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Leopards of Normandy #3
Conqueror
From the co-author of the No.1 bestselling Wilbur Smith novel, War Cry
The Leopards of Normandy trilogy concludes as Duke William prepares to take England, and his rivals, by storm. This real-life game of thrones lead to the defining the moment of English history: Hastings, 1066, and is a must-read for fans of Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett.
'An exciting mix of medieval betrayal, violence and sex' Wilbur Smith
It began with a promise. It will end at Hastings.
William of Normandy, sworn heir to the English throne, is no longer the boy Duke but a loyal and proven warrior. Few dare challenge him, but England is an irresistible prize.
The handsome, ambitious Harold Godwinson and the Viking Hardrada are both determined to stake a claim. William faces his greatest ever battle: deny his own destiny or conquer the land he was born to rule.
History will be written in the blood of those who fall.
The Leopards of Normandy trilogy concludes as Duke William prepares to take England, and his rivals, by storm. This real-life game of thrones lead to the defining the moment of English history: Hastings, 1066, and is a must-read for fans of Conn Iggulden, Bernard Cornwell and Ken Follett.
'An exciting mix of medieval betrayal, violence and sex' Wilbur Smith
It began with a promise. It will end at Hastings.
William of Normandy, sworn heir to the English throne, is no longer the boy Duke but a loyal and proven warrior. Few dare challenge him, but England is an irresistible prize.
The handsome, ambitious Harold Godwinson and the Viking Hardrada are both determined to stake a claim. William faces his greatest ever battle: deny his own destiny or conquer the land he was born to rule.
History will be written in the blood of those who fall.
569 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2018
8 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
January 11, 2020
This amazing book is the 3rd and final volume of the awesome "The Leopards of Normandy" trilogy.
The book contains at the beginning two wonderful explained Family Trees, Normandy and England, and not to forget there's a fantastic list of characters, mostly real great historical and some fictional figures, who all come superbly to life within this great historical tale of power, war, death and kingship.
At the end of the book you'll notice a well documented Postscript and Timeline concerning this eventful story.
Storytelling has been, just like in its two predecessors, Devil and Duke, of a superb quality, the interaction between all the figures featuring in this book was absolutely splendid, and the fought battles, the political intrigue, loyalty and betrayal within the Royal Courts, are all beautifully described and pictured in this amazing book.
The book is divided into 4 parts (or books), and it will start as from the year AD 1051 and will finish in AD 1066, at the final outcome of the Battle of Hastings and its aftermath.
Throughout the book we will follow William of Normandy heading towards his goal, the Kingship of England, after a vow made by King Edward "The Confessor", while in the meantime others, whether they are real ones through bloodline, like Edward "The Exile" or King Harald Hardrada from Norway, and pretenders through power, like Harold Godwinson, are making a serious attempt to get their hands on that same Kingship of England.
What is to follow and also important to mention is that the elderly cunning King of England, Edward "The Confessor", is manipulating the pieces of the board in such a sly and devious way that in the end , after his death, a three-way attempt will be made for the Kingship with King Harald Hardrada making the first attempt from Norway, but after being defeated by the then King of England, Harold Godwinson, it will finally end with the Battle of Hastings between Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy, to determine who will eventually become the true King of England.
Highly recommended, for this is just a tremendous book about this period of history, and that's why I would like to call this final episode of this trilogy: "A Fabulous Conclusion"!
**Afternote: People who would like to read about this Period of History in just one single book, I would like to do that by recommending G.K. Holloway's rendition called "1066: What Fates Impose" to you all, and my review that book can also be found HERE!**
The book contains at the beginning two wonderful explained Family Trees, Normandy and England, and not to forget there's a fantastic list of characters, mostly real great historical and some fictional figures, who all come superbly to life within this great historical tale of power, war, death and kingship.
At the end of the book you'll notice a well documented Postscript and Timeline concerning this eventful story.
Storytelling has been, just like in its two predecessors, Devil and Duke, of a superb quality, the interaction between all the figures featuring in this book was absolutely splendid, and the fought battles, the political intrigue, loyalty and betrayal within the Royal Courts, are all beautifully described and pictured in this amazing book.
The book is divided into 4 parts (or books), and it will start as from the year AD 1051 and will finish in AD 1066, at the final outcome of the Battle of Hastings and its aftermath.
Throughout the book we will follow William of Normandy heading towards his goal, the Kingship of England, after a vow made by King Edward "The Confessor", while in the meantime others, whether they are real ones through bloodline, like Edward "The Exile" or King Harald Hardrada from Norway, and pretenders through power, like Harold Godwinson, are making a serious attempt to get their hands on that same Kingship of England.
What is to follow and also important to mention is that the elderly cunning King of England, Edward "The Confessor", is manipulating the pieces of the board in such a sly and devious way that in the end , after his death, a three-way attempt will be made for the Kingship with King Harald Hardrada making the first attempt from Norway, but after being defeated by the then King of England, Harold Godwinson, it will finally end with the Battle of Hastings between Harold Godwinson and William of Normandy, to determine who will eventually become the true King of England.
Highly recommended, for this is just a tremendous book about this period of history, and that's why I would like to call this final episode of this trilogy: "A Fabulous Conclusion"!
**Afternote: People who would like to read about this Period of History in just one single book, I would like to do that by recommending G.K. Holloway's rendition called "1066: What Fates Impose" to you all, and my review that book can also be found HERE!**
January 18, 2019
Sad. So sad. I am sure you all remember 1066 and King William 1from high school/college history ! I have finished book 3 in the historical fiction trilogy The Leopards of Normandy. They comprise: Devil, Duke, Conqueror. The Conqueror was about Duke William II who became King William I of England, 1066. the strategic thinking and tenacity of these 3 men was wonderful. Especially Duke William who became King William I of England. Wonderful writing, unputdownable and joyous characters.
March 18, 2018
Duke William of Normandy has secured his right to rule and fought off off the major threats to Normandy. He is happily ensconced with his wife Matilda and their growing brood of children. However when the King of England offers the throne to William upon his death, William has the opportunity for so much more. The nobles of England do not feel that this is right, particularly Harold and Tostig of Wessex. However the King sends Harold over to Normandy to make the offer and William demands a loyalty pledge from Harold in return. On the death of the King, Harold reneges on his promise and William has only one course of action open to him, he must invade England and settle the matter once and for all.
Covering the twenty years between William's battles with the French King and his victory at Hastings, this is a fictionalised version of events. Whilst I do not feel Churchill is the strongest fiction writer in the world, his prose is clunky at times and the plot jumps all over the place, I do think that he has a way of writing about battle and medieval politics that is to be admired.
Covering the twenty years between William's battles with the French King and his victory at Hastings, this is a fictionalised version of events. Whilst I do not feel Churchill is the strongest fiction writer in the world, his prose is clunky at times and the plot jumps all over the place, I do think that he has a way of writing about battle and medieval politics that is to be admired.
April 28, 2018
Fantastic
A wonderful end to a magnificent trilogy. I am wishing that the story could go on to fill out the postscript. The book left me thinking what might have happened if Harold had won and behold, David Churchill has even done a ‘what if’ on the H for History website (link at the end of the book).
I do hope that David writes more of these novels.
A wonderful end to a magnificent trilogy. I am wishing that the story could go on to fill out the postscript. The book left me thinking what might have happened if Harold had won and behold, David Churchill has even done a ‘what if’ on the H for History website (link at the end of the book).
I do hope that David writes more of these novels.
August 4, 2020
A good story well told. And of course everyone knows what happens in the end so spoilers are not relevant here. Churchill did well to put flesh on the bones of a well known story. I could imagine the Bayeux tapestry at each stage. I would have added a map of Normandy, France and England to each book though.
June 29, 2018
Absolutely fantastic! Great re-telling of the events of 1065-66 and before - ate this up quick as a flash - couldn't put it down! Loved it's 2 predecessors too, all worth reading!
December 8, 2022
A Superb End to a Brilliant Trilogy.
This final volume in the Leopards of Normandy trilogy was a superb ending to what has been for me three of the best reads I have read this year. This volume Finnishes as one would expect with the battle of Hastings in 1066. Anyone who reads historical fiction will enjoy this one. Very highly recommended.
This final volume in the Leopards of Normandy trilogy was a superb ending to what has been for me three of the best reads I have read this year. This volume Finnishes as one would expect with the battle of Hastings in 1066. Anyone who reads historical fiction will enjoy this one. Very highly recommended.
September 10, 2023
(6/10) Finally finished the series and it wasn’t bad, particularly enjoyed the Battle of Stamford Bridge. My only bugbear is how long it took to get to the end, this book is called Conqueror but the actual conquest was the last 20 pages. A good series with a host of great characters but maybe too many side plots slowing it down.
January 31, 2022
Fantastic trilogy. Deserves a lot more ratings/reviews.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews