RebeccaOh my, we are already into our last week of reading, and what a read it is!! As we move to the end, I know that some of you are going to want to rush through and read book two (although I am hoping to work it into our line up at some point). The next book is called Falls The Shadow which is then followed by the last of the trilogy The Reckoning. The events that we are going to read through this week are fast paced and not about to let up. The other books (which are fantastic) follow the same lead. Fast, furious, and keep you hooked from page one! I do hope that you loved this read, and that if you choose to read on, that you will enjoy them as well. As we wrap up the currents that are rolling through the Welsh countryside, hold on.. you are in for a wild and crazy go!
Joanna and Llewelyn have been married for over 20 years and they are still finding things about each other that surprise them. With the rebellion of Gruffydd against his father raging, no one is excited about going to war. But they follow their liege lord, no matter who might be standing on the other side of the field. As tempers flare, so do they cool. Gruffydd knows that he is in the wrong, but he cannot bring himself to admit it to his father. With the battle looming, he throws himself on his fathers mercy, not knowing whether or not he will be forgiven. While Llewelyn has always had a soft spot for his son, he holds to the promise he made to Joanna that their son Davydd would inherit the Welsh kingdom after him. While Gruffydd is angry, he is biding his time, knowing that his father will not live forever. But he has underestimated Davydd… and Joanna. She will go to any lengths to safeguard her son. But when she finally provokes Gruffydd to reveal his true character, it takes a turn that she was not expecting.
But Joanna herself is not above making mistakes, and she makes one that will cost her dearly. Having a “fling” with Will de Braose might have been an act of atonement in her eyes for the sins of her father, Will does not believe her when she says its over. He puts them both into a compromising situation where her husband finds them. Arresting Will, and banishing Joanna, the estrangement begins, and so does the question over her fate. While the fate of Will de Braose is without question, death by hanging, what might become of Joanna is another story. Llewelyn loves her, has loved her for years, and this act of betrayal cuts deeper than he cares to admit. While she is kept in soft imprisonment, the truth of what really happened that night is kept with her, as her letters have been returned from her son and husband.. unopened. She does her best to endure the not knowing, and relishing the few visitors that she has. What she hopes for, a visit from her son or husband, has not happened, and seems rather unlikely to ever happen.
Llewelyn is struggling with his decision, not knowing what to do. But he has other matters to occupy his time during the day. While he pushes through a marriage for Davydd, and cements another alliance, Wales is still under his control, and government does not wait. He tours the country, ensuring the loyalty of his subjects and strengthening his hold where need be. But the truces made with England are easily broken, and war looms forever on the horizon. While he knows that he must put the matter to rest between himself and Joanna, the outcome is not what everyone has expected…..
This week we are reading Pages 531-701
Questions:
- What do you think of the plan that Joanna has come up with for Gruffydd? What is fair?
- Has Joanna let her fathers mistakes color the way she sees things?
- Llewelyn’s decision regarding Joanna left everyone is shock. What did you think of it?
