Sharon Kay Penman

Sharon Kay Penman (1945-2021) was an American historical novelist renowned for her meticulously researched medieval fiction, particularly the Welsh Princes trilogy and the Plantagenet series. Her work focused on British royal history during the Middle Ages, earning her a place on the New York Times Bestseller List and critical acclaim for historical accuracy. A former tax lawyer with degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Rutgers Law School, Penman began her writing career with "The Sunne in Splendour," a comprehensive novel about Richard III and the Wars of the Roses. After the original manuscript was stolen, she persevered and rewrote the entire work, which was eventually published to significant success. The Welsh Princes trilogy and Plantagenet series established Penman as a leading voice in historical fiction, while her medieval mystery series, beginning with "The Queen's Man," demonstrated her versatility as a writer. Her books are characterized by deep historical detail and nuanced portrayals of medieval royalty across England, France, and Wales. Penman continued writing until her death from pneumonia in 2021, leaving behind a legacy of thirteen novels that combined historical accuracy with compelling storytelling. Her work remains influential in the historical fiction genre, particularly for its treatment of medieval British history.

Readers praise Penman's detailed historical research and ability to bring medieval characters to life. Many note her skill at explaining complex political situations without overwhelming the narrative. On Goodreads, readers frequently mention learning significant historical facts they hadn't encountered elsewhere. What readers liked: - Deep historical accuracy and research - Complex character development - Clear explanation of complicated family relationships - Balance of historical detail with readable prose What readers disliked: - Length and slow pacing of some books - Large cast of characters can be confusing - Dense historical detail occasionally overshadows plot - Some found the Welsh names difficult to follow Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: Average 4.3/5 across all books (200,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 average (50,000+ reviews) LibraryThing: 4.4/5 average One reader summarized: "She makes medieval politics as gripping as modern drama." Another noted: "The level of detail can be overwhelming, but the character development makes it worthwhile."

Here Be Dragons - Chronicles the tumultuous marriage of Llewelyn the Great, Welsh prince, and King John's illegitimate daughter Joanna, set against the backdrop of 13th-century Wales and England.

Time and Chance - Details the complex relationship between Henry II and Thomas Becket, following their transformation from close friends to bitter adversaries, culminating in Becket's murder.

Devil's Brood - Explores the breakdown of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine's marriage and their sons' subsequent rebellions against their father's rule.

When Christ and His Saints Slept - Covers the period known as the Anarchy, focusing on the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud for the English crown.

The Sunne in Splendour - Recounts the life of Richard III from childhood through his brief reign, offering an alternative to Shakespeare's villainous portrayal.

The Queen's Man - First installment in the Justin de Quincy mystery series, following a young man who becomes a medieval sleuth for Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Lionheart - Follows Richard I's crusade to the Holy Land and his complex relationships with his family and allies.

A King's Ransom - Continues Richard I's story through his capture, imprisonment, and final years as King of England.

The Reckoning - Concludes the Welsh Princes trilogy with the story of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd's struggle against Edward I of England.

Falls the Shadow - Chronicles Simon de Montfort's marriage to Henry III's sister and his leadership of the baronial reform movement.

Dragon's Lair - Second Justin de Quincy mystery, involving the investigation of a nobleman's murder during Richard I's captivity.

Cruel as the Grave - Third installment in the Justin de Quincy series, featuring a murder mystery in medieval London.

Prince of Darkness - Final Justin de Quincy mystery, set against the backdrop of Richard I's reign and medieval political intrigue.

Bernard Cornwell writes detailed historical fiction focused on medieval and Saxon England, particularly in his Last Kingdom series and Grail Quest books. His battle scenes and portrayal of military life draw from extensive research of historical warfare and weaponry.

Elizabeth Chadwick specializes in medieval British historical fiction with a focus on the nobility and royal courts of England. Her research includes hands-on experience with medieval reenactment groups and consultation of primary sources.

Philippa Gregory focuses on Tudor and Plantagenet England in her historical novels, particularly from female perspectives. She holds a PhD in 18th-century literature and bases her work on academic historical research.

Dorothy Dunnett created the Lymond Chronicles and House of Niccolò series set in Renaissance Europe with intricate political plots. Her work features complex historical figures and demonstrates deep knowledge of 15th and 16th-century European politics.

Edith Pargeter wrote the Brothers of Gwynedd Quartet about medieval Wales under the pen name Ellis Peters. Her work shows detailed knowledge of Welsh history and medieval monastery life from primary source research.