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Behold the Bird in Flight: A Novel of an Abducted Queen
For fans of Maggie O’Farrell, a coming-of-age story and a royal love triangle marked by danger and longing, based on real events in medieval France and England.
Romantic and stubborn, eleven-year-old Isi plans to marry for love and be mistress of her own castle. But life in 1198 is full of threat and a series of tragic events teaches her growing up is hard.
When Isi falls for Hugh, a French nobleman, he consents to marry her, but only for her dowry. She longs for more. Hoping a jealous man will fall in love, she flirts with a king. The flirtation King John abducts and marries her. Now trapped in cold, warring England with a malicious husband, Isi must hide her yearning for Hugh and find her own power. If she fails, she won’t live to return to her beloved.
Inspired by real historical figures—Isabelle d’Angoulême, Hugh de Lusignan, and King John of Magna Carta fame—Behold the Bird in Flight is set in a period that valued women only for their dowries and childbearing. Isabelle’s story has been mainly erased by men, but the medieval chronicles suggest a woman who developed her own power and wielded it—in court and in bed. And as the woman behind the throne, who’s to say she didn’t influence history?
Romantic and stubborn, eleven-year-old Isi plans to marry for love and be mistress of her own castle. But life in 1198 is full of threat and a series of tragic events teaches her growing up is hard.
When Isi falls for Hugh, a French nobleman, he consents to marry her, but only for her dowry. She longs for more. Hoping a jealous man will fall in love, she flirts with a king. The flirtation King John abducts and marries her. Now trapped in cold, warring England with a malicious husband, Isi must hide her yearning for Hugh and find her own power. If she fails, she won’t live to return to her beloved.
Inspired by real historical figures—Isabelle d’Angoulême, Hugh de Lusignan, and King John of Magna Carta fame—Behold the Bird in Flight is set in a period that valued women only for their dowries and childbearing. Isabelle’s story has been mainly erased by men, but the medieval chronicles suggest a woman who developed her own power and wielded it—in court and in bed. And as the woman behind the throne, who’s to say she didn’t influence history?
320 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 22, 2025
This is more than a novel—it’s a reclamation. A voice rising from the silence of history to say: I was here. I mattered, and I love that author Terri Lewis was inspired by two short sentences of history to write this story.
The story follows Isabelle of Angoulême, a real-life 13th-century queen, abducted at age eleven and married to King John, infamous for tyranny, failed wars, and the rebellion that birthed the Magna Carta. But this novel is not about kings—it’s about the girl history nearly forgot. Through lyrical prose and immersive detail, Lewis reclaims Isabelle’s voice and takes us on a journey from child to queen, from hunted girl to a woman who learns to survive and shape her own fate.
The world-building is exceptional: you feel the chill of the stone castles, hear the gossip in the corridors, and smell the blood, sweat, and incense of medieval life. The novel reads like a sub-plot from House of the Dragon—full of candlelit betrayal, impossible choices, and knife-sharp court politics—but it’s grounded in real events, which makes it all the more haunting.
And, of course, there’s a love triangle—she was lured away from her betrothed and first love Hugh, after all—but in Lewis’s capable hands, we are kept guessing all the way to the end. I can’t recommend this story enough and have new appreciation for the Magna Carta, too.
The story follows Isabelle of Angoulême, a real-life 13th-century queen, abducted at age eleven and married to King John, infamous for tyranny, failed wars, and the rebellion that birthed the Magna Carta. But this novel is not about kings—it’s about the girl history nearly forgot. Through lyrical prose and immersive detail, Lewis reclaims Isabelle’s voice and takes us on a journey from child to queen, from hunted girl to a woman who learns to survive and shape her own fate.
The world-building is exceptional: you feel the chill of the stone castles, hear the gossip in the corridors, and smell the blood, sweat, and incense of medieval life. The novel reads like a sub-plot from House of the Dragon—full of candlelit betrayal, impossible choices, and knife-sharp court politics—but it’s grounded in real events, which makes it all the more haunting.
And, of course, there’s a love triangle—she was lured away from her betrothed and first love Hugh, after all—but in Lewis’s capable hands, we are kept guessing all the way to the end. I can’t recommend this story enough and have new appreciation for the Magna Carta, too.
May 29, 2025
Terri Lewis, the Author of “Behold the Bird in Flight” has written an intriguing and compelling Historical Fiction Novel. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Medieval Fiction, Coming of Age Fiction, Romance and Women’s Literature and Fiction. I appreciate the amount of research that Terri Lewis has done to provide this amazing novel. I was fascinated by the lifestyle of women during this period. I thought it was amazing that a young girl of twelve could be married, or a three year old toddler girl, from the nobility could be betrothed. The author vividly describes the costumes, dresses, and props of the time, as well as the dramatic and dark characters.
Isabelle is a precocious and ambitious eleven year old girl, who has decided to marry for love, and be powerful enough to have her own castle. She comes from a worth background and is soon betrothed to Hugh, a French nobleman, who seems to want to marry her for her dowry. She tries to make him jealous by flirting with King John of England. King John abducts and marries her. The King is overly ambitious and greedy for more wealth and will kill and go to war. King John is smitten by Isabelle and often listens to her. When he feels betrayed, he can be ruthless. Isabelle realizes that she has feelings for Huge, which is dangerous. This is a story filled with history, medieval traditions, war, betrayals, and survival. The Women’s roles in this time period are fascinating. I highly recommend this book.
Isabelle is a precocious and ambitious eleven year old girl, who has decided to marry for love, and be powerful enough to have her own castle. She comes from a worth background and is soon betrothed to Hugh, a French nobleman, who seems to want to marry her for her dowry. She tries to make him jealous by flirting with King John of England. King John abducts and marries her. The King is overly ambitious and greedy for more wealth and will kill and go to war. King John is smitten by Isabelle and often listens to her. When he feels betrayed, he can be ruthless. Isabelle realizes that she has feelings for Huge, which is dangerous. This is a story filled with history, medieval traditions, war, betrayals, and survival. The Women’s roles in this time period are fascinating. I highly recommend this book.
August 5, 2025
Reading Behold the Bird in Flight by Terri Lewis, I was swept up into a vividly imagined medieval world where power, love, and fate collide in a young girl’s life. Based on the true but mostly untold story of Isabelle d’Angoulême—Queen of England and wife to King John—this novel is a blend of historical fiction as well as a coming-of-age story.
We first meet Isi as a young girl, spirited and full of romantic dreams. She longs not just for love, but for the freedom of flight like the birds she observes. This is a dangerous wish in 1198, when noblewomen were prized more for their bloodlines than their independent thoughts. As her path twists from childhood ideals to political entanglements, Isi finds herself the pawn in a royal marriage instead of being with her true love. We travel with her as she learns to survive, endure, and somehow claim power in a world designed to silence her.
I found Lewis’ writing rich and engaging, enhanced by specific historical detail. Her narrative didn’t just reimagine the past, it reconstructed it for me.
Behold the Bird in Flight is more than a tale of court intrigue or forbidden love. It’s a reclamation of history and a tribute to women whose influence has long been hidden.
We first meet Isi as a young girl, spirited and full of romantic dreams. She longs not just for love, but for the freedom of flight like the birds she observes. This is a dangerous wish in 1198, when noblewomen were prized more for their bloodlines than their independent thoughts. As her path twists from childhood ideals to political entanglements, Isi finds herself the pawn in a royal marriage instead of being with her true love. We travel with her as she learns to survive, endure, and somehow claim power in a world designed to silence her.
I found Lewis’ writing rich and engaging, enhanced by specific historical detail. Her narrative didn’t just reimagine the past, it reconstructed it for me.
Behold the Bird in Flight is more than a tale of court intrigue or forbidden love. It’s a reclamation of history and a tribute to women whose influence has long been hidden.
June 1, 2025
A perfect coming of age story, that covers survival and love. Eleven year old Isabelle has decided when she marries its going to be for true love and live in her very own castle. When she is betrothed to Hugh, whose a French nobleman, it soon seems apparent that he’s only wanting to marry her for her dowry. So to make Hugh jealous Isabelle flirts with King John of England. To her shock King John kidnaps her and marries her. King John is a extremely money hungry and willing to go to war for it, but to Isabelle’s surprise he’s taken with her and even listens to her but he can ruthless if he’s ever betrayed, Isabelle begins to realize that she has true feelings for Hugh. So she must hide her feelings in hopes of one day returning to her true love or she faces death.
August 6, 2025
Behold the Bird in Flight: A Novel of an Abducted Queen is a powerful debut novel centered on the real-life Isabella of Angoulême, a twelve-year-old girl who was kidnapped and married to the older King John of England, villain of the Robin Hood legend. Well-paced and poetically expressed through several characters, author Terri Lewis creates a Medieval world of kingdoms and battles, with dangerous rulers, high stakes and brutal outcomes.
Isabella’s beginnings start as a young French heiress in love but follow her life as an imprisoned English Queen using her political skill for her survival and that of her children’s and their legacies. Lewis’s writing is alive with young love, French and English wars, the right of kings and despotic rulers, all forging a compelling read.
Isabella’s beginnings start as a young French heiress in love but follow her life as an imprisoned English Queen using her political skill for her survival and that of her children’s and their legacies. Lewis’s writing is alive with young love, French and English wars, the right of kings and despotic rulers, all forging a compelling read.
August 5, 2025
I very much enjoyed this read. The language is so lyrical, the character voices so distinct, I was immediately pulled into their world. I loved watching Isi grow up -- she was so young to have such responsibilities placed on her, but it's true to the age in which she lived. Experiencing Isi's medieval world with her gave me a new understanding and appreciation for the lives of women of that era, both those of noble birth and those who served them.
It was wonderful to see Isi interact with Hugh, how they pushed and pulled at each other. And her difficult marriage and relationship with King John, the joys and challenges of being Queen, the machinations of John and Hugh - high intrigue!
It was wonderful to see Isi interact with Hugh, how they pushed and pulled at each other. And her difficult marriage and relationship with King John, the joys and challenges of being Queen, the machinations of John and Hugh - high intrigue!
July 23, 2025
Telling the story of how Isabella, a young girl of 12, ended up in the hands of John I of England is fascinating. We are greeted with young teen Isabella thinking just like a young teen. Over 16 years she evolves into a strong woman living in the realities of world where female power is often exercised with subtle moves and strategic thinking. As Isabella's trajectory is positive, we find her husband, England's John I of Magna Carta fame, slide into the poor reputation history records. A masterful debut novel.
July 2, 2025
A fierce heroine, real-life inspired characters, and a stunning debut that completely captured my attention.
I love historical fiction, and this book was an epic and intriguing adventure from start to finish; compelling writing, medieval castles, and a vivid portrayal of a time when power, politics, and love were deeply entangled.
Isabelle’s story is both heartbreaking and empowering, and the way the author reclaims her voice from the margins of history is unforgettable.
I love historical fiction, and this book was an epic and intriguing adventure from start to finish; compelling writing, medieval castles, and a vivid portrayal of a time when power, politics, and love were deeply entangled.
Isabelle’s story is both heartbreaking and empowering, and the way the author reclaims her voice from the margins of history is unforgettable.
June 16, 2025
This historical fiction novel is based on Isabelle who was the Queen of England from 1200-1216 and this is the time period the read covered.
Isabelle is from France and the book tells how at eleven years old she leaves her betrothed, Hugh, to go with King James.
I didn’t know anything about Isabelle so this book was a wealth of information not only about her but about life and politics during the Medieval Times.
In the book, Isabelle stands out for her physical beauty including her golden hair. But Isabelle also knows how the world works for women of her time and navigates it to her advantage.
After reading additional nonfiction information about Isabelle, I would easily read about her years after her first husband dies and she marries again.
She is the mother of Kings and Queens and her early years as portrayed in this book are riveting.
Isabelle is from France and the book tells how at eleven years old she leaves her betrothed, Hugh, to go with King James.
I didn’t know anything about Isabelle so this book was a wealth of information not only about her but about life and politics during the Medieval Times.
In the book, Isabelle stands out for her physical beauty including her golden hair. But Isabelle also knows how the world works for women of her time and navigates it to her advantage.
After reading additional nonfiction information about Isabelle, I would easily read about her years after her first husband dies and she marries again.
She is the mother of Kings and Queens and her early years as portrayed in this book are riveting.
July 2, 2025
It always amazes me the expectations put on young children in this time period, especially girls. The fact that Isabelle was arranged to be married on her 12th birthday just baffles me. This seemed like it was well researched and I did enjoy seeing Isabelle’s confidence grow as she got older. It took a little time to get used to the writing style but it was a pretty quick read once I did. I liked learning about a queen that is not well known.
Thank you @terri.lewis1 @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
Thank you @terri.lewis1 @suzyapprovedbooktours for the gifted copy.
August 25, 2025
“Behold Bird in Flight” is an incredible book filled with action and spectacular imagery. The author’s attention to historical details was fantastic. The story had you on the edge of your seat and taught the reader so much about the time period. I found myself hooked from the first few pages all the way to the end. This book has definitely been my best read this summer if not in years. If you like historical romances, you will love this book! I can’t recommend it enough! I am anxiously awaiting the author’s next book :)
December 23, 2025
I read this book very quickly, partly because of the author’s quick-paced writing style, and partly because I couldn’t get enough of the characters, the setting, and the feeling I had been dropped straight into a medieval world. This was an incredibly well-researched, detailed, and beautifully imagined fictional story based on real events and characters. If you love historical fiction from a woman’s perspective, especially in times of royalty, and before women had any rights, this is a heartbreaking but realistic story.
August 19, 2025
A very fascinating account of a little-known historical figure. Ms. Lewis does a great job maturing Isabelle from a young girl to a maturing teen and finally as a grown woman.
August 25, 2025
Such beautiful words! I loved the story and the writing is just amazing!
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October 25, 2025Thank you Terri Lewis. I love historical fiction and Behold the Bird in Flight is a winner!
July 18, 2025
Behold, the Bird in Flight. A wonderful historical novel by Terri Lewis that reveals the life of a real, but historically neglected, queen: Isabelle d’Angoulême, wife of King John of Magna Carta fame, Queen of England (1200 – 1216).
Isabelle grew up in sunny France, reigned in drizzly England. Although, ‘grew up’ could be overstating it a bit. Her growing was not so much up as short lived. That delightful Medieval custom of ‘gettin’ quick to it ’fore Scratch come a knocken’ found her betrothed at 9, married at 12 (or at some similar outlandish ages).
However we might judge the past, Lewis paints a girl-to-woman with full intelligence aware of herself and the world, who loves, loses, wins, and comes to terms with the physically crude, politically unstable, socially demanding Middle Ages.
A good read. The Bird did Fly.
Isabelle grew up in sunny France, reigned in drizzly England. Although, ‘grew up’ could be overstating it a bit. Her growing was not so much up as short lived. That delightful Medieval custom of ‘gettin’ quick to it ’fore Scratch come a knocken’ found her betrothed at 9, married at 12 (or at some similar outlandish ages).
However we might judge the past, Lewis paints a girl-to-woman with full intelligence aware of herself and the world, who loves, loses, wins, and comes to terms with the physically crude, politically unstable, socially demanding Middle Ages.
A good read. The Bird did Fly.
July 7, 2025
I am full of admiration at how Lewis evoked the medieval world, so far away in time and space from where I sat reading. I was often surprised to find myself in my own living room when I took a break from time to time. This plucky young heroine, based upon a real queen, uses everything at her disposal to fight her circumstances during a time when a woman's power is very limited. Astonishing story; beautiful writing.
July 1, 2025
I’ve never been so intrigued by an author’s use of so many commas! Although I was confused at many times by the writer’s sentences, I loved her prose and I would read this author again. Looking forward to your next book, Terri!
June 28, 2025
This intriguing story, historical fiction based on real events, gives a fascinating view of life in medieval times and the reign of King John. Isabelle is a force and I enjoyed learning about her and the possibilities her life inspired. I love the author's descriptive writing style that immediately conjures evocative images of the settings and characters completely immersing me in the history and lifestyle of that era.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
This book had it all - - history, family drama, politics, romance, betrayal, war and more!
Isabelle (Isi) was such a unique character - - so young but with an old soul. I became invested in her almost immediately and I developed a lot of respect for her as the story progressed. It is hard to imagine how such young girls could deal the heavy responsibilities forced upon them in those days. This was really well done and I highly recommend it for historical fiction fans.
Isabelle (Isi) was such a unique character - - so young but with an old soul. I became invested in her almost immediately and I developed a lot of respect for her as the story progressed. It is hard to imagine how such young girls could deal the heavy responsibilities forced upon them in those days. This was really well done and I highly recommend it for historical fiction fans.
July 31, 2025
BEHOLD THE BIRD IN FLIGHT is a lesson in medieval history and a feisty bodice ripper all in one. Inspired by two sentences outlining a bit of thirteenth century history, Terri Lewis unearthed information about Isabelle d'Angouleme and produced a wonderful piece of historical fiction. The reader first meets Isabelle as a young girl of twelve, learning to measure spices, fold linens, and take care of livestock. Rapidly approaching the age of marriage, she still has the playful spirit of a preadolescent. Disaster strikes, and her father, the Count of Angouleme, sends her away to the castle of Hugh de Lusignan for her own protection.
Hugh, betrothed to Isi, treats her with indifference. Hurt and wishing to play hard to get, she flirts with the visiting King John. Much older than Isabelle, John had already been married several times. Although attracted to Isi, his main goal is to solidify control over Aquitaine through marriage. The two wed, and Isabelle becomes Queen of England. Lewis' elegant, descriptive accounts of daily life for thirteenth-century nobles allow readers to enter directly into the times and become part of the action. Dancing the rondelet, eating venison and honey balls, luxuriating in the gardens of lavender and campanula, we settle into life in medieval France. When Isabelle leaves for chilly England, we shiver in the cold and despair over the lack of food as times become grim.
Throughout the book, Lewis makes clear how lowly women were during medieval times. Wifely value came from two things: the size of a woman's dowry, and her ability to produce children, preferably male children. Love was often not a consideration. Hugh eventually learns of the terrible error he made in letting Isabelle go. In the book, Hugh and John spend years scheming against one another, sometimes over political matters and other times over love and control of Isabelle. Meanwhile, Isabelle walks a tightrope, pulled on one side by her duties as Queen of England and by the longings of her heart on the other.
As Lewis writes in the latter half of the book, "Her queenship settled over her like a perfectly fitting dress, soothing in its richness, in its weight . . ." And yet, while nursing the injured Hugh, she takes his injured hand in hers, dresses the wounds in his torso, and fervently prays that he might live.
The feminist lens through which we view Isabelle's life and times gives ample opportunity to compare ways the medieval treatment of women has changed. And the ways it has remained the same, even in the "modern" twenty-first century. What is the role of power in our most intimate relationships? How can we treat our partners as true equals, unhitching our most loving feelings for them from conventional expectations and roles? In BEHOLD THE BIRD IN FLIGHT, Isabelle d'Angouleme's choices allow her to survive and gain partial control over her circumstances. There will always be an England. Through struggle and strife, Isabelle d'Angouleme kept body and soul together, ensuring the survival of the monarchy as passed down through her bloodline.
I'll be honest, historical fiction is seldom my first choice of genre. Terri Lewis's book kept me captivated from beginning to end, rooting for Isabelle to overcome the many obstacles that stood between her and happiness. I highly recommend BEHOLD THE BIRD IN FLIGHT for those whose steady literary diet is historical fiction and for those who only dabble in the genre.
Hugh, betrothed to Isi, treats her with indifference. Hurt and wishing to play hard to get, she flirts with the visiting King John. Much older than Isabelle, John had already been married several times. Although attracted to Isi, his main goal is to solidify control over Aquitaine through marriage. The two wed, and Isabelle becomes Queen of England. Lewis' elegant, descriptive accounts of daily life for thirteenth-century nobles allow readers to enter directly into the times and become part of the action. Dancing the rondelet, eating venison and honey balls, luxuriating in the gardens of lavender and campanula, we settle into life in medieval France. When Isabelle leaves for chilly England, we shiver in the cold and despair over the lack of food as times become grim.
Throughout the book, Lewis makes clear how lowly women were during medieval times. Wifely value came from two things: the size of a woman's dowry, and her ability to produce children, preferably male children. Love was often not a consideration. Hugh eventually learns of the terrible error he made in letting Isabelle go. In the book, Hugh and John spend years scheming against one another, sometimes over political matters and other times over love and control of Isabelle. Meanwhile, Isabelle walks a tightrope, pulled on one side by her duties as Queen of England and by the longings of her heart on the other.
As Lewis writes in the latter half of the book, "Her queenship settled over her like a perfectly fitting dress, soothing in its richness, in its weight . . ." And yet, while nursing the injured Hugh, she takes his injured hand in hers, dresses the wounds in his torso, and fervently prays that he might live.
The feminist lens through which we view Isabelle's life and times gives ample opportunity to compare ways the medieval treatment of women has changed. And the ways it has remained the same, even in the "modern" twenty-first century. What is the role of power in our most intimate relationships? How can we treat our partners as true equals, unhitching our most loving feelings for them from conventional expectations and roles? In BEHOLD THE BIRD IN FLIGHT, Isabelle d'Angouleme's choices allow her to survive and gain partial control over her circumstances. There will always be an England. Through struggle and strife, Isabelle d'Angouleme kept body and soul together, ensuring the survival of the monarchy as passed down through her bloodline.
I'll be honest, historical fiction is seldom my first choice of genre. Terri Lewis's book kept me captivated from beginning to end, rooting for Isabelle to overcome the many obstacles that stood between her and happiness. I highly recommend BEHOLD THE BIRD IN FLIGHT for those whose steady literary diet is historical fiction and for those who only dabble in the genre.
August 30, 2025
Oh, how I love novels that transport me to the past! Terri Lewis presents readers with a fictional account of Isabella d’Angoulême, a French noblewoman who rose to unusual rank and power in Europe in the thirteenth century.
The story opens in 1199 when Isabelle is nearing her twelfth birthday, an important time for her. At twelve, society will regard her as marriageable. Today the idea gives us the creeps, but 800 years ago, such was the norm. Daughters of wealthy men were commodities, preyed upon by other wealthy men for their dowry and breeding potential.
Isabelle is no exception; her duty is to marry well. Related to the royal houses of Jerusalem, Hungary, Aragon, and Castile, she’s no small catch. Groomed since childhood for her role in securing a good match, she looks forward to becoming a wife.
In the first few pages, however, we fear for Isabelle, or Isi, as she is often called. We see how naïve and impulsive she is, dangerous traits for women in premedieval times. When she ventures into an apple orchard with her friend, Alain, a kitchen boy on her father’s grand estate, disaster strikes. A bee stings Alain, and the lad dies from anaphylaxis. Villeins (feudal tenants) who witness his death accuse Isabelle of putting a demonic spell on him.
Superstitions ran deep then in the minds of people of all classes. Isabelle’s parents recognize the danger she is in and hastily promise her in marriage to Hugh IX de Lusignan, a young nobleman visiting Angoulême. Days later Isabelle travels with him to the Lusignan family’s estate to await the nuptials.
In Lusignan Isabelle is disappointed with Hugh, whom readers learn though his point of view is in love with a peasant woman. He ignores Isabelle. The dynamics between them change when King John of England visits. In a wily prank, Isabelle flirts with the king to make Hugh jealous so he will pay attention to her. Her trickery backfires when the king becomes smitten with her. Hugh takes note and realizes he loves her as well, igniting a competition between the men and placing Isabelle in a treacherous position.
I don’t want to spoil the novel for you, so I won’t say more other than to assure you the story is no simple love triangle. At the time, England was at war with France, pitting King John and King Philippe II of France against each other. At stake are kingdoms and the life of a woman who gets more than she bargained for.
For my full review, visit my blog at:
https://www.njmastro.com/post/behold-...
The story opens in 1199 when Isabelle is nearing her twelfth birthday, an important time for her. At twelve, society will regard her as marriageable. Today the idea gives us the creeps, but 800 years ago, such was the norm. Daughters of wealthy men were commodities, preyed upon by other wealthy men for their dowry and breeding potential.
Isabelle is no exception; her duty is to marry well. Related to the royal houses of Jerusalem, Hungary, Aragon, and Castile, she’s no small catch. Groomed since childhood for her role in securing a good match, she looks forward to becoming a wife.
In the first few pages, however, we fear for Isabelle, or Isi, as she is often called. We see how naïve and impulsive she is, dangerous traits for women in premedieval times. When she ventures into an apple orchard with her friend, Alain, a kitchen boy on her father’s grand estate, disaster strikes. A bee stings Alain, and the lad dies from anaphylaxis. Villeins (feudal tenants) who witness his death accuse Isabelle of putting a demonic spell on him.
Superstitions ran deep then in the minds of people of all classes. Isabelle’s parents recognize the danger she is in and hastily promise her in marriage to Hugh IX de Lusignan, a young nobleman visiting Angoulême. Days later Isabelle travels with him to the Lusignan family’s estate to await the nuptials.
In Lusignan Isabelle is disappointed with Hugh, whom readers learn though his point of view is in love with a peasant woman. He ignores Isabelle. The dynamics between them change when King John of England visits. In a wily prank, Isabelle flirts with the king to make Hugh jealous so he will pay attention to her. Her trickery backfires when the king becomes smitten with her. Hugh takes note and realizes he loves her as well, igniting a competition between the men and placing Isabelle in a treacherous position.
I don’t want to spoil the novel for you, so I won’t say more other than to assure you the story is no simple love triangle. At the time, England was at war with France, pitting King John and King Philippe II of France against each other. At stake are kingdoms and the life of a woman who gets more than she bargained for.
For my full review, visit my blog at:
https://www.njmastro.com/post/behold-...
April 2, 2025
‘Behold the Bird in Flight’ is the debut novel from the pen of American-based author, Terri Lewis. The book is written in the third person and the past tense and we see most of the action from the perspective of Isabelle, the only child and heir of Aymer Taillefer, Count d’ Angoulême in southwestern France.
We join the story when Isi is eleven and we then share her life for the next seventeen years. She leaves her parents under a cloud and travels to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of western France and the home of Hugh X de Lusignan, with whom she falls in love. History suggests that Isi may have actually become betrothed to Hugh’s father (Hugh IX). In the author’s version of events, Isi’s intended future husband is the son, rather than the father. However, Isi is ether kidnapped or voluntarily leaves the security of the Lusignan home to wed England’s King John. We leave the story at the end of his reign. A footnote tells us of her subsequent life.
Much of the early story is told in great detail but this is not the case as the years go by, so perhaps the pace is a little uneven. However, the characterisations are extremely effective with others allowing us into their thoughts intermittently. The descriptive passages evoke a real feel of life in the thirteenth century with all its pitfalls, superstitions and omens of ill-fortune. These obviously played a huge part in day-to-day living and the author uses this to her advantage when needing a reason to send Isi away from her home at such a tender age.
The outline of the story is based on fact and I commend the author for her thorough research into events of the time. This is a period of medieval history about which I knew very little so I’m also grateful to her for giving me a thirst for more knowledge.
Whilst originally being a little dubious about agreeing to review this novel, I’m extremely glad that I did as it proved an excellent read. This will appeal to anyone who enjoys historical stories which breathe life into some lesser known historical figures. I award 4.5 stars.
We join the story when Isi is eleven and we then share her life for the next seventeen years. She leaves her parents under a cloud and travels to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region of western France and the home of Hugh X de Lusignan, with whom she falls in love. History suggests that Isi may have actually become betrothed to Hugh’s father (Hugh IX). In the author’s version of events, Isi’s intended future husband is the son, rather than the father. However, Isi is ether kidnapped or voluntarily leaves the security of the Lusignan home to wed England’s King John. We leave the story at the end of his reign. A footnote tells us of her subsequent life.
Much of the early story is told in great detail but this is not the case as the years go by, so perhaps the pace is a little uneven. However, the characterisations are extremely effective with others allowing us into their thoughts intermittently. The descriptive passages evoke a real feel of life in the thirteenth century with all its pitfalls, superstitions and omens of ill-fortune. These obviously played a huge part in day-to-day living and the author uses this to her advantage when needing a reason to send Isi away from her home at such a tender age.
The outline of the story is based on fact and I commend the author for her thorough research into events of the time. This is a period of medieval history about which I knew very little so I’m also grateful to her for giving me a thirst for more knowledge.
Whilst originally being a little dubious about agreeing to review this novel, I’m extremely glad that I did as it proved an excellent read. This will appeal to anyone who enjoys historical stories which breathe life into some lesser known historical figures. I award 4.5 stars.
July 9, 2025
What a radiant, gorgeous girl child of just eleven years old is Isabelle, the slender heroine of the remarkable medieval novel, BEHOLD THE BIRD IN FLIGHT! She stands before us as someone just stepped from a medieval illuminated prayer book with her long golden hair, flat chest (which concerns her), tall, in clothing and wimple from some 12th century dyer’s vat, the adored daughter of privilege to indulgent noble parents. It is the world of peripatetic kings, guarded castles bound up in faith. But neither Isabelle nor her intended husband can marry until her menses begin. And studying the world, trying to rearrange it to her liking, she plays with fire.
Isabelle bears within her childish self the charm to bewitch, to marry well for fruitful political alliances. To marry the right man! Away from her parents, in the stronghold of her intended’s family, she takes great decisions on her slender shoulders, and those decisions are faulty, turned by impulse. Her handsome intended, Hugh, is a young man secretly in love with a woman of lower station, and he thus shows no interest in Isabelle. When John, the new King of England (later the man who must accept the Magna Carta limiting his power) comes to visit the castle, she flirts with him to awaken Hugh’s jealousy. It works better than she hoped. The King sweeps her away to marry her, but he is a jealous, authoritative, brooding older man. Across seas and castle ramparts and frequent child birthing and war, she longs for Hugh who now can never be hers.
Reading this book was like turning the vellum pages of a thickly illuminated prayerbook. The richness of noble menus is astonishing to read as is the lack of privacy and discomfort of sleeping on pallets rolled out on the great hall floor, of primitive doctoring and vermin and drafty halls in winter. It is richly told in sumptuous languages, revealing every crevice of Isabelle’s complex and contradictory character.
A fascinating novel and heroine. Many stars!
Isabelle bears within her childish self the charm to bewitch, to marry well for fruitful political alliances. To marry the right man! Away from her parents, in the stronghold of her intended’s family, she takes great decisions on her slender shoulders, and those decisions are faulty, turned by impulse. Her handsome intended, Hugh, is a young man secretly in love with a woman of lower station, and he thus shows no interest in Isabelle. When John, the new King of England (later the man who must accept the Magna Carta limiting his power) comes to visit the castle, she flirts with him to awaken Hugh’s jealousy. It works better than she hoped. The King sweeps her away to marry her, but he is a jealous, authoritative, brooding older man. Across seas and castle ramparts and frequent child birthing and war, she longs for Hugh who now can never be hers.
Reading this book was like turning the vellum pages of a thickly illuminated prayerbook. The richness of noble menus is astonishing to read as is the lack of privacy and discomfort of sleeping on pallets rolled out on the great hall floor, of primitive doctoring and vermin and drafty halls in winter. It is richly told in sumptuous languages, revealing every crevice of Isabelle’s complex and contradictory character.
A fascinating novel and heroine. Many stars!
March 31, 2025
A few lines of history inspired Terri Lewis to imagine the life of a woman who was queen but fourteen years later married her childhood fiance.
It is a story of true love and survival.
Lewis weaves a tale of a dreamy French girl whose flirtation with King John leads to his usurping her from her fiance to make her his queen–although his first queen was still alive. In the 12th c, women were mere pawns in political maneuvering, but she learns how to manipulate men in power to protect her interests and her children.
Isabella was described as beautiful. Lewis imagines her as the stereotypical pale, blond haired child, a girl who inspires men to lustful fantasies. Except for her fiance, who has already given his heart to a woman of a lower class.
Hoping to make her fiance Hugh jealous, she flirts with King John who desires her. She agrees to marry the king, but the marriage remains unconsummated until she begins her menses. She obeys the king, her husband, but never loves him, holding onto her love for Hugh through the years.
King John reign was troubled; he was embroiled in war with France and pressured to extend power to landowners and barons by signing the Magna Carta. But in this novel, he a loving husband, if not an adept lover, lavishing gifts on Isi.
When Hugh is taken prisoner in war, Isi uses all her cunning to protect Hugh.
Readers who like historical fiction, romance, and strong women will relish this read.
Thanks to Caitlin Summe Hamilton Marketing and She Writes Press for a free book.
It is a story of true love and survival.
Lewis weaves a tale of a dreamy French girl whose flirtation with King John leads to his usurping her from her fiance to make her his queen–although his first queen was still alive. In the 12th c, women were mere pawns in political maneuvering, but she learns how to manipulate men in power to protect her interests and her children.
Isabella was described as beautiful. Lewis imagines her as the stereotypical pale, blond haired child, a girl who inspires men to lustful fantasies. Except for her fiance, who has already given his heart to a woman of a lower class.
Hoping to make her fiance Hugh jealous, she flirts with King John who desires her. She agrees to marry the king, but the marriage remains unconsummated until she begins her menses. She obeys the king, her husband, but never loves him, holding onto her love for Hugh through the years.
King John reign was troubled; he was embroiled in war with France and pressured to extend power to landowners and barons by signing the Magna Carta. But in this novel, he a loving husband, if not an adept lover, lavishing gifts on Isi.
When Hugh is taken prisoner in war, Isi uses all her cunning to protect Hugh.
Readers who like historical fiction, romance, and strong women will relish this read.
Thanks to Caitlin Summe Hamilton Marketing and She Writes Press for a free book.
July 6, 2025
A coming-of-age story, a love triangle, and a young woman struggling to gain personal power—sounds like a modern story, right? Behold the Bird in Flight is modern in its human struggles and prose, but is based on real characters in medieval France and England.
Seeing the world through the eyes of our protagonist, Isabella of Angoulême, a young woman soon-to-be queen, transports us to a time when castles were dark and communal. A time when women and girls were traded for power. With so little say in her destiny, and married to King John of Magna Carta fame, how can Isabella find her way back to France and her beloved, Hugh of Lusignan? Novelist Terri Lewis, much like Isabelle, fearlessly transports us through the years and progeny, both births and losses to her husband’s machinations, all while pining for her long-lost love.
Lewis builds a world rich with traditions, daily rituals, observances, and—importantly for the time—a life governed by the divine.
It's a propulsive story that grabs and won’t let go. Behold the Bird in Flight sheds light on a murky period in history. It opens a time in Old England and France for readers, which is at once disturbing and compelling, and you’ll marvel at its beauty.
Seeing the world through the eyes of our protagonist, Isabella of Angoulême, a young woman soon-to-be queen, transports us to a time when castles were dark and communal. A time when women and girls were traded for power. With so little say in her destiny, and married to King John of Magna Carta fame, how can Isabella find her way back to France and her beloved, Hugh of Lusignan? Novelist Terri Lewis, much like Isabelle, fearlessly transports us through the years and progeny, both births and losses to her husband’s machinations, all while pining for her long-lost love.
Lewis builds a world rich with traditions, daily rituals, observances, and—importantly for the time—a life governed by the divine.
It's a propulsive story that grabs and won’t let go. Behold the Bird in Flight sheds light on a murky period in history. It opens a time in Old England and France for readers, which is at once disturbing and compelling, and you’ll marvel at its beauty.
October 19, 2025
Terri Lewis's Behold the Bird in Flight is masterful historical fiction, brilliantly reimagining a gap in the record to focus on Queen Isabelle d'Angoulême of the 1100s. Where history is sparse, Lewis gives Isabelle a voice, agency, and an acute political savviness. This is not a passive pawn but a formidable woman who uses her intellect to manage a volatile king while protecting her children and her love, Hugh de Lusignan. Lewis portrays an Isabelle who is persuasive and patient, fully understanding the immense risks of her high-stakes proximity to King John. The author writes with a sure hand, weaving her deep knowledge and scholarship of medieval times into the story through seamless detail and a comfort with medieval dialogue. This creates a world that feels both authentic and immersive without ever becoming bogged down. The result is an accessible, approachable, and absorbing page-turner. Behold the Bird in Flight is a compelling and empowering portrait of a remarkable woman who navigated a treacherous court with intelligence and strength. It is a powerful tribute to a queen who truly deserves to be acknowledged.
August 19, 2025
A story of ambition, duty, and love in 12th-century France and England following the life of Isabelle d'Angoulême. Fostered by her betrothed in Lusignan, she is swept away by King John of England and married at the age of 12. Given her young age and subsequent life enmeshed in queenly duties, Lewis's story gives insight and reclaims the voice of the young queen.
The story is firmly rooted in medieval life and chronicles a coming-of-age for Isabelle. In the beginning of the story, she very much acts her age with childish dreams and ambitions. But when flirting with the king leads to being stolen away as a bride, she must grow up and come to terms with her duty to provide sons. Yet she pines for her first love, her formerly betrothed, Hugh.
This story is perfect for anyone who loved Katherine by Anya Seton.
The story is firmly rooted in medieval life and chronicles a coming-of-age for Isabelle. In the beginning of the story, she very much acts her age with childish dreams and ambitions. But when flirting with the king leads to being stolen away as a bride, she must grow up and come to terms with her duty to provide sons. Yet she pines for her first love, her formerly betrothed, Hugh.
This story is perfect for anyone who loved Katherine by Anya Seton.
June 26, 2025
I’m always in search of historical fiction that showcases women who made an impact on history, and 𝐁𝐞𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐢𝐫𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐅𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 is one of those powerful stories.
I must admit that I knew very little about Isabelle d’Angoulême, although I was familiar with the powerful men in her life. But through research and a well-crafted narrative, Terri Lewis allows Isabelle's story to be told.
You’ll be immersed in the medieval world of castles, royalty, betrayals, and a young girl who was stolen away from her fiancé by King John and made Queen of England at approximately the age of twelve. While she was queen for only sixteen years, she gave King John five heirs. After King John died, she returned to her awaiting fiancé.
The author admits to taking some liberties, as it is a fictional recounting, and the results are a fascinating and intriguing coming-of-age mixed with romance and history.
Thank you to @suzyapprovedbooktours and @terri.lewis1 for the gifted book.
June 25, 2025
Terri Lewis has seriously outdone herself with this richly layered historical fiction gem. Set in 1198, this story pulls you straight into a world where political scheming, ruthless ambition, and jaw-dropping customs (like three-year-olds being betrothed—yep, you read that right) are just part of everyday life. I was hooked—and a little horrified.
The level of detail is next-level. From the intricate costumes and courtly drama to the harsh realities faced by women, everything felt vivid and immersive. The King? Major villain vibes. Isabelle and Huge? Complicated, dangerous, and totally compelling. The characters are dark, flawed, and fascinating—and the writing keeps it all moving with a moody elegance.
This isn’t just a story; it’s a whole medieval experience. Dark, dramatic, and full of historical intrigue—definitely one to curl up with when you’re ready to be transported.
The level of detail is next-level. From the intricate costumes and courtly drama to the harsh realities faced by women, everything felt vivid and immersive. The King? Major villain vibes. Isabelle and Huge? Complicated, dangerous, and totally compelling. The characters are dark, flawed, and fascinating—and the writing keeps it all moving with a moody elegance.
This isn’t just a story; it’s a whole medieval experience. Dark, dramatic, and full of historical intrigue—definitely one to curl up with when you’re ready to be transported.
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