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The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper – and royal servant John FitzGilbert is one of them. But when the old king dies and his successor is appointed, John’s position at court is weakened and his wife, the pious, pliant Aline, is hopelessly unequipped to deal with a life lived on the edge.
John knows the only way to protect his lands and his children is to divorce Aline. He meets his match in new wife Sybilla, daughter of his enemy Patrick of Salisbury, as she possesses a strength and courage that equals his own. But when Sybilla’s son, William, is seized by the king, John is forced to make a terrible sacrifice. Sometimes keeping your honour means breaking your word . . .
John knows the only way to protect his lands and his children is to divorce Aline. He meets his match in new wife Sybilla, daughter of his enemy Patrick of Salisbury, as she possesses a strength and courage that equals his own. But when Sybilla’s son, William, is seized by the king, John is forced to make a terrible sacrifice. Sometimes keeping your honour means breaking your word . . .
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Reviews
Chadwick's historical grasp is secure and vivid in this punchy prequel to her last two FitzGilbert epics...an absorbing narrative that canters along
A brilliant account of the bloody civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Maude
Another wonderfully written, immensely moving and immaculately researched novel from an author who grows in stature with every book she writes
The author's facts are well researched, and her use of genuine people of the day intermingled with fictitious characters makes for a spellbinding story. She tells history as it was, but in an eminently readable form which can do nothing other than enthuse even the most jaded reader with the past. Most highly recommended
