Spotlight/Giveaway: The King's Justice by E.M Powell

Publication Date: June 1, 2018

Thomas & Mercer

Paperback & eBook; 288 Pages

ISBN-978-1542046015

Series: Stanton and Barling #1

Genre: Historical Mystery

A murder that defies logic—and a killer on the loose.

England, 1176. Aelred Barling, esteemed clerk to the justices of King Henry II, is dispatched from the royal court with his young assistant, Hugo Stanton, to investigate a brutal murder in a village outside York. The case appears straightforward. A suspect is under lock and key in the local prison, and the angry villagers are demanding swift justice. But when more bodies are discovered, certainty turns to doubt—and amid the chaos it becomes clear that nobody is above suspicion. Facing growing unrest in the village and the fury of the lord of the manor, Stanton and Barling find themselves drawn into a mystery that defies logic, pursuing a killer who evades capture at every turn.

Can they solve the riddle of who is preying upon the villagers?

And can they do it without becoming prey themselves?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

E.M. Powell’s historical thriller Fifth Knight novels have been #1 Amazon and Bild bestsellers. The King’s Justice is the first novel in her new Stanton and Barling medieval murder mystery series. She is a contributing editor to International Thriller Writers’ The Big Thrill magazine, blogs for English Historical Fiction Authors and is the social media manager for the Historical Novel Society. Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State), she now lives in North-West England with her husband, daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog.

Find out more by visiting www.empowell.com.

You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 6 paperback copies of The King's Justice!

To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on July 13th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
 – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

  The King's Justice

Audio Review: A Place Beyond Courage (William Marshal #1) by Elizabeth Chadwick

Sometimes Keeping Your Honor Means Breaking Your Word 

The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper. John FitzGilbert is a man of honor and loyalty, sworn to royal service. When the old king dies, his successor rewards the handsome and ambitious John with castles and lands.

But King Stephen has a tenuous hold on both his reign and his barons, and when jealous rivals at court seek to destroy John, he backs a woman's claim to the crown, sacrifices his marriage, and eventually is forced to make a gamble that is perhaps one step too far.

545 pages 

Published September 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks Landmark

 (first published October 4th 2007)

audiobook  16 hours and 31 minutes

*****

I was first introduced to John FitzGilbert the Marshall and always wondered who this man was that gave the famous 'anvil and hammer' speech. If you are not familiar with it I won't recite as it would be a spoiler for this book.  Suffice to say his reputation was greatly tarnished because of it.  

The year is 1130 when King Henry I is on the throne, but not for long, England is about to enter a dark period in history since the King dies with no male heir.  As the battle for the crown ensues John FitzGilbert's story comes to life.  He needs a wife and heirs himself while at the same time John must also decide who to support, the usurper Stephen or the King's daughter Matilda. I loved the way John's character was portrayed here, I got to know him, feel his drive, struggles and understand his motivation.  It was a dangerous time and one had to be careful with each move you made, decisions had to be made with little time to think and the consequences could be deadly.

The reading world is dominated with female protagonists and this book is a refreshing change.  It just goes to show that you can still get a great story with all the some elements as with a female lead - action, romance, political intrigue and be thoroughly entertained.  

Elizabeth Chadwick is a favorite of mine, her writing seems to revolve around this time period and it's one I enjoy reading.  She brings history to life with interesting research methods that bring forth books that I find captivating and I can't help but get immersed.  The author notes goes into detail about her motivation for writing this book and other facts in history about John and the times.

This was an audio read for me, Peter Wickham is the reader and he does a great job.

I highly recommend this one to those that love a romp through Medieval England.

I received a physical copy of this book from Sourcebooks but the audio version is from my personal library.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Autumn Throne by Elizabeth Chadwick

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

 This week I am waiting for:

 Hardcover, 512 pages
 Expected publication: September 1st 2016 by Sphere 

England, 1176

Imprisoned by her husband, King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England, refuses to let her powerful husband bully her into submission, even as he forces her away from her children and her birthright. Freed only by Henry's death, Eleanor becomes dowager Queen of England. But the competition for land and power that Henry stirred up among his sons has intensified to a dangerous rivalry.

Eleanor will need every ounce of courage and fortitude as she crosses the Alps in winter to bring Richard his bride, and travels medieval Europe to ransom her beloved son. But even her indomitable spirit will be tested to its limits as she attempts to keep the peace between her warring sons, and find a place in the centres of power for her daughters.

 Eleanor of Aquitaine's powerful story is brought to a triumphant and beautiful close by much-loved author Elizabeth Chadwick.

What are you waiting for?

Review: The Wild Hunt by Elizabeth Chadwick

During the 12th-century Welsh March Wars, King William Rufus orders Guyon, 28, to marry nearly 16-year-old Judith in order to secure lands from Judith's despised uncle, Lord Robert de Belleme.

As the marriage begins, Guyon is angry and Judith is terrified. He is experienced in both love and war, and is hostile about marrying this child and surrounding himself with such a nest of political vipers. Judith, having watched her father abuse her mother, expects her own marriage to include rape, beatings, and humiliation. What gradually develops between them is a trust and respect that eventually blooms into a passionate love.

Their story is tightly interwoven with a tenuous political situation as brothers battle for the kingdom and the barons divide themselves between the factions.

Paperback, 341 pages 

Published December 4th 2008 by Sphere (first published 1990)

Print copy from personal library

*****

I am relatively new to Elizabeth Chadwick in that I have only read three of her books previous to this one. After reading Lady of the English and the first two books in her Elienor of Aquitaine series I was pleasantly surprised when I searched and found a nice stack of books that were unknown to me. Being the weird sorta of person that I am, I decided to go back to the beginning with her first book and work my way through all of them.

The Wild Hunt is book one in the Ravenstow trilogy taking place in 12th century. Most of the author's writing centers around this time period which makes it all the more exciting to read because of her vast knowledge of this era. Her methods of research are quite interesting and I encourage you to check out her website http://elizabethchadwick.com/

It wasn't long for me to get absorbed in this story, I don't need to re-visit what takes place here you can read the synopsis above to get the idea. The Welsh March War is new for me as is reading anything during the reign of King William II.

I have found in reading debut novels that for some authors it takes a couple books under their belt to really make the words flow and the story to develop smoothly. As I've read the last three books that Elizabeth Chadwick has written, going back to her first (of over 20) I can honestly say I feel that her writing was seasoned and just as captivating as it is now. Her knowledge of the time was evident. She drew me into the story and it wasn't hard to feel the emotions, motives and struggles of  Judith, Guyan and his mistress (to name just a few).  I was immersed in the setting and her character development was spot on, right down to the children portrayed here.

Definitely a series I will continue with as well as working my way through the rest of her books. Though I am not a big romance reader, there is enough of it in this book without being overwhelming. The Wild Hunt was the winner of the Betty Task Award in 1994 for first time novelist, a very well deserved award for a great book.

Definitely one I highly recommend!

Review: The Lord of Ireland by E.M. Powell

 England, 1185.

John is a prince without prospect of a crown. 

As the youngest son of Henry II, he has long borne the hated nickname ‘Lackland’. When warring tribes and an ambitious Anglo-Norman lord threaten Henry’s reign in Ireland, John believes his time has finally come. Henry is dispatching him there with a mighty force to impose order. Yet it is a thwarted young man who arrives on the troubled isle. John has not been granted its kingship—he is merely the Lord of Ireland, destined never to escape his father’s shadow. Unknown to John, Henry has also sent his right-hand man, Sir Benedict Palmer, to root out the traitors he fears are working to steal the land from him. But Palmer is horrified when John disregards Henry’s orders and embarks on a campaign of bloodshed that could destroy the kingdom.

Now Palmer has to battle the increasingly powerful Lord of Ireland. Power, in John’s hands, is a murderous force—and he is only just beginning to wield it.

Publication Date: April 5, 2016 

Thomas & Mercer Kindle, Paperback, Audiobook; 370 Pages

 Series: The Fifth Knight

 Genre: Historical Thriller

  

*****  

This is the third book in the Fifth Knight Series by EM Powell. I have read the first two books which I really enjoyed and looked forward to continuing with this series. Though I highly recommend starting at the beginning with The Fifth Knight and then continuing with The Blood of the Fifth Knight, these books can be read as standalones but there is history with some of the main characters that are fully explained in the first one.

What I really loved about this book was the way John Lackland was portrayed. You know how you have an image in your mind of historical figures, not just their looks but their personalities and behavior? In this book John was exactly how I pictured him and I love that. Being the son of a King with no inheritance left I can see how he would be bitter, jealous and out to prove he is worthy of a Kingship. Henry is right in his fears of Johnny by only making him Lord of Ireland.

This book continues with the story of Sir Benedict  Palmer and his wife Theodosia as they set off to Ireland at the request of King Henry II. Again this was an action-packed book full of mystery and suspense and I was not disappointed. Though some characters are fictional the author also draws on real historical figures and events, thus creating a very entertaining read. Her descriptive writing was spot on and I had no problem visualizing what was taking place and being able to feel the emotion of the characters here.

The author ended the book with historical notes explaining what was fact and fiction which always finishes a book off nicely. I have not heard if this series will continue but one can always hope.

Thank you to each of HFVBT for the invite to be part of this blog tour and a complementary e-book copy for review purposes

Praise for The Fifth Knight Series

"With her fast-paced mysteries set in the tumultuous reign of Henry II, E.M. Powell takes readers on enthralling, and unforgettable, journeys." -Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Crown “Both Fifth Novels are terrific. Benedict and Theodosia are not merely attractive characters: they are intensely real people.” -Historical Novels Review “From the get-go you know you are in an adventure when you enter the world of E.M. Powell's 12th century. Peril pins you down like a knight's lance to the chest”-Edward Ruadh Butler, author of Swordland

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Chapters

E.M. Powell’s medieval thrillers The Fifth Knight and The Blood of the Fifth Knight have been number-one Amazon bestsellers and on the Bild bestseller list in Germany. Born into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State) and raised in the Republic of Ireland, she lives in north-west England with her husband, daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog. She reviews fiction and non-fiction for the Historical Novel Society, blogs for English Historical Fiction Authors and is a contributing editor to International Thriller Writers’ The Big Thrill magazine.

Find more information at E.M. Powell's website and blog.

You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

click on the banner for more stops on this tour

Review: Into the Dim by Janet B. Taylor

“Seventy-two hours, then we have to be back at the clearing. Sunrise on the third day.”

Being “the homeschooled girl,” in a small town, Hope Walton's crippling phobias and photographic memory don't help her fit in with her adoptive dad's perfectly blonde Southern family. But when her mother is killed in a natural disaster thousands of miles from home, Hope's secluded world crumbles. After an aunt she's never met invites her to spend the summer in Scotland, Hope discovers that her mother was more than a brilliant academic. She's a member of a secret society of time travelers, and is actually trapped in the twelfth century in the age of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Now Hope must conquer her numerous fears and travel back in time to help rescue her mother before she's lost for good. Along the way, she'll discover more family secrets, and a mysterious boy who could be vital to setting her mother free… or the key to Hope's undoing.

Addictive, romantic, and rich with historical detail, Into the Dim Outlander for teens.

Kindle Edition, 432 pages 

Expected publication: March 1st 2016 by HMH Books for Young Readers

ARC from HMH Books via Netgalley

****
This book had me at Eleanor!  I pretty well read anything I can about this lovely, feisty and intriguing lady.  She was a woman ahead of her time who lived a long and interesting life.

I read lots of dual time period, jumping back and forth in time but rarely actually time travel (except Outlander), which made me look forward to Into the Dim, especially since it is in the YA genre, another favorite.  Immediately I was hooked, how could I not be?  Poor Hope, attending the funeral of her mother but everyone knows it's an empty coffin - no spoiler required, says so on the first page.  What a confusing time this must have been, then she is shipped off to Scotland to relatives she has never met.  Not only abandoned but as the secrets of her mother begin to unfold Hope knows that life will never be the same again.

I really enjoyed this book, it was mysterious, full of suspense, historical with a touch of romance.  The author kept the story alive with lots of twists and turns that I didn't anticipate, it was action packed making it hard to put this one down. The truly best part is the door is open for a sequel and I can't wait.

Thank you to HMH Books and Netgalley for a review copy.

Spotlight: The Holy Lance by Andrew Latham

The year is 1191. A daring counterattack against the Saracens’ last-ditch effort to relieve the besieged city of Acre has not only saved the Christian host from a fatal defeat; it has also brought the leader of that counterattack, English Templar Michael Fitz Alan, to the attention of King Richard the Lionheart.

In the days that follow, the king charges Fitz Alan with a life-or-death mission – to recover the Holy Lance, a long-lost religious relic widely believed to be responsible for the near-miraculous success of the First Crusade.

The ensuing quest leads Fitz Alan and a hand-picked band of Templars on a journey deep into enemy territory, where they battle Saracens, Assassins, hostile Christians and even a traitor within their own ranks as they seek to return the Holy Lance to Christian hands and thereby ensure the success of the crusade.

 Publication Date: March 24, 2015
Knox Robinson Publishing
Formats: eBook, Hardcover
Pages: 360

Series: The English Templars (Book One)
Genre: Historical Fiction/Middle Ages

READ AN EXCERPT.

Early Praise for The Holy Lance

“A timely and compelling novel. The Crusades inform and often infect our understanding of the contemporary Middle East, and while this book is fiction it reveals much of the truth about that misunderstood era. Outstanding reading.” – Michael Coren, award-winning television host, radio personality, syndicated columnist, and best-selling author of fourteen books, including most recently The Future of Catholicism

“A fascinating and thrilling story played out under the boiling heat of Palestine at a time when two cultures clashed violently over the ultimate prize of Jerusalem. Andrew Latham has created a believable and sympathetic lead character in the Templar Fitz Alan as well as providing us with a thrilling insight into the mysteries of the Templar order. A most enjoyable tale, like that of an experienced jongleur, set against the personal conflict between Richard of England and Saladin. It vividly resurrects the life and death struggle between Saracen and Crusader.” – Dr. Paul Doherty, OBE, historian and critically acclaimed author of dozens of works of historical fiction, including The Templar, The Templar Magician and most recently The Last of Days

“Grizzled warriors, an epic conflict, a fabled quest: Latham’s engrossing tale of violence and faith careens savagely through the Third Crusade and its legendary clash of wills – ‘Coeur de Lion’ versus ‘Saladin’, ‘Frank’ versus ‘Saracen’. The splendid English Templar, Michael Fitz Alan – flawed, fearless, lethal – here joins the front rank of historical fiction’s greatest warriors.”- Dr. Dean F. Oliver, award-winning author, director of research at the Canadian Museum of History, and Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau

“Violent and visceral…. meticulously researched… superbly plotted…. The Holy Lance is historical fiction at its best!” – Steven A. McKay, bestselling author of Wolf’s Head and The Wolf and the Raven

“If you’re looking for an historical adventure soaked in blood… The Holy Lance delivers…. Latham shows a welcome attention to the complexities of the Crusader world and to the details of Templar life. A satisfying amount of blood is shed as Michael Fitz Alan and his Templar troops battle their way towards their goal. And the book offers a rousing conclusion, with the promise of more to come. Bring it on!” – Jack Hight, author of The Saladin Trilogy

 

Buy the Book

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository
IndieBound

Knox Robinson author Andrew A. Latham is an award-winning professor of International Relations who regularly teaches courses in medieval political thought, international relations, and war. Trained as a Political Scientist, Latham has spent the last decade-and-a-half researching political violence in the Middle Ages. He has written scholarly articles on medieval war, the crusades, jihad, and the political thought of Saint Augustine and Saint Thomas Aquinas. His most recent book is a work of non-fiction entitled Theorizing Medieval Geopolitics: War and World Order in the Age of the Crusades.
Latham was born in England, raised in Canada and currently lives in the United States. He graduated from York University in Toronto with a BA (Honours) in Political Science, later earned an MA from Queen’s University in Kingston and, later yet, a PhD from his alma mater, York.
Latham is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Historical Writers’ Association and De Re Militari: The Society For Medieval Military History.
Since 1997 Latham has been a member of the Political Science Department at Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, where he where he lives with his wife Wendy, daughter Bernadette and son Michael.
For more information and updates, please visit Andrew Latham’s website. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

The Holy Lance Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, May 4
Guest Post & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, May 7
Guest Post & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

Friday, May 8
Guest Post at The Writing Desk

Sunday, May 10
Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, May 11
Review at A Book Geek
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Tuesday, May 12
Spotlight at Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, May 13
Review at Book Lovers Paradise
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Thursday, May 14

Guest Post at Book Lovers Paradise 

Friday, May 15

Review at Bookramblings

Review at Flashlight Commentary

Review & Giveaway at Words and Peace

The Winter Crown by Elizabeth Chadwick

It is the winter of 1154 and Eleanor, Queen of England, is biding her time. While her husband King Henry II battles for land across the channel, Eleanor fulfils her duty as acting ruler and bearer of royal children. But she wants to be more than this - if only Henry would let her.

Instead, Henry belittles and excludes her, falling for a young mistress and leaving Eleanor side-lined and angry. And as her sons become young men, frustrated at Henry's hoarding of power, Eleanor is forced into a rebellion of devastating consequences. She knows how much Henry needs her, but does Henry know himself?

Overflowing with scandal, politics, sex, triumphs and tragedies, The Winter Crown is the much-awaited new novel in this trilogy and a rich, compelling story in its own right. 

Hardcover, 483 pages

      Published September 11th 2014 by Sphere 

personal library

*****

Elizabeth Chadwick is a favorite of mine and this series is about one of my favorite historical figures - Alienor of Aquitaine.  The Winter Crown is the 2nd book in this trilogy, which began with The Summer Queen.  

Beginning in 1154 and ending in 1174 this was a book that I found very engaging, one not to rush through but to savor the journey.  During the 20 years much takes place, the murder of Thomas Beckett, the children growing up with thoughts of rebellion against a controlling and demanding father, Henry's new mistress and so much more.

I found the  relationship between Alienor and Henry II rather thought provoking.  Henry with his own agenda and Alienor with her ambitions.  Henry closing his heart to emotion and compassion while Alienor the opposite.

 

"She just wanted to hold her new baby son because not only was he a hope for the future, but a blessing to heal the past."

"The birth of another male child meant he could thicken the skin over the scar caused by Will's death and pretend it never happened."

"He would find it difficult to mourn.  She had never seen him grieve properly over anything. It was as though all such feeling was disposed of in a deep, internal well and the more emotion that poured in, the deeper down he dug and one day the top would cave in on him and he would drown alone in darkness."

 Alienor is strong and smart, this book ends at the beginning of her captivity by Henry.  Is she defeated?  Has Henry won?

  

"The darkest prisons were those of the mind.  She could either fall into a well of black despair, or hold on to the light and keep hope alive.  If she could find freedom within herself, then Henry would be unable to touch her: and even in losing everything, she would still have won."

 

Can you tell that I am a collector of quotes?  This book was full of them.

I loved this book and anxiously await The Autumn Throne.

 

The Blood of the Fifth Knight by E.M. Powell (book tour)

A triumphant sequel to Powell’s acclaimed historical thriller The Fifth Knight. A desperate king trusts a lone knight to unravel a web of murder.

England, 1176. King Henry II has imprisoned his rebellious Queen for her failed attempt to overthrow him. But with her conspirators still at large and a failed assassination attempt on his beautiful mistress, Rosamund Clifford, the King must take action to preserve his reign.
Desperate, Henry turns to the only man he trusts: a man whose skills have saved him once before. Sir Benedict Palmer answers the call, mistakenly believing that his family will remain safe while he attends to his King.

As Palmer races to secure his King’s throne, neither man senses the hand of a brilliant schemer, a mystery figure loyal to Henry’s traitorous Queen who will stop at nothing to see the King defeated.

The Blood of the Fifth Knight is an intricate medieval murder mystery and worthy sequel to E.M. Powell’s acclaimed historical thriller The Fifth Knight.

Publication Date: January 1, 2015
Thomas & Mercer
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Pages: 368p

Genre: Historical Thriller

book provided as part of this tour

****

Picking up right where The Fifth Knight ends Henry II has begun his pilgrimage to Canterbury Cathedral, his public act of penance over his guilt in the murder of Thomas Beckett.  It wasn't hard to get drawn back into this story.  Sir Benedict Palmer and his wife Theodosia's quiet lives are interrupted by order of the king.

So begins another fast paced story that kept this reader entralled.  Even though it has been 10 months since I read The Fifth Knight I was able to get right back into this story.  For those that haven't read the first book you should be okay with this one, but I highly recommend starting at the beginning.

The Blood of the Fifth Knight has all the elements that I love, mystery, suspense, a touch of romance, intrigue rounded out with the historical setting.  Drawing two story lines, Benedict's call from the King and Theodosia's situation at home in his absence, these stories collide to make a satisfying conclusion which had me on the edge of my seat. 

I really liked the way both Benedict and Theodosia are portrayed here, they are both very likeable characters, their relationship is genuine with their commitment to each other and the children real.  There was depth here especially as each faced struggles with the unknown. 

Definitely a must read for fans of this time period and those who like a really good mystery.

Review Praise for The Fifth Knight

“Powell does a masterful job. Highly recommended.” Historical Novels Review

E.M. Powell is the author of medieval thriller THE FIFTH KNIGHT which was a #1 Amazon Bestseller. Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State) she now lives in the north west of England with her husband and daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog. She is a member of the Historical Novel Society, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She is a reviewer of fiction and non-fiction for the HNS.

Find out more by visiting www.empowell.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

 

 

 

The Blood of the Fifth Knight Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, January 1
Review at Flashlight Commentary

Friday, January 2
Spotlight at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, January 5
Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog

Thursday, January 8
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Monday, January 12
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee
Character Interview at Boom Baby Reviews

Tuesday, January 13
Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Wednesday, January 14
Interview at Oh, For the Hook of a Book
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Friday, January 16
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession

Saturday, January 17
Interview at Dianne Ascroft
Guest Post & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Obsession

Monday, January 19
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Tuesday, January 20
Review at Books and Benches
Spotlight & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

Wednesday, January 21
Review at Just One More Chapter

Monday, January 26
Spotlight at Susan Heim on Writing

Wednesday, January 28
Review at Kinx’s Book Nook

Friday, January 30
Review at Bookramblings

Saturday, January 31
Spotlight at Caroline Wilson Writes

Sunday, February 1
Review at Carole’s Ramblings

Monday, February 2
Guest Post at The Lit Bitch

Tuesday, February 3
Review at Layered Pages
Spotlight at Let them Read Books

Wednesday, February 4
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, February 6
Review at The Never-Ending Book

The Summer Queen by Elizabeth Chadwick

Eleanor of Aquitaine is a 12th century icon who has fascinated readers for 800 years. But the real Eleanor remains elusive.

This stunning novel introduces an Eleanor that all other writers have missed. Based on the most up-to-date research, it is the first novel to show Eleanor beginning her married life at 13. Barely out of childhood, this gives an entirely new slant to how Eleanor is treated bv those around her. She was often the victim and her first marriage was horribly abusive.

Overflowing with scandal, passion, triumph and tragedy, Eleanor's legendary story begins when her beloved father dies in the summer of 1137, and she is made to marry the young prince Louis of France. A week after the marriage she becomes a queen and her life will change beyond recognition . . .

Hardcover, 478 pages

Published June 20th 2013 by Sphere (releases in Canada July 16, 2013, US July 2014), but might be available through The Book Depository (that's where I got my copy from)

Ever since reading Skaron Kay Penman's Plantagenets series I have been fascinated with Eleanor of Aquitaine.  So it was just a given  when I heard about this book that it was a 'must read'.  The first in a planned trilogy, beginning when Alienor (that is how she is referred to in this book), is just 13 years old.  

There are times when I anxiously await a new release that I have such high hopes and expectations which causes let down and disappointment when I finally read it.  This was not the case with here, I LOVED THIS BOOK!  I did not rush through this book, but sat back and thoroughly enjoyed the journey.

Elizabeth Chadwick has written a wonderful story on the early life of Alienor, but not just Alienor,  also her sister, Petronella,  King Louis, young Henry and so many more. Starting at age 13 one can't help bonding and cheer for this young girl (we know girls of that age have no say in their lives) as she grows up along side King Louis.

"She had married a young man, never realizing he would become this warped semblance of a monk"

"Though supposedly a grown man and an anoited king, he was so childish and naive that she despaired of him"

This book was well researched and written is such a way that one could smell the flowers, visualize the clothing and feel the lumps and bumps on the journey to Jerusalem.  The book ended in a perfect place where Alienor begins a new phase of her life. I can't wait for book 2!

I highly recommend this book to those your love historical fiction and getting lost in a book.

"Because he sees horizons when the others can barely see as far as the end of their own noses"

 (not referring to King Louis here)

  

 

The Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy

The titles in this forthcoming series will be as follows:

• The Summer Queen - Published in the UK June 13th 2013 and in the USA July 2014.
• The Autumn Throne
• The Winter Crown

Review: The Fifth Knight by E. M. Powell

      

To escape a lifetime of poverty, mercenary Sir Benedict Palmer agrees to one final, lucrative job: help King Henry II’s knights seize the traitor Archbishop Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. But what begins as a clandestine arrest ends in cold-blooded murder. And when Fitzurse, the knights’ ringleader, kidnaps Theodosia, a beautiful young nun who witnessed the crime, Palmer can sit silently by no longer. For not only is Theodosia’s virtue at stake, so too is the secret she unknowingly carries—a secret he knows Fitzurse will torture out of her. Now Palmer and Theodosia are on the run, strangers from different worlds forced to rely only on each other as they race to uncover the hidden motive behind Becket’s grisly murder—and the shocking truth that could destroy a kingdom

Publication Date: January 22, 2013

Thomas & Mercer Publishing

Paperback; 390p

ISBN-10: 1611099331
Review copy provided by the author via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours

****

When I was asked to be part of this blog tour I jumped at the chance.  Presently reading my way through the kings of England this book arrived just after I finished reading about the murder of Thomas Becket. Add the fact that it is the author's debut and I was in my happy place.

Originally released as a Kindle serial, it is now available in paperback.  This is a book that spins a new twist to the murder of Archbishop Thomas Beckett at Canterbury Cathedral on December 29, 1170.  Was he murdered on the orders of King Henry II? Did the knights take the King's hints literally? Or is there something just as sinister going on?

This book gives an account that is very fast paced, (though rather gruesome at times) into what could have happened.  I find sometimes with fast paced books push me to read faster too.  The chapters usually ended with me wanting to read more, just one more chapter.  It was a very interesting mystery which I have to admit not being able to totally figure out the ending myself, some things were predictable but not all.

I would have liked a little more historical content for the time period.  But all in all a good mystery and I look forward to reading more by this author.

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E. M. Powell was born and raised in Ireland, a descendant of Irish revolutionary Michael Collins. At University College, Cork, she discovered a love of Anglo-Saxon and medieval English during her study of literature and geography. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, the Manchester Irish Writers, the Historical Novel Society, and International Thriller Writers. A reviewer for the Historical Novel Society, she lives today in Manchester, England, with her husband and daughter.

For more information, please visit E.M. Powell's website and blog.  You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Tuesday, April 16
Review at Confessions of an Avid Reader
Wednesday, April 17
Review at Sir Read-a-Lot
Thursday, April 18
Review at Turning the Pages
Friday, April 19
Interview & Giveaway at Sir Read-a-Lot
Monday, April 22
Review & Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary
Tuesday, April 23
Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book!
Wednesday, April 24
Interview & Giveaway at Oh, For the Hook of a Book!
Thursday, April 25
Review at The Lit Bitch
Interview at Bibliophilic Book Blog
Friday, April 26
Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection
Monday, April 29
Review at A Book Geek
Tuesday, April 30
Guest Post at Kinx’s Book Nook
Wednesday, May 1
Review & Giveaway at Book Addict Katie
Thursday, May 2
Review & Giveaway at Just One More Chapter
Friday, May 3
Review at The Musings of a Book Junkie
Monday, May 6
Review at Layered Pages
Review at Overflowing Bookshelves
Tuesday, May 7
Review at Raging Bibliomania
Wednesday, May 8
Review at West Metro Mommy
Thursday, May 9
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Friday, May 10
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee