Conquests

Hearts Rule Kingdoms

By: Emily Murdoch

Narrated by: Katie Bunn

Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

England, 1069. The nation is still recovering from the Norman invasion three years earlier - and adjusting to life under its sometimes brutal new rulers. A young girl trembles in the shadows of what was once her home. Avis is homeless and penniless, and with no family left alive she is forced to become a ward of Richard, the Norman lord who has taken her home.

But when King William decrees that Norman lords must marry Anglo-Saxon women Avis must make a terrible choice. Either marry the repulsive Richard or else take a chance on another Norman, Melville, a man she has never met.

Soon she realizes that survival in a time of turmoil and war depends on putting aside the prejudices of the past.

Conquests is a brilliantly researched and involving historical drama that is perfect for fans of Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory.

©2013 Emily Murdoch (P)2017 Emily Murdoch

Broken Hearts

I loved this story. I can amagine life being like this and it seems like it was so real. I was gifted a copy so I am giving an honest review. I highly recommend reading.

A brilliant reading with a truly gripping story

Would you listen to Conquests again? Why?

Yes. One of the best historical I have listened to in a long time.

What other book might you compare Conquests to and why?

Trying to compare Conquests to another book is like comparing two children together both are unique and wonderful.

Which scene was your favorite?

I do not have a favorite scene the book flowed so well. It was wonderful to listen to.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Friends murder, homes burn and lives in shambles then forces to marry either the robber of her home or another hated Norman A brilliant insight into what it would be like to be both the conquered and conquer

Any additional comments?

I received a free copy of the audio version of this story and I would love to let you know what a wonder story this is. A brilliant reading with a truly gripping story is how I describe this work. One of the best historical I have listened to in a long time. The book is on my must get list.

Very engaging

I absolutely loved this book. The narrator was spot on. The story of Annis and Melville held me spell bound. I can't wait to listen to the next story by Emily Murdoch. I was sent it for free to give a review and I'm so glad to have been honored to listen to it.

Fun and intriguing story

I really enjoyed this story. I liked how flawed and real the characters were. Although at times their misunderstandings of one another were frustrating, they also felt real especially since they were enemies when they met. I loved the journey both main characters take through the story.

The perfect voice for this story!

I've bought a couple audio books in the past but I never felt like the voice really matched the story. Right away when the narrator started I knew this was a perfect match for this book. It made the book so much more captivating!
The story I really enjoyed. I haven't read a lot of books from this medieval time period so it made it all the more interesting to me to read about the conflict going on. Although the setting of the book was in time period marked with war and injustice, the book still had an underlining hope for something better to come. The characters were very well developed. Though I felt like the book was a little on the long side, thus the 4 stars, the story was never stagnant. It surprised me with plot twists and unexpected developments.
What I appreciated most was seeing the main character, Avis, heal from the atrocities of war and become a strong woman, knowing her own mind. The book is a clean sweet read!

A Fantastic Historical Novel!

If you could sum up Conquests in three words, what would they be?

Historically accurate, believable

What did you like best about this story?

The story is believable, and portrays a couple from both sides of the Conquest. She is an Anglo Saxon, he is one of the Normans who invaded the land. So when the new King William demands they marry, they bring hard feelings and attitudes that are difficult to overcome.

Which scene was your favorite?

The last chapter's scene was my favorite, after all the misunderstandings and misconceptions they each had, they finally are understanding each other better. It made it worth the wait!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I wanted to listen to it in one sitting; but I wasn't able to. I finished it in two days.

Any additional comments?

I like reading Emily Murdoch's writings, and was excited to listen to it! It brings it alive, and more personal. Katie Bunn does a wonderful job of narrating!

outstanding

outstanding and refreshing!! so different from reading it to listening to it!!! takes on a whole new meaning for me!!!! still love it and want more!!!!!

Dark period in time but enjoyable story

Any additional comments?

This was hard to stop listening to at times. The characters of Avis and Melville and their stories, struggles, etc., pulled me in, and I wanted everything to work out. There were times when I had tears and times when I smiled. The history of this time period is one of my favorites, and I enjoyed the bits of history thrown in. I recommend this story and look forward to more.

I received a copy of this audiobook as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.

Conquered by love

I loved this narrator!!! She did a great job of switching between voices - she didn't miss a beat. Avis and Melville are forced to get married both are pretty bitter about it. The author did a great job of growing the characters and slowly developing a relationship between husband and wife. I like the audio so much I bought the ebook. This is one I will listen to again and read.

The narrater did a great job

This is a clean romance developing between two people of different background and education and the
fact she is Anglo-Saxon and he is a conquering Norman.
Marriage is forced by the King so neither person had much to say about it.
It's more a matter of surviving in a time of war and how people adopt eventually to almost any circumstance.
The reading of the book was excellent. It was done in a clear voice that kept you engaged in the story.
The ending seems a bit strange and it might have been the copy of the audio book that was not
complete? The father came back to his home as a prisoner. No further explanation given. Why was he
brought back to his own home? It's almost as it should have ended without that final chapter or more should have been told.