I found the story of Nesta and Gerald, to be such a refreshing, fascinating read!The story grabbed me from the first few pages and it only got better as the pages were turned! The King’s Jewel is a super interesting story about two people who are as different as was possible.. Nesta, a young Welsh Princess and Gerald, the younger son of Norman nobility meet when Nesta’s father is killed defending his land against Norman raiders. When King Williams younger brother Henry becomes king after his death, Nesta is first a hostage and then Henry’s concubine, her mother is sent to a convent and her younger brother goes into exile in Ireland. It’s a rocky beginning to what will eventually become a marriage that produces a dynasty of sorts, but not without lots of obstacles and challenges galore.

The King’s Jewel is well researched, beautifully written and a fascinating story of two people in challenging times politically where one’s life is always at risk and at the whim of the king. . Recommended.

This book really just took me for a ride. I loved the build up, the character development, and the writing. I would definitely read more from this author!

The King's Jewel by Elizabeth Chadwick takes you on a thrilling ride through 11th century Wales and England, told from the perspectives of the main characters, Nesta, daughter of Prince Rhys of Deheubarth and Gerald of Windsor.

Nesta's life is full of trials and tribulations, with the shifting politics and resulting skirmishes of the time upending the stability of her girlhood and thrusting her into a chaotic and deeply sad time period. It's easy to sympathize with her conflicting emotions as she deals with decisions that are made for her.

Gerald of Windsor, Nesta's husband, is written with such depth and serves as a perfect compliment to Nesta's personality. Reading about what they had to endure as a couple with all the issues of the time was very interesting and shows how things were for women in that time period.

Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing author who thoroughly researches and writes multi-faceted characters that readers can relate to, with story lines that flow effortlessly. All of her books are page-turners that you won't want to put down. Even the many and varied secondary characters are well-written, with nuances that support and interact with Nesta & Gerald seamlessly. As always, I am impatiently awaiting her next release, knowing I'll be entertained and immersed into whatever she chooses to write about.

This book was fantastic and a perfect example of why Elizabeth Chadwick is one of the best historical fiction writers there is. Romantic, delightful, historically accurate, original - this book was near unputdownable. The characterization is perfect, the plot is thrilling, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. I highly recommend this book and think anyone who needs a satisfying read is in for a treat with this one! There is no better writer for medieval fiction than Ms. Chadwick!!!

Very immersive read, but then again I think all of Ms. Chadwick’s books are, I didn’t know anything about this part of history and was absolutely drawn in and fascinated, Very much enjoyed this. Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

"The King's Jewel" is Elizabeth Chadwick's historical novel of Nesta of Wales. This Welsh princess saw her family lose power, herself be the abused prize of war of a prince, a victim of an arranged marriage, kidnapping, and more. While Nesta's story here is a love story (mostly to Wales, as well as to her ultimate husband), it's mostly a story of survival in a time that was frankly horrific for women.

What's interesting: Nesta's story hasn't featured heavily in historical fiction, so I greatly appreciated something outside of the usual Tudor books. It's a fairly realistic depiction as well, underlining how little power women had in this society.

What's iffier: I found Nesta herself both sympathetic and not. There were times when I wanted to yell through the Kindle at Nesta to stop being a spoiled brat (even though this poor woman had already gone through the unthinkable).

With gratitude to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read and review this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Thank you to netgalley for the advanced reading copy of the kings jewel. This was a pretty good historical fiction but the formatting was off

At the center of The King’s Jewel is the question of female agency in the medieval world. In 12th century Wales, princess Nesta is at the whim of fate when her father is killed in battle. She endures being passed from one conqueror to the next, biding her time to avenge her family and help bring the Welsh back to power, though they’re surrounded on all sides by Norman invaders. Though Nesta is highborn & her experiences reflect that privilege, her life is dictated by the whims of the men she encounters. That being said, the strength of her determination to make the best of every situation and find any power she can claim shines through!
I’m glad I purchased the audiobook as the many Welsh words are much easier to listen to than try to read! 😉
*Thanks to Mobius books and NetGalley for the advance review copy

This story fully drew me into late 11th century Wales, griping me by the shoulders and not letting me go until the end. Without any feeling of anachronism, the text is very readable and the plot moves along at a fast clip. Chadwick took the known facts, made her own decisions about the motivations behind recorded actions, and never hesitates, always everyone perfectly in their developed character.

My one complaint is I don't feel the title matched the story. It smacks of editor meddling, despite the fact jewelry does play a semi-important role to the story. The title feels more appropriate for Tudor era story. A "jewel" doesn't do justice to what Nesta went through and who she was - far from a sparkly decoration, she was a fine honed weapon.

I’m reluctant to leave the world of Nesta and Gerald. This isn’t my first Chadwick novel, but I think it may be my favorite. I was incredibly drawn to Nesta’s story as she navigates a world that doesn’t allow her to make her own decisions. She is a fully-fleshed out character with vices and virtues; I found myself simultaneously feeling frustration and sympathy for her.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc of this novel. My opinions are 100% my own.

Review in progress and to come.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review

Elizabeth Chadwick is an amazing writer whose works have the ability to draw you right into the history and the story from the very beginning. The King's Jewel begins in 1093 in South Wales and tells the story of Nesta, a young teen Welsh princess who is taken from her home by the invader Normans after her father is killed. After becoming an unwilling concubine to Henry I and bearing him a son, she is given by him in marriage to Gerald FitzWalter, an Anglo-Norman lord in charge of the castles of Carew, Pembroke, and Cenarth Bychan. Nesta harbors a deep anger and hatred of the invader Normans and although she seems contented with Gerald, she finds herself infatuated with Owain ap Cadwgan, a wild Welshman who "kidnaps" her and her children from their home. There were so many times in this story where I wanted to slap Nesta into realizing that Owain was a major jerk and that Gerald, although not Welsh by birth, was the better partner for her. There is much more to this story; it's a great read that left me wanting to learn more about Welsh history, Nesta, Gerald, and their children.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

I appreciate how Elizabeth Chadwick portrayed Nesta. She was controlled her whole life, as a woman and as a Welsh princess. Her life was full of heartache and yearning for what once was. Of course, she made the most of her situation and used these men as much as they used her. Her inner motives were always made explicitly clear and some of her actions had me wondering about the outcome. You jump right into the fire with Nesta and hope only for her happiness.

[Note: I received early access to this manuscript in exchange for writing an impartial review. Thank you NetGalley and Mobius. Publication Date: April 18, 2023]

It’s been a long since I‘ve been able to so completely and happily immerse myself in new historical fiction about a time period and location I know little about. This one is a total treat and completely absorbing throughout! Awarded THE KING’S JEWEL five stars on Goodreads.

Elizabeth Chadwick transported me to southwest Wales during the Middle Ages at the time King William II (1056-1100 - aka William Rufus - son of William the Conqueror) sat on the English throne. But this story belongs to Nesta ferch Rhys (1085-1136), young daughter of the Welsh prince, Rhys ap Tewdr (1040-93).

At the start of the book, Nesta is a much loved royal princess whose life is suddenly shattered when her father is killed in battle, her younger brother (the heir) shipped off to safety in Ireland, and Nesta and her mother forced into captivity under the control of the powerful and more numerous Norman invaders, who would like nothing better than to absorb Wales into their own country. (Of course, they eventually do later on!)

As we follow her life across the decades, Nesta, like many women, becomes a political pawn -- at the mercy of William II's younger brother and successor, King Henry I (a notorious philanderer). After years of being alone, abused, and forced to dissemble to everyone around her, Henry forces Nesta to marry Gerald FitzWalter of Windsor, a minor Norman knight. Making peace with a marriage to an inconsequential Norman is the last thing a proud princess of Wales wants. But Nesta is determined to hold onto her Welsh heritage and wait for the day her brother regains control of their family's former territory, thereby restoring her position and prestige.

Nesta's life is full of drama, some of it disturbing. Rape, violence, kidnapping, and sudden death are all around her. But what I found so absorbing in author Chadwick's focus on Nesta's personal exploration of the nature of true love, which, as it turns out, becomes a lifelong exploration. Asking the same questions we might. Is it best built on a foundation of respect or intense attraction? Is love about uncontrollable passion or unwavering support? And what role does loyalty play, if any? What about family politics?

Whether you are interested in this time period or aren't -- this book is for you. Because it offers everything wonderful that historical fiction can. A chance to....

• experience how people lived in another era,

• meet characters from history you can come to know and understand, and

• observe how little human nature changes over time. 

Elizabeth Chadwick is a remarkably talented writer whose work, for me, strikes that perfect balance of historical fact, solid research and compelling storytelling. Because when an author achieves that, all of us who love historical fiction benefit. Enjoy!

Elizabeth Chadwick has done it again! What an amazing story. Her writing makes you feel like you are standing right next to Nesta and Gerald as they live their lives in the 1100's. She brings her characters to life, warts and all so you definitely understand the motivations for what they do. The King's Jewel will certainly be in my top 10 books for 2023 and in the top 10 of all of Elizabeth's books. I have read all but one. Very strongly recommended!

I received a copy of the book from NetGalley and the publishers. All thoughts about the book are entirely my own.

The King’s Jewel is a super interesting story about two people who are as different as was possible.. Nesta, a young Welsh Princess and Gerald, the younger son of Norman nobility meet when Nesta’s father is killed defending his land against Norman raiders. When King Williams younger brother Henry becomes king after his death, Nesta is first a hostage and then Henry’s concubine, her mother is sent to a convent and her younger brother goes into exile in Ireland. It’s a rocky beginning to what will eventually become a marriage that produces a dynasty of sorts, but not without lots of obstacles and challenges galore.

The King’s Jewel is well researched, beautifully written and a fascinating story of two people in challenging times politically where one’s life is always at risk and at the whim of the king. I am a huge Elizabeth Chadwick fan, and this new book doesn’t disappoint. It is inspiring and Nesta and Gerald are beautifully detailed and satisfyingly flawed humans in the time of the first King Henry. A must read! I would give it 10 stars if I could!

Chadwick is the master of her craft and she rules this time period of historical fiction, This book is transportative and immersive. You lose yourself in the story and bring your box of tissues.

Elizabeth Chadwick is a master at historical fiction. I loved how she brought the story of Nesta, a Welsh princess, to life. I had never heard of Nesta before, even though I have read quite a few books set in the 11th and 12th centuries. Nesta's home is attacked, her father is killed, and her brother is sent fleeing to Ireland. Nesta is forced to live with the Normans until she is of an age to be married off. After a couple of years as a hostage, she catches the eye of Henry, the kings younger brother. He forces her to become his mistress, and Nesta starts a new form of captivity. After having Henry's son, Nesta is offered in marriage to Gerald, who is a Norman who currently lives on the land where she grew up. Gerald is a decent and honorable man but he is not Welsh and Nesta has never really been given a choice where her love life is concerned. Owain enters her life and Nesta has to make a choice for herself. Does she stay with Gerald or does she set a new coarse and follow the handsome Owain.

After reading this book I had to find out more about Nesta. I saw somewhere that she was dubbed the Helen of Troy of Wales. She is a fascinating woman and I love that the author includes a historical note about her. This is why I love historical fiction because I can learn about these fascinating women and the author's interpretation since their real stories have so few details left behind. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves historical fiction especially if they want to find out about fascinating women in history.

Thank you to Mobius Publishing and NetGalley for this advanced copy.

I received an ARC of this book and am writing this review voluntarily.

The King's Jewel is a veritable gem of a book; rich in history, drama, romance, action and the good kind of heartbreak, Elizabeth Chadwick outdoes herself in this Welsh period piece.

The story of Nesta ferch Rhys is one I, and I imagine not a lot of folks, are very familiar with. Taken by Norman invaders after the death of her father, Welsh princess Nesta becomes a concubine to Henry I, before being given in marriage to one of his constables. Torn between the desire for vengeance against her father's killers, love for her homeland and the care of her new husband, Nesta balances a fine line and must navigate the politics of 1100's Wales with care.

While her life might have been reduced to those paltry two sentences in a history book, Chadwick's lush and vivid epic gives Nesta her own story and agency. Watching Nesta grow, suffer under the thumbs of "great" men, make mistakes, and learn to love despite it all was just stunning. I especially loved how Chadwick took history and wrote it in such an approachable and beautiful way. The names are all in their original Welsh which was stunning, and while many historical fictions tend to focus on the tragedy, I confess to have been very relieved when the story had an HEA.

For fans out Outlander and the Tales of King Arthur, The King's Jewel is for you. Beautifully rich and engaging, the tale is one for the ages and may glimmer for as long.

Nesta is a woman like no other. You want to be her friend and then give her a swift kick in the butt at times. Elizabeth Chadwick has a way of bringing her words to life as well as her characters. The story is well paced and is very well rounded in character development. I'm a huge fan of this author and hope she continues to write about lesser known historical women. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.