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Conquest #2
The Splintered Kingdom
Summer, 1070. Renowned for his valor in the battle for York, Tancred a Dinant is now a lord in his own right, with knights of his own to command and a manor to call home in the turbulent Welsh borderlands. But his hard-fought gains are soon threatened, as a coalition of enemies both old and new prepares to march against King William.
With English, Welsh and Viking forces gathering, and war looming, the Normans are forced to make common cause with some unlikely allies in defence of their newly conquered realm. For Tancred, meanwhile, there are also enemies closer to home: Norman barons envious of his fame, who regard him as a threat to their own power and who are only too eager to see him brought low.
Amidst the turmoil, Tancred is chosen to spearhead a perilous expedition into the heart of Wales. Success will bring him glory beyond his dreams. Failure will mean the ruin of the reputation that he has worked so hard to forge. As shield-walls clash and the kingdom burns, not only is his destiny at stake, but also that of England itself.
A gripping tale of battle, honor, and vengeance, The Splintered Kingdom is an epic saga of the struggle for England-and through it, the western world.
With English, Welsh and Viking forces gathering, and war looming, the Normans are forced to make common cause with some unlikely allies in defence of their newly conquered realm. For Tancred, meanwhile, there are also enemies closer to home: Norman barons envious of his fame, who regard him as a threat to their own power and who are only too eager to see him brought low.
Amidst the turmoil, Tancred is chosen to spearhead a perilous expedition into the heart of Wales. Success will bring him glory beyond his dreams. Failure will mean the ruin of the reputation that he has worked so hard to forge. As shield-walls clash and the kingdom burns, not only is his destiny at stake, but also that of England itself.
A gripping tale of battle, honor, and vengeance, The Splintered Kingdom is an epic saga of the struggle for England-and through it, the western world.
379 pages, Hardcover
First published September 13, 2012
About the author
James Aitcheson
6 books139 followersJames Aitcheson was born in Wiltshire in 1985 and studied History at Emmanuel College, Cambridge, where he developed an interest in the Middle Ages, and in Anglo-Saxon England and the Norman Conquest in particular.
His debut novel, Sworn Sword, featuring the knight Tancred and set in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, was published in 2011. The first volume in the Conquest Series, it has since been followed by two sequels: The Splintered Kingdom and Knights of the Hawk.
The Harrowing, James’s fourth novel, was published by Quercus in July 2016 and named by The Times as a Book of the Month.
www.jamesaitcheson.com
His debut novel, Sworn Sword, featuring the knight Tancred and set in the aftermath of the Battle of Hastings, was published in 2011. The first volume in the Conquest Series, it has since been followed by two sequels: The Splintered Kingdom and Knights of the Hawk.
The Harrowing, James’s fourth novel, was published by Quercus in July 2016 and named by The Times as a Book of the Month.
www.jamesaitcheson.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 7, 2022
3.5 stars, but I've rounded up to 4.
I wasn't as taken by this one as I was by Sworn Sword. There was a rawness that was missing in this one that I really loved about the first book.
However, this was still awfully good!
The detail, the characters, the battle scenes, the intrigue . . . all made this a really good read for me.
I wasn't as taken by this one as I was by Sworn Sword. There was a rawness that was missing in this one that I really loved about the first book.
However, this was still awfully good!
The detail, the characters, the battle scenes, the intrigue . . . all made this a really good read for me.
December 17, 2013
In this, the second instalment of the Bloody Aftermath of 1066 series by James Aitcheson, we meet our hero again in happier times. Only this book is set against the Welsh Marches and a backdrop of violent reprisal against the Norman invasion, so happier times be damned.
The story begins with our hero nicely settled. Something I think he deserves after the life of upheavals he led in book one.
A lord of his own manor, he is living out his days in a rural idyll. The fields full to bursting with crops. The mill wheel turning in the stream. A woman to warm his nights and his heart.
Not very interesting really is it? For an action adventure? Well, I kind of liked it. Was looking forward to a story about our hero making a life for himself. Defending all that is his from raiders and whatever ill wind blew his way..
But, as with all rural idylls in action adventures, they are smashed apart and torn asunder. Rural idylls are for the light-hearted. And being light hearted was never this books intention. Didn't you learn that in book one?
Rural idyll is replaced by a bloody battle for survival. Not only in war against new and old enemies, but in personal battles against men who should be allies.
After a while, this book was dense with action. Battle after battle. Swords clashing. Disastrous bivouacs. Armies against armies. Urban warfare. And so on and so forth.
I confess, despite liking the book a lot, some of the long fight scenes I had to skim read and that is the reason I could not squeeze this book to the full 5 stars. In my opinion, some of the protracted battle scenes could have been less so. Of course others will disagree. Those who love battle sequences will relish this read to its climax.
If battles and fight scenes in historical fiction are your poison, then you are going to love this book. If you are like me and prefer battle or fight scenes to take up minor parts of a book, then you may not love the book entirely, but I still suspect you will like it a lot for, outside of the battles, it has plenty to offer.
I liked the first book of this series. It got raw sometimes and there was much room for improvement, but I found here in Book two, this rawness was not present. A much more refined read..
The author has fine skill and a bright future in the genre of historical fiction if he chooses to stay in it.
The story begins with our hero nicely settled. Something I think he deserves after the life of upheavals he led in book one.
A lord of his own manor, he is living out his days in a rural idyll. The fields full to bursting with crops. The mill wheel turning in the stream. A woman to warm his nights and his heart.
Not very interesting really is it? For an action adventure? Well, I kind of liked it. Was looking forward to a story about our hero making a life for himself. Defending all that is his from raiders and whatever ill wind blew his way..
But, as with all rural idylls in action adventures, they are smashed apart and torn asunder. Rural idylls are for the light-hearted. And being light hearted was never this books intention. Didn't you learn that in book one?
Rural idyll is replaced by a bloody battle for survival. Not only in war against new and old enemies, but in personal battles against men who should be allies.
After a while, this book was dense with action. Battle after battle. Swords clashing. Disastrous bivouacs. Armies against armies. Urban warfare. And so on and so forth.
I confess, despite liking the book a lot, some of the long fight scenes I had to skim read and that is the reason I could not squeeze this book to the full 5 stars. In my opinion, some of the protracted battle scenes could have been less so. Of course others will disagree. Those who love battle sequences will relish this read to its climax.
If battles and fight scenes in historical fiction are your poison, then you are going to love this book. If you are like me and prefer battle or fight scenes to take up minor parts of a book, then you may not love the book entirely, but I still suspect you will like it a lot for, outside of the battles, it has plenty to offer.
I liked the first book of this series. It got raw sometimes and there was much room for improvement, but I found here in Book two, this rawness was not present. A much more refined read..
The author has fine skill and a bright future in the genre of historical fiction if he chooses to stay in it.
February 12, 2013
Tancred a Dinant goes from strength to strength!
A superb read, a great follow on from Sworn Sword and now one my favourite series.
At first I drew comparisons between Tancred and Uhtred of Bebbanburg - the main character of the Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. However, Tancred appears to have developed further and he exudes more conscience and chivalry, in between the battle hunger, than the brash arrogant Uhtred.
Tancred really is put through his paces in The Splintered Kingdom and he faces many difficult decisions and journeys that literally had me eager to turn every page.
Having gained so much from his exploits in Sworn Sword, Tancred stands dangerously close to losing everything here. A mix of ill fortune and deception puts Tancred on the brink of destruction and his steely determination is tested to the maximum once again.
And to complicate matters further (for both him and the reader!) his intriguing relationship with Beatrice Malet sees him risk his life in a foolish and rash plan which could tip the fate of the Kingdom in to the wrong hands.
Great pace, a real page turner, and just a book you have to read if you like medieval history.
I’m looking forward to the next installment.
A superb read, a great follow on from Sworn Sword and now one my favourite series.
At first I drew comparisons between Tancred and Uhtred of Bebbanburg - the main character of the Saxon Stories by Bernard Cornwell. However, Tancred appears to have developed further and he exudes more conscience and chivalry, in between the battle hunger, than the brash arrogant Uhtred.
Tancred really is put through his paces in The Splintered Kingdom and he faces many difficult decisions and journeys that literally had me eager to turn every page.
Having gained so much from his exploits in Sworn Sword, Tancred stands dangerously close to losing everything here. A mix of ill fortune and deception puts Tancred on the brink of destruction and his steely determination is tested to the maximum once again.
And to complicate matters further (for both him and the reader!) his intriguing relationship with Beatrice Malet sees him risk his life in a foolish and rash plan which could tip the fate of the Kingdom in to the wrong hands.
Great pace, a real page turner, and just a book you have to read if you like medieval history.
I’m looking forward to the next installment.
February 14, 2020
Not personally my favourite period, but Aitcheson writes entertainingly enough.
The text was easy going, although predictable in places. However, for followers of the post-Battle of Hastings era in Britain, I recommend this tome and the author's other novels.
The text was easy going, although predictable in places. However, for followers of the post-Battle of Hastings era in Britain, I recommend this tome and the author's other novels.
November 16, 2016
Not all Normans are baddies!
This book follows on from Sworn Sword, a story about a Normano/Breton knight's adventures after he comes to England to fight at the battle of Hastings for William of Normandy, The Conqueror. I read the first book and was impressed that I could enjoy a well written book from the POV of a Norman knight and vowed that I would read the second book. I'm not a prolific reader, mainly because of time, but I finally got around to it and I have to say I enjoyed reading this book as well as its predecessor.
In book 2, Tancred, our protagonist, has been rewarded for his bravery and success in the north with a manor in Earnford near the Welsh border. It is a year later, and there he settles down with a common-law wife, Leofrun and she is heavily pregnant when the book begins, with his child. Tancred, being the nice guy that he is, has earned the loyalty of his villagers who are grateful when Tancred helps them retrieve their women and children from the invading Welsh. Things are going well for Tancred, but he is a warrior, and when he is bid by the king's steward in England to ride into Wales at the head of an expedition to quell an Anglo/Welsh uprising, he is torn between the battle-lust and his people, especially his beloved Leofrun who has helped heal his broken heart over the loss of his first love, Oswyn.
Unaware that he has incurred the envy and hatred of fellow knight Berengar, Tancred rides off to fight once more for his king and lord, Robert Malet, but Berengar is not the only man who wants Tancred's death and this young Norman knight has to fight for his life against more than one antagonist.
James Aitcheson is an excellent writer, his prose is well written in the first person and tells the story from Tancred's point of view which the reader feels they are privy to the depth of the character's soul. We don't however get to know Tancred any better than we already have from the first book, Sword Sword. We know that he is loyal, brave, a skilled warrior, fair and just, and that there is a dark side to him also that causes him to almost get himself killed a few times. We also know that despite being an invader, he lacks the arrogance of what we have been led to believe about those that came to England in 1066, who thought the English stupid and uncouth. Tancred learns to love his people to the point that he would protect them with his life. This made me warm to him and I cared about what happened to him and those he tries to protect.
The plot is well thought out and Mr Aitcheson has made good use of the historical facts that surrounds it. He paints a very good picture of what it must have been like to have lived and fought in battle in those days and I felt as though I had been transported back to the time and to the place as it was in the 11thc. Most of the English characters, however, real characters like Eadric the Wild and Edgar the Atheling are often portrayed as stupid and uncouth. This can grate a little, but only slightly, for we have to remember that this is a book written in the first person and we are seeing the events unfold as he saw them, and we see how these people might have looked to him, stupid and uncouth! But this wasn't a problem that made me not want to read it, I was easily able to shake this off and those who know that I am anti-Norman will know that this is a challenge for me and the fact that I could shake it off and be objective most of the time is a testimony to Mr Aitcheson's writing.
There are some really emotional and heart rendering pieces in the book that left me really rooting for Tancred. I felt his suffering when he suffered and prayed that those last minute reprieves would happen. In one case, one of his friends is murdered and I felt myself welling up, just as Tancred does. Mr Aitcheson's ability to write such powerful scenes are a something that he does with enormous empathy and skill.
Aitcheson well deserves 5 stars for this book.
And so it is with great pleasure I await my chance to read the third in the series, Knights of the Hawk and I am especially looking forward to The Harrowing https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2... James Aitcheson
May 16, 2014
My name is Tancred. And I am your death.
In this action packed novel, the reader is drawn into the world of Tancred a Dinant in the years following the Norman invasion of England. It is easy to believe that after the battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror simply marched into England and lived happily ever after. In Splintered Kingdom, author James Aitcheson, exposes the truth about this period.
Tancred is everything a medieval knight is expected to be. He is brave to the point of recklessness, loyal to his lord and king, and ready to welcome a bloody death . . . . but not yet. He is ruthless with his enemies, but willing to stand up for those who are weak. Brash and impetuous, Tancred sometimes creates his own problems, but reader cannot help but cheer for him.
This novel begins with Tancred in relative peace and prosperity earned by his exploits in the invasion of 1066. Four years have passed, and, rather than becoming fat and lazy off his lands, Tancred finds himself marching off to war again. But will he fight the Welsh, English, or Danes? The Normans are hemmed in by enemies, and Tancred wonders if they will be able to hold onto this island they paid so dear a price for.
In the midst of as much battle action and gore as the reader could desire, we are also given a glimpse of the softer side of Tancred. He longs for a family and mourns the woman he lost. His skill in battle is employed to protect his friends as much or more than himself, and he is willing to sacrifice himself if he believes it will save those he loves. When he finds himself betrayed to an enemy, he is brought low and wonders if he will survive.
I could go on and on, but do not wish to give away too much. Aitcheson is a skilled writer who expertly recreates 11th century England and the people who lived, fought, loved, and died there.
In this action packed novel, the reader is drawn into the world of Tancred a Dinant in the years following the Norman invasion of England. It is easy to believe that after the battle of Hastings, William the Conqueror simply marched into England and lived happily ever after. In Splintered Kingdom, author James Aitcheson, exposes the truth about this period.
Tancred is everything a medieval knight is expected to be. He is brave to the point of recklessness, loyal to his lord and king, and ready to welcome a bloody death . . . . but not yet. He is ruthless with his enemies, but willing to stand up for those who are weak. Brash and impetuous, Tancred sometimes creates his own problems, but reader cannot help but cheer for him.
This novel begins with Tancred in relative peace and prosperity earned by his exploits in the invasion of 1066. Four years have passed, and, rather than becoming fat and lazy off his lands, Tancred finds himself marching off to war again. But will he fight the Welsh, English, or Danes? The Normans are hemmed in by enemies, and Tancred wonders if they will be able to hold onto this island they paid so dear a price for.
In the midst of as much battle action and gore as the reader could desire, we are also given a glimpse of the softer side of Tancred. He longs for a family and mourns the woman he lost. His skill in battle is employed to protect his friends as much or more than himself, and he is willing to sacrifice himself if he believes it will save those he loves. When he finds himself betrayed to an enemy, he is brought low and wonders if he will survive.
I could go on and on, but do not wish to give away too much. Aitcheson is a skilled writer who expertly recreates 11th century England and the people who lived, fought, loved, and died there.
November 11, 2012
Well, if you think Tancred got into enough trouble with his lord being murdered by a hoarde of anglo-saxons and then getting involved with a traitorous cleric who was trying to salvage the body of the 'usurper' Harold Godwineson - think again! James Aitcheson brings back the scary revelation of how troublesome the years after 1066 were and in Splintered Kingdom he reveals that it wasn't just the English wanting to get rid of the Normans, the Welsh also were quite good at kicking up a fuss. Such attacks by the Welsh were like pesky mosquito bites to the fragile Norman regime William was trying to enforce and Tancred becomes not just personally devestated by such attacks but also embroiled in an attempt to crush the Welsh rebellions once and for all.
But James doesn't leave the plot line as tidy as that for the strategy fails and backfires horribly on Tancred's honour creating new enemies and estranging his closest comrades in arms. But if you think that is the worse Tancred has to face well dear reader each stage of this battle-full saga will break your heart for our dearest Norman knight as much worse is yet to come and Tancred will have to somehow survive if he is to keep his name intact let alone a head on his shoulders.
This is a truly astonishing sequel to Sworn Sword, more packed with battles, enemies, blood-shed, trauma and of course shock and horror as events unfold to a climactic ending which no one will see coming and leaves us all gasping not just for breath but the adventures to continue in the next book.
As a firm viking fan I must admitt, James Aitcheson has shown that the Vikings didn't have all the fun adventures and battles, for Normans invading and conquering a foreign land, every day was a new adventure and a new battle to be fought and won.
But James doesn't leave the plot line as tidy as that for the strategy fails and backfires horribly on Tancred's honour creating new enemies and estranging his closest comrades in arms. But if you think that is the worse Tancred has to face well dear reader each stage of this battle-full saga will break your heart for our dearest Norman knight as much worse is yet to come and Tancred will have to somehow survive if he is to keep his name intact let alone a head on his shoulders.
This is a truly astonishing sequel to Sworn Sword, more packed with battles, enemies, blood-shed, trauma and of course shock and horror as events unfold to a climactic ending which no one will see coming and leaves us all gasping not just for breath but the adventures to continue in the next book.
As a firm viking fan I must admitt, James Aitcheson has shown that the Vikings didn't have all the fun adventures and battles, for Normans invading and conquering a foreign land, every day was a new adventure and a new battle to be fought and won.
November 3, 2013
This book was better than the first one in the series, mostly due to author's better character development. In many instances it was really similar to Bernard Cornwell's writing. However, there are still things to improve. For example, it is quite obvious that author is very well versed with the historical background of his story, but IMHO he did not incorporate this knowledge into the story enough. Bernard Cornwell has this ability to include little details that even though are not necessary for the plot, they create more intimate relationship between the reader and the described period. I hope to see more of this in the next book of the series.
September 18, 2012
If I read a better, more satisfying book, of the Historical Fiction (or any other) genre this next year - I'll be astounded.
Or for many years to come. Or at least until the next in the 'Bloody Aftermath' series.
The 'Splintered Kingdom' really is that good. Superbly plotted and well paced, it is a thought-provoking, richly nuanced and tremendously satisfying book. A vivid, convincing imagining of a tumultuous period in England's history. A book alive with incident, battles, tense last-minute rescues and not least, perhaps the most satisfying of all; alive with possibilities for the future direction(s) of the story.
But hey, read on...
Set in 1070, 'The Splintered Kingdom' is of course, a follow-on from the first in the '1066: The Bloody Aftermath' series, yet is so self-contained that while you really owe it to yourself to go read 'Sworn Sword' (now), you absolutely can get the most out of 'Splintered Kingdom' without having done so.
(Better make sure your chair has a good cushion, grab a cup of coffee and/or a sandwich and a blanket, 'cause as the great Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin once so succinctly put it; I'm gonna ramble on, for a while here)
'The Splintered Kingdom' begins with our Norman knight Tancred a Dinant the newly installed owner of an estate on the western edges of the English midlands, called Earnford. In this case; a Frenchman's Englishman's home is now his castle (!). The estate was given to him by his lord Robert Malet, who…well look, you're just going to have to read 'Sworn Sword now, aren't you?
The area is close to the ancient Offa's Dyke and therefore too close for comfort to the Welsh border. Life on the estate is generally happy and peaceful, judging by the lovely passages describing Tancred's life and the countryside surrounding Earnford. However, tensions with their Welsh neighbours are never far below the surface (and in invading Britain, the Normans have of course, stormed in the middle of an age-old conflict between the English and the Welsh - the reason why Offa had his dyke built in the first place) and Tancred has to start by leading his men on a hunt after some of their women are captured and taken hostage. Tancred is obviously respected, perhaps even liked, by his subjects and has found himself a new woman, pregnant now with their first child. His assimilation into local life as the estate's new Lord seems complete, even though we're not more than four years after the Conquest; "French and English making merry together: I hadn't thought I'd live to see it happen", as Tancred says at the celebration the whole village throws following the safe return of (most of) the hunters and hostages. Clearly this is something of a pleasant surprise for him.
But, perhaps not surprisingly, Tancred soon finds out that while the ordinary English people on his property may, if not like him, at least tolerate him - the English rebels don't like him. One. Little. Bit. He is a marked man and there's a price on his head. The English rebels (remember, this story is told from a Norman point of view) have allied themselves with the Welsh and want him dead. Not just him obviously, Normans in general, but him in particular.
Then again, the English lords now opposed to Tancred and the Normans, were ones who fought alongside Harold at Hastings, but survived. They swore fealty to William, yet haven't just gone quietly into the night. They are perhaps understandably more than a little miffed at the new King William giving their old lands away as rewards to his fellow Normans. So some have moved over the border into Wales and allied themselves with everyone's ancient enemy, the Welsh. All in the hope of driving their new, common enemy, out. The Welsh they once had to hold at bay now help in attacking their old lands! Meanwhile, off in the north, the English rebels even ally themselves with the Norman's old cousins, the Vikings, who are trying to invade again after Harald Hardrada's failed attempt to beat the English back in '66 at the battle of Stamford Bridge. Which of course, delayed and weakened Harold Godwinson's progress south to fight William and the Normans. Old scores and generations' old hatreds might have to wait. For now.
What James does especially well in 'The Splintered Kingdom' I feel, is set out how all these many contradictions play on the surface, while always hinting at the tensions that simmer just beneath, as the story rolls on, gathering new elements, constantly building and unfolding. Like following a wisp of smoke as it grows thicker leading back to its fire, I thought. Or, given the way the country and life down on Tancred's English manor is described at the start; as clouds gathering on a clear summer's afternoon, with the promise of a coming storm.
And the storm comes. Warnings of trouble brewing elsewhere in the supposedly conquered kingdom come and Tancred is ordered away to help the fight. Something that he imagined he would relish, but when confronted with the reality, he's suddenly not so sure; "For all the times in the past year that I had longed to lead my conroi into battle, I had never thought that when the summons came it would feel like this." Is Tancred perhaps a changing man? Is England changing him? Can he square his Viking warrior roots and lust for battle, with the demands of looking after a growing local community who depend on him? Conflicts, tensions and enemies mount, the fragile control the Normans had over the kingdom starts to shatter and Tancred must set off to defend a land he once helped conquer but now calls home. Nothing is straightforward, nothing is as it seems - there are twists, turns, contradictions, shifting alliances and, as my old Grandma used to say; "dirty dickery" galore - as you'll find. The principle of my enemy's enemy being my friend and the least worst choice, abounds. The whole thing careers unstoppably onwards, via tense chases, ambushes and more double-crossing. On to a nail-biting climax in York, Tancred's old stamping ground from 'Sworn Sword'. You just knew it. It can't be stopped.
I really did feel a lot of times, 'The Splintered Kingdom' read like there was a film playing in my head. A film, where everything seems nice and peaceful and sunny and tranquil and relaxed. But you know when you bought the ticket that it said 'thriller' and you know there's a shock or double cross coming. Soon. You know it, there must be. But you just don't know when. You know it's coming. You want the character to look round and see what you can see is behind him. You want to skip ahead to the end of the paragraph and find out, but you don't dare spoil the tension. You can't close your eyes of course. You can't stop it. You know it's coming, but even so, when it does - BANG! It's still a shock. You're thrilled to be thrilled. I had several of these moments during 'The Splintered Kingdom'. I could HEAR the sweet music playing as I read and then tripped and fell headlong down a bank into a huge surprise (a couple of times the wife had to ask why I was saying 'Ha!' out loud). And there is one HUGE surprise towards the end of the novel. One which suddenly throws the whole thing open again and makes you wish James hadn't stopped where he has (I'm currently wrapping pens, paper, more coffee and ProPlus pills to send over to Wiltshire - I need to know!).
"Oh, good grief!"
OK, not long to go now.
Where 'Sworn Sword' and 'The Splintered Kingdom' really do score for me, is how they play against my expectations of the Norman period. James Aitcheson studied History at Cambridge University so clearly knows his medieval and Norman onions. As I mentioned in my review for 'Sworn Sword', and which I'm going to bore you with again here: The conflict between the obvious 'reality' of this story and my previous understanding of how beastly the Normans were towards the English, post-invasion, is one of many dichotomies this novel/series presents me with. The plucky but unlucky English hero Harold, is, to the story's Norman hero, 'Harold the usurper'. These are not (all) the arrogant, confident, all-conquering Norman knights I thought I knew from my history lessons. They are land-owners worried about their property and especially worried about what might happen while they're away campaigning in Wales or elsewhere. Speaking as an Englishman, the Normans should be 'the enemy'! Here, it's the English (not to mention the Welsh) who are. It's also the English who are the rebels. "That can't be right!" I tell myself. THEY'RE in OUR country! Tancred is, but shouldn't be, an immensely likeable character - he's a nasty Norman, for goodness' sake! He's surely not how a Norman should be, my imagination cries. So, contrary to the stories of the Norman Conquest we (English) have grown up with, here is a genuinely likeable Norman knight who seems to truly care for his English subjects. He's not the aloof, brutal French warrior an English reader of this story would expect after countless 'Robin Hood' stories and films down the years (OK, just me then). 'The Splintered Kingdom', 'Sworn Sword' before it and Tancred, are nothing if not a challenge to my expectations.
However, despite his many outward complications, I think Tancred is in reality a simple man. His problem is simply that he is constantly torn between two sides. As I mentioned earlier, I think it is perhaps important to remember that the Normans were at this point only a few of generations from their Viking origins. Normandy, comes from 'Northman', after all. A Viking called 'Rollo' (not enough 'Rollo's, or 'Rolf's around these days, I feel - even here in Denmark) founded what became Normandy, in A.D. 911. Tancred's own Viking roots are never far below his outwardly calm surface. His feeling that his sword arm itches when battle is near and the feeling of battle calm, even joy he gets during a fight, is pure Viking. His heart often says fight, but his head says no. As one interesting passage puts it; "'The sword is not the answer to every problem,'... 'Sometimes it is better to keep it sheathed and stay your hand. You would be wise to remember that.'" And remember it he often has to. But luckily for us - not always!
This concept of the inner dichotomy in Tancred's personality - between the old-fashioned, hot-blooded Viking warrior constantly spoiling for a fight and the lord and master of an English estate, with people looking to him for guidance and protection - is broadened, brought out of Tancred and reflected many times across the story itself. A little awkward that, but inner personal struggle reflecting external, historical conflicts, I guess I mean. Alliances come and go, between people and groups who really shouldn't be in alliances and which all serve to keep Tancred on his toes, constantly wondering if he can work out which way history will have him move. That's just one more reason why it is such a splendid book, so many possibilities.
And I really hope that the possibilities presented by Tancred's personal struggle, of feeling fellowship with his English 'subjects', while still being bound by Norman rules, could be something explored further in future Tancred stories. The clash of loyalties and realities is actually similar to that we should have seen, but didn't, in Bernard Cornwall's recent 'The Death of Kings' (whilst I thought it was the best in the series so far, the struggle between Uhtred's Viking roots and his English loyalties was not, I felt, given the space the problem deserves. A bit of a wasted opportunity, if you ask me). Here, Tancred is conquerer, turned defender. Many of his own countrymen turn against him as his actions challenge their expectations and his fame irritates them. And speaking of 'countrymen', Tancred mentions several times that whilst he is unquestionably on the outside, a Norman, he is in fact Breton, not a Norman by birth. And Bretons have common Celtic, Welsh even, roots, don't they? Sweet. So where should his loyalties now lie when it's the Welsh come knocking at his back door? And, bear with me here; is it a subtle, but significant, nuance added to Tancred's character that he now wears his hair long? In the 'British style' (apparently). Not in the short, severe style favoured by his fellow Norman knights. Something else they criticise him for. Outwardly English, inwardly Norman. Could it be an indication Tancred is in danger of 'going native'? Normally something English people do when THEY live too long in a foreign country. If I were to speculate over future developments; could it indicate that Tancred, comes to bear arms against his former countrymen? In the future, I'd have Tancred come to question where his loyalties really lie. 'Home' or 'abroad'? Really put him on the spot and see which way he jumps. If I were James. Just a thought...
I don't want to make this sound like this is the perfect historical novel, but it's certainly on the way there. There were a couple of incidents I thought were a little awkward, but it's close and the series is getting closer. If 'Sworn Sword' showed great promise, then 'The Splintered Kingdom' delivers. And then some. If you thought the first one was good, just wait until you read this. If you haven't read the first one - what are you waiting for? Go buy it - and this one, now!
A disclaimer:
I'm English. I grew up in and around the western English midlands. I lived half my life up in Yorkshire, not that far from York. In my younger, drinking days, York always had a reputation as a 'fighting' town - so not much changed in 1,000 years? I now live in Denmark, where the Vikings come from. I speak Danish. The rest of my family have lived in south Wales for around 30 years. My maternal Grandmother always insisted our family surname was of French origin.
Or for many years to come. Or at least until the next in the 'Bloody Aftermath' series.
The 'Splintered Kingdom' really is that good. Superbly plotted and well paced, it is a thought-provoking, richly nuanced and tremendously satisfying book. A vivid, convincing imagining of a tumultuous period in England's history. A book alive with incident, battles, tense last-minute rescues and not least, perhaps the most satisfying of all; alive with possibilities for the future direction(s) of the story.
But hey, read on...
Set in 1070, 'The Splintered Kingdom' is of course, a follow-on from the first in the '1066: The Bloody Aftermath' series, yet is so self-contained that while you really owe it to yourself to go read 'Sworn Sword' (now), you absolutely can get the most out of 'Splintered Kingdom' without having done so.
(Better make sure your chair has a good cushion, grab a cup of coffee and/or a sandwich and a blanket, 'cause as the great Robert Plant and Led Zeppelin once so succinctly put it; I'm gonna ramble on, for a while here)
'The Splintered Kingdom' begins with our Norman knight Tancred a Dinant the newly installed owner of an estate on the western edges of the English midlands, called Earnford. In this case; a Frenchman's Englishman's home is now his castle (!). The estate was given to him by his lord Robert Malet, who…well look, you're just going to have to read 'Sworn Sword now, aren't you?
The area is close to the ancient Offa's Dyke and therefore too close for comfort to the Welsh border. Life on the estate is generally happy and peaceful, judging by the lovely passages describing Tancred's life and the countryside surrounding Earnford. However, tensions with their Welsh neighbours are never far below the surface (and in invading Britain, the Normans have of course, stormed in the middle of an age-old conflict between the English and the Welsh - the reason why Offa had his dyke built in the first place) and Tancred has to start by leading his men on a hunt after some of their women are captured and taken hostage. Tancred is obviously respected, perhaps even liked, by his subjects and has found himself a new woman, pregnant now with their first child. His assimilation into local life as the estate's new Lord seems complete, even though we're not more than four years after the Conquest; "French and English making merry together: I hadn't thought I'd live to see it happen", as Tancred says at the celebration the whole village throws following the safe return of (most of) the hunters and hostages. Clearly this is something of a pleasant surprise for him.
But, perhaps not surprisingly, Tancred soon finds out that while the ordinary English people on his property may, if not like him, at least tolerate him - the English rebels don't like him. One. Little. Bit. He is a marked man and there's a price on his head. The English rebels (remember, this story is told from a Norman point of view) have allied themselves with the Welsh and want him dead. Not just him obviously, Normans in general, but him in particular.
Then again, the English lords now opposed to Tancred and the Normans, were ones who fought alongside Harold at Hastings, but survived. They swore fealty to William, yet haven't just gone quietly into the night. They are perhaps understandably more than a little miffed at the new King William giving their old lands away as rewards to his fellow Normans. So some have moved over the border into Wales and allied themselves with everyone's ancient enemy, the Welsh. All in the hope of driving their new, common enemy, out. The Welsh they once had to hold at bay now help in attacking their old lands! Meanwhile, off in the north, the English rebels even ally themselves with the Norman's old cousins, the Vikings, who are trying to invade again after Harald Hardrada's failed attempt to beat the English back in '66 at the battle of Stamford Bridge. Which of course, delayed and weakened Harold Godwinson's progress south to fight William and the Normans. Old scores and generations' old hatreds might have to wait. For now.
What James does especially well in 'The Splintered Kingdom' I feel, is set out how all these many contradictions play on the surface, while always hinting at the tensions that simmer just beneath, as the story rolls on, gathering new elements, constantly building and unfolding. Like following a wisp of smoke as it grows thicker leading back to its fire, I thought. Or, given the way the country and life down on Tancred's English manor is described at the start; as clouds gathering on a clear summer's afternoon, with the promise of a coming storm.
And the storm comes. Warnings of trouble brewing elsewhere in the supposedly conquered kingdom come and Tancred is ordered away to help the fight. Something that he imagined he would relish, but when confronted with the reality, he's suddenly not so sure; "For all the times in the past year that I had longed to lead my conroi into battle, I had never thought that when the summons came it would feel like this." Is Tancred perhaps a changing man? Is England changing him? Can he square his Viking warrior roots and lust for battle, with the demands of looking after a growing local community who depend on him? Conflicts, tensions and enemies mount, the fragile control the Normans had over the kingdom starts to shatter and Tancred must set off to defend a land he once helped conquer but now calls home. Nothing is straightforward, nothing is as it seems - there are twists, turns, contradictions, shifting alliances and, as my old Grandma used to say; "dirty dickery" galore - as you'll find. The principle of my enemy's enemy being my friend and the least worst choice, abounds. The whole thing careers unstoppably onwards, via tense chases, ambushes and more double-crossing. On to a nail-biting climax in York, Tancred's old stamping ground from 'Sworn Sword'. You just knew it. It can't be stopped.
I really did feel a lot of times, 'The Splintered Kingdom' read like there was a film playing in my head. A film, where everything seems nice and peaceful and sunny and tranquil and relaxed. But you know when you bought the ticket that it said 'thriller' and you know there's a shock or double cross coming. Soon. You know it, there must be. But you just don't know when. You know it's coming. You want the character to look round and see what you can see is behind him. You want to skip ahead to the end of the paragraph and find out, but you don't dare spoil the tension. You can't close your eyes of course. You can't stop it. You know it's coming, but even so, when it does - BANG! It's still a shock. You're thrilled to be thrilled. I had several of these moments during 'The Splintered Kingdom'. I could HEAR the sweet music playing as I read and then tripped and fell headlong down a bank into a huge surprise (a couple of times the wife had to ask why I was saying 'Ha!' out loud). And there is one HUGE surprise towards the end of the novel. One which suddenly throws the whole thing open again and makes you wish James hadn't stopped where he has (I'm currently wrapping pens, paper, more coffee and ProPlus pills to send over to Wiltshire - I need to know!).
"Oh, good grief!"
OK, not long to go now.
Where 'Sworn Sword' and 'The Splintered Kingdom' really do score for me, is how they play against my expectations of the Norman period. James Aitcheson studied History at Cambridge University so clearly knows his medieval and Norman onions. As I mentioned in my review for 'Sworn Sword', and which I'm going to bore you with again here: The conflict between the obvious 'reality' of this story and my previous understanding of how beastly the Normans were towards the English, post-invasion, is one of many dichotomies this novel/series presents me with. The plucky but unlucky English hero Harold, is, to the story's Norman hero, 'Harold the usurper'. These are not (all) the arrogant, confident, all-conquering Norman knights I thought I knew from my history lessons. They are land-owners worried about their property and especially worried about what might happen while they're away campaigning in Wales or elsewhere. Speaking as an Englishman, the Normans should be 'the enemy'! Here, it's the English (not to mention the Welsh) who are. It's also the English who are the rebels. "That can't be right!" I tell myself. THEY'RE in OUR country! Tancred is, but shouldn't be, an immensely likeable character - he's a nasty Norman, for goodness' sake! He's surely not how a Norman should be, my imagination cries. So, contrary to the stories of the Norman Conquest we (English) have grown up with, here is a genuinely likeable Norman knight who seems to truly care for his English subjects. He's not the aloof, brutal French warrior an English reader of this story would expect after countless 'Robin Hood' stories and films down the years (OK, just me then). 'The Splintered Kingdom', 'Sworn Sword' before it and Tancred, are nothing if not a challenge to my expectations.
However, despite his many outward complications, I think Tancred is in reality a simple man. His problem is simply that he is constantly torn between two sides. As I mentioned earlier, I think it is perhaps important to remember that the Normans were at this point only a few of generations from their Viking origins. Normandy, comes from 'Northman', after all. A Viking called 'Rollo' (not enough 'Rollo's, or 'Rolf's around these days, I feel - even here in Denmark) founded what became Normandy, in A.D. 911. Tancred's own Viking roots are never far below his outwardly calm surface. His feeling that his sword arm itches when battle is near and the feeling of battle calm, even joy he gets during a fight, is pure Viking. His heart often says fight, but his head says no. As one interesting passage puts it; "'The sword is not the answer to every problem,'... 'Sometimes it is better to keep it sheathed and stay your hand. You would be wise to remember that.'" And remember it he often has to. But luckily for us - not always!
This concept of the inner dichotomy in Tancred's personality - between the old-fashioned, hot-blooded Viking warrior constantly spoiling for a fight and the lord and master of an English estate, with people looking to him for guidance and protection - is broadened, brought out of Tancred and reflected many times across the story itself. A little awkward that, but inner personal struggle reflecting external, historical conflicts, I guess I mean. Alliances come and go, between people and groups who really shouldn't be in alliances and which all serve to keep Tancred on his toes, constantly wondering if he can work out which way history will have him move. That's just one more reason why it is such a splendid book, so many possibilities.
And I really hope that the possibilities presented by Tancred's personal struggle, of feeling fellowship with his English 'subjects', while still being bound by Norman rules, could be something explored further in future Tancred stories. The clash of loyalties and realities is actually similar to that we should have seen, but didn't, in Bernard Cornwall's recent 'The Death of Kings' (whilst I thought it was the best in the series so far, the struggle between Uhtred's Viking roots and his English loyalties was not, I felt, given the space the problem deserves. A bit of a wasted opportunity, if you ask me). Here, Tancred is conquerer, turned defender. Many of his own countrymen turn against him as his actions challenge their expectations and his fame irritates them. And speaking of 'countrymen', Tancred mentions several times that whilst he is unquestionably on the outside, a Norman, he is in fact Breton, not a Norman by birth. And Bretons have common Celtic, Welsh even, roots, don't they? Sweet. So where should his loyalties now lie when it's the Welsh come knocking at his back door? And, bear with me here; is it a subtle, but significant, nuance added to Tancred's character that he now wears his hair long? In the 'British style' (apparently). Not in the short, severe style favoured by his fellow Norman knights. Something else they criticise him for. Outwardly English, inwardly Norman. Could it be an indication Tancred is in danger of 'going native'? Normally something English people do when THEY live too long in a foreign country. If I were to speculate over future developments; could it indicate that Tancred, comes to bear arms against his former countrymen? In the future, I'd have Tancred come to question where his loyalties really lie. 'Home' or 'abroad'? Really put him on the spot and see which way he jumps. If I were James. Just a thought...
I don't want to make this sound like this is the perfect historical novel, but it's certainly on the way there. There were a couple of incidents I thought were a little awkward, but it's close and the series is getting closer. If 'Sworn Sword' showed great promise, then 'The Splintered Kingdom' delivers. And then some. If you thought the first one was good, just wait until you read this. If you haven't read the first one - what are you waiting for? Go buy it - and this one, now!
A disclaimer:
I'm English. I grew up in and around the western English midlands. I lived half my life up in Yorkshire, not that far from York. In my younger, drinking days, York always had a reputation as a 'fighting' town - so not much changed in 1,000 years? I now live in Denmark, where the Vikings come from. I speak Danish. The rest of my family have lived in south Wales for around 30 years. My maternal Grandmother always insisted our family surname was of French origin.
March 14, 2013
Getting fed up with the Breton & am rooting for the Welsh!
October 10, 2016
Continued excellence
I was delighted when this aptly titled book arrived at the top of my reading pile because I really enjoyed the first book in this series, 'Sworn Sword'. Continuing the adventures of Tancred a Dinant, I was particularly pleased that James managed to develop his character in leaps and bounds as I felt that this was the one weakness of the first tale.
Set in 1070 and clearly well researched, we are told of the fragility of the Norman occupation. Not only are the supporters of King Eadgar, will whom Tancred shares a personal enmity, causing a considerable nuisance but King Swegn of Denmark is considering his options and the Welsh, seeing the other distractions to their advantage, are seeking to reclaim the marches, assisted by many disgruntled Englishmen. Rewarded with a lordship and lands, the village of Earnford in the marches, Tancred soon learns firsthand about the effectiveness of the Welsh raids and finds himself having to defend his 'home' and protect the English people in his care.
The Normans are therefore forced to fight on several fronts and Tancred is called upon to attack the Welsh. The action packed assault begins and is full of uncertainty with changing allegiances, the Welsh fighting the Welsh, the Normans torn between self-interest and loyalty to their king, all against a backdrop of ever-increasing unrest.
We are introduced a wide variety of new characters and re-united with some old friends and enemies as Tancred personally contends with re-kindled affection, heartache and loss, double dealings and betrayal whilst he tries with his comrades to remain honourable and do the right thing. The battle scenes are once more incredibly authentic, as war is raged throughout Wales and into Mercia, climaxing with a return to Eoferwic (York) and the tale then finishes with a delightful twist, heralding the next book in the series, which I look forward to reading.
I was delighted when this aptly titled book arrived at the top of my reading pile because I really enjoyed the first book in this series, 'Sworn Sword'. Continuing the adventures of Tancred a Dinant, I was particularly pleased that James managed to develop his character in leaps and bounds as I felt that this was the one weakness of the first tale.
Set in 1070 and clearly well researched, we are told of the fragility of the Norman occupation. Not only are the supporters of King Eadgar, will whom Tancred shares a personal enmity, causing a considerable nuisance but King Swegn of Denmark is considering his options and the Welsh, seeing the other distractions to their advantage, are seeking to reclaim the marches, assisted by many disgruntled Englishmen. Rewarded with a lordship and lands, the village of Earnford in the marches, Tancred soon learns firsthand about the effectiveness of the Welsh raids and finds himself having to defend his 'home' and protect the English people in his care.
The Normans are therefore forced to fight on several fronts and Tancred is called upon to attack the Welsh. The action packed assault begins and is full of uncertainty with changing allegiances, the Welsh fighting the Welsh, the Normans torn between self-interest and loyalty to their king, all against a backdrop of ever-increasing unrest.
We are introduced a wide variety of new characters and re-united with some old friends and enemies as Tancred personally contends with re-kindled affection, heartache and loss, double dealings and betrayal whilst he tries with his comrades to remain honourable and do the right thing. The battle scenes are once more incredibly authentic, as war is raged throughout Wales and into Mercia, climaxing with a return to Eoferwic (York) and the tale then finishes with a delightful twist, heralding the next book in the series, which I look forward to reading.
January 28, 2013
A sequel to his debut this is even better. Tancred has been awarded a manor for his services to Lord Robert. The catch is that the manor is on the Welsh border and the Welsh aren't happy with Norman neighbours. Raiding from small parties is bad enough but rumour has it that some English thegns have allied to the Welsh kings to assist the Aethling win England back from William.
Tancred is summoned away from his manor to serve his lord who has come to Shrewsbury to form an alliance with Fitz Osbern. He once again finds himself making enemies amongst his fellow knights as well as discovering there is a price on his head from the Aethling after York!
History with blood and guts and grim truth about fighting in the early medieval period. With action from Wales all the way up to York it shows the extent of the battles William had to face to cement his hold on his new kingdom after Hastings. It was a nasty time as William wasn't too happy about the rebellions.
Tancred really doesn't have a good time in this book! Hope the next one brings him a bit more joy...
Tancred is summoned away from his manor to serve his lord who has come to Shrewsbury to form an alliance with Fitz Osbern. He once again finds himself making enemies amongst his fellow knights as well as discovering there is a price on his head from the Aethling after York!
History with blood and guts and grim truth about fighting in the early medieval period. With action from Wales all the way up to York it shows the extent of the battles William had to face to cement his hold on his new kingdom after Hastings. It was a nasty time as William wasn't too happy about the rebellions.
Tancred really doesn't have a good time in this book! Hope the next one brings him a bit more joy...
December 24, 2013
Was tracking for 4 stars until about two thirds to three quarters of the way through when it lost its way a little bit in my view, but still worth the effort. For his books to be this good so early in his career suggests he has a great future and we can look forward to some good reads in the future.
September 19, 2012
The Splintered Kingdom sees us return to Tancred after the end of Sworn Sword. As promised by Robert Malet in Sworn Sword, Tancred is rewarded for his bravery at York (Eoferwic) with land which takes him for been a Knight into a Lord! Tancred’s new land and hall is in the small town of Earnford on the borders between England and Wales. Life is good for Tancred, he is now a Lord with his own knights, he has wealth and he has a new woman. However, life on the Welsh Marshes is not as easy as it seems. The fearsome Welsh have started to raid Tancred’s land as their leaders have become more militant towards the new rulers of England. And upon hearing the news that some of Harold Godwinson’s old friends and allies have taken refuge within the Welsh King’s courts, Tancred suspects that there will soon be trouble not just for his small holding but for the kingdom at large!
His fears are proved right as he and his men are called to arms to defend the imminent invasion from the Welsh and Saxons. But this is not the only threat; Eadgar Ætheling and the King of the Danes have joined forces and are removing the Norman presence from the North! After finally convincing the leader of the army set to tackle the Welsh (Guillaume Fitz Osbern) to take the initiative and attack does Tancred find himself at the head of five hundred men, with the task of pillaging and plundering the Welsh countryside. However, Tancred falls into a trap and is only just saved from defeat and death, with the Norman army been pushed back out of Wales with its tail between its legs!
With this last blow and humiliation, Robert Malet decides enough is enough and takes Tancred and the rest of his men north to York to try and find a safe haven for his sister Beatrice. But on their journey they are ambushed and Tancred is taken captive by the Welsh King! After finally escaping his captors, Tancred returns to his journey north in search of Robert and the rest of his men. What he finds is the King’s army moving to the aid of York which has been sacked by the Ætheling! Tancred also finds that Robert and Beatrice have been taken captive by the Ætheling and his Danish allies. Tancred must return north to save his Lord’s family (again!) and face his nemesis Eadgar, the murderer of his old Lord and his love Oswynn.
This was another faced-paced, thrilling and historically detailed novel from James Aitcheson! I really liked how James developed Tancred as a character is this book. How he is not just a knight with no responsibilities but a Lord in his own right, having to care for his people and command his own soldiers! There is also a great twist in this novel that really sets up the next one! I won’t say too much because I don’t want to spoil it for any of you, but it is awesome!
I would suggest this book to anyone who has read Sworn Sword. If you have read it, you MUST continue reading this series because it is amazing! I would also suggest it to fans of authors such as Bernard Cornwell and Robert Low because their novels are based around the Vikings and the Saxons.
For more great book reviews check out http://adam-p-reviews.blogspot.co.uk/
His fears are proved right as he and his men are called to arms to defend the imminent invasion from the Welsh and Saxons. But this is not the only threat; Eadgar Ætheling and the King of the Danes have joined forces and are removing the Norman presence from the North! After finally convincing the leader of the army set to tackle the Welsh (Guillaume Fitz Osbern) to take the initiative and attack does Tancred find himself at the head of five hundred men, with the task of pillaging and plundering the Welsh countryside. However, Tancred falls into a trap and is only just saved from defeat and death, with the Norman army been pushed back out of Wales with its tail between its legs!
With this last blow and humiliation, Robert Malet decides enough is enough and takes Tancred and the rest of his men north to York to try and find a safe haven for his sister Beatrice. But on their journey they are ambushed and Tancred is taken captive by the Welsh King! After finally escaping his captors, Tancred returns to his journey north in search of Robert and the rest of his men. What he finds is the King’s army moving to the aid of York which has been sacked by the Ætheling! Tancred also finds that Robert and Beatrice have been taken captive by the Ætheling and his Danish allies. Tancred must return north to save his Lord’s family (again!) and face his nemesis Eadgar, the murderer of his old Lord and his love Oswynn.
This was another faced-paced, thrilling and historically detailed novel from James Aitcheson! I really liked how James developed Tancred as a character is this book. How he is not just a knight with no responsibilities but a Lord in his own right, having to care for his people and command his own soldiers! There is also a great twist in this novel that really sets up the next one! I won’t say too much because I don’t want to spoil it for any of you, but it is awesome!
I would suggest this book to anyone who has read Sworn Sword. If you have read it, you MUST continue reading this series because it is amazing! I would also suggest it to fans of authors such as Bernard Cornwell and Robert Low because their novels are based around the Vikings and the Saxons.
For more great book reviews check out http://adam-p-reviews.blogspot.co.uk/
November 1, 2012
Review:
This for me was a highly anticipated second book. Book 1 Sworn Sword was a real eye opener of a book, something a little different, a different perspective on a bloody time in English history. (i love a good few battles with plenty of fighting).
Splintered Kingdom doesn't disappoint in that respect, and how could it! A time of what we would now call genocidal attacks and death/ murder and mayhem on a national scale. But don't be fooled into thinking there were any good guys in this scenario. Every-side had its share of killers.
Why would you want to read this?
Maybe the excellent prose!
Or the first rate characterisation!
The incessant pace of the plot that means you cannot put the book down!
Or just because it is out and out a fantastic book, something that even with the amazingly high quality of this years novels, goes straight into my top 10 of 2012.
This falls firmly into my desire for each book from an author to be better than the last, and if this book was this impressive i wait with bated breath for James Aitcheson's next novel.
Thank you Sir for such an impressive book
Highly recommended
(Parm)
Description
The story begins on the Welsh Marches, where Tancred has been given land by his new lord, Robert Malet, in return for his services in the battle for York. Now a lord in his own right, he has knights of his own to command and a manor to call home. But all is far from peaceful. The Welsh are joining forces with the English against the Normans and when skirmishes turn into a full scale battle at Shrewsbury, Tancred is betrayed by a rival border lord and taken prisoner by the Welsh. Meanwhile the woman he loves is taken hostage by enemy English forces and the Vikings invade the east coast. Never has Tancred faced a more impossible situation
This for me was a highly anticipated second book. Book 1 Sworn Sword was a real eye opener of a book, something a little different, a different perspective on a bloody time in English history. (i love a good few battles with plenty of fighting).
Splintered Kingdom doesn't disappoint in that respect, and how could it! A time of what we would now call genocidal attacks and death/ murder and mayhem on a national scale. But don't be fooled into thinking there were any good guys in this scenario. Every-side had its share of killers.
Why would you want to read this?
Maybe the excellent prose!
Or the first rate characterisation!
The incessant pace of the plot that means you cannot put the book down!
Or just because it is out and out a fantastic book, something that even with the amazingly high quality of this years novels, goes straight into my top 10 of 2012.
This falls firmly into my desire for each book from an author to be better than the last, and if this book was this impressive i wait with bated breath for James Aitcheson's next novel.
Thank you Sir for such an impressive book
Highly recommended
(Parm)
Description
The story begins on the Welsh Marches, where Tancred has been given land by his new lord, Robert Malet, in return for his services in the battle for York. Now a lord in his own right, he has knights of his own to command and a manor to call home. But all is far from peaceful. The Welsh are joining forces with the English against the Normans and when skirmishes turn into a full scale battle at Shrewsbury, Tancred is betrayed by a rival border lord and taken prisoner by the Welsh. Meanwhile the woman he loves is taken hostage by enemy English forces and the Vikings invade the east coast. Never has Tancred faced a more impossible situation
November 22, 2017
I read James Aitcheson's first book in the series (Sworn Sword my review here) and have to say I wasn't particularly enthused by the way it was written. This book (book 2) was better, but I feel that it still falls somewhat short.
This novel covers the various post 1066 conquest rebellions that flare up all over England in 1070 and even touches on to that most infamous of episodes in the Norman Conquest 'the harrowing of the North'.
The story line is again somewhat meandering and uninspiring and Tancred, the central figure's character still feels like it's not fully formed in the author's mind and consequently he comes across as a little anodyne.
The author wants us to believe that Tancred is a knight who is held in high renown and has a reputation amongst his peers for great deeds and fighting prowess. However this is never really made believable, given what he does or achieves in this book (& even taking into account his exploits in Book 1). He never really seems to warrant the reputation he is supposed to have. Again this may be because the character is not fully fleshed out. I get the impression that the author is trying to have us believe Tancred is the kind of hero in the same mould of characters that feature in books by authors such as Cornwell / Scarrow / Iggulden et al. But the case for viewing him in this way is never really made.
So in summary this book is better than book one, hence an extra star, with more action and slightly more believable, but like Book 1, it still doesn't feel entirely satisfactory to me.
This novel covers the various post 1066 conquest rebellions that flare up all over England in 1070 and even touches on to that most infamous of episodes in the Norman Conquest 'the harrowing of the North'.
The story line is again somewhat meandering and uninspiring and Tancred, the central figure's character still feels like it's not fully formed in the author's mind and consequently he comes across as a little anodyne.
The author wants us to believe that Tancred is a knight who is held in high renown and has a reputation amongst his peers for great deeds and fighting prowess. However this is never really made believable, given what he does or achieves in this book (& even taking into account his exploits in Book 1). He never really seems to warrant the reputation he is supposed to have. Again this may be because the character is not fully fleshed out. I get the impression that the author is trying to have us believe Tancred is the kind of hero in the same mould of characters that feature in books by authors such as Cornwell / Scarrow / Iggulden et al. But the case for viewing him in this way is never really made.
So in summary this book is better than book one, hence an extra star, with more action and slightly more believable, but like Book 1, it still doesn't feel entirely satisfactory to me.
February 4, 2020
The second entry in James Aitcheson's trilogy, The Splintered Kingdom continues the adventures of Tancred a Dinant, who has clawed his way up the social ladder of the day to become a knight with lands and a modest manor of his own along the Welsh Marches. Once again, Aitcheson tells a story not of sanitized, romanticized knights of yore, but a realistic, gritty, and often brutal telling of what it would have been like to be a Norman knight in post-Conquest England.
The story starts out peacefully enough, with Tancred feeling good about himself, the people who work his lands and who he has sworn to protect, and the woman who is carrying his child. He looks forward to good times, but that is torn asunder and Tancred leading an excursion behind enemy lines with two Welsh princes as allies...but can he trust them?
The story is reminiscent of some of Bernard Cornwell's books, with the main character not quite so cynical as Cornwell's Uhtred. Recommend this book (and series) to those interested in good historical novels, especially those set in Medieval England.
The story starts out peacefully enough, with Tancred feeling good about himself, the people who work his lands and who he has sworn to protect, and the woman who is carrying his child. He looks forward to good times, but that is torn asunder and Tancred leading an excursion behind enemy lines with two Welsh princes as allies...but can he trust them?
The story is reminiscent of some of Bernard Cornwell's books, with the main character not quite so cynical as Cornwell's Uhtred. Recommend this book (and series) to those interested in good historical novels, especially those set in Medieval England.
June 9, 2016
“Of course there are times when the lines will meet and there are such flurries of swordplay, but always there are moments of respite in between, when the lines fall back and all feels strangely still. Moments like this. They can be the hardest, for it is then, when his thoughts are no longer solely on keeping himself alive and he sees the corpses strewn across the field, that a man’s senses and confidence are most likely to desert him. In the final reckoning battles are more usually won not by the most experienced warriors or those with the best sword- or spear-arms but by those with the staunchest wills, the strongest heads.”
The tale is very battle-heavy. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I think the sub-plot featuring Berengar was unnecessary, but I have to see how this plays out in the third book.
The tale is very battle-heavy. Not that there is anything wrong with that. I think the sub-plot featuring Berengar was unnecessary, but I have to see how this plays out in the third book.
August 11, 2015
it IS good but it's really just one battle after another. there are two shadowy female characters lurking in the background, of course beautiful love interests. oh, wait, there is a third female character, who actually is present, another beautiful love interest whose role is to get saved by our hero and to remind him how much he loves the other two.
someone steps or falls into a dung heap in almost every chapter, it seems.
more story please! I look forward to future books by this author when he's broadened his life experience.
someone steps or falls into a dung heap in almost every chapter, it seems.
more story please! I look forward to future books by this author when he's broadened his life experience.
January 2, 2013
A very readable story of a Lord set in the UK at approximately 1070 A.D. Unlike many books set in the middle ages, there is no fairy tale existence here. This story follows a man whose life focuses on war and battle. Again, not the heroic battle depicted in many books, but gruesome and pain inflicting battle.
The author appears to be trying for mostly historical accuracy and it worked for me. It was a nice alternative to fantasy books that tend to be preachy or syrupy.
The author appears to be trying for mostly historical accuracy and it worked for me. It was a nice alternative to fantasy books that tend to be preachy or syrupy.
July 24, 2018
Truly an exceptional tale. I must admit there were several times within the book I was not at all certain how the author was going to get Tancred out of the situation he found himself in, and then I would exclaim, that makes perfect sense. I have to admit it is hard to feel kindly towards the Normans and their invasion of England and the Harrrying of the North, but I found myself understanding more of the courses for the Harrying. It is doubtful anyone would agree to what occur, and there were unnecessary atrocities performed by both sides during this period.
Aitcheson has written a well researched, exciting tale, with enough action and suspense to please any reader of this period. It is nice to read a story regarding the period without the author putting in some modern day moral conflict, such as the knight was scared, terrified with what he had to inflict on this enemy, and dreaded the aftermath of what was about to occur. The knights of this era were warriors at heart and fought to the death for their lord, faith and country. I am about to start reading the third installment in this series, the Knights of the Hawk, and look forward to more adventure with Tancred and his companions.
Aitcheson has written a well researched, exciting tale, with enough action and suspense to please any reader of this period. It is nice to read a story regarding the period without the author putting in some modern day moral conflict, such as the knight was scared, terrified with what he had to inflict on this enemy, and dreaded the aftermath of what was about to occur. The knights of this era were warriors at heart and fought to the death for their lord, faith and country. I am about to start reading the third installment in this series, the Knights of the Hawk, and look forward to more adventure with Tancred and his companions.
May 28, 2024
Despite an occasional descent into melodrama, this is another good entry in the Tancred series.
In 1070 he is the lord of an estate on the Welsh Marches, harassed by Welsh raiders allied with English holdouts. 27 year-old Tancred is still believably headstrong and lacks judgement and discretion as he unsuccessfully leads a force into Wales and then is part of William’s foray to retake Eoferwic (York) as part of the harrowing of the North.
There is violence, loss, plenty of well-described action and subterfuge, as well as no modern attitudes. A very engaging read.
In 1070 he is the lord of an estate on the Welsh Marches, harassed by Welsh raiders allied with English holdouts. 27 year-old Tancred is still believably headstrong and lacks judgement and discretion as he unsuccessfully leads a force into Wales and then is part of William’s foray to retake Eoferwic (York) as part of the harrowing of the North.
There is violence, loss, plenty of well-described action and subterfuge, as well as no modern attitudes. A very engaging read.
May 14, 2017
I thought this was so much better than the first instalment. It seemed to be much better written, with the characters being more developed and the story and plot as a whole having a more adult feel to it than the first book. Mr. A itches on is definitely developing into a good author. I'm looking forward to book three.
July 19, 2020
Like the first book, there are parts that are exciting and a quick read, then there parts that are so slow and dull.....but overall a pretty good book. will probably read the 3rd book in this series just because I love the time period 1066.
May 15, 2018
I stopped caring about the main character and found him hard to sympathize with.
Well written if a bit dull.
Well written if a bit dull.
September 29, 2012
So we return to Tancred a Dinant, the hero of Broken Sword, and he's become a minor landholder in the Welsh Marches. But never fear, he's clearly not built for a quiet life, and soon finds himself immersed in the brutal politics of post-Conquest England.
Chasing down Welsh raiders, leading a small army out to terrorise the Welsh countryside, forging new friends and enemies. Capture, mistreatment, escape, tragedy, and then another audacious infiltration of an enemy held town. It's all in here.
I definitely enjoyed this book, although I thought it was a bit of a let down after the excellence of Broken Sword. Tancred's accomplishments were a little too incredible to believe, this time around. The cult of personality that was beginning to grow up around him felt unwarranted and stretched my credulity a little.
I didn't really believe that such a minor figure as Tancred would be considered worthy of the attentions of the whole Saxon/Welsh alliance, no matter his insult to the aetheling in Broken Sword.
The treatment of the women in his life felt rather by the numbers. Leofrun is a barely sketched out 'woman', who exists only to die so Tancred can feel even more terrible. Beatrice goes from being the elusive, unattainable noble woman to a rather needy, incautious and ultimately dismissed distraction. And suddenly the most important of the trio is the one who we never even saw before. I had a lot of trouble believing Tancred held any sort of true love for Oswyn, the woman he thought killed in York (who, it now turns out, survived, in a twist I didn't really think too much of).
Aitcheson seems to do far better with male characters, bringing Eudo and Wace back as well as Robert Malet and Tancred's new ally, Aedda. Berengar makes for an effectively petty rival, before his ultimate redemption.
Anyway, it's always easier to write about the parts you didn't like. The battle scenes are brutal and kinetic, vividly described and you do get the sense that Tancred survives through as much luck as ability. The world immediately following the Norman invasion is brought to life well, and Aitcheson shines plenty of light on the struggles the Normans had in establishing themselves and holding on to the country they had conquered.
I'm assuming we'll hear more from Tancred a Dinant in a third instalment, and I will definitely be looking forward to it.
Chasing down Welsh raiders, leading a small army out to terrorise the Welsh countryside, forging new friends and enemies. Capture, mistreatment, escape, tragedy, and then another audacious infiltration of an enemy held town. It's all in here.
I definitely enjoyed this book, although I thought it was a bit of a let down after the excellence of Broken Sword. Tancred's accomplishments were a little too incredible to believe, this time around. The cult of personality that was beginning to grow up around him felt unwarranted and stretched my credulity a little.
I didn't really believe that such a minor figure as Tancred would be considered worthy of the attentions of the whole Saxon/Welsh alliance, no matter his insult to the aetheling in Broken Sword.
The treatment of the women in his life felt rather by the numbers. Leofrun is a barely sketched out 'woman', who exists only to die so Tancred can feel even more terrible. Beatrice goes from being the elusive, unattainable noble woman to a rather needy, incautious and ultimately dismissed distraction. And suddenly the most important of the trio is the one who we never even saw before. I had a lot of trouble believing Tancred held any sort of true love for Oswyn, the woman he thought killed in York (who, it now turns out, survived, in a twist I didn't really think too much of).
Aitcheson seems to do far better with male characters, bringing Eudo and Wace back as well as Robert Malet and Tancred's new ally, Aedda. Berengar makes for an effectively petty rival, before his ultimate redemption.
Anyway, it's always easier to write about the parts you didn't like. The battle scenes are brutal and kinetic, vividly described and you do get the sense that Tancred survives through as much luck as ability. The world immediately following the Norman invasion is brought to life well, and Aitcheson shines plenty of light on the struggles the Normans had in establishing themselves and holding on to the country they had conquered.
I'm assuming we'll hear more from Tancred a Dinant in a third instalment, and I will definitely be looking forward to it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2014
The Splintered Kingdom is the follow up to Aitcheson's follow up novel to Sworn Sword and picks up after the Battle of Hastings, where Tancred a Dinant made a name for himself as a fierce fighter. He is now happy and content as lord of his own lands until word comes that his enemy, Eadger the Aetheling, is teaming up with the Welsh and has a prize out for the capture of Tancred. Ever obedient to his Lord, Tancred picks up his sword again and joins the battle. What follows is non-stop action!
I deemed this year to be the one where I read books that fall outside the box so to speak with my reading choices and so far I haven't regretted that decision. The Splintered Kingdom is another fine example, and I am very happy that I picked it up. Aitcheson's writing is impeccable and his battle scenes were very well done. This book is definitely not for the squeamish, war is a bloody business and Aitcheson doesn't shy away from bringing it to life in all it's grisly horror. Just as today in Syria, Iraq, and the Ukraine it's the innocents that are caught between the major powers that are the real victims and it was heartbreaking to read!
While The Splintered Kingdom is the second book in the series, I didn't feel lost despite not having read the first book. But, you can bet that I'll be picking up Sworn Sword very soon for more Tancred!
All in all, The Splintered Kingdom was a powerhouse of a novel and I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy medieval historical fiction, fans of Bernard Cornwell, and historical action/adventures!
I deemed this year to be the one where I read books that fall outside the box so to speak with my reading choices and so far I haven't regretted that decision. The Splintered Kingdom is another fine example, and I am very happy that I picked it up. Aitcheson's writing is impeccable and his battle scenes were very well done. This book is definitely not for the squeamish, war is a bloody business and Aitcheson doesn't shy away from bringing it to life in all it's grisly horror. Just as today in Syria, Iraq, and the Ukraine it's the innocents that are caught between the major powers that are the real victims and it was heartbreaking to read!
While The Splintered Kingdom is the second book in the series, I didn't feel lost despite not having read the first book. But, you can bet that I'll be picking up Sworn Sword very soon for more Tancred!
All in all, The Splintered Kingdom was a powerhouse of a novel and I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy medieval historical fiction, fans of Bernard Cornwell, and historical action/adventures!
January 27, 2021
Book 2 of the Conquest series continues the story of Tancred in the years immediately following the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Rewarded for his brave acts in the previous battles has seen him rewarded with a manor, lands and people to protect. The story focuses on two main historical events, the rise of the Welsh armies and the raids and struggles along the Marches on both sides of the Dyke. Once this thread comes to its end within the story Tancred moves onto his part in the Harrowing of the North and the attempted rescue of his liege lord Robert, his father and daughter.
Tancred it appears has a knack of getting into and then out of a number of scrapes and life-threatening situations. He also has not lost his ability to develop enemies amongst those who should be allies. As successful as he is in battle, his personal life lurches from one sadness to another. At the end of Sworn Sword the love of his life Oswyn is killed by the fire that raged through the town. In Splintered Kingdom his new love interest dies during child birth.
Looking forward to reading the concluding instalment of this series.
Tancred it appears has a knack of getting into and then out of a number of scrapes and life-threatening situations. He also has not lost his ability to develop enemies amongst those who should be allies. As successful as he is in battle, his personal life lurches from one sadness to another. At the end of Sworn Sword the love of his life Oswyn is killed by the fire that raged through the town. In Splintered Kingdom his new love interest dies during child birth.
Looking forward to reading the concluding instalment of this series.
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