Review: Their Castilian Orphan by Anna Belfrage

Today, I'm delighted to welcome back Anna Belfrage, award-winning author of brilliant historical fiction and dual-timeline novels. I've just finished reading the last book in her fabulous Castilian Saga series – Their Castilian Orphan. Do check it out!

Their Castilian Orphan is currently on blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club. Have a look at all the other fascinating posts on tour HERE!

 

Their Castilian Orphan

The Castilian Saga

by Anna Belfrage

I'm a big fan of Ms Belfrage's novels, and in particular her medieval Castilian Saga series about Noor d'Outremer and her English (bastard) husband, Robert FitzStephan. Set during the turbulent reign of King Edward I of England – whose brutal campaigns in Wales and Scotland make for the most memorable events of his reign.

So it's with some sadness that I've read the fourth, and final, novel in the series – Their Castilian Orphan. Readers of the series will remember that, early on, Noor and Robert secretly took in an abandoned infant – the child of none other than infamous Dafydd ap Gruffudd, the treacherous brother of Llewellyn the Last. History buffs will know well what befell him in the end. And no, King Edward didn't show leniency, as so often. But enough of the gruesome historical background...

This novel is mostly about Lionel – the boy who Robert and Noor pass of as a Castilian orphan they took in. The late Queen Eleanor had an inkling, but she never passed on any details to her beloved husband, Edward.

Lionel is sent to Edward's court as a page, a task the boy doesn't enjoy. He is fully aware of his status as an orphan (but not of his true lineage), unlike the other pages who will all stand to inherit titles and family lands. It isn't surprising that he's being bullied, too, but as his place is with the king, he acquiesces. 

Noor frets about his safety, fully expecting someone to recognise the teenager's resemblance to his late Welsh rebel father. All the while, she nearly loses her life following childbirth, but falls pregnant again soon after. Will she survive another birth?

In other news, Robert's detested half-brother, Eustace, has returned to England after his 5-year banishment, and Edward takes him and his men in keenly. He must send forces to Wales to deal with various smaller uprisings, and Eustace's offer comes in handy. Noor and Robert are concerned for Lionel, but soon, Robert is also called to Edward's camp to help him against the Welsh. 

With Eustace continuing to threaten Robert, Robert must watch his back. But when things come to a head near Conwy, will Eustace succeed with his plan? Or will he finally receive the royal justice Robert has hoped for for so long? Well, read the book to find out!

Their Castilian Orphan feels like the end of an era, and it's not easy to let go of all those familiar characters at Orton Manor. Loose threats are tied up, but keep tissues at hand! You'll need them...

I'm not too sure about one aspect at the end, though I won't give any details, as this would reveal a crucial plot line. Still, I found that particular aspect a little bit strange. 

Apart from that, Their Castilian Orphan makes for another riveting read in this dramatic romantic adventure series that took Robert and Noor across Wales, England, and Spain. The research throughout has been impeccable, and the characters firmly rooted in their time and place, as brutal as it was. But they also showed courage, support, and empathy where needed. Except, perhaps, Edward I, but then he was very much a real king in a dangerous era...

 

With the Castilian Saga, Ms Belfrage has managed to create one of the most fascinating and engaging historical fiction series set in the late 13th century. Bravo!

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Blurb:

It is 1294 and Eustace de Lamont is back in England after five years in exile. He will stop at nothing to ruin Robert FitzStephan and his wife, Noor d’Outremer.

Robert’s half brother, Eustace de Lamont, has not mellowed during his absence. He is more ruthless than ever, and this time he targets Robert’s and Noor’s foster son, Lionel.

Lionel is serving King Edward as a page when Eustace appears at court. Not only does Lionel become the horrified witness to Eustace’s violent streak, Eustace also starts voicing his suspicions about Lionel’s parentage. The truth about Lionel’s heritage is explosive—should King Edward find out, all would be lost for Robert and Noor.

In October of 1294, Wales rises in rebellion. Robert must leave his family unprotected to fight the Welsh rebels on the king’s behalf, comforted only by the fact that Eustace too is called to fight.

Except that Eustace has no intention of allowing his duty to his king—or a mere rebellion—come between him and his desire to destroy Robert FitzStephan . . .

Buy Link: Universal Buy Link

This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

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About the Author:

Anna Belfrage

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England.

Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients.

 

 

More recently, Anna has been hard at work with her Castilian series. The first book, His Castilian Hawk, published in 2020, is set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales. His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty, integrity—and love. In the second instalment, The Castilian Pomegranate, we travel with the protagonists to the complex political world of medieval Spain, while the third, Her Castilian Heart, finds our protagonists back in England—not necessarily any safer than the wilds of Spain! The fourth book, Their Castilian Orphan, now available.

All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of various Readers’ Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.

Find out more about Anna, her books and enjoy her eclectic historical blog on her website, www.annabelfrage.com.

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