 Of the novel, Penman states, “I think "Dragons" is so popular because it was virgin territory for most readers.The saga of the Plantagenets was much better known, but not many people were familiar with medieval Wales or its princes.And then, too, the story of Llewelyn the Great and Joanna, King John's illegitimate daughter, is a remarkable one, which struck an emotional chord with many readers.”

In "Falls the Shadow" (1988) Penman chronicles the family relationships of King Henry III and his brother-in-law Simon de Montfort.