This is the second part in William Marshall’s story following Greatest Knight but you need not have read the first to enjoy it. The author has been shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year award four times. Sadly she has never won but she certainly deserves to. She specialises in mediaeval historical novels and they are glorious. This one takes us into the reign of John, a time of conflict and rebellion portrayed through the lives of a powerful family. Great stuff.
Similar this month: None but try Philippa Gregory.
Comparison: Posie Graeme-Evans, Reay Tannahill, Sharon Penman.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
| Recommendations: |
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Following early beginnings as a knight in the English royal household and a champion of the tourneys, William Marshal's prowess and loyalty have been rewarded by the hand in marriage of Isabelle de Clare, heiress to great estates in England, Normandy and Ireland. Now a powerful magnate, William has weathered the difficult years of King Richard's absence on crusade and is currently serving him on campaign in Normandy while Isabelle governs their estates.
All the stability William and Isabelle have enjoyed with their young and growing family comes crashing down as Richard dies and his brother John becomes King. Rebellion is stirring throughout the Angevin domains and although John has created William Earl of Pembroke, the friction between the two men leads William and Isabelle to distance themselves in Ireland. The situation escalates, with John holding their sons as hostages and seizing their English lands. The conflict between remaining loyal and rebelling over injustices committed, threatens to tear apart William and Isabelle's marriage and their family…
The Scarlet Lion features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, eBooks of the Month, Fiction, Recommendations
The Scarlet Lion is available in Paperback
The Scarlet Lion was written by Elizabeth Chadwick and published by Little, Brown Book Group
The Scarlet Lion has 579 pages
Yes it is part of William Marshal series
£9.89