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Book Cover for: The Drowned Court, Tracey Warr

The Drowned Court

Tracey Warr

1107. A kidnap and a devastating shipwreck. King Henry I reigns over England, Normandy and Wales, but his rule is far from secure. He faces treacherous assassination attempts and rebellion. Nuns and bards are tasked as spies to carry dangerous messages across the kingdom.

The Welsh noblewoman, Nest ferch Rhys, is settled in Wales with her Norman husband but her brother is gathering support to reclaim his kingdom, and another Welsh prince has not forgotten that he was once betrothed to marry Nest. While dissent grows, a secret passion is revealed, and Nest and her Cambro-Norman children are placed in dire peril.

Nest ferch Rhys is embedded in Norman society, but where do her heart and loyalty belong, and who can she trust?

Book II in the Conquest trilogy centring on Nest ferch Rhys and the reign of King Henry I.

Book Details

  • Publisher: Meanda Books
  • Publish Date: Apr 24th, 2023
  • Pages: 416
  • Language: English
  • Edition: undefined - 0002
  • Dimensions: 8.50in - 5.50in - 1.06in - 1.46lb
  • EAN: 9781739242527
  • Categories: Historical - Medieval

About the Author

Warr, Tracey: - Tracey Warr was born in London, lived in southwest Wales and now lives in southern France. The castles and landscapes of Wales and France inspire her historical fiction. She is the author of five historical novels set in medieval Europe and centred on strong female leads. She draws on old maps, chronicles, poems and objects to create fictional worlds for readers to step into. Her writing awards include an Author's Foundation Award, a Literature Wales Writer's Bursary, the Rome Film Festival Book Initiative and a Santander Research Award. Before becoming a full-time writer she worked as a contemporary art curator and art history academic.

Praise for this book

'The second volume of a trilogy based on the life of Nest ferch Rhys, the Welsh princess who was one of the many mistresses of the English king, Henry I. The year is 1107, and Henry has returned Nest to her Norman husband, Gerald FitzWalter, the castellan of Pembroke. She is emotionally divided between her Welsh heritage, her love for her half-Norman children, and her growing affection for her husband. The resurgence of the Welsh resistance to Norman rule threatens to destabilise her life. A subplot focuses on the nun Benedicta and her involvement in the network of spies run by King Henry's politically astute sister, Adela de Blois. Tracey Warr's meticulous research conjures vividly the domestic life, the courtly intrigue and the brutality of the age. The opening chapters fill in the backstory expertly. At the centre of the story are two strong women: Nest, torn in her loyalties, but resilient in spite of the tumultuous events that impact on her life and her family; and Benedicta, whose questing, curious nature leads her into dangerous places, both physically and spiritually. I thoroughly recommend this book, which immerses the reader so deeply in its world.' Mary Fisk, Historical Novels Review

'Nest ferch Rhys' brother Gruffudd ap Rhys is gathering support in an attempt to reclaim his Welsh kingdom, putting further strain on Nest's loyalties as she becomes torn between her Welsh past and her Norman present.' She Reads Novels

'A beautifully written story, set against impressively researched history and narrated at a thriller pace. History brought to life with real characters, real events and a great story. I couldn't put it down.' Gina Connolly, Goodreads

'As the drawbridge came down and I ventured in, I was not disappointed. In fact I remember nothing of what happened in my every day life until I came out at the end. The level of detail and care and attention which has gone into this novel is spellbinding but it never gets in the way of the plot. A brilliantly woven tapestry of historical intrigue where I felt as if I'd been part of the novel, and part of Nest's life and I missed her for a while afterwards.' The Booktrail

'Excellent, exciting and extremely addictive!! If you're a history lover then this book is for you.' Tony Hawkes, Amazon

'Fabulous story woven into Princess Nest's true life. I found it an exciting read and highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good novel and loads of history.' Suzi Hawkins, Amazon

'Historical fiction at its very best. Rich in sensory detail, full of emotion and multi-layered conflict. A roller-coaster ride through sadness, happiness, envy and trepidation. Warr has made an alluring female character from a historical name.' Harriet Springbett, Goodreads

'The writing was very elegant. This is certainly a sit-down-and-finish book.' Mary Ann Yarde, Goodreads

'This is a wonderfully written historical novel, full of details that bring to life the people and the England and Wales of the time. From the descriptions of the wild Welsh coast, to the splendid court of Henry I, Tracey Warr makes you feel you are there alongside Nest, experiencing all of the sights and sounds of the medieval world. Highly recommended.' Christine Rolls, Goodreads

'The attention to detail is spectacular and the reader can actively envisage each scene. This novel is so well researched and the characters are vivid and believable. I would recommend this fascinating book.' Anne, Goodreads