A Contest of Wills: Medieval Women Fight for Survival

by Austin Hernon

Medieval England is at war… Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Robyn Young, Alison Weir and Anthony Riches.The King who reneged on the Magna Carta is dead. But will his successor bring peace to the realm?England, 1217King John is dead and his son, the child-king, Henry III is on the throne, supported by William Marshal – England’s greatest knight.Thanks to two powerful women - Nicholaa of Lincoln, and Matilda of Laxton – the royal stronghold of Lincoln stood firm and defeated the rebels who threatened the crown.But now more eyes are turning to Lincoln castle, and Nicholaa and Matilda may find themselves unable to stop ambitious men from taking everything they have fought so hard to keep…Can these two women maintain their positions? Or will others seek to erase them from history?A Contest of Wills is the second book in the WARS OF THE MAGNA CARTA series, a thrilling fictionalised saga of pre-Tudor a war & military historical saga bringing medieval England to life.THE WARS OF THE MAGNA CARTA SERIESBook The Battle For EnglandBook A Contest of Wills

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2019

About the author

I was born in turbulent times, hence I suppose that the state of the world, not having altered much in my lifetime, should be considered 'normal'. So I very much get on with it.

I have had a mostly military life, joining the Sea Cadets at fifteen, then progressing into the Royal Marine Reserve until I joined the regular Army at aged twenty. There I remained until I retired twenty three years later, wiser and creaking somewhat, but well travelled.

After that I managed transport networks for British Telecom and The Post Office before retiring for the last time - until now, that is; who needs retirement anyway, it usually ends in death and I'm not ready yet.

Reviews

[Michael Bully · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably worth reading the first book in the series 'The Battle for England ' first. Opening after the battle of Lincoln in 1217, with a nine year old Henry III as king following the death of King John in 1216. William Marshall is effectively the regent. . The Royalists have won, but still the French King and the rebel barons are in control of over a large part of South East England.
The book follows the further adventures of Lady Nicholaa of Lincoln and Lady Matilda of Laxley, along with Matilda's confessor Father Bernard. The story is written from the point of view of Matilda and Father Bernard. The characters of the two ladies are coming on well., Matilda takes centre stage as it were. I still have a problem trying to picture Father Bernard . I like the fact that the main characters' speech is what one would expect from 13th century. A large part of the tale is about the implementation of Forest Law and Matilda's struggle with a local sheriff. And Matilda upholds the law in a non-sentimental way. But the problem is, the first book reaches a peak with the Battle of Lincoln, the whole future of the realm is at stake. But ' A Contest of Wills' is largely about a local dispute and just can't compete. There's just not enough tension. Also one feels that the ladies are going to win whatever happens so no surprises.

[alex bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book because it is good to learn about the lives of women in the

past and the influence that they had to the times. Austin Hernon brings these people to life for me very well.

[ann white · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting read

I enjoyed reading about the lives of Matilda & Nicholaa. I am looking forward to reading more Austin Vernon books.