I enjoyed this book. One of those that could be delved into as the mood took. Each chapter more written as an essay on the specific "kingdom". For a bit of less than a dry read it more than hits the spot as entertainment. Some would not be happy with the book title, hardly kingdoms at times, Eire is a prime example but that should not in general detract from the book. Some may not like the songs and poems interspersed throughout but again it is more a book aimed at entertaining and readable lay history. I do like the writing style of Davies. As much as I enjoy dry academic tomes generally there is nothing wrong with writing for the layman. A nice read and I will delve further into the authors work one day.
I have bought this but not read it yet. The author certainly seems to offend plenty of people for some reason. An earlier book of his got panned by a number of other historians. Maybe though as per Orlando Figes that was as much about personalities rather than anything else.
Re Afghanistan, have you read the below? I thought it was excellent. Most enjoyable reading.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Great-Game-Secret-Service/dp/0719564476