A novel set during the turbulent times of Owain Glyndwr's War of Independence following the excitement and hardship of his followers, the anxiety of the families left at home, and the personal friendships and rivalries of the soldiers.

Nofel wedi ei gosod yng nghyfnod cythryblus Rhyfeloedd Owain Glyndwr gan ddilyn cyffro a chaledi ei ddilynwyr, gofid y teuluoedd gartref a'r cyfeillgarwch a'r gwrthdaro personol rhwng y milwyr.

This is a historical novel set in Wales during the early part of the fifteenth century, when Owain Glyndŵr led the Welsh against the English in their battle for independence. Using the family of long-bowman Huw Gethin as the main focus of his story, Malcolm Pryce weaves a tale of battle, greed, murder, revenge and romance.

Although the historical details are accurate and chronological, the author carefully chooses his material so as to maintain the pace and the excitement of this action-packed novel. The chapters are crafted well and the reader is able to keep track of the main protagonists: Owain Glyndŵr and John Leggat, his captain of archers, Huw Gethin, eldest son of a mid-Wales farming family, and David Mostyn, a language student who becomes secretary to Owain Glyndŵr.

Malcolm Pryce paints a convincing picture of the hard life of a soldiers and farming families at that time without stemming the flow of his story. The fight is not only against the English foe, but against covetous neighbours, hired thugs and the elements, as the snows of a harsh winter bring starvation and ruin.

From the safety of our twenty-first century viewpoint, Malcolm Pryce shows us how the campaign met defeat due to bad luck, unreliable allies and bad weather. A thoroughly enjoyable and educational book.

Catriona Jackson

It is possible to use this review for promotional purposes, but the following acknowledgement should be included: A review from www.gwales.com, with the permission of the Welsh Books Council.

Gellir defnyddio’r adolygiad hwn at bwrpas hybu, ond gofynnir i chi gynnwys y gydnabyddiaeth ganlynol: Adolygiad oddi ar www.gwales.com, trwy ganiatad Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru