Who Would Like This Book:
If you're a fan of immersive, meticulously researched historical fiction, this book is a treasure trove. Sharon Kay Penman paints a vivid picture of 13th-century England and Wales, complete with political intrigue, real historical personalities, and rich cultural detail. The nuanced characters - especially Joanna and Llewelyn - feel deeply human and complex. Readers interested in royal courts, medieval history, and sweeping romantic drama will find themselves hooked. It's also a great pick for those who love learning history through story and want to get lost in another world for a while.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer breezy reads or are new to historical fiction, this might feel overwhelming - it's a hefty book with a huge cast, plenty of historical detail, and a slow build. Some found the many characters and similar Welsh names confusing, while others felt distanced by the omniscient third-person narration. Romance readers looking for a straightforward love story might be frustrated by the heavy focus on family politics, conflicts, and characters who don’t always behave sympathetically. Expect to invest serious time and attention to fully appreciate the story.
About:
'Here Be Dragons' is a historical fiction novel set in the late 1100s to early 1200s, focusing on the lives of Prince Llewelyn of Wales and Joanna, the illegitimate daughter of King John of England. The narrative intricately weaves political allegiances, complex family dynamics, and the tumultuous relationship between England and Wales. Through Joanna's perspective, the story explores themes of loyalty, love, and the struggles faced by the Welsh against the backdrop of English dominion. The author, Sharon Kay Penman, immerses readers in a richly detailed historical setting, bringing to life the characters and their motivations while depicting the socio-political landscape of medieval times.
Penman's writing style is characterized by its vivid character development and meticulous attention to historical accuracy. Readers have noted her ability to create a compelling narrative that balances romance and political intrigue, making the historical events both engaging and relatable. The novel's pacing allows for a deep exploration of its characters, particularly Joanna and Llewelyn, capturing their emotional journeys amidst the larger historical context. Despite the book's considerable length, many readers found it to be a captivating read that drew them into the lives of its characters and the complexities of their world.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Potential triggers include themes of infidelity, child marriage, and historical violence.
Has Romance?
The romance between Llewelyn and Joanna exists but is subtle and complex, interlaced with personal and political conflict.
From The Publisher:
Thirteenth-century Wales is a divided country, ever at the mercy of England's ruthless, power-hungry King John. Llewelyn, Prince of North Wales, secures an uneasy truce by marrying the English king's beloved illegitimate daughter, Joanna, who slowly grows to love her charismatic and courageous husband. But as John's attentions turn again and again to subduing Wales-and Llewelyn-Joanna must decide where her love and loyalties truly lie.
The turbulent clashes of two disparate worlds and the destinies of the individuals caught between them spring to life in this magnificent novel of power and passion, loyalty and lies. The book that began the trilogy that includes Falls the Shadow and The Reckoning, Here Be Dragons brings thirteenth-century England, France, and Wales to tangled, tempestuous life.
Ratings (13)
Incredible (5) | |
Loved It (5) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (51):
Read It (13) | |
Currently Reading (1) | |
Want To Read (27) | |
Did Not Finish (1) | |
Not Interested (9) |
What can you read after
Here Be Dragons?
About the Author:
For many years while she was a student and then a tax lawyer, Sharon Kay Penman (1945-2021) worked on a novel about the life of Richard III and The War of the Roses. After the original manuscript was stolen from her car, Penman rewrote the entire novel that would become The Sunne in Splendour.
Penman is the author of ten critically acclaimed and New York Times best selling historical novels and four medieval mysteries featuring Justin de Quincy. The first book in the series, The Queen's Man, was a finalist for an Edgar Award for Best First Mystery from the Mystery Writers of America.
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