Book Blurb:
An epic historical novel enmeshed in thrilling Welsh history! For lovers of Cornwell's The Last Kingdom series, you must read Arianwen Nunn's books!!
It is 1109 and the Welsh warrior and firebrand, Owain ap Cadwgan abducts Princess Nest and her children from the castle she shares with her husband, Gerald of Windsor. Henry, Norman king of England, furious since Nest is also his lover and mother of his son, begins a manhunt to find Owain and Nest. While Owain's actions make him a figurehead for resistance to the Norman presence in Wales, not all Welsh nobles want to see him triumph: many have their own ambitions. In Gwynedd, Gruffydd ap Cynan and his wife Angharad, risk everything to hide Owain and Nest despite the vindictive efforts of Gronwy ap Owain, Angharad's brother, who would like to see Gruffydd and Owain dead. Owain's actions start a spark that leads to hostilities which could end in Gruffydd's downfall at the hands of the Normans or his Welsh enemies. Can Gruffydd and his family survive the greatest army ever led against Wales?
This sequel to ''The Welsh Traitor's Daughter'' is based on true events and characters. The story of ''The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance'' is one of forbidden love, jealousy, greed, ambition, betrayal, and courage against the odds. The Welsh are at their finest and their worst as life is lived on a knife edge. It is truly one of the most exciting times in Welsh history.
"The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance is a thoroughly enjoyable and captivating read. It is a page turner with a plot that makes it difficult to put the book down! Owain ap Cadwgan continues to fascinate; creating anguish on the one hand and humour on the other. Angharad creates such joy and steadfastness, with her daughter Gwenllian in particular, showing an indomitable strength of spirit.
Having unreservedly enjoyed this engrossing second novel by Arianwen Nunn I am greatly looking forward to her third in this series." - Delyth Robinson, Goodreads Review
Book Buy Link: https://geni.us/845g0Z
Author Bio:
I was born in Carmarthen, Wales to Welsh-speaking parents who spoke to each other in Welsh but to me in English. My understanding of Welsh is good but my spoken Welsh is very poor! I have had a fascination for Welsh history and particularly for the Middle Ages. As I young girl, long before Google, I would spend hours in libraries trying to find out about that time which has been little written about. After training as a teacher I worked for a while in Weston-Super-Mare before leaving to teach policemen in Papua New Guinea. My husband and I then moved to Australia where we brought up our family and as well as writing histories, I taught. We moved back to Papua New Guinea when the children were small on my return to Australia I set up my own business. For twenty years I read only business books but dreamed of writing a novel about Wales in the Middle Ages. Now I have written 'The Welsh Traitor's Daughter' which explores a fascinating time and characters who have been little written about.
Editorial Review:
The fifteen riders wore mail, hooded dark cloaks, swords at their sides, and carried round willow iron-edged shields on their backs. They had hurried through the night, heavy hooves flinging clods of earth behind them. As they came to the muddy track hard against the thick wood beside silvered fields, they slowed to a walk. A doe, lured by hunger into the open, froze, then darted back into the cover of the trees, startling the lead stallion, which skittered sideways, ears back, eyes rolling. Only superb horsemanship brought the huge beast under control. The riders stopped, alarmed by the noise of the big animal crashing through the undergrowth, and their subsequent murmur of relief betrayed their own nervousness.
From the very first lines, we are taken back to December 1109. Nunn writes an introductory paragraph and first sentence that grab the reader's attention right away, exhibiting a deep understanding of the significance of first impressions. With a promise of intrigue, struggle, and bravery, the opening passages deftly entice readers into the world of 12th-century Wales and set the stage for the drama to unfold.
Also unique and incredibly helpful, the book starts off with an alphabetical introduction of the characters, as well as a guide to Welsh pronunciations which I found very helpful. There are also some historical notes right at the beginning that explain that this work of fiction draws on some real historical characters and events. Much of the author’s historical inspiration is outlined here, making it easier for us to understand.
She had not understood how such a thing had happened, for her respect for her lord had been bedded in years of watching his quiet achievements and consideration for others. She could only reconcile herself by supposing that anyone might suffer madness that muddied their thinking. She had prayed for him and, when he eventually died, feared that his error might not be forgiven. She knew that her relief when her mistress and husband returned from exile in Ireland, and her pride when her mistress persuaded her father to intercede successfully on Gruffydd’s behalf, meant a lot to Angharad.
When old Owain had died, Susannah had left the manor now owned by Gronwy and joined her married mistress in Anglesey. She and Bethan, who had been with Angharad since she had married, had a special relationship with their mistress and loved their lives at Aberffraw. Although King Gruffydd owned other llysau and castles, such as the huge one in Caernarvon, once a Roman fort and then made strong by the Norman baron, Hugh the Fat, Gruffydd and his family preferred the more modest llys at Aberffraw. Aberffraw was the historic royal palace of the Kings of Gwynedd, and Gruffydd had himself been born here. Whenever they visited the other parts of Gwynedd they ruled over, they were pleased to return to the island of Anglesey with its milder climate, rich fertile lands and wild, untamed seas.
Arianwen Nunn's historical fiction "The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance" skillfully blends the violent and fascinating history of 12th-century Wales with an engaging and instructive tale. This book, which is a follow-up to "The Welsh Traitor's Daughter," not only carries on the plot but also takes it to new levels, demonstrating Nunn's increasing skill at character development, research, and storytelling.
Enthralling and complex, "The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance" has a plot that is both. The plot is centered on Owain ap Cadwgan's daring kidnapping of Princess Nest, which initiates a series of devious events, alliances, and betrayals. It is set in 1109 against the backdrop of Welsh resistance against Norman intrusion.
The book has great formatting and editing, making for a smooth reading experience that highlights the plot and characters. The story moves forward smoothly and has plenty of time for character growth and historical information thanks to the careful pacing.
Nunn is a master at developing multifaceted, historically accurate, and enduringly empathetic characters. Owain ap Cadwgan is a fascinating contrast since he is portrayed as a man divided between his duty and desires, in addition to being a warrior. In a same vein, strong, captivating female characters like Princess Nest and Angharad strike a deep chord with their tenacity and will. Every character, both the supporting characters and the protagonists, is given enough depth to enhance the story and make it more vivid and emotionally compelling.
Nunn's narrative style is flowing and strikes a balance between historical detail and narrative pace, making it an example of excellent writing. The author's skill at conjuring up the sights, sounds, and feelings of the era is astounding; it transports readers to a strange yet very familiar world. The conversation is interesting and genuine, giving the people and their historical setting even more life.
Cadwgan’s castle was perched high on a rocky mound as they came around the corner. He swivelled in his saddle to speak to the others in his party.
‘They have made good progress, look! There will be some work inside, but they have finished all the exterior anyway. I am looking forward to showing you.’
The youngest of the party, Bryn’s beady eyes opened wide as he took in the stonework above them. ‘Lord, it looks magnificent. You will enjoy living there, I think.’
‘The view is outstanding,’ explained Cadwgan, glowing with pride. ‘From there, I can see the valleys as far as Montgomery and Shrewsbury. I can see the Severn with all her twists and turns and look to the mountains. I can gaze at the mountaintops of Plinlimmon, Arenig, Cader Idris, Moelygolfa, and Aranmowddy. Think of that! The beauty of Wales all around me.’
The sequel skillfully connects events, character arcs, and thematic components with its predecessor, maintaining good continuity between the two. Not only is this narrative coherence essential, but it also deepens the reader's engagement with the series. Those who are unfamiliar with the first book in the series will find the plot easy to follow, while readers of subsequent volumes will value the saga's smooth development.
"The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance" distinguishes itself in a genre overflowing with tales of medieval warfare and conquest by emphasizing Welsh history and culture. Together with its brilliant storytelling and well-developed characters, the novel's commitment to examining the complexities of Welsh-Norman relations distinguishes it as a singular and significant contribution to historical fiction.
The conclusion of "The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance" is masterfully written, providing a denouement that is both credible and consistent with the historical setting of the book—all without giving anything away. The resolution honors the reader's experience by providing an emotionally and intellectually satisfying resolution.
Arianwen Nunn's skillful storytelling, extensive research, and well-rounded character development make this a compelling novel that transports the reader to one of the most interesting and turbulent periods in Welsh history. With a plot that captures the reader's interest from the first to the last page, superb editing and formatting, and characters who we will remember long after the book is closed, this book is a testament to the author's talent and enthusiasm for Welsh history.
We heartily recommend "The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance" to anybody who enjoys grand historical stories, nuanced people, and the ageless struggle for identity and power.
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“The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance” by Arianwen Nunn receives 5 stars from The Historical Fiction Company
Award:
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