I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found the subject matter really interesting. The book was well written and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book.

This was an in depth view of Edward I and events in Wales but also how the Welsh became part of his forces afterwards.
Not knowing anything about this era I found it fascinating and will definitely refer back to this in the future.
The only issue I had with this was referring to people by different names, not being familiar with the era I was a little confused when the same person was referred to in 2 ways but to someone who knows the influential people of the time it wouldn't be an issue and after reading this I also now know.

David Pilling's second book may prove to be an essential guide to Edward I's campaigns in Wales during the late 13th century. Mr. Pilling has covered almost everything in this objective and fascinating study. Everything from political relations with Wales both before and after the campaigns, the background and context, to logistics, strategy and troop movements.

He also explores the legacy and aftermath of the conquest of Wales, and the building of the great castles which stand to this day. in the course of the narrative, he challenges some popular wisdom (James of St George did not "build" the castles. They weren't resented as much at the time). I found it fascinating that laws regarding female inheritance were more restrictive in some parts of Wales, when many people say Welsh law was "ahead of its time".

The other great thing about this book is that you actually want to keep reading. Its scholarly and packed full of information, but not dry or dull as proverbial dishwater. It is a worthy sucessor to Pilling's previous work on the Montofortian rebels of Henry III's reign. Maybe he will write a study of Edward's campaigns in Scotland next?

Thanks to Pen and Sword for approving me for this title. This did not influence my opinions in any way and all opinions expressed are my own.

The subject was right up my valley,
as I have been into the Edwardian castles of Wales and their accompanying history, since my teenagehood in the UK.

I was disappointed that so much of it read like a factual news report and too much, like a school history text book of my youth.

I gave it four stars, as I was impressed by the immense, chronologically detailed narrative, the book contained, in comprehensively covering the subject matter.

I wish there had been more ongoing discussion of what Edward I achieved in Wales and how much was a real achievement, on his part.

All the same I thoroughly recommend this book for academic study and serious research, giving you an array of factual details, at your fingertips!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

Fantastically detailed account of Edward I and his campaigns in Wales. Definitely a must-read for those with an interest in the people and places of that time.

Well researched account of Edward I in Wales that is well written and interesting for a reader who likes historical accounts and battles,.

I do not know how to rate this book. It is obviously well researched as evidenced by the notes, references, and bibliography at the end. I am interested in Welsh and British history. I actually study the Welsh language, but I am not Welsh nor do I live in the United Kingdom. My interest is probably too casual or superficial for the level of book. I am probably not the target audience. A popular history aimed at the general public would better meet my needs.
This book contains an enormous amount of detail. Edward's interactions with Wales were almost entirely military. He conquered Wales. This book is a play by play of battles and characters who were involved in these military actions. I found myself overwhelmed with the names and relationships between all of these people. I think this history is so detailed that the reader needs some preexisting knowledge to place this all in context. My prior knowledge of the subject is insufficient to enjoy this book. It certainly does not read like a novel. For someone looking for a very thorough treatment of the topic, I think this book could be ideal. It would serve well as an academic text for a university course or for someone with a scholarly interest in Edward I or the history of Wales. Unfortunately I was not that person.
This is probably a 4 star book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance reading copy of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

I got to know Edward I and Llewellyn through Sharon Kay Penman years ago, and I am a bit more sympathetic to Llewellyn in this book than the author was.
Overall, this was a fabulous read! I enjoyed the breakdown of the military maneuvers, as well as the dedication that Edward I took in subduing Wales. He was more determined than his predecessors, and it showed through the steps and efforts that he took.
The author did a great job with the materials, and breaks it down in an easy to read piece that readers will enjoy and connect with.

A well written, informative historical account.

I enjoyed reading this book, it was very interesting and informative.

Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for gifting me this arc in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.