A Wounded Realm (The Blood of Kings Book 2)

I have read the ongoing stories of these amazing, proud, loyal Welsh families in the wrong order, d'oh! However, it hasn't stopped me from being captivated and enthralled by the story and the characters. I really like the way Mr Ashman portrayed the women who, even in time of men's absolute rule, he has not made them seem weak simpering or dull witted. They are clever, cunning, ruthless when need be, and just as crucial as the men. Very refreshing. Addictive reading highly recommended

An interesting insight to Wales during this turbulant period. I had no idea that there were so many kingdoms all vying for power. The author does a good job of pulling all the threads together whilst at the same time keeping the story moving. If I was to compare it to other novels it would be Bernard Cornwell's Last Kingdom but without the focus of a central character. Recommended.

The names are difficult to get your head around. Persevere and you will be rewarded by a grand historical story. It opened my eyes to a time and a place unknown to me before. Exciting and beautifully told, a great read.

This is the second of the Kings series and the story continues from book 1. Based around AD 1094 onwards the story follows the two Welsh Kings from the first book and their families. One King is dead so the spotlight is on the daughter Nesta , her mother and two brothers. The eldest is a prisoner of the English who is treated terribly and awaits rescue.The other king, Gruffydd is also a prisoner, in his case of Hew the Fat of Chester castle but manages to escape after 12 years in captivity. Hew the Fat executes all the family of the man who helped him escape and revenge is in the air.It is another world brilliantly described by the author, gory in places, historically interesting in others. I did not find it as good as the first book but still a good read and I can't wait to read the final instalment.

It doesn't get 5 stars for two reasons. I would have liked a little more tension and it could have been filled out a bit more. Second . As an English pedant , on occasion , the language is clunky and there are inappropriate 21st c. idioms (11th c. people did not spend "quality time " together.).But saying that it is a great read , flows along really nicely and I look forward to the next in the series.

A brilliantly, well researched second book in the Blood of Kings Series. It is an easy to read book that brings the characters alive. A time of ruthlessness and barbarism where trying to unite Wales against the English is an impossible job. A beautifully written book. Book 3 please!!

I thoroughly enjoyed the Blood of Kings trilogy; it also filled for me a large knowledge gap of Welsh history following the Norman invasion. One niggling point (the only one) was that in the final confrontation between Tarw and Sir Broadwick rather than Tarw losing the contest and Hywel sneaking up to dishonourably slit Broadwick's throat - resulting in the English charging down in fury to kill Gruffydd and his Welshmen - I think it would have been a better end if Tarw had won a hard fought duel with Sir Broadwick but then calling over Hywel to dispatch the merciless Knight. This would have still resulted in the English charging down for revenge but it would have maintained Tarw's fighting reputation and his honour (perhaps for another book?) whilst also avenging the killing of the Rhys brother's mother. Irrespective, I will definitely be reading more of Kevin Ashman's books (Just ordered the first of "The Roman Chronicles").

From start to finish,this was riveting read, even the welsh names became understandable, looking forward to the next one

Enjoyed every page of this adventure. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys a British adventure.

Kevin Ashman continues to astound me. I first started reading him because he's books were cheap on Kindle. Now after reading eight of his novels I think his books are grossly underpriced. I put him up there with the historical fiction giants like Bernard Cornwall and Conn Iggulden. I might even like him better. This "Blood of Kings" trilogy is great work! It's full of surprises. Kevin's got an easy style of writing that makes he books burn through your fingers. Nothing is wasted either. He does great character development. Things eventually come full circle in these books. I have been utterly stunned at the some of the reversals I did not see coming. If you love reading about the British Middle Ages and want to true history fleshed out into very readable stories, Kevin Ashman is your man. I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do.

This is better than book 1 which takes a bit of getting used to. This continues the tale of Welsh fight for liberty.

As in Book One, orthography and punctuation dereliction stupefy any reader with even the slightest awareness of English grammar. It is such a shame for an author or a proofreader to ruin a good narrative by eschewing language conventions through sheer ignorance of or disdain for the rules!

An engaging sequel to A Land Divided, it continues the Welsh struggle to maintain or regain land and power from the English under King Henry 1st.  Replete with wonderful characters and interest grabbing plots and scenarios, the author has once again shown his creative abilities conjuring up some great fiction interspersed with his knowledge of the historical record. A fascinating look at a period of upheaval and change following the events of 1066.  Looking forward to book 3, Rebellion's Forge. 4 stars.