"A great book both for those exploring the story behind the Norman Conquest for the first time, and for more knowledgeable readers who want to read a fresh account of it." -- Aspects of History " Battle for the Island Kingdom is thoroughly enjoyable, and is recommended to anyone looking for a comprehensive and accessible history of the period." -- Military History Matters "The story of England and how it came to be a Norman possession is an intricate and fascinating one. This is a very readable book which opens up this complex period." -- Battlefield "Historian Hollway chronicles in this brisk study the 66 tumultuous years culminating in the Norman victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066 CE. The result is an accessible and vibrant portrait of a turning point in world history." -- Publisher's Weekly " There's no need for fictional dragons when the real-life battle for thrones and empires is as thrilling as Hollway's .account of England's history leading up to the Norman Conquest of 1066.

A deeply researched must-read for anyone interested in this contested era. Readers will be enthralled." -- Library Journal "The second type of person who would love this book is pretty much everyone else. There is war, back-stabbing, polygamy, politics, poisonings, and a saint or two. What's not to love?. Hollway keeps everything clear and concise while telling a great story. Just plain fantastic." -- History Nerds United "Hollway's book is anything but dry.

At every turn, he infuses his accounts with a novelist's flair.Hollway makes it feel so loud and headlong that the story feels both new and unpredictable. he's filled a long-lost era with color and life." -- Open Letters Review " In his latest work on this era, the author [Hollway] brings this period to vivid life through engaging prose, a coherent narrative and a mind for the most minute yet interesting detail . This book is lively and easy to read." -- Military Heritage.