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Alais Capet #2
The Rebel Princess
Alais, the spirited and indomitable princess of France, returns for another thrilling adventure in this historically rich, mesmerizing sequel to "The Canterbury Papers"
When I settled back among the velvet cushions, the scenes from the cathedral replayed themselves before my unwilling eyes: the odd chalice, the way Constance looked at it, the interruption of Mass by the armed knights, the strange response of Chastellain to the king's inquiry.
A whisper within me matched the clap-clap of the horses' hooves on the stones of the Paris road: There is more here; there is more here.
Paris, October 1207. There is nothing that Princess Alais of France wants more than to settle down with her lover, William of Caen, and to reveal to his ward, Francis, that she is his mother.
But intrigue is afoot in the palace: two monks have arrived from Rome on a mission to compel her brother, Philippe, the king, to help them battle a dangerous breakaway Christian sect in the south known as the Cathars. At the same time, Alais's aunt, the dowager countess Constance of Toulouse, is causing trouble in court, and Etienne Chastellain, the king's chief official, appears to be up to something more sinister than usual.
Tensions are pushed to the brink when the St. John Cup, a relic much prized by the Cathars, is stolen, and then young Francis goes missing. Frantic for his safety, Alais will risk life and limb to find the boy. Donning a disguise, the royal princess must outwit cunning enemies and make her way into unfamiliar territory to save her son, and perhaps even prevent her beloved France from a bloody holy war.
From the opulent halls of Paris to austere monasteries in the south of France, "The Rebel Princess" combines history and suspense in an unforgettable tale involving one of the most enigmatic and intriguing female figures in medieval history.
When I settled back among the velvet cushions, the scenes from the cathedral replayed themselves before my unwilling eyes: the odd chalice, the way Constance looked at it, the interruption of Mass by the armed knights, the strange response of Chastellain to the king's inquiry.
A whisper within me matched the clap-clap of the horses' hooves on the stones of the Paris road: There is more here; there is more here.
Paris, October 1207. There is nothing that Princess Alais of France wants more than to settle down with her lover, William of Caen, and to reveal to his ward, Francis, that she is his mother.
But intrigue is afoot in the palace: two monks have arrived from Rome on a mission to compel her brother, Philippe, the king, to help them battle a dangerous breakaway Christian sect in the south known as the Cathars. At the same time, Alais's aunt, the dowager countess Constance of Toulouse, is causing trouble in court, and Etienne Chastellain, the king's chief official, appears to be up to something more sinister than usual.
Tensions are pushed to the brink when the St. John Cup, a relic much prized by the Cathars, is stolen, and then young Francis goes missing. Frantic for his safety, Alais will risk life and limb to find the boy. Donning a disguise, the royal princess must outwit cunning enemies and make her way into unfamiliar territory to save her son, and perhaps even prevent her beloved France from a bloody holy war.
From the opulent halls of Paris to austere monasteries in the south of France, "The Rebel Princess" combines history and suspense in an unforgettable tale involving one of the most enigmatic and intriguing female figures in medieval history.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 30, 2009
26 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Judith Koll Healey
7 books39 followersJudith Koll Healey is currently the president of a national firm that works with families in their philanthropic efforts. She is a published poet and short-fiction writer and has lectured internationally on the topic of art and the unconscious. She lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Series:
* Alais Capet
Series:
* Alais Capet
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
October 15, 2017
I just couldn't get into this book.I thought the first one was kinda fun but I think I totally lost patience with this one.Once again,we follow Alais Capet,one time fiancee of Richard the Lionheart and alleged mistress to Henry II on her adventures to locate her long,lost son.She is portrayed throughout this novel as a clairvoyant, detective and if you can get into that this just might be the book for you but I suppose I like my historical ladies a little more serious.In this the second book, Alais continues her search for her son and to finally inform him of his real parentage.In the way of Alais dreams are kidnapers,traitors,assorted criminals and murders.To even the odds,Alais uses her skills as a clairvoyant and her talents for mad schemes to rescue her boy.I found myself loosing interest in this very quickly and laughing hysterically whenever Alais slipped into visions.I just found it really ridiculous.
January 9, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of the Alais Capet series. I've been a major historical fiction fan (particularly medieval history, particularly mysteries) for most of my reading life, and I'm making an effort to read more about historical women. While of course this isn't a biography or nonfiction, it's clear that Healey has researched and relies on the historical source materials as much as possible. This doesn't mean it's dry or slow-moving at all; there's plenty of intrigue and adventurous travel that serves to highlight the lifestyles, customs, and politics of different parts of medieval France.
For more intrepid, intelligent women in a similar time period, I'd STRONGLY recommend Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death suspense series, set mostly in England during Henry II's reign; and Elizabeth Chadwick's Eleanor of Aquitaine series, which opens in her youth and is a great window into the complicated politics of medieval France and England.
For more intrepid, intelligent women in a similar time period, I'd STRONGLY recommend Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death suspense series, set mostly in England during Henry II's reign; and Elizabeth Chadwick's Eleanor of Aquitaine series, which opens in her youth and is a great window into the complicated politics of medieval France and England.
August 5, 2011
The Rebel Princess tells the story of Princess Alais of France, the daughter of King Louis VII and his second wife Queen Constance. Alais' early life at the British court of King Henry II has been well documented in other novels, typically because it is much juicier and more compelling than the events after she left, so it was a little refreshing to see something about the latter part of the princess' life. The more "tabloid worthy" events of her early years were likely documented in The Rebel Princess' predecessor The Canterbury Papers, which, admittedly, I haven't read. When I picked up this book, it wasn't really obvious that the two had any connection other than the same author (it doesn't say anything about being a direct sequel). While it helps to have the added exposition to better understand the characters and their motives, it was actually very easy to get into and there were enough references to previous events to get up to speed on the previous novel.
After Alais left England, she returned to live at the court of her brother, King Phillippe of France. Alais is surprised when Phillippe asks her advice on a note to stay out of the affairs of Toulouse, where his cousin, a rival king, rules. Phillipe is caught up in the religious wars of the time, while Alais defies her betrothed, William, and rides out into the country in search of answers about her missing aunt. Alais uncovers unexpected plots to change the political structure of France.
The Rebel Princess can be a little cumbersome for some readers. The writing style is very flowery and elegant, with an emphasis on capturing dialog and details that accurately reflect the period. While this is great for history buffs, it's a little difficult for more casual readers who want to just enjoy a book without having to study it too much. I'm not a big fan of the highly accurate period dialog, mostly because I end up having to read it multiple times and, okay, I'm a little impatient. I typically just want to know what's going to happen next and don't want to get bogged down by weighty old-school dialog. It's spot-on for readers who enjoy the approach, but I'm not one of them. Sadly, the dialog hurt the story's pacing, many times slowing it to a painful crawl.
The romance aspect is also a major element in the novel, but focuses more on sweetness than steaminess. For the most part it felt natural and made sense, and works for historical romance fans. I was, however, more captivated by the exploration of Alais' love for her family and court politics than a romantic relationship.
Rebel Princess is a decent novel for hard-core history fans, but if you're looking for a thrilling historical mystery or a juicy historical romance, this isn't the book for you
After Alais left England, she returned to live at the court of her brother, King Phillippe of France. Alais is surprised when Phillippe asks her advice on a note to stay out of the affairs of Toulouse, where his cousin, a rival king, rules. Phillipe is caught up in the religious wars of the time, while Alais defies her betrothed, William, and rides out into the country in search of answers about her missing aunt. Alais uncovers unexpected plots to change the political structure of France.
The Rebel Princess can be a little cumbersome for some readers. The writing style is very flowery and elegant, with an emphasis on capturing dialog and details that accurately reflect the period. While this is great for history buffs, it's a little difficult for more casual readers who want to just enjoy a book without having to study it too much. I'm not a big fan of the highly accurate period dialog, mostly because I end up having to read it multiple times and, okay, I'm a little impatient. I typically just want to know what's going to happen next and don't want to get bogged down by weighty old-school dialog. It's spot-on for readers who enjoy the approach, but I'm not one of them. Sadly, the dialog hurt the story's pacing, many times slowing it to a painful crawl.
The romance aspect is also a major element in the novel, but focuses more on sweetness than steaminess. For the most part it felt natural and made sense, and works for historical romance fans. I was, however, more captivated by the exploration of Alais' love for her family and court politics than a romantic relationship.
Rebel Princess is a decent novel for hard-core history fans, but if you're looking for a thrilling historical mystery or a juicy historical romance, this isn't the book for you
July 20, 2009
I found this second novel in the Princess Alais and Lord William series to be more cumbersome than the first book, The Canterbury Papers. In setting up the backdrop of early 13th century France with its political and religious intrigue involving King Philippe of France, the Cathars (a rogue offshoot of the Catholic church and deemed heretical) and Rome, the first half of the book is slow going. A host of additional new characters are introduced, though all historically correct, and one almost needs a score card to keep track of the lot.
The second half of the book is much faster paced, outside of Philippe’s Paris court, as Alais sets out on her own with her little band of stalwart knights to save the life of her kidnapped son, Francis (her love child with King Henry II of England). Thrown into this mix is a missing gold jewel encrusted chalice, known as the St John Cup (John as in the 4th chapter of the New Testament) which has been stolen from King Philippe’s care (I guess that makes Alais sort of medieval Indiana Jones) and a group of Cathar women that aid her in freeing the purloined Francis.
What drove me nuts, though, are the timelines the author has constructed. I’m completely fine with the fact the author has massaged history for her own purposes, making some of the characters available long after they had actually died, making some younger, and some older, and shifting the chronology of events, which is her license as a writer of fiction. But even when you are using a fictional timeline, it should be consistent. Healey has been purposely vague on ages and birthdates, but the ages the characters are in book two (which takes place 7 years after the first novel), just doesn’t jive with their previous storylines. Case in point, Philippe is described at one point being barely “30 summers”….which would have made him 23 in the first book, and 3 years old during the famous intrigue he was involved with Henry II and his sons. It was a little distracting.
The book ended with Lord William riding off with Francis to quell another intrigue in Paris, leaving the door open for book three in this series. I really hope this doesn’t turn into another Outlander….I got sick of Claire and Jamie by book 3!
The second half of the book is much faster paced, outside of Philippe’s Paris court, as Alais sets out on her own with her little band of stalwart knights to save the life of her kidnapped son, Francis (her love child with King Henry II of England). Thrown into this mix is a missing gold jewel encrusted chalice, known as the St John Cup (John as in the 4th chapter of the New Testament) which has been stolen from King Philippe’s care (I guess that makes Alais sort of medieval Indiana Jones) and a group of Cathar women that aid her in freeing the purloined Francis.
What drove me nuts, though, are the timelines the author has constructed. I’m completely fine with the fact the author has massaged history for her own purposes, making some of the characters available long after they had actually died, making some younger, and some older, and shifting the chronology of events, which is her license as a writer of fiction. But even when you are using a fictional timeline, it should be consistent. Healey has been purposely vague on ages and birthdates, but the ages the characters are in book two (which takes place 7 years after the first novel), just doesn’t jive with their previous storylines. Case in point, Philippe is described at one point being barely “30 summers”….which would have made him 23 in the first book, and 3 years old during the famous intrigue he was involved with Henry II and his sons. It was a little distracting.
The book ended with Lord William riding off with Francis to quell another intrigue in Paris, leaving the door open for book three in this series. I really hope this doesn’t turn into another Outlander….I got sick of Claire and Jamie by book 3!
February 20, 2013
A fascinating premise leads to an incredible disappointment. The prose plods along with the plot and what should have been an intriguing protagonist is utterly flat and far less intelligent than the book's early stages promise. The Rebel Princess could have benefited from much more rigorous editing and development.
August 3, 2016
If I could this book would be rated a 2.5. I loved the characters but I felt much of the plot was slow and rather unsuspensful. The ending was also anti-climactic.
August 7, 2023
I read this book as a continuation of The Canterbury Papers and I definitely recommend reading that book first, as it sets up the character of Princesse Alaïs (or Alix or Alys), the second born daughter of King Louis VII of France and Eleanor of Aquitaine, betrothed of Richard later called Lionheart, who would be taken at age 16 as lover by Henry VIII. Add to those qualifications a withered left hand and occasional bouts of precognition, and our author has a fascinating character to run her story.
And it's a great story, placed right at the start of the Roman Catholic / Northern French power grab that used the Albigensian Heresy as its pretext for stealing what is now the south of France from its rightful, gentle, Yes-saying people, and instituting the Inquisition. Alaïs steps far outside the accepted womanly, princessly role, overcoming the objections of the strong men in her life with the help of a wily group of Languedoc women -- my kind of story!
Interestingly, we never know just how old our hero Alaïs is. She tells us she has wrinkles and pains, and harkens back to her youthful fling with the powerful Henry as if it's in her distant past. Yet her stamina and openness to intrigue and romance suggest she's in her late twenties or early thirties. As I noted in my review of The Canterbury Papers, the mainsprings of this story (the wickedness of fanaticism and greed, the stupidity of inherited power) and the spottiness of the history of the times invites authors like Healey to spin wondrous tales.
So now I want to know, is there a third Alaïs book in the works? She's doubtless getting too old for the exertions of this book, but I'd be happy to read a book about her and her William settling down for a sweet elderhood.
And it's a great story, placed right at the start of the Roman Catholic / Northern French power grab that used the Albigensian Heresy as its pretext for stealing what is now the south of France from its rightful, gentle, Yes-saying people, and instituting the Inquisition. Alaïs steps far outside the accepted womanly, princessly role, overcoming the objections of the strong men in her life with the help of a wily group of Languedoc women -- my kind of story!
Interestingly, we never know just how old our hero Alaïs is. She tells us she has wrinkles and pains, and harkens back to her youthful fling with the powerful Henry as if it's in her distant past. Yet her stamina and openness to intrigue and romance suggest she's in her late twenties or early thirties. As I noted in my review of The Canterbury Papers, the mainsprings of this story (the wickedness of fanaticism and greed, the stupidity of inherited power) and the spottiness of the history of the times invites authors like Healey to spin wondrous tales.
So now I want to know, is there a third Alaïs book in the works? She's doubtless getting too old for the exertions of this book, but I'd be happy to read a book about her and her William settling down for a sweet elderhood.
March 10, 2018
The Rebel Princess by Judith Koll Healey is book 2 of the Alais Capet historical fiction series set in 1207 France. Princess Alais of France resides in the palace with her brother, King Philippe. She is waiting for her lover's return so they can be together at last; she longs to claim her son Francis and reveal his true identity. But when William (grand master of the Knights Templar) arrives, it is only for a brief visit before he departs on yet another clandestine mission.
Fanatic war-mongering monks arrive from Rome, demanding Philippe battle the Cathars in Toulouse. Philippe resists; he has no desire to be at war with his cousin Raymond. Philippe already has turmoil close at hand: suspicious motives and actions of many court advisors. The jeweled chalice said to have been St. John's is stolen, further inflaming tensions at court.
When Francis goes missing, Alais fears for his life, and takes matters into her own hands. Disguising herself, she sets off secretly with a few trusted knights. When she reaches Languedoc, she finds willing allies among the Cathar women at Fontfroide Abbey.
After enjoying the suspenseful and satisfying conclusion, be sure to read the Afterword, which describes the actual historic timeline leading up to the Cathar Crusade, then to the Inquisition.
Fanatic war-mongering monks arrive from Rome, demanding Philippe battle the Cathars in Toulouse. Philippe resists; he has no desire to be at war with his cousin Raymond. Philippe already has turmoil close at hand: suspicious motives and actions of many court advisors. The jeweled chalice said to have been St. John's is stolen, further inflaming tensions at court.
When Francis goes missing, Alais fears for his life, and takes matters into her own hands. Disguising herself, she sets off secretly with a few trusted knights. When she reaches Languedoc, she finds willing allies among the Cathar women at Fontfroide Abbey.
After enjoying the suspenseful and satisfying conclusion, be sure to read the Afterword, which describes the actual historic timeline leading up to the Cathar Crusade, then to the Inquisition.
July 8, 2017
I enjoyed this second adventure of Princess Alaïs, sister of King Phillipe Augustus of France & step-daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine, begun in the book The Lost Letters of Aquitaine.
Set against the build up of the crusade against the Cathars in the Langue d'Oc of what is now southern France, the story moves between the royal court in Paris, and the Cathar strongholds of the south.
Koll Healey weaves real historical figures into the story, which is a romance/mystery/adventure. It is important to remember it is fiction.
Much of the action depends on very contrived coincidences - and on a couple of occasions frankly ludicrous "Famous Five" type scenarios of overhearing baddies plotting, and even a hidden dungeon!
It's escapist nonsense, but enjoyable, the second half more so than the first. Act I has some pretty tedious scene-setting and faux-formal language; Act II rollicks along as chase is given across the south, heros endangered, and our fiesty heroine turning the tables on all the derry-doing blokes!
Set against the build up of the crusade against the Cathars in the Langue d'Oc of what is now southern France, the story moves between the royal court in Paris, and the Cathar strongholds of the south.
Koll Healey weaves real historical figures into the story, which is a romance/mystery/adventure. It is important to remember it is fiction.
Much of the action depends on very contrived coincidences - and on a couple of occasions frankly ludicrous "Famous Five" type scenarios of overhearing baddies plotting, and even a hidden dungeon!
It's escapist nonsense, but enjoyable, the second half more so than the first. Act I has some pretty tedious scene-setting and faux-formal language; Act II rollicks along as chase is given across the south, heros endangered, and our fiesty heroine turning the tables on all the derry-doing blokes!
May 28, 2021
The second in the Alais Capet duology, this book was slightly more difficult to get into. The sense of urgency was somehow lacking until the final third of the book, when stakes turn deadly. I suppose it's partly because we don't get introduced to Alais, who is cunning and observant, as well as blessed with a 'second sight' ability. The story follows the build-up to the first (and very bloody) Christian-on-Christian crusade, though dates are fudged a bit to lend tension. Alais doesn't really have a central part in the intrigue, but she functions as a sort of detective, motivated by her personal passions. Most of her value in the story is extended through repetitive observations and thoughts, which didn't help with the slow pacing or the (very little) character development. I do like that it didn't end on a happily ever after note, as fitting for a historical fiction around the time that an entire culture in what's now the south of France was wiped out. But for the most part, the book was 'meh' for me.
April 5, 2023
In this sequel to The Canterbury Papers, troubles seem to surround Princess Alaïs Capet of France like storm clouds. She receives threats against her personal household, and a letter warning her against the papal delegation from Rome, which is urging the king to join the crusade to stamp out the Cathars, a new religious sect taking hold in the south of France. The king confides his suspicions that someone in his own household is betraying them all. Meanwhile, Alaïs is hoping her betrothed can finally finish his diplomatic duties and get home to marry her.
The novel is set in France, in the early 1200s, and the reader is catapulted into the action. We follow events leading up to the Crusade’s attempts to eradicate this so-called heresy. Though details are sometimes a bit contrived, the story itself is an entertaining mix of history, romance and adventure.
The novel is set in France, in the early 1200s, and the reader is catapulted into the action. We follow events leading up to the Crusade’s attempts to eradicate this so-called heresy. Though details are sometimes a bit contrived, the story itself is an entertaining mix of history, romance and adventure.
March 18, 2018
More like 3.75. Read this for the joy of being one with a strong woman. The plot is adventurous without significant tension and the characters are well drawn. I wish there were more in the series, but at the same time the best books in the Outlander series (similar premise with some romance of a strong, smart female and a knightly male) were the earlier ones, those before the offspring had larger roles.
November 18, 2021
Well-researched. That is its strength. The suspense in the plot was only the second half if the book and for as many threads as needed to be woven together, they all seemed to be explained right at the end which felt a bit anti-climactic. There was potential for a lot more suspense!
But it’s obvious that the author knows and enjoys that time period.
But it’s obvious that the author knows and enjoys that time period.
October 27, 2018
I did not read the first book in this series, but I plan to soon. I did not feel like I missed anything by picking up this book first. It stood well on its own. This novel successfully incorporated political and religious issues of the time period with interpersonal relationships.
June 12, 2018
It was a good easy read.
April 13, 2025
I didn't like it as much as the first book, but it was pretty good
January 5, 2017
Great historical fiction! Loved everything about this book, gotta look for more from this author.
February 4, 2018
Started off good but ended foolishly.
April 16, 2021
Taken together this two book saga fully engaged my time and enjoyment.
The writing is very believable and well integrated with circumstances and history in France, Europe and Asia. I could not easily tear myself away.
The writing is very believable and well integrated with circumstances and history in France, Europe and Asia. I could not easily tear myself away.
September 4, 2013
This book was a gift, so I didn't realize until I was nearly done that it is the sequel to The Canterbury Papers. However, that did not diminish my ability to understand the narrative or enjoy the story of Alais of France. Set in 1207, this novel covers Alais as a middle aged woman who desires to marry William of Caen and settle down to a quiet life. However, intrigue at her brother Phillipe's court lead to Alais setting out to find a kidnapped young knight and a stolen chalice.
Healey is clear in her afterward that, while her novel is based on several true historical figures, this is a very fictional tale, with no real historical backing. Although I enjoyed Alais' journey and the suspense of the story, parts of it didn't seem entirely plausible given the time period. I find it exceedingly difficult to believe a royal princess would have left the court with only a few male escorts on such a mission. Or that she would have resorted to posing as a nun successfully. I also doubt her son could have remained secret for so long without at least her brother Philippe finding out. However, I was glad that Healey imagines that Alais had a secret son, because Francis figures strongly in the plot, as well as in Alais' motivations in going on her adventure.
I also was skeptical that a royal princess would have have pre-marital sexual relationships with not one but two men during her life. In 1207, about the only thing a young royal lady had was her good name and reputation, and she would never have dared spoiling it by casually taking lovers before marriage. Yet even after suffering a secret pregnancy, Alais is portrayed risking all for her intended husband, William.
I really liked Alais as a character. She is spirited and courageous, and seems to have power at court thanks to her relationship with her brother the king. I thought Healey did a good job describing Alais physically as well - including her clothing and her left hand, which had been withered since birth, leading Alais to keep it discretely tucked into a pocket when in public. I would like to go back and read the first novel by Healey, because Alais' early life sounds intriguing, especially her involvement with King Henry and Queen Eleanor.
Healey is clear in her afterward that, while her novel is based on several true historical figures, this is a very fictional tale, with no real historical backing. Although I enjoyed Alais' journey and the suspense of the story, parts of it didn't seem entirely plausible given the time period. I find it exceedingly difficult to believe a royal princess would have left the court with only a few male escorts on such a mission. Or that she would have resorted to posing as a nun successfully. I also doubt her son could have remained secret for so long without at least her brother Philippe finding out. However, I was glad that Healey imagines that Alais had a secret son, because Francis figures strongly in the plot, as well as in Alais' motivations in going on her adventure.
I also was skeptical that a royal princess would have have pre-marital sexual relationships with not one but two men during her life. In 1207, about the only thing a young royal lady had was her good name and reputation, and she would never have dared spoiling it by casually taking lovers before marriage. Yet even after suffering a secret pregnancy, Alais is portrayed risking all for her intended husband, William.
I really liked Alais as a character. She is spirited and courageous, and seems to have power at court thanks to her relationship with her brother the king. I thought Healey did a good job describing Alais physically as well - including her clothing and her left hand, which had been withered since birth, leading Alais to keep it discretely tucked into a pocket when in public. I would like to go back and read the first novel by Healey, because Alais' early life sounds intriguing, especially her involvement with King Henry and Queen Eleanor.
December 1, 2014
Before reading this, I had never heard of Alais Capet before. This time period in France remained completely unknown to me, and so I didn’t have an interest in finding books about it. However, one day in the library I came upon this book by chance and decided it might be interesting, so I picked it up without knowing it was a sequel to another book.
The wonderful thing about this book is that while it makes references to The Canterbury Papers everything is always explained, so you aren’t left wondering what the heck is going on. I understood what was going on perfectly without having to read the first book, though if it was anything like this book, I would recommend picking it up first – it seems like it’s a rather good book as well.
While there is quite a bit of a conspiracy/mystery element going on as you try to figure out who has the chalice and why, I found the other elements in the book enjoyable so that it wasn’t just a “whodunit” kind of book. (which I normally do not like.) I found the descriptions of court life to be different than what I am used to, so getting into another time period’s court (as opposed to Tudor or Elizabethan England) and how it was run held a certain appeal to me. Certainly, it appears less well organized and less formal than the courts to come in a few hundred years.
For Alais to be so powerful in that time period with a deformity such as she had was curious to me. I know that her brother loved her and that she did try to hide her deformed hand with her clothing. I just found it interesting that there wasn’t more of a bias against her because of her hand – didn’t people in those time periods sort of see it as God’s curse?
That the Cathar women were so powerful in their society was amazing. There is a passage in which it states that women in the north are used more to be attractive decorations, whereas in the south they use their brains and influence more. What a different land Foix is from Paris!
An enjoyable book about a little written about time period.
The wonderful thing about this book is that while it makes references to The Canterbury Papers everything is always explained, so you aren’t left wondering what the heck is going on. I understood what was going on perfectly without having to read the first book, though if it was anything like this book, I would recommend picking it up first – it seems like it’s a rather good book as well.
While there is quite a bit of a conspiracy/mystery element going on as you try to figure out who has the chalice and why, I found the other elements in the book enjoyable so that it wasn’t just a “whodunit” kind of book. (which I normally do not like.) I found the descriptions of court life to be different than what I am used to, so getting into another time period’s court (as opposed to Tudor or Elizabethan England) and how it was run held a certain appeal to me. Certainly, it appears less well organized and less formal than the courts to come in a few hundred years.
For Alais to be so powerful in that time period with a deformity such as she had was curious to me. I know that her brother loved her and that she did try to hide her deformed hand with her clothing. I just found it interesting that there wasn’t more of a bias against her because of her hand – didn’t people in those time periods sort of see it as God’s curse?
That the Cathar women were so powerful in their society was amazing. There is a passage in which it states that women in the north are used more to be attractive decorations, whereas in the south they use their brains and influence more. What a different land Foix is from Paris!
An enjoyable book about a little written about time period.
March 18, 2013
Man. Oh man oh man oh man. Where do I start?
The good: I was MUCH more impressed with this book than I was with The Canterbury Papers. In fact, I picked up The Rebel Princess before I realized there was a sequel, and read it mainly to get to this book. The prose and general style are much more developed and mature, and I thought that it made points clearer. As well, the subplot concerning the Cathar religion was fascinating - it was something I had never heard of before and will promptly be taking out several books from the library on it.
The bad: I thought that the situation with Alais and the papal legate was formed as a far too black-and-white situation; there are always two sides to a story, after all. I was not impressed with Alais's attitude in parts of the book. I was also very disappointed when I realized how different the situations were between the real Alys, Countess of Vexin and this Princess Alais of France.
Overall: If there's a sequel, I'll read it, because I want to find out what happens with William and Francis, dammit. 3.75/5.
The good: I was MUCH more impressed with this book than I was with The Canterbury Papers. In fact, I picked up The Rebel Princess before I realized there was a sequel, and read it mainly to get to this book. The prose and general style are much more developed and mature, and I thought that it made points clearer. As well, the subplot concerning the Cathar religion was fascinating - it was something I had never heard of before and will promptly be taking out several books from the library on it.
The bad: I thought that the situation with Alais and the papal legate was formed as a far too black-and-white situation; there are always two sides to a story, after all. I was not impressed with Alais's attitude in parts of the book. I was also very disappointed when I realized how different the situations were between the real Alys, Countess of Vexin and this Princess Alais of France.
Overall: If there's a sequel, I'll read it, because I want to find out what happens with William and Francis, dammit. 3.75/5.
February 5, 2016
Where to start? This was a very, very, very long read for me. I would start reading it and stop, then repeat the exercise for the next month and a half.
For me, reading this historical fiction which, mind you, was very well written and full of many, many historical events, was pure torture.
It might be (but I doubt it) because I hadn’t read the book before it, THE CANTERBURY PAPERS. Or it might be too much of history and not enough of fiction; but whatever it was, I wasn’t able to connect to it. That doesn’t mean that you’ll fail to connect as well. Your tastes might lead you to love it.
I’ll blame my personal taste, and not the style of writing or the prose, that caused me to disconnect with the protagonists and the story itself.
In all honesty, I can’t recommend it to romance lovers; BUT I can to all you history buffs, and for that reason alone I’m giving this novel Four Roses. I’ll be glad to pass it along to someone that would appreciate it more than I did.
Melanie for RRAH
For me, reading this historical fiction which, mind you, was very well written and full of many, many historical events, was pure torture.
It might be (but I doubt it) because I hadn’t read the book before it, THE CANTERBURY PAPERS. Or it might be too much of history and not enough of fiction; but whatever it was, I wasn’t able to connect to it. That doesn’t mean that you’ll fail to connect as well. Your tastes might lead you to love it.
I’ll blame my personal taste, and not the style of writing or the prose, that caused me to disconnect with the protagonists and the story itself.
In all honesty, I can’t recommend it to romance lovers; BUT I can to all you history buffs, and for that reason alone I’m giving this novel Four Roses. I’ll be glad to pass it along to someone that would appreciate it more than I did.
Melanie for RRAH
July 1, 2017
I enjoyed this but I'm a bit disappointed with the ending. It just cuts off. Of course, everything ended up getting resolved that really needed to be resolved but I didn't feel satisfied.
Also, the there was a lot of build-up but once the actual "adventure" started it felt very rushed.
Not a bad story (though there's quite a lot of liberties taken with the historical content I feel like but I hadn't read the first novel so I may be missing information) but there could be more focus on the character development (even with the characters newly introduced that I'm assuming weren't mentioned in the first book), the plot details and the flow. The writing itself wasn't terrible but it was very juvenile compared to what I had expected.
As I said, I did enjoy the book but I'm giving it two stars for the reasons above.
Also, the there was a lot of build-up but once the actual "adventure" started it felt very rushed.
Not a bad story (though there's quite a lot of liberties taken with the historical content I feel like but I hadn't read the first novel so I may be missing information) but there could be more focus on the character development (even with the characters newly introduced that I'm assuming weren't mentioned in the first book), the plot details and the flow. The writing itself wasn't terrible but it was very juvenile compared to what I had expected.
As I said, I did enjoy the book but I'm giving it two stars for the reasons above.
November 16, 2010
Princess Alais, sister to the king of France, is a feisty young woman who relies on her hunches as she navigates conspiracies and shifting loyalties within the royal French court of the early 13th century. Although this book is a sequel to The Canterbury Papers it stands well on its own. Alais wants to marry her lover, grand master of the Knights Templar, and reveal her true identity to her son, but instead she is swept up in dangerous schemes as a papal envoy tries to persuade the French king to enter into a religious fray in the south. Rich period details are mixed with page-turning suspense and intrigue (and a bit of romance).
January 23, 2016
History focuses more on the kings, not their sister princesses. This novel, with its background on the Cathar "heresy" of the early 13th century, lends itself naturally to a female protagonist. Women were stronger leaders in the Cathar movement, which advocated a return to the purity of the early Catholic Church. This story showcased some of the noblewomen who sacrificed their security by supporting the Cathars. The twist or climax, though, was a little gimmicky and somewhat unbelievable. Instead of ending it where she did, Healey should have extended the story to encompass the resulting wars rather than just addressing it in the historical note.
July 14, 2009
Sequel to The Canterbury Papers, this novel picks up with Princess Alaiis very frustrated with her situation. Her secret significant other, William of Caen, is away on Templar business, and she is at odds and bored with the French court. But intrigue always seems to find this woman, and soon she is wrapped up in secret plans for the Pope's men to raise an army against Southern France to stamp down on the newly rooted Cathars. Another kidnapping, stealing of treasure, murder, and intrigue ensue. Pretty good, and very well done with the historical detail.
Want to read
August 13, 2011I read the first book, The Canterbury Papers, years ago. It as an enjoyable light read, on a person not often seen in HF, especially at the time. More of an adventure with a bit of mystery, than a straight HF. There were some inconsistencies and errors that kept pulling me out of the story, I hope that things are tighter and better edited in this follow up.
July 12, 2014
I like the idea behind Healey's Princess Alais novels, take a relatively unknown historical woman and place her at the center of important events, but it just feels as if the lengthy (and often repetitive) explanations drag out what at heart is an adventure. The end, however, is abrupt as two people important to Alais' current mission are simply announced as having been killed! Then the book just stops!
December 21, 2009
Mystery/intrigue set in the 13th century. The story as very good and easy to follow. The only thing I had a problem with was figuring out the people and their royal connections. Even though I have see a Lion in Winter, it didn't help me very much. Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, etc., etc. I eventually worked it out...thanks to the Internet.
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