Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Falls the Shadow (Welsh Princes #2)

by Sharon Kay Penman (Goodreads Author)

4.34 of 5 stars 4.34 · rating details · 3,910 ratings · 189 reviews

"A marvelous literary and historical achievement...Impossible to put down." — THE BOSTON HERALD

This is Simon de Montfort's story—and the story of King Henry III, as weak and changeable as Montfort was brash and unbending. It is a saga of two opposing wills that would later clash in a storm of violence and betrayal, a story straight from the pages of history that brings the...more

Paperback, 14th, 592 pages

Published April 8th 1989 by Ballantine Books (first published 1988)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

Best Historical Fiction

138th out of 3,146 books — 13,777 voters

The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman

When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman

Historical Fiction: The House of Plantagenet

5th out of 162 books — 260 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 3,000)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

May 15, 2012 Anna rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: british-royalty, historical-fiction, medieval, 4-stars, read-in-2012

This is a book of two halves. The first starts just after Here be Dragons finished, so we are reacquainted with Llewelyn the Great, his warring sons, his daughter and his awful daughter-in-law, as well as meeting his adorable little grandson Llelo. This first half tells the tale of the bitter ongoing struggle for control of Wales between Lleweyln’s sons (and later his grandsons), and the marriages of his daughter. We also meet his late wife’s siblings, Henry III of England and Eleanor (Nell), wh...more

like 5 likes · see review

Feb 02, 2009 Kristin rated it 4 of 5 stars

OK... I am loving this author and this Welsh Trilogy. Book Two starts up where the Here Be Dragons ends and completes the story of Llewelyn, the Prince of Wales, and his wife Joanna. The story then picks up with Llewelyn's sons and grandsons and their conflicts and turmoil as rulers of Wales. That story line runs parallel with the story of Simon de Montfort's rise to power. Simon is a French Nobleman who marries Eleanor (Nell) sister of King Henry III of England. Nell is also the Lady Joanna's h...more

like 5 likes · see review

Apr 24, 2010 Richard Wise rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: everyone

Shelves: medieval

Falls The Shadow is the story of Simon de Montfort. Though I have read fairly widely in English history, it has been undisciplined and spotty. In fact, most of what I have learned about the 13th Century has come from Sharon Kay Penman---so I cannot say much about the accuracy of her characterization.

Still, a novel is not a history book and I must say that her characterization of de Montfort, his wife and Edward Long Shanks, the Prince about to be king was vivid, compelling and no one writing a...more

like 3 likes · see review

Apr 13, 2013 Sharon rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the story of Simon de Montfort, a French-born English hero who is known as 'the father of the English parliament'. Winston Churchill said of him that he "had lighted a fire never to be quenched in English history" and indeed his story lit a fire with me. Sharon Penman succeeded in so drawing me in to the life of this Simon de Montfort and his struggle to achieve rights in law for every Englishman, that at the description of his final demise, I found myself weeping! Montfort became so dis...more

like · see review

Oct 29, 2012 Rebecca Hill rated it 4 of 5 stars

This was an interesting read for me, because most everything else I had read put Simon de Montfort as a demon, a person who was only self serving, looking after himself and hoping to gain a crown from his endeavors. Instead Sharon Kay Penman paints him as a man who was a champion for those who had no voice in government, but who were burdened by the King and the government at large. These base-born invidivuals wanted their rights as well, but they were overshadowed by the Lords of the land, and...more This was an interesting read for me, because most everything else I had read put Simon de Montfort as a demon, a person who was only self serving, looking after himself and hoping to gain a crown from his endeavors. Instead Sharon Kay Penman paints him as a man who was a champion for those who had no voice in government, but who were burdened by the King and the government at large. These base-born invidivuals wanted their rights as well, but they were overshadowed by the Lords of the land, and their voice was diminished because of it. I will admit though, there were times that I was afraid I might never keep all the names straight! I finally conjured up mental images of what I thought each would look like and that did help some in remembering the names when I would come across them again.

Simon de Montfort was quite an enigma of his time. He fought to free those oppressed, and also sough to temper the government and to bring about reforms that would protect the lower classes while reigning in the upper classes. This man lived about 650 years to early for his time, and had he been born later, he might have accomplished all he hoped and dreamed. This novel was written in a way where it was hard to put down. It also painted the King and Queen in quite a different light. I read "The Sister Queens" by Sophie Perinot before this one, and it was quite a contrasting light to these individuals. One painting them as looking for the well being of their country, and the other as dis-associative and only looking out again for their own well being. I haven't done enough research myself to draw my own conclusions, but I find the differences quite interesting. I will look further into it for my own satisfaction, but I do recommend this book for a good read! Its long but dont let page numbers fool you, its one that you wont want to put down! As you turn the pages you feel as though you are riding along side these men as they go into battle, or standing beside the Countess as she digs in her heels and refuses to give way to anyone who might cross her. I think it would have been quite interesting to live along side these individuals and gain a first hand look into their lives, two people, a husband and wife, who dared to defy what the established view was of the day, and for one, to go against her own brother, the King of England! (less)

like · see review

Nov 17, 2011 StoryTellerShannon rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-very-best-reads, need-reviewing, historical-fiction, books-reviewed

With the exception of a few authors, I've found most Historical fiction to be too factual and not dramatic enough. In cases where the drama was heavy, the facts are off (i.e. look at BRAVEHEART; great film but missing some Historical points, like the fact that the princess was about 7 or 8 at the time). Anyway, I know my standards are high but that's the way it is and that's why I'm very glad I've found Penman.
This tale centers around the power struggle between Earl Simon de Montfort, a true His...more

like · see review

Apr 05, 2011 Emma rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, england, 3-stars-and-a-half

I'll admit from the start that I read Falls the Shadow soon after The Sunne in Splendour; this book, while not bad, suffered by comparison. Besides, I can't read too much of one author too quickly without becoming annoyed by her quirks. That said, Falls the Shadow was something of a disappointment.

First the good. As always with Penman's books, I learned a lot. I knew little about the time period and this book brought it to life. The major players are excellently drawn: Henry III, Simon de Montf...more I'll admit from the start that I read Falls the Shadow soon after The Sunne in Splendour; this book, while not bad, suffered by comparison. Besides, I can't read too much of one author too quickly without becoming annoyed by her quirks. That said, Falls the Shadow was something of a disappointment.

First the good. As always with Penman's books, I learned a lot. I knew little about the time period and this book brought it to life. The major players are excellently drawn: Henry III, Simon de Montfort, and Nell (Henry's sister and Simon's wife) in particular. (I especially liked Nell, who's more spirited than Penman's previous heroines.) An author who's both renowned for historical accuracy and skilled at creating real people and interesting scenes out of history is a rare treasure. Finally, tics of dialogue that irked some readers in previous books (think "I do be tired" and overuse of character names) are much reduced here.

Speaking of tics, though, brings me to the problems. Penman seems to have taken a personal dislike to the word "and," and her preferred sentence structure began to grate on me ("He made a jest, laughed loudly"). More importantly, while Penman's books always span decades, here I really felt like it hurt the story. The Sunne in Splendour spans 27 years (not counting the six-years-later epilogue) in over 900 pages; Falls the Shadow has 575 pages to cover 36 years. Only toward the end does the story focus in enough to have several chapters set in the same year, with the result that for most of the book it's hard to keep track of the characters. Simon spends years on crusade and makes a name for himself there, but we never see a single scene of it; Simon and Nell go from meeting to declaring their undying love in all of three scenes together.

Even worse, while Simon fought to defend the Oxford Provisions and there's much talk about his belief that kings should be responsible to the people, I still have no idea how the Provisions were meant to accomplish that. A bit more discussion of the specifics (as Welsh law is discussed in Here Be Dragons) would have helped immensely for those of us lacking extensive prior knowledge of the period. The provision that's repeatedly mentioned is keeping foreigners off the king's council; I don't know why this was important, especially to the foreign-born Simon. Thus, it was hard to care as much as I should have about the ideals he was fighting for.

I'm of two minds when it comes to Penman's take on anti-Semitism here. On the one hand, it's to her credit that she deals honestly with a problem that's almost always ignored in medieval fiction. There are a couple of sympathetic Jewish characters, but Penman doesn't whitewash the Christian nobility, many of whom seem incapable of interacting with non-Christians without becoming violent. Still, I'm uncomfortable with Penman's use of the two token Jewish characters; besides telling us how much their lives suck, their primary purpose in the story seems to be praising London's (Christian) mayor.

Finally, Falls the Shadow suffers from being the middle book in a trilogy, if a nontraditional one. There are scenes with Llewelyn Fawr, Joanna, and Elen which add little and seem to be present mostly due to the characters' prominence in the last book. And there are more scenes with Llewelyn the younger which also add little; we meet him as a kid and then he gains great renown off-screen, but Penman's main concern seems to be keeping track of him long enough for him to star in The Reckoning. Overall, it's not a cohesive book.

I don't mean to discourage Penman lovers: this isn't a bad book by any means. Still, it's not her best. (less)

like · see review

Jul 16, 2010 Amanda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: bought-copy, historical, series

In "Falls the Shadow" Penman continues her trilogy of the turbulent times in Wales and England through the troubled thirteenth century.

We meet again characters introduced in a peripheral fashion in "Here Be Dragons" - the grandson of Llewelyn Fawr, also called Llewelyn; the sister of both Joanna and Henry III of England, Eleanor often called Nell; and Elen, daughter of Llewelyn Fawr and Joanna.

This tale takes us back to just before the death of Joanna - a time of relative peace between Wales and...more In "Falls the Shadow" Penman continues her trilogy of the turbulent times in Wales and England through the troubled thirteenth century.

We meet again characters introduced in a peripheral fashion in "Here Be Dragons" - the grandson of Llewelyn Fawr, also called Llewelyn; the sister of both Joanna and Henry III of England, Eleanor often called Nell; and Elen, daughter of Llewelyn Fawr and Joanna.

This tale takes us back to just before the death of Joanna - a time of relative peace between Wales and England. It centres upon the characters of Nell and Simon de Montfort - a celebrated soldier whose silvered tongue won him back an earldom from the Earl of Chester - and their conflict with the King of England.

Simon is a man with a zeal for reform, which includes making a King accountable to his Lords and bishops rather than just to God. Clearly, this was a view that had little appeal for Henry of England - believing himself to be the Anointed and chosen of God - and the two men (plus their sons) got caught up in a terrible conflict that culminated on the battlefield.

Although the novel is as well written as any of Penman's historical epics, with rich details of medieval life, it is not as fast reading. I attributed this mainly to the fact that I had very little sympathy or liking for many of the characters. I felt that Simon and Nell's relationship was based upon a casual disregard for religious oaths - since Nell had dedicated herself to God after the death of her first husband. The fact that they then defied and lied to the King of England - implying that Nell was with child to ensure his agreement - left me feeling as though they were due a comeuppance.

Add to that the feeble character of Henry III (widely held to be one of England's most incompetent kings), whose petty motivations caused so many of the issues through the novel; his arrogant and dishonourable son Edward; the the carousing sons of Nell and Simon, and it doesn't feel as though there are many characters that deserve liking or respect.

I will read the third book in the trilogy, but I was glad that "Here Be Dragons" was my first foray into Penman's work, since it is preferable in every way. (less)

like · see review

Dec 17, 2012 Karen Brooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

Falls the Shadow is the second book in The Welsh Princes series and mainly focuses on Simon de Montfort and Henry III (father of the future Edward Longshanks) – their relationship, families and the clash of wills and subsequent terrible conflict that arises between them and sweeps England and other countries in its wake. Parallel to their story is that of Leilo – Llewelyn ap Gruffyd, a young Welsh prince who suffers the alienation of his immediate family but is rewarded with the love and trust o...more Falls the Shadow is the second book in The Welsh Princes series and mainly focuses on Simon de Montfort and Henry III (father of the future Edward Longshanks) – their relationship, families and the clash of wills and subsequent terrible conflict that arises between them and sweeps England and other countries in its wake. Parallel to their story is that of Leilo – Llewelyn ap Gruffyd, a young Welsh prince who suffers the alienation of his immediate family but is rewarded with the love and trust of his grandfather, Llewelyn Fawr, the man who united Wales against the British and achieved elusive peace – but for how long?
Beautifully told, the novel segues in point of view and place, taking the reader from the Welsh highlands to Westminster, to a particular castle in England, the Tower of London, and France, as well as, later, bloody battlefields. What I adore about Penman’s writing is that she brings these well-known (and some obscure) historical figures to life, painting them in rich and vivid detail. The women particularly, often rendered absent from the pages of history, burst from the novel, their passion, intelligence and sometimes vanity, as well as their commitment to their men, children, cause and country is fabulously explored.
Simon de Montfort, arguably, the central character of this novel, is sometimes painted as a brusque and cold commander by history or as a saint. In this book, he’s revealed as a deeply religious man, devoted to his wife, Nell (sister of Henry III) and family, and even though he has a wicked sense of humour, as someone who didn’t suffer fools gladly. That Henry III is perhaps the greatest fool of all (and in this novel, not simply in de Montfort’s eyes), causes constant strain and pressure as Henry makes poor decision after poor decision, costing lives, allegiances and honour.
Characters either love or loathe de Montfort and the kingdom is pretty much divided along lines of supporters of him or the king. Betrayal lurks in every corner, bribery and corruption are currency and who to trust and when becomes much more than a deadly game.
Spanning years, the book covers de Montfort’s meeting with young Nell (a widow who, at 15 swears herself to the church), their swift courtship and wedding and then years pass as sons are born to them and grow.
Likewise, Henry also raises a family, and the cousins become close; favourites are quickly identified and relationships develop, all against a backdrop of the huge schism growing between their parents and the kingdom’s disenchantment with the liege.
In the meantime, Henry makes inroads into Wales with the help of the cunning Marcher lords (the English aristocracy who owned lands on the borders of Wales and England and who were mostly related to Henry through marriage- which caused no end of resentment) and drives a wedge between Llewlyn Farr’s sons, leaving Wales in disarray and fighting over leadership. Out of this mess, young Leilo, now a man, rises to meet his destiny.
Torn between loyalty to the king and the rights of the men and women Henry rules, de Montfort has to make an important decision – one for which he could, potentially, pay a terrible price – one that, should it go wrong, will cost his family and their future as well.
I don’t want to give away too much of the plot (though those familiar with the history already know the tale), but I am in awe of the way in which Penman not only juggles perfectly the telling of history through fiction, but keeps the plot bubbling and the characters fascinating even when “what happens next? is foretold. It’s testimony to her skill as a story-weaver that you invest so heavily in the men and women who populate this tale.
Penman also has a knack for recreating the period – her rendering of life in medieval times – from the religiosity, to the food, dress, manners and interactions is remarkable. As character rides through the snows in Wales, or listens to the bells chiming throughout London, or smells the sweet scent of heather in the breeze from a field in north England, so too do you.
The battles that are described in this book, just like the daily rhythms of the peers and royal house, are also graphic and so very real. Blood, fear, violence, ridiculous bravery; the search for honour through death is represented unflinchingly. I know some other readers found these parts a little long if not tedious – I didn’t. I felt they were an essential part of the story – the price that had to be paid, the toll that’s exacted from these remarkable people who believed in an ideal and were prepared to sacrifice anything to see it achieved.
This is where Penman completely excels. She captures the essence of humanity through her words – in all our glory and shame, our false pride and fearlessness, our courage and spirit. She also manages to show flaws in the most noble of characters and strengths (even if it’s simply through the love he or she bears for a child) in the most weak or repugnant of individuals.
I finished this book and moved straight onto the last in the series, which, so far (I am almost halfway through) is equally magnificent. “They” say “truth” is stranger than fiction. When you have both brought together in such excellent hands, the combination is intoxicating and a reader of novels’ absolute pleasure.
This review and others also appears on my website: www.karenrbrooks.com
(less)

like · see review

Sep 06, 2012 Lori rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fic

I found this book exasperating, endless. And yet. Just when I felt stupefied beyond endurance by intrigue and campaigns and staging and battle gore, by tortuous segues where weeks, months, even years pass which Penman summarizes only in terms of political or military events, not character development or internal conflict or insight, Penman goes and throws the hint of a gripping story in there again.

I'm not sure I have the heart or fortitude to wade through the final installment of the Welsh Prin...more

like · see review

Feb 19, 2009 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, drama, historical-fiction, medievalism

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Um, why have I never heard of Simon de Montfort before reading this book? I've done a bit of my own research since I started reading this and I can't believe that I somehow managed never to hear about him in all the history classes I took, even in college! WTF, education system?

I liked Penman's depiction of him--he was honorable and firm in his political beliefs, but he was also probably a real pain in the ass at times. The stubbornness, arrogance, etc are all traits that made him more real to...more

like 2 likes · see review

Jun 17, 2008 Dora rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think Sharon K. Penman is the best historical fiction writer. I cannot imagine the amount of time she spends on research. She does not falter in historical facts, she does her homework well. Yet her books flow easily, are extremely well written and interesting. The characetrs are real, human and so is the medival world that she writes about.

like 1 like · see review

Aug 21, 2009 Mary Campbell rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Anglophiles, readers of hist. fiction

Recommended to Mary by: My brother, John Campbell

I am so excited! I finished HERE BE DRAGONS months ago and was hungry for more Sharon Kay Penman but didn't have any $$$. Now working on fun Kansas / Mennonite hist.-fiction project and have a little $$ so found FALLS THE SHADOW on eBaY for cheap AND IT GOT HERE TODAY and now I won't get anything else done all afternoon....
--------------

LATER... One does not read a Penman book in one sitting... which just adds to the joy. One has both the anticipation and the actual pleasure of reading, and the...more

like · see review

Mar 15, 2013 Charlene Vickers rated it 4 of 5 stars

The first half is gripping reading. The second half I found much harder to read for many reasons unrelated to Penman's writing skills - mainly the utter unfairness and immense, immense cruelty and wilful blindness of even the most decent main characters. I lost all admiration for Simon in an instant, could not see him as anything but the (very, *very* slight) lesser of two great, monstrous evils. Yet I cannot fault Penman one bit for this; this was who he was, who they all were. If anything I re...more

like · see review

Jan 01, 2013 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I loved it. I think I enjoyed this book more than Here Be Dragons, the first book of the trilogy. The last 1/3rd of the book was especially enjoyable. I couldn't put it down and stayed up late to finish it.

I was impressed by the characterizations of Henry III and Edward I Longshanks. I love a good villain in a story and this book had two significant ones. Henry III and Edward are generally unlikeable characters (in history as well as Penman's book) but I thought they were very well portrayed. He...more

like · see review

Jul 21, 2012 Kristy rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really loved the first book in this series, "Here Be Dragons". This 2nd book is good, and worth the read, but definitely not as good as the first. The first I couldn't put down - this one is much easier to pick up and put down. It reads a bit more like historical blurbs at times. And though I did like the characters, I never came close to feeling as attached to them as I did to Llewelyn & Joanna, and King John for that matter, in the first book. I'd never heard of Simon de Montfort before...more

like 1 like · see review

Jul 28, 2011 Mirah W rated it 5 of 5 stars

I think my mistake was reading this immediately after Here Be Dragons. I loved HBD but I found myself getting bogged down about half way through Falls the Shadow. I was very interested in the beginning of FTS but then I felt the battles, back and forth between England and France, broken promises, and family disputes got a bit old. Penman's writing style was up to par but I just had a difficult time wading through the second half of the book. I felt engaged again in the last few chapters which wa...more

like · see review

Nov 25, 2009 Marita rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

This book really struck a cord with me. It is a continuation of the historical tale of Wales/England/France story 1231-1267. Simon de Montford must have been a remarkable individual. Penman did such a wonderful job on making the plight of the common people belivable and heartfelt. I cried in several places. :) Highlights for me were descriptions of sickneses and how would it be to try deal with them and the plight of the jews. I have to admit, I was not fully aware that other rulers than Hitler...more

like · see review

Apr 22, 2013 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013

This is the second book in her series about the Welsh princes.

It was good but I had a hard time reading it. I wish Wales would stay independent... Knowing the outcome of the conflict between Wales and England (or the Norman nobility of England) made it difficult to continue at times. Knowing that de Montfort would die and be labelled a traitor made reading it hard. I like the Welsh princes much more than I like the English nobility...

Her writing/story telling is good. But since she has to stay...more

like · see review

Dec 17, 2011 Shannon rated it 5 of 5 stars

I just love how Sharon Kay Penman is able to bring real historical characters to life and envision what their personal lives and exchanges between them would've been like. She can make a great (and educational!) story out of it. I did like Here Be Dragons more than Falls the Shadow because in Falls the Shadow a huge chunk of the middle of the book is relentless Second Baron's War with no changes of pace or concentration. (Or maybe it just felt that way because I read it so quickly?) I kept feeli...more

like · see review

Feb 23, 2012 Linda Humberstone rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in a trilogy about Medieval England and Wales with parts of France also playing a key role,as usual in that period. It covers the conflicts between kings and princes, powerful knights, churchmen, and the battles and conflicts that took place. Sharon Penman writes in an exciting way that makes one connect with the characters and also gives an insight into the lives of women as political pawns. I personally fell in love with the character of Simon de Montfort and in contras...more

like · see review

Sep 22, 2010 Kelly Grossmann rated it 3 of 5 stars

I didn't enjoy this book quite as much as all the others, but I did enjoy it. I was a little upset because it wasn't so much about the Welsh Princes as I had hoped. I have to admit that I new nothing about any of the characters in the book. I think the character of Simon de Montfort is extroadinary. He really was the first person to try to limit the powers of the Kings of England, and he almost succeeded. I think the only thing he misjudged was the common people of England. Yes, the Provisions w...more

like 1 like · see review

Oct 30, 2009 Pam rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, all-time-favorite-books, favorites

I started this book immediately after finishing the first in the trilogy, Here Be Dragons. It took me longer to read this one due to a schedule that didn't allow much time for pleasure reading, but that didn't diminish the power of Ms. Penman's narrative. As in Here Be Dragons, Ms. Penman delivers all one could ask for in a work of historical fiction -- an accurate accounting of historical events, amazing insight into the hearts and minds of her characters, and scenes that draw you in so complet...more

like 1 like · see review

Mar 24, 2013 Lori Bigby rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

I loved this book. It feels like I finished reading a friend. It is the 2nd book by Sharon Penman of her trilogy about the Welsh Princes of the 13th century. However, a lot of the focus was on Simon de Montfort the 6th Earl of Leicester who led a rebellion against Henry III and for a time became the de facto ruler of England. Montfort felt strongly that the King should have his power balanced with regard to the people he ruled. He believed that the King was responsible for being fair and followi...more

like · see review

Nov 01, 2012 Robin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, 13th-century, royalty, group-read, kindle

At first, I was puzzled by the description of this book. The second in the “Welsh Princes” series, the description made no mention of Wales or Welsh characters, it sounded to be entirely about Simon de Montfort and Henry III. But I should have known that an SKP book would never be that one dimensional. The first half of the book strongly features Llelo, the grandson of Llywelyn the Great, a central character in the preceding Here Be Dragons. It pretty much picks up right where Here Be Dragons fi...more

like · see review

May 29, 2012 Kirstin rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: england, european-royalty, series, favorite-authors, favorites

I was really looking forward to this book because I loved Here be Dragons. I must say I was not disappointed at all. This is, of course, part of the Welsh Princes Triology. I did hope for more of the Welsh princes. I did not expect them to be the entire story, because England and Wales go hand in hand, but I wanted more. In the Author’s Note at the end, Sharon Kay Penman says that there was too much story to focus on the Welsh Princes and what was going on in England. So in lieu of confusion she...more I was really looking forward to this book because I loved Here be Dragons. I must say I was not disappointed at all. This is, of course, part of the Welsh Princes Triology. I did hope for more of the Welsh princes. I did not expect them to be the entire story, because England and Wales go hand in hand, but I wanted more. In the Author’s Note at the end, Sharon Kay Penman says that there was too much story to focus on the Welsh Princes and what was going on in England. So in lieu of confusion she wrote this story focusing on England and the next novel, The Reckoning, on what exactly happens in Wales. After just reading Falls the Shadow I think she made a great choice and I am looking forward to finishing this series.

Going into this book, I knew it was the continuation of the first story, but I was still sad as the previous characters’ lives ended opening the stage for the new characters who I loved just as much. The de Monfort boys are captivating. Harry is supposed to be the one everyone falls in love with, but I definitely had a book crush on Bran. I really like reading about how the de Montfort sons and Prince Edward grew up together. A bond they created so young was so hard to break. One side took great advantage of that as the book continued, but underneath it all they loved each other even when they were fighting.

I think my favorite part of the story was its historical accuracy and the fact that these events actually happened. It isn’t just this crazy web that Penman created, but it happened. Simon de Montfort had ideals way before his time. He is still recognized for laying the foundation for representative government. As the battles are described and the fighting keeps going on and on, the respect you have for Simon keeps growing. There are multiple times he has the chance to give up and take the easier way out, but he didn’t give up on what he really believed in. On what the common person deserved.

Simon went against everything for his beliefs. He went against his King, his brother-in-laws, his nephews and he wasn’t the only one, but he was the leader. I am not sure if that kind of faith is still present in our world. I am not even sure if it was really present in his, but he was a special case and we are lucky he was. If he had stopped at one point or another, what would our lives be like now. He laid the first stone for something that is so much part of our lives. Without that first stone laid so long ago, I just wonder where we would be.
(less)

like · see review

Sep 09, 2012 Cathy rated it 5 of 5 stars

May contain Spoilers. So don't read, until you have finished the book. What an interesting book about such a significant person in the mid 1200's about whom I had never known anything. Simon De Montfort, a saint in his time and memorialized as the father of the English Parliment system after his time. Worshippers attended his grave site for hundreds of years after his terrible death. His life was marked by courage and principle. He dared to oppose a weak and destructive English King, Henry II. E...more

like · see review

Jul 27, 2011 Helen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: best-of-the-best, historic

A re-read, first read this as a teenager. In fact, I suspect Mum thinks she owns the copy I have. Kind of the middle of a trilogy, but they stand alone pretty well. Follows the life & times of 2 amazing men, Simon de Montfort & Llewelyn ap Gruffyd, grandson of Llewelyn the great. The characters are all clearly defined and brought to dazzling life, their strengths and weaknesses laid bare. The conflict between Simon and the King over his leadership (or lack of it). It is so clearly depict...more

like · see review

Apr 20, 2012 Samantha rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really couldn't go wrong with this book - Plantagenets, Simon de Montfort, Welsh princes, romance, war, tragedy . . . and, of course, Penman. I feel like I don't even need to point out that Penman creates believable, well-developed characters while staying as historically accurate as possible. Everyone who has read any of her novels already knows that, right? In this particular novel Simon de Montfort is the main character expertly brought to life with a huge cast of supporting characters (Hen...more I really couldn't go wrong with this book - Plantagenets, Simon de Montfort, Welsh princes, romance, war, tragedy . . . and, of course, Penman. I feel like I don't even need to point out that Penman creates believable, well-developed characters while staying as historically accurate as possible. Everyone who has read any of her novels already knows that, right? In this particular novel Simon de Montfort is the main character expertly brought to life with a huge cast of supporting characters (Henry III, Edward, Simon's sons & wife . . .) who help draw you in to this turbulent time in England's history. (Has there been a time in England's history that was not turbulent?) I had been wanting to read more about Simon de Montfort since reading Thomas Costain's The Magnificent Century and this book was perfect! I will admit to some time of my eyes glazing over in about the middle of this with the back and forth between Simon & Henry, but this did not last long and was well worth it in the end. I made the unfortunate mistake of reading some of the end of this novel in public (while waiting for my car to be worked on) and was sniffling and rubbing my eyes hoping no one would notice what would have been outright sobbing had I been at home alone. The story of Simon and his family is inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time, and no one could write it better than Penman. I found myself hoping that she would use her substantial skill to rewrite history and what I knew was supposed to happen would not be what happened. Then again, that is one of the things I admire about her - she does not create a happier, more acceptable, falsified ending. I cried for those who died and for those left to mourn for them. Congratulations, Sharon, you have once again made me cry for someone long dead who I knew when and where they had died! Before I forget, I should also mention that since this is #2 in the Welsh Princes trilogy we also have the continuation of the story of Llewelyn the Great's family through his sons and their sons. Though they are not the main focus, the family is followed enough to keep you up on what is going on in Wales until getting to #3 The Reckoning. You won't be disappointed - read this book!(less)

like · see review

Sep 22, 2011 Helen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't praise Sharon Kay Penman highly enough! As regards her work, it almost doesn't feel like reading a novel but rather a transportation into another long ago world - I feel like I'm there in the background of every scene watching characters interact and events unfold. This world she creates is so real, solid and deep; it's three dimensional. Her novels are 'meaty'!! 'Falls the Shadow', the story of rebellious Earl, Simon de Montfort, is no different. It is rich in detail, beautifully writte...more

like 1 like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 99 100 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

topics	posts	views	last activity
Historical Fictio...: Group Series: Falls the Shadow- Book 2	19	134	Mar 22, 2013 08:49pm
rights	3	24	Feb 14, 2013 04:44pm

combine
Other Editions (9)

More editions...

Genres

Historical Fiction

375 users

Historical Fiction > Medieval

29 users

European Literature > British Literature

18 users

Romance

5 users

Novels

4 users

Romance > Historical Romance

4 users

Fantasy

3 users

Adult

2 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

2 users

Epic

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Sharon Kay Penman

Penman received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she majored in history, and also received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, and later worked as a tax lawyer. Penman suffered from an eighteen month bout with mononucleosis.

The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Nov...more

More about Sharon Kay Penman...

Books by Sharon Kay Penman

When Christ and His Saints Slept (Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine, #1)

Time and Chance (Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine, #2)

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Falls the Shadow

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Falls the Shadow
avg rating	preview: Falls the Shadow Goodreads rating: 4.34 (3910 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77448.Falls_the_Shadow?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1298193016l/77448.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77448.Falls_the_Shadow?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Falls the Shadow by Sharon Kay Penman[/url]

Falls the Shadow (Welsh Princes #2)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website