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The Queens of Love and War #3
Gilded Cages: The Trials of Eleanor of Aquitaine
A novel of the betrayals and rivalries that set a family of royals against each other in medieval England—and ignited a devastating conflict.
Tumultuous. Passionate. Timeless. The marriage between Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry Plantagenet was like no other, born of power, politics, and an all-consuming, fiery love. Within two years of their wedding, Henry conquered England and together they ruled a vast kingdom. At first they worked to unify and repair their war-torn lands—before being torn apart by intrigue, adultery, and deadly revenge.
Henry II dreams of enacting a new judicial system, a common law that would help foster peace. But a devastating betrayal by his closest confidante, Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, thrusts Henry into a rivalry that threatens to tear church and state apart. Eleanor, an accomplished ruler in her own right, steps in to help Henry quell the rebellions across their lands. But when she learns of her husband’s secret romance with the fair, young Rosamund de Clifford, it shatters her heart and ignites a bitter vengeance that will engulf their family in treachery and betrayal. As Eleanor takes the side of her sons against their father, these young royals, chafing for power of their own, wreak havoc across the continent, igniting a war whose tragic consequences Eleanor could never have foreseen.
968 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2013
75 people are currently reading
437 people want to read
About the author
Ellen Jones
58 books31 followersEllen Jones was born in New York City and raised in a family of history teachers and musicians, who exposed her to a variety of ideas, cultures, and lifestyles. After graduating from Bennington College, she spent a few years studying drama in graduate school, which led to her first writing efforts. After getting married and while raising two young children, Jones wrote two plays, one set in eighteenth-century Vermont and the other based on Japanese history. These two works were performed by the Honolulu Theatre for Youth in Hawaii. Jones and her family then moved to England, where she fell in love with London and its colorful history. During her five years in England, Jones was able to explore the country; she also traveled throughout Europe, including a visit to the French region of Aquitaine. Her travels deepened her interest in history and the seeds of her novels began to take root. Jones made her fiction debut with The Fatal Crown (1991), a historical novel about the twelfth-century British princess Maud. This launched Jones’s trilogy about three strong, passionate, and self-willed founders of the Plantagenet empire: Maud, Henry, and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 15, 2013
I know George R.R. Martin said that he based his Song of Ice and Fire series on The Wars of the Roses, but I've always thought he also used some of the events surrounding the contentious Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and their fractious brood of sons. There are few historical fiction authors who can bring the tumultous medieval era to life and I have added Ellen Jones to this list. She doesn't gloss over the dark sides of these long-dead but still incredibly fascinating personages. Henry says to Eleanor near the last, that he was a good king but a bad man. In spite of the betrayals on both sides, there's always a feeling that Henry and Eleanor were truly soulmates. They understood each other in ways no one else did. Of course, that also meant they could hurt each other bitterly. And Jones does not thankfully gloss over Richard I's reputed homosexuality. Of course I loathed John, but in a way understood how love could turn to envy and perhaps even hate. And I adore Eleanor, one of the most dynamic queens in history. Any woman who insists upon asserting her autonomy in ways that society deems "unladylike" is a real heroine to me--be it Eleanor or Aude, the wisewoman who saves her life.
Speaking of powerful women, the Courts of Love, made popular by Marie of France and her mother Eleanor. I loved how these women came together and created a world that seemed frivolous or harmless at face value, but carefully changed the roles of women, asserting their independence and even their sexuality. No wonder some in the church had problems.
This isn't a quick read, but a thoroughly engrossing one, made for those of us who love (and miss) those epic novels filled with the sights, sounds, and smells (thankfully not real) of times long past. The people are long since dust, but they are still very much alive and their struggles all too real.
Speaking of powerful women, the Courts of Love, made popular by Marie of France and her mother Eleanor. I loved how these women came together and created a world that seemed frivolous or harmless at face value, but carefully changed the roles of women, asserting their independence and even their sexuality. No wonder some in the church had problems.
This isn't a quick read, but a thoroughly engrossing one, made for those of us who love (and miss) those epic novels filled with the sights, sounds, and smells (thankfully not real) of times long past. The people are long since dust, but they are still very much alive and their struggles all too real.
February 8, 2013
I'm beginning to tire of Henry hooking his thumbs into his belt and rocking back and forth on his heels! I've lost count how many times I've read this!
Otherwise I'm enjoying it :)
Otherwise I'm enjoying it :)
June 7, 2024
Not as good as the first two but I still enjoyed reading about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and their children.
November 20, 2024
Meh. Not well written, kind of drags. Book could have been a quarter shorter without describing clothing constantly.
July 26, 2025
It's been some years since I last read a historical novel by Ellen Jones. I'd forgotten how good she is at her craft.
This is the final book in her widely-known, three-volume series about England during the reigns of Henry I and Henry II. And yes, I've read all three:
#1 = THE FATAL CROWN - the story of Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I and mother of Henry II, and her conflict with cousin Stephen for the throne.
#2 = BELOVED ENEMY: THE PASSIONS OF ELEANOR OF AQUITAINE - tells about Eleanor's childhood, her first marriage to King Louis VII of France and her introduction to Henry of Anjou, later Henry II. Jones is particularly adept at exploring what it must have been like to be a woman with power in a man's world.
NOTE: At the time I am writing this review Amazon is offering all three novels on Kindle for a combined price of $3.99. A GREAT deal for lovers of historical fiction!
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...)
I think what Jones has done best is to make believable the complex relationship between King Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. In all its nuances. Not just their initial passion. But the bond that exists in a marriage of equals -- at a time when women were traditionally considered second-class. Henry and Eleanor are true soul mates -- sharing a love of power, political acumen, and burning desire to expand England's influence. Coupled with intense physical attraction. Jones depicts them both as multi-dimensional human beings with exceptional gifts and significant flaws. Even after their falling out (I don't consider this a spoiler since their history is so well-known), Jones captures the intense connection that remained between the two monarchs --one based on respect, shared history, and even residual love. I found this completely believable and VERY satisfying.
This novel covers the years 1162 - 1189. It begins just 10 years into Henry and Eleanor's marriage -- when they are still a happy couple with a young and growing family -- just as Archbishop Thomas Becket is returning the seal of the Chancellor's office to Henry. And the novel ends just after Henry's death.
Most of the drama that unfolds in between centers on two threads. The first is Henry's philandering and its impact on his relationship with Eleanor. The second, which comes later, is the continual discord between Henry and his grown sons. This is NOT a family you'd want to be part of. There's an overabundance of ambition, anger management issues, and self-absorption.
This is a long book but it held my interest. My only criticism is that I found some of the detail surrounding battles a bit too much. But I recommend this highly, especially for those who are fascinated with this Middle Ages power couple.
This is the final book in her widely-known, three-volume series about England during the reigns of Henry I and Henry II. And yes, I've read all three:
#1 = THE FATAL CROWN - the story of Empress Matilda, daughter of Henry I and mother of Henry II, and her conflict with cousin Stephen for the throne.
#2 = BELOVED ENEMY: THE PASSIONS OF ELEANOR OF AQUITAINE - tells about Eleanor's childhood, her first marriage to King Louis VII of France and her introduction to Henry of Anjou, later Henry II. Jones is particularly adept at exploring what it must have been like to be a woman with power in a man's world.
NOTE: At the time I am writing this review Amazon is offering all three novels on Kindle for a combined price of $3.99. A GREAT deal for lovers of historical fiction!
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...)
I think what Jones has done best is to make believable the complex relationship between King Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. In all its nuances. Not just their initial passion. But the bond that exists in a marriage of equals -- at a time when women were traditionally considered second-class. Henry and Eleanor are true soul mates -- sharing a love of power, political acumen, and burning desire to expand England's influence. Coupled with intense physical attraction. Jones depicts them both as multi-dimensional human beings with exceptional gifts and significant flaws. Even after their falling out (I don't consider this a spoiler since their history is so well-known), Jones captures the intense connection that remained between the two monarchs --one based on respect, shared history, and even residual love. I found this completely believable and VERY satisfying.
This novel covers the years 1162 - 1189. It begins just 10 years into Henry and Eleanor's marriage -- when they are still a happy couple with a young and growing family -- just as Archbishop Thomas Becket is returning the seal of the Chancellor's office to Henry. And the novel ends just after Henry's death.
Most of the drama that unfolds in between centers on two threads. The first is Henry's philandering and its impact on his relationship with Eleanor. The second, which comes later, is the continual discord between Henry and his grown sons. This is NOT a family you'd want to be part of. There's an overabundance of ambition, anger management issues, and self-absorption.
This is a long book but it held my interest. My only criticism is that I found some of the detail surrounding battles a bit too much. But I recommend this highly, especially for those who are fascinated with this Middle Ages power couple.
February 9, 2013
Gilded Cages
The novel is a continuation of Beloved Enemy which describes the early part of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine’s meeting and marriage. At the beginning of Gilded Cages Thomas Beckett returns his chancellor’s seal because he claims he cannot cleave to both God and state. At this period of time there were two separate systems of jurisdiction in England: the royal courts and the ecclesiastical courts. Henry disagrees with this and wishes all clerics caught committing crimes should be deprived of church protection and be handed over to the royal courts for punishment. Thomas is vehemently opposed to this and is subsequently banished from England and goes to France.
Henry meets Rosamund de Clifford and is bowled over by her beauty and sets her up in her own estate, Everswell. Eleanor learns of this and is enraged. Later Henry relents and has Rosamund moved to Godstow but this is the beginning of a great rift in their marriage. Henry and Eleanor have a brief reconciliation that results in the birth of their last son, John. Henry ignores his marriage vows again and resumes his relationship with Rosamund so Eleanor leaves for France. There are uprisings in Aquitaine that are soon quelled and King Louis invites Henry and his sons for a peace conference and announces the betrothal of Louis’ daughter Alais to Prince Richard. Prince Henry is crowned King of England to assure the succession. Henry and Thomas reconcile and Thomas returns to Canterbury. Although on the surface it appears as though they’ve reached an understanding, in truth Thomas still refuses to lift the ban of excommunications of Archbishop York for participating in the coronation of the prince. Finally in exasperation, Henry asks his nobles “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest”. His statement is taken literally and Thomas is murdered in the cathedral of Canterbury. Henry regrets the death of his friend but hesitates to punish his murderers and this keeps him under the cloud of excommunication. Meanwhile Eleanor returns to Aquitaine and begins agitating her sons Henry and Geoffrey to rebel against their father. Henry succeeds in quelling the rebellions but becomes estranged from his sons and come to realize that Eleanor is at the heart of these rebellions. She is imprisoned in England but is eventually released. It is a tragic story of love and hate, betrayal and jealousy and the author has done a great deal of historical research and it shows. Thanks to Open Integrated Media and Net Galley for my copy.
The novel is a continuation of Beloved Enemy which describes the early part of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine’s meeting and marriage. At the beginning of Gilded Cages Thomas Beckett returns his chancellor’s seal because he claims he cannot cleave to both God and state. At this period of time there were two separate systems of jurisdiction in England: the royal courts and the ecclesiastical courts. Henry disagrees with this and wishes all clerics caught committing crimes should be deprived of church protection and be handed over to the royal courts for punishment. Thomas is vehemently opposed to this and is subsequently banished from England and goes to France.
Henry meets Rosamund de Clifford and is bowled over by her beauty and sets her up in her own estate, Everswell. Eleanor learns of this and is enraged. Later Henry relents and has Rosamund moved to Godstow but this is the beginning of a great rift in their marriage. Henry and Eleanor have a brief reconciliation that results in the birth of their last son, John. Henry ignores his marriage vows again and resumes his relationship with Rosamund so Eleanor leaves for France. There are uprisings in Aquitaine that are soon quelled and King Louis invites Henry and his sons for a peace conference and announces the betrothal of Louis’ daughter Alais to Prince Richard. Prince Henry is crowned King of England to assure the succession. Henry and Thomas reconcile and Thomas returns to Canterbury. Although on the surface it appears as though they’ve reached an understanding, in truth Thomas still refuses to lift the ban of excommunications of Archbishop York for participating in the coronation of the prince. Finally in exasperation, Henry asks his nobles “Who will rid me of this turbulent priest”. His statement is taken literally and Thomas is murdered in the cathedral of Canterbury. Henry regrets the death of his friend but hesitates to punish his murderers and this keeps him under the cloud of excommunication. Meanwhile Eleanor returns to Aquitaine and begins agitating her sons Henry and Geoffrey to rebel against their father. Henry succeeds in quelling the rebellions but becomes estranged from his sons and come to realize that Eleanor is at the heart of these rebellions. She is imprisoned in England but is eventually released. It is a tragic story of love and hate, betrayal and jealousy and the author has done a great deal of historical research and it shows. Thanks to Open Integrated Media and Net Galley for my copy.
June 24, 2014
This book was interesting for the most part. Parts of it dragged especially when Eleanor was imprisoned and other people's stories were at the forefront. I have read several books on Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. The Lion at Winter is one of my favorite movies.
The narrator for this book tries to sound like Katharine Hepburn and does a good job. I hated her characterization of Thomas Becket, he was lispy and very wimpish. Not Richard Burton at all.
The story begins with Eleanor and Henry already a family with Fair Rosamund just around the corner. The author takes a lot of liberties with her death and sorry to say but I can't buy it. This is one reason I can't give it five stars.
The author does great when describing the complicated relationship between Eleanor and Henry. I have no trouble believing in their love even though both have hurt each other over the years. Wonderful job here!
The childrens' complicated relationship is handled quite well also. When you have a strong father and mother and no clear outline for your future it's difficult to act responsibly.
My husband and childrens' bloodline can be traced back to Henry and Eleanor's son John so this is a personal story for me.
The narrator for this book tries to sound like Katharine Hepburn and does a good job. I hated her characterization of Thomas Becket, he was lispy and very wimpish. Not Richard Burton at all.
The story begins with Eleanor and Henry already a family with Fair Rosamund just around the corner. The author takes a lot of liberties with her death and sorry to say but I can't buy it. This is one reason I can't give it five stars.
The author does great when describing the complicated relationship between Eleanor and Henry. I have no trouble believing in their love even though both have hurt each other over the years. Wonderful job here!
The childrens' complicated relationship is handled quite well also. When you have a strong father and mother and no clear outline for your future it's difficult to act responsibly.
My husband and childrens' bloodline can be traced back to Henry and Eleanor's son John so this is a personal story for me.
September 14, 2013
Good manners, etiquette, treatment of the fair sex that we observe to this day, with few exceptions were invented by this Lady in the10th century.Finally I found a book about her, King Henry, and King Louis ( whom she left for Henry after going to the Holy Lands with him to fight the Saracens. I thoroughly enjoyed this book teeming with history of the Dark Ages in Europe. It is amazing that she lived through the tyranny of her own loved ones and lived to be 80- outliving most of them. Note that this is the real story behind the famous movie Lion in Winter which I have seen countless times, played by Katherine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole.
February 25, 2013
Done! I am done!
FREEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
FREEEEEEEDOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!
July 24, 2013
disappointed
March 3, 2014
Intrigue, changing alliances, murder, a true political thriller -just set in the 1100s.
March 19, 2014
Great book. Excellent historical fiction but strongly based on true events.
March 12, 2015
Exquisitely researched and full of detail. My only qualm was the periodic bouts of awkward prose. Certain phrases were very very overused. Otherwise it was a wonderful book.
July 3, 2015
Exellent trilogy! But be sure to read in the proper order or you won't get the full enjoyment out of this story of powerful women and a future king of England that they both love.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews