Rating: 
Summary: More a history book than a novel.
Review: This is the second novel of the trilogy on the lives and politics of royalty in England and Wales in the 1200's. Having read the first novel, "Here Be Dragons," I expected the second to match the first in character development, as well as the relating of historical events. I was somewhat disappointed - the portrayal of Simon de Montfort in no way matched that of Llewellyn Fawr. Where Llewellyn was a richly portrayed individual, whose very soul touches the reader, Simon was no more than a soldier who's passion for upholding his principles seemed to far outweigh his passion for wife Nell, the only character in the novel who conveyed a sense of reality, and his love for sons Harry and Bran, whose loyalty to their father and each other seemed to have nothing to do with the cause Simon so rigorously pursued. While I found some of the historical aspects interesting (e.g., I never knew that Simon was the originator of the parliamentary idea in England, nor did I know what a truly weak and sniveling character Henry was), there was too much of the dry relating of battles and events, and not enough character development to make me care about the participants. I look forward to reading the third novel, "The Reckoning," only because it picks up the lives of the grandson of Llewellyn Fawr, and Nell de Montfort, widow of Simon.
Rating: 
Summary: Simon,where have you been?
Review: This was the first of Penman's books I read and now I've read them all....twice!. Her exceptional style of writing and her ability to bring the Medievil era alive have made me a true believer. The fact that Simon De Montfort is not known to us all is suprising. I can not recommend this book and her others enough.
Rating: 
Summary: Politics over Romance
Review: Those who read and liked Penman's When Christ and his Saints slept will like this novel as well. I found it a bit disappointing after reading Here Be Dragons, the first book in her Wales trilogy. Like I say in the title of this review, what Falls The Shadow lacks in romance, it more than makes up for in politics. War after war, battle after battle, the fights never seem to end. (I know, in history, they didn't.)Also, most of the characters that I grew to love in Dragons were all killed off in the first part of the book. Time moves much faster and children grow up much quicker in this sequel, which makes it difficult to fall in love with many of the characters. Of course, we love Simon, who is the main character. Nell doesn't appear as much as she should, I believe, and the book mostly concerns itself with political discussions and debates. I do, however, admire Penman's efforts to make the novel appeal to a modern audience. Her grasp of language is impeccable, and the book discusses modern themes, such as democratic reform and Anti-Semitism (which, by the way, is rampant in Medieval England.)
Rating:
Summary: Educational and entertaining!
Review: What I liked about this book was that Simon de Montfort wasn't given a whitewash like the characters Thomas More and Thomas Beckett have been given. All three men had great faults (More was a strong proponent of burning protestants at the stake; Beckett had a high martyr complex that exacerbated his problem far more than Henry ever did). Penman shows us how great a man Simon de Montfort truly was, faults and all. The accuracy and attention to detail is what makes this book truly great (although Edward was a great king in real history).
Rating:
Summary: Mesmerizing
Review: 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)
Rating:
Summary: SKP is an awesome writer, didn't want this one to end!
Review: WOW, Of the triology(Here be Dragons, Falls the Shadow and The Reconing) I'd have to say that this and the last were my favorites. SKP makes you get to know, love and hate these characters. When one of my favorite characters died, I felt a real loss, thats some powerful writing! keep them coming SKP, cause I'll keep reading!
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