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Winner of the RNA Historical Novel of the Year 2011.
Set in the 12th century this is a spell-binding historical novel of huge emotional power set against the road to Magna Carta and the fight to bring a tyrant king to heel.
Reviewed by Sarah BroadhurstSarah Broadhurst spent her early working life in the book trade in both retail and wholesale until the arrival of children forced her to look for freelance work she could do from…
More reviews by Sarah Broadhurst About To Defy a King
From acclaimed novelist Elizabeth Chadwick comes a story of huge emotional power set against the road to Magna Carta and the fight to bring a tyrant king to heel. The privileged daughter of one of the most powerful men in England, Mahelt Marshal's life changes dramatically when her father is suspected of treachery by King John. Her brothers become hostages and Mahelt is married to Hugh Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk.
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To Defy a King Synopsis
From acclaimed novelist Elizabeth Chadwick comes a story of huge emotional power set against the road to Magna Carta and the fight to bring a tyrant king to heel. The privileged daughter of one of the most powerful men in England, Mahelt Marshal's life changes dramatically when her father is suspected of treachery by King John. Her brothers become hostages and Mahelt is married to Hugh Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk.
Adapting to her new life is hard, but Mahelt comes to love Hugh deeply; however, defying her father-in-law brings disgrace and heartbreak. When King John sets out to subdue the Bigods, Mahelt faces a heartbreaking battle, fearing neither she, nor her marriage, is likely to survive the outcome ...Winner of the RNA Historical Novel Award 2011, TO DEFY A KING is magnificent in scope and detail, with characters that leap off the page - this is historical fiction at its finest.
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Elizabeth Chadwick Press Reviews
'As always, Chadwick simply dazzles the reader with her superb characterisation, her ability to bring the period alive, so we feel as if we are walking alongside the characters, seeing what they see, hearing the tumult surrounding them - sharing in their agonies, and celebrating their joys. She has a keen insight too into the minds of her younger characters, and some of the best scenes revolve around the children, in all branches of the families. I cannot commend the work of Chadwick's highly enough - if you enjoy historical fiction, she will surely become a firm favourite, if she isn't already ranking highly in your 'favourite authors'list' ww.bookbag.co.uk
About Elizabeth Chadwick
New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick has written over 20 historical novels sold in 18 languages. Her first novel, The Wild Hunt, won a Betty Trask Award, and The Scarlet Lion was nominated as one of the Top Ten landmark historical novelists of the decade by Historical Novel Society founder Richard Lee. Elizabeth’s nineteenth novel, To Defy a King, won the RNA Historical Novel Prize in 2011. Her latest novels showcase meticulous research into one of medieval history’s most fascinating female figures, brought gloriously to life in this trilogy.
Eleanor of Aquitaine was queen consort of both France and England during her lifetime, as well as being one of the period’s most powerful, wealthy and influential women. The Summer Queen, the first in Chadwick’s compelling series, brings her earliest years to life with sensitivity and evocative detail, coupled with the most up-to-date research. The Winter Crown follows the scandal, politics, sex, triumphs and tragedies of Eleanor’s relationship with King Henry II. The Autumn Throne, published on 1st September 2016, the third novel of the trilogy, brings Eleanor’s epic story to a fitting and exultant close.
Visit her website at www.elizabethchadwick.com
Author photo © Charlie Hopkinson
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