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The Tudor Saga #4
An Uneasy Crown: Power and politics at the Tudor court
The Tudor court is thrown into turmoil! Perfect for fans of Conn Iggulden, Robyn Young, Alison Weir and Anthony Riches.
Who can fill the shoes of the indomitable King Henry VIII...?
Tudor England
In the six year period between 1547 and 1553, Tudor England is juggled through the hands of four separate monarchs.
After the infamous reign of Henry VIII ends, his nine year old son Edward VI briefly takes charge, under the dubious guidance of a Regency Council headed by Edward Seymour, Earl of Somerset, whose rise to pre-eminence is resented by his wayward younger brother Thomas.
Despite the best efforts of the Seymours, Edward is keen to bequeath his throne to his cousin, and, unknown to those in power, the bloody reign of his sister – the staunchly Catholic Mary Tudor – is on the horizon.
In the midst of all this confusion two young girls grow up as constant companions on their Leicestershire estates. One – Jane – was almost destined to reign. While the other – Grace – has a much humbler fate.
As the machinations of men in power determine who lives and who dies, these two close female friends must fight their own private battles as they carve out their destinies in this tumultuous period of English history.
An Uneasy Crown is the fourth thrilling historical adventure novel in the Tudor Saga Series, chronicling the rise and fall of one of England’s most powerful royal families.
THE TUDOR SAGA SERIES
BOOK ONE: Tudor Dawn
BOOK TWO: The King’s Commoner
BOOK THREE: Justice For The Cardinal
BOOK FOUR: An Uneasy Crown
BOOK FIVE: The Queen In Waiting
BOOK SIX: The Heart Of A King
Who can fill the shoes of the indomitable King Henry VIII...?
Tudor England
In the six year period between 1547 and 1553, Tudor England is juggled through the hands of four separate monarchs.
After the infamous reign of Henry VIII ends, his nine year old son Edward VI briefly takes charge, under the dubious guidance of a Regency Council headed by Edward Seymour, Earl of Somerset, whose rise to pre-eminence is resented by his wayward younger brother Thomas.
Despite the best efforts of the Seymours, Edward is keen to bequeath his throne to his cousin, and, unknown to those in power, the bloody reign of his sister – the staunchly Catholic Mary Tudor – is on the horizon.
In the midst of all this confusion two young girls grow up as constant companions on their Leicestershire estates. One – Jane – was almost destined to reign. While the other – Grace – has a much humbler fate.
As the machinations of men in power determine who lives and who dies, these two close female friends must fight their own private battles as they carve out their destinies in this tumultuous period of English history.
An Uneasy Crown is the fourth thrilling historical adventure novel in the Tudor Saga Series, chronicling the rise and fall of one of England’s most powerful royal families.
THE TUDOR SAGA SERIES
BOOK ONE: Tudor Dawn
BOOK TWO: The King’s Commoner
BOOK THREE: Justice For The Cardinal
BOOK FOUR: An Uneasy Crown
BOOK FIVE: The Queen In Waiting
BOOK SIX: The Heart Of A King
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2019
217 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
David Field
59 books97 followersDavid was born in post-war Nottingham, and educated at Nottingham High School. After obtaining a Law degree he became a career-long criminal law practitioner and academic, emigrating in 1989 to Australia, where he still lives.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
October 9, 2019
David Field’s masterful Tudor series continues, as the politicking and drama turn to the next generation. While series fans may have enjoyed being neck-deep in Henry VIII’s antics, his health is waning. To fill such large shoes will be a daunting task. Young Edward ascends to the throne at age nine, unable to rule alone. A Recency Council is appointed, headed by Edward Seymour, to guide young King Edward through the perils of ruling over England. The Earl of Somerset may be respected across the country, but his younger brother, Thomas, is far from pleased. While the Regency Council has a plan for the longevity of Tudor monarchs, young King Edward has a plan for the line of sucession that does not necessarily include his Catholic sister, Mary. Rather, Edward wants to see his young cousin, Jane Grey, find her path cleared to reign, which ruffles more than a few feathers. With the decree signed by the young monarch, it is only when the news reaches the Regency Council that public outrage reaches a boiling point, with additional ire directed at Edward Seymour. The Tudor dynasty could be in jeopardy, not least because King Edward is ill and the future remains murky. Tudor politics and backstabbing is front and centre in this piece, allowing Field to offer up some wonderful drama to entertain readers. Recommended to fans of the series to date, as well as the reader who has a passion for all things Tudor.
I am pleased that David Field keeps adding to this series, which mixes well-known aspects of English history with lesser published bits. Field uses a solid narrative, balancing it with a cast of strong characters in this tumultuous time in Tudor history. From the young boy king, Edward, who seems to be going through the motions, to the deeply influential Regency Council, whose members include the persuasive Edward Seymour, Field uses them all to push forward a variety of plots that come together as the story unfolds. With little time for adequate development, Field thrusts them before the reader in hopes of making a great first impression. The story’s structure is strong, though the time Field wishes to cover makes it hard to encapsulate everything in an effective manner. Mixing long and short chapters, Field is able to push forward an impactful narrative that tells of the internal divisions within the Tudor Court—none of which had anything do to with the validity of marriage, for once. Field has done well with the entire series to date, using strong characters and developing lesser-known facts to create an entertaining piece that is sure to educate as well. New and seasoned David Field fans alike will take something away from this novel, as the series gets better the further one delves.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for another winner. I am so eager to see all your ideas coming to find the light of day. Keep up the fabulous work!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
I am pleased that David Field keeps adding to this series, which mixes well-known aspects of English history with lesser published bits. Field uses a solid narrative, balancing it with a cast of strong characters in this tumultuous time in Tudor history. From the young boy king, Edward, who seems to be going through the motions, to the deeply influential Regency Council, whose members include the persuasive Edward Seymour, Field uses them all to push forward a variety of plots that come together as the story unfolds. With little time for adequate development, Field thrusts them before the reader in hopes of making a great first impression. The story’s structure is strong, though the time Field wishes to cover makes it hard to encapsulate everything in an effective manner. Mixing long and short chapters, Field is able to push forward an impactful narrative that tells of the internal divisions within the Tudor Court—none of which had anything do to with the validity of marriage, for once. Field has done well with the entire series to date, using strong characters and developing lesser-known facts to create an entertaining piece that is sure to educate as well. New and seasoned David Field fans alike will take something away from this novel, as the series gets better the further one delves.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for another winner. I am so eager to see all your ideas coming to find the light of day. Keep up the fabulous work!
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
September 6, 2020
I get now why authors tell their aspiring colleagues to read a lot. Not just so they can see how to create good sentences and paragraphs and write believable dialogue, but so you don't make embarrassing mistakes. I finally understand why I read David Field's books: so I remember to do my research and don't end up like him!
=====
The guests have arrived and your fathers will beat you if they see the state you’ve got your clothing into.
You expect us to believe that Richard Ashton, who was so keen to avoid conflict in the last book, is suddenly nasty enough to use corporal punishment on his child?
Nope! Not too long after, David says that Richard and Henry Grey want to stay out of court drama, and a few pages beyond that, Richard admits that he never manages to discipline Grace because she always uses puppy eyes on him.
Way to make yourself look stupid!
But it gets worse:
Mary had then been employed as wet-nurse and governess at Bradgate House for the slightly elder girl, Jane Grey.
You could've saved yourself the trouble and just wrote, "I have no idea what the hell a wet nurse does"!
At literally the beginning of the book, David says that Mary Calthorpe is in her sixties. Much like getting milk from a cow, a woman has to have recently been pregnant to produce milk. A wet nurse is a professional breastfeeder—kind of impossible for a senior citizen who is probably still a virgin four years after her convent closed!
The Princess Mary of Scotland would one day become its Queen...
She was Queen of Scots even before that conversation started. That's the whole point of an heir! Just because Mary was too young to rule independently doesn't mean she wasn't queen. In fact, everything I've ever read about Mary Stuart said she was a princess for only five days, because her father died on the sixth, making her queen.
=====
Looking forward to learning more of what not to do!
+++++
~*~5 September~*~
I also play host to the Lady Elizabeth and her governess, Katherine Champernowne...
Except Kat married John Ashley in 1545, and the story has since moved past Henry VIII's death two years later. So no one would be calling her "Mistress Champernowne" anymore. (He finally admitted she got married, but said it was four years after the actual event!)
For all that she is too straight-laced, Lillibet, you should perhaps heed her words.
"Lillibet" is a nickname the second Elizabeth coined when she couldn't pronounce her own name. I doubt the first one would be using it, especially since she was later known as "Good Queen Bess".
~*~6 September~*~
...since [Jane] is reported to have been at Sudeley when the attempt on the King’s life occurred.
WTF was she doing there?! Tom's in London, Cat's dead, Elizabeth is back at Hatfield House and you just said Jane and Grace went to Durham House a few pages ago. (Where his completely incompetent ass admits that she was a few pages after that!)
In chapter sixteen, Field suggests that the king willingly put Jane ahead in the succession. Even though literally every other historian says he was forced into it by John Dudley and Frances Grey, and even though you've been pushing them dating in all but name the entire book. If Edward had planned to ask for her hand in marriage, he wouldn't have put her in the succession because she would've been queen by marriage!
Looking forward to Field depicting Jane as rejecting Edward's suit because she's in love with Guildford, or marrying Guildford in her grief at Edward's death. Basically, whatever lame excuse he can come up with to make it look like they wanted to get married, rather than the shotgun wedding it sounds like it actually was.
=====
The guests have arrived and your fathers will beat you if they see the state you’ve got your clothing into.
You expect us to believe that Richard Ashton, who was so keen to avoid conflict in the last book, is suddenly nasty enough to use corporal punishment on his child?
Nope! Not too long after, David says that Richard and Henry Grey want to stay out of court drama, and a few pages beyond that, Richard admits that he never manages to discipline Grace because she always uses puppy eyes on him.
Way to make yourself look stupid!
But it gets worse:
Mary had then been employed as wet-nurse and governess at Bradgate House for the slightly elder girl, Jane Grey.
You could've saved yourself the trouble and just wrote, "I have no idea what the hell a wet nurse does"!
At literally the beginning of the book, David says that Mary Calthorpe is in her sixties. Much like getting milk from a cow, a woman has to have recently been pregnant to produce milk. A wet nurse is a professional breastfeeder—kind of impossible for a senior citizen who is probably still a virgin four years after her convent closed!
The Princess Mary of Scotland would one day become its Queen...
She was Queen of Scots even before that conversation started. That's the whole point of an heir! Just because Mary was too young to rule independently doesn't mean she wasn't queen. In fact, everything I've ever read about Mary Stuart said she was a princess for only five days, because her father died on the sixth, making her queen.
=====
Looking forward to learning more of what not to do!
+++++
~*~5 September~*~
I also play host to the Lady Elizabeth and her governess, Katherine Champernowne...
Except Kat married John Ashley in 1545, and the story has since moved past Henry VIII's death two years later. So no one would be calling her "Mistress Champernowne" anymore. (He finally admitted she got married, but said it was four years after the actual event!)
For all that she is too straight-laced, Lillibet, you should perhaps heed her words.
"Lillibet" is a nickname the second Elizabeth coined when she couldn't pronounce her own name. I doubt the first one would be using it, especially since she was later known as "Good Queen Bess".
~*~6 September~*~
...since [Jane] is reported to have been at Sudeley when the attempt on the King’s life occurred.
WTF was she doing there?! Tom's in London, Cat's dead, Elizabeth is back at Hatfield House and you just said Jane and Grace went to Durham House a few pages ago. (Where his completely incompetent ass admits that she was a few pages after that!)
In chapter sixteen, Field suggests that the king willingly put Jane ahead in the succession. Even though literally every other historian says he was forced into it by John Dudley and Frances Grey, and even though you've been pushing them dating in all but name the entire book. If Edward had planned to ask for her hand in marriage, he wouldn't have put her in the succession because she would've been queen by marriage!
Looking forward to Field depicting Jane as rejecting Edward's suit because she's in love with Guildford, or marrying Guildford in her grief at Edward's death. Basically, whatever lame excuse he can come up with to make it look like they wanted to get married, rather than the shotgun wedding it sounds like it actually was.
February 3, 2021
Book 4 of 6
I'm not sure it's necessary to read this book out of the series. I've read the first three but stopped because the dollar amount per book became prohibitive (I couldn't afford it).
Just recently I went back because the books were more affordable. Now, I loved the first three, maybe I should have reread them.
I did enjoy this story, but like the reign of Queen Jane Grey, it was short.
I'm not sure it's necessary to read this book out of the series. I've read the first three but stopped because the dollar amount per book became prohibitive (I couldn't afford it).
Just recently I went back because the books were more affordable. Now, I loved the first three, maybe I should have reread them.
I did enjoy this story, but like the reign of Queen Jane Grey, it was short.
April 14, 2021
Great Reading.
I love these books, great detail. Huge cast to pick from and the fact that it's not the same recycled materials you usually.
I love these books, great detail. Huge cast to pick from and the fact that it's not the same recycled materials you usually.
October 18, 2019
No!
When you decide to fictionalise history you need to take account of the many documents that cover the era and do some research.
Here we find Jane Grey portrayed as the polar opposite to that. Always described as a serious young woman, well educated and intelligent she was a fanatical protestant who was well able to hold her own in theological discussion. Not the flippertigibbet who wanted to do no more than roll down hills with a friend. Serious minded she was the ideal candidate for the uprising against Mary and as far as history goes it's a good thing that they didn't settle on Elizabeth to usurp Mary. A pawn in the hands of her family and the Dudley's who overreached themselves by forcing Jane to marry Dudley.. I have read extensively on the period and only ever seen research that backs the assertion that Guildford was an empty headed oaf who expected to be handed the throne and who Jane was forced to marry in order that the Dudley's plan to rule England be completed.
Showing her in love with Guildford is a step too far.. and altering her character this much the same.
As for even a nun pleading on behalf of Grace.. Mary was not renowned for a kindly nature or forgiveness. It's contrary to the fact that she tore through the kingdom mercilessly killing anyone who might have possibly, just momentarily followed the prevailing winds and denounced Catholicism on the orders of her father and brother.
Glaring error declaring that the hidden nun Mary Calthorpe was first Jane's Grace's wet nurse when she had no children herself, being a bride of Christ, and was in her late 50's according to the authors own words. Be sure you understand what things mean before making such fundamentally incorrect assertions.
No I don't find it believable nor do I find it particularly well written and I can understand why the author needed to self publish.
When you decide to fictionalise history you need to take account of the many documents that cover the era and do some research.
Here we find Jane Grey portrayed as the polar opposite to that. Always described as a serious young woman, well educated and intelligent she was a fanatical protestant who was well able to hold her own in theological discussion. Not the flippertigibbet who wanted to do no more than roll down hills with a friend. Serious minded she was the ideal candidate for the uprising against Mary and as far as history goes it's a good thing that they didn't settle on Elizabeth to usurp Mary. A pawn in the hands of her family and the Dudley's who overreached themselves by forcing Jane to marry Dudley.. I have read extensively on the period and only ever seen research that backs the assertion that Guildford was an empty headed oaf who expected to be handed the throne and who Jane was forced to marry in order that the Dudley's plan to rule England be completed.
Showing her in love with Guildford is a step too far.. and altering her character this much the same.
As for even a nun pleading on behalf of Grace.. Mary was not renowned for a kindly nature or forgiveness. It's contrary to the fact that she tore through the kingdom mercilessly killing anyone who might have possibly, just momentarily followed the prevailing winds and denounced Catholicism on the orders of her father and brother.
Glaring error declaring that the hidden nun Mary Calthorpe was first Jane's Grace's wet nurse when she had no children herself, being a bride of Christ, and was in her late 50's according to the authors own words. Be sure you understand what things mean before making such fundamentally incorrect assertions.
No I don't find it believable nor do I find it particularly well written and I can understand why the author needed to self publish.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews