What do you think?
Rate this book
Oath and Crown #1
An Argument of Blood
William, the nineteen-year-old duke of Normandy, is enjoying the full fruits of his station. Life is a succession of hunts, feasts, and revels, with little attention paid to the welfare of his vassals. Tired of the young duke’s dissolute behaviour
and ashamed of his illegitimate birth, a group of traitorous barons force their way into his castle. While William survives their assassination attempt, his days of leisure are over. He’ll need help from the king of France to secure his dukedom
from the rebels.
On the other side of the English Channel lives ten-year-old Ælfgifa, the malformed and unwanted youngest sister to the Anglo-Saxon Jarl, Harold Godwinson. Ælfgifa discovers powerful rivalries in the heart of the state when her sister Ealdgyth is given in a political marriage to King Edward, and she finds herself caught up in intrigues and political manoeuvring as powerful men vie for influence. Her path will collide with William’s, and both must fight to shape the future.
An Argument of Blood is the first of two sweeping historical novels on the life and battles of William the Conqueror.
and ashamed of his illegitimate birth, a group of traitorous barons force their way into his castle. While William survives their assassination attempt, his days of leisure are over. He’ll need help from the king of France to secure his dukedom
from the rebels.
On the other side of the English Channel lives ten-year-old Ælfgifa, the malformed and unwanted youngest sister to the Anglo-Saxon Jarl, Harold Godwinson. Ælfgifa discovers powerful rivalries in the heart of the state when her sister Ealdgyth is given in a political marriage to King Edward, and she finds herself caught up in intrigues and political manoeuvring as powerful men vie for influence. Her path will collide with William’s, and both must fight to shape the future.
An Argument of Blood is the first of two sweeping historical novels on the life and battles of William the Conqueror.
508 pages, Paperback
Published June 19, 2017
3 people are currently reading
629 people want to read
About the author
J.A. Ironside
57 books353 followersUrban fantasy and historical fiction author J.A. Ironside masquerades by day as member of the county library service, which strangely enough has less to do with books than you would think.
Jules grew up in Dorset in a house full of books, which probably explains a lot about how her mind works. You might think that folklore, fringe science, history, physics, magic and supernatural mystery wouldn’t go all that well together, but she’s hell bent on proving they do. Her urban fantasy series Harker & Blackthorn is now ten books long and counting. It features a sentient museum because someone needs to keep track of what’s going on. Unveiled – another UF series set in the same universe – is now complete.
Jules is also determined to show that historical fiction can be both factually correct and funny. The King’s Knight series is set during the tumultuous reign of Richard II, while the sweeping Oath and Crown Duology – co-authored with Matthew Willis – follows the events leading up to and around the Battle of Hastings.
When pried her away from her books, Jules enthusiastically engages in martial arts and playing the piano, although never at the same time. At least not yet. She lives on the edge of the Cotswold way with her boyfriend creature and two hell’s kittens. Find out more at www.jaironside.com
Jules grew up in Dorset in a house full of books, which probably explains a lot about how her mind works. You might think that folklore, fringe science, history, physics, magic and supernatural mystery wouldn’t go all that well together, but she’s hell bent on proving they do. Her urban fantasy series Harker & Blackthorn is now ten books long and counting. It features a sentient museum because someone needs to keep track of what’s going on. Unveiled – another UF series set in the same universe – is now complete.
Jules is also determined to show that historical fiction can be both factually correct and funny. The King’s Knight series is set during the tumultuous reign of Richard II, while the sweeping Oath and Crown Duology – co-authored with Matthew Willis – follows the events leading up to and around the Battle of Hastings.
When pried her away from her books, Jules enthusiastically engages in martial arts and playing the piano, although never at the same time. At least not yet. She lives on the edge of the Cotswold way with her boyfriend creature and two hell’s kittens. Find out more at www.jaironside.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
June 20, 2018
I was sent An Argument of Blood and A Black Matter for the King for review - in the interests of disclosure, I can happily state that I have never met either writer and was not paid or compensated in any way for the review.
However ...
There is little which is quite so exciting for me as discovering a fresh, new talent in historical writing. In Willis and Ironside I feel I’ve found two writers who can carry me back to the past and can show me a time when, amid the brutality and irrationality of politics, there were still great characters, men of vision and daring, and women of intelligence and foresight.
I have to admit, I was not keen to review these two books. They were, I was told, a two-book series about the Norman invasion, and how the invasion affected the lives of Normans and Saxons alike. I immediately thought that sounded wrong. Perhaps one book, and if there’s enough of a story, maybe a trilogy – a simple pair of books didn’t seem right to me. And at the time I was on a tight deadline (again), and I needed a pair of books to review like a hole in the head. However, Matthew Willis was persistent and persuasive, and I do like to support other writers, so I thought I should at least glance at the books. Give them a casual once-over. It need not take long, I thought. I could skim them, probably.
I was wrong.
Matthew cost me several days of work. Thank you so very much.
Not only did I find it impossible to put these books down, I found myself being dragged deeper and deeper into the horrible times leading up to the Norman invasion of 1066, and although I was at the time trying to write a story based on much more recent history, these two forced me to keep harking back to the Saxons, to Harold, to Edith Swan-neck, to William and his mercenaries … It’s often said that writers cannot read fiction while writing their own work, because they involuntarily take on the narrative style of the work they are reading – which is partly why I had to give up reading PG Wodehouse while writing my own stories - so these two cost me several hours away from my desk!
These two books are brilliant: entertaining, well-researched and compelling. I set them aside feeling I'd learned a huge amount about the period and the motives of the leading actors. And what a time it was: death of a king, the coronation of a new king, invasion threats, fierce fighting ... What more could you want?
I'd thoroughly recommend both these titles, but do read them in sequence!
This is a shortened version of my full review at WriterlyWitterings.com: https://wp.me/p1u0dV-wD
However ...
There is little which is quite so exciting for me as discovering a fresh, new talent in historical writing. In Willis and Ironside I feel I’ve found two writers who can carry me back to the past and can show me a time when, amid the brutality and irrationality of politics, there were still great characters, men of vision and daring, and women of intelligence and foresight.
I have to admit, I was not keen to review these two books. They were, I was told, a two-book series about the Norman invasion, and how the invasion affected the lives of Normans and Saxons alike. I immediately thought that sounded wrong. Perhaps one book, and if there’s enough of a story, maybe a trilogy – a simple pair of books didn’t seem right to me. And at the time I was on a tight deadline (again), and I needed a pair of books to review like a hole in the head. However, Matthew Willis was persistent and persuasive, and I do like to support other writers, so I thought I should at least glance at the books. Give them a casual once-over. It need not take long, I thought. I could skim them, probably.
I was wrong.
Matthew cost me several days of work. Thank you so very much.
Not only did I find it impossible to put these books down, I found myself being dragged deeper and deeper into the horrible times leading up to the Norman invasion of 1066, and although I was at the time trying to write a story based on much more recent history, these two forced me to keep harking back to the Saxons, to Harold, to Edith Swan-neck, to William and his mercenaries … It’s often said that writers cannot read fiction while writing their own work, because they involuntarily take on the narrative style of the work they are reading – which is partly why I had to give up reading PG Wodehouse while writing my own stories - so these two cost me several hours away from my desk!
These two books are brilliant: entertaining, well-researched and compelling. I set them aside feeling I'd learned a huge amount about the period and the motives of the leading actors. And what a time it was: death of a king, the coronation of a new king, invasion threats, fierce fighting ... What more could you want?
I'd thoroughly recommend both these titles, but do read them in sequence!
This is a shortened version of my full review at WriterlyWitterings.com: https://wp.me/p1u0dV-wD
February 11, 2018
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I am a huge fan of historical fiction so I was really excited to get stuck in to this book as soon as it arrived on my Kindle. I love this period of history!
The book flows really well and the writing style is great - you can really see the research that has been put in to the story and the knowledge from the authors.
Four stars from me for this one - really enjoyed it!
I am a huge fan of historical fiction so I was really excited to get stuck in to this book as soon as it arrived on my Kindle. I love this period of history!
The book flows really well and the writing style is great - you can really see the research that has been put in to the story and the knowledge from the authors.
Four stars from me for this one - really enjoyed it!
January 17, 2018
It is my privilege to be part of the Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour for An Argument of Blood. First, a brief summary of the story:
William, the nineteen-year-old duke of Normandy, is enjoying the full fruits of his station. Life is a succession of hunts, feasts, and revels, with little attention paid to the welfare of his vassals. Tired of the young duke’s dissolute behaviour and ashamed of his illegitimate birth, a group of traitorous barons force their way into his castle. While William survives their assassination attempt, his days of leisure are over. He’ll need help from the king of France to secure his dukedom from the rebels.
On the other side of the English Channel lives ten-year-old Ælfgifa, the malformed and unwanted youngest sister to the Anglo-Saxon Jarl, Harold Godwinson. Ælfgifa discovers powerful rivalries in the heart of the state when her sister Ealdgyth is given in a political marriage to King Edward, and she finds herself caught up in intrigues and political manoeuvring as powerful men vie for influence. Her path will collide with William’s, and both must fight to shape the future.
An Argument of Blood is the first of two sweeping historical novels on the life and battles of William the Conqueror.
And the review:
An entertaining tale of William the Conqueror (or Bastard, depending on who’s talking), as a young man shaken out of his young man’s revelry and into the harsh reality of life as a Duke. It is also a tale of Godwin’s youngest daughter, Aelfgifa, the unlovely, yet extremely intelligent girl who finds herself a player in the game for the English throne of the heir less Edward. The authors have combined to deliver an intriguing look at how these early years led to the eventual history making/changing year of 1066. The characters come alive, the youthful exuberance of William turning into a fierce determination, the misjudging and dismissal of Aelfgifa are perfect examples, and by no means the only ones. It was a strange time and everyone who has the slightest link to the throne gets involved, and while this is all historical fact, it takes a good fiction writer, or in this case fiction writers, to take that history and piece together a tale that falls into the realm of believable possibility. We all know the outcome awaiting William, but it is still an intriguing take on the path leading to his destiny, and an intriguing look at the easy to overlook woman who played an important part in that destiny. 4.3 stars and am looking forward to the sequel.
About the Authors
J.A. Ironside (Jules) grew up in rural Dorset, surrounded by books – which pretty much set he up for life as a complete bibliophile. She loves speculative fiction of all stripes, especially fantasy and science fiction, although when it comes to the written word, she’s not choosy and will read almost anything. Actually it would be fair to say she starts to go a bit peculiar if she doesn’t get through at least three books a week. She writes across various genres, both adult and YA fiction, and it’s a rare story if there isn’t a fantastical or speculative element in there somewhere.
Jules has had several short stories published in magazines and anthologies, as well as recorded for literature podcasts. Books 1 and 2 of her popular Unveiled series are currently available with the 3rd and 4th books due for release Autumn/ Winter 2017.
She also co-authored the sweeping epic historical Oath and Crown Duology with Matthew Willis, released June 2017 from Penmore Press.
Jules now lives on the edge of the Cotswold way with her boyfriend creature and a small black and white cat, both of whom share a god-complex.
03_J.A. Ironside.jpg
Matthew Willis is an author of historical fiction, SF, fantasy and non-fiction. In June 2017 An Argument of Blood, the first of two historical novels about the Norman Conquest co-written with J.A. Ironside, was published. In 2015 his story Energy was shortlisted for the Bridport short story award.
Matthew studied Literature and History of Science at the University of Kent, where he wrote an MA thesis on Joseph Conrad and sailed for the University in national competitions. He subsequently worked as a journalist for Autosport and F1 Racing magazines, before switching to a career with the National Health Service.
His first non-fiction book, a history of the Blackburn Skua WW2 naval dive bomber, was published in 2007. He now has four non fiction books published with a fifth, a biography of test pilot Duncan Menzies, due later in 2017. He currently lives in Southampton and writes both fiction and non-fiction for a living.
03_Matthew Willis.jpg
During the Book Blast we will be giving away a signed copy of An Argument of Blood
To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 7th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
Enter the giveaway here
04_An Argument of Blood_Blog Tour Banner_FINAL.png
William, the nineteen-year-old duke of Normandy, is enjoying the full fruits of his station. Life is a succession of hunts, feasts, and revels, with little attention paid to the welfare of his vassals. Tired of the young duke’s dissolute behaviour and ashamed of his illegitimate birth, a group of traitorous barons force their way into his castle. While William survives their assassination attempt, his days of leisure are over. He’ll need help from the king of France to secure his dukedom from the rebels.
On the other side of the English Channel lives ten-year-old Ælfgifa, the malformed and unwanted youngest sister to the Anglo-Saxon Jarl, Harold Godwinson. Ælfgifa discovers powerful rivalries in the heart of the state when her sister Ealdgyth is given in a political marriage to King Edward, and she finds herself caught up in intrigues and political manoeuvring as powerful men vie for influence. Her path will collide with William’s, and both must fight to shape the future.
An Argument of Blood is the first of two sweeping historical novels on the life and battles of William the Conqueror.
And the review:
An entertaining tale of William the Conqueror (or Bastard, depending on who’s talking), as a young man shaken out of his young man’s revelry and into the harsh reality of life as a Duke. It is also a tale of Godwin’s youngest daughter, Aelfgifa, the unlovely, yet extremely intelligent girl who finds herself a player in the game for the English throne of the heir less Edward. The authors have combined to deliver an intriguing look at how these early years led to the eventual history making/changing year of 1066. The characters come alive, the youthful exuberance of William turning into a fierce determination, the misjudging and dismissal of Aelfgifa are perfect examples, and by no means the only ones. It was a strange time and everyone who has the slightest link to the throne gets involved, and while this is all historical fact, it takes a good fiction writer, or in this case fiction writers, to take that history and piece together a tale that falls into the realm of believable possibility. We all know the outcome awaiting William, but it is still an intriguing take on the path leading to his destiny, and an intriguing look at the easy to overlook woman who played an important part in that destiny. 4.3 stars and am looking forward to the sequel.
About the Authors
J.A. Ironside (Jules) grew up in rural Dorset, surrounded by books – which pretty much set he up for life as a complete bibliophile. She loves speculative fiction of all stripes, especially fantasy and science fiction, although when it comes to the written word, she’s not choosy and will read almost anything. Actually it would be fair to say she starts to go a bit peculiar if she doesn’t get through at least three books a week. She writes across various genres, both adult and YA fiction, and it’s a rare story if there isn’t a fantastical or speculative element in there somewhere.
Jules has had several short stories published in magazines and anthologies, as well as recorded for literature podcasts. Books 1 and 2 of her popular Unveiled series are currently available with the 3rd and 4th books due for release Autumn/ Winter 2017.
She also co-authored the sweeping epic historical Oath and Crown Duology with Matthew Willis, released June 2017 from Penmore Press.
Jules now lives on the edge of the Cotswold way with her boyfriend creature and a small black and white cat, both of whom share a god-complex.
03_J.A. Ironside.jpg
Matthew Willis is an author of historical fiction, SF, fantasy and non-fiction. In June 2017 An Argument of Blood, the first of two historical novels about the Norman Conquest co-written with J.A. Ironside, was published. In 2015 his story Energy was shortlisted for the Bridport short story award.
Matthew studied Literature and History of Science at the University of Kent, where he wrote an MA thesis on Joseph Conrad and sailed for the University in national competitions. He subsequently worked as a journalist for Autosport and F1 Racing magazines, before switching to a career with the National Health Service.
His first non-fiction book, a history of the Blackburn Skua WW2 naval dive bomber, was published in 2007. He now has four non fiction books published with a fifth, a biography of test pilot Duncan Menzies, due later in 2017. He currently lives in Southampton and writes both fiction and non-fiction for a living.
03_Matthew Willis.jpg
During the Book Blast we will be giving away a signed copy of An Argument of Blood
To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 7th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
Enter the giveaway here
04_An Argument of Blood_Blog Tour Banner_FINAL.png
January 29, 2018
This fresh look at the life led by William 'The Conqueror' when he was merely a young (and not particularly successful) duke becomes a real 'game of thrones' as the chapters alternate between events in Normandy and those on the the other side of the English Channel.
The star of this book proves not to be William but instead the unlikely ten-year-old Ælfgifa, sister of Harold Godwinson. All the characters in this book have their flaws but Ælfgifa takes it to a whole new level and steals every scene and is a character who would fit in any George R. R. Martin novel.
The writing partnership of Jules Ironside and Matthew Willis works well, with a fast pace and enough historical accuracy to prevent it becoming fantasy. There is savagery readers should expect of the period but also some insights into what it might have been like to live in such a world.
An Argument of Blood also passes the test of making me want to learn more about the real history behind the events of 1066. The first of two novels of the Oath and Crown duology, I can't wait to read the second - highly recommended.
The star of this book proves not to be William but instead the unlikely ten-year-old Ælfgifa, sister of Harold Godwinson. All the characters in this book have their flaws but Ælfgifa takes it to a whole new level and steals every scene and is a character who would fit in any George R. R. Martin novel.
The writing partnership of Jules Ironside and Matthew Willis works well, with a fast pace and enough historical accuracy to prevent it becoming fantasy. There is savagery readers should expect of the period but also some insights into what it might have been like to live in such a world.
An Argument of Blood also passes the test of making me want to learn more about the real history behind the events of 1066. The first of two novels of the Oath and Crown duology, I can't wait to read the second - highly recommended.
January 15, 2018
In An Argument of Blood, we first meet William, Duke of Normandy, when he is a headstrong and impetuous youth of nineteen, quick to anger and rather slow to take advice from those who think that they know better. That William comes across as spoiled and selfish young man makes for interesting reading, I appreciated getting to learn more of his character and of what focused his drive and ambition as he grew to maturity.
In direct contrast to William's rather angry personality we head across the English channel to learn more about what is happening in the Anglo-Saxon court of King Edward the Confessor, and first meet our narrator, ten year old Ælfgifa, sister to the Jarl, Harold Godwinson, as she learns of the marriage between her older sister, Ealdgyth and the King. To see the Saxon court through the eyes of this insightful young girl is quite refreshing and I enjoyed reading of life at court and of the difficulties encountered, not just by Ælfgifa, but also of the faults and foibles of those who live alongside her.
An Argument of Blood is an interesting and vivid account of the events which will eventually lead to the invasion of England and this first book in the series sets the scene quite nicely, with the ending lending itself to a natural continuation in the story. Taken as a whole, the book is well written with good attention to detail and a nice sense of time and place. However, I found that I looked forward more to Ælfgifa’s side of the story rather more that William’s but that’s no disparagement of the writing, as both are equally descriptive.
Filled with political intrigue, danger and conspiracy, An Argument of Blood is an interesting interpretation of the events which will eventually lead to the Norman conquest.
August 3, 2017
This historical tale switches between Aelfgifa and William, the former a younger sister of Harold (of arrow-in-the-eye fame), the latter, William 'the conqueror'.
It's a well written, well researched story with plenty of period detail and oodles of historical fact. As a reader, I found myself more inclined to enjoy Aelfgifa's side of the story initially, because William was a spoilt brat, but about half way through the novel I warmed to William and read his side of the story with as much enjoyment as Aelfgifa's. I did get a little tired of William's tactical discussions about sieges and attacks, but these are essential, I think, to allow the authors to show how William's character was shaped by events. Aelfgifa is a strong-minded young woman, used by others for their political ends as a spy, helped both by her unusual physical appearance and keen intellect.
It was a shame that a handful of typos had snuck into the novel, but the only other thing I could probably find to complain about is that the story finished too soon. I normally get annoyed when authors leave me hanging at the end of a book, knowing full well there's a sequel/series to follow, but I think the place chosen to end this book was appropriate. I really, REALLY wanted to read more, and look forward to the second part of this saga.
It's a well written, well researched story with plenty of period detail and oodles of historical fact. As a reader, I found myself more inclined to enjoy Aelfgifa's side of the story initially, because William was a spoilt brat, but about half way through the novel I warmed to William and read his side of the story with as much enjoyment as Aelfgifa's. I did get a little tired of William's tactical discussions about sieges and attacks, but these are essential, I think, to allow the authors to show how William's character was shaped by events. Aelfgifa is a strong-minded young woman, used by others for their political ends as a spy, helped both by her unusual physical appearance and keen intellect.
It was a shame that a handful of typos had snuck into the novel, but the only other thing I could probably find to complain about is that the story finished too soon. I normally get annoyed when authors leave me hanging at the end of a book, knowing full well there's a sequel/series to follow, but I think the place chosen to end this book was appropriate. I really, REALLY wanted to read more, and look forward to the second part of this saga.
August 22, 2017
An Argument in Blood works best when it draws us in to the worries that its characters face. The two main characters are both strongly written, and the book easily draws us in to the drama surrounding their lives. The chapters written from Aelfgifa's point of view are a particularly strong example of this. Her changing relationship with her siblings is written well, and the writers walk the line between making her smart, and making her infallible.
The main problems holding the book back are structural. The story feels like it just ended rather than reach a natural conclusion after a well written arc. To its credit An Argument of Blood has set up a lot for the sequel, but that may prove to benefit the sequel at the cost telling a book complete story. The book also occasionally wraps up plot points in a way that feels overly convenient. Such as an enemy of William's that is dispatched without much ceremony.
Even considering these flaws, An Argument of Blood is worth a read. Both sides of the story are sympathetic, and the characters do not end the book as the same people they started. Furthermore while the story serves to give a more intimate look to historical events without the reader being required to already be familiar with those historical events.
The main problems holding the book back are structural. The story feels like it just ended rather than reach a natural conclusion after a well written arc. To its credit An Argument of Blood has set up a lot for the sequel, but that may prove to benefit the sequel at the cost telling a book complete story. The book also occasionally wraps up plot points in a way that feels overly convenient. Such as an enemy of William's that is dispatched without much ceremony.
Even considering these flaws, An Argument of Blood is worth a read. Both sides of the story are sympathetic, and the characters do not end the book as the same people they started. Furthermore while the story serves to give a more intimate look to historical events without the reader being required to already be familiar with those historical events.
July 6, 2017
I've not finished this yet, but am already inspired to write a review because this book is outstanding. Wonderfully evocative, fantastic characters, spot-on historical detail; a thoroughly compelling read. This is accessible without dumbing down. Highly recommend! I will return to write fuller review once finished.
February 2, 2018
3,5 stars
When we first get to know William the Conqueror, he’s young and, honestly, not very likeable. He’s still learning to be duke and how to keep his dukedom. Ælfgifa is the youngest sister of Harold Godwinson, deformed and unloved especially by her mother, she has learned to read people and becomes skilled in the political game.
I’m not huge fan of William and he wasn’t very likeable here either, but he did have his moments. It was interesting to see him as a spoiled and selfish teen. That’s not necessarily how I’ve been seeing him, but it made interesting to read.
I loved Ælfgifa and I waited for her chapters. There isn’t much known about her so there’s lot more freedom writing about her. She’s intelligent and clever and gives refreshing side to the Saxon world. I really want to know how her story will develop.
When we first get to know William the Conqueror, he’s young and, honestly, not very likeable. He’s still learning to be duke and how to keep his dukedom. Ælfgifa is the youngest sister of Harold Godwinson, deformed and unloved especially by her mother, she has learned to read people and becomes skilled in the political game.
I’m not huge fan of William and he wasn’t very likeable here either, but he did have his moments. It was interesting to see him as a spoiled and selfish teen. That’s not necessarily how I’ve been seeing him, but it made interesting to read.
I loved Ælfgifa and I waited for her chapters. There isn’t much known about her so there’s lot more freedom writing about her. She’s intelligent and clever and gives refreshing side to the Saxon world. I really want to know how her story will develop.
January 29, 2018
An Argument of Blood is an excellent beginning to the Oath and Crown series. I could not put it down! I was a little intimidated by its size at first. However, I had it read in one day. It was a day well spent. I just loved the authors’ vision of young William the Conqueror and what England was like before he took over as ruler. I was fascinated with the whole story. My favorite part was when William was first introduced to Matilda. The women of the book are ones that are of great courage and are admirable for the times.
I was sad to see the words “The End”. I cannot wait to read book two of this series. An Argument of Blood is most definitely great reading. I highly, highly recommend it.
A well deserved 5 plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
I was sad to see the words “The End”. I cannot wait to read book two of this series. An Argument of Blood is most definitely great reading. I highly, highly recommend it.
A well deserved 5 plus stars.
I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
November 20, 2017
HNS review: https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
Set in the earlier years of William the Conqueror’s rule over Normandy, An Argument of Blood opens with him as a young, arrogant duke, although he makes a concerted effort to become a mature leader when an assassination attempt forces him to flee in the middle of the night. The story then follows him through the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes and the nearly continuous warfare of the later 1040s to mid-1050s.
Across the Channel, readers meet Ælfgyfa, youngest daughter of Godwin, Jarl of Wessex. She is highly intelligent, her father’s favorite daughter, but her mother, Gytha, can’t stand her. Ælfgyfa is deformed, possibly from a cleft palate, though there is little historical evidence to support that. Overlooked and ignored, she learns to read people well, becoming invaluable as a pseudo-spy to her brother Harold Godwinson and his wife Edith Swanneck, and later to her other sister, Eadgyth, queen consort to Edward the Confessor. Eventually, Ælfgyfa and her younger brother Wulfnoth become political hostages to William, a common practice, in exchange for the good behavior of Godwin, who is accused of treason. The plot entwines the families nicely, as it happened in history, and establishes a solid base for the rest of the series.
The novel comes equipped with a lot of action and intrigue. Many of the characters are well developed, but I loved Ælfgyfa. She is clever, witty, and complex. When historical information is lacking, authors get to play and fill in gaps, and Willis and Ironside use the Saxon culture to make her a realistic and sympathetic though not always likeable character. I also enjoyed the portrayal of Edward the Confessor; the authors’ twist on his “pious” nature is very interesting. The depth of cultural detail, both for the Saxons and the Normans, adds a lot of color. I am looking forward to the next book. Strongly recommended!
Set in the earlier years of William the Conqueror’s rule over Normandy, An Argument of Blood opens with him as a young, arrogant duke, although he makes a concerted effort to become a mature leader when an assassination attempt forces him to flee in the middle of the night. The story then follows him through the Battle of Val-ès-Dunes and the nearly continuous warfare of the later 1040s to mid-1050s.
Across the Channel, readers meet Ælfgyfa, youngest daughter of Godwin, Jarl of Wessex. She is highly intelligent, her father’s favorite daughter, but her mother, Gytha, can’t stand her. Ælfgyfa is deformed, possibly from a cleft palate, though there is little historical evidence to support that. Overlooked and ignored, she learns to read people well, becoming invaluable as a pseudo-spy to her brother Harold Godwinson and his wife Edith Swanneck, and later to her other sister, Eadgyth, queen consort to Edward the Confessor. Eventually, Ælfgyfa and her younger brother Wulfnoth become political hostages to William, a common practice, in exchange for the good behavior of Godwin, who is accused of treason. The plot entwines the families nicely, as it happened in history, and establishes a solid base for the rest of the series.
The novel comes equipped with a lot of action and intrigue. Many of the characters are well developed, but I loved Ælfgyfa. She is clever, witty, and complex. When historical information is lacking, authors get to play and fill in gaps, and Willis and Ironside use the Saxon culture to make her a realistic and sympathetic though not always likeable character. I also enjoyed the portrayal of Edward the Confessor; the authors’ twist on his “pious” nature is very interesting. The depth of cultural detail, both for the Saxons and the Normans, adds a lot of color. I am looking forward to the next book. Strongly recommended!
January 22, 2020
British history has never particularly interested me. Sure, bits of it are very interesting, but all those kings and things... I'll admit, I knew very little about William except his name and 1066. I got this book since I had read several pthers from one of the authors. When I read the first page or two, and saw that list of characters, I thought "oh, man, this is going to be boring, and I'll need to refer to that to keep everyone straight."
But then I started reading, and the story, and characters, drew me right in. I'm not sure how historically accurate the people and places are, but I was inspired to research things as I went and everything lined right up. It is easy to imagine these people acting just like this. The details of places, the way people lived, etc., are obviously very well researched. History is brought to life. My review is not as well-written as this book, but if you pick it up you will not be disappointed. I grabbed the sequel before I had finished this- it's that good.
But then I started reading, and the story, and characters, drew me right in. I'm not sure how historically accurate the people and places are, but I was inspired to research things as I went and everything lined right up. It is easy to imagine these people acting just like this. The details of places, the way people lived, etc., are obviously very well researched. History is brought to life. My review is not as well-written as this book, but if you pick it up you will not be disappointed. I grabbed the sequel before I had finished this- it's that good.
April 18, 2019
This was a treat. Not unexpected - I'm familiar with the writing of both authors - but the alternating voices told a gradually-converging tale, made vivid by a wealth of detail, backed up by wide-ranging (and lightly-applied, for the most part) research.
What downside there was applied to the physical book itself: not willing to pay £17, I seized upon one at a fiver and was very much off-put by the fact it was a trade size US edition, apparently made for the large print market. However, the words themselves quickly overcame any antipathy.
What downside there was applied to the physical book itself: not willing to pay £17, I seized upon one at a fiver and was very much off-put by the fact it was a trade size US edition, apparently made for the large print market. However, the words themselves quickly overcame any antipathy.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews