Here Be Dragons (Welsh Princes, #1)
Here Be Dragons (Welsh Princes, #1)
Book Brief
Beta704
Novel • Fiction
Wales • 13th century
1993
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman is a historical novel intertwining the lives of a prince from Gwynedd, a princess from England, and a complex political landscape in medieval Wales. The story explores themes of loyalty, love, and power dynamics during a tumultuous period marked by conflict between Wales and England.
Reviews & Readership
27,303 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman receives praise for its detailed historical research and rich character development, immersing readers in medieval Wales. However, some find the pacing slow, affecting overall engagement. Despite this, it is celebrated for its intricate plotting and vivid portrayal of historical events.
Who Should Read Here Be Dragons (Welsh Princes, #1)?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction steeped in medieval British history, intricate political plots, and rich character development will appreciate Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman. Fans of Philippa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl and Ken Follett's The Pillars of the Earth will find Penman's work similarly compelling.
27,303 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The title Here Be Dragons is inspired by the medieval practice of marking unexplored territories on maps with dragons, symbolizing uncharted and mysterious lands.
Sharon Kay Penman began writing Here Be Dragons as a form of escape while working as a tax lawyer, but it became a serious project that required twelve years of research and writing.
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Much of the novel is set in the 13th century during the reign of King John of England, known for his complex relationship with the Welsh princes and his historical infamy as the villain in the Robin Hood legends.
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704
Novel • Fiction
Wales • 13th century
1993
Adult
18+ years
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