The After Cilmeri Series in Order

About the After Cilmeri series

Series Premise

The core premise begins with a devastating historical event: the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the last Prince of Wales, at the Battle of Cilmeri in 1282. In this reimagined timeline, a small group of modern-day Americans and Britons—led by a university professor and his family—are mysteriously transported back in time just as the battle unfolds. They intervene to save Llywelyn’s life, setting off a chain of events that ripples through Welsh and English history. The stories follow these time-displaced characters as they struggle to adapt to medieval life, navigate political intrigue, prevent conquest, and protect the fragile independence of Wales. Along the way, they form deep bonds with historical figures, face moral dilemmas about changing the past, and discover that love, loyalty, and courage transcend time. The series explores how ordinary people can become extraordinary when thrust into history’s turning points, while grappling with the responsibilities and heartaches of living in an era vastly different from their own.

Main Characters

The central characters are the time travelers and the Welsh figures whose lives they transform. Meg Lloyd (later Meg ap Llywelyn) is a strong, intelligent modern woman who becomes deeply embedded in Welsh royal life after saving Prince Llywelyn. Her perspective drives much of the emotional core as she balances love, motherhood, and the weight of historical knowledge. Llywelyn ap Gruffydd, the real historical Prince of Wales, evolves from a noble but embattled leader into a complex partner and ruler shaped by his second chance at life. Their relationship forms the emotional anchor of the early series. Other key time travelers include Meg’s brother David and sister Anna, who bring modern values, strategic thinking, and youthful energy to the medieval court. Supporting and recurring characters include Welsh nobles, warriors, and family members such as Goronwy, Tudur, and various loyal retainers who provide counsel, humor, and steadfast support. English figures—ranging from kings to border lords—add political tension and occasional alliances or rivalries. The growing circle of friends and allies creates a powerful sense of found family that spans cultures and centuries.

Setting

The setting is vividly rendered 13th- and 14th-century Wales, with its rugged mountains, misty valleys, ancient castles, and proud fortresses. From the snow-capped peaks of Snowdonia to the bustling courts of Gwynedd and the contested borderlands with England, Woodbury paints a sensory-rich portrait of medieval life: the scent of woodsmoke and wet wool, the clang of swords in training yards, the taste of hearty stews and ale, and the haunting beauty of Welsh song and poetry. The contrast between the characters’ modern knowledge and the brutal realities of the era—limited medicine, political intrigue, and constant threats of war—heightens both the wonder and the tension. Occasional glimpses of the modern world or time-travel reflections add emotional layers without overshadowing the medieval focus.

Tone & Themes

Woodbury’s tone is immersive, adventurous, and emotionally warm, blending vivid historical detail with accessible, character-driven storytelling. The prose flows with a gentle elegance that makes the medieval world feel immediate and alive, balancing moments of tension and danger with tender romance and quiet humor. There is genuine peril—battles, political betrayal, and the harsh realities of medieval life—but the overall atmosphere remains hopeful and empowering. Themes include the power of love and loyalty across time, the moral complexities of altering history, the strength of family (both blood and chosen), cultural identity and resistance against oppression, personal growth through adversity, and the idea that one person’s courage can shift the course of destiny. Romance develops with sweet intensity and mutual respect, often featuring protective yet egalitarian partnerships that honor both medieval and modern sensibilities.

In the end, the After Cilmeri series by Sarah Woodbury is a luminous journey through time, love, and the unbreakable spirit of a people fighting for their freedom. Woodbury masterfully blends historical authenticity with imaginative “what if” storytelling, inviting readers to experience the wonder, danger, and tenderness of living between worlds. Through Meg, Llywelyn, and their companions, the series reminds us that courage is not the absence of fear but the choice to act anyway, that love can bridge centuries, and that one small act of bravery can echo through history. Whether standing on a windswept Welsh mountainside or defending a castle against overwhelming odds, these tales wrap the heart in hope and wonder. Step through the veil of time with the After Cilmeri characters, and discover why this series continues to enchant readers: because in every era, the greatest adventures are those of the heart, the home, and the quiet heroism that changes everything. Open the pages, listen for the echo of Welsh voices on the wind, and let Sarah Woodbury transport you to a past that feels vividly, beautifully alive.