Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Here Be Dragons
Book Review: A heartwarming, beautiful historical!
Summary: 5 Stars
Finally, after months of falling on trashy, cheesy, done-to-death historical romances that I didn't bother reviewing because they weren't worth the effort--even though most of them were written by bestselling authors--I remember why I love this genre. Thank you Ms. Penman for reminding me and for restoring my faith in this genre!
This was my first book by this gifted author but it won't be my last, I can tell you that. As a matter of fact, as soon as I finished this book, I went and bought 3 more from Penman. Many reviewers before me have already summarized the story and praised the writing. I agree with the fans! The research is phenomenal, the historical characters are vivid and intriguing. I liked the writing style. And the romance was wonderful. I wish more authors wrote like this. Fresh creativity and meticulously collected data of interesting periods in history is why historical fiction fans spend money on books.
I can't say enough about this book. If you are reading this review, do not hesitate to buy it. HERE BE DRAGONS may not be the easiest, fluffiest, no-brain-activity-required read--but it is worth the effort. As an overworked person in a demanding profession I'm often tempted to sink on the sofa with a "marshmallow" historical romance. However, 90% of the time, I find myself railing at the pile of stupid nonsense offered to us in this genre these days. So when I stumbled across this book and read the great reviews, I took a chance with something "heavier". So glad I did! I didn't hurt my brain and got my money's worth 10 times over.
Please, authors, enough with the recycled themes of the kidnapping highlander, the wagering scoundrel, and the school for silly debutantes. We, your once devoted fans, are bored to tears. Give us well-researched books with depth and real people as characters.
Book Review: A worthy read
Summary: 5 Stars
I thoroughly enjoyed Susan Kay Penman's "Here be Dragons". She has an engaging writing style which keeps one riveted to what could otherwise be very dry and boring history. She clearly very carefully selected which characters to follow, and you see their development through the book, while others are given only a cursory mention. This results in ones interest being kept while not being bogged down with facts that take away from the narrative.
If you are looking for a history book, this book is not for you. If you are looking to learn some history while being entertained, this book is definitely worth reading.
Book Review: An enthralling read
Summary: 5 Stars
This was a wonderfully written novel set in the time of John I of England. Penman tells the captivating story of John's bastard daughter Joanna and her marriage to Llewelyn of Wales.
The female protagonist, Joanna, is brought to life by Penman. The complexities of her character are so utterly real that you really are aware that this woman once lived--she is not just a two-dimensional character in a book.
Penman also masterly winds in the details of John's Welsh campaigns and of Llewelyn's desire to see a united Wales. Consequently, the reader is not just getting a captivating love story but is learning so much about the period in which the story is set.
John I himself was a very dark character, and it has taken considerable talent for Penman to have shown him in the loving light that Joanna saw him. That is not to say that his dark deeds have gone un-noted however, but rather that the reader understands how difficult it must have been to love a father that was considered by so many to be evil.
This book is a must-read for any lover of historical fiction, for Penman is a very skilled writer who succeeds in doing something that all writers of historical fiction aim to do--bring history back to life.
Book Review: Awesome read
Summary: 5 Stars
Here Be Dragons was my first experience of Penman's historical fiction. I read it about a year ago and I still remember it as something wonderful. There aren't many books that I can remember specific scenes from and how they effected me at the time almost a year after reading them.
This book is the first in the Welsh trilogy and is about the triangle of relationships between Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, his wife Joanna, the illegitimate daughter of King John of England. Joanna finds herself torn between her loyalty and love for her husband and those for father. She's not always likable, but you really want her marriage to Llewelyn to work out. You'll find you come to love Llewelyn.
This is the mastery of Penman. The characters are so vivid. The historical detail is always accurate and her insight into Wales is a real treat. You don't want to miss this book.
This book is followed by Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning.
Book Review: Breathtaking! Superbly written.
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read this book multiple times. Once years ago and just last summer. As a result of the second read, I have been inspired to travel to Wales and tour the north and see many of the sites and castles within the book. Sharon Kay Penman's characters are strong and I am a little sad when I finish one of her books. The good thing about finishing Here Be Dragons is you can immediately begin Falls the Shadow and then the Reckoning. The trilogy is one I will read again and again.