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Renaissance: The Fall and Rise of a King
The Plain of Redemore, 22nd August 1485
Richard III – betrayed and defeated!
His gaze sweeps over the bloody carnage surrounding him. A cry goes “We have found the king!” He sees Henry Tudor standing triumphant over a mauled and battered corpse and hears him whisper, “It is done. England is mine.”
How can this be, when he is not dead?
With the help of his celestial mentor Father Gilbert, a Franciscan monk, Richard will learn that malign Tudor propaganda has not reigned supreme and that history did not entirely paint him as the child-killer king.
Will he grasp the chance of renaissance and exit the spiritual purgatory that has held him hostage for more than half a millennium?
Richard III – betrayed and defeated!
His gaze sweeps over the bloody carnage surrounding him. A cry goes “We have found the king!” He sees Henry Tudor standing triumphant over a mauled and battered corpse and hears him whisper, “It is done. England is mine.”
How can this be, when he is not dead?
With the help of his celestial mentor Father Gilbert, a Franciscan monk, Richard will learn that malign Tudor propaganda has not reigned supreme and that history did not entirely paint him as the child-killer king.
Will he grasp the chance of renaissance and exit the spiritual purgatory that has held him hostage for more than half a millennium?
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
May 24, 2018
This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
"...the writing is lovely, well-characterised without being stereotypical and has an ending which is both emotional and thought provoking."
Helen Hollick
"...the writing is lovely, well-characterised without being stereotypical and has an ending which is both emotional and thought provoking."
March 8, 2021
Renaissance: The Fall and Rise of a King by Marla Skidmore
First read April 2018
Re-read March 2021
Renaissance: The Fall and Rise of a King is not so much historical fiction as historical fantasy. It is a story that begins with a historical event – the Battle of Bosworth and the death of King Richard III – and from there enters the realm of fantasy as we follow Richard’s journey into the afterlife, from denial and anger to eventual acceptance that he did indeed die that day.
As the story opens, Richard is surveying the battle playing out before him. Things are not going as planned when he sees an opportunity to put an end to this threat to his throne once and for all.
“We ride to take Henry Tudor,” he tells his most trusted companions. “I will make an end… either of war or of life… will die as king or win victory on this field!”
The charge falters, however, due to treachery and betrayal, and Richard realizes that the end is near.
“I will not be taken alive!” he says to himself. “Better a quick, honourable death than being taken prisoner – humiliated and dependent upon the mercy of rebels and traitors!”
Unhorsed, blows from many weapons rain down on him and smash through his armour. A sword bites into an unprotected spot on his side, and the loss of blood weakens him further. Then a halberd crashes viciously into the back of his skull. Richard knows that this is his death blow and his last thoughts are of being reunited with his wife.
“Anne!...be waiting for me, sweeting…I am coming.”
Moments later, Richard regains consciousness, unable to believe that he survived. He can still feel the pain of his wounds, but there’s no blood. Someone has stripped him of his armor, but has left him with the clothes he wore beneath. Trying to decide his next move, Richard comes across a party of Welsh soldiers searching for the body of the slain king. When one of them says he’s found the body, Richard is sure it will be that of one of his companions and is shocked when he sees that the corpse they drag is his!
But…if he’s dead and that’s his corpse, why is he still on the battlefield? He made his confession, been absolved of his sins before going into battle. Shouldn’t he have gone directly to Heaven? Was he a ghost, doomed to haunt this place where he died? But if he was a ghost, why did he still have all his senses?
During this shock and confusion Richard sees a monk. Amazingly the monk can see him, too. “You must accept that this day you died on that field,” says the monk, who introduces himself as Father Gilbert, explaining that he will be Richard’s guide through this part of his afterlife.
Father Gilbert takes Richard to Leicester, where for three days he has the young king observe how his body is treated. A victorious Henry Tudor has forbidden Richard a Christian burial. He wants nothing more than for his opponent’s body to be tossed in the river or in the woods, anything but a proper burial.
But a number of soldiers find this not to their liking. Richard may have been their enemy, but he’d been an anointed king who fought courageously and died an honorable death. The men assigned to the job of disposing of Richard’s body agree among themselves that they won’t be party to such unchristian behavior, and see to it that Richard is turned over to the Grey Friars where he will receive a proper, if humble, burial.
Exhausted both physically and emotionally, Richard is told by Father Gilbert to rest. When he wakes up, he finds himself in a pillared hall reminiscent of the abbey church at Jervaulx. It’s here Father Gilbert explains that this is Purgatory, which is as much a condition of the mind and spirit as a physical place. Yes, Richard will one day take his place with his Heavenly Father, but not just yet.
“Your soul is tarnished and stained, still bound by the desires and suffering derived from mortal and venial sin, and as nothing defiled can enter heaven, your soul must be cleansed and purified before it can be reunited with God.”
Having come to accept what has happened to him, Richard is ready to do whatever is necessary to cleanse his soul.
Many years pass, and Richard has atoned for his earthly sins, but he is reluctant to take that next step. When Father Gilbert questions why he won’t move on, Richard says that he’s comfortable where he is, lacking nothing. He points to the vast library they are in.
“These shelves contain a copy of every book and manuscript ever written. ... I have been humbled and honoured to have been allowed to debate with and listen to the thoughts of some of humanity’s greatest and most wise souls...” He couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “And been amused by the cogitations of the most foolish....rest assured, monk, I am content...”
But Gilbert suspects there’s more to this reluctance to leave, and pushes the issue.
“You have been tested, undergone correction and cleansed your soul of every residue of sin. Why are you so reluctant to embrace your heavenly destiny?”
Finally, the truth comes out. Even after all this time, Richard is troubled because his name is synonymous with evil. He is not remembered for who he truly was, but as “the hunchback killer king” accused of murdering Henry VI, Edward of Lancaster, his brother Clarence, his nephews, his wife.
“My place in history is amongst the most reviled and evil villains that ever existed. How can someone whose reputation is so mired in infamy find peace in heaven?”
Somehow during their long time together, Gilbert has missed this. Having not encountered a situation like this before, he tells Richard he must consult with the Guardians to determine what they need to do next. In the meantime, he suggests that Richard re-examine events and ask himself why he still feels he is not fit for heaven.
“Why does the Tudors’ invention of the demonic King Richard hold so much power over your mind?”
From here, we flash back to Richard’s final years and over the next few chapters see what happened through his eyes – learning of his brother Edward’s death, being named Protector, the news of Edward’s pre-contract to Lady Eleanor Talbot, and on until the Duke of Buckingham’s rebellion and execution.
Finally, Richard is able to revisit those memories he’d been trying to suppress. But while he now accepts that he has atoned for his sins, there’s one more journey he must undertake. And that’s where I’m going to stop, because otherwise I’d spoil the ending for you.
Renaissance was the first story I read that presents Richard in the afterlife, and as far as I’m concerned is still one of the best in that sub-genre of Ricardian literature. It is well written, the story well constructed, with characterizations I can believe in. In fact, when it’s my time to go, I hope someone like Father Gilbert will be on hand to help me along the way. Some people prefer straightforward historical fiction, but if you’re like me and enjoy blending some fantasy with your history, Renaissance is a book I would recommend to you. Definitely deserving of a 5-star rating.
First read April 2018
Re-read March 2021
Renaissance: The Fall and Rise of a King is not so much historical fiction as historical fantasy. It is a story that begins with a historical event – the Battle of Bosworth and the death of King Richard III – and from there enters the realm of fantasy as we follow Richard’s journey into the afterlife, from denial and anger to eventual acceptance that he did indeed die that day.
As the story opens, Richard is surveying the battle playing out before him. Things are not going as planned when he sees an opportunity to put an end to this threat to his throne once and for all.
“We ride to take Henry Tudor,” he tells his most trusted companions. “I will make an end… either of war or of life… will die as king or win victory on this field!”
The charge falters, however, due to treachery and betrayal, and Richard realizes that the end is near.
“I will not be taken alive!” he says to himself. “Better a quick, honourable death than being taken prisoner – humiliated and dependent upon the mercy of rebels and traitors!”
Unhorsed, blows from many weapons rain down on him and smash through his armour. A sword bites into an unprotected spot on his side, and the loss of blood weakens him further. Then a halberd crashes viciously into the back of his skull. Richard knows that this is his death blow and his last thoughts are of being reunited with his wife.
“Anne!...be waiting for me, sweeting…I am coming.”
Moments later, Richard regains consciousness, unable to believe that he survived. He can still feel the pain of his wounds, but there’s no blood. Someone has stripped him of his armor, but has left him with the clothes he wore beneath. Trying to decide his next move, Richard comes across a party of Welsh soldiers searching for the body of the slain king. When one of them says he’s found the body, Richard is sure it will be that of one of his companions and is shocked when he sees that the corpse they drag is his!
But…if he’s dead and that’s his corpse, why is he still on the battlefield? He made his confession, been absolved of his sins before going into battle. Shouldn’t he have gone directly to Heaven? Was he a ghost, doomed to haunt this place where he died? But if he was a ghost, why did he still have all his senses?
During this shock and confusion Richard sees a monk. Amazingly the monk can see him, too. “You must accept that this day you died on that field,” says the monk, who introduces himself as Father Gilbert, explaining that he will be Richard’s guide through this part of his afterlife.
Father Gilbert takes Richard to Leicester, where for three days he has the young king observe how his body is treated. A victorious Henry Tudor has forbidden Richard a Christian burial. He wants nothing more than for his opponent’s body to be tossed in the river or in the woods, anything but a proper burial.
But a number of soldiers find this not to their liking. Richard may have been their enemy, but he’d been an anointed king who fought courageously and died an honorable death. The men assigned to the job of disposing of Richard’s body agree among themselves that they won’t be party to such unchristian behavior, and see to it that Richard is turned over to the Grey Friars where he will receive a proper, if humble, burial.
Exhausted both physically and emotionally, Richard is told by Father Gilbert to rest. When he wakes up, he finds himself in a pillared hall reminiscent of the abbey church at Jervaulx. It’s here Father Gilbert explains that this is Purgatory, which is as much a condition of the mind and spirit as a physical place. Yes, Richard will one day take his place with his Heavenly Father, but not just yet.
“Your soul is tarnished and stained, still bound by the desires and suffering derived from mortal and venial sin, and as nothing defiled can enter heaven, your soul must be cleansed and purified before it can be reunited with God.”
Having come to accept what has happened to him, Richard is ready to do whatever is necessary to cleanse his soul.
Many years pass, and Richard has atoned for his earthly sins, but he is reluctant to take that next step. When Father Gilbert questions why he won’t move on, Richard says that he’s comfortable where he is, lacking nothing. He points to the vast library they are in.
“These shelves contain a copy of every book and manuscript ever written. ... I have been humbled and honoured to have been allowed to debate with and listen to the thoughts of some of humanity’s greatest and most wise souls...” He couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “And been amused by the cogitations of the most foolish....rest assured, monk, I am content...”
But Gilbert suspects there’s more to this reluctance to leave, and pushes the issue.
“You have been tested, undergone correction and cleansed your soul of every residue of sin. Why are you so reluctant to embrace your heavenly destiny?”
Finally, the truth comes out. Even after all this time, Richard is troubled because his name is synonymous with evil. He is not remembered for who he truly was, but as “the hunchback killer king” accused of murdering Henry VI, Edward of Lancaster, his brother Clarence, his nephews, his wife.
“My place in history is amongst the most reviled and evil villains that ever existed. How can someone whose reputation is so mired in infamy find peace in heaven?”
Somehow during their long time together, Gilbert has missed this. Having not encountered a situation like this before, he tells Richard he must consult with the Guardians to determine what they need to do next. In the meantime, he suggests that Richard re-examine events and ask himself why he still feels he is not fit for heaven.
“Why does the Tudors’ invention of the demonic King Richard hold so much power over your mind?”
From here, we flash back to Richard’s final years and over the next few chapters see what happened through his eyes – learning of his brother Edward’s death, being named Protector, the news of Edward’s pre-contract to Lady Eleanor Talbot, and on until the Duke of Buckingham’s rebellion and execution.
Finally, Richard is able to revisit those memories he’d been trying to suppress. But while he now accepts that he has atoned for his sins, there’s one more journey he must undertake. And that’s where I’m going to stop, because otherwise I’d spoil the ending for you.
Renaissance was the first story I read that presents Richard in the afterlife, and as far as I’m concerned is still one of the best in that sub-genre of Ricardian literature. It is well written, the story well constructed, with characterizations I can believe in. In fact, when it’s my time to go, I hope someone like Father Gilbert will be on hand to help me along the way. Some people prefer straightforward historical fiction, but if you’re like me and enjoy blending some fantasy with your history, Renaissance is a book I would recommend to you. Definitely deserving of a 5-star rating.
April 8, 2018
In Marla Skidmore’s first novel, she has taken risks with the telling of Richard III’s story that other authors might hesitate to do. After a heart-stopping narrative of the battle of Redemore Plain (aka the Battle of Bosworth) where Richard III lost his life, we find ourselves with Richard in a place that exists between life and eternity. The entire concept could have started and ended by either offending certain religious/personal philosophies or being some kind of fantasy. It was neither. It was simply the place Richard chose to exist from his death until the time when his skeleton was miraculously discovered under the car park. Well done Ms. Skidmore! For those students of the era, there aren’t any jaw-dropping discoveries. Marla’s hypothesis about the disappearance of Richard’s nephews is well presented and plausible. For those readers who are new to the Wars of the Roses, the last Plantagenets and the early Tudor period, this is a must-read. For those who may not care about the historical aspect of Renaissance, this is just a well-written book that you won’t regret spending some reading time on.
December 29, 2019
I loved this novel and I'm happy to give Renaissance five stars. Although not a fan of Richard III I found the story of his life, death and redemption so credible. As with most folk, my idea of this particular king is coloured by the works of Shakespeare and it was heartening to read a different account of his life. I particularly enjoyed the idea that another might be responsible for the deaths of the two princes in the Tower. Again this was a very credible account.
I really liked the way Richard is in Purgatory for many centuries while he assesses his life and should I end up there, I do hope I have Father Gilbert as my mentor.
Renaissance was well written with some wonderful descriptions of the Plantagenet way of life.
A fantastic book for those who like reading history with a twist. Highly recommended.
I really liked the way Richard is in Purgatory for many centuries while he assesses his life and should I end up there, I do hope I have Father Gilbert as my mentor.
Renaissance was well written with some wonderful descriptions of the Plantagenet way of life.
A fantastic book for those who like reading history with a twist. Highly recommended.
September 8, 2020
After his death at Bosworth, Richard III has to look back at his life as he travels through purgatory and before he can enter heaven. This is an interesting and effective treatment of Richard and his conduct during the last two years of his life. It is one of my favorite of the recent books dealing with Richard after life.
December 20, 2018
This was a believable presentation of the alternative version of the events of Bosworth Field, the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the rise of the Tudors and it had such a heartwarming ending. The device of using the supernatural and the afterlife should not put history enthusiasts off. The basic arguments are believable and the paranormal angle makes for a highly entertaining read in which you really warm to King Richard and feel a connection to him. Thank you.
June 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. My sister and I went to Leicester for the Richard III celebrations. It was a nice thought just now to think that Richard was there.
February 5, 2025
Good ending.
August 20, 2018
I am not a Richard III fan by any means but this book is one of the best I have ever read about the mediaeval king, the ending had me in tears and I could feel every emotion that Richard was feeling. This isn't like every other fiction book out there this premise is unique and something I had personally never seen before, it is well worth reading and I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
My full spoiler free review can be viewed on my blog. http://britishbookaddict.blogspot.com...
My full spoiler free review can be viewed on my blog. http://britishbookaddict.blogspot.com...
October 2, 2021
I happened upon this book entirely by accident: I have long been interested in Plantagenet history, particularly the Wars of the Roses, and was on a family day out to Middleham Castle when I met the lovely author and purchased a signed copy of Renaissance.
I definitely enjoyed this book. I thought the concept of Richard spending a long time time in purgatory and feeling unworthy of going to heaven due to the reputation the Tudors gave him was novel, and that it was well-written. I liked that there was plenty of description without it interrupting the pace of the plot (as descriptive passages unfortunately often do). The characters were portrayed well (in my non-expert opinion!) and the way events were described was believable. I also appreciated the parallel drawn in the novel between what occurred between Henry II and Thomas Becket, and Richard and the princes in the tower - it's an interesting theory as to what happened to the princes.
Overall, I think this is a great debut novel and I hope to be able to read more of Marla's work in the future.
I definitely enjoyed this book. I thought the concept of Richard spending a long time time in purgatory and feeling unworthy of going to heaven due to the reputation the Tudors gave him was novel, and that it was well-written. I liked that there was plenty of description without it interrupting the pace of the plot (as descriptive passages unfortunately often do). The characters were portrayed well (in my non-expert opinion!) and the way events were described was believable. I also appreciated the parallel drawn in the novel between what occurred between Henry II and Thomas Becket, and Richard and the princes in the tower - it's an interesting theory as to what happened to the princes.
Overall, I think this is a great debut novel and I hope to be able to read more of Marla's work in the future.
August 9, 2019
Ever since I read Josephine Tey's Daughter of Time, over 40 years ago I have been interested in Richard III and the period of the War of the Roses. I have read the scholarly works as well as the many novels that put flesh on the historical bones of this period. Surely much is speculation since records are missing or still to be discovered. I approach these works with some skepticism but with an open mind. I would rate Marla Skidmore's Renaissance: The Fall and Rise of a King as very satisfying if you believe, as I do, that Richard III deserves a better historical judgment. I appreciated the approach of the after life need for both purification and self-forgiveness. Having Richard present in spirit for his physical re-burial in Leicester Cathedral allows the self-forgiveness to be completed. The final meeting with his beloved Ann was a great touch to end the novel. I would recommend this book for fans of Richard III and for those who are interested in the period of the War of the Roses.
January 3, 2019
This a historical fiction novel about Richard III the story begins with his death at the Battle of Bosworth , but this is only the beginning of the story.
The author made a intriguing an interesting decision to follow Richard into the afterlife from here the reader gets to see events from Richards life in a number of flashback's. We also get to see the struggles he might have gone through while coming trying to terms the decisions he made and the consequences they had. We also get to see him struggle with the reputation he gained and after his death due to Henry Tudor.
I'm no expert on Richard 111 but from what I do know I can say the historical details are accurate and it is clear that a lot of research has been done.
Well done to the author an excellent novel I was hooked from the first page and was sorry to see it come to end.
The author made a intriguing an interesting decision to follow Richard into the afterlife from here the reader gets to see events from Richards life in a number of flashback's. We also get to see the struggles he might have gone through while coming trying to terms the decisions he made and the consequences they had. We also get to see him struggle with the reputation he gained and after his death due to Henry Tudor.
I'm no expert on Richard 111 but from what I do know I can say the historical details are accurate and it is clear that a lot of research has been done.
Well done to the author an excellent novel I was hooked from the first page and was sorry to see it come to end.
July 30, 2019
Renaissance – The Fall and Rise of a King by Marla Skidmore has received a Chill with a Book Readers' Premier Award.
www.chillwithabook.com
A very well researched and well written book. I particularly liked the way the author chose to tell Richard’s story, starting with the Battle of Bosworth rather than ending with it. The writing is beautifully descriptive and emotive.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards
www.chillwithabook.com
A very well researched and well written book. I particularly liked the way the author chose to tell Richard’s story, starting with the Battle of Bosworth rather than ending with it. The writing is beautifully descriptive and emotive.
Pauline Barclay - Founder of Chill Awards
September 25, 2019
A beautiful and well researched book written from a very unusual angle which raises this up above most other Richard III novels.
In her final chapters, Skidmore transports the reader into the moment in a way I have rarely experienced. Richard grabbed my emotions and wrung them out as I stood with him at the reinterment. An incredibly thought provoking chapter that is a must read for any interested in this era.
In her final chapters, Skidmore transports the reader into the moment in a way I have rarely experienced. Richard grabbed my emotions and wrung them out as I stood with him at the reinterment. An incredibly thought provoking chapter that is a must read for any interested in this era.
September 3, 2018
Well written and good read. However, Richard was just too unbelievable at times for a medieval noble eg in his reluctance to get Anne pregnant again. Also, I found the afterlife very dubious theologically.
August 2, 2020
So very different
I loved this different approach to the life of Richard III. Even though I have read countless books on Richard , this was altogether a surprisingly well done and unique version. A must read for all Ricardians.
I loved this different approach to the life of Richard III. Even though I have read countless books on Richard , this was altogether a surprisingly well done and unique version. A must read for all Ricardians.
July 27, 2019
Five stars
If you are a Ricardian you will love this book, true facts with an intriguing storyline. Well written and entertaining.
Sue Lamb.
If you are a Ricardian you will love this book, true facts with an intriguing storyline. Well written and entertaining.
Sue Lamb.
December 7, 2019
A fantastic read about Richard III from his death too his reburial in March 2015 I’m sad this book had ended it truly was a good read
December 27, 2020
Interesting take on the history of Richard III.
December 22, 2024
An imaginative take on the fate of Richard III, very readable.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews