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The Shadow Queen
From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Queen's ChoiceThe untold story of Joan of Kent, the mastermind behind the reign of child-King Richard II. The untold story of Joan of Kent, the mastermind behind the reign of King Richard II.
From her first clandestine marriage, Joan of Kent's reputation is one of beauty, scandal and rumour. Her royal blood makes her a desirable bride. Her ambition and passion make her a threat. Joan knows what she has to do to survive. The games to play, the men to marry – even if one man will always have her heart. A remarkable story of love and loyalty and of the cost of personal ambition. The story of the woman who would ultimately wield power as the mother to ten–year–old King Richard II, from the shadows of the throne.
'What would enhance the pattern of my life further? One word slid into my mind. A seductive word. A dangerous word, perhaps, for a woman. Power.'
From her first clandestine marriage, Joan of Kent's reputation is one of beauty, scandal and rumour. Her royal blood makes her a desirable bride. Her ambition and passion make her a threat. Joan knows what she has to do to survive. The games to play, the men to marry – even if one man will always have her heart. A remarkable story of love and loyalty and of the cost of personal ambition. The story of the woman who would ultimately wield power as the mother to ten–year–old King Richard II, from the shadows of the throne.
'What would enhance the pattern of my life further? One word slid into my mind. A seductive word. A dangerous word, perhaps, for a woman. Power.'
513 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2017
182 people are currently reading
1167 people want to read
About the author
Anne O'Brien
66 books774 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
My home is in the Welsh Marches, although much of my early life was spent in Yorkshire, most recently in the East Riding.Ann O'Brien The Marches is a remote region of England, surrounded by echoes from the past. Hereford is close with its famous Mappa Mundi and chained library.So is Shrewsbury, and also Ludlow with its splendid castle and its connections with our Plantagenet and Tudor kings. With my husband, I live in an eighteenth century timber framed cottage, which itself must have seen much history over two hundred years.
I have always enjoyed the appeal of History.I taught the subject with enthusiasm but it became my ambition to write historical romances. My first novel, The Runaway Heiress, was published by Mills and Boon in 2004.
This first book was a Regency Romance in the great tradition of Georgette Heyer - who has not admired her skill and delicate touch for the period? I have drawn on my interest in the Stuart century to write about the English Civil War and Restoration England of Charles II. Living in the Marches however I soon discovered the wealth of atmosphere and legend in this isolated part of England from medieval times. It was not long before I was encouraged to create a medieval romance inConquering Knight, Captive Lady.
When not writing, I have a large rambling garden where George and I grow organic vegetables and soft fruit - or perhaps I should admit that he grows them whilst I pick and cook them. We have a wild garden, an orchard, a formal pond and herbaceous flower borders. We share it all with rabbits and pheasants, frogs and goldfinches, hedgehogs and buzzards. It is a beautiful place. When we first settled into our cottage I planted a herb garden on a Tudor pattern with stone pathways and clipped box hedges. From this I developed my interest in herbs and their uses.
Nicholas Culpeper's The Complete Herbal, a fascinating resource to a historical novelist first published in 1649, has become essential bedside reading. As a result the use of herbs in medicine and witchcraft, for both good and ill, has appeared in some of my novels.
For pure relaxation I enjoy yoga as well as singing with a local Choral Society. Watercolour painting allows me to simply sit and appreciate the landscape and the flowers in my garden, when my mind is busy constructing my next plot.
My home is in the Welsh Marches, although much of my early life was spent in Yorkshire, most recently in the East Riding.Ann O'Brien The Marches is a remote region of England, surrounded by echoes from the past. Hereford is close with its famous Mappa Mundi and chained library.So is Shrewsbury, and also Ludlow with its splendid castle and its connections with our Plantagenet and Tudor kings. With my husband, I live in an eighteenth century timber framed cottage, which itself must have seen much history over two hundred years.
I have always enjoyed the appeal of History.I taught the subject with enthusiasm but it became my ambition to write historical romances. My first novel, The Runaway Heiress, was published by Mills and Boon in 2004.
This first book was a Regency Romance in the great tradition of Georgette Heyer - who has not admired her skill and delicate touch for the period? I have drawn on my interest in the Stuart century to write about the English Civil War and Restoration England of Charles II. Living in the Marches however I soon discovered the wealth of atmosphere and legend in this isolated part of England from medieval times. It was not long before I was encouraged to create a medieval romance inConquering Knight, Captive Lady.
When not writing, I have a large rambling garden where George and I grow organic vegetables and soft fruit - or perhaps I should admit that he grows them whilst I pick and cook them. We have a wild garden, an orchard, a formal pond and herbaceous flower borders. We share it all with rabbits and pheasants, frogs and goldfinches, hedgehogs and buzzards. It is a beautiful place. When we first settled into our cottage I planted a herb garden on a Tudor pattern with stone pathways and clipped box hedges. From this I developed my interest in herbs and their uses.
Nicholas Culpeper's The Complete Herbal, a fascinating resource to a historical novelist first published in 1649, has become essential bedside reading. As a result the use of herbs in medicine and witchcraft, for both good and ill, has appeared in some of my novels.
For pure relaxation I enjoy yoga as well as singing with a local Choral Society. Watercolour painting allows me to simply sit and appreciate the landscape and the flowers in my garden, when my mind is busy constructing my next plot.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
November 28, 2021
A fascinating insight into the life of Joan of Kent. It brings to life the court and its characters, the intrigue, and behind-the-scenes plots and counterplots. A thoroughly gripping account of this historical period, with great attention to factual detail and historical accuracy. A brilliant read! Full review you can find on my blog: https://poetryofreading.blogspot.com/...
May 7, 2017
Anne O’Brien’s new novel, The Shadow Queen, tells the story of Joan of Kent, wife of the Black Prince and mother of the future King Richard II of England. Although Joan wasn’t actually a queen, she was never far from the throne – as cousin to Edward III, she had Plantagenet blood, and through her husband, Edward’s eldest son Edward of Woodstock (the name ‘the Black Prince’ was given to him later), she was both Princess of Wales and Princess of Aquitaine. When Richard acceded to the throne at the age of only ten, in her position as the king’s mother she was able to have some influence on the early years of his reign. In some ways, then, she could be considered to be a sort of ‘shadow queen’, as the title suggests.
Despite all of this, however, Joan is probably best known for her beauty – she would later become known to history as the Fair Maid of Kent – and for the scandals caused by her three marriages. The novel opens in 1340, with twelve-year-old Joan learning that a marriage has been arranged for her with Will Montagu, heir to the Earl of Salisbury. Joan doesn’t dislike Will and under different circumstances this would have been a good match. Unfortunately, though, Joan is not free to marry anyone – she has already undergone a secret marriage with Thomas Holland, a minor knight who departed shortly after the wedding to fight for the king. Forced to admit the truth, Joan is horrified when her mother insists that her marriage to Will must go ahead anyway. She faces a long and difficult battle if she is ever to prove the validity of her first marriage and to win the right to live with the man she considers her true husband.
Around half of the novel is devoted to Joan’s relationships with Thomas and Will and the challenges involved in disentangling Joan’s first two marriages and deciding who should be her rightful husband. This seemed to go on for a very long time, but I appreciated that it was necessary to give the reader an understanding of the gossip and rumour that surrounded Joan in the early part of her life and how important it was that, when she eventually married the King’s heir, Edward of Woodstock (Ned, as he is called in the novel), her reputation should be clear of any taint.
The other half of the novel follows the years of Joan’s marriage to Ned, their time as Prince and Princess of Aquitaine and, when back in England, Joan’s efforts to ensure that their son Richard will be named successor to the throne. I don’t think it’s a spoiler – as it’s a well-known historical fact – to say that Ned’s life is cut short by illness and as he is outlived by his father, he never has the opportunity to become king himself. I couldn’t help thinking how different things might have been if he had lived and Edward III had been succeeded by a grown man rather than a ten-year-old boy; what we know of the Black Prince suggests that although he was a good soldier he wouldn’t necessarily have made a good king, but still the whole course of history could have been changed. I liked the way Anne O’Brien portrayed him and I enjoyed reading about his relationship with Joan. There was a lot of love between them, but it wasn’t love at first sight – more a love that developed slowly between two people who had known each other from childhood – and, at least on Joan’s part, there was also a certain amount of ambition involved.
Joan herself is portrayed as a strong, proud and courageous person who does her best to take control of her own life, though always within the confines of what it is possible for a medieval woman to do. I’m not sure that I particularly liked her, as she does sometimes come across as a little bit self-absorbed and lacking in judgement, but I did find her a convincing and well-drawn character. I was intrigued by her prickly, hostile interactions with Edward III’s much maligned mistress, Alice Perrers – I know Alice was the subject of one of Anne O’Brien’s earlier novels, The King’s Concubine, which I haven’t read yet, and now I’m curious to see how she approaches Alice’s character in that book.
The Shadow Queen is an interesting, enjoyable novel, if a bit too long and drawn-out in places. I couldn’t help comparing it to the only other novel I’ve read on Joan of Kent – A Triple Knot by Emma Campion – and I think this is definitely the better of the two books.
Despite all of this, however, Joan is probably best known for her beauty – she would later become known to history as the Fair Maid of Kent – and for the scandals caused by her three marriages. The novel opens in 1340, with twelve-year-old Joan learning that a marriage has been arranged for her with Will Montagu, heir to the Earl of Salisbury. Joan doesn’t dislike Will and under different circumstances this would have been a good match. Unfortunately, though, Joan is not free to marry anyone – she has already undergone a secret marriage with Thomas Holland, a minor knight who departed shortly after the wedding to fight for the king. Forced to admit the truth, Joan is horrified when her mother insists that her marriage to Will must go ahead anyway. She faces a long and difficult battle if she is ever to prove the validity of her first marriage and to win the right to live with the man she considers her true husband.
Around half of the novel is devoted to Joan’s relationships with Thomas and Will and the challenges involved in disentangling Joan’s first two marriages and deciding who should be her rightful husband. This seemed to go on for a very long time, but I appreciated that it was necessary to give the reader an understanding of the gossip and rumour that surrounded Joan in the early part of her life and how important it was that, when she eventually married the King’s heir, Edward of Woodstock (Ned, as he is called in the novel), her reputation should be clear of any taint.
The other half of the novel follows the years of Joan’s marriage to Ned, their time as Prince and Princess of Aquitaine and, when back in England, Joan’s efforts to ensure that their son Richard will be named successor to the throne. I don’t think it’s a spoiler – as it’s a well-known historical fact – to say that Ned’s life is cut short by illness and as he is outlived by his father, he never has the opportunity to become king himself. I couldn’t help thinking how different things might have been if he had lived and Edward III had been succeeded by a grown man rather than a ten-year-old boy; what we know of the Black Prince suggests that although he was a good soldier he wouldn’t necessarily have made a good king, but still the whole course of history could have been changed. I liked the way Anne O’Brien portrayed him and I enjoyed reading about his relationship with Joan. There was a lot of love between them, but it wasn’t love at first sight – more a love that developed slowly between two people who had known each other from childhood – and, at least on Joan’s part, there was also a certain amount of ambition involved.
Joan herself is portrayed as a strong, proud and courageous person who does her best to take control of her own life, though always within the confines of what it is possible for a medieval woman to do. I’m not sure that I particularly liked her, as she does sometimes come across as a little bit self-absorbed and lacking in judgement, but I did find her a convincing and well-drawn character. I was intrigued by her prickly, hostile interactions with Edward III’s much maligned mistress, Alice Perrers – I know Alice was the subject of one of Anne O’Brien’s earlier novels, The King’s Concubine, which I haven’t read yet, and now I’m curious to see how she approaches Alice’s character in that book.
The Shadow Queen is an interesting, enjoyable novel, if a bit too long and drawn-out in places. I couldn’t help comparing it to the only other novel I’ve read on Joan of Kent – A Triple Knot by Emma Campion – and I think this is definitely the better of the two books.
April 13, 2017
What can I say about this book? Once again, Anne O'Brien has triumphed and written yet another extraordinary historical in a long line of wonderful and exciting books.
The Shadow Queen has been structured slightly differently to the other books by this author that I have read seeing as it kicks off six months after where you would expect the book to begin (with Joan of Kent already secretly married to Thomas Holland and about to be forcibly married against her wishes to someone else, where you'd expect the book to begin with Joan and Thomas's first meeting) and then twists and turns it's way through the Fair Maid Of Kent's romantic life, through three distinct and very, very different marriages. Throughout the course of the book we do get a series of flashback scenes into the past to explain questions you may have about her romance with Holland at such a very young age and the decision to marry in secret. For a young Royal she was definitely an interesting and out of the ordinary young lady. I have to say that I really enjoyed the clever way this book has been structured. The tale itself is a long and sadly rather tragic at time with Joan proving herself over and over to be just a normal young lady with all the flaws and fickleness of youth that slowly turns into experience with age. Her character is wonderfully portrayed and the backdrop of the times is vivid and truly realistic.
At the end of the day this is exactly the kind of creation I've come to expect of this incredible author, her touch with those times gone by and characters long gone is exquisite.If you love historical fiction and have never read any of Anne O'Brien's work then this is a perfect place and time to start!
The Shadow Queen has been structured slightly differently to the other books by this author that I have read seeing as it kicks off six months after where you would expect the book to begin (with Joan of Kent already secretly married to Thomas Holland and about to be forcibly married against her wishes to someone else, where you'd expect the book to begin with Joan and Thomas's first meeting) and then twists and turns it's way through the Fair Maid Of Kent's romantic life, through three distinct and very, very different marriages. Throughout the course of the book we do get a series of flashback scenes into the past to explain questions you may have about her romance with Holland at such a very young age and the decision to marry in secret. For a young Royal she was definitely an interesting and out of the ordinary young lady. I have to say that I really enjoyed the clever way this book has been structured. The tale itself is a long and sadly rather tragic at time with Joan proving herself over and over to be just a normal young lady with all the flaws and fickleness of youth that slowly turns into experience with age. Her character is wonderfully portrayed and the backdrop of the times is vivid and truly realistic.
At the end of the day this is exactly the kind of creation I've come to expect of this incredible author, her touch with those times gone by and characters long gone is exquisite.If you love historical fiction and have never read any of Anne O'Brien's work then this is a perfect place and time to start!
September 14, 2021
I wanted to love this book because the subject matter is so interesting. The actual Joan of Kent led an interesting life.
The book starts with Joan already married in secret, and feels more like a dull narrative of her life rather than an engaging story with multi-dimensional characters.
The surroundings never quite come to life, the stream of conscious dominates the prose so you never feel quite fully emerged in the setting of the novel, it feels more like being lost in Joan’s erratic line of thought.
Joan had four children from her first marriage yet they barely feature. Her feelings towards them are never explored; is she an ambivalent mother? A loving mother? We never really know. Her love life it seems, dominates her whole story. I’m not sure this is a fair reflection on the real Joan.
Equally she lives through the Black Death. Yet there is little to no mention of one of the biggest events in world history, that changed society forever and decimated the population. It bypasses Joan completely.
Joan loses her entire family to illness and death, yet apart from a few tears this doesn’t seem to impact her. No loneliness, no struggle to accept it. Her daily life doesn’t make a mention, it centres on a few conversations she has with the men in her life. Her only real female companion is Queen Phillipa, but this relationship isn’t explored in much depth.
Her relationship with her first husband isn’t explored in depth. She married him aged 12, with an approximate ten year age gap and with multiple stints of being apart. How this would’ve impacted their relationship, and how their relationship might have evolved over the years, or even their motives for marrying in the first place despite all obstacles - none of this is really explored.
Joans personal motivations are never clear either. She isn’t romantic, she is supposedly ambitious. But other than a few sentences in which she states that she is ambitious, it’s not really reflected in the narrative. Would a highly ambitious young woman really marry a nobody knight? If she did, would she be content to live in a country manor for years with just her children? It makes Joan a very one dimensional character, who seems to care only about her husband in practical terms, and money and status. This doesn’t make her very likeable as a character.
I would’ve liked to have seen the book explore Joan’s motives a little further and generally explore her feelings and thoughts in more profound detail.
The book starts with Joan already married in secret, and feels more like a dull narrative of her life rather than an engaging story with multi-dimensional characters.
The surroundings never quite come to life, the stream of conscious dominates the prose so you never feel quite fully emerged in the setting of the novel, it feels more like being lost in Joan’s erratic line of thought.
Joan had four children from her first marriage yet they barely feature. Her feelings towards them are never explored; is she an ambivalent mother? A loving mother? We never really know. Her love life it seems, dominates her whole story. I’m not sure this is a fair reflection on the real Joan.
Equally she lives through the Black Death. Yet there is little to no mention of one of the biggest events in world history, that changed society forever and decimated the population. It bypasses Joan completely.
Joan loses her entire family to illness and death, yet apart from a few tears this doesn’t seem to impact her. No loneliness, no struggle to accept it. Her daily life doesn’t make a mention, it centres on a few conversations she has with the men in her life. Her only real female companion is Queen Phillipa, but this relationship isn’t explored in much depth.
Her relationship with her first husband isn’t explored in depth. She married him aged 12, with an approximate ten year age gap and with multiple stints of being apart. How this would’ve impacted their relationship, and how their relationship might have evolved over the years, or even their motives for marrying in the first place despite all obstacles - none of this is really explored.
Joans personal motivations are never clear either. She isn’t romantic, she is supposedly ambitious. But other than a few sentences in which she states that she is ambitious, it’s not really reflected in the narrative. Would a highly ambitious young woman really marry a nobody knight? If she did, would she be content to live in a country manor for years with just her children? It makes Joan a very one dimensional character, who seems to care only about her husband in practical terms, and money and status. This doesn’t make her very likeable as a character.
I would’ve liked to have seen the book explore Joan’s motives a little further and generally explore her feelings and thoughts in more profound detail.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2017
I am absolutely obsessed with the Plantagenets but the story of Joan of Kent is one that I was totally unfamiliar with. Though she would eventually become mother to Richard II, the story of this novel begins with her first marriage, to a knight far below her station. I found this novel incredibly fascinating. I have always enjoyed seeing the events of the Plantagenets through the women in their lives and this was no exception.
Joan of Kent is surrounded by awesome historical figures, such as Edward III and the Black Prince, and her story is an intriguing one. This was a great historical fiction, dealing with an absolutely fascinating period in English history.
My thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this ARC!
Joan of Kent is surrounded by awesome historical figures, such as Edward III and the Black Prince, and her story is an intriguing one. This was a great historical fiction, dealing with an absolutely fascinating period in English history.
My thanks to Net Galley and Harper Collins for the opportunity to read this ARC!
May 29, 2020
I have read quite a few Anne O'Brien books in my time and this one was very enjoyable. If you like a slice of turbulent medieval history served up with clandestine marriages and political intrigue (with a dash of romance) this is a book to read. Joan of Kent was quite the figure of her time with her scandalous marriages (one of them bigamous) She started off marrying a minor knight (Thomas Holland) without her family's knowledge when she was only twelve years old, which was a big no-no for a Plantagenet princess who was cousin to the king (Edward III)
She was then pressured into a marriage with William Earl of Salisbury against her will, while her unknown husband was away fighting. (So we assume, as it's written that way) Holland returns and wants his wife back. Then ensues much royal scandal and papal dispensation. Also quite an unusual circumstance occurs that Holland lives in the Salisbury household for some time as the steward, without Salisbury's knowledge that Holland is the true husband of Joan. These sort of juicy goings on would make a good movie.
Joan was quite manipulative, if not always wise in her choices. In her youth she followed her heart and in later years, her head, although it is chronicled that she and Prince Edward, the Black Prince, loved each other. The book was fast paced enough to be a page turner for most of the time, some of the politics I found a bit slow, but otherwise I enjoyed it and learned a bit more about the monarchy. It is sad to think that two such colourful characters as Joan and the Black Prince, produced such a weak willed monarch as Richard II.
She was then pressured into a marriage with William Earl of Salisbury against her will, while her unknown husband was away fighting. (So we assume, as it's written that way) Holland returns and wants his wife back. Then ensues much royal scandal and papal dispensation. Also quite an unusual circumstance occurs that Holland lives in the Salisbury household for some time as the steward, without Salisbury's knowledge that Holland is the true husband of Joan. These sort of juicy goings on would make a good movie.
Joan was quite manipulative, if not always wise in her choices. In her youth she followed her heart and in later years, her head, although it is chronicled that she and Prince Edward, the Black Prince, loved each other. The book was fast paced enough to be a page turner for most of the time, some of the politics I found a bit slow, but otherwise I enjoyed it and learned a bit more about the monarchy. It is sad to think that two such colourful characters as Joan and the Black Prince, produced such a weak willed monarch as Richard II.
June 20, 2017
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"it takes you to the world of knights and jousts and to a woman who really ought to be far more well known in history and historical fiction!"
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
"it takes you to the world of knights and jousts and to a woman who really ought to be far more well known in history and historical fiction!"
October 17, 2018
I honestly didn’t expect much from The Shadow Queen. I thought it’d be the literary equivalent of junk food (or a Philippa Gregory book) for me. Something that’s quick to read, but keeps jarring me on the poor characterisations, wild historical inaccuracies and bad writing. Every summary of an Anne O’Brien novel I read seemed to clash against what I knew of the historical individual, given over to a salacious interpretation of the facts.
So it was with some trepidation that I picked up The Shadow Queen after my love for Joan of Kent won out over my reticence to try an O’Brien novel. I expected to hate it. I didn’t.
I think my biggest annoyance with this book was actually the fairly nitpicky historical inaccuracies. Things like Joan of Kent repeatedly being called a princess, for example. At this period of history, “prince” was not a title that referred to the son of a king, but was related to a ruler of a principality (e.g. Prince of Wales), and I think the title “princess” would have been similarly uncommon at this time, especially for Joan, who was a granddaughter of the long-dead Edward I. Another example would be Ned (the Black Prince, Edward III’s eldest son and heir) and Joan engaged in a courtly game of archery, when at this time archery was seen as an activity for the lower classes. Additionally, a scene where Joan is called “whore of Kent” to her face and her rejoinder is to correct them to “fair Whore of Kent” struck me as entirely inaccurate and supremely unlikely – I highly doubt that anyone would dare insult Joan to her face, much less that she would happily accept the label of whore so long as they acknowledged she was pretty. And, as a correction to the historical notes at the end, it’s stated that Joan’s sons from her first marriage were involved in the 1400 Epiphany Uprising that attempted to restore Richard II to the throne. This is not true – her eldest, Thomas Holland, was already dead at this point and it was his son, also named Thomas, who was involved and ultimately executed.
But, as I said, these are fairly nitpicky.
The one thing that I will note that I wasn’t entirely happy with beyond this is the beginning. I will offer the disclaimer that I’m probably rare in that I don’t find the relationship between Joan of Kent and her first husband, Thomas Holland, romantic (he was 24, she was 12), so any kind of romantic portrayal of this relationship isn’t going to excite me. Joan’s age isn’t mentioned until quite a way ins, nor are birthdates given in the genealogical tables. Additionally her way of speaking and thinking felt very adult-like, which I suspect was an attempt to disguise over how young she actually was.
More importantly, O’Brien’s handling of the historical figures and their context was well done. It felt respectful, with no figure vilified for the sake of cheap conflict or drama. I found most of the characters quite complex and interesting – I especially enjoyed how complex Joan was, that at times I was expected to dislike her actions and motivations, rather than persistently believing that she was an innocent heroine. I felt delighted by some of O’Brien’s choices, particularly how she depicted the relationship between Ned and Joan as one born of ambition but growing into a deep and true love, and I was genuinely sad when Ned was dying, and not just because I’m fond of the historical Black Prince.
The writing is fairly strong and mature. I enjoyed that though it is written from Joan’s POV, in first person, that we were able to see through her at times, see her unreliability – even though Joan hates Alice Perrers, we understand the difficulties of her position and where I was cautious before, I’m now excited to get my hands on O’Brien’s novel about Alice. In fact, I’m excited to get my hands on O’Brien’s other novels, full stop.
4 stars.
So it was with some trepidation that I picked up The Shadow Queen after my love for Joan of Kent won out over my reticence to try an O’Brien novel. I expected to hate it. I didn’t.
I think my biggest annoyance with this book was actually the fairly nitpicky historical inaccuracies. Things like Joan of Kent repeatedly being called a princess, for example. At this period of history, “prince” was not a title that referred to the son of a king, but was related to a ruler of a principality (e.g. Prince of Wales), and I think the title “princess” would have been similarly uncommon at this time, especially for Joan, who was a granddaughter of the long-dead Edward I. Another example would be Ned (the Black Prince, Edward III’s eldest son and heir) and Joan engaged in a courtly game of archery, when at this time archery was seen as an activity for the lower classes. Additionally, a scene where Joan is called “whore of Kent” to her face and her rejoinder is to correct them to “fair Whore of Kent” struck me as entirely inaccurate and supremely unlikely – I highly doubt that anyone would dare insult Joan to her face, much less that she would happily accept the label of whore so long as they acknowledged she was pretty. And, as a correction to the historical notes at the end, it’s stated that Joan’s sons from her first marriage were involved in the 1400 Epiphany Uprising that attempted to restore Richard II to the throne. This is not true – her eldest, Thomas Holland, was already dead at this point and it was his son, also named Thomas, who was involved and ultimately executed.
But, as I said, these are fairly nitpicky.
The one thing that I will note that I wasn’t entirely happy with beyond this is the beginning. I will offer the disclaimer that I’m probably rare in that I don’t find the relationship between Joan of Kent and her first husband, Thomas Holland, romantic (he was 24, she was 12), so any kind of romantic portrayal of this relationship isn’t going to excite me. Joan’s age isn’t mentioned until quite a way ins, nor are birthdates given in the genealogical tables. Additionally her way of speaking and thinking felt very adult-like, which I suspect was an attempt to disguise over how young she actually was.
More importantly, O’Brien’s handling of the historical figures and their context was well done. It felt respectful, with no figure vilified for the sake of cheap conflict or drama. I found most of the characters quite complex and interesting – I especially enjoyed how complex Joan was, that at times I was expected to dislike her actions and motivations, rather than persistently believing that she was an innocent heroine. I felt delighted by some of O’Brien’s choices, particularly how she depicted the relationship between Ned and Joan as one born of ambition but growing into a deep and true love, and I was genuinely sad when Ned was dying, and not just because I’m fond of the historical Black Prince.
The writing is fairly strong and mature. I enjoyed that though it is written from Joan’s POV, in first person, that we were able to see through her at times, see her unreliability – even though Joan hates Alice Perrers, we understand the difficulties of her position and where I was cautious before, I’m now excited to get my hands on O’Brien’s novel about Alice. In fact, I’m excited to get my hands on O’Brien’s other novels, full stop.
4 stars.
June 1, 2017
From a young age and resulting from her first scandalous marriage, Joan of Kent's reputation is shocking and full of rumour. Her royal blood makes her a desirable bride but her personality means she will not be tamed. In 'The Shadow Queen' we follow Joan's life and three marriages through to her becoming King Mother to 10 year-old Richard II.
O'Brien has yet again delivered a powerful, evocative novel capturing the spirit and essence of a historical figure, in this case the determined Joan of Kent. As always O'Brien has really brought the period to life, especially the historical figures. Reading this is like being in their lives with them, we are transported to their lives and follow them through their life choices. Even though being historical fiction means we know the outcome, the plot still left me anticipating what was to come. I was completely enthralled in this novel and loving every page.
Joan of Kent's story is a brilliant one to tell, as she has such a powerful personality. We see her passionate love, her fierce ambition, her battle to overcome the scandal that threatens to engulf her greatest achievements and her fears as her powerful status ensures she is a threat. We read about Joan the mother to King Richard II, a woman all powerful but we also read about Joan the person, a mother, sister, friend and wife and I really think that O'Brien has captured all of her personality remarkably well.
My only negative is perhaps this is a little too long, I lost interest towards the end, some events are definitely dragged out longer than necessary. Overall though this is a fantastic, well written historical novel, powerfully evoking historical people.
O'Brien has yet again delivered a powerful, evocative novel capturing the spirit and essence of a historical figure, in this case the determined Joan of Kent. As always O'Brien has really brought the period to life, especially the historical figures. Reading this is like being in their lives with them, we are transported to their lives and follow them through their life choices. Even though being historical fiction means we know the outcome, the plot still left me anticipating what was to come. I was completely enthralled in this novel and loving every page.
Joan of Kent's story is a brilliant one to tell, as she has such a powerful personality. We see her passionate love, her fierce ambition, her battle to overcome the scandal that threatens to engulf her greatest achievements and her fears as her powerful status ensures she is a threat. We read about Joan the mother to King Richard II, a woman all powerful but we also read about Joan the person, a mother, sister, friend and wife and I really think that O'Brien has captured all of her personality remarkably well.
My only negative is perhaps this is a little too long, I lost interest towards the end, some events are definitely dragged out longer than necessary. Overall though this is a fantastic, well written historical novel, powerfully evoking historical people.
January 6, 2018
The Fair Maid of Kent- what a intriguing subject! In The Shadow Queen by Anne O’Brien, the main character is Joan of Kent, a beautiful, intelligent and royal woman with much ambition who lived in the fouteenth century, a time period when women were practically invisible, but this Plantagenet Princess appeared to be anything but invisible. What a life this woman led! She married three times, twice secretly and once bigamously. The second secret wedding and then with the Pope’s dispensation, Joan officially married Edward of Woodstock, The Black Prince, son of Edward III of England, and she became Princess of Wales. As of this last marriage, her final ‘title’ became King’s Mother when Edward and Joan’s son is crowned Richard II. Fascinating! Anne O’Brien’s historical fiction novels are the best! Well done! Highly recommended!
May 28, 2017
I was a bit apprehensive when the book opened with the first person POV of a 12 year old, but this read like an older Joan telling her story. I felt transported to the fourteenth century court of Edward III, and enjoyed Joan's strength and attitude - she wanted power and wasn't afraid to admit it (or use her beauty to get it). By about 75% in I was looking up Anne O'Brien's backlist to see which of her books I should read next.
I received an e-book copy from Harlequin in exchange for an honest review, but only chose to read it because it sounded like something I would enjoy (life's too short to read books we don't think we'll enjoy) and I wouldn't tell you it was good if I didn't think so!
I received an e-book copy from Harlequin in exchange for an honest review, but only chose to read it because it sounded like something I would enjoy (life's too short to read books we don't think we'll enjoy) and I wouldn't tell you it was good if I didn't think so!
April 4, 2024
Historical fiction was my go-to genre when I was a teenager and it's been a while since I've been back there. I enjoyed this book about Joan of Kent - mother of Richard II - although it took a while to get into it. Joan had a number of scandalous marriages, and a zero f***'s given attitude to her royal Plantagent life. A slow start to the novel, but I felt it got there in the end.
July 21, 2019
Whilst I had some limited knowledge about the life of Joan of Kent, I found this book absolutely fascinating. Another great book by Anne O'Brien
May 23, 2024
Smart, witty and intriguing. Joan of Kent was a woman that seemed strong and intelligent, ahead of her time.
June 5, 2017
A must-read if, like me, you love history. This isthe story of Joan, the ,fair maid of Kent', a Plantagenet princess in her own right who married Edward, the Black Prince and subsequently, became the mother of the ill-fated Richard lI. Although, she is not written about much in historical books Joan led an interesting and quite scandalous life. She was married 3 times, twice clandestinely and once bigamously and at one point she was known as the 'whore of Kent', despite this she is portrayed as a caring, diplomatic but very ambitious woman. It was lovely to read about someone not so well-known and I really enjoyed the authors description of life in the Middle Ages.
May 8, 2017
All reviews can be found at https://thereadinglodge.wordpress.com/
The Shadow Queen tells the story of Joan of Kent, a royal relation to King Edward during the 1300s. We follow Joan as she takes matters into her own hands in regards to her ambitions and desires regardless of whether her position as a Plantagenet royal will be scorned. We watch as her life follows many twists and turns, with many happy and sad moments that shape her into the person that she becomes. The Shadow Queen is a tale of political intrigue, scandal, love, passion, and ambition.
I love a good historical fiction novel, especially ones like this where a historical figure is fictionalised whilst telling their true story. I feel like it really helps to understand history better instead of reading factual texts that just drone on and on about the stuff that, though is actually quite interesting, becomes boring. Anne O’Brien is a brilliant writer, submerging me into Joan of Kent’s life from the opening of the novel. We start during her young teenage years when her whole life has been changed by an act of her own making, putting her position in jeopardy. O’Brien knows how to bring emotion into this novel as you truly sympathise with Joan and her situation. Not only that, but there were quite a few times where I may have shed a tear as O’Brien brought Joan’s life – well, to life! I felt like I was there alongside Joan as she courted men, put daggers in places and people, and generally pushed herself forward into roles that wouldn’t usually be open to her.
An aspect I truly enjoyed was how O’Brien allowed Joan to have her own voice. Not knowing Joan of Kent, I would assume that it would be hard to understand her internal thoughts and some of her ambitions and fears; O’Brien brings all of this into the novel which helps to flesh Joan out and make her alive as opposed to some two-dimensional figure that you are just learning about. It helped in understanding why Joan does what she does and to understand her position and the vulnerabilities that she must face.
Though we don’t see a lot of Joan outside of England unless she directly travelled or it affected her, O’Brien has clearly researched events of the time with the inclusion of wars, celebrations, crusades and more. There are a lot of side characters who are mentioned that you very rarely see but must understand how their position affects Joan and her family. This isn’t just a story of Joan in this respect, but also of King Edward and her husband Ned, his son. From Joan’s position in court we are able to see how King Edward chose to live his life as King and the decisions he made making this novel not purely about Joan.
The Shadow Queen was an enjoyable novel that really appealed to my love of historical fiction. I’d love to read anymore work by O’Brien that is of a similar style and context as I do find it hard to find historical fiction that falls into this style that appeals to me. Absolutely brilliant!
The Shadow Queen tells the story of Joan of Kent, a royal relation to King Edward during the 1300s. We follow Joan as she takes matters into her own hands in regards to her ambitions and desires regardless of whether her position as a Plantagenet royal will be scorned. We watch as her life follows many twists and turns, with many happy and sad moments that shape her into the person that she becomes. The Shadow Queen is a tale of political intrigue, scandal, love, passion, and ambition.
I love a good historical fiction novel, especially ones like this where a historical figure is fictionalised whilst telling their true story. I feel like it really helps to understand history better instead of reading factual texts that just drone on and on about the stuff that, though is actually quite interesting, becomes boring. Anne O’Brien is a brilliant writer, submerging me into Joan of Kent’s life from the opening of the novel. We start during her young teenage years when her whole life has been changed by an act of her own making, putting her position in jeopardy. O’Brien knows how to bring emotion into this novel as you truly sympathise with Joan and her situation. Not only that, but there were quite a few times where I may have shed a tear as O’Brien brought Joan’s life – well, to life! I felt like I was there alongside Joan as she courted men, put daggers in places and people, and generally pushed herself forward into roles that wouldn’t usually be open to her.
An aspect I truly enjoyed was how O’Brien allowed Joan to have her own voice. Not knowing Joan of Kent, I would assume that it would be hard to understand her internal thoughts and some of her ambitions and fears; O’Brien brings all of this into the novel which helps to flesh Joan out and make her alive as opposed to some two-dimensional figure that you are just learning about. It helped in understanding why Joan does what she does and to understand her position and the vulnerabilities that she must face.
Though we don’t see a lot of Joan outside of England unless she directly travelled or it affected her, O’Brien has clearly researched events of the time with the inclusion of wars, celebrations, crusades and more. There are a lot of side characters who are mentioned that you very rarely see but must understand how their position affects Joan and her family. This isn’t just a story of Joan in this respect, but also of King Edward and her husband Ned, his son. From Joan’s position in court we are able to see how King Edward chose to live his life as King and the decisions he made making this novel not purely about Joan.
The Shadow Queen was an enjoyable novel that really appealed to my love of historical fiction. I’d love to read anymore work by O’Brien that is of a similar style and context as I do find it hard to find historical fiction that falls into this style that appeals to me. Absolutely brilliant!
July 2, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and HQ for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Another intriguing medieval women, that I had never heard of before. I love O'Brien's works and can't wait to read more.
Another intriguing medieval women, that I had never heard of before. I love O'Brien's works and can't wait to read more.
March 30, 2020
Once I read about the tempestuous life of Richard II’s mother, I began to understand a bit more about his behavior—if it’s true that the proverbial apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. To say that Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent was impetuous was an understatement. Because of her lineage and great beauty, she knew she could get away with much that an ordinary girl wouldn’t even attempt, but even Joan seems to have pushed her luck. Driven by ambition as much as love, she got herself into situations that tarnished her reputation for the rest of her life. Two husbands at the same time? How often does that happen to a woman? Could she have avoided some of her predicaments? It’s hard to say; she was up against personalities as unyielding as her own.
(King) Edward turned again to me, his ire a terrible thing. Thomas’s fingers were firm and steady around mine, giving me his whole support, but indeed I did not need it. I had always seen this eventuality. Here it was. And here Thomas and I must make our case to be together.
“And you allowed yourself to be remarried, madam.”
“I was given no choice, sir. My mother and my uncle were very persuasive. I was forbidden to speak of my marriage contract with Sir Thomas. It was not my wish, but I could not defy my mother and uncle.”
On the other hand, I got the impression she merely took the path of least resistance. But she was young then, and hadn’t learned to assert herself. Actually, I found this Joan a bit irritating at times; I think it was on purpose. She was very smug and didn’t seem overly concerned about the damaged lives along the way. Her second husband Will Salisbury was incredibly understanding, although I found it hard to believe that he knew all about her first situation and was still willing to go along with a second marriage. And even though he lost patience with her once things looked hopeless for him, she had the audacity to resent his behavior. She’s lucky to have escaped unscathed!
Joan did live a charmed life. However, as a reader, being a fan of Richard II, I was sorry to see that her son was such a minor character; once Joan was no longer the center of attention, the story petered out—way before her death. I guess that would be typical, wouldn’t it? Nonetheless, this was a lively tale and very enjoyable.
(King) Edward turned again to me, his ire a terrible thing. Thomas’s fingers were firm and steady around mine, giving me his whole support, but indeed I did not need it. I had always seen this eventuality. Here it was. And here Thomas and I must make our case to be together.
“And you allowed yourself to be remarried, madam.”
“I was given no choice, sir. My mother and my uncle were very persuasive. I was forbidden to speak of my marriage contract with Sir Thomas. It was not my wish, but I could not defy my mother and uncle.”
On the other hand, I got the impression she merely took the path of least resistance. But she was young then, and hadn’t learned to assert herself. Actually, I found this Joan a bit irritating at times; I think it was on purpose. She was very smug and didn’t seem overly concerned about the damaged lives along the way. Her second husband Will Salisbury was incredibly understanding, although I found it hard to believe that he knew all about her first situation and was still willing to go along with a second marriage. And even though he lost patience with her once things looked hopeless for him, she had the audacity to resent his behavior. She’s lucky to have escaped unscathed!
Joan did live a charmed life. However, as a reader, being a fan of Richard II, I was sorry to see that her son was such a minor character; once Joan was no longer the center of attention, the story petered out—way before her death. I guess that would be typical, wouldn’t it? Nonetheless, this was a lively tale and very enjoyable.
May 4, 2017
I received a free E Arc from Netgalley.
The Shadow Queen is a fantastic read. Very well paced from beginning to end, it charts the life of Joan of Kent, the cousin of King Edward III, who is a prominent character throughout the story. I always enjoy it when an author finds a 'new' historical character to offer to their readers - for too long the Tudors and the Wars of the Roses have garnered far too much interest, as have the few women who were prominent in Medieval Times - Isabella of Castille and Elearnor of Aquaitaine. Often, no matter how hard an author might try, historical events can only be manipulated so much and I much prefer a fresh story.
Joan is an acerbic character - and some of the best passages in the book stem from when her nature is allowed to fly free - this is often when speaking to the men in her life - but at these times the characters feel very alive and real. So beguiling is she that I found it difficult to put the book down and read it in two days, even though I was supposed to be reading another novel.
I don't wish to spoil the nature of the story - for the unravelling of events around Joan is one of the author's strongest story telling techniques - suffice to say while some elements of her life garner slightly too much time in the novel, and others a little too little - the story is fantastically well crafted without dwelling too much on romance and matters of the heart because this isn't in the strong willed nature of the Plantaganet Princess, who is only too aware of her own power and strength because of her blood.
5 stars and a highly recommended for this story.
I would, however, have liked some longer historical notes at the end with more details about Joan as opposed to the royal family members she interacted with.
The Shadow Queen is a fantastic read. Very well paced from beginning to end, it charts the life of Joan of Kent, the cousin of King Edward III, who is a prominent character throughout the story. I always enjoy it when an author finds a 'new' historical character to offer to their readers - for too long the Tudors and the Wars of the Roses have garnered far too much interest, as have the few women who were prominent in Medieval Times - Isabella of Castille and Elearnor of Aquaitaine. Often, no matter how hard an author might try, historical events can only be manipulated so much and I much prefer a fresh story.
Joan is an acerbic character - and some of the best passages in the book stem from when her nature is allowed to fly free - this is often when speaking to the men in her life - but at these times the characters feel very alive and real. So beguiling is she that I found it difficult to put the book down and read it in two days, even though I was supposed to be reading another novel.
I don't wish to spoil the nature of the story - for the unravelling of events around Joan is one of the author's strongest story telling techniques - suffice to say while some elements of her life garner slightly too much time in the novel, and others a little too little - the story is fantastically well crafted without dwelling too much on romance and matters of the heart because this isn't in the strong willed nature of the Plantaganet Princess, who is only too aware of her own power and strength because of her blood.
5 stars and a highly recommended for this story.
I would, however, have liked some longer historical notes at the end with more details about Joan as opposed to the royal family members she interacted with.
November 17, 2017
I think I was supposed to like Joan of Kent, but to me she came off as selfish, greedy, & power hungry. Her love story with the Black Prince also felt very stale. I didn't get any sense why she fell in love with him. The toughest thing to swallow was that she in anyway admired Alice Perrers. I found it unbelievable that she would have any favorable opinion about a girl from a common background who was a royal mistress. I think I prefer the Joan of Kent story: The First Princess of Wales by Karen Harper. Or the version of her that's in Susan Howatch's Wheel of Fortune.
September 14, 2017
A short story made longer than necessary for. A lot of waffle, which was unnecessary except to make the book longer than it otherwise would have been.
July 17, 2018
4.9 stars. This was my second Anne O'Brien book and once again I was astounded by the level of political intrigue, scandal, and suspense. Joan's character was beautifully portrayed as a woman who was powerful, intelligent, and determined to gain her own way though not without fault, Joan's character captivated me from the first page. From her clandestine marriage to Thomas Holland to her eventual role as Mother of the Queen. Anne's portrayal of Joan portrayed her as an ambitious woman who was well aware of the inner workings of the court having been a princess from birth.
If I'm honest even though I loved Anne's portrayal of Joan there were some times when her decisions frustrated me to the point where I felt like slapping her. The first part where I felt like slapping her was when
If I'm honest even though I loved Anne's portrayal of Joan there were some times when her decisions frustrated me to the point where I felt like slapping her. The first part where I felt like slapping her was when
May 10, 2017
The Shadow Queen, Anne O'Brien
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Historical fiction,
What a fabulous read, transported me back to the past.
Its a while since I've read any historical fiction, I used to read more, with Elizabeth Chadwick, Phillipa Gregory, Sharon Penryn and Alison Weir being my favourite authors for this type of novel.
Its told from the POV of Joan, and she's just 12 when we meet her. Looking at many historical novels from today's POV its horrifying that children were betrothed as babies, went into marriage ceremonies when very young, though often remained with their families until in their mid/late teens. They grew up quickly in those days though, especially in royal households where children were routinely sent off to others, in the pursuit of power for the Family.
When we meet Joan she's about to be married to Will, another boy her age, from a close family to the royals. Its a match made by the families, and Joan likes Will, but there are reasons she can't marry, reasons she hasn't told anyone. When she does, well, both families ensure its swept under the carpet, assuming wrongly that they've put an end to any scandal.
Of course things don't work that way, and it starts a chain of events that dog poor Joan's life. She's clever though, ambitious, and ensures she does her best to make things work out how she wants them.
It sounds like she's an unpleasant manipulative girl, but she's not, not to me. She's in love even though Thomas is so much older, she does her best to be a good wife to her husbands, to ensure she does what she can to help them, to make them happy, to get the recognition due to them. She adores her children and is a fierce, protective mother for their futures.
In a time when men ruled all, and women were simply chattels, to be moved around to forge alliances regardless of what they wanted, where they could be cast out easily, where the Royal Family and Parliament were in an uneasy power struggle, she did what she could for her family. I so felt for her, events had me really tearful at times. I didn't see how blame could attach to her for what she did, but as always women seem to catch more than their fair share.
She was lucky in her friends from childhood, Will, her long time friend, sometime husband, and of course Ned, heir to the throne who's another childhood friend, Isabella, a cousin I think or maybe second cousin.... Edward, the young king, is her cousin, and his wife Phillipa is a strong but gentle lady, and has brought up Joan since very young as part of the family, as was common in those days. The love between her and Edward has a great impact on Joan's life.
Its a story of political machinations, the vicious scramble for power, backbiting, double dealing.
No-one could ever be quite certain the bargains they made, the allies they forged would really hold out when needed.
For Joan to have forged a path through that, a woman up against powerful men, at a time when they scarcely had a voice she was a remarkable person.
Its a story I really enjoyed, an author new to me but whose books I'll certainly look out for in future.
Stars: five, a fabulous dive back into a time when women were almost voiceless so had to use clever ways of getting what they needed.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: Historical fiction,
What a fabulous read, transported me back to the past.
Its a while since I've read any historical fiction, I used to read more, with Elizabeth Chadwick, Phillipa Gregory, Sharon Penryn and Alison Weir being my favourite authors for this type of novel.
Its told from the POV of Joan, and she's just 12 when we meet her. Looking at many historical novels from today's POV its horrifying that children were betrothed as babies, went into marriage ceremonies when very young, though often remained with their families until in their mid/late teens. They grew up quickly in those days though, especially in royal households where children were routinely sent off to others, in the pursuit of power for the Family.
When we meet Joan she's about to be married to Will, another boy her age, from a close family to the royals. Its a match made by the families, and Joan likes Will, but there are reasons she can't marry, reasons she hasn't told anyone. When she does, well, both families ensure its swept under the carpet, assuming wrongly that they've put an end to any scandal.
Of course things don't work that way, and it starts a chain of events that dog poor Joan's life. She's clever though, ambitious, and ensures she does her best to make things work out how she wants them.
It sounds like she's an unpleasant manipulative girl, but she's not, not to me. She's in love even though Thomas is so much older, she does her best to be a good wife to her husbands, to ensure she does what she can to help them, to make them happy, to get the recognition due to them. She adores her children and is a fierce, protective mother for their futures.
In a time when men ruled all, and women were simply chattels, to be moved around to forge alliances regardless of what they wanted, where they could be cast out easily, where the Royal Family and Parliament were in an uneasy power struggle, she did what she could for her family. I so felt for her, events had me really tearful at times. I didn't see how blame could attach to her for what she did, but as always women seem to catch more than their fair share.
She was lucky in her friends from childhood, Will, her long time friend, sometime husband, and of course Ned, heir to the throne who's another childhood friend, Isabella, a cousin I think or maybe second cousin.... Edward, the young king, is her cousin, and his wife Phillipa is a strong but gentle lady, and has brought up Joan since very young as part of the family, as was common in those days. The love between her and Edward has a great impact on Joan's life.
Its a story of political machinations, the vicious scramble for power, backbiting, double dealing.
No-one could ever be quite certain the bargains they made, the allies they forged would really hold out when needed.
For Joan to have forged a path through that, a woman up against powerful men, at a time when they scarcely had a voice she was a remarkable person.
Its a story I really enjoyed, an author new to me but whose books I'll certainly look out for in future.
Stars: five, a fabulous dive back into a time when women were almost voiceless so had to use clever ways of getting what they needed.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
October 9, 2018
Joan Of Kent heeft als nicht van koning Edward III koninklijk bloed en krijgt als 12-jarige te horen dat er een goed huwelijk voor haar is geregeld. Er is echter één probleem. Joan beweert dat ze al getrouwd is met een onbeduidende ridder. Zo geraakt Joan in een situatie met 2 echtgenoten en is haar reputatie voorgoed aangetast. En die reputatie zal ze nog nodig hebben, want ze begeeft zich steeds dichter en dichter bij de kroon.
Ik wil al heel lang iets lezen van O'Brien want zij geeft boeiende vrouwen uit het Plantagenettijdperk een stem. Een periode waar ik sowieso nog meer wil over leren. Ook Joan Of Kent was vrijwel onbekend terrein voor mij.
Het boek focust op Joan's huwelijken en gaat daarom niet altijd diep in op de politieke gebeurtenissen. Dat hoeft niet per se maar dat maakt het wat lichtvoetiger en daarvoor was dit boek misschien net wat te dik. Het had wel 100 pagina's minder lang mogen gaan over de ontbinding van haar tweede huwelijk.
Joan vond ik wel boeiend neergezet maar de omslag naar macht was wel heel bruut. Ik vind dat ze geloofwaardig groeit in het boek, maar dat ze af en toe felle sprongen maakt in haar denken. Het is ook jammer dat de boeiendste periode uit haar leven (als queen mother) niet gecoverd wordt. Begrijpelijke keuze, maar ik hoopte daar nog iets over te lezen. De andere personages, daar kreeg ik wel meer hoogte van. Ned, Will en ook Edward III, Philippa en Alice Perrers. Van hen heb ik echt een beter beeld gekregen.
O' Brien doet me denken aan Gregory. Ze schrijft vanuit het historische personage zelf (dat is altijd een gevaarlijke), ze focust op de romantische verhoudingen en ze gebruikt voorspellingen om al eens vooruit te kijken. Dat laatste vind ik altijd moeilijk want personages doen dan acties op basis van voorspellingen waarvan wij weten dat ze uitkomen, maar dat wisten ze toen uiteraard nog niet. Maar het is gemakkelijke voor een schrijfster natuurlijk. Bij Gregory weet ik nogal veel over de periode waarover ze schrijft, waardoor ik me sneller stoor aan zaken. Hier heb ik dat minder want het is uiteindelijk de eerste keer dat ik erover lees. O'Brien komt dus goed weg en ik wil nog wel iets lezen van haar. Graag het boek over Alice Perrers bv.
Dit boek vertelt het verhaal over een uitzonderlijke vrouw die tegen alle conventies in heeft gehandeld. Over een uitzonderlijke periode tijdens de 100-jarige oorlog met Frankrijk en vlak voor de Rozenoorlogen. Het is boeiend en vlot geschreven, er mocht alleen soms wat meer snelheid inzitten.
Ik wil al heel lang iets lezen van O'Brien want zij geeft boeiende vrouwen uit het Plantagenettijdperk een stem. Een periode waar ik sowieso nog meer wil over leren. Ook Joan Of Kent was vrijwel onbekend terrein voor mij.
Het boek focust op Joan's huwelijken en gaat daarom niet altijd diep in op de politieke gebeurtenissen. Dat hoeft niet per se maar dat maakt het wat lichtvoetiger en daarvoor was dit boek misschien net wat te dik. Het had wel 100 pagina's minder lang mogen gaan over de ontbinding van haar tweede huwelijk.
Joan vond ik wel boeiend neergezet maar de omslag naar macht was wel heel bruut. Ik vind dat ze geloofwaardig groeit in het boek, maar dat ze af en toe felle sprongen maakt in haar denken. Het is ook jammer dat de boeiendste periode uit haar leven (als queen mother) niet gecoverd wordt. Begrijpelijke keuze, maar ik hoopte daar nog iets over te lezen. De andere personages, daar kreeg ik wel meer hoogte van. Ned, Will en ook Edward III, Philippa en Alice Perrers. Van hen heb ik echt een beter beeld gekregen.
O' Brien doet me denken aan Gregory. Ze schrijft vanuit het historische personage zelf (dat is altijd een gevaarlijke), ze focust op de romantische verhoudingen en ze gebruikt voorspellingen om al eens vooruit te kijken. Dat laatste vind ik altijd moeilijk want personages doen dan acties op basis van voorspellingen waarvan wij weten dat ze uitkomen, maar dat wisten ze toen uiteraard nog niet. Maar het is gemakkelijke voor een schrijfster natuurlijk. Bij Gregory weet ik nogal veel over de periode waarover ze schrijft, waardoor ik me sneller stoor aan zaken. Hier heb ik dat minder want het is uiteindelijk de eerste keer dat ik erover lees. O'Brien komt dus goed weg en ik wil nog wel iets lezen van haar. Graag het boek over Alice Perrers bv.
Dit boek vertelt het verhaal over een uitzonderlijke vrouw die tegen alle conventies in heeft gehandeld. Over een uitzonderlijke periode tijdens de 100-jarige oorlog met Frankrijk en vlak voor de Rozenoorlogen. Het is boeiend en vlot geschreven, er mocht alleen soms wat meer snelheid inzitten.
June 24, 2017
Joan ‘the Fair ‘of Kent’s story as told by herself! It takes place in the reign of Edward III who has taken the child Joan, (his cousin) into his Court after her family is pardoned from the taint of treason. (Her father had supported the ill-fated Edward II).
It’s a very personal, self-centred account, not to be read as ‘history’ but an examination of Joan’s life, aims, hopes, plans , and wishes. Nothing much is mentioned about what the King was getting up to in Scotland for instance, but war in France is mentioned frequently – primarily centring on her fears for family members who leave to fight there. I rather liked the ‘insular , claustrophobic’ feeling it gave me, as that’s what I imagine women’s lives were like then, even important ones. The devastating effects of the Plague reach even this high in the realm, but these are dealt with briefly, as matters of personal loss .
I can’t say she is a ‘likeable’ character , she’s far too remote for a commoner like me! However as a mediaeval woman she’s definitely interesting – determined, single minded, and power-hungry (like most characters associated with the Royal Court at the time). I found her to be overwhelmingly vain – but this is probably because this was the currency women had to use to be noticed at all in that era by the Court and chroniclers – most being only judged by and used for their fecundity.
Joan however was not going to fit into that stereotype – she went for what she wanted , and generally got it, despite manipulations by those far more powerful than her young self. As she matures and her situation changes she falls into despair briefly but then, once again decides on the course she’s going to take, and what she wants from life – and goes for it! And nearly gets it all.
Her loyalty to family and those she loves stands out above all else. The commoners don’t even merit a thought in her life, unless she needs them to celebrate a procession, support her or her plans for the future (“It was worth the stench of their unwashed bodies…”) but again, you could say that of anyone in her position at Court. She also has good reason to be wary of the populace after how she was judged (volubly) in her youth.
It’s a very personal, self-centred account, not to be read as ‘history’ but an examination of Joan’s life, aims, hopes, plans , and wishes. Nothing much is mentioned about what the King was getting up to in Scotland for instance, but war in France is mentioned frequently – primarily centring on her fears for family members who leave to fight there. I rather liked the ‘insular , claustrophobic’ feeling it gave me, as that’s what I imagine women’s lives were like then, even important ones. The devastating effects of the Plague reach even this high in the realm, but these are dealt with briefly, as matters of personal loss .
I can’t say she is a ‘likeable’ character , she’s far too remote for a commoner like me! However as a mediaeval woman she’s definitely interesting – determined, single minded, and power-hungry (like most characters associated with the Royal Court at the time). I found her to be overwhelmingly vain – but this is probably because this was the currency women had to use to be noticed at all in that era by the Court and chroniclers – most being only judged by and used for their fecundity.
Joan however was not going to fit into that stereotype – she went for what she wanted , and generally got it, despite manipulations by those far more powerful than her young self. As she matures and her situation changes she falls into despair briefly but then, once again decides on the course she’s going to take, and what she wants from life – and goes for it! And nearly gets it all.
Her loyalty to family and those she loves stands out above all else. The commoners don’t even merit a thought in her life, unless she needs them to celebrate a procession, support her or her plans for the future (“It was worth the stench of their unwashed bodies…”) but again, you could say that of anyone in her position at Court. She also has good reason to be wary of the populace after how she was judged (volubly) in her youth.
June 1, 2017
Cousin to the King and a daughter of a traitorous brother, Joan is a spoilt and beautiful Plantagenet princess ripe for an illustrious marriage. However when a match with the son of the Earl Marshall is suggested Joan has to admit that she was married in secret at the age of twelve to a poor knight currently fighting in Prussia. Her family force through the prestigious marriage and Joan becomes Countess of Salisbury but her former flame comes back to claim his rights and Joan would rather be wife to Tom Holland. After a protracted legal battle Joan and Tom have a happy marriage blessed with children until she is widowed in her thirties. Still beautiful and now independently rich, Joan is ripe for another marriage but when her choice is her childhood friend, the eldest son of the king, Joan invites more scandal to her door.
Joan, the Maid of Kent, is known as the widow of the Black Prince, mother of Richard II, but this book shows that she had a fascinating life. Married three times, twice controversially and once bigamously, Joan was beautiful and wilful beyond what a medieval woman should have been. In writing this novel O'Brien has a taken an interesting story and woven her trademark romance around it. As ever, O'Brien's work is at the very romantic end of historical novels. The stories are based on fact and show a genuine love for the period and lots of research but there is also a very strong streak of fiction running through and the tales have a very heavy hand with the romance element. This appeals to many and if accepted makes O'Brien's books very enjoyable. By looking at the life of a rather overlooked character, this book is so much the better.
Joan, the Maid of Kent, is known as the widow of the Black Prince, mother of Richard II, but this book shows that she had a fascinating life. Married three times, twice controversially and once bigamously, Joan was beautiful and wilful beyond what a medieval woman should have been. In writing this novel O'Brien has a taken an interesting story and woven her trademark romance around it. As ever, O'Brien's work is at the very romantic end of historical novels. The stories are based on fact and show a genuine love for the period and lots of research but there is also a very strong streak of fiction running through and the tales have a very heavy hand with the romance element. This appeals to many and if accepted makes O'Brien's books very enjoyable. By looking at the life of a rather overlooked character, this book is so much the better.
September 10, 2018
For once I decided to read a story without googling what happens to the characters beforehand, and it undoubtedly improve the reading experience. The beginning of the book is very exciting, as it's written in a way that hints at something scandalous before revealing what actually happened. Actually the whole book is written in the same way. The book does drag during the middle part when Joan actually settles into married life with the child molester who groomed her and tricked her into marrying him, but luckily things pick up after he dies of a disease. Basically through all her marriages I kept screaming internally that Joan's life would be so much easier if she just went with the flow of things instead, but at the very least she isn't dull. She seems quite immature even when she's about 30 years old, and her sudden change of mind seemingly over night to marry Ned after initially rejecting him is handled very quickly. I did end up liking Ned and her together though, even if he was a terrible ruler. At least they knew each other's flaws and it didn't come from nowhere. Overall I'd recommend the book. I enjoyed it a lot even though half the time I was screaming "no, don't do this". Don't read the back cover summary though, because it promises to show Joan in her son's court handling things, whereas we really never get there. We just see Richard crowned and that's it. We don't see Joan apply her supposed acquired knowledge to much of anything, except allying herself with Lancaster and getting Richard crowned.
March 9, 2024
3.75⭐️
This novel follows Joan of Kent including her scandalous marriages and rise to power. Having just finished this book I feel so tired and worn out, the novel is quite slow paced and includes a-lot of details about characters and the historical background. However, the pace of the novel adds to this feeling of having gone on a journey with Joan and makes you feel connected to her.
There were times where the story got a bit repetitive whether that be due to similar events happening or repeated sentiments/ponderings. I really loved the detail in this book, it made the storyline so much more vivid and realistic. I especially liked Joan being a “grey” character, where she didn’t exactly have the purest of intentions.
My main problem was that I felt like the author didn’t fully depict Joan’s character as three dimensional. There were many emissions in the novel about her handling the many deaths in her family and her relationship with her children from Thomas after she married Ned. I felt like the author needed to write more about certain aspects of Joan’s life, even though it’s a very long book - maybe the removal of some repetitive notions/events in replacement of making Joan a more complete character.
Overall really brilliant historical novel, managing to interweave drama and historical elements. I can’t emphasise enough how I’m just so drained after this book - not in a bad way - but it made me feel like I made this entire journey. Also I had never heard of Joan of Kent, so this also opened my eyes to some new history !!
This novel follows Joan of Kent including her scandalous marriages and rise to power. Having just finished this book I feel so tired and worn out, the novel is quite slow paced and includes a-lot of details about characters and the historical background. However, the pace of the novel adds to this feeling of having gone on a journey with Joan and makes you feel connected to her.
There were times where the story got a bit repetitive whether that be due to similar events happening or repeated sentiments/ponderings. I really loved the detail in this book, it made the storyline so much more vivid and realistic. I especially liked Joan being a “grey” character, where she didn’t exactly have the purest of intentions.
My main problem was that I felt like the author didn’t fully depict Joan’s character as three dimensional. There were many emissions in the novel about her handling the many deaths in her family and her relationship with her children from Thomas after she married Ned. I felt like the author needed to write more about certain aspects of Joan’s life, even though it’s a very long book - maybe the removal of some repetitive notions/events in replacement of making Joan a more complete character.
Overall really brilliant historical novel, managing to interweave drama and historical elements. I can’t emphasise enough how I’m just so drained after this book - not in a bad way - but it made me feel like I made this entire journey. Also I had never heard of Joan of Kent, so this also opened my eyes to some new history !!
July 8, 2017
I Recommend This Book
Strongly
Review
Last updated on 26 Jun 2017
The Shadow Queen is thoroughly enjoyable. It combines the best of Tudor fiction in a less well worn path. The sumptuous life at court, without knowing that henry gets his own way as usual.
There is the basic narrative of Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent (whose record of marriages matches that of Elizabeth Taylor!) with a really good account of the life of a woman in medieval times.
One absorbers the difference duties and opportunities of squire’s wife compared to that of a princes’ consort.
She loves, marries has children and then grieves for their loss, yet in-between this she plots and schemes not only for herself but for those she cares about. Her incredible brainpower is put to good use when the denser men deign to take heed of her plotting.
The fashions and decor of the day are really interesting – as is how they are interpreted. Towards the end I discovered she is wife of the famous Black Prince but even without any prior knowledge it is a really compelling story of how a powerless woman can achieve a lot.
Joan is not saintly or meek and does admit to being unfair in her dealings with a woman whom she is jealous of, but overall she is a very fair and honest woman who leads a very interesting life
December 8, 2017
What I admire about Ms O’Brien’s writing is that she takes a more obscure woman from history and brings that person alive. The story of the Joan, a Plantagenet Princess, also known as the Fair Maid of Kent, is no exception. After a clandestine marriage at a very young age to the knight, Thomas Holland, who then disappears to make a name for himself, Joan is then married against her will to childhood friend, Will Montagu. After Thomas reappears in her life, the three are locked in a legal battle that takes many years to resolve. I did find this section a little tedious because, inevitably, nothing much happens. Eventually, all is resolved and Joan and Thomas are able, for a few years at least, to live normal married lives and bear children. After Thomas’s sudden death, Joan is coerced into another clandestine marriage, this time with Edward of Woodstock, the heir to the throne of Edward III, known as The Black Prince. As a character, Joan isn’t always likeable. She is a scheming, manipulative woman too used to getting her own way. Nevertheless, her character is finely drawn and no doubt true to life. As always, the historical aspects are richly portrayed and one has a real sense of time and place.
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