The Reckoning

Rating:
Summary: The End of the World
Review: "The Reckoning" is really a tale of revenge. The last in Sharon Kay Penman's "Welsh Trilogy" (or "Welsh Tragedy"; take your pick), it concerns Edward II's conquest of Wales and the end of the Montfort family. And in Penman's perfect, profound prose, it etches the portrait of Edward in acid. Great he might have been to his peers, but here he is shown as a larger-than-life bully, intolerant, expedient in regards to his own wishes, and cruel.

You can tell where Penman's sympathies lie. Llewellyn, grandson of Llewellyn Fawr, fights to keep the English yoke off Wales, only to find himself tripped up time and again by betrayal--from his brother Daffyd, a charming liar who could probably talk his way out of Hell; from other Welsh lords; from Edward himself, who denies him his bride, Ellen Montfort, until he's certain that he's brought Llewellyn to heel. Ellen, perhaps the only Montfort who has a truly happy life, does indeed marry Llewellyn, and their marriage is the only weak part of this story--it has the feel of "Llewellyn and Joanna Redux." Only Ellen is not half as enchanting as Joanna. She does come close to being just as infuriating.

Penman's pace is at its fastest in "The Reckoning." Small wonder. The tragedies and defeats pile up until the climax, and the outcry at the end of the world as the Welsh know it is heartbreaking. Llewellyn is not the man his grandfather was, but he is heroic in the face of certain defeat. Determined not to go down without a fight, driven by a love of his people and homeland, Llewellyn is a character to cheer and to mourn for.

Daffyd, on the other hand, is a man you'd like to strangle, the sweet-tongued bastard who seems to slip past punishment no matter how much he deserves it. And yet his marriage to Elizabeth, Edward's ward, is an amusing surprise. He too shows his worth in the end, finding his own strength in the shadow of death. This is how "Braveheart" should have ended.

As for Edward . . . after finishing "The Reckoning," I went to see "Braveheart" and cheered when Isabelle whispered to the old man that his line would die with his feckless son. Now if Mel Gibson had had the ghosts of the Welsh royal family show up to watch the old goat die, I'd have been perfectly pleased with the movie.

This book doesn't just pluck at your heartstrings. It rips them out and stomps on your heart for good measure. This is easily the best book Penman has written yet.

Rating:
Summary: The End of the World
Review: "The Reckoning" is really a tale of revenge. The last in Sharon Kay Penman's "Welsh Trilogy" (or "Welsh Tragedy"; take your pick), it concerns Edward II's conquest of Wales and the end of the Montfort family. And in Penman's perfect, profound prose, it etches the portrait of Edward in acid. Great he might have been to his peers, but here he is shown as a larger-than-life bully, intolerant, expedient in regards to his own wishes, and cruel.

You can tell where Penman's sympathies lie. Llewellyn, grandson of Llewellyn Fawr, fights to keep the English yoke off Wales, only to find himself tripped up time and again by betrayal--from his brother Daffyd, a charming liar who could probably talk his way out of Hell; from other Welsh lords; from Edward himself, who denies him his bride, Ellen Montfort, until he's certain that he's brought Llewellyn to heel. Ellen, perhaps the only Montfort who has a truly happy life, does indeed marry Llewellyn, and their marriage is the only weak part of this story--it has the feel of "Llewellyn and Joanna Redux." Only Ellen is not half as enchanting as Joanna. She does come close to being just as infuriating.

Penman's pace is at its fastest in "The Reckoning." Small wonder. The tragedies and defeats pile up until the climax, and the outcry at the end of the world as the Welsh know it is heartbreaking. Llewellyn is not the man his grandfather was, but he is heroic in the face of certain defeat. Determined not to go down without a fight, driven by a love of his people and homeland, Llewellyn is a character to cheer and to mourn for.

Daffyd, on the other hand, is a man you'd like to strangle, the sweet-tongued bastard who seems to slip past punishment no matter how much he deserves it. And yet his marriage to Elizabeth, Edward's ward, is an amusing surprise. He too shows his worth in the end, finding his own strength in the shadow of death. This is how "Braveheart" should have ended.

As for Edward . . . after finishing "The Reckoning," I went to see "Braveheart" and cheered when Isabelle whispered to the old man that his line would die with his feckless son. Now if Mel Gibson had had the ghosts of the Welsh royal family show up to watch the old goat die, I'd have been perfectly pleased with the movie.

This book doesn't just pluck at your heartstrings. It rips them out and stomps on your heart for good measure. This is easily the best book Penman has written yet.

Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary Historic Fiction By The Genre's Master Writer!
Review: "The Reckoning" is the last novel in Sharon Kay Penman's medieval trilogy of 13th century England, Wales and their larger than life leaders. Ms. Penman succeeds brilliantly in bringing these men and women, and the causes they fought for, to life in these books. She is a remarkably gifted writer. Her impeccable historical research, attention to detail and superb storytelling ability make her novels consistently excellent. "The Reckoning" is one of her best efforts, preceded by "Here Be Dragons," and "Falls The Shadow." Each of these wonderful historical novels stands on its own, however, and while it is an extraordinary experience to read each book in the order it was written, one does not have to do so to appreciate the history, the characters or the period.

Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, husband of Henry III's sister and the aunt of King Edward I, was one of the most powerful men in England. He was a warrior, great leader and politician who despised Henry III for his incompetence and the favoritism he displayed for the foreigners in his court. Henry was bankrupting England and estranging the peerage. Ahead of his time, Simon also espoused the idea that the common man deserved a voice in government. England was in the midst of civil war as factions split between Henry and his son and heir Edward. When Edward realized that de Montfort's reforms would limit his power and the Divine Right of Kings, he turned against him and in the bloody battle of Evesham, defeated him, with horrifying consequences for the entire de Montfort family.

During this same period there was terrible unrest in Wales, including civil war. Charismatic Llewelyn Farr, Prince of Northern Wales had fought to unite his country's nobility and provide a strong front against the English. His grandson, Lwellyn ap Gruffyd, became Llewelyn's heir and inherited the staunch commitment to keep Wales united. The Welsh leader was a cousin to both the English King and the de Montfort family and was betrothed to marry Simon de Montfort's daughter, Ellen. When de Monfort lost all at Evesham, Welsh politics changed. As Wales sought to consolidate its position and prevent being absorbed into a greater England, the new Prince's brothers were determined to wage war against him to gain power of their own and sacrificed Welsh independence in the process.

This is a complex and tragic saga of historic characters, politics, intrigues, betrayals, bloody battles and wars, romance, lust, power struggles, princesses held captive, revenge and forgiveness. Yet once begun, this extraordinary epic is almost impossible to put down. Ms. Penman portrays Wales, its people, culture and landscape vividly with glorious detail. It is fascinating to become involved with the characters and realize how linked they are by ties of blood - common ancestry. Not only is Welsh history tied to that of England's, but the royal families are linked as are their descendants. Ms. Penman joins the histories and characters of these two countries to give the reader, not just a superb tale but a look at the bigger historical picture also.

This is truly one of the best historical novels I have ever read, and the trilogy by Ms. Penman is absolutely outstanding. She paints an unforgettable picture of medieval England and Wales and the characters who made history. I cannot recommend these books highly enough.
JANA

Rating:
Summary: Extraordinary Historic Fiction By The Genre's Master Writer!
Review: "The Reckoning" is the last novel in Sharon Kay Penman's medieval trilogy of 13th century England, Wales and their larger than life leaders. Ms. Penman succeeds brilliantly in bringing these men and women, and the causes they fought for, to life in these books. She is a remarkably gifted writer. Her impeccable historical research, attention to detail and superb storytelling ability make her novels consistently excellent. "The Reckoning" is one of her best efforts, preceded by "Here Be Dragons," and "Falls The Shadow." Each of these wonderful historical novels stands on its own, however, and while it is an extraordinary experience to read each book in the order it was written, one does not have to do so to appreciate the history, the characters or the period.

Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester, husband of Henry III's sister and the aunt of King Edward I, was one of the most powerful men in England. He was a warrior, great leader and politician who despised Henry III for his incompetence and the favoritism he displayed for the foreigners in his court. Henry was bankrupting England and estranging the peerage. Ahead of his time, Simon also espoused the idea that the common man deserved a voice in government. England was in the midst of civil war as factions split between Henry and his son and heir Edward. When Edward realized that de Montfort's reforms would limit his power and the Divine Right of Kings, he turned against him and in the bloody battle of Evesham, defeated him, with horrifying consequences for the entire de Montfort family.

During this same period there was terrible unrest in Wales, including civil war. Charismatic Llewelyn Farr, Prince of Northern Wales had fought to unite his country's nobility and provide a strong front against the English. His grandson, Lwellyn ap Gruffyd, became Llewelyn's heir and inherited the staunch commitment to keep Wales united. The Welsh leader was a cousin to both the English King and the de Montfort family and was betrothed to marry Simon de Montfort's daughter, Ellen. When de Monfort lost all at Evesham, Welsh politics changed. As Wales sought to consolidate its position and prevent being absorbed into a greater England, the new Prince's brothers were determined to wage war against him to gain power of their own and sacrificed Welsh independence in the process.

This is a complex and tragic saga of historic characters, politics, intrigues, betrayals, bloody battles and wars, romance, lust, power struggles, princesses held captive, revenge and forgiveness. Yet once begun, this extraordinary epic is almost impossible to put down. Ms. Penman portrays Wales, its people, culture and landscape vividly with glorious detail. It is fascinating to become involved with the characters and realize how linked they are by ties of blood - common ancestry. Not only is Welsh history tied to that of England's, but the royal families are linked as are their descendants. Ms. Penman joins the histories and characters of these two countries to give the reader, not just a superb tale but a look at the bigger historical picture also.

This is truly one of the best historical novels I have ever read, and the trilogy by Ms. Penman is absolutely outstanding. She paints an unforgettable picture of medieval England and Wales and the characters who made history. I cannot recommend these books highly enough.
JANA

Rating:
Summary: "Never forget, Llewelyn, that the world's greatest fool....
Review: ...is a Welshman who trusts an English King."

This is the best book in the trilogy! It's very good and portrays the reign of Edward I. I thought the nicknamed "Black Prince of Wales" was a cool guy before I read this book.

He's not. There's a reason they called him "black"- he was cruel and shady, a guy who will get his way. Llewelyn ap Gruffydd makes the very same choice that Simon de Monfort made in "Falls the Shadow" which is to fight for his cause, what he believes in. And to fight for his long-dead grandfather, to achieve the dream Llewelyn Fawr had -for a united Wales- or die.

Another character I like is Davydd ap Gruffydd, Llewelyn's double-dealing brother who is -even though you can't help it- a little likable once he gets married or once you get used to him. Davydd has betrayed Llewelyn too many times to count. He even planned an assasination attempt(which failed, true to history)!

The reason I, a fiction/fantasy -holic , like these books is that I easily get a very good view of history (a lot of things that happened in this book are true- read the Afterword if you'd like to know, but only after you've finished the book!). For example <> Edward I was the initatior of the tradition that allows the heir to the throne the title "Prince of Wales" b/c he gave it to his son and it's been done ever since.

A somber book. As one reviewer said, NOT for the faint of heart.
But it's still wonderful!!

Rating:
Summary: Less emphasis on non-historical characters, please
Review: A devoted fan of Penman, I loved this novel with no less a passion than I did the rest of her novels nut I do feel that it was the least of the trilogy. I attribute this to the increasing trend of Ms Penman towards focusing on non-historical characters. This first becomes evident in this novel, with Hugh, Caitlin and Juliana, moves on in When Christ and his saints slept to the young FitzHenry, and is completely demonstrated by the JUSTIN novels. This is not disparaging her talent in creating lower class characters or her knowledge of their society, but is sad because Penman's most extraordinary talent lies in the recreation or adaptation of existing historical characters - the movers and shakers. I need only point to Llewelyn ap Gruffydd or Davydd to illustrate this point. The immense tragedy of this pair and the last days of Wales could have stood without the distraction of that annoying oaf Hugh etc etc. I know that many readers of this trilogy thought that Llewelyn Fawr was a character who could not be improved upon, but I find somehow that it is his grandsons that haunt my thoughts more. The imprisonment and betrayals they suffered and the shadows they carried touched me very deeply and I think that many people in their age must have suffered such scarring. They are much darker characters but are all the more poignant for it - similar to John, who similarly suffered much in his youth from the vagaries of the wartorn society they lived in.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Trilogies I've ever read!
Review: Absolutely mesmerizing! If you enjoy reading about medievel times you must read this set. I read all three, one right after the other: Here Be Dragons; Falls the Shadow; The Reckoning and could not put them down.

I will certainly read them again.

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational
Review: After having read Here Be Dragons and Falls the Shadow, this last book to Penman's Welsh Trilogy is a fabulous addition to the other two. The story continues, focusing on the life of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Ellen de Monfort, and Edward I, King of England. I found full of more gore and bloodshed than its predecessors, but I enjoyed it just the same.

One of the characters that I found particularly interesting was Davydd, Llewelyn's brother. At times you hated him, at times you loved him. His character was not defined in terms of black and white, so his actions were always surprising.

A couple of interesting scenes/chapters to look out for: a pirate scene on the high seas, Llewelyn and Ellen's wedding ceremony, and in the last twenty or so pages of the book, the sentencing of Davydd.

Rating:
Summary: Quite An Ending!
Review: After having read Here Be Dragons and Falls the Shadow, this last book to Penman's Welsh Trilogy is a fabulous addition to the other two. The story continues, focusing on the life of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, Ellen de Monfort, and Edward I, King of England. I found full of more gore and bloodshed than its predecessors, but I enjoyed it just the same.

One of the characters that I found particularly interesting was Davydd, Llewelyn's brother. At times you hated him, at times you loved him. His character was not defined in terms of black and white, so his actions were always surprising.

A couple of interesting scenes/chapters to look out for: a pirate scene on the high seas, Llewelyn and Ellen's wedding ceremony, and in the last twenty or so pages of the book, the sentencing of Davydd.

Rating:
Summary: Welsh Princes & English Kings - Anguish, Terror, MAGIC
Review: After reading the first two installments in the trilogy, I was primed for the 3rd. I had already lost my heart to Llellwyn Fawr in "Sunne" and felt the paralizing grip of an English Kings displeasure - but "Reckoning" made me realize the helplessness of any two people living in that era, Peasant or Noble, and the true meaning of "at the Kings Pleasure".

A great adventure, romance and historical novel in the tradition of the trilogy. This Welsh Prince is a treasure as is Davydd, his brother & rival who is one of the most interesting characters I've come across in many pages. Ellen is a great heroine, neither inhumanly strong nor weak; she is believeable and that is what makes her travails so heartrending. Please read this book!!!!