The Books
The history of Normandie began a long time before 1066. From the 8th century, Viking marauders began bursting through the defences of the established European kingdoms creating a dominating presence from the Baltic Sea to the island of Sicily and the borders of Eastern Europe. Despite a well-won reputation for war and raiding the Vikings were also highly successful traders, craftsmen, explorers, settlers and mercenaries.
In 911 the Viking Sea-King, Rollo the Walker was ‘gifted’ the Duchy of Normandie by the besieged Charles the Simple, King of France, in exchange for protection. He promised to convert to Christianity and to protect the coastline from incursions by other Norse raiders. Rollo was as good as his word and his people settled and thrived, assimilating with the local population and ultimately evolving into ‘good’ Normans.
Successive years proved turbulent as dukes, counts and bishops all jostled for position until William the Bastard (later the Conqueror) crushed all rivals to consolidate his position. He did not do it alone and it took strong alliances and fierce warriors to help him. Such a warrior was Bjorn Halfdanson and his clan provided Normandie and Duke William with vital strength, stability and protection. Just over a century and a half after Rollo’s accession William, a fifth-generation Viking descendent, took the Norman army across ‘la Manche’ to take the English crown from the Saxons. The Leopards of Normandie tells the story of the Fitzroy family and their profound effect on the fate of the Duchy and beyond.
Flight of the Ravens: Book 1
An Authentic Viking Saga of heroism and courage. The Saga begins
Bjorn ‘Spear Arm’ and his cousin, Torstein ‘the Warrior Skald’ leave their home in Haugesund, Norway to embark on an epic Viking saga that will affect the lives of all who come into contact with them. Their odyssey takes them through thousands of miles of hostile oceans in search of wealth and reputation where they have a seismic effect on the lives of the Sea Kings, fellow warriors and ordinary folk they meet along the way. Enemies cross the path of the ‘Wandering Warriors’ at their peril. This is an authentic story that captures the warrior spirit of 10th century Nordic seafarers in their relentless march towards destiny. It is set against a background of real-life events and offers readers an accurate first- hand depiction of a remarkable period of history that shaped modern Europe.
Exciting, well-written first novel by Peter D Richards. A rollicking good read about Norwegian, Swedish and Danish raiders, plundering and pillaging countries bordering the Baltic and later the East coast of England. It is not for the faint-hearted and a thoroughly enjoyable. LMS, Reviewer *****
Seeds of Odin: Book 2
The next generations of Fitzroys come to the fore. The Duchy of Normandie is rising but its young Duke must be protected
The Second Book in the ‘Leopards of Normandie’ Series chronicling the life and times of the fictional Viking/Norman family, the Fitzroys of Regneville and their journey to power and reputation.
The Seeds of Odin is an historical fiction, spanning three decades, about a family of Viking settlers in the first part of the 11th century in medieval Normandy. Two young boys Harald and Robert are tasked with being companions to the precocious eight-year-old William (the Conqueror). The relationship between the three is complex and becomes the source of great conflict as they grow up.
‘The Seeds of Odin’ picks up from where the author’s first book leaves off. The Fitzroy family have achieved wealth, power and status but not safety, security or stability. The political manoeuvrings and thirst for power of their neighbours are a constant threat to the Fitzroy family. The book has been historically researched and gives an insight into the brutal life and warfare of these times. I found it hard to put the book down as was constantly wondering what turn of events would be thrust into their path. I had to move swiftly on to the sequel, ‘Dangerous Companions’. JC, Reviewer , ***** (5 Stars)
Dangerous Companions
The Duchies of Normandie and Apulia are under threat. Step forward the grandsons of the Wandering Warriors, Harald and Robert
The Third Book in the authentic and compelling ‘Leopards of Normandie’ Series chronicling the life and times of the powerful Viking/Norman family, the Fitzroys of Regneville and their journey to power and reputation.
Dangerous Companions is part a series of historical fiction about two brothers, their families and friends in the first part of the 11th century in medieval Normandy. Harald and Robert Fitzroy are companions of the Duke of Normandie who quarrelled and parted as a result of the latter’s scheming.
I’ve loved all three books in the series and this is possibly the best so far. Peter Richards, the author should be far more famous than he is. If you like historical ‘faction’, you’ll love this book.
Ian F , Reviewer, ***** (5 stars)
The Shieldmaidens Curse
1066 is looming and a hundred year old curse is about to descend on the Saxon Kingdom. The Fitzroy brothers are pivotal figures in the drama
Old ghosts re-emerge to take vengeance for an ancient blood feud. The Duchy has enjoyed an unexpected peace dividend as a result of the decisive actions of the men from Regneville, but greed and political intrigue in 11th-century Saxon England threaten to disturb the balance of power. The Duke of Normandie embarks on the most dangerous venture of his reign but, without the strong-arm of Harald Fitzroy, and new alliances are needed to secure the throne. The death of Edward the Confessor in 1066 creates an opportunity for acquisitive warriors to converge on England to seize what they believe is theirs, forcing the Fitzroy brothers to play their part.
Peter Richards’ 4th book is no less than a triumph. This beautifully written book is a guide through imagination and history, by someone who has expertly fused historical fact and the flourish of story telling. I didn’t want to put it down and cannot recommend this highly enough.
SS, Reviewer, ***** (5 stars)
A Bitter Harvest
1066, the year of three battles, sees the end of the rule of the Saxon Kings as the matriarch of the Fitzroy clan, Turid Skjaldmær, finally delivers her curse. Her three grandsons unite to defeat Harold Godwinson at the battle of the Hoary Apple Tree and place the English crown into the hands of their master, William, the Duke of Normandie. But conquest has come at a great cost to both victors and vanquished. The battle may have been won but the Normans but the Saxons are far from beaten and the smoke of rebellion is in the air.
This is the 5th novel in The Leopards of Normandie series by Peter D Richards. This book concentrates on the Battle of Hastings and the consequential aftermath, the Norman Conquest.The depth of research by the author has moulded the story skilfully around the Fitzroy clan and their influence on Duke William and his Norman conquerers,Any one with a keen interest in medieval English history will find a depth and colour in this very good read.
CB, Reviewer ***** (5 Stars)
