The Rose of York: Crown of Destiny

The Rose of York Trilogy #2

by Sandra Worth

Excellent Book

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, British Literature, Fiction, Medieval, 15th Century, Plantagenet

165 pages, Paperback

Published June 15, 2006

About the author

Sandra Worth is the author of six historical novels chronicling the demise of the Plantagenet dynasty in England and the rise of the Tudors. She is the winner of numerous awards and prizes, including three Reviewers Choice Awards. For more info, visit sandraworth.com

Reviews

[Ikonopeiston · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the cover.

[Sera · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the second one in a three-part trilogy. My only problem with this book is that it was too short. I'm guessing that Worth could probably have combined books two and three to make them as long as one. Other than that, this book provides a great overview of how Richard III becomes King of England. There were some real "no way" moments for me in this one, since these books are my first foray into the life of Richard III.

Worth is a true "historian" when it comes to writing historical fiction. In the back of the book, she also provides where she may have taken some liberties so that the reader isn't fooled into believing inaccuracies. I wish that more historical fiction writers would do the same (I'm talking to you, Phillipa Gregory).

[Julia Olausson · Rating 1 out of 5]

⚪ Georges pov was very interesting to read, way too short though.
⚪ Richard standing up for George, and his complex relationship with him. It was sweet that Richard tried seeing George in Harry Stafford, which is sad when you know what happens later on

🔴 Way too short and fast paced. Glossed over important stuff very quickly.
🔴 A lot of inaccuracies, which is fine since it's historical fiction but its hard to look past for someone who knows a lot about this period and the war of the roses
🔴 One sided characters, and Richard is also very out of character sometimes
🔴 Strange pacing
🔴 A lot of unnecessary filler. To the point that she added flashbacks from the first book, word for word.

While there were some engaging moments, especially the exploration of George and Richard's relationship, the book ultimately fell short due to poor pacing, shallow characters, and excessive filler. It might appeal to readers new to this period, but for those already familiar with the War of the Roses, it may feel disappointing

[Natasa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Worth is an amazing storyteller, especially in this historical setting. I felt as if I were right there with each character. She knows how to put you in each setting and feel the surroundings. As I’m a huge fan of anything Kings and Queens from England and Scotland, Worth did not disappoint in telling a very intriguing and controversial viewpoint of Richard III and how he came to be King. It will challenge your perception of history and leave you in wonderment about this fascinating man and his family.

[Tiffany Day · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was OK - when it worked, it was very good, when it didn't, it was sophomoric, at best. Worth excels when getting into the meat of historical fact. At those points in the book, discussing power struggles and battles and the like, the prose flows and absorbs the reader. When the tale turns more to supposition of personal moments and relationships, daily life and the like, it becomes quite weak and actually reads like something for Young Adults - middle schoolers, even. Unfortunately the first half (maybe even two-thirds) is all home-life fiction. Also, while I want to hear more about the true Richard III, Worth is completely biased in her portrayal, creating an almost saintly figure that is hard to be believed (meanwhile, her distaste of Queen Elizabeth and the Woodvilles knows no bounds). Overall, it has a lot of potential, but many disappointments. I'm still looking for a balanced War of the Roses fiction -- nevertheless, I will read the final installment in this trilogy. 3 to 3 1/2 stars

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well done coverage of Richard III’s life from just after his marriage to Anne Neville to taking the throne of England.

This is a time period that many other historical fiction novels would skip over in order to get to the “good stuff” of 1483. However, the pace never feels stretched out or tedious as Richard grows as a leader and struggles with the divisions within his family.

The last third is very tense as here Richard is portrayed as very, very reluctant to take the crown, but you can see his logic based on past events that not taking the crown could be the equivalent of suicide.

The author makes a point that she put in a few items that could have existed but have, over the course of 500 years, been lost or destroyed – it’s a valid point and I think it works in context, especially as Worth gets into trying to explain the behind the scenes details of what went down when Richard took the throne.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm enjoying this series quite a lot. Not sure I truly believe this side of Richard III, but it is entertaining. The writing has brought tears to my eyes, especially John Neville's final letter to his wife. Happy reading!

[Elysium · Rating 2 out of 5]

the only reason I gave it 2 stars is that I've gave 1 to books I haven't finished...

[Blue-eyed-books · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was less flowery than its predecessor.
But lacking any subtly and very melodramatic.
The writer seems to fail to understand that 15th century political intrigue was very underhanded and subtle. Glances and facial expressions being the most said.

I seriously doubt that Richard screamed in Anthony Woodville’s face about being low born, especially not in front of the 12 year old king. Its these sorts of scenes that do an injustice to the intelligence of Richard and his contemporaries.

Its also very strange how the writer paints Richard as a saint in the last book and then a blood thirsty tyrant in this one with no progression to indicate such a dramatic change in his character. The writer seems to think that Richard went to bed a saint then woke up a tyrant. When historians know that Richard started off with noble intentions and slowly devolved over a 6 month period into intense paranoia and tyrannical behaviour.

Do not go into this book expecting to be educated correctly on the Wars of the Roses. Gain a background understanding of the incredibly complex events before reading. Otherwise the takeaway will be a oversimplified black/white story. It seems like the writer read a summary of the historical events and just ran with it. Not enough research was done.

Not great. Not awful. Very average

[Mayralia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Esta segunda parte nos da la oportunidad de observar el ascenso de Ricardo al trono desde una perspectiva diferente a la narrativa tradicional. Estamos tan acostumbradas a la figura deformada y villanesca que la historia -y Shakespeare- ha establecido, que leer una versión distinta de pronto puede sentirse como una "justificación demasiado endulzada". Sin embargo, creo que Worth no busca engañar al lector en ningún momento, sino reivindicar una historia que mal contada (y que si, también se puede poner en duda).

Me sigue gustando la narrativa tan ordenada de la autora: las fechas, los lugares, todo está ahí con una precisión cronológica que evidencia la profunda investigación detrás de éstos libros. Es muy fácil diferenciar cuándo se nos está narrando un hecho fundamentado de cuándo la autora se permite la libertad creativa al incluir su propia interpretación. Un ejercicio de honestidad intelectual que, si me lo preguntan, se agradece bastante en el género histórico.

Por otra parte, es muy interesante conocer el peso que tienen otros personajes como Eduardo, Jorge, Buckingham, Hastings y Catesby; el cómo sus decisiones y ambiciones también forman parte de este enredo político, alejándonos de lo blanco y lo negro para entregarnos personajes que son totalmente grises.

[Camilo Alvarez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Una historia muy entretenida. Algunos elementos demasiado decorados en la vida de Ricardo III, pone a dudar tanta perfección del personaje frente a la documentación histórica. Fácil de leer y siempre una novela histórica será refrescante.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Did not enjoy this series.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is perfectly serviceable, though without any distinguishing characteristics. It's like those MFA bores all are.

[Janelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to start with the second book in the trilogy as the library did not have the first. Short, but chock full of historical detail. Interesting.

[orfeo · Rating 4 out of 5]

¡Mucho mejor que el primero! No disfruto demasiado de la trama romántica pero me gusta mucho cómo la autora representa a Buckingham.

[WhatShouldIRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not having read the previous book in this trilogy nor being all that knowledgeable about the monarchy, I found the beginning confusing trying to keep who was who separate. Truth be told, I almost gave up. However the writing was very well done so I continued on and was glad I did.

The author paints Richard is quite the benevolent picture. Quite a different take on what many people thought he was like. Have to say, I like this Richard much better!

Anyway, I found the story and the back-stabbing politics interesting (and still going on to a certain extent today) and found myself doing google searches for some of the people mentioned in the story.

This was a quick, easy read and I'm glad I spent time with it instead of purging it from my TBR pile like so many other books have gone...

[Regan Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

The saga continues in book 2: Richard is Becomes a Leader and Anne Stands By His Side – A Great Love Story Wrapped in Excellent Historical Fiction

This is book 2 in a award-winning trilogy based on ten years of research of the life of Richard III of England (1452-1485). The three stories are closely related and take place during the time of the Wars of the Roses, when the houses of York and Lancaster battled for the throne of England. Worth brings to life the story of two real life lovers Lady Anne Neville and Richard of Gloucester (the last Plantagenet king).

At the end of the first book, after years of separation, the two lovers finally came together. As the story opens, Richard and Anne are married, now parents of young “Ned,” and living in their beloved home where they met as children. King Edward, Richard’s brother, drags him off to war in France. Richard is disgusted by all that happens there and can’t wait to return to Anne. They will face horrible losses and challenges as Richard finally, reluctantly takes the throne.

If you like a lot of history with your love stories and find the wars between the Houses of York and Lancaster fascinating, this is the series for you. The saga is well told and will keep you reading. As sad as the history was, I had to get all three (and that is with knowing how it ends!).

I highly recommend the trilogy.

The Rose of York trilogy:

LOVE AND WAR
THE CROWN OF DESTINY
FALL FROM GRACE

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the second book, Richard takes the throne as king of England, after the death of his brother and the declaration of the illegitimacy of Edward's children. Richard quickly tries to turn the country around, and starts trying to rid the country of corruption. He learns though as the book unfolds that men are always driven by greed, and as small revolts turn up about the king, mostly driven by Elizabeth Woodville, he tries harder and harder to turn the country to peace. With the disappearance of the young princes from the tower, Richard is hit with the realization that they may have been murdered, but he was blamed from the start for their deaths.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second book follows the course as Richard is brought to the crown. As his brother, Edward ages, and grows more comfortable, he takes the easy way out, allowing Louis of France to pay him a salary, rather than fight him for the lands. The Woodvilles continue to gain more power and when Edward dies young, Richard has to take care in hs role as his nephew'a protector, as the Woodvilles and the once loyal Hastings plot his death. Bisho Stillington reveals that Edward's past hides a secret that he was married prior to Elizabeth Woodville and thus her children were bastards. The book ends with Richard rightly taking the throne and the execution of the treacherous Hastings.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

(Audible; Robin Sachs, narrator) It is difficult to parse all of the kindred and relationships in this second volume of historical fiction about King Richard III (duke of Gloucester) of the House of York. A sobering look at the shifting alliances of most of the nobles based on the odds of winning or losing influence, wealth, and power. To get the full value from this book, I recommend reading a thumbnail history of the era and keeping a genealogical and relationship chart at hand.

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed - book is well written but does not offer any new take on Richard and Anne's romance/relationship other than the annoying way he calls her "flower eyes". At least it wasn't used as much in this book as it was in the first book. I love reading historical fiction on Richard III but perhaps I am getting too saturated by them and there are only so many ways to tell the same story. All in all a short but good read. On to the final book of the series.

[Heather Mims · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with other reviewers– this book was better than the first in the trilogy. One of the primary reasons for that, at least in my opinion, is that Richard is more flawed here… particularly when it comes to his naïveté. Definitely a plausible theory that much of the catastrophe in his life could have been caused by being too loyal/trusting. I enjoyed this one.

[Kathy Chartier · Rating 3 out of 5]

I agree with the other reviewers,this book was better than the first. Even though I liked the other book, this one was an emotional and riveting drama. Crown of Destiny is written with such passion and grace the characters just leap off the page. Worth is a powerhouse of knowledge when it comes to historical fiction !!

[Wendy Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rose of York: Crown of Destiny continues a story that speaks to the core of human existence. Depicted through magical and skillful prose and drawn with great passion and insight, Worth's Richard III is the Richard no reader can ever forget.

[Alison · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Crown of Destiny as soon as I'd finished the first in the trilogy and it didn't disappoint. Even though I knew what was going to happen (it is history after all), the way the drama unfolds was gripping and had me completely captivated.

[KV Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really, really wanted to love this book. I appreciated the research that went into it and the obvious love the author had for the subject but... god. Anne as so insipid and Richard so boring. I just couldn't enjoy it all that much.

[Kathleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good second in trilogy following Richard III that shakespeare wrote about. Richard's history has reported a man different from more recent research that points to followingking rewriting history...sounds familiar.

[Jenny Torpin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great but so sad! Worth makes Richard and Anne so happy and it's awful knowing what is going to happen next.

[Therese]

$2.99

[Anna Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seemed a nice intermezzo piece. Looking forward to the conclusion.