Member Reviews
Fast paced, full of excitement and intrigue.
We journey back to 11th century Wales post Norman invasion.
The conquerer begins to divide lands between his nobles and Wales is looking a tempting and fertile land to carve up and share!
So refreshing to read a Welsh based historical fiction as the market is hugely crowded and over populated by the York/Tudor courts.
Interesting novel but slow to get started in. I did appreciate learning about Welsh culture, but reading with all the Welsh changes in the alphabet constantly threw me and half the novel I was just flipping back to the Welsh dictionary at the front.
This is a truly good piece of historical fiction. The time period was well research and the characters believably written. I enjoyed the Welsh place names and bits of language. I have studied Welsh for years, and really appreciated that the author did not anglicize the Cymraeg.
The time period came to life in this book. The setting is established without including a tedious amount of detail. The author shows the reader the atmosphere through her storytelling ability. Although this characters were placed in a medieval setting, I found them relatable. The story moved a long at a good pace. The author successfully wove a fictional story in with historical fact and filled in any blanks in a way that was believable and interesting.
I would read this author again and recommend to readers who enjoy historical fiction, history of Wales and the British Isles.
Thanks the the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an incredible story from a time and place we learn so little about from other sources. Arianwen has woven Welsh history into a captivating story that leaves the reader wanting to know even more about this incredible time!
I enjoyed reading ' The Welsh Traitor's Daughter' which took me on a journey through Wales, Ireland and England in the late 11 th and early 12 th centuries. Angharad and Gruffydd's love story is complicated by the trying political times they live in.
Through the lives of the colourful characters I glimpsed the adventures, ambitions and dreams which shaped Wales at that time.
An enjoyable and well written historical novel of early Welsh history. Angharad is an intelligent and thoughtful character growing up into a position of importance and responsibility that will tax even her good nature to its limits. The history has been meticulously researched but at times delivers too much detail which becomes a little educational. I was greatly entertained by the lives of Angharad and her family, the tension as they escape to Ireland and their return to Anglesey to rebuild after the Norman attacks. The ending does peter out a little, obviously leading into a sequel but lacking a cliff hanger. An entertaining read that felt really true to time and place.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
When I chose to read this book I had hoped for a historical book with a more feminine centered point of view. There are long passages about battles and defeats and coming battles and collapsed kingdoms. The FMC ends up married to handsome young warrior instead of being traded to a grungy enemy and she stands by her man through the hardships of their time and age. Other than that, there were just too many concerns about the wars and successions. I kept putting it down after awhile and never felt compelled to go back.
Interesting history but not a leisurely afternoon read. Thank you Arianwen Nunn and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Bursting with colour and appreciation of the natural world, the author's passion for the beautiful country and history of Wales shines throughout. The characters are warm and engaging and well delineated, and the historical elements appear as painstakingly researched, opening the eyes to a fascinating period of history. The author has taken care to welcome readers into the world she depicts, for example through the helpful guide to Welsh pronunciation at the start. This would be the perfect book to read on holiday in Wales; I look forward keenly to the next volume!
The Welsh Traitor's Daughter' is a bit of a blend of history and romance. I loved the characters and there was plenty of action. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes historical fiction.
I really enjoyed 'The Welsh Traitor's Daughter'. It was a great story and anyone who likes historical fiction should enjoy it. Who would have thought that so much was going on in Wales in the Middle Ages? The characters and story made a dark place in time become real!
"The Welsh Traitor's Daughter takes you to Wales just after the Norman invasion. It follows the life of Angharrad, only daughter after four sons in a family, through troubled times when Wales is trying to negotiate peace with the Normans. It is an excellent read, very well researched. I knew next to nothing about the history of Wales and I was gripped. I look forward to discover what happens to Angharrad in the next book!
At the beginning of the novel you are given some information on how to pronounce the names and I found this very helpful.
This is a very good read and I thoroughly recommend it. "
I enjoyed this debut novel exploring a part of Welsh/British history with which I am less familiar. At times, I felt as if I was reading a Ken Follett novel, which I guess is high praise. The characters seem very real and alive and are beautifully described. The history is obviously well researched and the story is entirely plausible. I look forward to the next volume in the Welsh Warrior series.
A meticulously researched book which brings to life a little-known period in Welsh history. Whilst staying true to established historical details, the author manages to develop the characters into well-rounded personalities, susceptible to the same loyalties, expectations and emotional conflicts as any modern day person. Colorful descriptions evoke a real sense of place and help to ground the reader in the period.
A thoughtfully written book the author has obviously done lots of research into Welsh history. I really enjoyed reading this novel it was a gripping storyline and I found the characters very inspiring especially the heroine
Would definitely recommend this book!
I absolutely loved this book - the detailed introduction provided a very useful framework and also a ready-reference as the novel progressed. The actual story was fascinating and it was difficult to put down after the first couple of chapters. What great read and a fascinating background. Thanks Arianwen - I look forward to the following volume(s)!
The Welsh Traitor's Daughter' was a wild ride! The historical accuracy was surprising given it is a little written about period in history, but Nunn has given a very accurate depiction of Wales in the middle ages and captured the raw emotions of the time perfectly. Although set completely in the middle ages, the emotional journeys of each character resonate with any modern audience, giving a nice sense of the unity of humanity across the ages. I hope Nunn continues to write about this period, as her style is beautiful and very engaging.
If you like historical fiction then it is worth reading "The Welsh Traitor's Daughter". It is based on true events from Wales in the Middle Ages which I didn't know about before.
The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter By Arianwen Nunn is a fact-based (insofar as there are facts available) about the King of Gwynedd, Gryffydd ap Cynan and his Queen, Angharad ferch Owain. The story takes place from about 1093-1103 and covers years of both war and peace. Angharad’s father was Welsh but the Norman earl leaned on him as governor of the area. He kept the peace. In many peoples’ eyes he was a traitor for working with the Normans. He viewed himself as a peace keeper.
The story was rooted deeply in the history of the time and the lifestyles of the people, both the wealthier and the peasants. Welsh law was much different than Norman law, as was their religion, although both were Christian. Angharad was a kind soul, who viewed everyone as her equal and worked hard for the common man. She was an excellent queen. Gryffydd was a peaceful man but would not run from a fight, even for his wife, whom he loved deeply. This is true historical fiction at it’s best, researched as much as possible and reminds me of Sharon Kay Penman and her works based on Welsh history. I enjoyed it.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter by BooksGoSocial, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BooksGoSocial #ArianwenNunn #TheWelshTraitorsDaughter
The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter is a captivating and compelling novel which everyone should read. The relationship between Angharad and Gruffydd ap Cynan throughout this historical novel is one of romance and powerful intrigue. The attention to historical detail is enthralling from the first page to the last. It is beautifully written, enjoyable and an engaging read. The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter by Arianwen Nunn is an historical gem that is highly recommended.