I struggled to finish this series and it started so well and then it got more and more fantastic and totally left me feeling lost in dismay. I was very disappointed. It takes place during the time of the ill fated reign of King Stephen who fights the whole time with Maude the daughter of Henry I over England. As historical fiction it pales and fantasy is with witches and vampire like beings are not my cup of tea. Ms. Crosby does know her Welsh tales and this is her take but just too odd for my taste. I am left feeling from her previous books that I liked about the child Malcolm, that as an adult he was very unlucky in his marriage and had a very unfortunate life. I read or listen to this type of book to have an adult fairy tale read to me and this was more horror story. I have read better historical fiction for this time by other authors.