The Devil and his Bastard son ... Robert of Normandy is handsome, brave and impetuous - and has just seized Normandy's mightiest castle. But his older brother, Richard, the Duke of Normandy, wants it back ... and will take it by force if need be. Herleva of Falaise is the mere daughter of a tanner but she's more beautiful than any princess and when she and Robert meet, together they will change the course of history. Their illegitimate son, William, is born into a world of murder and intrigue, where families are torn apart by bitter rivalries, renegade warlords stop at nothing in their lust for power and wealth, and professional assassins are never short of work. His enemies will mock him as William the Bastard. But we have another name for him: Conqueror.