1066 What Fates Impose

G. K. Holloway

Average Rating 8/10 (1 Review)

England is in crisis. King Edward has no heir and promises never to produce one. There are no obvious successors available to replace him, but quite a few claimants are eager to take the crown. While power struggles break out between the various factions at court, enemies abroad plot to make England their own. There are raids across the borders with Wales and Scotland. Harold Godwinson, Earl of Wessex, is seen by many as the one man who can bring stability to the kingdom. He has powerful friends and two women who love him, but he has enemies who will stop at nothing to gain power. As 1066 begins, England heads for an uncertain future. It seems even the heavens are against Harold. Intelligent and courageous, can Harold forge his own destiny - or does he have to bow to what fates impose?

Review by Nigel (310817) Rating (8/10)

Review by Nigel
Book Source: Author
Rating 8/10
As you have probably gleaned from the title this is an historical novel leading up to the fateful events that took place on the 14th October 1066, forever changing the course of English history. I generally enjoy historical fiction as it takes a sometimes dry subject and changes it into an exciting story while still imparting useful information. To do this justice the historical facts as recorded have to be accurate while the fictional narrative needs to enhance these facts to grip the reader. I’m happy to report 1066 What Fates Impose does this with style.

The novel starts in 1045 and follows the then King of England, Edward the Confessor, and Harold, the second eldest son of Godwin, the Earl of Wessex. England at the time was relatively peaceful and prosperous although the succession was in doubt as the King remained childless. As the story unfolds we learn of the geopolitics of the time and the insatiable greed of the various protagonists, some quite ruthlessly self-involved while others are more devious. Who needs enemies when you have friends like these?

The author has really breathed life into Harold, a bit of an antihero, duped by William, The Duke of Normandy, as well as the people of Northumbria, he is never-the-less a likable character to whom honour is paramount. You really want him to win in the end but who doesn’t know how it all turns out? It is a bit like watching Titanic, you know exactly what is coming but the ride more than makes up for the inevitable outcome.

If you enjoy historical fiction you will be enthralled with 1066 What Fates Impose and if you are new to the genre it is an excellent place to start. Highly recommended.
Nigel (31st August 2017)