The Queens of Love and War: The Complete Series

by Ellen Jones

Three engrossing historical novels—in one volume—bring the Plantagenets and the splendor and scheming of twelfth-century Europe to vivid life. In The Fatal Crown, set against the seething political intrigues of twelfth-century Europe, two royal heirs surrender to passion as they vie for the most glittering, treacherous prize of the English throne. At twenty-five, the widowed Maud must marry once again, this time to fourteen-year-old Geoffrey Plantagenet. But it is with Stephen of Blois, Maud’s fiercest rival for the British throne, that the headstrong princess discovers the true meaning of desire. In Beloved Enemy, Aquitaine is under the French king’s safekeeping, and Eleanor, the Duke of Aquitaine’s eldest daughter, knows she must wed Prince Louis in order to insure the future of her beloved duchy. Fiercely independent, filled with untapped desire, the woman who would be queen must provide Louis VII, her monkish husband, with heirs. But it is young Henry of Anjou who catches Eleanor’s eye—and sets fire to her heart. And in Gilded Cages, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry Plantagenet—whose marriage was born of power, politics, and an all-consuming, fiery love—rule a vast kingdom. At first they work to unify and repair their war-torn lands—before being torn apart by intrigue, adultery, and deadly revenge.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

2297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Ellen 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.

Reviews

[Oma · Rating 2 out of 5]

The tales began with an interesting premise, but did not live up to my expectations. The story of Maud and Stephen was a bit far fetched. I found it difficult to believe that their affair would have been kept secret. There were so many possible witnesses to it. I found it hard to believe that a queen visiting a rival royal prisoner whom she has not seen in years, would be able to have sex with him in the cell without guards, even though down the hall, noticing. I would have enjoyed the stories more without the descriptive sex. I realize I am of an older generation, but I know when characters re having sexual relations without needing it spelled out for me. I found the author's opinion of the Catholic Church and her willingness to paint its representatives in a poor light unappealing. Having a teenage Eleanor trick St. Bernard of Clairvaux into telling her how to pleasure herself was where I quit reading the book. I received this book as a reviewer. I have not been compensated in any way (other than being given a copy of this book) and my opinion on the book is entirely my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Early NetGalley read.. Large book but good content

[Melisende · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read the trilogy and enjoyed them for what they were - historical fiction. Nice to see someone tackle Maud and Stephen - interesting take by the author.

[Eileen Briesch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good take on interesting times

I have read a number of books about the Plantagenets. This trilogy gave a few different looks into the lives of Empress Maud, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. Some things I would have like to have explained in author’s notes. For example: Henry II is shown having fits, like epilepsy, but the author doesn’t explain if these are truth or rumor or fiction. And the Rosalind de Clifford story is different than in other books. In here, she is a sexual abuse victim of her father. Is this truth or fiction?
But the stories are good, entertaining and well-written. A few typos were distracting, however.

[Connie L. Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad I read these!

This was a very enjoyable reading experience. I thought the first two books mostly set the background for Eleanor and Henry. They were definitely the characters that interested me the most. Anyone who enjoys historical fiction will enjoy these books. Ellen Jones has a gift for vividly allowing the reader to experience all of their senses throughout this reading journey.

[Lorrie Tansowny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful historical fiction

An excellent telling of the story of King Henry and Eleanor of Aquitaine. History revealed in believable characters and dialogue. A must read for lovers of English Royalty.

[JECO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great escape read.

Good read. Complex but clear history. Great escape book for dreary Chicago Winter. If you liked the movie Becket, this gives you a fleshed out history of those characters and pre and post generations of the Plantagenets.

[Debbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series many years ago, and was looking for the second, when all 3 came out in this single volume trilogy. Ellen Jones has done a wonderful job of researching both Maude and Eleanor for the book. s

The Fatal Crown focuses on Maud, a well educated European princess, married to the Holy Roman Emperor, and heir to the throne of England. Prior to his death Maud's father forces Englands nobles to swear allegiance to Maud as the ruler of England upon his death. The nobles are uncomfortable with the idea of a woman, even one as intelligent and well educated as Maud, ruling over the country, so while they all make their allegiance, as soon he is dead, Maud's cousin Stephen of Blois is crowned king in her stead. The Fatal Crown tells the tale not only of Maud's childhood, but also of the civil war between the various factions in England, a time that came to be known as "when Christ and his saints slept". Eventually they reach agreement (which I won't go into here, because those of you who know your history, know what the agreement is and for those of you who don't...I won't ruin the surprise!).

The second book Beloved Enemy, focuses in Eleanor of Aquitaine, from her early childhood until she marries Henry II. Eleanor is one of the most interesting women in history. Duchess of Aquitaine in her own right, Queen of France and eventually Queen of England, she is well educated, politically savvy, she is a force to be reckoned with. Beloved Enemy concludes with Eleanor leaving at the height of her power, to go back to Aquitaine, angry at Henry for his infidelities.

Gilded Cages, the final book in the trilogy, picks up wehre Beloved Enemy leaves off, and includes the most tumultuous times of Henry's rein. His children are angry at him because he wasn't share power (after foolishly crowning his eldest son King of England while Henry was still alive), his old friend Thomas a' Becket turns against him after being made Bishop of Canterbury, his son Richard hates him...its like a soap opera times 10, and mostly true.

All three books are full of intrigue, passion, political plotting, romance...what more could you want? Eleanor is a well documented woman, and her story makes wonderful telling.

My only complaint with the books are that Jones seems to have included off of the most salacious rumors about Eleanor, which sort of demeans the historical integrity and at times reads more like a romance novel. For those who are well read about Eleanor, this is a distraction. Nevertheless, it's a wonderful trilogy, well written, interesting, exciting, and a very painless way to learn about two of the most fascinating women in history.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be honest. I do not know a lot about the monarchy in England or it’s history. I know some of the more recent history, recent being the last 300 years or so, and I have heard of all the male characters’ names that make up the monarchy in this book. Knowing the names and knowing the history are two different things.

May I say what an exquisite way to learn history?

Now, I know that these books are fiction, in a way, but the majority of the characters existed in history, a lot of the rumors that these stories are written around have been passed down from history. Ellen Jones took all of those moments and wove these intricate tales of intrigue and romance and deceit and conspiracies and it was amazing how it all lined up with the major events in history.

How do I know they lined up with history?

I kept spoiler alerting myself.

I had to Google all the characters and read their actual history. I don’t recommend doing that if you don’t know the history between, say, Stephen of Blois and Empress Maud. I was upset that their relationship did not end the way I hoped it would, but alas, you can’t change history. Bummed myself out when I found out the ending to their story before I got to that part in the book. Don’t do that.

During a lot of the book I was thinking how lucky I was to be born in my time and not back then. Seriously. I have no royal blood in me, but that wouldn’t have mattered back then. Parents arranged their daughters’ marriages based on how that marriage would help their family. I’m not so sure I would have been easy to handle back then seeing as hard hard I was to deal with in the 90’s and rules were a lot less strict for girls then. (Though, I think my parents were stricter than my friends. Love you mom!)

If I had to choose a favorite book out of all 3, it would be The Fatal Crown, the story of Empress Maud. History says that there were rumors about Maud and Stephen of Blois’ relationship and Ellen did a wonderful job jumping off of those rumors. I loved the other two books as well, but that one pulled at my heart the most.

When you put all three books together, there are 1800 + pages. Not light reading. It is wonderful reading though. It took me about six days to read it but I read really fast. Now that I am done with that, as much as I enjoyed it, and as much as I want to see if Ellen Jones has more books out, I need a little light, fluffy, happy reading next.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me a copy of The Queens of Love and War: The Fatal Crown, Beloved Enemy, and Gilded Cages.