Shadows and Strongholds
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'The best writer of mediaeval fiction currently around' - HISTORICAL NOVEL REVIEW 'From the first page the characters gripped me. They are beautifully drawn, varied and wonderfully real. The plotting is intricate and it moves along at a satisfying pace. This is a terrific read and the only problem is the inability to put it down' - Marina Oliver
Product Description
A Mediaeval tale of pride and strife, of coming of age in a world where chivalry is a luxury seldom afforded, especially by men of power. An awkward misfit, loathed by his powerful and autocratic grandmother, nine-year-old Fulke FitzWarin leaves his family to be fostered in the household of Joscelin de Dinan, Lord of Ludlow. Here Fulke will learn knightly arts, but before he can succeed, he must overcome the deep-seated doubts that hold him back. Hawise FitzWarin is Joscelin's youngest daughter and she befriends Fulke. As they grow up, an implacable enemy threatens Ludlow and as the pressure mounts, their friendship changes until one fateful day they find themselves staring at each other across a divide. Not only does Fulke have to overcome the shadows of his childhood, he faces a Welsh threat to his family's lands, and the way he feels about Hawise endangers all his hard won confidence. As the menace to Ludlow intensifies, he must either confront the future head on, or fail on all counts, not knowing if Hawise stands with or against him.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Ms Chadwick has taken tantalising details from a very poorly documented historical period and developed them into a credible and generally believable adventure story. I have always felt that this famous story, centred on one of the most evocative and romantic of English castles (still largely intact), would make a marvellous film if treated with sensitivity. I am amazed at Chadwick's ability to weave a most interesting plot whilst incorporating many of the known facts into the novel and scenario. Despite the passage of 850 years, you can still realistically access many of the sites mentioned in the text. Who can visit the marvellous round chapel in the inner bailey of the castle, as an example, and not feel intensely moved? If I have a slight problem it is with the character of Jocelin de Dinan. As a mercenary originally it is difficult to believe he would be quite as easy going in real life. On the other hand the characterisation of Marion is pretty convincing. This is a book I could not put down! Highly recommended.
39 of 41 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This was my first experience of Elizabeth Chadwick's books. It combined a super mix of historic detail, great characterisation and romance. What more could a girl ask for on a cold night in November. The fact I couldn't put this book down prompted me to buy as many of Ms Chadwick's back catologue as I could lay my hands on and I have to say I haven't been disappointed by anything I've read and look forward to reading more of her wonderful stories in the future.
36 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a medieval tale of Brunin FitzWarin and Hawise de Dinan. It begins in England, 1148 and ten year old Brunin is a misfit in his own family. He is a quiet child and is tormented by his brothers and is detested by his own paternal grandmother, Mellette. His beautiful mother, Eve, is a shy, quiet woman who doesn't have the mettle to stand up to her mother-in-law or her domineering husband, Fulke FitzWarin and therefore is incapable of protecting herself, let alone her oldest son.
Brunin's father decides that the boy needs encouragement to fully develop and sends him to be fostered in the household of his friend, Joscelin de Dinan, Lord of Ludlow. Brunin will learn the knightly arts but he must also learn to overcome his own self-doubts.
There he meets Hawise, the youngest daughter of Lord Joscelin and they form a friendship while growing up together at Ludlow. He learns to fight with Lord Joscelin, and his father for Henry of Anjou for Henry's crown against King Stephen. However, in the background, rival threats against Ludlow and Whittington become more prevalent and additional battles must be fought.
This is an extremely well-written book and delves deep into the personalities of the main characters, especially Brunin and Hawise. I felt their emotions so strongly it was almost akin to being in their shoes. A veritable page turner! I couldn't stop and was sad to see it end! Another winner for author Elizabeth Chadwick and anyone who reads her novels!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Pleasant Surprise!
After becoming hooked on Sharon Penman who was my first introduction to historical romantic fiction I felt I needed a change. Read more
Published 21 months ago by T. Denniss
One of Elizabeth Chadwick's best books
This book is a kind of prequel to Chadwick's 'Lords of the White Castle'; It is the story of Brunin and Hawise, the parents of Fulke fitzwarin who is the protagonist of Lords of... Read more
Published 23 months ago by princesspeach
Absolutely wonderful historical novel
Brunin FitzWarin, ten years old, feels like an embarrassment to his family. His grandmother is domineering, his father is never satisfied, and his mother cries often. Read more
Published on 11 Aug 2009 by M. K. Burton
I really must stop this..!
Lovely, lovely book BUT, I have to stop living in the 12th. and 13th. centuries (although, as things as they are, maybe I should stay there!). Read more
Published on 24 Oct 2008 by Mrs. Judith Lugg
Delicious
This book is what the term 'page turner' was invented for. It is truly 'delicious' and needs to be read twice - once just to find out what happens and the second to savour the... Read more
Published on 14 Oct 2008 by J. E. Martin
A Wonderful Coming of Age Story
This book is the story of Fulke "Brunin" Fitzwarin, taking him from childhood to his manhood. As a young boy, Brunin withdraws into himself to avoid the pain from his domineering... Read more
Published on 13 Oct 2007 by Misfit
Another Extremely Enjoyable Read
Much of Elizabeth Chadwick's research is carried out as a member of Regia Anglorum, this is an early medieval re-enactment society. Read more
Published on 19 Jan 2007 by J. Chippindale
Loved it!
A brilliant read, really well written, good story and set in a great area. Thanks a lot for such a good book.
Published on 1 Nov 2006 by Historical Jude
History for history-haters!
I was one of those people who hate history and anything that is remotely related to it. Needless to say, I had never read any historical fiction before I came across this book. Read more
Published on 3 Oct 2006 by Wrecky World
Wonderful Story from Elizabeth Chadwick!
I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the novels I've read so far by Elizabeth Chadwick.
She can easily transport me to medieval England from the first page. Read more
She can easily transport me to medieval England from the first page. Read more
Published on 19 Mar 2006 by Anne Brear
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