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The Plantagenets #2
The Royal Griffin
As the younger sister of Henry III, Eleanor’s duty is to her brother, her king, her country. Her marriage is in her brother's gift to give, but in Simon de Montfort she meets a man of passion and charisma; a man for whom she is willing to defy convention; a man who harbours great ambition. When de Montfort rallies an army of peasants and barons who object to the king’s absolute power, Eleanor finds herself torn between love and loyalty… The Royal Griffin is the second in Juliet Dymoke's remarkable Plantagenet an epic chronicle of love, heroism and loyalty which brings to life one of the richest periods in English a time power struggles, revolts and betrayals. For fans of Sharon Penman and Elizabeth Chadwick.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 1978
106 people are currently reading
137 people want to read
About the author
Juliet Dymoke
34 books24 followersJuliet Dymoke was born at Enfield in Middlesex and educated at a boarding school in the country. During the war she worked for The Canadian Army Medical Records and at that time married Hugo de Schanschieff who was then serving as an air gunner in he Royal Air Force.
It was while her husband was away in the R.A.F. that Juliet Dymoke turned her attention to writing and also to work on scripts for various films companies. She has published several books for children but counts historical novels with "more fact than fiction" as her particular field. She has travelled all over the British Isles in the course of her research, as she makes a special point of authenticity. Among her main interests are music, television drama and "anything to do with the countryside".
It was while her husband was away in the R.A.F. that Juliet Dymoke turned her attention to writing and also to work on scripts for various films companies. She has published several books for children but counts historical novels with "more fact than fiction" as her particular field. She has travelled all over the British Isles in the course of her research, as she makes a special point of authenticity. Among her main interests are music, television drama and "anything to do with the countryside".
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 24, 2025
A slice of medieval life
FMC is Eleanor daughter of Henry III and The story of her 2 marriages. There was some nice political intrigue with details, but it didn't really connect enough to the plot. Her grandfather would have been King John and it was common knowledge in the family that he really did murder his nephew Arthur.
I'm going to continue this series as nice short slice of life medieval. I keep hoping for more plot or action elements, something to connect me to the story more. I don't know who the next one is about, but the series is moving chronologically through the Plantagenet dynasty, choosing "side" characters as protagonists.
FMC is Eleanor daughter of Henry III and The story of her 2 marriages. There was some nice political intrigue with details, but it didn't really connect enough to the plot. Her grandfather would have been King John and it was common knowledge in the family that he really did murder his nephew Arthur.
I'm going to continue this series as nice short slice of life medieval. I keep hoping for more plot or action elements, something to connect me to the story more. I don't know who the next one is about, but the series is moving chronologically through the Plantagenet dynasty, choosing "side" characters as protagonists.
April 29, 2016
A great read
This is a fast paced book, with much of the historical content accurate. Unfortunately the read is spoilt on Kindle due to the many typing errors which at times make the story confusing. Words or phrases are missed and some simple typos are constantly repeated eg. band for hand, stum for stern.
Don't let the poor typing put you off this book, this a story of one of the most important parts of English history. The characters are well portrayed, and the fast pace of the book kept me fully engaged.
This is a fast paced book, with much of the historical content accurate. Unfortunately the read is spoilt on Kindle due to the many typing errors which at times make the story confusing. Words or phrases are missed and some simple typos are constantly repeated eg. band for hand, stum for stern.
Don't let the poor typing put you off this book, this a story of one of the most important parts of English history. The characters are well portrayed, and the fast pace of the book kept me fully engaged.
June 18, 2012
I have read this book so many times, Juliet Dymoke tells us the love story of Princess Eleanor of the Plantagenet dynasty, and Simon de Montfort. It was one of the great romances of the thirteenth century. Such an exciting read full of drama between the romantic pair and the weathercock King Henry 111. If you are looking for conflict , divided loyalties, and a true picture of Royal life and stife, this is the book for you.
September 5, 2017
Rousing History of good intents
The author has presented the life of Simon as one of dedication to the people of England. Although many provisions of parliamentary were introduced by Simon it took years and more blood to come about.
The author has presented the life of Simon as one of dedication to the people of England. Although many provisions of parliamentary were introduced by Simon it took years and more blood to come about.
February 21, 2018
History coming alive
This brilliant book brings history back to life. The wonderful description take's the reader right into the scenes being played out. There is nothing I disliked.
This brilliant book brings history back to life. The wonderful description take's the reader right into the scenes being played out. There is nothing I disliked.
March 1, 2018
Living and dying for your beliefs
Becàuse it was well written, ànd it tells how far men are willing to go for their beliefs, and how dangerous a weak leader can be, and how we must learn from history, or repeat its folly.
Becàuse it was well written, ànd it tells how far men are willing to go for their beliefs, and how dangerous a weak leader can be, and how we must learn from history, or repeat its folly.
December 24, 2018
3.5 Henry III always drags for me, but I like this author.
June 2, 2019
Brilliantly tragic
Brilliantly written. Simon de Montfort and his wife is a great love story with a very tragic ending. Loved reading it but made me sad too.
Brilliantly written. Simon de Montfort and his wife is a great love story with a very tragic ending. Loved reading it but made me sad too.
September 24, 2019
Great read
Great character novel. Easy read with good reference to history. Recommended for an easy read about a great time of English history.
Great character novel. Easy read with good reference to history. Recommended for an easy read about a great time of English history.
September 27, 2019
It was just o.k.
It had it's good moments but I have read far better historical fiction on Eleanor and Simon than this. I liked the first book much better.
It had it's good moments but I have read far better historical fiction on Eleanor and Simon than this. I liked the first book much better.
October 16, 2023
Interesting perspective.
May 30, 2024
Enjoyed the first book; however it is very factual and a little dry at times. If you’re looking for a fun, historical read closer to Philippa Gregory, this book isn’t it.
April 8, 2019
2.5 stars.
It was dangerous to be a royal during medieval England. In addition to the poor hygiene and lack of medical advancement at the time, the sheer stress of trying to figure out if someone wanted you dead was enough to send you to an early grave.
The MCs were very admirable, if not most likely slightly romanticized by the author. This story was much sadder than the first book and I found myself putting it down quite often due to that. The book really does need another edit and maybe someone to format it properly. The errors did detract a bit from my enjoyment as some of the words were just wrong, like using the word "bow" instead of "how." Then there were words that were missing altogether. Even still, I would recommend this to someone interested in the Plantagenets. Overall, another engaging read by this author.
It was dangerous to be a royal during medieval England. In addition to the poor hygiene and lack of medical advancement at the time, the sheer stress of trying to figure out if someone wanted you dead was enough to send you to an early grave.
The MCs were very admirable, if not most likely slightly romanticized by the author. This story was much sadder than the first book and I found myself putting it down quite often due to that. The book really does need another edit and maybe someone to format it properly. The errors did detract a bit from my enjoyment as some of the words were just wrong, like using the word "bow" instead of "how." Then there were words that were missing altogether. Even still, I would recommend this to someone interested in the Plantagenets. Overall, another engaging read by this author.
February 27, 2017
A book I very much enjoyed. She brings the intrigue of the high Middle Ages to life vividly.
March 13, 2021
Audiobook
June 21, 2009
This covers the same time period and events as Penman's Falls the Shadow - Henry III and the rebellion of the barons under Simon de Montfort. The focus here is more on the relationship between de Montfort and his wife, the king's sister Eleanor but the history seems pretty good and there are fewer battle scenes than in Penman. A good, high-level telling of this period.
June 14, 2015
This is a quick and easy to read novel about Eleanor, Countess of Leicester; sister of Henry III of England and wife of Simon de Montfort. It seems to have aged quite well, and though the timeline is a little off in places I enjoyed reading it. A solid three stars, and if I happened to find another of this author's books on a charity stall (which is where I found this one), I would pick it up.
January 20, 2017
Eleanor death Monfert
I have always been captivated by the story if Simon and Eleanor death Monfert, and here it is told well. Simon fought for the rights of the common man, and unobtrusive perhaps a partisan telling of include, it was a moving and lovely telling. Highly recommended.
I have always been captivated by the story if Simon and Eleanor death Monfert, and here it is told well. Simon fought for the rights of the common man, and unobtrusive perhaps a partisan telling of include, it was a moving and lovely telling. Highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews