet him as a kid and then he gains great renown off-screen, but Penman's main concern seems to be keeping track of him long enough for him to star in The Reckoning. Overall, it's not a cohesive book.
I don't mean to discourage Penman lovers: this isn't a bad book by any means. Still, it's not her best.
First the good. As always with Penman's books, I learned a lot. I knew little about the time period and this book brought it to life. The major players are excellently drawn: Henry III, Simon de Montfort, and Nell (Henry's sister and Simon's wife) in particular. (I especially liked Nell, who's more spirited than Penman's previous heroines.) An author who's both renowned for historical accuracy and skilled at creating real people and interesting scenes out of history is a rare treasure. Finally, tics of dialogue that irked some readers in previous books (think "I do be tired" and overuse of character names) are much reduced here.
Speaking of tics, though, brings me to the problems. Penman seems to have taken a personal dislike to the word "and," and her preferred sentence structure began to grate on me ("He made a jest, laughed loudly"). More importantly, while Penman's books always span decades, here I really felt like it hurt the story. The Sunne in Splendour spans 27 years (not counting the six-years-later epilogue) in over 900 pages; Falls the Shadow has 575 pages to cover 36 years. Only toward the end does the story focus in enough to have several chapters set in the same year, with the result that for most of the book it's hard to keep track of the characters. Simon spends years on crusade and makes a name for himself there, but we never see a single scene of it; Simon and Nell go from meeting to declaring their undying love in all of three scenes together.
Even worse, while Simon fought to defend the Oxford Provisions and there's much talk about his belief that kings should be responsible to the people, I still have no idea how the Provisions were meant to accomplish that. A bit more discussion of the specifics (as Welsh law is discussed in Here Be Dragons) would have helped immensely for those of us lacking extensive prior knowledge of the period. The provision that's repeatedly mentioned is keeping foreigners off the king's council; I don't know why this was important, especially to the foreign-born Simon. Thus, it was hard to care as much as I should have about the ideals he was fighting for.
I'm of two minds when it comes to Penman's take on anti-Semitism here. On the one hand, it's to her credit that she deals honestly with a problem that's almost always ignored in medieval fiction. There are a couple of sympathetic Jewish characters, but Penman doesn't whitewash the Christian nobility, many of whom seem incapable of interacting with non-Christians without becoming violent. Still, I'm uncomfortable with Penman's use of the two token Jewish characters; besides telling us how much their lives suck, their primary purpose in the story seems to be praising London's (Christian) mayor.
Finally, Falls the Shadow suffers from being the middle book in a trilogy, if a nontraditional one. There are scenes with Llewelyn Fawr, Joanna, and Elen which add little and seem to be present mostly due to the characters' prominence in the last book. And there are more scenes with Llewelyn the younger which also add little; we meet him as a kid and then he gains great renown off-screen, but Penman's main concern seems to be keeping track of him long enough for him to star in The Reckoning. Overall, it's not a cohesive book.
I don't mean to discourage Penman lovers: this isn't a bad book by any means. Still, it's not her best.
February 19, 2024
Superb.
March 12, 2021
I've been asked in the past why I consider Sharon Kay Penman the standard when it comes to historical fiction. I'm gonna try to put it into words.
If you try to verify an incident in one of her books, no matter how unbelievable, you will find it happened. To me, she doesn't tie together a series of events and look to create a believable or even palatable narrative around it, she writes what happened while painting you a possible picture of why. What that means is that if a character dies in a random place in history because of time and unforeseen occurrence - that is what will happen in her book, regardless of how jarring it is to the reader or the narrative. I have learned when reading her books not to become too attached to any character - and I mean ANY ( or at least I attempt not to- I have cried during her books) and it gives every battle, interaction, and sickness an underlying suspense you just can't have otherwise. Also if your main character did something out of character- it's not left out to make the hero narrative fit. So you are left with flawed, well rounded characters.
Falls the Shadow is the story of Simon De Montfort. As the blub says, he is :
"a disinherited Frenchman who talked his way into an English earldom and marriage with a sister of the English king, Henry III. A charismatic, obstinate leader, Simon soon lost patience with the king's incompetence and inability to keep his word, and found himself the champion of the common people."
This story is a continuation of Here Be Dragons which is another 5 star read I HIGHLY recommend and yes, you should read that book first. You find out the fates of the main characters of that novel while reading this book.
This book took me through soooo many emotions. I LOVED picking it up to read and seeing where the story took me. The battle sequences were riveting - there was one towards the end of the book where I couldn't breathe. The characters are well done. I loved De Montforts' wife Nell and the different personalities of his sons and his friends. Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales, is a strong secondary character and we see him as a little boy in the beginning of novel and watch as he grows into his role. He will be the main character in the third and final book in this trilogy. The dynamic between Wales and England is a huge part of the novel. Of course I know what ultimately happens, but I am looking forward to seeing how we get there.
Definitely recommend. One of the best books I've ever read. If you have not checked out Sharon Kay Penman's body of works, trust me, you are missing out.
If you try to verify an incident in one of her books, no matter how unbelievable, you will find it happened. To me, she doesn't tie together a series of events and look to create a believable or even palatable narrative around it, she writes what happened while painting you a possible picture of why. What that means is that if a character dies in a random place in history because of time and unforeseen occurrence - that is what will happen in her book, regardless of how jarring it is to the reader or the narrative. I have learned when reading her books not to become too attached to any character - and I mean ANY ( or at least I attempt not to- I have cried during her books) and it gives every battle, interaction, and sickness an underlying suspense you just can't have otherwise. Also if your main character did something out of character- it's not left out to make the hero narrative fit. So you are left with flawed, well rounded characters.
Falls the Shadow is the story of Simon De Montfort. As the blub says, he is :
"a disinherited Frenchman who talked his way into an English earldom and marriage with a sister of the English king, Henry III. A charismatic, obstinate leader, Simon soon lost patience with the king's incompetence and inability to keep his word, and found himself the champion of the common people."
This story is a continuation of Here Be Dragons which is another 5 star read I HIGHLY recommend and yes, you should read that book first. You find out the fates of the main characters of that novel while reading this book.
This book took me through soooo many emotions. I LOVED picking it up to read and seeing where the story took me. The battle sequences were riveting - there was one towards the end of the book where I couldn't breathe. The characters are well done. I loved De Montforts' wife Nell and the different personalities of his sons and his friends. Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Prince of Wales, is a strong secondary character and we see him as a little boy in the beginning of novel and watch as he grows into his role. He will be the main character in the third and final book in this trilogy. The dynamic between Wales and England is a huge part of the novel. Of course I know what ultimately happens, but I am looking forward to seeing how we get there.
Definitely recommend. One of the best books I've ever read. If you have not checked out Sharon Kay Penman's body of works, trust me, you are missing out.
November 7, 2020
I seriously struggled with this book. I loved Here Be Dragons, but I was disappointed with Falls the Shadow. Still, I'm giving it 4 stars because I learned a great deal of history.
For me, there just seemed to be far more history than story and I kept wondering why we're reading so much about Simon de Montfort in a trilogy about the Welsh princes. Although de Montfort was the first to acknowledge Llewelyn the younger as the Prince of Wales and basically made way for the British royalty to acknowledge the same, I'm still not sure why the focus of this book was on de Montfort. Maybe it will become clear in the final book of the trilogy.
Still and all, it was a good book if you want to learn history, just not so much if you're looking to read a book with a story running through it to keep you wanting to read.
For me, there just seemed to be far more history than story and I kept wondering why we're reading so much about Simon de Montfort in a trilogy about the Welsh princes. Although de Montfort was the first to acknowledge Llewelyn the younger as the Prince of Wales and basically made way for the British royalty to acknowledge the same, I'm still not sure why the focus of this book was on de Montfort. Maybe it will become clear in the final book of the trilogy.
Still and all, it was a good book if you want to learn history, just not so much if you're looking to read a book with a story running through it to keep you wanting to read.
March 15, 2021
Not my favorite book by this author but not a bad read. I always find her books very interesting until about 60% when things start to feel really long. If only 10% of this book were cut, it could easily be 4 stars.
June 6, 2023
Not a bad book but I didn't love it.
There is not really something wrong about this book, the research is good and the accuracy as good as can be expected considering the lack of evidence, the story is complete, complex and the balance between dialogues and story, is very good, there is a good editing and the characters are good in number, so I can't really complain about the book, and that's why I can't give less that 4 stars, but I didn't love it, is the second part in the saga prince's of Wales, in this part we read how Wales keeps in war with england well more than that how David. Llellewyn's legitimate son die young and leaves everything in chaos, the story also follows the daughter of Joanna Elen, and the half sister of Joana, Nell, specially her marriage with Simon Monfront, the marriage is a love match, but it gets complicated very quickly for the politics, Simon stars a bad relationship with king Henry III, and the end Simon lead a rebellion that finished with his death, the story is entertaining but I couldn't connect with the characters perhaps because I found them annoying, the previous book I found myself in love with each of them here I couldn't stop comparing, perhaps because we don't have sunch strong characters as Eleonor of Aquitania, Llewellyn the great or Jhon Lackaland, here we gave Henry III who's I far for interesting, apart of the civil war nothing great happens, here I didn't like much the love stories, and in some point I also found annoying the constant references to the first book, too much mention to Joanna and her life, look I loved her but didn't feel plausible to have al the characters knowing very personal things about her, some parts of the story were very slow for my taste, in general is not bad just not my book.
There is not really something wrong about this book, the research is good and the accuracy as good as can be expected considering the lack of evidence, the story is complete, complex and the balance between dialogues and story, is very good, there is a good editing and the characters are good in number, so I can't really complain about the book, and that's why I can't give less that 4 stars, but I didn't love it, is the second part in the saga prince's of Wales, in this part we read how Wales keeps in war with england well more than that how David. Llellewyn's legitimate son die young and leaves everything in chaos, the story also follows the daughter of Joanna Elen, and the half sister of Joana, Nell, specially her marriage with Simon Monfront, the marriage is a love match, but it gets complicated very quickly for the politics, Simon stars a bad relationship with king Henry III, and the end Simon lead a rebellion that finished with his death, the story is entertaining but I couldn't connect with the characters perhaps because I found them annoying, the previous book I found myself in love with each of them here I couldn't stop comparing, perhaps because we don't have sunch strong characters as Eleonor of Aquitania, Llewellyn the great or Jhon Lackaland, here we gave Henry III who's I far for interesting, apart of the civil war nothing great happens, here I didn't like much the love stories, and in some point I also found annoying the constant references to the first book, too much mention to Joanna and her life, look I loved her but didn't feel plausible to have al the characters knowing very personal things about her, some parts of the story were very slow for my taste, in general is not bad just not my book.
August 25, 2019
I've enjoyed some of her previous books but I'm beginning to find them a bit samey samey. This one about Simon De Montfort was readable but just like her others. Simon was brutally honest with those around him even the king. He married the kings sister without consent and later was so dismayed by Henry's ineffectual rule he challenged him for the throne. Readable but average.
July 11, 2024
this book's very existence should be considered a war crime. five stars.
April 20, 2012
I really couldn't go wrong with this book - Plantagenets, Simon de Montfort, Welsh princes, romance, war, tragedy . . . and, of course, Penman. I feel like I don't even need to point out that Penman creates believable, well-developed characters while staying as historically accurate as possible. Everyone who has read any of her novels already knows that, right? In this particular novel Simon de Montfort is the main character expertly brought to life with a huge cast of supporting characters (Henry III, Edward, Simon's sons & wife . . .) who help draw you in to this turbulent time in England's history. (Has there been a time in England's history that was not turbulent?) I had been wanting to read more about Simon de Montfort since reading Thomas Costain's The Magnificent Century and this book was perfect! I will admit to some time of my eyes glazing over in about the middle of this with the back and forth between Simon & Henry, but this did not last long and was well worth it in the end. I made the unfortunate mistake of reading some of the end of this novel in public (while waiting for my car to be worked on) and was sniffling and rubbing my eyes hoping no one would notice what would have been outright sobbing had I been at home alone. The story of Simon and his family is inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time, and no one could write it better than Penman. I found myself hoping that she would use her substantial skill to rewrite history and what I knew was supposed to happen would not be what happened. Then again, that is one of the things I admire about her - she does not create a happier, more acceptable, falsified ending. I cried for those who died and for those left to mourn for them. Congratulations, Sharon, you have once again made me cry for someone long dead who I knew when and where they had died! Before I forget, I should also mention that since this is #2 in the Welsh Princes trilogy we also have the continuation of the story of Llewelyn the Great's family through his sons and their sons. Though they are not the main focus, the family is followed enough to keep you up on what is going on in Wales until getting to #3 The Reckoning. You won't be disappointed - read this book!
September 16, 2016
A re-read of an old favourite. SPs third novel still carries some of the historical problems I wrote about in my review of Here be Dragons but they get less with every book. Despite these, she is a wonderful writer and creates a picture of the happening at any point that is hard to beat.
This novel is about Simon de Montfort. How could anyone fail to make this interesting? He is a glorious character, a man very much of his time but yet outside of his time. His character is saved from his own stubborn, black and white views by the fact that those views encompassed a sense of responsibility for the well-being and justice of all people, not just the nobility. A man who refused to compromise his very idiosyncratic ideals, based on a Quixotic version of the Chivalric code that few could have aspired to live up to. An idealist, a perfectionist and a doer, he also seems to have had the ability to inspire great loyalty and love among people - both close to him and en masse - despite a complete lack of tact or any real political sense! The novel flicks over to keep tabs on events in Wales at the time, also - the final novel goes back there in depth and is the second best account of the fateful end of the Principality of Wales, bettered only by The Brothers of Gwynedd which I heartily recommend to anyone who enjoys this novel and its sequelae.
Ms Penman successfully does bring de Montfort and his family and followers to life. Despite the 'writing forsoothly' irritant (which is improving) this is an excellent and well-researched account of events. If it's the first time you have met Simon de Montfort, I would be very surprised if you fail to find him eccentrically charming.
This novel is about Simon de Montfort. How could anyone fail to make this interesting? He is a glorious character, a man very much of his time but yet outside of his time. His character is saved from his own stubborn, black and white views by the fact that those views encompassed a sense of responsibility for the well-being and justice of all people, not just the nobility. A man who refused to compromise his very idiosyncratic ideals, based on a Quixotic version of the Chivalric code that few could have aspired to live up to. An idealist, a perfectionist and a doer, he also seems to have had the ability to inspire great loyalty and love among people - both close to him and en masse - despite a complete lack of tact or any real political sense! The novel flicks over to keep tabs on events in Wales at the time, also - the final novel goes back there in depth and is the second best account of the fateful end of the Principality of Wales, bettered only by The Brothers of Gwynedd which I heartily recommend to anyone who enjoys this novel and its sequelae.
Ms Penman successfully does bring de Montfort and his family and followers to life. Despite the 'writing forsoothly' irritant (which is improving) this is an excellent and well-researched account of events. If it's the first time you have met Simon de Montfort, I would be very surprised if you fail to find him eccentrically charming.
February 19, 2009
Um, why have I never heard of Simon de Montfort before reading this book? I've done a bit of my own research since I started reading this and I can't believe that I somehow managed never to hear about him in all the history classes I took, even in college! WTF, education system?
I liked Penman's depiction of him--he was honorable and firm in his political beliefs, but he was also probably a real pain in the ass at times. The stubbornness, arrogance, etc are all traits that made him more real to me, because I know that if I'd met him, I might have had mixed feelings about him as a person. But I don't think I would have doubted him as a politician. He stayed and fought battles when he could have and maybe should have fled. I liked that.
I also liked Nell. I don't know how much of her characterization was fictional and how much was real, but in any case I found her to be a very sympathetic character. She was strong and intelligent and didn't back down as men thought women were supposed to. She seemed to have won the loyalty of Kenilworth's garrison of her own accord, not just because she was Simon's wife. I loved the scene near the end when the garrison told Edward to shod off, that they would surrender Kenilworth only into Nell's hands.
I've always been impressed with how well researched Penman's books are. I know I can trust her scholarship. This book, though, made me want to make more of an effort to go out and learn more about Simon on my own.
I liked Penman's depiction of him--he was honorable and firm in his political beliefs, but he was also probably a real pain in the ass at times. The stubbornness, arrogance, etc are all traits that made him more real to me, because I know that if I'd met him, I might have had mixed feelings about him as a person. But I don't think I would have doubted him as a politician. He stayed and fought battles when he could have and maybe should have fled. I liked that.
I also liked Nell. I don't know how much of her characterization was fictional and how much was real, but in any case I found her to be a very sympathetic character. She was strong and intelligent and didn't back down as men thought women were supposed to. She seemed to have won the loyalty of Kenilworth's garrison of her own accord, not just because she was Simon's wife. I loved the scene near the end when the garrison told Edward to shod off, that they would surrender Kenilworth only into Nell's hands.
I've always been impressed with how well researched Penman's books are. I know I can trust her scholarship. This book, though, made me want to make more of an effort to go out and learn more about Simon on my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2012
At first, I was puzzled by the description of this book. The second in the “Welsh Princes” series, the description made no mention of Wales or Welsh characters, it sounded to be entirely about Simon de Montfort and Henry III. But I should have known that an SKP book would never be that one dimensional. The first half of the book strongly features Llelo, the grandson of Llywelyn the Great, a central character in the preceding Here Be Dragons. It pretty much picks up right where Here Be Dragons finishes but with focus on the next generations.
The second half of the book focuses almost entirely on the English side though. It also becomes heavily political and military, which I completely understand the need for, but it means there is less focus on the characters and interpersonal relationships; the human side. I always struggle to remain interested during military scenes but the politics were very enlightening.
Looking forward to the last book in the trilogy which supposedly goes back to the Welsh side.
The second half of the book focuses almost entirely on the English side though. It also becomes heavily political and military, which I completely understand the need for, but it means there is less focus on the characters and interpersonal relationships; the human side. I always struggle to remain interested during military scenes but the politics were very enlightening.
Looking forward to the last book in the trilogy which supposedly goes back to the Welsh side.
June 13, 2022
So this was an amazing read. WOW, I never cared much about Simon de Montfort and went into this read with reservations as I couldn't imagine him being the lead character. Boy was I wrong. I fell in love with Simon and was a bit envious of Nell (but I loved her too!). It was so nice to catch up with characters from Here Be Dragons. I also realized how much I detest Henry III and also hate with a passion the soon to be Edward I--although he at least wasn't a weakling like his father. I dread reading the last book of this series as I know the history of it and I know the lisping welp will prevail over not only the de Montfort's but my other medieval bae, Llywelyn ap Gruffydd. This was a great story weaved with history and believable fiction. I didn't feel like the author took too many liberties. Really great character development as well.
Narration by George Holmes was actually good---especially considering I'm listening to a recording from a tape.
Narration by George Holmes was actually good---especially considering I'm listening to a recording from a tape.
February 10, 2009
Engrossing historical novel in Penman's Welsh Princes series. I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite having gotten it because I thought it was about the Simon de Montfort who did the crusade against the Cathars, and it turned out to be about that man's son! The main characters were very complex and well written, the women as fascinating as the men. Also, Penman's great with battle scenes--I'd recommend her to anyone who wants to learn how to do medieval fights!
September 18, 2015
Will review more when I have some time. However...
I was a little reluctant to read this because I loved the first one so much. I needed have worried. :) Though we don't have the Joanne/Llewelyn relationship to enjoy, there are plenty of other fascinating and likable people here. The story moves quickly, and even with the usual large cast Penman did a good job keeping everyone straight for the reader.
I was a little reluctant to read this because I loved the first one so much. I needed have worried. :) Though we don't have the Joanne/Llewelyn relationship to enjoy, there are plenty of other fascinating and likable people here. The story moves quickly, and even with the usual large cast Penman did a good job keeping everyone straight for the reader.
September 21, 2014
This is a good historical fiction piece that's generally well written and has a lot of interesting parts, but does spend too long on some very dry pieces of history that I supposed even the author had trouble making interesting. Parts of it were excellent, parts were good, and parts were boring. It was a little longer than it needed to be, but still a good read.
May 23, 2016
The Welsh Prince series is well written and riveting. The brutality of the time is interesting while gritty to read. The author does a wonderful job breathing life into these historical characters and give unique insight of what might driven the people to do what is now recorded (somewhat) in time.
April 25, 2014
Sharon Penman is a fantastic novelist and a first rate historian. After you read her books you feel as if you have had an entire upper level university course in English history. I knew little about the Second Baron's Revolt and the Kingdom of Wales but now I do! Terrific reading for anyone interested in medieval historical fiction!
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