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Fortune's Wheel
‘Her interpretive flair and accurate descriptive detail put her head and shoulders above the rest of the field’ — Times Literary Supplement
1469.
Edward IV sits on the English throne, in no small part due to the support of the magnificent Warwick — the Kingmaker.
At his right hand stands young Richard of Gloucester, whose slight frame and young age belie his strength of will.
His unprepossessing features hide the fierceness with which he defends those he loves, from Edward to Warwick’s youngest daughter, Anne, with whom he grew up.
All is not well in Edward’s kingdom. His marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, a woman disliked by many, and the favour subsequently bestowed upon her extensive network of relations, has ruffled any number of feathers.
Discontented, treasonous rumblings have arisen amongst certain members of the peerage — including Warwick and George of Clarence, Edward’s boyishly handsome younger brother.
Their dissatisfaction draws them together, a union solidified by Clarence’s marriage to Warwick’s elder daughter Isabel, and sets in motion events that will test loyalties and fracture families.
Richard, who bears little love for Clarence, never wavers in his support for the king, but his deep and longstanding regard for Warwick and his love for little Anne mean that the bitter conflict that rages over England divides him between the passion he feels for his enemy’s child and his fierce loyalty to his brother.
For Anne, the clash between her father and the king takes her across the Channel as a pawn in Warwick’s political endgame.
Bearing witness to her sister Isabel’s frightening experience of giving birth to a stillborn son whilst still aboard ship, Anne is terrified by the prospect of marriage and bearing children of her own.
However, her father seeks to ally France and England and put Henry of Lancaster back on the throne, and so Anne is married off to Henry’s son.
When her husband dies, George of Clarence and Anne’s sister Isabel sequester Anne in the hope that she is with child — a son who may serve as the figurehead and pour new strength into the country’s treasonous troops.
Warwick’s and King Edward’s conflict culminates in two bloody battles that resolve, at last, their argument…a civil war with repercussions for family, friends, and country.
For Richard and Anne, survival has come at a price.
Will they be able to overcome the events that have torn their families asunder and find happiness at last? Only the turn of fortune’s wheel can say…
Rhoda Edwards is also the author of Some Touch of Pity, which likewise focuses on Richard of Gloucester and which in 1976 won the Yorkshire Post’s Best First Work Award.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
1469.
Edward IV sits on the English throne, in no small part due to the support of the magnificent Warwick — the Kingmaker.
At his right hand stands young Richard of Gloucester, whose slight frame and young age belie his strength of will.
His unprepossessing features hide the fierceness with which he defends those he loves, from Edward to Warwick’s youngest daughter, Anne, with whom he grew up.
All is not well in Edward’s kingdom. His marriage to Elizabeth Woodville, a woman disliked by many, and the favour subsequently bestowed upon her extensive network of relations, has ruffled any number of feathers.
Discontented, treasonous rumblings have arisen amongst certain members of the peerage — including Warwick and George of Clarence, Edward’s boyishly handsome younger brother.
Their dissatisfaction draws them together, a union solidified by Clarence’s marriage to Warwick’s elder daughter Isabel, and sets in motion events that will test loyalties and fracture families.
Richard, who bears little love for Clarence, never wavers in his support for the king, but his deep and longstanding regard for Warwick and his love for little Anne mean that the bitter conflict that rages over England divides him between the passion he feels for his enemy’s child and his fierce loyalty to his brother.
For Anne, the clash between her father and the king takes her across the Channel as a pawn in Warwick’s political endgame.
Bearing witness to her sister Isabel’s frightening experience of giving birth to a stillborn son whilst still aboard ship, Anne is terrified by the prospect of marriage and bearing children of her own.
However, her father seeks to ally France and England and put Henry of Lancaster back on the throne, and so Anne is married off to Henry’s son.
When her husband dies, George of Clarence and Anne’s sister Isabel sequester Anne in the hope that she is with child — a son who may serve as the figurehead and pour new strength into the country’s treasonous troops.
Warwick’s and King Edward’s conflict culminates in two bloody battles that resolve, at last, their argument…a civil war with repercussions for family, friends, and country.
For Richard and Anne, survival has come at a price.
Will they be able to overcome the events that have torn their families asunder and find happiness at last? Only the turn of fortune’s wheel can say…
Rhoda Edwards is also the author of Some Touch of Pity, which likewise focuses on Richard of Gloucester and which in 1976 won the Yorkshire Post’s Best First Work Award.
Endeavour Press is the UK's leading independent digital publisher. For more information on our titles please sign up to our newsletter at www.endeavourpress.com. Each week you will receive updates on free and discounted ebooks. Follow us on Twitter: @EndeavourPress and on Facebook via http://on.fb.me/1HweQV7. We are always interested in hearing from our readers. Endeavour Press believes that the future is now.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1978
42 people are currently reading
270 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 17, 2018
Set between 1468 and 1472, in England, France and Flanders, this is a compelling and exciting historical novel with a formidable cast of characters.
An account of the youth and testing time of the young Duke of Gloucester during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses. A sympathetic portrait of Richard and of Anne, the young girl used as a pawn by her scheming and ambitious father, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick and forced to marry the Prince of Wales Edouard , son of the weak Henry VI and his redoubtable and ruthless Queen, Margaret of Anjou.
Richard looks up to his older brother Edward IV, a towering and formidable leader, and scheming and intrigue leads to a showdown between Edward and Warwick, with the treacherous and insecure Duke of Clarence (Edward and Richard's other brother) playing off the two noblemen against each other.
Meanwhile the nemesis of the House of York, Queen Margaret holds the House of Lancaster together despite the feebleness of Henry VI, but ultimately destroys it.
The novel ends with the triumph of Edward IV, and the death in the Battle of Tewkesbury of both Warwick and Henry's son Prince Edouard.
Queen Margaret is captured and imprisoned, and King Edward's power is secured.
But poor young Anne flees, and becomes a lowly servant girl in a cruel trick of circumstances, in which Clarence plays a villainous role
She is eventually rescued by and betrothed to Richard.
A compelling, richly written, descriptive but action packed work of historical fiction.
An account of the youth and testing time of the young Duke of Gloucester during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses. A sympathetic portrait of Richard and of Anne, the young girl used as a pawn by her scheming and ambitious father, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick and forced to marry the Prince of Wales Edouard , son of the weak Henry VI and his redoubtable and ruthless Queen, Margaret of Anjou.
Richard looks up to his older brother Edward IV, a towering and formidable leader, and scheming and intrigue leads to a showdown between Edward and Warwick, with the treacherous and insecure Duke of Clarence (Edward and Richard's other brother) playing off the two noblemen against each other.
Meanwhile the nemesis of the House of York, Queen Margaret holds the House of Lancaster together despite the feebleness of Henry VI, but ultimately destroys it.
The novel ends with the triumph of Edward IV, and the death in the Battle of Tewkesbury of both Warwick and Henry's son Prince Edouard.
Queen Margaret is captured and imprisoned, and King Edward's power is secured.
But poor young Anne flees, and becomes a lowly servant girl in a cruel trick of circumstances, in which Clarence plays a villainous role
She is eventually rescued by and betrothed to Richard.
A compelling, richly written, descriptive but action packed work of historical fiction.
August 11, 2016
Although it's the second novel in her Richard III duology, this is chronologically a "prequel" to Rhoda Edwards' Some Touch of Pity, and narrates the events of approximately three years in the life of Richard as an adolescent Duke of Gloucester fighting alongside his idolised elder brother Edward IV since his estrangement from the Earl of Warwick in 1468 that resulted in the latter's rebellion together with George of Clarence, until the final Yorkist victory at Tewkesbury in 1471 and Dickon's marriage to Anne Neville.
There's a really nicely done characterisation of all the Yorks here, and a very well-rounded plot. I liked how the very young prince Richard was depicted, less “hunky” than in Penman’s novel, but still a fairly romantic-minded and loyal to a fault young man that never has to think twice about where his loyalties lie, even if that means exile, danger and losing old friends, all of which makes him quite likable. Really, in this novel it's shown how Edward IV was alternately blessed and cursed in his brothers, blessed because of the younger's staunch loyalty and cursed because of the middle brother's weathercock loyalty. All done very well.
There's a really nicely done characterisation of all the Yorks here, and a very well-rounded plot. I liked how the very young prince Richard was depicted, less “hunky” than in Penman’s novel, but still a fairly romantic-minded and loyal to a fault young man that never has to think twice about where his loyalties lie, even if that means exile, danger and losing old friends, all of which makes him quite likable. Really, in this novel it's shown how Edward IV was alternately blessed and cursed in his brothers, blessed because of the younger's staunch loyalty and cursed because of the middle brother's weathercock loyalty. All done very well.
May 11, 2011
Much of what is discussed in this review is known history, but if you are unfamiliar with Richard III and Anne Neville and wish to remain spoiler free I suggest you skip this review. This is also one of those historical periods where if you know the history you don't need an entire rehash, and if you don't you don't want me spoiling it for you.
This book starts in 1468 as a young Richard of Glouscester is torn between his loyalty to his brother, Edward IV, and the man who fostered him, Warwick (The Kingmaker) as the two allies slowly become disenchanted with each other. The story continues through brother George's betrayal and defection to Warwick's camp continuing on through Anne's stint as a kitchen maid and her eventual betrothal to Richard when he wins her trust, so you actually get something resembling a happy ending. Until the next book, The Broken Sword that is.
Despite the short length of this book (I do prefer the chunksters), this was a very well-done, well-rounded look at the period and R3 in particular. No one is very very good or very very bad, the author gives them all a fair shake and they act appropriately to the period and their political alliances which I find particularly refreshing compared to the holier-than-thou Richard today's authors seem to be so fond of. Fans of this period should enjoy this a great deal, and I would recommend this to newbies looking to get their feet wet. I'd also recommend this for younger readers, any sex in this book is very tame and only lightly touched upon. 4/5 stars.
This book starts in 1468 as a young Richard of Glouscester is torn between his loyalty to his brother, Edward IV, and the man who fostered him, Warwick (The Kingmaker) as the two allies slowly become disenchanted with each other. The story continues through brother George's betrayal and defection to Warwick's camp continuing on through Anne's stint as a kitchen maid and her eventual betrothal to Richard when he wins her trust, so you actually get something resembling a happy ending. Until the next book, The Broken Sword that is.
Despite the short length of this book (I do prefer the chunksters), this was a very well-done, well-rounded look at the period and R3 in particular. No one is very very good or very very bad, the author gives them all a fair shake and they act appropriately to the period and their political alliances which I find particularly refreshing compared to the holier-than-thou Richard today's authors seem to be so fond of. Fans of this period should enjoy this a great deal, and I would recommend this to newbies looking to get their feet wet. I'd also recommend this for younger readers, any sex in this book is very tame and only lightly touched upon. 4/5 stars.
April 13, 2016
This wonderful novel by Rhoda Edwards compellingly and beautifully charts the period in the life of Richard III between 1468 and 1472, culminating with his marriage to Anne Neville. To anyone familiar with this period of history, the story will hold no surprises; what might, however, is the sympathetic and balanced way the characters are drawn, particularly Richard himself; he is neither the perfect prince as portrayed by some fervent Ricardians, nor the wizened evil hunchback of his detractors - rather a man with flaws and strengths, a man like any other. Particularly affecting are the battle scenes where Richard is at the heart of the mêlée, fighting like the warrior prince he was - only to feel guilt and revulsion at his actions, and the cruelty of war, once the action is over. I have scarcely read a novel about The Wars of the Roses in which Richard has been drawn so sympathetically, yet with such balance.
Of course, the true talent of an historical novelist is to take the facts and make them live. Edwards does this beautifully; the sights, sounds and smells of the mid fifteenth century sing. The source material is, of course, a gift in terms of a tale - a cast of larger than life, scheming nobles, many with tangled private lives, and a love story at its heart. But Edwards makes us truly care about the fortunes of her characters; she puts flesh on the bones of them, making them as real as indeed they once were.
The battle scenes are, like the rest of the book, impeccably researched and suitably harrowing. Mediaeval warfare was bloody, horrific and cruel, and no punches are pulled here. But this is a tale of light AND shade, and the blossoming love between Anne and Richard provides a tender counterpoint to the slashings and beheadings of the battlefield. Anne's rescue from her life in servitude, to which she ran to escape the machinations of her brother in law Clarence, is particularly enchanting. Richard, here, truly is the archetypal heroic prince, rescuing his beloved from a miserable fate (despite her initial misgivings!).
Fortune's Wheel is a truly enchanting book and a must for anyone with an interest in Richard III or this fascinating period in history. For me, it's up there with Sharon Penman's The Sunne In Splendour for its portrayal of Richard - although Fortune's Wheel is a far shorter book than Penman's, and covers a more condensed period in Richard's life, it still takes its place as one of the finest books written on the subject.
A wonderful novel, highly recommend indeed.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, the true talent of an historical novelist is to take the facts and make them live. Edwards does this beautifully; the sights, sounds and smells of the mid fifteenth century sing. The source material is, of course, a gift in terms of a tale - a cast of larger than life, scheming nobles, many with tangled private lives, and a love story at its heart. But Edwards makes us truly care about the fortunes of her characters; she puts flesh on the bones of them, making them as real as indeed they once were.
The battle scenes are, like the rest of the book, impeccably researched and suitably harrowing. Mediaeval warfare was bloody, horrific and cruel, and no punches are pulled here. But this is a tale of light AND shade, and the blossoming love between Anne and Richard provides a tender counterpoint to the slashings and beheadings of the battlefield. Anne's rescue from her life in servitude, to which she ran to escape the machinations of her brother in law Clarence, is particularly enchanting. Richard, here, truly is the archetypal heroic prince, rescuing his beloved from a miserable fate (despite her initial misgivings!).
Fortune's Wheel is a truly enchanting book and a must for anyone with an interest in Richard III or this fascinating period in history. For me, it's up there with Sharon Penman's The Sunne In Splendour for its portrayal of Richard - although Fortune's Wheel is a far shorter book than Penman's, and covers a more condensed period in Richard's life, it still takes its place as one of the finest books written on the subject.
A wonderful novel, highly recommend indeed.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2022
One of my top two or three favorite Richardian novels is this author’s Some Touch of Pity (also titled The Broken Sword) I recently re-read it and decided to re-read this novel as well, the author’s other book about Richard III. While that book covered the last two years of Richard’s life, this one is sort of a prequel. It opens as the sixteen-year-old Richard, now living at his brother King Edward’s court, travels to the Erber at the invitation of the Earl of Warwick. There, Warwick makes a not so subtle attempt to recruit him to join an alliance against King Edward, dangling his youngest daughter Anne as bait. Thereafter, the book competently recounts the events of the next several years: Warwick’s open rebellion; Edward and Richard’s exile in Burgundy; Warwick’s alliance with Margaret of Anjou cemented by the marriage of his daughter Anne to Margaret’s son, the Prince of Wales. The battles of Barnet and Tewksbury are well done.
Here, the newly widowed Anne runs away from her brother-in-law the Duke of Clarence’s household because she believes she is pregnant with the child of the Lancastrian Prince of Wales. Clarence has warned her that King Edward will imprison her and the child for the rest of her life--or worse.
After the events of the past year, Anne is quite naturally bitter and distrustful, and believes that Richard will do Edward’s bidding whatever it is. She continues to hide herself in the cook shop for months after it is obvious that she is not pregnant. Richard wants to marry her because of her inheritance and because he finds her personality and appearance pleasing to him. He doesn’t want to get stuck with some foreign princess who might force him into adultery. Whatever feelings Anne has for him seemed to be overwhelmed by her fearfulness. The book ends with Anne finally agreeing to marry Richard.
This version of the Richard/Anne relationship is subtly described. They don’t spend the months of their separation pining for one another. While in exile, Richard has an affair, but the woman, a widow, is wiser and older than he is and tells him: “He means everything to you, your brother, I can see. Too much for your own good.” For her part, Anne occasionally thinks of Richard when her husband Edward talks of wanting to kill the two York brothers. The prince is not portrayed as an absolute monster, but a young man who wants to prove himself in battle. After the prince is killed at Tewkesbury, Anne’s one regret is that she did not return his wave to her as he rode off to battle. This is a first class Ricardian novel, even if it is not quite in the same exalted league as Some Touch of Pity.
Here, the newly widowed Anne runs away from her brother-in-law the Duke of Clarence’s household because she believes she is pregnant with the child of the Lancastrian Prince of Wales. Clarence has warned her that King Edward will imprison her and the child for the rest of her life--or worse.
After the events of the past year, Anne is quite naturally bitter and distrustful, and believes that Richard will do Edward’s bidding whatever it is. She continues to hide herself in the cook shop for months after it is obvious that she is not pregnant. Richard wants to marry her because of her inheritance and because he finds her personality and appearance pleasing to him. He doesn’t want to get stuck with some foreign princess who might force him into adultery. Whatever feelings Anne has for him seemed to be overwhelmed by her fearfulness. The book ends with Anne finally agreeing to marry Richard.
This version of the Richard/Anne relationship is subtly described. They don’t spend the months of their separation pining for one another. While in exile, Richard has an affair, but the woman, a widow, is wiser and older than he is and tells him: “He means everything to you, your brother, I can see. Too much for your own good.” For her part, Anne occasionally thinks of Richard when her husband Edward talks of wanting to kill the two York brothers. The prince is not portrayed as an absolute monster, but a young man who wants to prove himself in battle. After the prince is killed at Tewkesbury, Anne’s one regret is that she did not return his wave to her as he rode off to battle. This is a first class Ricardian novel, even if it is not quite in the same exalted league as Some Touch of Pity.
September 24, 2021
I liked it 4 stars
It is a short novel in many ways that only tells what happened in the life of Richard III during two or three years more specifically around 1470 to 1472, the novel is in the third person and will show us what his life was like being the King's brother and living in an unstable and treacherous court, Richard doesn't have the best moment of his life and I think that in many ways his complex relationship with the Queen Elizabeth family explains his actions in 1483, we will also see how he dealt with Warwick's betrayals, that will confront him with his "other" family the Nevilles, because loyal Richard decides to reject the offer of Warwick, in general his career as a young royal duke of 18 years is well done in this book, and in parallel we will see the path that Anne Neville follows since she lived through the betrayals of her father, her political marriage to Edward of Lancaster and her return to England as a widow and daughter of a traitor, her marriage to Edward is described in a smart way without exaggeration, they are only two young people united by politics, he is not a savage or crazy and in fact the relationship is more distant than bad, he didn't mistreat or ignore her it's just something uncomfortable, even the way is done made me wonder, if with time perhaps this could have been a love story, but Anne doesn't know how to react to Edward's visit in her bed or his farewell before his final battle, something interesting happens when the Lancasters fall in battle and Anne is taken to Coventry, the book portrays mistreatment and "almost" sexual abuse that these widows were exposed to, so that part was interesting, which also took a seldom twist (I only read it in "Set her in a throne") is the reason why Anne disappears and it is that in this book she flees trying to save the life of the son she believes is waiting, although the argument is not well done in my opinon because her escape is done in a clumsy and not plausible way, also what was she planning do? live forever in the kitchen? I consider this pointless but I think the goal of this part of the story was to give Anne time to overcome her losses and fears, for which I give credit to the author since most of the books I have read about this present us a silly Anne sick of love that jumps into Richard's arms in a matter of days forgetting her father, uncle, mother and her traumas so in a way I understand the process here, in the end we have a nice closing with Anne accepting Richard, although they do not have an overflowing love basically they never were a romantic couple in this book rather they only talk between them is at the end of the book, funny thing is how Anne thought he was a bad guy for a good part of the book, and he was living his life you know he had his love affairs (and as a result his illegitimate children) actually the relationship he had in the exile was in many ways his passion, desire and longing, he never dared to think "IF" because he knew it was something silly but it is clear that this woman (whose name is too long to remember) woke up feelings so strong that for an instant I thought that he would take her to England and they would have a more serious romance, so NOT this Richard didn't think much of Anne until things calmed down between Lancaster and York at that moment he wanted her as his wife because she was "suitable" for him, nice-looking (NOT PRETTY) , good inheritance and adequate character, Anne's feeling is not so clear but it is understood that a marriage with him was what she had always considered and accepted so the book closes with her accepting that he can be a good man and gives us the impression that the couple will be a union of fidelity and affection, the dialogues are very few but beautiful, he is dying to have her and she is willing to enjoy a new life with him. In general, it is a very different book compared to "Some touch of pity" the sequel, but I think this book looks for an interesting nuance, my only complaint is that at times Anne seemed more like the protagonist of the story, and I feel that in the end it was interrupted in a strange way, I was missing a conclusion or something that made me feel I was in the last page.
It is a short novel in many ways that only tells what happened in the life of Richard III during two or three years more specifically around 1470 to 1472, the novel is in the third person and will show us what his life was like being the King's brother and living in an unstable and treacherous court, Richard doesn't have the best moment of his life and I think that in many ways his complex relationship with the Queen Elizabeth family explains his actions in 1483, we will also see how he dealt with Warwick's betrayals, that will confront him with his "other" family the Nevilles, because loyal Richard decides to reject the offer of Warwick, in general his career as a young royal duke of 18 years is well done in this book, and in parallel we will see the path that Anne Neville follows since she lived through the betrayals of her father, her political marriage to Edward of Lancaster and her return to England as a widow and daughter of a traitor, her marriage to Edward is described in a smart way without exaggeration, they are only two young people united by politics, he is not a savage or crazy and in fact the relationship is more distant than bad, he didn't mistreat or ignore her it's just something uncomfortable, even the way is done made me wonder, if with time perhaps this could have been a love story, but Anne doesn't know how to react to Edward's visit in her bed or his farewell before his final battle, something interesting happens when the Lancasters fall in battle and Anne is taken to Coventry, the book portrays mistreatment and "almost" sexual abuse that these widows were exposed to, so that part was interesting, which also took a seldom twist (I only read it in "Set her in a throne") is the reason why Anne disappears and it is that in this book she flees trying to save the life of the son she believes is waiting, although the argument is not well done in my opinon because her escape is done in a clumsy and not plausible way, also what was she planning do? live forever in the kitchen? I consider this pointless but I think the goal of this part of the story was to give Anne time to overcome her losses and fears, for which I give credit to the author since most of the books I have read about this present us a silly Anne sick of love that jumps into Richard's arms in a matter of days forgetting her father, uncle, mother and her traumas so in a way I understand the process here, in the end we have a nice closing with Anne accepting Richard, although they do not have an overflowing love basically they never were a romantic couple in this book rather they only talk between them is at the end of the book, funny thing is how Anne thought he was a bad guy for a good part of the book, and he was living his life you know he had his love affairs (and as a result his illegitimate children) actually the relationship he had in the exile was in many ways his passion, desire and longing, he never dared to think "IF" because he knew it was something silly but it is clear that this woman (whose name is too long to remember) woke up feelings so strong that for an instant I thought that he would take her to England and they would have a more serious romance, so NOT this Richard didn't think much of Anne until things calmed down between Lancaster and York at that moment he wanted her as his wife because she was "suitable" for him, nice-looking (NOT PRETTY) , good inheritance and adequate character, Anne's feeling is not so clear but it is understood that a marriage with him was what she had always considered and accepted so the book closes with her accepting that he can be a good man and gives us the impression that the couple will be a union of fidelity and affection, the dialogues are very few but beautiful, he is dying to have her and she is willing to enjoy a new life with him. In general, it is a very different book compared to "Some touch of pity" the sequel, but I think this book looks for an interesting nuance, my only complaint is that at times Anne seemed more like the protagonist of the story, and I feel that in the end it was interrupted in a strange way, I was missing a conclusion or something that made me feel I was in the last page.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 30, 2018
When first purchasing this Kindle book, I was sceptical when I saw the front cover of the book (yet again, I judged a book by its cover!) and thought that the book would be read and put down within 5 minutes, that it would be badly written and I would not enjoy it. I was very wrong! This book was originally written in 1978, and very well written, which pleasantly surprised me, plus the bonus was that I was highly engaged with the story!
The book is based during the Wars of the Roses, between 1469 to 1472, during Edward IV's reign, to the accession of the old Lancasterian King Henry VI, to the death of Henry VI and Edward IV sitting back on the throne of England. It follows Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Edward IV's younger brother and Anne Neville, the daughter of the Kingmaker, the Earl of Warwick. The story follows their lives through the tumultuous time during the Wars of the Roses, seeing how the Wheel of Fortune spun around several times for Richard and Anne, pulling them apart and bringing them back together.
In Fortune's Wheel, we see Richard, who is living and is being trained by Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, commonly known as "the Kingmaker." However, as the story continues, we see tensions rising between the earl and Edward IV (Richard's older brother, who is King of England) due to Edward's secret marriage to a beautiful Lancasterian widow, Elizabeth Woodville.
There is also tension when, without the king's permission and hatred for the Woodvilles, George, Duke of Clarence joins forces with the Earl of Warwick and (Richard's older brother) marries his oldest daughter, Isabel Neville, to remove Edward off the throne and place George there instead. Richard, Edward IV and several other loyal Yorkists escape to Flanders and Burgundy, whilst Warwick, George and Warwick's daughters sailed to France, to meet with Margaret of Anjou in hope of restoring the House of Lancaster.
This is where Anne Neville is thrust into the politics of the Wars of the Roses, as her and her family are seen as traitors to the crown. Anne witnesses her older sister's ordeal, giving birth whilst sailing to France when she was full term, but sadly it ended badly as the child was stillborn. As her family are defecting to the Lancastrian side, where they were formerly known as loyal Yorkists, they are at the mercy of the King of France and the overthrown Lancastrian king's wife; Margaret of Anjou.
For poor Anne, her troubles do not stop there, she is used as a bargaining tool to help put Henry VI on the throne and to help the Lancastrians gain power again, by marrying the son of Henry and Margaret; Edward, Prince of Wales. Their marriage was a marriage of convenience, but it was more convenient for Prince Edward, rather than Anne, as we see Edward come into her bed and consummates the marriage, but is told to never go to her bed again, as Margaret of Anjou did not want Anne as a daughter-in-law in the first place.
The drama continues as it follows Anne's journey back to England with Prince Edward and Margaret of Anjou, however her life changes, when she finds out that her father, the great Earl of Warwick, died at the Battle of Barnet against Edward IV and Richard, Duke of Gloucester. However, as Anne's journey continues, the Lancastrian hope is dashed when at Tewkesbury, her husband; Prince Edward was killed.
However, Richard and Anne's destinies become linked in the end, when Richard wants to protect Anne and he cares for and loves her, and we find out that he has, ever since he lived in Middleham with Anne and her family.
I really enjoyed this book, as the author clearly demonstrated the turmoil that surrounded this historical period, so many battles, so many lives lost, all in the name of the throne of England. Brother against Brother, Cousin against Cousin, friends against friends, people who were once friends would stand on different sides of the wars. This is particularly relevant with Richard and Anne. They both grew up together, but when tensions arose, they were on opposites sides. The relationship between Anne and Richard was due to friendship as children, but also the knowledge as they grew up, that even though they were both important figures during the battles, they had no say or choice in what was expected of them, and they did what they had to do. Richard had to support his brother Edward and keep him on the throne to make the country secure, where Anne was forced to marry her husband, Prince Edward, to restore the Lancastrians to the throne, with the help of her father.
It was interesting to read the friendship and then eventual love relationship between these two interesting and important historical characters. The author did a fantastic job in demonstrating how when the fortunes were in favour of the Yorkists and Richard, how the fortunes of Anne, her family and the Lancastrians turned completely on it's head, and how the fortunes of one person, can dramatically effect the lives of many people.
The author managed to write a detailed story, which was dramatic and interesting, whilst also having well-rounded characters with their flaws and own personalities shining through the story. The author handled the portrayal of Richard excellently, as she was able to show Richard in a sympathetic and realistic light. Richard was seen as someone who had a ton of responsibilities on his young shoulders, showed that he was savvy in politics and battle but had some doubts about his brother's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville and some of his tactics, but yet remained loyal to his brother.
It was also refreshing to read Richard as brave during the battles, but struggling to cope with his guilt and disgust at his behaviour afterwards, but he shows a caring and compassionate side, and fully understands the horrors that the Wars exhibit. On the other hand, Anne at first is described and shown as a shy and timid young girl, but as the story progresses, Anne becomes more confident to try and control her own destiny after she is put to live with her sister and brother-in-law, by running away and disguising herself, by working in a shop. Anne comes across as a likeable, and a sympathetic figure with no say in who she can marry, and must endure her husband's visits to her bed (especially when she is scared).
Overall, this is a fantastic book to read and I would highly recommend it to everyone! This is definitely great if you like reading about Anne Neville and Richard III, but as it has so much details during the battles, it would be great for anyone who likes to read about the Wars of the Roses!
The book is based during the Wars of the Roses, between 1469 to 1472, during Edward IV's reign, to the accession of the old Lancasterian King Henry VI, to the death of Henry VI and Edward IV sitting back on the throne of England. It follows Richard, Duke of Gloucester, Edward IV's younger brother and Anne Neville, the daughter of the Kingmaker, the Earl of Warwick. The story follows their lives through the tumultuous time during the Wars of the Roses, seeing how the Wheel of Fortune spun around several times for Richard and Anne, pulling them apart and bringing them back together.
In Fortune's Wheel, we see Richard, who is living and is being trained by Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, commonly known as "the Kingmaker." However, as the story continues, we see tensions rising between the earl and Edward IV (Richard's older brother, who is King of England) due to Edward's secret marriage to a beautiful Lancasterian widow, Elizabeth Woodville.
There is also tension when, without the king's permission and hatred for the Woodvilles, George, Duke of Clarence joins forces with the Earl of Warwick and (Richard's older brother) marries his oldest daughter, Isabel Neville, to remove Edward off the throne and place George there instead. Richard, Edward IV and several other loyal Yorkists escape to Flanders and Burgundy, whilst Warwick, George and Warwick's daughters sailed to France, to meet with Margaret of Anjou in hope of restoring the House of Lancaster.
This is where Anne Neville is thrust into the politics of the Wars of the Roses, as her and her family are seen as traitors to the crown. Anne witnesses her older sister's ordeal, giving birth whilst sailing to France when she was full term, but sadly it ended badly as the child was stillborn. As her family are defecting to the Lancastrian side, where they were formerly known as loyal Yorkists, they are at the mercy of the King of France and the overthrown Lancastrian king's wife; Margaret of Anjou.
For poor Anne, her troubles do not stop there, she is used as a bargaining tool to help put Henry VI on the throne and to help the Lancastrians gain power again, by marrying the son of Henry and Margaret; Edward, Prince of Wales. Their marriage was a marriage of convenience, but it was more convenient for Prince Edward, rather than Anne, as we see Edward come into her bed and consummates the marriage, but is told to never go to her bed again, as Margaret of Anjou did not want Anne as a daughter-in-law in the first place.
The drama continues as it follows Anne's journey back to England with Prince Edward and Margaret of Anjou, however her life changes, when she finds out that her father, the great Earl of Warwick, died at the Battle of Barnet against Edward IV and Richard, Duke of Gloucester. However, as Anne's journey continues, the Lancastrian hope is dashed when at Tewkesbury, her husband; Prince Edward was killed.
However, Richard and Anne's destinies become linked in the end, when Richard wants to protect Anne and he cares for and loves her, and we find out that he has, ever since he lived in Middleham with Anne and her family.
I really enjoyed this book, as the author clearly demonstrated the turmoil that surrounded this historical period, so many battles, so many lives lost, all in the name of the throne of England. Brother against Brother, Cousin against Cousin, friends against friends, people who were once friends would stand on different sides of the wars. This is particularly relevant with Richard and Anne. They both grew up together, but when tensions arose, they were on opposites sides. The relationship between Anne and Richard was due to friendship as children, but also the knowledge as they grew up, that even though they were both important figures during the battles, they had no say or choice in what was expected of them, and they did what they had to do. Richard had to support his brother Edward and keep him on the throne to make the country secure, where Anne was forced to marry her husband, Prince Edward, to restore the Lancastrians to the throne, with the help of her father.
It was interesting to read the friendship and then eventual love relationship between these two interesting and important historical characters. The author did a fantastic job in demonstrating how when the fortunes were in favour of the Yorkists and Richard, how the fortunes of Anne, her family and the Lancastrians turned completely on it's head, and how the fortunes of one person, can dramatically effect the lives of many people.
The author managed to write a detailed story, which was dramatic and interesting, whilst also having well-rounded characters with their flaws and own personalities shining through the story. The author handled the portrayal of Richard excellently, as she was able to show Richard in a sympathetic and realistic light. Richard was seen as someone who had a ton of responsibilities on his young shoulders, showed that he was savvy in politics and battle but had some doubts about his brother's marriage to Elizabeth Woodville and some of his tactics, but yet remained loyal to his brother.
It was also refreshing to read Richard as brave during the battles, but struggling to cope with his guilt and disgust at his behaviour afterwards, but he shows a caring and compassionate side, and fully understands the horrors that the Wars exhibit. On the other hand, Anne at first is described and shown as a shy and timid young girl, but as the story progresses, Anne becomes more confident to try and control her own destiny after she is put to live with her sister and brother-in-law, by running away and disguising herself, by working in a shop. Anne comes across as a likeable, and a sympathetic figure with no say in who she can marry, and must endure her husband's visits to her bed (especially when she is scared).
Overall, this is a fantastic book to read and I would highly recommend it to everyone! This is definitely great if you like reading about Anne Neville and Richard III, but as it has so much details during the battles, it would be great for anyone who likes to read about the Wars of the Roses!
July 7, 2022
So beautifully and starkly written.
A beautifully and heart rending story. Told in the intimate way that makes the reader feel as if they are in the room watching people who inhabit this story talk to one another ..or...in the battle that is raging experiencing all the heat, blood and death surrounding one and then experiencing the aftermath if war, the loss, the grief, the regret, the horror, the sadness..the need to forget and move on...and...the love, and romance and the waiting for an answer to a proposal...so beautifully written it feels like it is happening to you I love this author, Rhoda Edward's ability to capture a scene and make it alive and present...though these events have been written about so often, she brings a fresh. At times harrowing, account kid what it might have been like to live through the wars and the vents and the circumstances and the times of the wars of the brothers Plantegenet and the people who surrounded and supported each of them. Highly recommended. A new and different perspective on a fascinating and troubling and real period of English history.
A beautifully and heart rending story. Told in the intimate way that makes the reader feel as if they are in the room watching people who inhabit this story talk to one another ..or...in the battle that is raging experiencing all the heat, blood and death surrounding one and then experiencing the aftermath if war, the loss, the grief, the regret, the horror, the sadness..the need to forget and move on...and...the love, and romance and the waiting for an answer to a proposal...so beautifully written it feels like it is happening to you I love this author, Rhoda Edward's ability to capture a scene and make it alive and present...though these events have been written about so often, she brings a fresh. At times harrowing, account kid what it might have been like to live through the wars and the vents and the circumstances and the times of the wars of the brothers Plantegenet and the people who surrounded and supported each of them. Highly recommended. A new and different perspective on a fascinating and troubling and real period of English history.
November 12, 2019
Overall, it's alright. It is not the worst Richard III/Wars of the Roses book I've read but not the best either. The plot and storytelling are fine, Richard's portrayal was positive but not overly romanticized. The only thing that really bothers me is that it gets quite dry, at times I feel like I'm just reading a joyless history textbook.
April 13, 2016
This wonderful novel by Rhoda Edwards compellingly and beautifully charts the period in the life of Richard III between 1468 and 1472, culminating with his marriage to Anne Neville. To anyone familiar with this period of history, the story will hold no surprises; what might, however, is the sympathetic and balanced way the characters are drawn, particularly Richard himself; he is neither the perfect prince as portrayed by some fervent Ricardians, nor the wizened evil hunchback of his detractors - rather a man with flaws and strengths, a man like any other. Particularly affecting are the battle scenes where Richard is at the heart of the mêlée, fighting like the warrior prince he was - only to feel guilt and revulsion at his actions, and the cruelty of war, once the action is over. I have scarcely read a novel about The Wars of the Roses in which Richard has been drawn so sympathetically, yet with such balance.
Of course, the true talent of an historical novelist is to take the facts and make them live. Edwards does this beautifully; the sights, sounds and smells of the mid fifteenth century sing. The source material is, of course, a gift in terms of a tale - a cast of larger than life, scheming nobles, many with tangled private lives, and a love story at its heart. But Edwards makes us truly care about the fortunes of her characters; she puts flesh on the bones of them, making them as real as indeed they once were.
The battle scenes are, like the rest of the book, impeccably researched and suitably harrowing. Mediaeval warfare was bloody, horrific and cruel, and no punches are pulled here. But this is a tale of light AND shade, and the blossoming love between Anne and Richard provides a tender counterpoint to the slashings and beheadings of the battlefield. Anne's rescue from her life in servitude, to which she ran to escape the machinations of her brother in law Clarence, is particularly enchanting. Richard, here, truly is the archetypal heroic prince, rescuing his beloved from a miserable fate (despite her initial misgivings!).
Fortune's Wheel is a truly enchanting book and a must for anyone with an interest in Richard III or this fascinating period in history. For me, it's up there with Sharon Penman's The Sunne In Splendour for its portrayal of Richard - although Fortune's Wheel is a far shorter book than Penman's, and covers a more condensed period in Richard's life, it still takes its place as one of the finest books written on the subject.
A wonderful novel, highly recommend indeed.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Of course, the true talent of an historical novelist is to take the facts and make them live. Edwards does this beautifully; the sights, sounds and smells of the mid fifteenth century sing. The source material is, of course, a gift in terms of a tale - a cast of larger than life, scheming nobles, many with tangled private lives, and a love story at its heart. But Edwards makes us truly care about the fortunes of her characters; she puts flesh on the bones of them, making them as real as indeed they once were.
The battle scenes are, like the rest of the book, impeccably researched and suitably harrowing. Mediaeval warfare was bloody, horrific and cruel, and no punches are pulled here. But this is a tale of light AND shade, and the blossoming love between Anne and Richard provides a tender counterpoint to the slashings and beheadings of the battlefield. Anne's rescue from her life in servitude, to which she ran to escape the machinations of her brother in law Clarence, is particularly enchanting. Richard, here, truly is the archetypal heroic prince, rescuing his beloved from a miserable fate (despite her initial misgivings!).
Fortune's Wheel is a truly enchanting book and a must for anyone with an interest in Richard III or this fascinating period in history. For me, it's up there with Sharon Penman's The Sunne In Splendour for its portrayal of Richard - although Fortune's Wheel is a far shorter book than Penman's, and covers a more condensed period in Richard's life, it still takes its place as one of the finest books written on the subject.
A wonderful novel, highly recommend indeed.
My thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
August 4, 2017
Fortune’s Wheel was published after Rhoda Edwards' Some Touch of Pity but is a prequel rather than a sequel. It covers an earlier period in the life of Richard III, starting in 1468 when, as the young Duke of Gloucester, Richard is caught up in the conflict between his elder brother, Edward IV, and the Earl of Warwick, the man known as the Kingmaker. The novel takes us through Warwick’s rebellion and George, Duke of Clarence's betrayal, and ends in 1472 with Richard’s marriage to Anne Neville.
The style of this novel is different from the previous one; rather than being a collection of first person accounts like Some Touch of Pity, it is a straightforward third person narrative. This means that Fortune’s Wheel lacks the intimacy of the other book, but at the same time it feels as though it has a broader scope – this is not just the story of Richard, but also of Edward, George, Warwick, Anne and many other characters. It’s not a very long novel but still manages to give a fair and balanced view of this period of history, bringing each character to life as a real human being with a mixture of good points and bad points.
These two novels could be a good choice for readers new to the period, but in that case I would recommend reading them in chronological rather than publication order to make the timeline easier to follow. Rhoda Edwards also wrote a book on Elizabeth I, None But Elizabeth, which I'm now looking forward to reading.
The style of this novel is different from the previous one; rather than being a collection of first person accounts like Some Touch of Pity, it is a straightforward third person narrative. This means that Fortune’s Wheel lacks the intimacy of the other book, but at the same time it feels as though it has a broader scope – this is not just the story of Richard, but also of Edward, George, Warwick, Anne and many other characters. It’s not a very long novel but still manages to give a fair and balanced view of this period of history, bringing each character to life as a real human being with a mixture of good points and bad points.
These two novels could be a good choice for readers new to the period, but in that case I would recommend reading them in chronological rather than publication order to make the timeline easier to follow. Rhoda Edwards also wrote a book on Elizabeth I, None But Elizabeth, which I'm now looking forward to reading.
May 19, 2014
This prequel to The Broken Sword starts out as ensemble cast, detailing just how very personal the fractions were within and between the houses of York and Lancaster.
Gradually, the focus tightens onto Anne Neville, and we see her fighting for her survival. When she takes the leap of ‘screw you, I’m out of here’ it makes perfect sense as presented here that, given the information she had, she would trust no one.
It’s always awesome to see the rare instance of someone quietly taking a back door during the main fight sequence rather than risking getting stupidly killed. Common sense can often be so rare that it’s quite refreshing to see someone use it.
The story ends on a VERY happy note, and if you want a happy ending, stick to this book and don’t jump ahead about a dozen years to that fateful year of 1483…
January 27, 2017
It's a good thing I've been doing a lot of reading about the "Cousin's Wars" recently. "Fortune's Wheel" is what the mother-in-law of Edward IV always called the rapid changes in fate between the two sides in these battles for the English throne. This version of the story is a highly fictionalized romance centered on Edward's brother, Richard (later Richard III) & Anne Neville, his eventual wife. It really stretches the imagination more than I could handle. The story was told from both Anne's & Richard's viewpoints, which was confusing at first, as was keeping straight who was who -- a difficult prospect even w/ straight histories of the time b/c of all the intermarrying. I hope I didn't pay too much for this ebook.
November 8, 2011
I found the book to be slow going in the beginning, but it did pick up about half way through. It was told mostly from the point of view of Richard, Duke of Gloucester and Anne Neville. I think the most disappointing thing about the book was where it ended, I'm sure the author wanted to give us all a happy ending, but when you know there's SO much more to the story it kinda ruins it. I think there is a sequel though that might pick up soon, if not right after this book ends. I'll have to look into it. It's a pretty quick read and worth it if you don't like your bad guys too bad or your good guys too good.
August 4, 2014
This is a superb historical novel about the young life of Richard of Gloucester, set during the struggle for power between his brother, King Edward IV, and Edward's former mentor, Warwick the Kingmaker, and during the time of Richard's developing love for his cousin Anne, his enemy Warwick's daughter.
Until I obtain this author's earlier (and first) book, the award-winning 'Some Touch of Pity', I can state unequivocally that 'Fortune's Wheel' is the best novel about Richard III that I have ever read.
Until I obtain this author's earlier (and first) book, the award-winning 'Some Touch of Pity', I can state unequivocally that 'Fortune's Wheel' is the best novel about Richard III that I have ever read.
February 29, 2016
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book. It was a wonderfully written historical novel. There were so many things that I learned about Edward IV and Anne that I didn't know. This is a great novel for anyone that is interested in Royal history.
August 6, 2021
This author is a wonder writer so full of emotion and makes you feel your actually there
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