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Wheel of Fortune: An enthralling Medieval saga...
You don’t want to miss the start of this thrilling War of the Roses saga! For fans of Alison Weir, Elizabeth Chadwick, Conn Iggulden and Philippa Gregory.
One woman’s life is thrown into turmoil as her country erupts into civil war…
1469, England
For almost ten years, attractive and charismatic Edward IV has ruled with the Earl of Warwick’s support, but now rebellion threatens England’s fragile peace.
With the Midlands in uproar, King Edward wants peace in the shires and the last thing he needs is potential trouble in the form of an unwed heiress.
But, strong-willed and single-minded, Isobel Fenton is determined that nothing will separate her from her beloved manor of Beaumancote, even if she does have to marry to stay there.
Isobel is not aware of the importance she and her land represent, nor of the agenda of the formidable Earl in whose care she finds herself.
And as unrest boils into war, she is drawn into the very heart of the conflict.
Can Isobel escape from the web in which she is trapped? Will she find a way to decide her own fate?
Or will the Wheel of Fortune fail to turn in her favour…?
WHEEL OF FORTUNE is the first book in THE TARNISHED CROWN Wars of the Roses historical fiction set in Medieval Europe.
‘The best Wars of the Roses novel I have ever read. A magnificent book I didn’t want to end. All the characters were so well drawn that they performed the alchemy of stepping out of the book and into the room.’ – Elizabeth Chadwick, author of The Summer Queen
‘Dunn’s world is utterly believable, the research meticulous, the characters deep and rich, and the sights and smells disguise the devastation that lurks at every turn.’ – Matthew Lewis, author of Medieval Britain in 100 Facts
‘Thoroughly researched, beguiling I was hooked from page one’ – Toni Mount, author of How To Survive in Medieval England
‘a fabulous start to what promises to be an interesting series … The story is intriguing and has many twists and turns' – Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of Heroines of the Medieval World
‘a captivating step back in time as the 15th century is brought vividly to life through C F Dunn’s wonderful writing. I am so pleased that it is the first of a new series as I didn't want the story to end and I can’t wait to read more. Very highly recommended’ – The Book Magnet
‘an intense and compelling mix of power, passion, and politics’ – Andrew J Chamberlain, author of The Centauri Survivors
‘Dunn’s strong, hard-hitting narrative is also often intensely lyrical and poetic. I found every aspect of this novel utterly compelling’ – S C Skillman, author of A-Z of Warwick
THE TARNISHED CROWN
Book Wheel of Fortune
Book Sun Ascendent
Book
One woman’s life is thrown into turmoil as her country erupts into civil war…
1469, England
For almost ten years, attractive and charismatic Edward IV has ruled with the Earl of Warwick’s support, but now rebellion threatens England’s fragile peace.
With the Midlands in uproar, King Edward wants peace in the shires and the last thing he needs is potential trouble in the form of an unwed heiress.
But, strong-willed and single-minded, Isobel Fenton is determined that nothing will separate her from her beloved manor of Beaumancote, even if she does have to marry to stay there.
Isobel is not aware of the importance she and her land represent, nor of the agenda of the formidable Earl in whose care she finds herself.
And as unrest boils into war, she is drawn into the very heart of the conflict.
Can Isobel escape from the web in which she is trapped? Will she find a way to decide her own fate?
Or will the Wheel of Fortune fail to turn in her favour…?
WHEEL OF FORTUNE is the first book in THE TARNISHED CROWN Wars of the Roses historical fiction set in Medieval Europe.
‘The best Wars of the Roses novel I have ever read. A magnificent book I didn’t want to end. All the characters were so well drawn that they performed the alchemy of stepping out of the book and into the room.’ – Elizabeth Chadwick, author of The Summer Queen
‘Dunn’s world is utterly believable, the research meticulous, the characters deep and rich, and the sights and smells disguise the devastation that lurks at every turn.’ – Matthew Lewis, author of Medieval Britain in 100 Facts
‘Thoroughly researched, beguiling I was hooked from page one’ – Toni Mount, author of How To Survive in Medieval England
‘a fabulous start to what promises to be an interesting series … The story is intriguing and has many twists and turns' – Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of Heroines of the Medieval World
‘a captivating step back in time as the 15th century is brought vividly to life through C F Dunn’s wonderful writing. I am so pleased that it is the first of a new series as I didn't want the story to end and I can’t wait to read more. Very highly recommended’ – The Book Magnet
‘an intense and compelling mix of power, passion, and politics’ – Andrew J Chamberlain, author of The Centauri Survivors
‘Dunn’s strong, hard-hitting narrative is also often intensely lyrical and poetic. I found every aspect of this novel utterly compelling’ – S C Skillman, author of A-Z of Warwick
THE TARNISHED CROWN
Book Wheel of Fortune
Book Sun Ascendent
Book
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2025
About the author
C.F. Dunn
9 books49 followers Studying history at university, Claire Dunn followed a vocational route founding a specialist school dedicated to the needs of children with Dyslexia, Autism and related language difficulties.
Returning to her academic roots to incorporate elements of history into her stories of romance, mystery and suspense, Claire began writing Mortal Fire - the first in the five-book The Secret Of The Journal series - winning Gold in the ForeWord Book Of The Year Awards, 2012. She now writes full-time in the South-West surrounded by restless seas, ancient landscapes and wild, wide skies.
She is currently working on a major new Wars of the Roses series: The Tarnished Crown.
Book One - Wheel of Fortune (pub. 2023 Resolute Books; revised edition pub. 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Two - Sun Ascendant (pub. 2024 Resolute Books, revised edition 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Three - Degrees of Affinity (pub. 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Four - Legacy of Steel (pub. Sapere Books 2026)
Returning to her academic roots to incorporate elements of history into her stories of romance, mystery and suspense, Claire began writing Mortal Fire - the first in the five-book The Secret Of The Journal series - winning Gold in the ForeWord Book Of The Year Awards, 2012. She now writes full-time in the South-West surrounded by restless seas, ancient landscapes and wild, wide skies.
She is currently working on a major new Wars of the Roses series: The Tarnished Crown.
Book One - Wheel of Fortune (pub. 2023 Resolute Books; revised edition pub. 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Two - Sun Ascendant (pub. 2024 Resolute Books, revised edition 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Three - Degrees of Affinity (pub. 2025 Sapere Books)
Book Four - Legacy of Steel (pub. Sapere Books 2026)
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
June 8, 2025
A book about one of the most turbulent times in British history, the War of the Roses.
I cannot fault this book, it kept me enthralled from the first page. About a young girl,Isobel Fenton, who is left in the care of Earl of Warwick after her father dies. She becomes his mistress under distressing circumstances, even though she loves his brother, Robert Langton. This takes place at the time of great disturbance of the land erupting into civil war.
This book is outstanding.
This author should be ranked as highly as the likes of Hilary Mantel, Philippa Gregory and Anne Weir. The book is so well researched and written in completely accessible language. There is even a section explaining what individual old English words mean.
If you are a fan of historical fiction you really do need to read this book. It surely must be destined to become a future classic of the genre.
I cannot fault this book, it kept me enthralled from the first page. About a young girl,Isobel Fenton, who is left in the care of Earl of Warwick after her father dies. She becomes his mistress under distressing circumstances, even though she loves his brother, Robert Langton. This takes place at the time of great disturbance of the land erupting into civil war.
This book is outstanding.
This author should be ranked as highly as the likes of Hilary Mantel, Philippa Gregory and Anne Weir. The book is so well researched and written in completely accessible language. There is even a section explaining what individual old English words mean.
If you are a fan of historical fiction you really do need to read this book. It surely must be destined to become a future classic of the genre.
June 1, 2025
Well written
A book of imperfect people struggling with national unrest. It paints a picture of the life of the different tiers of power and uncertainty of who will become the undisputed king. It doesn't seek to retell history and many people will know what is going to happen at the highest level, but this is about those below who struggle with loyalty to the best cause, and the fallout for the women and children who can do little more than observe and hope.
A book of imperfect people struggling with national unrest. It paints a picture of the life of the different tiers of power and uncertainty of who will become the undisputed king. It doesn't seek to retell history and many people will know what is going to happen at the highest level, but this is about those below who struggle with loyalty to the best cause, and the fallout for the women and children who can do little more than observe and hope.
December 8, 2025
Yet another historical fiction novel that relies heavily on SA to have any plot at all.
September 30, 2025
This book, this story, this saga...perfection. Absolute perfection for me.
Historical fiction is my first love and will always be my home. It's books like this that make me remember why I keep coming back no matter how far I stray in my reading adventures.
This story has me. This story has all of me. I could not read fast enough. Historical fiction at it's best.
The characters, the storyline, the details are phenomenal. I felt as if I were there with Isobel, with the Earl, with Robert. Even the surrounding characters are well written. You will form attachments, you will feel their pains, their joys, their anger and frustrations. You will feel the bitterness and injustices of life's circumstances of the times. You will love with them. You will laugh with them. You will hurt with them. You will hate with them. It's that good.
My favorite end-all-be-all historical fiction writer is Sharon Kay Penman and I can see many similarities between Ms. Penman's and Ms. Dunn's writing style. Sharon Kay Penman had a way of telling a story that ticked every single box for me in a historical fiction book. I completely and totally lose myself within her books and so, feel a a saddening loss, a gaping hole, so to speak, at no longer being a part of that world upon finishing them. Ms. Dunn's writing style reminds me so much of Ms. Penman's and I'm here for it.
Historical fiction is my first love and will always be my home. It's books like this that make me remember why I keep coming back no matter how far I stray in my reading adventures.
This story has me. This story has all of me. I could not read fast enough. Historical fiction at it's best.
The characters, the storyline, the details are phenomenal. I felt as if I were there with Isobel, with the Earl, with Robert. Even the surrounding characters are well written. You will form attachments, you will feel their pains, their joys, their anger and frustrations. You will feel the bitterness and injustices of life's circumstances of the times. You will love with them. You will laugh with them. You will hurt with them. You will hate with them. It's that good.
My favorite end-all-be-all historical fiction writer is Sharon Kay Penman and I can see many similarities between Ms. Penman's and Ms. Dunn's writing style. Sharon Kay Penman had a way of telling a story that ticked every single box for me in a historical fiction book. I completely and totally lose myself within her books and so, feel a a saddening loss, a gaping hole, so to speak, at no longer being a part of that world upon finishing them. Ms. Dunn's writing style reminds me so much of Ms. Penman's and I'm here for it.
March 23, 2025
I struggled a bit with this book . The ingredients of a great story are all there characters intrigue history .
I found the writing a bit flat and the characters didn't really come to life .
I will read the second book in the series as it has caught my interest .
I found the writing a bit flat and the characters didn't really come to life .
I will read the second book in the series as it has caught my interest .
March 8, 2026
sadden how honor is cheated
Even with the power nobles held, women’s virtues lost in such a time of the past. I have learned from endless history facts, lessons. Sad that a good character is telling another, one man’s betrayal of honor, chivalry even his own word isn’t at fault.
Even with the power nobles held, women’s virtues lost in such a time of the past. I have learned from endless history facts, lessons. Sad that a good character is telling another, one man’s betrayal of honor, chivalry even his own word isn’t at fault.
May 24, 2025
Easy to read, I liked the language used but it felt like nothing really happened.
July 24, 2025
I really got caught up in the characters and I have to read the next one. My heart aches for Isobel. Very well written and compelling.
Trigger warnings for rape.
Trigger warnings for rape.
September 20, 2025
I came to the reviews thinking I must have missed something. The entire plot is predicated on the repeated rape of a young woman by a man who holds every power over her. No thank you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2025
I love this series. I am addicted to period books. Historical fiction with British history being my favorite. Love it
Read
February 7, 2026Absolutely loved this series and was definitely a 'Couldn't put down read'. went on to read second and third books too.
March 18, 2026
It’s well written and not a very happy story but the main characters are well described. It stops very abruptly so you have toread the next book.
June 8, 2025
A very absorbing tale of the times
May 5, 2025
In this first in the series, we meet Isobel Fenton, daughter of a country knight rewarded for his loyal service to the House of York during what we now call the Wars of the Roses. Gently born and gently bred, Isobel is promised in marriage to Thomas Lacey, a young man whose family fought for the House of Lancaster during the battles and who is subsequently tainted by association.
When her father dies, Isobel is taken in by the Earl of Langton until her marriage - but he has an ulterior motive. Isobel's lands lie in a strategically important area and Langton does not trust Thomas Lacey, whose uncle killed the earl's father. Into this tangled political web, comes the naive Isobel, who is kept in the dark about the wider picture because she is a woman and this is men's business.
Isobel is a sympathetic character, but I found her to be incredibly passive. As a sixteen-year-old girl, she has no autonomy at the earl's castle, despite being an heiress, who is used to running her own manor and looking after the people within it. Educated and intelligent, she struggles with the shift from being her father's beloved and trusted companion to being treated as a nursemaid for the earl's children.
She has her moments when she fights back against the strictures placed on her, but most of the time she keeps her mouth shut and her eyes downcast. And yet with her beautiful hair and beguiling eyes, she is also catnip to various men of noble birth.
The earl is a contradictory figure. He clearly has a lot of personal baggage and is treading a fine line working out the politics of the era, loyal to King Edward IV but also keeping the Earl of Warwick on a string at a time when history tells us Warwick is about to turn his coat.
His brother, Robert, is a more appealing character and it's easy to see why Isobel is drawn to him. The countess, however, is something of a pantomime villain, the bitter and twisted wife, only interested in appearances and her own power.
The story is very readable, although it takes a long time for anything to happen. The attention to detail, the research and the world-building are exceptional. The author clearly knows her stuff, And while a member of the royal family does put in an appearance in this book, the story centres on people caught up in the storm of medieval political intrigue, not the usual principal players. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
When her father dies, Isobel is taken in by the Earl of Langton until her marriage - but he has an ulterior motive. Isobel's lands lie in a strategically important area and Langton does not trust Thomas Lacey, whose uncle killed the earl's father. Into this tangled political web, comes the naive Isobel, who is kept in the dark about the wider picture because she is a woman and this is men's business.
Isobel is a sympathetic character, but I found her to be incredibly passive. As a sixteen-year-old girl, she has no autonomy at the earl's castle, despite being an heiress, who is used to running her own manor and looking after the people within it. Educated and intelligent, she struggles with the shift from being her father's beloved and trusted companion to being treated as a nursemaid for the earl's children.
She has her moments when she fights back against the strictures placed on her, but most of the time she keeps her mouth shut and her eyes downcast. And yet with her beautiful hair and beguiling eyes, she is also catnip to various men of noble birth.
The earl is a contradictory figure. He clearly has a lot of personal baggage and is treading a fine line working out the politics of the era, loyal to King Edward IV but also keeping the Earl of Warwick on a string at a time when history tells us Warwick is about to turn his coat.
His brother, Robert, is a more appealing character and it's easy to see why Isobel is drawn to him. The countess, however, is something of a pantomime villain, the bitter and twisted wife, only interested in appearances and her own power.
The story is very readable, although it takes a long time for anything to happen. The attention to detail, the research and the world-building are exceptional. The author clearly knows her stuff, And while a member of the royal family does put in an appearance in this book, the story centres on people caught up in the storm of medieval political intrigue, not the usual principal players. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews