This is a first novel by Valerie Anand concerning the period shortly before the Norman Conquest of 1066. It is an extraordinary read! A little known period in England history is unveiled here. In 1036 one of the most hideous, bloody massacres that ever took place was in Gildenford, England, now known as Guildford. Six hundred followers of Alfred Atheling, the younger brother of Edward the Confessor were slaughtered near the town of Gildenford. What is not commonly known, however, is that Earl Godwin of Wessex was thought to be involved.

The period covered here is mainly the reign of Edward the Confessor, not of Cnut, nor of Harold, son of Godwin. They are major characters in their own right, however, not in this novel, but are still background players to Brand Woodcutter who serves Earl Godwin and later on Edward. All of this is seen through his eyes, from belonging to a larger than life family of the Godwins, to realizing his part in the betrayal of Alfred Atheling, to his service of Edward, and finally his becoming William, Duke of Normandy's man. William's part is just beginning in this book but will continue in later novels.

This was one of the best books I have read! I never even realized that this period in history existed. I still like Earl Godwin, however, I can see that he is not perfect and by no means a saint as many other novels I have read would make you believe. It was a real eye-opener to a obscure time in history. This book stands well on its own, but I can hardly wait to read "Norman Pretender" and "The Disputed Crown" by Valerie Anand. Sadly, they are all out of print but are well the search!

This is such a great wonderful book. It is about the regins of King Cnut, Harold I, Hardicanute, and Edward the Confessor. At the center of all the action is Earl Godwin and his fascinating, well-fleshed family members: Gytha, Harold, Swegyn, and Edith. A must-read for anyone interested in pre-Conquest England.

The exciting tale of the Norman Conquest of 1066 is once more brought back to life. This book begins where "Gildenford" by Valerie Anand, an incredible author, left off. It is just as engrossing as her first novel in this trilogy.

The story begins with Harold's eventual rise to fame, glory, and finally, later on, tragedy. Ringed with a traitor and a brother for friends, who needs enemies, right? Well, Brand Woodcutter, from the first novel ends up being one of Harold's staunchest friends, while his brother Tostig becomes the greatest betrayer of all. Then, we have Duke William of Normandy, who has his sights on the crown of England at any and all costs.

From history, we know that William succeeds, but the circumstances and events that lead up to it were incredible to believe, but true nonetheless. This is an extraordinary adventure into what life must have been like for these amazing figures from the past that still haunt the present day. If you enjoy this historical period you won't want to miss reading the first of the trilogy, "Gildenford" followed by this book "The Norman Pretender," and ending with "The Disputed Crown." Sadly, yes, they are all out-of-print, but very well worth finding!

Though the title refers to William of Normandy, this book revolves around Harold of England. The author really brings the characters to life and also creates some fictional ones as well. This is an easy-to-read, in-depth book that anyone would enjoy.

This is the story of William of Normandy's, now King of England's, struggle to be recognized as England's sovereign lord. He doesn't succeed very easily and sometimes overreacts in his choices of punishment that affect the common people more than the rebels. He is not a very easy person to understand and like, however, he constantly tries, to either win his English nobles over with force or with uncharacteristic compasssion and understanding.

Meanwhile, Brand of Fallowdene and his daughter Wulfhild struggle in their own ways to come to terms with a Norman England. Wulfhild decides to compromise to keep her family's English manor Fallowdene, while Brand, having made oathes to continue the fight against the Normans, joins the rebels in the attempt to put an Englishman back onto the throne of England.

This is an excellent conclusion to the first two novels in this trilogy, "Gildenford," and "The Norman Pretender." These books make you feel as though you are living the lives of the characters, historical and fictional. It brings the middle ages back to life and you can't help but feel the passions, love, anger, and all the emotions of the conquerors and the conquered. They are all out-of-print but can be found and should be as this is a trilogy of the Norman Conquest that should not be missed!

This is the tale of Ralph de Aix of Normandy and of William Rufus-King of England. Ralph is a huntsman who desires knighthood and eventually lands of his own. He finds he cannot achieve his goal anytime soon in Normandy with his present lord and decides to look elsewhere for advancement. Advancement comes in the shape and guise of William Rufus, son of William the Bastard of Normandy. Ralph really cares about Rufus, on a genuine level of friendship, but is willing to do what it takes to succeed at court. Rufus, not known for normal "appetites" is attracted to Ralph and their strange relationship begins. Ralph endures Rufus in the hope of being granted lands after knighthood.

A run down Chenna's Tun is his "reward" for "services rendered." However, he tries to make a go of it and with current knowledge of the god Herne, becomes involved in the Saxon cult where he becomes a "lord" in his own right. There is much action and mystery involved in his life but not much money. He wants a wife and in time finds one who is, in the beginning, reluctant to leave her childhood home. As time goes on, things do not improve. Weather and health disasters are a never ending concern and many people hunt the "royal deer" in order not to starve. This brings about the most important role Ralph will ever play in his life, starring Rufus and Rufus' younger brother Count Henry, soon to become King Henry I of England.

Medieval life is brought realistically back to life as is a lessor known religious cult. Anand's style of writing keeps the reader emeshed in a life of intrigue, mystery, danger, and scandal, in the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries. Many of her novels are out-of-print but are well worth the search! They transport the reader back into time.

Valerie Anand takes the reader directly back to 11th & 12th century England. Every day life, customs, legal rights (or lack thereof), even food, clothing and shelter, are portrayed in incredible detail. This is not simply a laundry list of historical facts, though. The relationships among individuals are engaging and the reader always wants to know what happens to the characters next. The plot proceeds from one generation to another and then another. Anand handles these transitions so skillfully that you feel like you're remembering your own family history, not just that of fictional characters.