Book 1 Rhodri's Furies
The Bretland Trilogy grew out of a curiosity: I asked myself - if the Vikings colonised Scotland, Ireland, England and the Isle of Man, why didn't they colonise Wales to any extent? There had to be a reason and my prime answer was that Wales lacked for nothing that the Vikings needed, so my answer had to lie with personages. I found him - King Rhodri Mawr (Mawr = the Great) and his successors. The desire to write this trilogy was crowned by the publication on 12 December 2022 of Rhodri's Furies. Book 2 is set in his son, Anarawd's reign and is titled Avenging Rhodri - . Book 3 Hywel the Good.
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2023 Awards for Rhodri's Furies
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Charismatic king Rhodri Mawr of Gwynedd was killed in battle and all the sources call his son Anarawd’s victory over the Mercians at the Battle of the Conwy a few years later, "God's vengeance for Rhodri". Rhodri awakened nationalist sentiment among the small Welsh kingdoms at a time when Saxon Wessex threatened the Welsh with overlordship; meanwhile, Mercia never renounced her claim to lands across the Wye and the Vikings threatened the long coastline. Despite these outside threats, one descendant of Rhodri succeeded in uniting the whole of Wales under his kingship. Find out who, in John Broughton’s well-researched Avenging Rhodri.
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Book 2. Avenging Rhodri |
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The Phoenix Award stands as a tribute to the unwavering resilience and passion exhibited by writers who have triumphed over personal adversities.
Whether navigating the intricacies of writing in a language beyond their native tongue, surmounting physical or mental challenges, confronting traumatic life events, or addressing minority issues, the Phoenix Award celebrates the indomitable spirit of these writers. Inspired by the mythical Phoenix, this award embodies hope and the promise of brighter tomorrows, rising from the crucible of writers' challenges. The Phoenix Award invites submissions of published, unpublished, or unproduced screenplays, serving as a true stepping stone for unrecognized talents. It offers an opportunity to transcend challenges and carve a meaningful path in the literary world. |
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Book 3 HYWEL THE GOOD
Hywel, the King of Dyfed, falls in love with Elen, the beautiful young daughter of the deceased King of Dyfed. Their betrothal makes political sense, as it unites the two kingdoms, but their love for each other is genuine. Hywel becomes a just and wise king, introducing reforms to the Welsh legal system and forging alliances with neighboring kingdoms.
After going on a pilgrimage to Rome to get his law code approved by the Pope, Hywel gets caught up in political intrigue and seduced by a powerful Roman noblewoman. Back in Wales, he has to deal with a rebellion by the eldest son of the deceased King of Brycheiniog. Despite these challenges, Hywel strives to be a virtuous and enlightened king, and remains beloved by his people.
Based on the life of a true historical figure, John Broughton's 'Hywel The Good' is the story of one of the most important characters in Welsh history, remembered for his reforms to the Welsh legal system, and his efforts to unite the kingdoms of South Wales.
Praise for John's previous work: Classical historical fiction - a great read... on a par with The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - Réal Laplaine, Author
After going on a pilgrimage to Rome to get his law code approved by the Pope, Hywel gets caught up in political intrigue and seduced by a powerful Roman noblewoman. Back in Wales, he has to deal with a rebellion by the eldest son of the deceased King of Brycheiniog. Despite these challenges, Hywel strives to be a virtuous and enlightened king, and remains beloved by his people.
Based on the life of a true historical figure, John Broughton's 'Hywel The Good' is the story of one of the most important characters in Welsh history, remembered for his reforms to the Welsh legal system, and his efforts to unite the kingdoms of South Wales.
Praise for John's previous work: Classical historical fiction - a great read... on a par with The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - Réal Laplaine, Author
click on link for the complete series: https://books2read.com/u/49VE2M
or slip over to YouTube: https://youtu.be/kKiV6KMimqo
or slip over to YouTube: https://youtu.be/kKiV6KMimqo
