Although it was never one of my favourite subjects at school, I've always had a keen interest in history. I love reading and learning about the kings and queens of England but unfortunately the history syllabus at school was more concerned with the industrial revolution. I've mainly read about post-Plantagenet kings and queens so an Anglo Saxon novel was something new for me.

We've all heard of the Battle of Hastings and I'm sure that many people will know this was in 1066. Equally, we have all heard of King Harold and the arrow in his eye. So I was really surprised, when reading this book, how little I actually knew about the Battle of Hastings and the events leading up to it. It can get confusing at times as to who is who, but the author has very kindly listed all of the main characters at the beginning of the book. This was an invaluable reference and I found that I frequently turned to it, mainly due to the Norse sounding names of this period.

The story begins in 1045 in the court of Edward the Confessor. Edward is married to Edith of Wessex, but when they fail to produce an heir, due to Edward's famous piety, Edward names Edith's brother Harold as his successor. This doesn't go down well with Edward's cousin's son, William (the Conqueror), and others who believe they have a claim to the English throne. The story obviously ends in 1066 where the Battle of Hastings is laid out in such glorious detail that I almost felt as if I was watching the battle myself. The strategies employed by each side and the sheer scale of the bloodiness gave us a 360 degree view of this famous battle.

The book feels so very well researched that I had no reason to doubt any of the facts therein. Of course, records dating from this time are sketchy but with so much historical treachery and political intrigue surrounding the English throne I have no doubt that 1066: What Fates Impose is more fact than fiction.

If you think King Harold was killed by an arrow in the eye, think the Battle of Stamford Bridge is a derby between Chelsea and Spurs, and think William the Conqueror was the only threat to King Harold's crown then you must read this book. G. K. Holloway brings Anglo Saxon history to life in 1066: What Fates Impose and my knowledge of this period is now so much richer for having read it. A tremendous 5 star read.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. ( )

In a novel that amply shows how the journey matters more than the destination, author E. K. Holloway retells the history of England around the time of the Norman invasion, keeping the reader glued to each turn of page and plot. The events appear fresh and new, despite history’s fame, and a huge cast of characters becomes manageable and relatable in the author’s hands. Richly detailed in its depiction of towns and ways of life, unflinching in its retelling of ancient cruelties, and refreshing in its portrayal of honest kindnesses, the novel brings the past to life and reveals surprising relevance to the present.

England, influenced by Viking, Saxon and Celt, proves to have been a surprisingly civilized place, with duty, honor and the rule of law, and an elected king who governs at the choice of leaders representing the whole of the land. It’s a sophisticated system, but human greed and folly are set to betray it. On the horizon a despotic ruler waits to take the reins, and the Battle of Hastings approaches.

The setting is later than Bernard Cornwell’s Saxon Chronicles, and it’s intriguing to see how the land has changed in between. History passes more quickly too, following a large cast through intersecting paths of fate, rather than one man through slowly turning years; so it’s a very different book from Cornwell's novels, but equally enthralling and enjoyable. Highly recommended.

Disclosure: I was given a copy and I offer my honest review. ( )

G.K. Holloway's debut novel, 1066: What Fates Impose, transports the reader to England just prior to the Norman Conquest in 1066. At the centre of this novel is Harold Godwinson, son of England's most powerful nobleman and a respected Earl in his own right, who is best known to history as the English monarch beaten by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings. But, as is vividly shown in this novel, there was much more to Harold than his last battle.

Given that G.K. Holloway's novel is not the first work of historical fiction I've read about Harold Godwinson or the events leading up to the Norman invasion, much of 1066's storyline was already familiar to me. As I'm interested in time period covered by the book, however, I was curious to read Holloway's interpretation of the historical figures and events synonymous with the era. The novel's principal protagonist, Harold, is portrayed as an honourable, intelligent, and strong man. This matches the impressions I'd gleaned of Harold from the other Conquest-era novels I've read. King Edward (aka Edward the Confessor) on the other hand, comes across as a weak ruler, one who too easily puts his trust in those who seek to use him for their own ends. Aside from well developed characters, another strength of this novel is the attention it pays to the complex politics of the era, both within England and abroad. But 1066: What Fates Impose is not only a novel of politics and battles, there is also a well-drawn romantic element to the storyline.

1066: What Fates Impose is a well-written, engaging, and superbly researched work of historical fiction. Holloway has added enough historical detail to give readers a real flavour for 11th century England while ensuring that the narrative isn't bogged down in it. Whether you are new to historical fiction set in England around the time of the Conquest, or are already familiar with the period's people and politics, 1066: What Fates Impose is recommended. I look forward to reading more from G.K. Holloway.

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Source: I received a copy of this novel as part of G.K. Holloway's virtual book tour in exchange for a fair and honest review. ( )

The novel tells of the build up to the battle of Hastings and the rise of Harold to the English throne. A very well written novel based around historic facts and shows the writers imagination to bring the characters to life as well as adding spice and danger to the story .

As the King of England is on his death bed and no apparent heir this opens a challenge from the feudal lords of the land and the relatives overseas. The amount of research the author has done into the past creates a truly believable account of the power struggle for the throne. It draws the reader into a time of turmoil and where loyalty is bought by the biggest bidder.

An historic novel full of battles , treachery and treaties that have to be made in order to survive. An in-depth story of possibly one of Britains must unstable periods of English history.

The authors writing and really good explanations of what was going on throughout England and the concessions that were made to maintain the status quo is first rate. A must read for anyone who loves their historic novels. ( )

The story of William the Conqueror and the Battle of Hastings in 1066 is one of those important dates taught to all students of history. Especially students with degrees in European history - ah-hem. While William's supposed brilliance has come down through history one must remember that the records are mostly written by the victors. Harold Godwinson was the last truly English king of England and he has been somewhat forgotten to history. Fortunately there are historians and authors looking to give him his due.

1066: What Fates Impose begins with the reign of King Edward, a rather useless ruler if you ask me. He was easily swayed and he ignored the English - he was reared in Normandy; it's a complicated history. Just leave it at that he didn't like the English and wanted them to be more Norman. The beginning of the book builds Harold's family history and this is the weakest part of the book. There is just too much going on and too little given to too many events. Perhaps this should have been two books, I don't know. But once the book settles on Harold as Earl of Wessex after his father's death it truly takes off and becomes less confusing. And this is from someone who has been through the history.

Harold is a very compelling character and one wonders as to what might have been had he won at Hastings. It does give one pause, the way the Fates play with history that way. As Mr. Holloway writes Harold's story the reader truly wants him to survive but we all know the history so I am not giving any spoilers away by writing that he dies. It is never easy to read battle scenes and there was much battle at the end of Harold's all too short reign. The book is more an historical narrative than character study so don't expect much in the way of feelings and such. Yet it does pull you in and keep you reading until that very sad ending - well sad for Harold. William was rather joyous.... ( )