Rating: 
Summary: History Alive
Review: A wise scholar knows that history is not solely about dates and names, but about interpretation. In the first of three novels dealing with the clash of power, culture, and identity in the 13th Century, Sharon Kay Penman paints a masterful picture of medieval Wales. Penman has obviously done her research, and the wealth of detail in the novel, including Welsh phrases and description of everyday life, allow the reader to give themselves up to the world that she effortlessly renders. Although it doesn't touch on some of the grislier points of medieval life, Here Be Dragons flawlessly captures the spirit of the age. It's characters are finely drawn and disconcertingly believable. Penman's skill forces our loyalties in an abrupt about-face along with Joanna and Llewelyn, and we find ourselves desperately wishing that history could be altered by our sincere pleas for our favorite characters' well-being and success. Although she writes about events long past, Penman's singular style and beautiful prose bring her story magically to life.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely Captivating
Review: I absolutely love this book. I ran across this book in the book store one day and just randomly decided to get it. It was one of the best choices I have ever made. Since then, Sharon Kay Penman has become one of my favorite authors. She makes her characters come alive! I love the way in her books no one is a villan, in the classical sense. People do good and bad things, but in the end they are entirely human. I also love the historical detail she puts into her books. She obviously does a lot of reseach. Everyone I know who has since read this book has loved it. I highly recommend this WONDERFUL book!
Rating:
Summary: SKP at her best!
Review: If The Sunne in Splendor is SKP's best work, this is definitely her second best. The dramatic love story between Llewelyn Fawr, the handsome Welsh Prince and Joanna, King John's illegitimate daughter keeps you reading from page 1 until the end! A constant theme throughout this book, aside from the wondrous love story is enemies and allies. All of the royalty believe that they can end their feuds with other lords by marrying off their sisters and daughters to the enemy. Joanna is one of these victims, for she is sent to Wales against her will to marry Llewelyn, a man nearly twenty years her senior. All of the English (Norman-French) believe Welshmen to be savage and ill-tempered, and the Welsh have the same beliefs about the English. Yet somehow Joanna and Llewelyn begin to love each other, and although this love may not remain constant, it will prove to endure the greatest hardships.
This is the main storyline, but there is also the story of King John, whom history has labeled as one of the worst kings in English history. He plays a sympathetic role in this book, however, and like Joanna, readers may have mixed feelings about him.
I can't say enough. This is a wonderful book!!!
Rating:
Summary: Here Be Dragons
Review: This book has spawned to wonderful trips to Wales. I have "Walked in the footsteps of Llewelyn and Joanna." The desriptive way that Miss Penman desribes her surroundings is absolutely on the mark. Wales is indeed as wonderful as she decribes it. This book is very factual to the time and dates of actual happenings. 13th century Wales and England will seem like real life to the reader. You will find yourself wanting more information on this time period and lucky for you there are two sequels to keep you satisfied. You may even find yourself longing to be Welsh like I did. Miss Penman goes to great detail to explain the love the Welsh have of their homeland and heritage. This book shows that political intrigue is much the same in the 21st century as it was in the 13th. If you are at all interested in medieval history you MUST read this book. You will wish that you were there.
Rating:
Summary: Incredible!
Review: This book is nearly flawless! I have spent each available moment reading it until I have to put it down or until sleep overcomes me. The characters are gripping, with conflicts and constants in their personality that realistically portrays how a person grows with time and experience. You don't have to like the characters, or agree with them, but you can't help but understand them and be moved by their trials. I was delighted at Ms. Penman's candor about the time period -- ranging from the way women were treated, to how much the Church and Christianity played a part of people's day to day thoughts and actions. She did not hide the fact that if a man cheated on his wife then, he was justified, but if a woman did, she was a harlot. She does not beat around the bush, or sugarcoat the truth. Being an avid history buff, that quality is highly commendable.
Rating:
Summary: Wow!
Review: This book is wonderful. I wasn't too sure when I first picked it up if I was going to like it, mainly because the beginning, is a little dry (but it sets the stage for other things to come). However, once I got into the book, I found it very hard to put it down. Joanna's behavior is understandable, given her circumstances. First, she has to overcome the death of her mother and the revelations that are exposed about her. Then, when she thinks her life is happy, she is forced into a marriage with her father's bitterest enemy AND she has to travel to a unknown land, where she doesn't speak the language or know the customs. Once there, she has to deal with a recalitrant stepson who can do no wrong in the eyes of his father. Llewelyn is a character that is shown to be human, but possibly too perfectly human. He has his faults, but we are shown them as strengths.
I found myself sympathizing with Joanna, Llewelyn, and King John, and the rest because I found myself CARING about what happened to them. There were times that I was in tears over a particular situation (I don't want to spoil anything). The author has a way of bringing these people to life who lived so long ago. You can see their expressions, see how and where they live, all in her words and imagery. I can't wait to pick up books 2 & 3 in the series.
Rating:
Summary: Here Be Dragons
Review: Marvelous! "Here be Dragons" and its two sequals("Falls the Shadow" & "The Reckoning") are my favorite books of all time. Am currently in the process of re-reading all three - something I seldom ever do. My heart went out to Llewelyn Fawr and his decendents in their neverending struggles with the greedy English kings.
Rating: 
Summary: Well written, interesting
Review: GOOD THINGS ABOUT THIS BOOK 1. This book made me dive for the encyclopaedia to find the "real story" of Llewelyn. (I didn't find it but was still dying of curiosity). 2. The characters were *really* well developed. As an earlier reader commented, I too fell in love with Llewelyn. 3. The plot was well-constructed and interesting.
BAD THINGS ABOUT THIS BOOK 1. The dialogue was occasionally the stiffest I've seen in a published book. 2. Joanna just wasn't a lovable character. She was in the beginning, but I have a hard time identifying with someone with practically no morals, or someone who is so foolish (I think the authoress was trying to make her innocent or naive, but it didn't work very well!) 3. This book has way-too-explicit sex in it. It was unnessecary and majorly overkill.
CONCLUDING I am unable to recommend this book because of its lack of morals. However, if you share Joanna's outlook or are willing to tolerate immorality, this is one of the better written books I have read.
Rating:
Summary: Here Be Dragons
Review: Absolutely the best historical romance I have ever read. The love story of Llewellyn and Joanna is unforgettable. Sharon Kay Penman brings 11th century Wales to life.
