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The Heirs of Anarchy #5
Daughter of the Sun: Story of the Young Eleanor of Aquitaine
Countess, Duchess, twice a Queen, ruler of vast lands, crusader, mother and politician, this is the story of the young Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Aquitaine, 1137
The young Eleanor of Aquitaine has inherited the lands of her father, at once becoming most powerful and most vulnerable. Promised without her knowledge to the heir to the King of France, Eleanor is about to enter a court unknown, and a world most violent. Through trials of marriage, politics and crusade to the Holy Lands, Eleanor will travel, rising above the limitations set upon her, to forge a path to a future where dreams of true power are more than mere illusion.
Daughter of the Sun, Story of the Young Eleanor of Aquitaine is part of the Heirs of Anarchy series by G. Lawrence.
Although part of Heirs of Anarchy, this book can be read as a stand alone novel.
The author's thanks are due to Julia Gibbs, proof reader of this work of fiction, and Betibup33 Design Studio, the cover artist.
Aquitaine, 1137
The young Eleanor of Aquitaine has inherited the lands of her father, at once becoming most powerful and most vulnerable. Promised without her knowledge to the heir to the King of France, Eleanor is about to enter a court unknown, and a world most violent. Through trials of marriage, politics and crusade to the Holy Lands, Eleanor will travel, rising above the limitations set upon her, to forge a path to a future where dreams of true power are more than mere illusion.
Daughter of the Sun, Story of the Young Eleanor of Aquitaine is part of the Heirs of Anarchy series by G. Lawrence.
Although part of Heirs of Anarchy, this book can be read as a stand alone novel.
The author's thanks are due to Julia Gibbs, proof reader of this work of fiction, and Betibup33 Design Studio, the cover artist.
349 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2023
85 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
G. Lawrence
50 books285 followersI am an independently published author, and proud to be so. Living in a little cottage in Wales in the UK, I love where I live as much as I love to write.
The age of the Tudors has been an obsession for me since I was a child, and many of my upcoming books will center on that time, but I also pen the odd dystopian fiction or historical fiction from other time periods. I will be releasing all my titles on amazon, for kindle and then hopefully for print later.
I studied Literature (with a capital L) at University and usually have twenty or more books I'm currently reading. Reading and writing are about mood for me, and I haven't found a genre I didn't enjoy something about so far...
You can often find me on Wattpad or Twitter when I'm not writing...
The age of the Tudors has been an obsession for me since I was a child, and many of my upcoming books will center on that time, but I also pen the odd dystopian fiction or historical fiction from other time periods. I will be releasing all my titles on amazon, for kindle and then hopefully for print later.
I studied Literature (with a capital L) at University and usually have twenty or more books I'm currently reading. Reading and writing are about mood for me, and I haven't found a genre I didn't enjoy something about so far...
You can often find me on Wattpad or Twitter when I'm not writing...
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
December 7, 2023
Disappointing
Gemma Lawrence is one of my favorite authors and I've enjoyed all the other books in this series. However, this was just so boring to me. Way too much narrative and not nearly enough dialogue. It's written more like a journal and I kept skipping through it to get to the conversations. I've read enough fiction and non-fiction about Eleanor that I doubt I missed anything.
Gemma Lawrence is one of my favorite authors and I've enjoyed all the other books in this series. However, this was just so boring to me. Way too much narrative and not nearly enough dialogue. It's written more like a journal and I kept skipping through it to get to the conversations. I've read enough fiction and non-fiction about Eleanor that I doubt I missed anything.
March 19, 2026
Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of England’s most famous medieval queens. Daughter of the Sun tells of the early life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. At the age of thirteen, Eleanor of Aquitaine inherits the rich duchy of Aquitaine. Shortly afterwards, she enters into a marriage with Prince Louis, the heir of the French kingdom. A few days after her marriage, Eleanor becomes Queen of France. However, Eleanor realizes that life as a queen is fraught with difficulties, loneliness, and unhappiness.
Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of my favorite queens. I love her because she is very strong-willed. This historical novel by Mrs. Lawrence shows that Eleanor was very free-spirited in her early life. She yearns for not only power and ambition but also love and happiness. Eleanor has to deal with loneliness as a French queen. She also struggles living with a man who doesn’t give her the love and passion that she craves for in a marriage. Therefore, I came to sympathize with Eleanor because she struggles to be seen and heard by her husband. I found Eleanor to be a very fascinating and unique heroine! I can’t wait to see how her character develops over the course of the next books!
Overall, this book is about marriage, choices, and ambition. I found the characters to be fully fleshed out and very complex. I also like the historical details in the novel, especially the Second Crusade! It felt as if I was walking alongside Eleanor! There were parts of the book that felt very repetitive and drawn out. Nonetheless, it was a very entertaining and thrilling read! I can’t wait to see how Eleanor’s romance with the future King Henry II will evolve! I recommend this for fans of The Book of Eleanor, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Duchess of Aquitaine!
Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of my favorite queens. I love her because she is very strong-willed. This historical novel by Mrs. Lawrence shows that Eleanor was very free-spirited in her early life. She yearns for not only power and ambition but also love and happiness. Eleanor has to deal with loneliness as a French queen. She also struggles living with a man who doesn’t give her the love and passion that she craves for in a marriage. Therefore, I came to sympathize with Eleanor because she struggles to be seen and heard by her husband. I found Eleanor to be a very fascinating and unique heroine! I can’t wait to see how her character develops over the course of the next books!
Overall, this book is about marriage, choices, and ambition. I found the characters to be fully fleshed out and very complex. I also like the historical details in the novel, especially the Second Crusade! It felt as if I was walking alongside Eleanor! There were parts of the book that felt very repetitive and drawn out. Nonetheless, it was a very entertaining and thrilling read! I can’t wait to see how Eleanor’s romance with the future King Henry II will evolve! I recommend this for fans of The Book of Eleanor, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Duchess of Aquitaine!
December 24, 2023
As an ardent fan of historical fiction, diving into G. Lawrence's "Daughter of the Sun," is an experience I have eagerly anticipated. As a self-proclaimed Eleanor of Aquitaine fangirl, I'm endlessly amazed by her remarkable journey through history.
G. Lawrence masterfully recounts the life of the young Eleanor of Aquitaine, a figure who rises from the vulnerable heiress of Aquitaine to a powerful force in medieval Europe. Set against the backdrop of the 12th century, the novel, part of the "Heirs of Anarchy" series, stands out with its rich historical detail and deep character development. Eleanor's journey, marked by her ascension to power following her father's death and her struggles within the male-dominated realms of marriage, politics, and religion, is portrayed with an authenticity that brings this historical figure to life. Lawrence’s portrayal of Eleanor's inner world, especially her relationships and her resilience against societal constraints, is both poignant and empowering, making the character relatable and inspiring.
The novel shines in its vivid description of settings and historical accuracy, from the lively courts of Aquitaine to the somber, constrained life in Paris, and the grandeur of Constantinople during the crusades. Lawrence’s narrative is almost clairvoyant in its ability to immerse the reader in Eleanor's perspective, allowing one to experience her world as if walking beside her. The contrast between the vibrant life of Eleanor’s youth and the challenges she faces, including the politics of her marriage and the rigors of the crusades, is strikingly portrayed. "Daughter of the Sun" is not just a recounting of historical events; it's a journey into the heart of a tumultuous era, seen through the eyes of a woman who defied the norms of her time. This compelling blend of historical depth and vivid storytelling makes it a must-read for enthusiasts of historical fiction and admirers of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s remarkable life.
This novel is definitely on my list for multiple re-reads; there's so much depth to explore and appreciate in each chapter.
G. Lawrence masterfully recounts the life of the young Eleanor of Aquitaine, a figure who rises from the vulnerable heiress of Aquitaine to a powerful force in medieval Europe. Set against the backdrop of the 12th century, the novel, part of the "Heirs of Anarchy" series, stands out with its rich historical detail and deep character development. Eleanor's journey, marked by her ascension to power following her father's death and her struggles within the male-dominated realms of marriage, politics, and religion, is portrayed with an authenticity that brings this historical figure to life. Lawrence’s portrayal of Eleanor's inner world, especially her relationships and her resilience against societal constraints, is both poignant and empowering, making the character relatable and inspiring.
The novel shines in its vivid description of settings and historical accuracy, from the lively courts of Aquitaine to the somber, constrained life in Paris, and the grandeur of Constantinople during the crusades. Lawrence’s narrative is almost clairvoyant in its ability to immerse the reader in Eleanor's perspective, allowing one to experience her world as if walking beside her. The contrast between the vibrant life of Eleanor’s youth and the challenges she faces, including the politics of her marriage and the rigors of the crusades, is strikingly portrayed. "Daughter of the Sun" is not just a recounting of historical events; it's a journey into the heart of a tumultuous era, seen through the eyes of a woman who defied the norms of her time. This compelling blend of historical depth and vivid storytelling makes it a must-read for enthusiasts of historical fiction and admirers of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s remarkable life.
This novel is definitely on my list for multiple re-reads; there's so much depth to explore and appreciate in each chapter.
January 15, 2024
Eleanor of Aquitaine is a fascinating but challenging choice for a biography. Just into her teens she inherited her father’s duchy in south-west France. Threatened by the kingdom of France she accepts her fate to marry Louis the son of the King. Pleasantly surprised by his appearance and his admiration of her, she soon discovers that this marriage to a young man who had trained to be a priest will not be a successful partnership. Juggling attempts to influence her husband’s decisions and hoping she will give birth to an heir, cause her distress, as does the formal French court so different to the warmth of her southern homeland. Only the company of her much-loved sister, Petronilla, makes life bearable. Of necessity this part of Eleanor’s story can appear slow, but we see her develop into a determined woman so when Louis decides to take part in the second crusade to the Holy Land, she persuades him to let her accompany the party.
Gemma Lawrence’s descriptions of the impressive glory of Constantinople are vivid and contrast starkly with the fear and danger of the subsequent journey. Her relationship with her husband worsens but she can always rely on faithful soldiers and friends. Throughout her life she suffered from the disadvantages of being a woman in the 12th century who still owned a large part of what we now think of as France. Men tried to take advantage of her, kept her captive and deceived her but she remained strong and lived a long turbulent life. Of necessity some scenes must be imagined but her story has been well researched and I believed in her. I learnt a great deal about this rarely studied part of history in this beautifully written account.
Gemma Lawrence’s descriptions of the impressive glory of Constantinople are vivid and contrast starkly with the fear and danger of the subsequent journey. Her relationship with her husband worsens but she can always rely on faithful soldiers and friends. Throughout her life she suffered from the disadvantages of being a woman in the 12th century who still owned a large part of what we now think of as France. Men tried to take advantage of her, kept her captive and deceived her but she remained strong and lived a long turbulent life. Of necessity some scenes must be imagined but her story has been well researched and I believed in her. I learnt a great deal about this rarely studied part of history in this beautifully written account.
January 12, 2024
Daughter of the Sun: Story of the Young Eleanor of Aquitaine is the fifth book in The Heirs of Anarchy series. Having not read any of the earlier books, I was hesitant to begin with this one, but I needn’t have worried. The book is a splendid stand-alone novel. Not once did I feel that anything was “missing” from the tale.
Even though there isn’t a lot of dialogue in Daughter of the Sun, there’s a lot of talking. Because Lawrence wrote the book in the first person, it felt as though Eleanor was speaking to me. More than once I caught myself nodding in agreement as she chatted late into the night, and I became too immersed in her tale to stop reading. In Lawrence’s skilled hands, the main character comes across as an intelligent woman whose insights are as relevant now as when she was alive—no small feat, given the centuries separating Eleanor from the reader.
Fictitious dialogue aside, I like my historical fiction with an emphasis on history, and Lawrence delivered. It’s obvious she spent considerable time researching the events that unfold between the pages of her novel. Vivid descriptions make it easy to picture a world quite foreign from our own, and her ancient voice sounded pitch-perfect to my modern ears. Notes at the back of the novel highlight instances when Lawrence had to decide which of several historical possibilities to include in her re-telling, and she makes compelling cases for her decisions.
This may have been my first of Lawrence's books, but it certainly will not be my last. Highly recommended!
Even though there isn’t a lot of dialogue in Daughter of the Sun, there’s a lot of talking. Because Lawrence wrote the book in the first person, it felt as though Eleanor was speaking to me. More than once I caught myself nodding in agreement as she chatted late into the night, and I became too immersed in her tale to stop reading. In Lawrence’s skilled hands, the main character comes across as an intelligent woman whose insights are as relevant now as when she was alive—no small feat, given the centuries separating Eleanor from the reader.
Fictitious dialogue aside, I like my historical fiction with an emphasis on history, and Lawrence delivered. It’s obvious she spent considerable time researching the events that unfold between the pages of her novel. Vivid descriptions make it easy to picture a world quite foreign from our own, and her ancient voice sounded pitch-perfect to my modern ears. Notes at the back of the novel highlight instances when Lawrence had to decide which of several historical possibilities to include in her re-telling, and she makes compelling cases for her decisions.
This may have been my first of Lawrence's books, but it certainly will not be my last. Highly recommended!
February 12, 2024
G. Lawrence's "Daughter of the Sun: Story of the Young Eleanor of Aquitaine" is an engrossing journey through the life of young Eleanor, who inherits her father's lands, thrusting her into a position of immense power and vulnerability. Eleanor is secretly promised to the heir of the King of France, thrusting her into a court fraught with intrigue and danger.
Lawrence's story shines with vivid descriptions of settings and unwavering historical accuracy. From the vibrant courts of Aquitaine to the constrained life in Paris and the grandeur of Constantinople during the crusades, the novel transports readers to Eleanor's world with remarkable clarity.
What distinguishes this book is Lawrence's ability to transport readers into Eleanor's world, allowing us to witness her triumphs and tribulations firsthand. The contrast between Eleanor's youthful exuberance and the challenges she faces is striking.
As a fan of historically accurate fiction, Lawrence's meticulous research and attention to detail impressed me greatly. The vivid descriptions create a world that feels both foreign and familiar, and I learned a lot about this often-overlooked period of history.
"Daughter of the Sun" is a beautifully written account that will appeal to history buffs and fiction fans alike. Lawrence's masterful storytelling and immersive prose make this a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. I can't recommend it highly enough—it's an experience you won't soon forget.
Lawrence's story shines with vivid descriptions of settings and unwavering historical accuracy. From the vibrant courts of Aquitaine to the constrained life in Paris and the grandeur of Constantinople during the crusades, the novel transports readers to Eleanor's world with remarkable clarity.
What distinguishes this book is Lawrence's ability to transport readers into Eleanor's world, allowing us to witness her triumphs and tribulations firsthand. The contrast between Eleanor's youthful exuberance and the challenges she faces is striking.
As a fan of historically accurate fiction, Lawrence's meticulous research and attention to detail impressed me greatly. The vivid descriptions create a world that feels both foreign and familiar, and I learned a lot about this often-overlooked period of history.
"Daughter of the Sun" is a beautifully written account that will appeal to history buffs and fiction fans alike. Lawrence's masterful storytelling and immersive prose make this a must-read for anyone interested in the fascinating life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. I can't recommend it highly enough—it's an experience you won't soon forget.
April 18, 2024
Since I was about to take a trip to Aquitaine, I thought a novel about the life of Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine and Queen of France and England, was in order. Years ago I read EleNOR nd the Four Kings by Amy Kelly, so I knew a fair amount about Eleanor's time and place. This novel brought the politics between Aquitaine and France and Normandy into focus and debunked some of th beliefs about Eleanor herself. Her grandfather, for instance, hero of the First Crusade and Duke of Aquitaine, was the original patron of the Courtly Love jongleurs and troubadours; Eleanor just kept up his tradition. Her marriage to Louis VII of France might well have been doomed from the start. She was 13 and he was 17 at the time of their nuptials and he had been raised to be a clergyman with, apparently, a certain horror of women. They did eventually have two daughters, but they never really warmed up to each other and after their disastrous Crusade, Louis was coaxed into an annulment. Eleanor was required to leave her two daughters in France and to marry again quickly to protect her lands (and herself) from fortune hunters-in-armour, but in that second marriage to a man 11 years her junior, she seems to have found partnership for quite a few years before things devolved into quarrels and civil war. The novel ends just as she is about to marry Henry of Normandy. There will be a sequel covering that marriage. On the trip, I got to see the palace in Poitiers where Eleanor ruled over the Courtly Love community. It was wonderful to have just finished this book before that!
September 23, 2024
This tells the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine's childhood and first marriage, and there's a lot that's well done and it's a great premise and you don't have to make anything up about Eleanor's adventure filled life - I just wish the narration didn't keep repeating points about three times in a row throughout the book.
January 11, 2025
Another fabulous book & beautiful depiction of an incredible heroine, especially for her time! I love the detail & the first person narrative, which really helps convey her as a person with intelligence, fears, feelings of despair at times, and yet also one who finds hope, strength, and resilience to endure. Love, love, love this series!!!
January 26, 2024
A well-researched account of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s early life with a fascinating perspective of life at that time. However, it read more like an autobiography than a novel, so if you are not a fan of autobiographies this may not be for you.
October 9, 2023
I have always admired Eleanor Of Aquitaine a no nonsense woman this book is brilliant and tells the story of Eleanor in her early days
November 25, 2023
Awesome!
This book I could not put down. It is a fantastic story! A must read! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
This book I could not put down. It is a fantastic story! A must read! I cannot wait to read the rest of the series!
March 6, 2024
What a wonderful book, and an absolute must read series. Anyone who is a historical fiction buff can not miss this series. Gemma Lawrence is phenomenal story teller.
July 6, 2024
A very well written book of a queen out of water. I enjoyed reading about all the historical places and felt like I was there.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews