The King’s Mother

by Annie Garthwaite

1461. Through blood and battle Edward has gained England’s throne – king by right and conquest – eighteen years old and unstoppable. Cecily has piloted his rise to power and stands at his shoulder now, first to claim the title King’s Mother.

But to win a throne is not to keep it and war is come again. As brother betrays brother, and trusted cousins turn treacherous, other mothers rise up to fight for other sons. Cecily must focus her will to defeat every challenge. Wherever they come from. Whatever the cost.

For there can be only one King, and only one King’s Mother.

From the Wars of the Roses to the dawn of the Tudor age, this is a story of mothers and sons; of maternal ferocity and female ambition – of all they can build and all they can destroy.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Medieval, British Literature, Audiobook, Tudor Period

381 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2024

About the author

What can I say? I love 15th century history. No apologies, no excuses. The 100 Years War. The Wars of the Roses. All of that.

It’s not that I’m a big fan of blood and battles. Personally I can do without that sort of thing. No. It’s the women who interest me. How they negotiated their way in the world. How they managed – some of them at least, probably more than you’d think – to wield power and influence at a time when men seemed to hold most of the cards. And how others, simply, didn't.

It started in school if I’m honest, with a history teacher that kept asking me questions that, frankly, weren’t ever on the syllabus. Important questions like, ‘So why do you think she did that?’ or ‘What might have been in her mind when…?’ Or the big one: ‘But, do you think that’s true?’ My final exam mark wasn’t that impressive. I was a bit woolly on dates and politics, but very strong on character motivation.

A thirty-year international business career made me even more interested in women’s relationship with power. You can imagine. Let’s just say, I frequently found myself the only woman at the big table.

For me, the stand out character of the 15th century has always been Cecily Neville. She experienced power in both directions; wielding it and having it wielded against her. She survived eighty years of tumultuous history, mothered kings, created a dynasty and brought her family through civil war. She met victory and defeat in equal measure and, in face of all, lived on. Last woman standing, you might say.

My first novel 'Cecily' – coming your way in July 2021 – brings her story to the page.

Reviews

[Beata · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read the book on Cecily Neville, I was more than curious on the Author's vision on her later life. Cecily as the mother to three brothers, two of whom become kings, has the equisite sense of the power and the politics. She seems to be made of steel and to draw strength from other players' weaknesses, Cecily's loyalty towards her sons is steadfast despite her own reservations.
The book is fascinating, as is the history of the War of the Roses, and Ms Garthwaite's interpretation and presentation of the Plantagenets and especially Margaret Beaufort absolutely convincing. Both ladies were equally strong and totally devoted to their offspring. They played chess literally and figuratively, showing each other respect, however mercy was not the option either of them considered.
My sentiment for Richard III is supported by this novel, and I liked the idea put forward by the Author as regards the fate of the Princes in the Tower, the more that the mystery will most probably be never uncovered. Bravo, Ms Garthwaite!
*A big thank-you to Annie Garthwaite, Penguin General UK, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4+

‘‘Tis strange….. but true; for truth is always strange; stranger than fiction….’ Lord Byron, 1823.

Never a truer word, especially when reflecting on this tumultuous period of English history. Treachery, treachery and more treachery. Let’s add in discontent, ambition, bitterness, jealousy, avarice, backstabbing, betrayal, and treason. Plots, schemes, rumours, mercy, vengeance, but also love and loyalty. This is Annie Garthwaites second novel featuring and starring Lady Cecily Neville, the mother of Edward IV, king of England from 1461 to April 1483, and Richard III, June 1483 to August 1485. However, there are other mothers too whose sons have a cause. There’s Marguerite of Anjou, wife of the deposed Henry VI and mother of Edouard, also Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV and mother of Princes, Edward and Richard, and finally, Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry Tudor. This is the latter stages of the of the Wars of the Roses, the bloody civil wars between two competing royal families, the houses of York and Lancaster. Many dead, a bloodied land and a multitude of devious machinations to win the prize of the crown of England. Is the current ascendancy of the House of York going to last? How secure is Cecily’s position as The Kings Mother?

Yet again, Annie Garthwaite does a good job in trying to clear a path through the complexity of this period of English history. I do think it helps to know something as they delight in keeping the same names, there are lots of Edwards, Richards, and Henry’s knocking about which can be confusing to say the least. The fact that the author has made women central to this tale is one of the very best features of the book. As history has wrongly written out a lot of women, it’s good to redress the balance and all the women here are portrayed very well as strong characters and some are more than a match for the men.

Cecily is quite the personality and an excellent central protagonist. She’s clever, politically astute, tough (which you need to be with all this going on) a realist, especially about her sons, in particular, the greed and all the rest of it of her son, George, Duke of Clarence. She’s straight talking, brave, not necessarily likeable, but she’s certainly admirable. I very much like the way that Margaret Beaufort is portrayed and the unexpected friendship between her and Cecily, another strong and clever woman. Elizabeth Woodville has a lot to put up with though her portrayal isn’t perhaps as strong as the other two, it’s still good as is the portrayal of Anne, wife of Richard III.

Edward IV’s personality shines through, he’s not likeable at all, but being the number one tough guy is essential and he does die of natural causes instead of being backstabbed and so enough said. I love the portrayal of Richard III probably because it chimes with my own view. Earnest, loyal to Edward, a great soldier, and I particularly like how the author deals with the thorny matter of Edward IV’s sons, the so-called Princes in the Tower. She’s right, there’s no conclusive evidence and I’ll say no more. Historians will argue about this one till the cows come home!

However, I can’t say I like the way that Henry VI is referred to, it jars with me. I dare say in 15th century conversation it fits with medieval attitudes but the author could’ve referred to the poor soul differently elsewhere but this is just my personal view.

Overall, it’s a very good read, though obviously take some things with a pinch of salt, but as much of history is about interpretation, this is hers. It’s historical fiction at the end of the day and very good historical fiction at that.

With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

[Helen - Great Reads & Tea Leaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me state from the outset, I am a history nerd and this book sent me down rabbit hole after rabbit hole. My favourite type of book to read and I could not ask for anything more! I first read Annie’s book, Cecily, three years ago and gave it five stars. It was epic! There is historical fiction and then there was Cecily. WOW! This was purist historical fiction at its best - one of those rare and memorable tales that gives voice to someone I had barely heard of but would now forever remember. Set at the conclusion of the Hundred Years War between England and France, and moving to the beginning of the Wars of the Roses, the first book focused on the life of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, mother of King Edward IV and Richard III and a force within her own right.

‘Cecily the King’s Mother, a title no woman in England has assumed before.’

The King’s Mother is her follow up covering the period of ‘the Wars of the Roses to the dawn of the Tudor age, this is a story of mothers and sons; of maternal ferocity and female ambition - of all they can build and all they can destroy.’ Yup! That about sums it up. I do recommend you read Cecily first as this book picks up right where that one ended with her son Edward on the throne (Cecily is still the main narrator).

‘And so, though she kneels at His altar, Cecily doesn’t so much pray to God as stare him down. Don’t you dare, she says in her heart … say nothing.’

Annie effortlessly regales a complicated time in English history, however, by telling the story through the perspective of Cecily as the ‘King’s Mother’, makes it vivid and compelling. To witness her interactions through her sons and other characters such as Margaret Beaufort is mind blowing. Despite of course knowing how history ends, the magic of Annie’s writing keeps readers on the edge of their seats in anticipation for the conclusion. Think on how history presents certain events and people …. and then think again. Think of the negative light in which Richard III is portrayed and then think again. Think of the legend of the Princes in the Tower and then think again. Outstanding historical fiction.

‘Tomorrow she might be King’s Mother again. Or just another broken woman, with her children dead at her feet.’

One cannot help but be impressed with the depth and breadth of her research and then the very fitting interpretations. To craft a story that reads so well for today’s audience is impressive. I thank Penguin Publishers UK for reaching out once more and offering this follow up book. If epic historical fiction is your thing, be sure not to miss Annie Garthwaite's incredible series.








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magnificent sequel to Cecily, this one follows Cecily Neville during the fateful years of glory (and eventual downfall) of the House of York. The author draws a detailed, well rounded portait of her protagonist, and she's clearly a talent with words. Pheraphs the role she bestows on Cecily is not entirely credible, especially after Edward IV's marriage, when historically she apparently retired from court and spent most of her time at Berkhamsted; but I appreciated it nonetheless, because Garthwaite did an excellent job with her narrative, so that some liberties can be entirely excused.

[Karen Poulter · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5*

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although the book is pitched as a battle between four women – Cecily Neville, Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort and Marguerite of Anjou – to see their sons become of King of England and therefore be in a position to claim for themselves the title of King’s Mother, the book is really Cecily Part 2 as we see events entirely from her point of view.

As in the earlier book, she’s a schemer and a behind-the-scenes fixer whose favourite game is chess and is not averse to creating her own rules in order to win. She frequently finds herself having the task of cleaning up her sons’ messes. For example, suppressing knowledge of her eldest surviving son Edward’s secret ‘marriage’ to a young noblewomen that might, if it was discovered, threaten the legitimacy of future offspring and, in the process, the succession.

When it comes to Cecily’s second son, George, Duke of Clarence, lets just say that if he’d have written his autobiography it probably would have been entitled ‘Spare’ so visceral is his anger at being continually passed over for the wealth and status he believes he deserves. It leads him to make some disastrous decisions having been manipulated by others for their own ends that see him eventually put to death for treason. An habitual drunkard, the manner of his death – possibly at his own request – is said to have been drowning in a butt of Malmsey, although the author gives us a slightly different angle on this.

Cecily’s youngest son, the man who will become Richard III, gets a flattering portrayal. He’s a skilled soldier, able administrator, loving husband and doting father who would surely never dream of doing away with two young princes.

For the first half of the book, although exerting what influence she can, Cecily is pretty much an observer of events. I’ll be honest, I found myself yearning for a little less historical detail, a bit more pace and something that would make me more invested in all the women’s stories. I did get that in the latter part of the book as Cecily jockeys for position with Elizabeth and Margaret Beaufort who, it turns out, is a pretty good chess player herself. Marguerite of Anjou, although having a key role in events, remains rather in the shadows throughout.

Even if I couldn’t be quite as enthusiastic as other readers, The King’s Mother completes the fascinating story of the life of a woman who was at the heart of events during a turbulent period of England’s history.

[Annelies - In Another Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecily Neville’s son Edward has crowned himself king of England. But old King Henry VI, his French queen Margaret of Anjou and their son Edward are still fugitives. Meanwhile, Cecily’s cousin Warwick also wants his share of power. And then there are her younger sons George and Richard who must each find their way as heirs to the throne in this new York dynasty.

I really enjoyed reading Cecily, Garthwaite’s debut novel about this fierce York woman, mother to the dynasty. And my review ended with me hoping Garthwaite would write a sequel. Three years later, The King’s mother picks up where Cecily ended. At the start of the reign of her son Edward IV. Now Cecily is the king’s mother and The Wars Of The Roses are far from over. The pace of the novel is fast, a lot happens and there are many characters. Cecily is involved in a lot of intrigue and tries to make the right decisions to keep her family in power, even when one of her sons marries the wrong woman or when another rebels against his brother.

The quick pace and the short time that can be given to any event as a consequence, leaves little time for emotions and depth. And that’s the only fault I can find with Garthwaite’s writing. It’s quite straightforward, a little dry at times and not very emotional.

At the same time, the various characters are well developed and there is a clear focus on the women: Margaret of Anjou, Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth Woodville, Jacquetta Of Luxembourg…

This is obviously a pro York book and Cecily has been a main character before but in this book there are a few interesting things that Garthwaite highlights (there might be some small spoilers involved here, but as it is history, I believe I can mention certain outcomes already):

Margaret Beaufort is three-fourths of the book also pro York, very likeable and a friend of both Elizabeth Woodville and Cecily. This Margaret was likeable. And this is literally the very first time in a pro York book that she is portrayed like that. The turnaround to the Tudor house also feels like a normal switch. Margaret learned a lot and at the end uses York’s tricks for her own son.
George, Duke of Clarence is a complete vain idiot from the beginning of the story and Cecily thinks so too. Whereas history seems to suggest that George was her favourite son and Cecily was against his execution, here it’s Edward for whom she fights and she stands behind him rather than behind George. For this book, this choice was ok, but I still think George’s death must have hit much harder for Cecily.
Cecily’s relationship with Edward’s wife Elizabeth Woodville was interestingly portrayed. Cecily will never have been for the match but she did had to defend the Woodvilles. Until Edward dies that is.
I find Cecily’s switch to Richard the most difficult part of the plot, because suddenly she goes along with erasing everything Edward – her favourite son – would have wanted. So she also goes along with Richard’s suddens executions of Hastings and Anthony Woodville, while Hastings was portrayed as a friend of Cecily… It’s strange that Cecily doesn’t question her youngest son’s actions. But well, if you want to portray Richard III positive, it’s not an easy road for any writer.
No blame is placed on the disappearance/death of the princess in the Tower at Tudor or Margaret Beaufort. Which is usually the case in pro York books. No blame is placed on Richard either :), because Richard is again ‘a saint’ in this book. I personally don’t believe any of the later pretenders was one of the princes, so I didn’t follow that part of the story either. But it is possible, so it may be written this way.
These two books about Cecily Neville are a very good duology about the Wars of the Roses from the point of view of a woman who experienced everything herself and drove certain decisions. I wonder who Garthwaite will write about next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Dutch review:

Cecily Neville's zoon Edward heeft zich zonder gekroond tot koning van Engeland. Maar de oude koning Henry VI, zijn Franse koningin Margaret of Anjou en hun zoon Edward zijn nog altijd voortvluchtig. Ondertussen wil Cecily's neef Warwick ook zijn deel van de macht. En dan zijn er nog haar jongere zonen George en Richard die elk hun weg moeten vinden als erfgenamen in deze nieuwe dynasty.

The King's mother is het vervolg op Cecily, een boek dat ik met veel plezier gelezen had. Dat boek ging over het prille begin van de Rozenoorlogen. Nu is Cecily moeder van de koning en zijn de oorlogen volop aan de gang. Het tempo ligt hoog, er zijn veel personages. En Cecily is betrokken in heel wat intriges.

Daardoor vlieg je door het boek, maar daardoor is er ook weinig tijd voor emoties en verdieping. En dat is toch een beetje jammer.

Tegelijk zijn de verschillende personages goed uitgewerkt en ligt er een focus op de vrouwen: Margaret of Anjou, Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth Woodville, Jacquetta Of Luxembourg...

Dit is uiteraard een pro York boek en Cecily is al vaker een hoofdpersonage geweest maar in dit boek zijn er een paar interessante dingen die Garthwaite uitlicht:
- Margaret Beaufort is drie vierde van het boek ook pro York, heel sympathiek en een vriendin van zowel Elizabeth Woodville als Cecily. Deze Margaret was likeable. En dat is letterlijk de allereerste keer in een pro York boek. De omslag naar het huis Tudor voelt ook als normaal aan. Margaret heeft veel geleerd en gebruikt op het einde de trukken van York voor haar eigen zoon.
- George, Duke of Clarence is vanaf het begin van het verhaal een complete ijdele idioot en Cecily vind dat ook. Waar de geschiedenis lijkt te suggereren dat George haar favoriete zoon was en dat Cecily bij zijn executie heel aangedaan was, is het hier Edward voor wie ze vecht. In dit boek kon de keuze, maar ik denk toch dat George's dood veel harder moet zijn aangekomen.
- haar relatie met Edwards vrouw Elizabeth Woodville vond ik interessant neergezet. Ze zal nooit pro geweest zijn, maar ze heeft wel mee de Woodvilles moeten verdedigen.
- er wordt geen blaam gelegd voor de verdwijning/dood van de princes in de Tower bij Tudor of Margaret Beaufort. Wat meestal wel zo is in pro York boeken. Er wordt ook wel geen blaam gelegd bij Richard :) Ik geloof zelf niet dat een van de latere pretenders een van de prinsen was, dus dat gedeelte uit het verhaal volgde ik ook niet. Maar het kan, dus het mag zo geschreven worden.

Bon, dit is een heel goed tweeluik over de Rozenoorlogen vanuit een standpunt van een vrouw die alles zelf heeft meegemaakt en bepaalde beslissingen heeft gedreven.

Ik ben benieuwd waarover Garthwaite nu gaat schrijven.

Bedankt aan Netgalley en de uitgever voor een exemplaar van dit boek in ruil voor mijn eerlijke mening.

[Elena · Rating 5 out of 5]

# 4 favourite book of 2024


I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.


Cecily was one of my favourite books of 2021, and when I heard this book was coming out I was over the moon. I am so thankful the publisher gave me an arc of this book. As I expected, it was fantastic from start to finish.

The King's Mother picks up right where the first book ended, with Edward on the throne of England, and Cecily by his side as the King's mother. Cunning, hard and strategic, Cecily was as compelling as she was in the first book. Once again, her personality was one of my favourite things of the book. She wasn't always likeable, on the contrary, but I always cheered for her, and admired her strenght of character.

After Cecily herself, the many different relationships she had with other characters were definitely my favourite aspect of the book. First of all, her relationships with her three sons. Obviously, her bond to Edward was one of the main theme of the book, but her relationships with George and Richard were equally well drawn, complex and emotional. Richard was one of my favourite characters in the book, I felt so much for him. Annie Garthwaite practically turned me into a Ricardian. The ending was especially emotional for me.

Cecily's unexpected friendship with Margaret Beaufort was also one of the highlights of the story for me. Margaret was a beautifully drawn, complex character, and I loved the similarities between the two women. I was genuinely saddened by the knowledge of where the story would go.

Another great character was Anne Neville, who, despite being a secondary character, was a perfect match for Richard and had a strategic, practical mind similar to Cecily, which I greatly appreciated. This book was definitely filled with fantastic female characters.

All in all, this sequel to Cecily was everything I was hoping for and more. I can't recommend this series enough, and I can't wait to read more by Annie Garthwaite.

[Ruth Brookes · Rating 5 out of 5]

My god, let me tell you from the first page I was utterly immersed, in safe hands, reminded what an incredible woman Cecily was. We join her as son Edward has taken the crown. Still chasing Mad Henry and Marguerite across England, smashing all dissent in his way while his mother holds London for him, focused, brilliant, inflexible.

This is a propulsive tale of a woman who will literally stop at nothing. As the king’s mother, Cecily binds men to her purpose, removing obstacles, denying all inconvenient truths, raising her own family up and remaking the rule of England to her own will. Divine right is presented in synchronicity with her own desire, and her ambitions are high.

But she is not alone, and over time, as family infighting, jealousy, bitterness and greed brings England to the brink of war once again, behind the warring factions are the clever, clear sighted women looking for the best play, the next move, their strongest hand and a shot at power. Cecily Neville, Marguerite of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort; these strong willed, pragmatic women determined to better their families’ fortunes at any cost. 

The pace and physicality of this book took my breath away. My heart raced as I followed the intrigue, alliances, political manoeuvring and back stabbing. Even knowing the outcome, the victor’s spin, history’s truths hidden, I honestly could not put it down. 

History sparkling to life in a beating heart of ambition and ironclad purpose; Cecily Neville, risking all, losing everything yet asking for no pity. What an astonishing woman, and what a story! 

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The King’s Mother by Annie Garthwaite is an excellent historical fiction and is the sequel to the amazing novel, Cecily.

I absolutely loved Cecily, so I could not wait to read the continuation. As before, Ms. Garthwaite presents a stunning narrative in the voice of Cecily, wife of the late Richard of York, and mother to Kings Edward IV and Richard III.

This book takes us from 1461 to 1487. The research, the detail, the presentation…it is all excellent, engaging, and thought-provoking.
I devoured every moment of this gem.

The historical notes at the end to describe what happened afterwards also adds a lot to the novel.

I think my favorite parts were the interactions, discussions, and relationship between Cecily and Margaret Beaufort. It really drew me in.

I can’t recommend these two novels enough.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business, Viking for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/11/24.

[Lisa]

Opened up my ARC and saw Henry VI - a man who had a severe mental illness - is referred to throughout as "mad Henry". I should not have to explain that this is ableist or why.

This is written in third person limited. It is a narrative choice to refer to Henry VI as such - no contemporary record does. It is not excusable with "period-typical ableism". I found a passage in which Cecily Neville bewails the ableism directed at Richard III's scoliosis so clearly Garthwaite understands that "period typical" was not an excuse for ableism. Instead, it seems to suggest that the author and publisher think ableism is OK if the disabled historical personage was Lancastrian or disabled by mental illness. Reader, this is not OK. Instead, it smells of hypocrisy.

I enjoyed Cecily but this amount of ableism is hugely concerning.

[Sorcha O'Dowd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stunning! Perfection! Review to follow. 5*

[Helene Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks for Viking Books for gifting me a copy of this for review.

I have to start by saying, what a brilliant follow up to ‘Cecily’! If you haven’t read either of them, go and grab a copy right now. You can read this review after you’ve bought them.

‘The King’s Mother’ is a story about power, loyalty, and the love of a mother, or the loves of multiple mothers. What a mother would do for her child. Cecily is at the forefront of the story, told from her point of view, so we as the reader only find things out as she does. It means that the battles which punctuated her life and the losses Cecily endured are reported to her rather than described in detail as they happen, which is a great way for us to feel it as she does. Cecily is a strong character which we see carried over from the book ‘Cecily’ as this one picks up where the other left off, though the pair can also be read separately.

Margaret Beaufort hovers in the background of the story, ever-present it seems. Margaret is often painted as hard-nosed, ruthless, and ambitious, but here we do see a softer side to her, or at the very least a side she shows to Cecily as being less harsh than is often portrayed. She is often a supplicant, approaching Cecily to help her to regain her son’s custody, titles, and lands. Even at the end when (spoiler!) she is triumphant as the King’s Mother; there is still almost a softness and vulnerability about her.

Another character that needs a mention is Elizabeth Woodville, who comes across in Garthwaite’s telling as almost being unhinged at times, unable to deal with her emotions and the uncertainty that surrounds her. She almost seems to regret her queenship, and we don’t see the fierce motherlove that both Margaret and Cecily show towards their children in her. Elizabeth almost acts as a foil to the other two.

Annie Garthwaite’s telling of Cecily’s story is masterful, a brilliant voice that picks apart the tumultuous period we know as the Wars of the Roses with a sensitivity and a strength of voice and character that should be greatly admired.

If you haven’t grabbed copies of either ‘Cecily’ or ‘The King’s Mother’ yet, then what are you waiting for?

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this follow up to ‘Cecily’ which retold the story of the latter half of the Wars of the Roses from the perspective of Cecily and her family. This novel really drives home the familial relationships which drove this dynastic conflict and emphasises the very personal nature of politics and power in the Middle Ages.

Whilst the strong female characters who led this book are really enjoyable to read, I think particularly towards the end of this book, we see an element of pro-Ricardian history coming to the fore. While this is historical fiction and therefore the author has complete license to present a certain version of events, for me it felt a little too far into the apologist strand to come across as completely believable.

That being said, overall Cecily continues to be a captivating protagonist, driven by loyalty, grief and realpolitik, making her a fantastic lens through which to read about this period of English history.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuing the story of Cecily Neville, mother of kings, we see her do her best to support her children and keep Edward on his throne. All the while other women are trying to help their sons succeed. Absolutely fantastic novel; fabulous writing and perceptive interpretations of the characters. A must for all fans of historical fiction.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read this year! Cried at the end, and will miss being in the world of Cecily Neville!

[Daniel W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie Garthwaite has taken a very complicated and often confusing part of English history and, by telling the story through the perspective of Cecily Neville and the other women who could potentially claim the title ‘King’s Mother’, made it vivid and compelling.

The characters have real depth - sometimes more than the history books allow them. There’s great use of foreshadowing of what is to come for many of them. And, as in her first novel, the brutality of the childbed matches that of the battlefield.

If you liked Cecily, you’re guaranteed to like this.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since reading Annie Garthwaite’s first novel, Cecily, about the life of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, I have been looking out for a sequel. As the first book ended in 1461 and Cecily lived until 1495, I knew there was more than enough material for a second novel – and here it is, after a three year wait!

Cecily was set during the reign of Henry VI and the early stages of the Wars of the Roses, describing how Cecily’s husband, the Duke of York, led an army against the king and was killed at the Battle of Wakefield. A few months later, Cecily and York’s son, Edward, was more successful, defeating the king’s forces at the Battle of Towton and being crowned Edward IV. The King’s Mother picks up the story as Edward begins his reign and Cecily enters a new phase of her life as mother to the king and therefore one of the most powerful women in England.

This is a complex period of history and I would find it difficult to give a summary of the plot. You may already be familiar with the key points anyway – Edward IV’s unpopular marriage to Elizabeth Woodville; the various threats to his reign and the battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury; his death, leading to the accession of his younger brother, Richard III; and finally, Richard’s defeat by the future Henry VII at the Battle of Bosworth, marking the start of the Tudor dynasty. This entire turbulent period is seen only from the perspective of Cecily, which is slightly limiting as Cecily is rarely at the heart of the action herself and often has to learn about major developments from letters or messengers. However, the story is never boring and moves along at a steady pace, holding my interest until the end even though I’ve read about this period many times before.

Cecily is shown as a controlling force behind Edward’s throne in the early days of his reign, advising him on what to say and do, but her influence over him gradually fades. She concentrates instead on building alliances, arranging marriages and doing whatever else she can to keep the kingdom and her family secure, taking her title of King’s Mother very seriously. The cover of the novel states ‘There can only be one’ and it’s true that Cecily is not the only candidate for this position. She forms an uneasy friendship with Margaret Beaufort, mother of the young Henry Tudor, deciding to trust her even while knowing that Margaret will do whatever it takes to further her own son’s claim to the throne. Then there’s Elizabeth Woodville, Edward’s wife, who also expects her eldest son to inherit the throne. Cecily makes it clear that she disapproves of the marriage and dislikes Elizabeth, but she accepts that Elizabeth is queen whether she likes it or not and does what is necessary to protect the Woodvilles – at least while Edward is still alive!

Elizabeth herself is not shown in a sympathetic light at all and comes across as immature, whiny and spiteful, which is disappointing as other characters are given more nuance. I thought Cecily’s relationship with her middle son, George, Duke of Clarence, was particularly well done, capturing Cecily’s mixed feelings about him – the love of a mother for her son mingled with anger and frustration as George, along with his cousin Warwick, betrays Edward over and over again.

One of the interesting things about reading a lot of books about the same period of history is wondering how the author will tackle some of the controversies and mysteries of the period. One of these is Edward’s alleged pre-contract of marriage to Eleanor Talbot, signed before he married Elizabeth. Some historians believe this was fabricated by Richard III in order to invalidate Edward and Elizabeth’s marriage and declare their children illegitimate; in this book, Annie Garthwaite assumes that the pre-contract did exist and was known to Cecily, who tried to cover it up. Another controversy, of course, is the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. I won’t tell you how Garthwaite approaches this, but authors do usually have to choose one side or the other and this is definitely more of a pro-Ricardian novel.

Richard’s entire reign is covered in the final 20% of the book, which does feel a bit rushed considering how eventful that period was. I think there would have been enough material for a third novel, which would have allowed for more depth. I felt that we never really got to know Richard’s wife, Anne Neville, for example, which took away some of the emotional impact from the later stages of the book. Still, I really enjoyed The King’s Mother. Start with Cecily if you can, but they are both excellent novels and reminded me yet again of what a fascinating period of history this is!

[Ruth Busby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored Cecily, the fierce woman, political influencer, And wife of Richard Duke of York.

So I was delighted when Annie Garthwaite brought her back to our shelves with her new release, The King’s Mother, which continues her life story as her son Edward IV takes the throne during the War of the Roses.

The book is incredibly pacy despite spanning decades, so much so it is a little like reading a thriller as there is so much happening, so much threat and impending doom.

Throughout that, Cecily’s voice and influence consistent and her political guile and decisiveness absolute.

What I loved too was the drawing in of three other women who could claim to be the King’s Mother - Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret Beaufort, and Margaret of Anjou. All four were women of power and loss, determination, and at times desperation, but clearly influential in the course of England’s history.

This is a firecracker of a book and a fantastic read. Bravo Annie.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The King’s Mother follow on from Garthwaite’s first novel Cecily, named after the protagonist Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. In this second instalment Cecily has just become mother of the King - her son Edward has taken the throne of England to become Edward IV. Cecily’s relationship with her husband was one of my favourite things about the first novel so I really missed that strand here where Richard is no longer in the picture, however much of Cecily’s strong character and political force is still evident here - she was the first monarch’s mother to style herself as ‘the King’s Mother’ and this does show how much of a player she was as part of his royal household - in the novel she acts as a key adviser to her sons, and another an interesting facet is her power struggle with Margaret Beaufort, another woman playing power games for the benefit of a son who eventually goes on to be a King.

My thanks to #NetGalley and the publisher, Viking, for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[historic_chronicles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Wars of the Roses were perhaps some of the most tumultuous and bloody days of English history. Driven with greed, ambition and a desire for power, corruption infiltrated all from the very highest of social circles to that of the families driven to war across the country. Treason became second nature as kin turned against kin, in a deadly fight to the death in which one family could only triumph.

The King's Mother is the follow up to Annie Garthwaite's landslide successful debut, Cecily, which follows the events of the Wars of the Roses from the very heart by way of narration of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. The mother of King Edward IV, the golden king of York - though not without his many faults - and later Richard III, Cecily returns with her politically astute and sharp tongue.

Garthwaite is wise in her characterisation of an ageing Cecily. The strain of holding a crown for her son is perilous and our protagonist is not always likeable, but she is never, ever boring. You cannot help but applaud her sense of strength and dry humour.

A welcome introduction in this follow up is the inclusion of fellow powerful women. Although we continue with the ongoing threat of the ruthless Marguerite of Anjou bolstering the Lancaster cause, the reader is introduced to the intelligent and beautiful Elizabeth Woodville as well as the undoubtedly formidable Margaret Beaufort. Like a game of chess, these women add a layer of complexity into an already deadly time with similar levels of grit and determination to do well by their children.

As before, Garthwaite manages to carve a path through the intricacies of the Wars of the Roses, making sense of them for the reader. Despite knowing how history ends, I was nonetheless positioned on the edge of my seat breathless in anticipation for the conclusion in which the author made it entirely believable.

Cecily has remained one of my favourite books since its release, and now The King's Mother may stand strong as its most equal successor.

[Jade Doodes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie has made a complicated period of history that bit more compelling by telling it through the eyes of the mothers involved. It’s a great follow on from Cecily and it was nice to hear more about the powerhouse of a woman she was. Whilst this book is obviously fiction, it really does bring life to this period of history.

[Helen Gibson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a challenging read for me. A huge cast of characters, brutal history, endless battles, no emotion! I award it 4⭐ because it's well researched and written and brings Cecily (mother of Edward IV and Richard III) to the fore :a woman who was politically astute and a complete powerhouse but has been under represented in history.

[Rikki · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Garthwaite is a Ricardian, and I’m here for it. Although this novel lacked the emotional depth of ‘Cecily’ (largely due to the pace at which it moves to pack in all of the concluding events of the Wars of the Roses), it was still very enjoyable. I particularly appreciated the sympathetic portrayal of Richard III. Garthwaite should write a novel portraying events from his perspective.

[Tracey Sinclair · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cecily was one of the most accomplished debuts I've read - evidence that older writers can bring a richness of experience to mature characters that their younger peers can't always manage. This is a corking follow up, giving a compelling interiority to a complex older woman.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stellar book by Annie Garthwaite! This time from Edward IV's coronation to the end of the War of the Roses and the beginning of the Tudor period.

So much intrigue, even though I knew the outcome it was thrilling.

[Kylie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was fine, but I prefer Philippa Gregory’s telling of it in the Lady of the Rivers, The White Queen and The Red Queen. Although it is interesting to hear it told from another point of view, I didn’t find it a compelling read and tbh I found it a bit of a struggle to get through.

[Rhona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was great - loved it. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the women of the Wars of the Roses.

[D A Tompkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent from beginning to end, Cecily brought to life in all her formidable glory.

[Niamh O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gonna have to go back and read the first book now (oops but not that big of an oops you don’t need the first one)