Shadows and Strongholds

The novel "Shadows and Strongholds" follows the story of Fulke FitzWarin, a nine-year-old misfit who leaves his family to serve under Joscelin de Dinan, Lord of Ludlow. Fulke learns the knightly arts in the hope of escaping the shadows of his past.

He forms a close friendship with Joscelin's youngest daughter, Hawise, but their bond is tested when an enemy threatens Ludlow, putting them on opposing sides.

As the danger escalates, Fulke must confront his future and the loyalty of those around him, especially Haw ise, as they are forced to choose between allegiance and personal relationships.

Overall, "Shadows and Strongholds" is a historical fiction novel that explores themes of friendship, loyalty, betrayal, and the struggles of a young boy coming of age in a world filled with political intrigue and danger. The story delves into the complexities of relationships and loyalties during medieval times.

An awkward misfit, nine-year-old Fulke FitzWarin leaves his family for the household of Joscelin de Dinan, Lord of Ludlow. Once there, he begins to learn the knightly arts which he desperately hopes will free him from the shadows of his past. Joscelin's youngest daughter, Hawise, befriends Fulke when he most needs it. But as the years pass, an enemy to Ludlow changes their friendship unalterably, forcing them onto opposite sides of a cruel divide. When the menace to Ludlow intensifies, Fulke must confront the future head-on or fail on all counts, all the while desperate to know if Hawise stands with or against him.