In the Shadows of Castles is a historical novel that plunges the reader into a world of brutal ambition, betrayal, and survival, following the journey of Ralph Pomeroy as he carves his way through a medieval landscape rife with violence and intrigue. From the very first pages, where Ralph defends a maid from his monstrous father and changes the course of his own life, the book grips you and refuses to let go.

The author does not shy away from graphic violence, whether it’s a battlefield soaked in blood or the raw horror of domestic abuse. The opening scene, where Ralph catches his father assaulting a maid and retaliates with lethal force, sets the tone for a novel that is brutally honest about the era it portrays. The writing makes these moments feel immediate and visceral. The raw descriptions of power struggles and suffering make for an immersive, if at times gut-wrenching, read.

The character development is another highlight. Ralph’s transformation from an abused boy to a hardened warrior is fascinating. His choices are rarely black and white, and that moral ambiguity makes him feel real. At one point, after years of violence, he reflects that he never wants to be like his father, yet he rules with the same iron fist, wrestling with the ghosts of his past. The contrast between his brutality and his tenderness toward his wife, Tate, and their children makes him complex rather than just another medieval antihero. Other characters, like Morwenna and Whitgar, bring additional layers of intrigue, especially during moments of high-stakes strategy and battle scenes.

There is hardly a moment to breathe between fights, betrayals, and desperate escapes. While this keeps the reader engaged, it occasionally leaves little room for quieter, more reflective moments. Some plot points could have been explored with more depth, such as the internal struggles of supporting characters. The writing style itself is clear and evocative, with a knack for vivid detail, whether describing the stench of a city sewer or the glint of torchlight on a sword.

In the Shadows of Castles is not for the faint of heart. If you enjoy historical fiction that leans into its brutality rather than romanticizing the past, this book delivers. The novel thrives on tension, power struggles, and moral dilemmas, making it a gripping read for those who appreciate historical realism over fairy tale endings. If you’re looking for a story that pulls no punches and drags you straight into the mud and blood of the medieval world, this one is worth picking up.

Pages: 432 | ASIN: B0B457G4X8