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War of the Roses #2
The Exiled
In this thrilling sequel to The Innocent Posie Graeme-Evans has created a dramatic, heart-wrenching portrayal of two people driven together by love, but torn apart by cruel forces far beyond their control.
390 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2003
35 people are currently reading
1058 people want to read
About the author
Posie Graeme-Evans
8 books241 followersPosie Graeme-Evans has worked in the Australian film and television industry for the last twenty-five years as an editor, director, and producer on hundreds of prime-time television programs, including McLeod's Daughters and Hi-5. She lives in Sydney with her husband and creative partner, Andrew Blaxland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 31, 2017
Finally done! It took me over a month to finish this book, mostly because of its changing rhythm.
It's a great little story, old-English-themed and full of adventures for the young beautiful Anne.
I really enjoyed living with the characters this past month, and there is some fine writing in it also. Altogether a great read!
It's a great little story, old-English-themed and full of adventures for the young beautiful Anne.
I really enjoyed living with the characters this past month, and there is some fine writing in it also. Altogether a great read!
December 12, 2015
As with the first installment of the Anne trilogy (The Innocent), I quite enjoyed this book.
Since being exiled to Brugge, Anne has made a life for herself. She quickly takes advantage of her connection to the powerful Cuttifer house & bullies her way into the trading community, which earns her enemies in the textile guild. Though she stretches her economic wings very sweetly -- Anne does nothing without heaping teaspoons of sweetness -- she refuses to dial down that awesome Sue-given business acumen & find a husband who could act as her household frontman. Given time, the merchants might have grudgingly accepted her presence...except she gambles on the Duke of Burgundy's impending marriage to Edward IV's sister, beating everyone to the punch, & any goodwill is ruined.
Despite their bitchy attitude toward women traders, the merchant guild denies responsibility for the repeated assassination attempts on Anne's life. But Anne is too enamored with Edward to put the pieces together. They resume their affair -- which has already produced a child -- and are discovered by bitchy Queen Elizabeth Wydeville. Elizabeth, in turn, commissions outrageous antics to eliminate her rival; not only is she insulted by Edward's affection for Anne, but their bastard son is a threat to her relevance in the monarchy. Anne, meanwhile, is kidnapped several times & hauled between Brugge & England, hiding in nunneries & fishing villages until she can get back to her family...but even if she escapes, can she keep both her son & her lover?
I classify this series as neo-bodice-ripper. Though there isn't as much sex in this installment, Anne's 'old magic' plays a more important role -- her near-death experience, her visions, the Sword Mother's ghostly appearances in key moments. Personally, I don't mind these WTFery plot devices...but I can see why they'd annoy some readers. There's also the matter of Anne's lynchpin role in the War of the Roses. She's an extreme Mary Sue; there's nothing she can't do, Good People(tm) admire her instantly, & bad guys either want her dead or grudgingly respect her backbone. But Anne's a very NICE girl, despite the sticky-sweet Sue disease. She does the best she can, acknowledges her mistakes, & refuses to be a doormat -- which is more than can be said for many heroines.
As to whether these books are historically accurate...eh, that's doubtful. But they have a good sense of atmosphere & lovely visuals for the era. My favorite detail in this particular book was the cameo by Hans Memling, who happens to be my favorite Northern Renaissance painter. (Google his Saint John Altarpiece. Beautiful.) Of course, what historical Mary Sue would be complete without a masterpiece with her as central subject? *wiggles eyebrow* The author describes Memling's "De Bohun painting" in great detail -- too bad it doesn't actually exist. :P
Anyway...this was a fun read. 4 stars for the enjoyment factor.
Since being exiled to Brugge, Anne has made a life for herself. She quickly takes advantage of her connection to the powerful Cuttifer house & bullies her way into the trading community, which earns her enemies in the textile guild. Though she stretches her economic wings very sweetly -- Anne does nothing without heaping teaspoons of sweetness -- she refuses to dial down that awesome Sue-given business acumen & find a husband who could act as her household frontman. Given time, the merchants might have grudgingly accepted her presence...except she gambles on the Duke of Burgundy's impending marriage to Edward IV's sister, beating everyone to the punch, & any goodwill is ruined.
Despite their bitchy attitude toward women traders, the merchant guild denies responsibility for the repeated assassination attempts on Anne's life. But Anne is too enamored with Edward to put the pieces together. They resume their affair -- which has already produced a child -- and are discovered by bitchy Queen Elizabeth Wydeville. Elizabeth, in turn, commissions outrageous antics to eliminate her rival; not only is she insulted by Edward's affection for Anne, but their bastard son is a threat to her relevance in the monarchy. Anne, meanwhile, is kidnapped several times & hauled between Brugge & England, hiding in nunneries & fishing villages until she can get back to her family...but even if she escapes, can she keep both her son & her lover?
I classify this series as neo-bodice-ripper. Though there isn't as much sex in this installment, Anne's 'old magic' plays a more important role -- her near-death experience, her visions, the Sword Mother's ghostly appearances in key moments. Personally, I don't mind these WTFery plot devices...but I can see why they'd annoy some readers. There's also the matter of Anne's lynchpin role in the War of the Roses. She's an extreme Mary Sue; there's nothing she can't do, Good People(tm) admire her instantly, & bad guys either want her dead or grudgingly respect her backbone. But Anne's a very NICE girl, despite the sticky-sweet Sue disease. She does the best she can, acknowledges her mistakes, & refuses to be a doormat -- which is more than can be said for many heroines.
As to whether these books are historically accurate...eh, that's doubtful. But they have a good sense of atmosphere & lovely visuals for the era. My favorite detail in this particular book was the cameo by Hans Memling, who happens to be my favorite Northern Renaissance painter. (Google his Saint John Altarpiece. Beautiful.) Of course, what historical Mary Sue would be complete without a masterpiece with her as central subject? *wiggles eyebrow* The author describes Memling's "De Bohun painting" in great detail -- too bad it doesn't actually exist. :P
Anyway...this was a fun read. 4 stars for the enjoyment factor.
January 14, 2023
I am still loving the trilogy. The second book wasn't as good as the first book, in my opinion. There definitily is a lot going on and you have to keep up but it is a good read! I did really enjoy this book! I can't wait for the third one!
March 21, 2014
Started the series because it is partly set in Bruges, but the setting isn't really motivation enough to continue. Customary historical(in a broad sense) fiction,, Mary Sue-ish heroine, which is getting on my nerves.... on to better things.
July 20, 2009
Started but didn't finish. Didn't grab my attention. Glad it was very cheap.
September 13, 2025
As the second book in Posie Graeme-Evans’ trilogy, The Exiled has become a familiar reread for me over the years. While I enjoy it and appreciate Anne’s journey, this installment doesn’t quite hold the same magnetic pull as The Innocent. For me, it lands at a solid 4 stars.
The first two-thirds of the novel are its strongest as Anne is navigating her life, and much of the story unfolds during the lavish 10-day wedding of the Duke of Brugge to Margaret, sister to King Edward IV. Those chapters are rich in setting, intrigue, and emotion, especially as Anne and her King circle each other under the shadow of Edward’s ambitious, conniving wife.
But trouble comes quickly. Anne is kidnapped by flesh traders, forced into hiding, and ultimately disguises herself as a nun in her determined journey back to her son and foster mother. It’s gripping, heartfelt, and showcases her resilience.
Where the story loses me is in the final third. The pacing slows, dragging out longer than I felt necessary. For readers who love a slow burn, it may be rewarding, but for me it pulled me out of the momentum I’d been enjoying. Even so, Anne’s strength and determination keep me coming back. Though it lacks the unputdownable charisma of the first book, it’s still a worthy part of the trilogy.
Book Vibes
Song Match: “exile” by Taylor Swift (feat. Bon Iver) — bittersweet, heavy with longing and the ache of separation.
Spice Level: 🌶️ Mild — romantic tension and longing continue to outweigh physical intimacy.
Snack Pairing: Dark rye bread with sharp cheese — rich and slightly heavy, matching the denser pacing of this installment.
Ice Cream Flavor: Black cherry — dramatic, layered, a little tart, reflecting the darker turns of Anne’s journey.
Perfect Reading Spot: A quiet nook with candlelight, echoing the atmosphere of cloisters and hidden places where Anne must disguise herself.
The first two-thirds of the novel are its strongest as Anne is navigating her life, and much of the story unfolds during the lavish 10-day wedding of the Duke of Brugge to Margaret, sister to King Edward IV. Those chapters are rich in setting, intrigue, and emotion, especially as Anne and her King circle each other under the shadow of Edward’s ambitious, conniving wife.
But trouble comes quickly. Anne is kidnapped by flesh traders, forced into hiding, and ultimately disguises herself as a nun in her determined journey back to her son and foster mother. It’s gripping, heartfelt, and showcases her resilience.
Where the story loses me is in the final third. The pacing slows, dragging out longer than I felt necessary. For readers who love a slow burn, it may be rewarding, but for me it pulled me out of the momentum I’d been enjoying. Even so, Anne’s strength and determination keep me coming back. Though it lacks the unputdownable charisma of the first book, it’s still a worthy part of the trilogy.
Book Vibes
Song Match: “exile” by Taylor Swift (feat. Bon Iver) — bittersweet, heavy with longing and the ache of separation.
Spice Level: 🌶️ Mild — romantic tension and longing continue to outweigh physical intimacy.
Snack Pairing: Dark rye bread with sharp cheese — rich and slightly heavy, matching the denser pacing of this installment.
Ice Cream Flavor: Black cherry — dramatic, layered, a little tart, reflecting the darker turns of Anne’s journey.
Perfect Reading Spot: A quiet nook with candlelight, echoing the atmosphere of cloisters and hidden places where Anne must disguise herself.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2019
I could not bring myself to finish this book. The first book was a bit unbelievable as it went on, but was still fun and moved along. This one, however, is just a long slog of nothing happening aside from every single person in the city loving or hating Anne, and if they hate Anne it’s because she’s smart and pretty and unmarried. Also she has mystical magic powers!
All in all, the main plot details this book hinges on make no real sense - as an illegitimate daughter of Henry VI, she’d have no claim to the throne at all, so why would she be a political pawn? And why is Elizabeth trying to kill her?? I get she’s a jealous woman in this book, but it’s not like it’s unheard of for kings to have mistresses. I think by this time in real life he already had several! Why on earth she’s going out of her way to try to have her husband’s mistress killed is never adequately explored, in my opinion. Or maybe it is later in the book - like I said, I couldn’t finish it. There’s plenty of other books set in this era that probably don’t focus on an incredible Mary Sue - who’s pretty, has magic powers, everyone loves her, she’s successful at everything. There’s even at least a few books on Edward’s historical mistresses, whom Elizabeth did not try to have killed. I would rather read those.
Hopefully the third book isn’t such a slog of basically nothing happening, and will explain some things.
All in all, the main plot details this book hinges on make no real sense - as an illegitimate daughter of Henry VI, she’d have no claim to the throne at all, so why would she be a political pawn? And why is Elizabeth trying to kill her?? I get she’s a jealous woman in this book, but it’s not like it’s unheard of for kings to have mistresses. I think by this time in real life he already had several! Why on earth she’s going out of her way to try to have her husband’s mistress killed is never adequately explored, in my opinion. Or maybe it is later in the book - like I said, I couldn’t finish it. There’s plenty of other books set in this era that probably don’t focus on an incredible Mary Sue - who’s pretty, has magic powers, everyone loves her, she’s successful at everything. There’s even at least a few books on Edward’s historical mistresses, whom Elizabeth did not try to have killed. I would rather read those.
Hopefully the third book isn’t such a slog of basically nothing happening, and will explain some things.
April 26, 2018
Now that Lady Anne de Bohun is living in Brugge with her son, Edward, named for the King of England whom she loves but cannot be with. But Anne has a second secret as well: She is the illegitimate daughter of the former English king, Henry the Sixth. As tragedy befalls them all, how will Anne save herself, and this time, her son, from treacherous hands who threaten her at every turn?
July 30, 2021
I definitely liked this book better than the first. The story had many more elements to it and was much more interesting. I found myself liking Anne even though I do agree with others that there is definitely a Mary Sue factor working here. This really is more fiction than historical fiction but a fun read just the same. If you really want historical fiction, however, this isn't it.
November 29, 2017
This is a wonderful historical novel featuring the forbidden love between a King of England and the granddaughter of a king. The lengths they go to in order to hide their love is remarkable and, at times, heartbreaking. A good read.
April 7, 2019
Compared to The Innocent, I felt that this book dragged a bit. It certainly didn't sweep me up and drag me off to keep reading in fervent interest.
But nonetheless, a reasonable read. Looking forward to rounding this series out.
But nonetheless, a reasonable read. Looking forward to rounding this series out.
September 4, 2023
This was the 2nd in the trilogy, and I did not enjoy it as much as the first one. It seemed a bit slow for me in a few places, but did pick up a bit when Anne got kidnapped. I hope the 3rd and final one is a bit better.
October 6, 2019
Hhhmmmmm
not as good as the first one, looking forward to the third to round out the trilogy
not as good as the first one, looking forward to the third to round out the trilogy
December 1, 2019
It was a fun ride, interesting look at a royal wedding (don't mind saying I want some of those presents please), the romance was a bit rushed and so was some of the adventure.
December 22, 2019
A wonderful read for you
They Exiled was a great book I really enjoyed reading it I didn’t want to put it down. I read my self to sleep.
They Exiled was a great book I really enjoyed reading it I didn’t want to put it down. I read my self to sleep.
May 23, 2020
I love the whole trilogy. I instantly enjoyed the characters. Well written.
February 9, 2021
I read this yeeeeeears ago - but I adored it and should probably read it again, it's been that long.
June 19, 2021
Just couldn't get into this one
July 29, 2020
Lots of reviewers seem down on “The Exiled” rating it lower than Book One of this series, but I loved it, perhaps even more than “The Innocent.” While the storyline is certainly heavier on fiction than history, Anne’s tale is gripping, crafted with the perfect balance of tension and action to keep you flying through pages. I fully own being a sucker for stories of adventure and epic romance and this delivers on all counts with rich characters, witty writing, fun twists, and an attraction and that blossoms into a love and devotion between two people that transcends circumstance.
September 25, 2023
This was a follow on from the first book in the series. In this one Anne has set herself up in Brugge with her son (who she is saying is her nephew). The King does not know where she is but she has enemies (including the Queen) who would like to see the end of her.
I thought it was an ok read.
I thought it was an ok read.
August 5, 2011
Pretty much immediately after I finished the first novel, The Innocent, I ordered The Exiled. I was entranced from the very first page by Posie Graeme-Evans' masterful, strongly woven prose filled with drama, elegance and unparalleled detail that makes this book go down easy.
The Exiled started out with an action-packed bang. Anne, after having gone into exile at the end of The Innocent, is now living in Burgundy with her foster mother Deborah and young son Edward. She hopes to live a peaceful life, but that's quickly shattered when sometime tries to kill her. Anne discovers that information about her mysterious birth has started to leak -as well as information about the possible father of her child.
Soon after, King Edward IV of England visits Burgundy for the wedding of his sister Margaret to the Duke of Burgundy. Anne plans a way to see him and explains to her passionate lover (and forbidden love) that young Edward is his son. Soon after, Anne is kidnapped, most likely by agents of Edward's jealous queen, and she is plunged into a new adventure where she must fight to keep her life and get back to her son.
After the kidnapping however, things started to go downhill. I really enjoyed the first half of this book even though it was a little bit slow, but it didn't stay on the same level throughout. I was also grateful that The Exiled wasn't nearly as steamy as The Innocent and just dripped with thick, well written plot full of political intrigue. Events slowly became more and more unbelievable, almost to the point that the plot felt conceded and drawn out. Action shifted to something of a bizarre soap opera between Anne, Edward and other characters that just made me yawn. Even though the plot is thicker here and revolves more strongly on political intrigue and action than romance (unlike the first one), it becomes so contrived that the historical part of this novel seems fictional. Fans of truly historical novels will wince at the highly illogical and unlikely events near the end of the book, while fans of pure fiction and romance/historical romance will just shrug it off.
I really wanted to like this book more, but it just wasn't as enjoyable as The Innocent. It has lovely, well-crafted writing, story-telling and plot but it becomes a prisoner of its own predictability and, compared to the last one, lack of creativity in plot. The most annoying part of The Exiled was that the ending was virtually the same as the first one. There are several unanswered questions (many still left over from The Innocent), it feels abrupt and made me look back at the rest of this book and think: what was really accomplished here? very little. It seems to me that Graeme-Evans wasn't sure how to continue her story and make it into a trilogy where each novel contained the same quality as the previous ones.
All in all, a bit of a disappointment after the last book, but still filled with beautiful prose and a semi-enjoyable plot.
The Exiled started out with an action-packed bang. Anne, after having gone into exile at the end of The Innocent, is now living in Burgundy with her foster mother Deborah and young son Edward. She hopes to live a peaceful life, but that's quickly shattered when sometime tries to kill her. Anne discovers that information about her mysterious birth has started to leak -as well as information about the possible father of her child.
Soon after, King Edward IV of England visits Burgundy for the wedding of his sister Margaret to the Duke of Burgundy. Anne plans a way to see him and explains to her passionate lover (and forbidden love) that young Edward is his son. Soon after, Anne is kidnapped, most likely by agents of Edward's jealous queen, and she is plunged into a new adventure where she must fight to keep her life and get back to her son.
After the kidnapping however, things started to go downhill. I really enjoyed the first half of this book even though it was a little bit slow, but it didn't stay on the same level throughout. I was also grateful that The Exiled wasn't nearly as steamy as The Innocent and just dripped with thick, well written plot full of political intrigue. Events slowly became more and more unbelievable, almost to the point that the plot felt conceded and drawn out. Action shifted to something of a bizarre soap opera between Anne, Edward and other characters that just made me yawn. Even though the plot is thicker here and revolves more strongly on political intrigue and action than romance (unlike the first one), it becomes so contrived that the historical part of this novel seems fictional. Fans of truly historical novels will wince at the highly illogical and unlikely events near the end of the book, while fans of pure fiction and romance/historical romance will just shrug it off.
I really wanted to like this book more, but it just wasn't as enjoyable as The Innocent. It has lovely, well-crafted writing, story-telling and plot but it becomes a prisoner of its own predictability and, compared to the last one, lack of creativity in plot. The most annoying part of The Exiled was that the ending was virtually the same as the first one. There are several unanswered questions (many still left over from The Innocent), it feels abrupt and made me look back at the rest of this book and think: what was really accomplished here? very little. It seems to me that Graeme-Evans wasn't sure how to continue her story and make it into a trilogy where each novel contained the same quality as the previous ones.
All in all, a bit of a disappointment after the last book, but still filled with beautiful prose and a semi-enjoyable plot.
October 4, 2008
This is book two in Posie Graeme-Evans' Anne de Bohun trilogy. It picks up in the city of Brugges, about a year after the Innocent leaves off were our heroine Anne is living in exile. Anne is now a mother masquereding as the aunt of her illegitimate son Edward. While in Brugges, Anne shocks medieval socety and becomes a wealthy merchant. While Anne seeks peace in Brugges she is unable to find that peace. Like the Innocent, the Exiled is a bit unrealistic and lacks plausibility for some important plot elements. It also includes some unnecessarily descriptive love scenes and too closely resembles a romance novel at times. However, it is an entertaining, quick and easy read.
The largest innacuracy is fairly crucial to the plot. Anne, as readers of the Innocent know, is not only the former lover of the English King Edward IV of the House of York, but she is supposedly the illegitimate daughter of mad King Henry VI of the House of Lancaster, whom Edward IV deposed in the not too distant past. Thus, although Anne is illegitimate, the fact that she fears becoming a poltiical pawn. It is not completely clear why the author thinks this is a problem - after all, Anne is illegitimate. Unlike Katherine Swynford's children with John of Gaunt, the fictional Anne de Bohun's parents were never married and Anne was never legitimated by the pope. Thus, Anne de Bohun and her children would not matter for succession. Similarly, her son Edward would be a non-entity in the succession because Edward is also illegitimate. Anyhow, in spite of this implausibility, somehow Anne is an important political pawn... However, as I said, the novel is entertaining and if you can suspend your disbelief related to this implausibility, the book is a fun read.
Ultimately, Edward IV arrives in Brugges with his sister Margaret and Anne must decide whether to rekindle her love affair with Edward IV and whether to return with him to England. This leads to another historical innacuracy - Duke Charles of Brugges, Margaret's husband, is described as a gallant and noble figure. He was in fact known to be a bit erratic in history, earning the nickname Charles the Rash. Ultimately, it is thanks to Charles that Burgundy became part of France.
This innacuracy is pretty minor however. In terms of Posie Graeme Evans' history of the Wars of the Roses, she does a pretty good job of explaining the complicated dynamic of the Houses of York and Lancaster. This particularly shines through in the conclusion of the trilogy - the Uncrowned Queen. The Exiled also does a great job discussing the merchant guilds, politics between France and England, and gives a general sense of the 15th century balance of power in Europe. Overall this book is a good read, as are the other two installments of the trilogy.
The largest innacuracy is fairly crucial to the plot. Anne, as readers of the Innocent know, is not only the former lover of the English King Edward IV of the House of York, but she is supposedly the illegitimate daughter of mad King Henry VI of the House of Lancaster, whom Edward IV deposed in the not too distant past. Thus, although Anne is illegitimate, the fact that she fears becoming a poltiical pawn. It is not completely clear why the author thinks this is a problem - after all, Anne is illegitimate. Unlike Katherine Swynford's children with John of Gaunt, the fictional Anne de Bohun's parents were never married and Anne was never legitimated by the pope. Thus, Anne de Bohun and her children would not matter for succession. Similarly, her son Edward would be a non-entity in the succession because Edward is also illegitimate. Anyhow, in spite of this implausibility, somehow Anne is an important political pawn... However, as I said, the novel is entertaining and if you can suspend your disbelief related to this implausibility, the book is a fun read.
Ultimately, Edward IV arrives in Brugges with his sister Margaret and Anne must decide whether to rekindle her love affair with Edward IV and whether to return with him to England. This leads to another historical innacuracy - Duke Charles of Brugges, Margaret's husband, is described as a gallant and noble figure. He was in fact known to be a bit erratic in history, earning the nickname Charles the Rash. Ultimately, it is thanks to Charles that Burgundy became part of France.
This innacuracy is pretty minor however. In terms of Posie Graeme Evans' history of the Wars of the Roses, she does a pretty good job of explaining the complicated dynamic of the Houses of York and Lancaster. This particularly shines through in the conclusion of the trilogy - the Uncrowned Queen. The Exiled also does a great job discussing the merchant guilds, politics between France and England, and gives a general sense of the 15th century balance of power in Europe. Overall this book is a good read, as are the other two installments of the trilogy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2011
The Exiled is the second novel in the War of the Roses series featuring Edward IV and Anne de Bohun.
In the first novel of the series, The Innocent, Anne worked her way up into the king's court as a servant and all-knowing medicine-woman attending the queen. Anne's gentle ways, intelligence and beauty caught the eye of King Edward IV, and the pair worked carefully to keep their love for each other a secret. In The Exiled, Anne de Bohun, now having full knowledge of her true identity and royal bloodline, has escaped to Brugge, where she has established herself as a successful merchant and businesswoman. Much to Anne's dismay, she finds herself still in danger as several assassination attempts are made on her life, with Queen Elizabeth Grey as the prime culprit behind the attacks. Therefore Anne must be more cautious than ever, relying on her intelligence, wit, insight, and strategic abilities in order to survive; all while her love for King Edward IV burns as strongly as ever.
Posie Graeme-Evans once again creates an elegant, page-turning tale featuring a highly likable and admirable heroine. Anne de Bohun's character in The Exiled is much stronger, confident and has more panache; while hating Queen Elizabeth Grey is inevitable because of our loyalty to Anne. It never fails to amaze me how historical fiction authors can influence you to take certain sides of characters in specific novels; for example, it's amusing to read Philippa Gregory's The White Queen told from Elizabeth Grey's point of view as "the victim" and then reading The Exiled in which we passionately hate her. For it's setting in time and place, The Exiled causes Anne to stand out more than ever as one of the most memorable heroines in the historical fiction sub-genre.
As for Posie Graeme-Evans' writing style, her stories are so richly and intricately composed that you can vividly picture and imagine the setting perfectly. Whereas some historical fiction novels give you a detached glimpse into the lives of the figures in question, Graeme-Evans places you right there with them, making for an addicting and involved experience. The outside world will truly fall away when you read this series! I HIGHLY recommend all three novels.
The final book in the War of the Roses trilogy is called The Beloved (2006), with the alternate title being The Uncrowned Queen in the United States. Graeme-Evans has also written a stand-alone novel titled The Dressmaker (2010).
Visit http://dreamworldbooks.com for more book reviews.
In the first novel of the series, The Innocent, Anne worked her way up into the king's court as a servant and all-knowing medicine-woman attending the queen. Anne's gentle ways, intelligence and beauty caught the eye of King Edward IV, and the pair worked carefully to keep their love for each other a secret. In The Exiled, Anne de Bohun, now having full knowledge of her true identity and royal bloodline, has escaped to Brugge, where she has established herself as a successful merchant and businesswoman. Much to Anne's dismay, she finds herself still in danger as several assassination attempts are made on her life, with Queen Elizabeth Grey as the prime culprit behind the attacks. Therefore Anne must be more cautious than ever, relying on her intelligence, wit, insight, and strategic abilities in order to survive; all while her love for King Edward IV burns as strongly as ever.
Posie Graeme-Evans once again creates an elegant, page-turning tale featuring a highly likable and admirable heroine. Anne de Bohun's character in The Exiled is much stronger, confident and has more panache; while hating Queen Elizabeth Grey is inevitable because of our loyalty to Anne. It never fails to amaze me how historical fiction authors can influence you to take certain sides of characters in specific novels; for example, it's amusing to read Philippa Gregory's The White Queen told from Elizabeth Grey's point of view as "the victim" and then reading The Exiled in which we passionately hate her. For it's setting in time and place, The Exiled causes Anne to stand out more than ever as one of the most memorable heroines in the historical fiction sub-genre.
As for Posie Graeme-Evans' writing style, her stories are so richly and intricately composed that you can vividly picture and imagine the setting perfectly. Whereas some historical fiction novels give you a detached glimpse into the lives of the figures in question, Graeme-Evans places you right there with them, making for an addicting and involved experience. The outside world will truly fall away when you read this series! I HIGHLY recommend all three novels.
The final book in the War of the Roses trilogy is called The Beloved (2006), with the alternate title being The Uncrowned Queen in the United States. Graeme-Evans has also written a stand-alone novel titled The Dressmaker (2010).
Visit http://dreamworldbooks.com for more book reviews.
October 8, 2014
I did not realize this was the 2nd book in a series. So I didn't know that Anne was Henry VI's daughter or any of that until long after I feel like I should have. The plot was really hard to get into for me. I was about to put it down when Edward IV appeared on the scene and then it picked up. The parts with the wedding and immediately leading up to it and following were the best. After that I was just waiting for Edward to come on the scene again.
I'll echo the others with the warning that there a couple scenes that describe Anne and Edward's physical relationship in detail.
I found the minor characters were not treated well, paraded in and out very quickly. Let's have a whole chapter to describe the background of three characters that Anne meets in England, integrate them into the plot, then abruptly halt their subplots with an explaination in the next chapter "they died."
I read spoilers online about what happens in the 3rd book so I don't have to read it. I don't want to waste another 450 pages finding out.
I'll echo the others with the warning that there a couple scenes that describe Anne and Edward's physical relationship in detail.
I found the minor characters were not treated well, paraded in and out very quickly. Let's have a whole chapter to describe the background of three characters that Anne meets in England, integrate them into the plot, then abruptly halt their subplots with an explaination in the next chapter "they died."
I read spoilers online about what happens in the 3rd book so I don't have to read it. I don't want to waste another 450 pages finding out.
December 8, 2012
I read The Innocent a number of years ago and I always meant to continue this trilogy before now, but I only found the time recently. The Exiled picks up in the city of Brugge, where Anne, exiled after her adventures at the court of Yorkist King Edward IV, which included an affair with the king and the birth of an illegitimate child, has settled and begun to earn a living as a merchant. She must wrestle with the prejudice and envy of her fellow merchant, who do not care to trade with a woman, much less a successful one. But Anne must also contend with politics, as her former royal lover engages to marry his sister to the Duke of Burgundy, enveloping Anne in a complex game of love, intrigue, and schemes with very powerful people. A fun read, if somewhat liberal with the history of the time.
November 4, 2015
This is the second book in the War of the Roses trilogy. Anne is now exiled in Brugge, in the household of her patron, raising her son as the child of a relative, rather than her own. She wages a quiet battle with the merchant community who are unwilling to accept her into the guild as a woman without her taking a husband. Anne uses knowledge to make a big gamble on a forthcoming wedding, getting the textiles and hiring the seamstresses to gain a major trading advantage. However, the return of King Edward to the picture creates danger for her, as do multiple assassination attempts upon her. The Queen, in particular, is a threat to Anne. Her old magic also leads to great danger, and Anne must make some difficult choices about her life.
November 4, 2011
Second in the series of Anne de Bohun, who in the previous book had been exiled from Englan by her lover King Edward. In the year since, she has given birth to their son Edward, and establieshed herself under patronage of a wealthy trader in Brugges. She uses her intellegience and gossip to build a fortune, but in doing so, engenders the ire of her growing list of enemies (including that of the Queen of England). Finally things come to a head, bringing her back into the sphere of the King....[return][return]Reasonably distracting story, not a heavily historical read
January 21, 2010
This one was good historical fiction. I'm not at all familiar with Edward IV, so it was interesting to read about an unfamiliar era. It's the second of three novels, and I haven't read the first in the series, but I wasn't too at sea, always a plus. Minuses: No author's note: I always like to know where fact and fiction differ. Too much hocus pocus: While I generally enjoy fantasy literature, I do not like it mixed with history.
February 1, 2011
Enjoyable read. I'm getting better at looking past historical inaccuracies in books, but this one is so far off it's tough to overlook.
Both Edward and Elizabeth going to Brugge for Margaret's wedding, please! Also, was it necessary to mess with the birth order of their children?
95% fiction, 5% historical, lol!
Both Edward and Elizabeth going to Brugge for Margaret's wedding, please! Also, was it necessary to mess with the birth order of their children?
95% fiction, 5% historical, lol!
August 28, 2011
I thought this was actually a bit better than The Innocent (book 1)...although with both books I felt the author could have gotten to the point a little quicker. I didn't feel like there was as much character development in this one...it was more like just following them around watching what they were doing. I probably will read book 3.
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