"Montfort: The Early Years 1229 to 1243" is about a man trying to make his place in the world. He was raised in the French court but his older brother has claim to their father’s French land and titles. So, Montfort travels to England to claim his father’s English titles, Earl of Leicester and Steward of England. He is viewed as a foreigner by the English court but soon becomes the King’s favorite. It seems he continually gets himself into trouble when it comes to women. He falls for the King’s sister, who is a nun. The King lets them marry when she ends up pregnant, but he has to travel to Rome to beg the Pope to free her of her holy vows or their marriage will be invalid. He has a brief affair with the Queen of England, which ends in his banishment from England. He does, however, find success as Mayor of Jerusalem. For the short time he’s there, the city prospers.

Katherine Ashe has thoroughly researched Montfort’s life. The book is based on her research as much as it can be. However, it doesn’t read like a history book. She seamlessly weaves in fiction to fill the holes and provide a story around the facts. I did find the historical context section, which is located in the back of the book, interesting, but it is not necessary to understand the book. With the book being based on Ashe’s research, I’m very glad she put this section in. It’s a way for the interested reader to find out what parts of the book are “accepted history.”

Simon de Montfort had a very interesting life. It was hard to put the book down. It’s full of court intrigue and 13th Century culture. I would recommend this book to anyone even remotely interested in history. It’s a very well-written book with a story that will pull you in and characters that will keep you wanting more. ( )

Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester, was one of the most significant figures in the development of our democratic system of government. He led the Second Barons’ War in 1263, forcing an elected parliament on King Henry III. Despite his historical significance, he is little known to Americans. This historical novel is an antidote to that.
The story begins with Simon’s coming of age and continues through his adventurous life. This is a massive work, 4 volumes, over 1500 pages; the story does move along, though. Of course, this is a fictionalized account, but it is well-researched, including notes and a bibliography. This is an enjoyable read, and you will understand Simon de Montfort’s significance in the development of democratic parliamentary systems when you’re done. ( )

MONTFORT:THE EARLY YEARS 1229-1243 by Katherine Ashe is an interesting historical fiction. It is written with emotion,research,about the pathetic kings of England,the destruction of a country,political and financial situation. It is the story of Simon de Montfort,the founder of parliament,the inexperience, greed,and ideals,during the 13th century. The plot is filled with deceit,ambition,failure,triumph,romance,and the man himself. "Montfort:The Early Years" is a truly fascinating story of the beginning of Democracy in England,Simon de Montfort's life,romances,his military career and the challenges he faced.This is an epic story of epic portions. A must read for any historical fiction readers or anyone who enjoys history,England,Democracy,and learning more on England and her aristrocracy.Received for an honest review from the author. Details can be found at Wake Robin Press,the author's website and My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews.

**Montfort:The Early Years is the first in a four volume set on the life of Simon de Montfort life**

RATING: 4

HEAT RATING:SWEET

REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addition and More/My Book Addiction Reviews ( )

This is a great book. It held my attention from beginning to end. well researched and well written, there was much adventure action as well as telling the story of Montfort's fight to advance himself socially and financially. A fascinating character in an exciting time in history, the book is a great read. by Thom Petri ( )

Kirkus review: http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/katherine-ashe/montfort-early-years/