Rating: 
Summary: All Good Things . . .
Review: As with all good things, Penman's trilogy had to come to an end. But what a tragic end. I never expected Ellen de Montort's character to be as strong as it was. While she did not have the political savvy of an Eleanor of Aquitaine or the ambition of a Maude or Marguerite d'Anjou, her strength against Edward's tyranny and her steadfast optimism endeared her to me. The Welsh saga is especially tragic because of the blood rivalries. Nowhere is this more apparent than between Llewelyn ap Gryfudd and Davydd. Unlike in other relationships where Gryfudd and later Owain were imprisoned, Llewelyn and Davydd had a unique dynamic. To know that Davydd's rashness forced an early confrontation seemed even more of a betrayal not just to Llewelyn but also to Wales. And yet, in the end, there was nothing to do but mourn: for the House of Cunedda, the Welsh people, and Wales. On a side note, I enjoy Penman's afterword and author's note. They're as much fun to read as her books.
Rating:
Summary: Third of three great books
Review: I was reluctant to finish this book because once I did, my favorite trilogy ever would be over. Of course, I did finish it, and I loved it. It focuses on the clashes between England and Wales during the reign of Edward I over religion, law, and tradition. I was surprised at the way things turned out for Wales at the end. A few of my favorite characters are Davydd, Llewelyn, Ellen, and Elizabeth. Especially Davydd, undeniably the most dynamic character of the series.
Because of this trilogy, I have really become interested in Welsh history and the language. If you think this book sounds like a good read, consider starting at the beginning of the story, with Here Be Dragons, and then Falls the Shadow. I promise you'll be glad you did!
Rating:
Summary: Third of three great books
Review: I was reluctant to finish this book because once I did, my favorite trilogy ever would be over. Of course, I did finish it, and I loved it. It focuses on the clashes between England and Wales during the reign of Edward I over religion, law, and tradition. I was surprised at the way things turned out for Wales at the end. A few of my favorite characters are Davydd, Llewelyn, Ellen, and Elizabeth. Especially Davydd, undeniably the most dynamic character of the series.
Because of this trilogy, I have really become interested in Welsh history and the language. If you think this book sounds like a good read, consider starting at the beginning of the story, with Here Be Dragons, and then Falls the Shadow. I promise you'll be glad you did!
Rating:
Summary: A Tragic Trilogy
Review: If tragedy is the genre that depicts people triumphant in defeat, then this trilogy is, indeed, a tragedy. If I say that Wales is the true protagonist of the triology, I may leave the wrong impression, for there is nothing impersonal about Penman's triology. You will admire, love, and mourn Joanna and Llewelyn, Simon and Nell, Elen and Rob de Quincy, Ellen and Llewelyn II, and yes, Elizabeth and Davydd. But, over and over, you will grieve for Wales and the Welsh people, and yet Wales and its people still endure-to our joy and admiration. I have never been so moved by historical fiction. Please read this triology. Begin with Here Be Dragons and I guarantee you will read Falls the Shadow and the Reckoning. And when you have finished them, read The Sunne in Splendour (the best historical ever written) and When Christ and His Saints Slept. Then go back and begin the triology again-you won't be sorry.
Rating: 
Summary: Good ending to Welsh trilogy, but...
Review: In "The Reckoning", Sharon Kay Penman concludes her Welsh trilogy, begun in "Here Be Dragons" and continued in "Falls the Shadow." This tale chronicles the conflict between Llewelyn ap Gruffydd and Edward I of England. Llewelyn shines here; as in "Falls the Shadow", I found this character to be amazing and utterly fascinating, and the love story between him and Ellen de Montfort was exquisite and poignant. Similarly, Daffydd ap Gruffydd's characterization was marvelous. Ms. Penman's tendency to allow fictionalized characters such as Hugh and Caitlin center stage, however, only detracts from her novel. This book is not for the faint of heart; the starkness of the ending, fictionalized characters aside, was something that stayed with me a long time. A very good book, if lacking the power of the other two in the trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: Good ending to Welsh trilogy, but...
Review: In "The Reckoning", Sharon Kay Penman concludes her Welsh trilogy, begun in "Here Be Dragons" and continued in "Falls the Shadow." This tale chronicles the conflict between Llewelyn ap Gruffydd and Edward I of England. Llewelyn shines here; as in "Falls the Shadow", I found this character to be amazing and utterly fascinating, and the love story between him and Ellen de Montfort was exquisite and poignant. Similarly, Daffydd ap Gruffydd's characterization was marvelous. Ms. Penman's tendency to allow fictionalized characters such as Hugh and Caitlin center stage, however, only detracts from her novel. This book is not for the faint of heart; the starkness of the ending, fictionalized characters aside, was something that stayed with me a long time. A very good book, if lacking the power of the other two in the trilogy.
Rating:
Summary: The end of an era...
Review: is never sadder than when you know what happens afterward. The constant fighting between the factions of Llewelyn & Davydd is depressing, and the constant switching at sides is confusing. However, that was the time they lived. The political battles of the Middle Ages were heavily intrigued, and the author does a great job of showing what really mattered. The fictional characters were not as much in the way as they were spectators. They allow for the author to comment on the times, and the action. Without Hugh, we may never have known what it meant in their culture to be high-born but orphaned and penniless. With Caitlin, we were able to see a young lady who felt as passionately about Wales as her uncle, and she had the courage to stand up to her father. The love between Llewelyn and Ellen seemed to be a deep one, although fraught with tragedy and sacrifice. And it also provided a nice parallel to Llewelyn Fawr and Joanna, and a nice way to close the trilogy. Although I was always hoping that Wales could pull through against England, I knew that it was just not meant to be. The conditions were not right, and obviously, they are now a part of the English Crown and have been for centuries. That is what was depressing about the last book in the trilogy. But at least we as readers are left with the hopes that the lessons were not taught in vain, and the knowledge that we now have these marvelous characters to inspire us.
Rating:
Summary: Great Book!
Review: Like all of her books, this one depicts more than one main character. She truely gives you the affect of "his side, her side and what really happened." She shows the strength of Simon de Monfort, and the liberal views of his wife. This is a wonderful read for any history buff, anyone researching this era but tired of reading documentaries, or anyone who would like to read good literature. It is an acurate account followed by an author's note to explain any liberties that she took in writting.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing!
Review: Like all of the others here, I feel that this is a wonderful book. The entire trilogy was a great read. I enjoyed this book in particular. I couldn't put it down. (It literally went everywhere with me for a day.) There was something about her portrayal of Llewelyn ap Gruffudd that I found captivating. His stuggle to live up to the legacy of his grandfather was classic and beautiful. This is one of the best historical fiction novels I've ever read!
Rating:
Summary: A Tragic Trilogy
Review: Like its predecessors (Here be dragons, Falls the shadow) this last volume in the Wales trilogy is a gem too! It tracks the fates of Llewelyn ap Gruffyd, Nell de Monfort and her children. We witness the disastrous events at Viterbo here and Nell's death. Much of the events like Simon's death at Evesham (in Falls the Shadow) and the Viterbo murder will actually have the most dire consequences for Nell's and Simon's only daughter Ellen as it turns out. I already loved the second Llewelyn but Ellen is a wonderful character as well. Although she has not influenced events as her mother Nell, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Joanna did, anyway she is another in a line of strong, intelligent women. Ellen's and Llewelyn's story was poignant and precious. And their time together thanks to Edward I all too short. Contrary to other reviewers I loved Caitlin and Hugh. Apart from the historical characters they were memorable. Their lives deeply entwined with the historical characters and the progress of their love was tenderly depicted. They were sympathetic spectators of and participants in turbulent events. At the end of The Reckoning I grieved with Caitlin, Hugh and Llewelyn's squire Trefor for the loved ones they had lost. And for what was lost for Wales itself in terms of freedom and independence
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