As its sub-title declares, this is a collection of eighteen ‘stories and legends of Welsh castles’ that will appeal to children (and adults) of all ages. Told in the style of traditional myth and legend, these charming stories pit the heroes of Welsh history against their protagonists, with the inevitable conclusion.

A map at the beginning of the book helps the reader to locate each castle, whilst each chapter is preceded by a short historical introduction. The stories are illustrated with atmospheric black and white drawings, either depicting a scene from the tale, or an accurate depiction of the characters as they would have been dressed.

<i>Raise the Drawbridge</i> will prove popular as an historical resource within a classroom, or as an adventurous historical read; each chapter is contained and exciting, and leads the reader on to the next.

This is an enjoyable account of events in our castles’ histories, and is certainly well worth a read.

- Amanda James @ www.gwales.com,