Here be Dragons

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Summary: An inspirational work
Review: 'Here Be Dragons' was first recommended to me by an aunt on my 16th birthday. That Christmas I bought the book on a whim and have never looked back since. I've always been an avid reader, but no book has captured my imagination as much as 'Dragons'.
Like almost every other reviewer here, I fell in love with Llewelyn as well; he is probably the most endearing literary character I've come across, alongside Joanna, and surprisingly enough, King John. Sharon Penman's characterisations are exceptional, revealing both the character's strengths and weaknesses, and her depictions of 12-13th century Wales are breath-taking. What appealed to me most about this book as whole was the historical accuracy in dealing with the period (although missing out on Llewelyn's war with his uncles was a little disappointing).
I'm half-Welsh myself, and 'Dragons' brought the oft-forgotten Celtic country to life, and made me very proud to be able to say I have Welsh blood running in my veins. A must-read.

Rating:
Summary: Here be Dragons
Review: I thought that here be dragons was one of the best books i've ever read; it's exciting, passionate, and you just won't be able to put it down tust me. Sharon Kay Penman is a genius as far as i'm concerned!

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Summary: A very talented writer, but...
Review: I found the book most enjoyable - few people write with such clarity nowadays. (For this reason I plan on getting her other books!) From a historical view it is however sadly lacking, and she tends to leave out huge gaps in time. The book focuses very much on Joanna and her romantic feelings (I will confess this is not my genre) and leaves out the movements and conflicts of the key players (or the 'shapers of history' - if you will). I would recommend this book for good writing but not for its historical content.

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Summary: My favorite book
Review: All of Sharon Kay Penman's books are fabulous, but Here Be Dragons is my favorite. I have two copies of it, because I read the first one to pieces. Its one of those books that makes you feel as though you have experienced another place and time. I highly reccommend it to anyone who likes to get lost in a book.

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Summary: Outstanding research...
Review: I'm not an afficianado of historial fiction. HOWEVER, Ms. Penman has done such a bang-up job of research, after having her 13th C England/Wales trilogy recommended by THOSE WHO KNOW, I ordered it from Amazon. I must say, I had trouble with the first 120-or-so pages. After that, I sailed through and am looking forward to the other two and, perhaps, the rest of her writing. If you're looking for other great research, look to Diana Gabaldon. Her books may be found under "Romance," but don't let that put you off. They are now categorized as Historical Fiction and are unique, belonging to several categories.

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Summary: Loved it!
Review: I absolutely loved this book! The characers were somemorable...l laughed out loud in places (eg: Joanna burning the bed),cried in others and hated King John passionately!!! Llewelyn was truly a great prince! I miss not lugging the huge book around with me. Better go and get the rest of the trilogy!

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Summary: Here Be Dragons inspires an enduring passion for Wales.
Review: I first read here Be Dragons when I was a small girl and was completely inspired. I am now studying medieval history at university and I must thank Sharon Penman for showing me the path to follow.

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Summary: I highly recommend this book!
Review: Here Be Dragons is an excellent work of historical fiction based on actual conflicts between Wales, England, and France in the 13th century. I loved the romance, the cultural descriptions, the characters. I fell in love with Llewelyn and became best friends with Joanna. I recommend this book for those new to historical fiction (as I was) as well as old fans of this genre. Definitely give this one a try!

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Summary: Here Be Dragons turned me into a teenage Penman junkie. LOL
Review: I cannot describe how engrossed I became in this book. I read it about a decade ago, and have read it over many times. Sharon Kay Penman expertly weaves a marvelous tale around historical facts. This book in particular inspired me to delve into Medieval Studies with the intention of becoming a historical fiction writer. GET THE BOOK. I poured through it in one sitting! Couldn't put it down! I now "have to have" every one of her books. She's my favorite author.

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Summary: The best historical novel writer of our time!!
Review: I have long been a fan of historical novels but would get discouraged when I would get into a book and it would be filled with as much fluff as history. This is not the case with ANYTHING Sharon Penman writes. She brings historical figures to life unlike any author I have ever read. She makes these people real, gives them real emotions, fears, wants, anger, love etc and draws you into a story that is that much better because it is true. For anyone who likes history, without the silly romance and fluff these books are for you!