K. M. Ashman – författare

An uneasy peace reigns in Wales. It’s 1109 and the truce with England hangs by the thinnest of threads. While King Gruffydd ap Cynan’s rule of law holds in the north, a spirit of rebellion is rising in the south, as tearaway princes and rebels grow to resent England’s oppression of their homeland. And when Nesta, married off in a political move by England’s King Henry, leaves the safety of her husband’s castle to attend a celebration, the rebels seize their opportunity.The truce broken, England’s rulers look to turn the ensuing chaos to their advantage, and to crush Wales under their boot once and for all. Gruffydd is left with a stark choice: enforce the peace he so desires for his land, and betray his countrymen, or risk everything he has built by going to war with the English once again. But the decision is soon taken out of his hands by those who ride for liberty from the depths of Rebellion’s Forge.Rebellion’s Forge is the third book in the Blood of Kings trilogy.

1081. William’s bloody conquest is over and Britain is under Norman rule. But one bastion of resistance remains: Wales. A divided land where brother fights brother and kings battle for power. The English use this to further their own ends, and while one king is tempted by an offer he cannot resist, the others wage war over long-forgotten feuds.Gruffydd ap Cynan, true heir to the kingdom of Gwynedd, is in exile across the sea. When he hears of the betrayal of the Welsh people by the imposter in his throne, Gruffydd unites with Tewdwr, a monarch deposed by the traitors, and they forge an army from the ashes of their kingdoms. But Tewdwr’s wife and daughter—the source of much of the allies’ strength—are a weakness their enemies will exploit.Betrayal, treachery and war await, but both men know they must fight to the bitter end, when the sundered lands of Wales are drenched...in the blood of kings.

Gruffydd ap Cynan is missing, his army scattered. Twelve long years have passed since the king was taken prisoner and his people think him long dead. In the dirty shadows of Chester Castle, a beaten prisoner looks up from the squalor of the street. Dressed in rags, mocked and pelted with filth, he seems a broken man. Yet deep inside, the desire for freedom burns like the hottest furnace. Nesta is a princess in fetters of a different kind. After the death of her father, Tewdwr, she is taken against her will to London to attend the court of King William, son of the Conqueror. There she will find that court politics, and the attentions of princes and lords, are just as dangerous as the arrows and swords of the battlefield.The royal blood of Wales is scattered and weakened, but while it flows in the bloodline of Rhodri Mawr, hope remains—Hope that a broken kingdom can be reborn.

'Excellent' Stewart Binns, author of the Making of England seriesThe fight for England began long before 1066AD 1045. Godwin of Wessex, one of the most powerful earls in the country, prepares for the marriage of his daughter to King Edward of England. The mood is jubilant, his family's relationship with the Crown secured through matrimony. But one man seeks to undermine him at every opportunity.French-born Bishop of London, Robert of Jumiges, has the ear of the king. As a trusted adviser, his position is one of power and privilege, and he wields it to gain ever-greater influence over the English Crown for his kinsmen in Normandy, at Godwin's expense.As the bishop's control increases, the king's relationship with the House of Godwin frays until, eventually, it breaks down completely. With civil war looming, Godwin fights to pull England back from the brink. But with the king under Norman influence, it could be too little, too late.The Challenges of a King is the first book in a thrilling new series from K. M. Ashman exploring the politics, promises and intrigue that led three men to contest the throne in 1066, and to the final successful invasion of England. Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden and Bernard Cornwell.Praise for The Challenges of a King 'The Challenges of a King is an excellent read. The historical accuracy tied to a fictional account is highly commendable and the narrative moves along at a gripping pace. The dialogue is sharp and authentic and the story is told clearly and concisely. I highly recommend the book to anyone who loves historical fiction' Stewart Binns, author of the Making of England series

Some promises should never be broken.AD 1055. With the crisis of 1051 long behind them and finally coming to terms with the death of Sweyn, the Godwin family's influence across England is growing. Harold enjoys a position of trust with King Edward and the country is at peace, but Edward knows that he needs an heir before it is too late.In Hungary, there is one potential heir with royal blood running through his veins, but before he can be contacted another king, much closer to home, rises to power, and Harold finds himself torn between diplomacy and violence to maintain the peace.With King Edward relying on him more and more, Harold travels to Normandy to find the two hostages still missing after many years. But while there, he uncovers a situation far more dangerous than any threat from the Welsh king...With England now being torn apart by internal politics, can Harold forge unity amongst his fellow nobles before it is too late?The gripping next step along the road to Hastings, perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden.

The king is dead. The fight to replace him begins...1066 dawns on a fractious England. The death of Edward the Confessor has set in motion a chain of events that can no longer be stopped.In London, Harold Godwinson, anointed king by Edward on his deathbed, girds the nation for war.Across the channel in Normandy, Duke William prepares his invasion fleet to sail, supported by Harald's treacherous brother, Tostig, who has promised to help William strike at the very heart of England.Battle shall be joined in Hastings, and the future of the country decided with sword, lance and bow.K. M. Ashman delivers the epic showpiece finale to the Road to Hastings trilogy, perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden and David Gilman.

It is too late for peace. Prepare for war.Britannia, 43 AD. The last unconquered stronghold of the Celts. A dangerous place of men without fear, soon to face the might of an invading Roman army.Two young friends from drastically different backgrounds, Prydain and Cassus, are posted to a training cohort under the sadistic tutorage of a battle scarred veteran, Remus. The training is brutal but eventually the trainees set sail for their first campaign the invasion of Britannia.The Romans find themselves in strange and unfriendly environment and, as they close in on their quarry, a long held secret will be revealed, culminating in a savage and astonishing climax that affects the very future of Britannia.The brutal, blood-soaked first instalment in a thrilling Roman historical series, perfect for fans of Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden and Simon Scarrow.

Old friends will clash, armies will collide let there be blood.50 AD. The Invasion is over and Roman legions spread throughout the land, a blood red stain on Britannia. Caratacus has fled south to rebuild his army and warriors flock to his banner.In the north, a disgraced legionary grasps the chance to regain his honour and joins the Exploratores, the elite Roman unit operating behind enemy lines. He nurtures a deeper desire, however: the chance to fulfill an oath made six years previous.As the armies of Caratacus and Scapula prepare for their final clash, a devastating, blood-soaked battle, the soldier draws closer to his ultimate prize, the chance to murder the man he once called brother.With incredible scope and depth, this is a masterful Roman historical tale, ideal for fans of Ben Kane, Conn Iggulden and Robert Fabbri.

One warrior will bring an army to its knees...Britannia, 60 AD. When her husband dies, Boudicca, Queen of the Iceni, expects Rome to enter into a new agreement with her people. However, when Rome betrays them and her daughters are raped by Roman soldiers, Boudicca swears revenge.The Britannic tribes rise up and join her in a campaign against their oppressors and soon her enormous army sweeps across the country in an unstoppable campaign of brutality.A young boy races to join her cause, but when it is discovered that he is the last true blood of the Deceangli, Prydain, the ex-legionary, embarks on a mission to save him. For the final time, his path is destined to cross with Cassus, the boyhood friend who has sworn to kill him, whatever the cost.The incredible, thrilling final instalment in the Romans series, perfect for fans of Simon Scarrow, Conn Igggulden and Harry Sidebottom.

1270 AD. The Holy Land is in turmoil. As the Crusader knights desperately await the arrival of Edward Longshanks and his relieving army, Sultan Baibaars targets his Mamluk hordes against their greatest stronghold in Syria, the Krak des Chevaliers.A thousand miles away in Wales, fourteen-year-old Garyn learns a disturbing secret. It will drive him on a crusade of his own: a quest to avenge his family, save his brother and in the process recover the holiest relic in the history of Christendom.As the Crusades ignite around him, Garyn learns this is a time of brutality and chivalry; of strong men with stronger hearts, an era with no place for the weak.A searing and unforgettable novel of medieval warfare, Medieval Blood of the Sword is perfect for fans of Christian Cameron and David Gilman.

1274 AD. War is brewing between Wales and England.Henry III is dead. His son, Edward Longshanks, is on his way back from the Crusades to claim the crown and impose his iron will on a weakened country.In South Wales, two young brothers, Garyn and Geraint, attempt to rebuild their lives after a terrifying ordeal in Acre. Desperate to heal old wounds and provide for their futures, the appearance of an old enemy tears them apart once more and forces them onto different paths.The nobles of North Wales, nervous and frustrated at the inaction of their leader, make a daring pact to replace him with a figurehead to unite the warring factions against the English prince.The compelling second novel in the Medieval Sagas, perfect for fans of Christian Cameron, David Gilman and Ben Kane.

Rebellion is in the air once more in Wales...1294 AD. After decades of fighting, Edward Longshanks of England has cemented his rule over Wales following the death of Prince Llewellyn at the Battle of Orewen Bridge in 1282 by undertaking a vast castle-building programme across the land. Fortresses have sprung up in Caernarfon, Conway and Harlech, bastions of English might.But a new resistance is rising. Its factions squabble and bicker, however, dashing any serious hopes of rebellion. Rumour reaches Garyn, now leader of a mercenary band called the Blaidd, of a fabled sword that would enable its wielder to unite the Welsh with a single purpose the Sword of Macsen. But finding it will not be easy...The third gripping Welsh historical adventure from K. M. Ashman, perfect for fans of Michael Jecks and Angus Donald.