I love Ashman's books, ever since reading his Roman series nearly 14 years ago. There are engaging characters to love, and antagonists you'll love to hate, there's plenty of action with skirmishes and large battles alike, and scenery described with real love.

One of the most important and frightening years in British history - 1066.

I really enjoyed this book about King Harold and his extraordinary bloody battles against William of Normandy & the Viking Harald Hardrada of Norway. To be a king during this period entailed being involved in almost constant warfare and forging alliances with untrustworthy leaders from other nations. Looking back through history, it is unimaginable to have three or four major battles in one year with many thousands of dead soldiers and still continue to be optimistic about a positive outcome.
The author skillfully immerses you in the everyday personal life of King Harold, including his two wives.
I always understood that the Pope sanctioned Williams's invasion of England. However, the author disputes that this is the case.
I recommend this book but mark it down very slightly, I found some of the conversations were a bit too modern in idiom.

The amazing and well told story of the reign and death of Harold Godwinsson. Though this is the third book in a trilogy, it works as a standalone novel.