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The Plantagenet Legacy #3
The Usurper King
From Outlaw to Usurper, Henry Bolingbroke fought one rebellion after another. First, he led his own uprising. Then he captured a forsaken king. Henry had no intention of taking the crown for himself; it was given to him by popular acclaim. Alas, it didn't take long to realize that that having the kingship was much less rewarding than striving for it. Only three months after his coronation, Henry IV had to face a rebellion led by Richard's disgruntled favorites. Repressive measures led to more discontent. His own supporters turned against him, demanding more than he could give. The haughty Percies precipitated the Battle of Shrewsbury which nearly cost him the throne—and his life.
To make matters worse, even after Richard II's funeral, the deposed monarch was rumored to be in Scotland, planning his return. The king just wouldn't stay down and malcontents wanted him back.
To make matters worse, even after Richard II's funeral, the deposed monarch was rumored to be in Scotland, planning his return. The king just wouldn't stay down and malcontents wanted him back.
- GenresBritish Literature
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2021
19 people are currently reading
55 people want to read
About the author
Mercedes Rochelle
17 books149 followersBorn and raised in St. Louis MO, Mercedes Rochelle graduated with a degree in English literature from University of Missouri. Mercedes learned about living history as a re-enactor and has been enamored with historical fiction ever since. A move to New York to do research and two careers ensued, but writing fiction remains her primary vocation. She lives in Sergeantsville, NJ with her husband in a log home they had built themselves.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 14, 2021
The Usurper King Book Three of The Plantagenet Legacy by Mercedes Rochelle is the tale of Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford, Earl of Derby and Duke of Lancaster upon the death of his father, John of Gaunt, third son of King Edward III.
The book begins sometime after 1398 when Henry was exiled from the kingdom by King Richard II due to a dispute with Thomas de Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk. While Mowbray was exiled for life, Henry's punishment was to be exiled for 6 years.
Henry might well have stayed out of England for the 6 year period if not for his father, John of Gaunt passing away in February 1399. With Gaunt's death the Duchy of Lancaster should have been inherited by Henry Bolingbroke. King Richard II revoked the documents concerning Henry's inheritance. This move by King Richard II precipitates a series of events far reaching in scope and consequences.
The author deals well with the many characters in the story line and writes depth into the personalities and motives of the various people involved. A thoroughly researched narrative that takes the reader into the gritty and oftentimes brutal political world of the late 14th / early 15th century of English politics. The shifting loyalties of the royal house and nobles was ever changing with personal feuds causing much strife and chaos throughout King Richard II's reign prompting Henry Bolingbroke to invade England in the summer of 1399 in an attempt to get back his Lancasterian inheritance. Events escalate for Henry from his initial plan to retrieve his inheritance to claiming the throne itself in October 1399.
As Henry was soon to learn achieving the crown was the easy part. Keeping the crown was a much harder task that called for difficult decisions and sadly many betrayals of trust.
I enjoyed reading about this episode in English history. The author writes each character with such depth and emotion I went from not really liking King Richard to feeling sorry for him which is a mark of a great writer for me. The writing of the main character of Henry Bolingbroke was so well done that one can't help but emphasize with Henry's difficulties and the hard decisions he is forced to make throughout his attempt to get back his inheritance to usurping the throne.
I hope the author continues with this series and writes about Henry Bolingbroke's son, Henry of Monmouth / King Henry V who featured quite a bit in this book and was a very interesting character.
The book begins sometime after 1398 when Henry was exiled from the kingdom by King Richard II due to a dispute with Thomas de Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk. While Mowbray was exiled for life, Henry's punishment was to be exiled for 6 years.
Henry might well have stayed out of England for the 6 year period if not for his father, John of Gaunt passing away in February 1399. With Gaunt's death the Duchy of Lancaster should have been inherited by Henry Bolingbroke. King Richard II revoked the documents concerning Henry's inheritance. This move by King Richard II precipitates a series of events far reaching in scope and consequences.
The author deals well with the many characters in the story line and writes depth into the personalities and motives of the various people involved. A thoroughly researched narrative that takes the reader into the gritty and oftentimes brutal political world of the late 14th / early 15th century of English politics. The shifting loyalties of the royal house and nobles was ever changing with personal feuds causing much strife and chaos throughout King Richard II's reign prompting Henry Bolingbroke to invade England in the summer of 1399 in an attempt to get back his Lancasterian inheritance. Events escalate for Henry from his initial plan to retrieve his inheritance to claiming the throne itself in October 1399.
As Henry was soon to learn achieving the crown was the easy part. Keeping the crown was a much harder task that called for difficult decisions and sadly many betrayals of trust.
I enjoyed reading about this episode in English history. The author writes each character with such depth and emotion I went from not really liking King Richard to feeling sorry for him which is a mark of a great writer for me. The writing of the main character of Henry Bolingbroke was so well done that one can't help but emphasize with Henry's difficulties and the hard decisions he is forced to make throughout his attempt to get back his inheritance to usurping the throne.
I hope the author continues with this series and writes about Henry Bolingbroke's son, Henry of Monmouth / King Henry V who featured quite a bit in this book and was a very interesting character.
April 8, 2021
I've read many of Rochelle's books now, and this one was a personal favorite. Much attention was given to the overall character of Henry IV and though he was the "Usurper King", it made him likeable, approachable, and frankly--heroic. Had I been an English subject at the time, I would have been cheering the man on, after living under the tyrannical and faulty rule of King Richard!
What also intrigued me was the further introduction of Henry's son Hal--destined to become Henry V. Rochelle made me eager to hear more about this youth, who is full of angst and frustration. Indeed, this book was chock full of sensational characters, well-fleshed out for the reader.
Still, the main thing that makes Rochelle's work wonderful historical fiction is the impeccable research. Wow. It's as though the woman is a fly-on-history's-walls! The court intrigue, superbly described battle scenes, the suffering, and disappointment that faces each individual in the story is fully supported in historical context.
For readers seeking a meaty read on the high Middle Ages, this one's for you! FIVE-STARS for great story-telling and factual background!
What also intrigued me was the further introduction of Henry's son Hal--destined to become Henry V. Rochelle made me eager to hear more about this youth, who is full of angst and frustration. Indeed, this book was chock full of sensational characters, well-fleshed out for the reader.
Still, the main thing that makes Rochelle's work wonderful historical fiction is the impeccable research. Wow. It's as though the woman is a fly-on-history's-walls! The court intrigue, superbly described battle scenes, the suffering, and disappointment that faces each individual in the story is fully supported in historical context.
For readers seeking a meaty read on the high Middle Ages, this one's for you! FIVE-STARS for great story-telling and factual background!
May 19, 2025
I'm so glad this book finally came out in audio and that the narrator is the same! Lovely work as always.
May 11, 2021
https://www.amazon.com/Usurper-King-P...
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
This is the first time I have read any books by Mercedes Rochelle, but it won't be the last!! I must say, she has an impeccable talent for providing in-depth research, bordering on a non-fiction style, flawlessly with the necessary elements of fiction. The dialogue was natural, and she gave you well-rounded characters, fleshing out these historical figures so that you felt you were actually standing in the room with them in their time period.
One of my favourite Shakespearean plays is Henry V, and I adore the Hollow Crown series, so this book expanded the story of that time period with perfection. I will definitely be adding the rest of this series to my TBR list. I highly recommend this book!!
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
This is the first time I have read any books by Mercedes Rochelle, but it won't be the last!! I must say, she has an impeccable talent for providing in-depth research, bordering on a non-fiction style, flawlessly with the necessary elements of fiction. The dialogue was natural, and she gave you well-rounded characters, fleshing out these historical figures so that you felt you were actually standing in the room with them in their time period.
One of my favourite Shakespearean plays is Henry V, and I adore the Hollow Crown series, so this book expanded the story of that time period with perfection. I will definitely be adding the rest of this series to my TBR list. I highly recommend this book!!
August 11, 2021
We are proud to announce that THE USURPER KING by Mercedes Rochelle has been honored with the B.R.A.G.Medallion (Book Readers Appreciation Group). It now joins the very select award-winning, reader-recommended books at indieBRAG.
February 2, 2025
The gallant knight Henry Bolingbroke is welcomed by the French Court even though he has been declared an outlaw and banished by his cousin, King Richard II of England. Henry's decision to risk returning to England in 1399 AD to claim his inheritance after his father's death sets the stage for political unrest in the Medieval Historical Fiction, The Usurper King (Book 3 of The Plantagenet Legacy).
At the urging of Archbishop Arundel, Henry gathers an army and forcibly takes his estates while Richard II is on military campaign in Ireland. Winning the support of other English nobles, Henry confiscates land from those who oppose him and orders his soldiers to destroy much of Cheshire. He quickly gains enough power and support to declare himself as King Henry IV and imprisons Richard II. However, loyalty between Henry IV and his fellow noblemen and son, Prince Hal, is tested. Henry's fortunes quickly reverse after he announces that Richard II has died of starvation in prison. Thereafter, he faces uprisings from powerful nobles. The novel ends in 1403 at the Battle of Shrewsbury waged between Henry's army and rebel forces led by "Harry Hotspur" Percy, a former supporter. The story continues in Book 4, The Accursed King, in the series.
The Usurper King is a plot-driven story about political machinations amongst various noble families fighting for power. The meticulous research by Mercedes Rochelle is on display with her vivid Medieval descriptions of landscapes, festivals, battles and alternative history based on rumors that Richard II had escaped. Various points of view weave in and out of the narrative, at times changing in the same scene. The multiple perspectives give insight on the revolving door of loyalty and betrayal among the various factions.
Scenes told from the perspective of Henry and his evolution from an unjustly banished knight to an usurper of the throne are most engaging. As Henry grasps for power, his blossoming romance with Joan of Navarre and growing friction with his oldest son, Prince Hal, add a deeper layer to the complex historical figure. One of the most fascinating scene is how an arrow is surgically removed from Prince Hal's face after the Battle of Shrewsbury, based on actual accounts. A cast of characters, a map, and author's note are additional bonuses.
I highly recommend The Usurper King for its blend of gripping political intrigue of nobles pitted against kings, cinematic battle scenes, sweet romance, and historical detail of Medieval England.
At the urging of Archbishop Arundel, Henry gathers an army and forcibly takes his estates while Richard II is on military campaign in Ireland. Winning the support of other English nobles, Henry confiscates land from those who oppose him and orders his soldiers to destroy much of Cheshire. He quickly gains enough power and support to declare himself as King Henry IV and imprisons Richard II. However, loyalty between Henry IV and his fellow noblemen and son, Prince Hal, is tested. Henry's fortunes quickly reverse after he announces that Richard II has died of starvation in prison. Thereafter, he faces uprisings from powerful nobles. The novel ends in 1403 at the Battle of Shrewsbury waged between Henry's army and rebel forces led by "Harry Hotspur" Percy, a former supporter. The story continues in Book 4, The Accursed King, in the series.
The Usurper King is a plot-driven story about political machinations amongst various noble families fighting for power. The meticulous research by Mercedes Rochelle is on display with her vivid Medieval descriptions of landscapes, festivals, battles and alternative history based on rumors that Richard II had escaped. Various points of view weave in and out of the narrative, at times changing in the same scene. The multiple perspectives give insight on the revolving door of loyalty and betrayal among the various factions.
Scenes told from the perspective of Henry and his evolution from an unjustly banished knight to an usurper of the throne are most engaging. As Henry grasps for power, his blossoming romance with Joan of Navarre and growing friction with his oldest son, Prince Hal, add a deeper layer to the complex historical figure. One of the most fascinating scene is how an arrow is surgically removed from Prince Hal's face after the Battle of Shrewsbury, based on actual accounts. A cast of characters, a map, and author's note are additional bonuses.
I highly recommend The Usurper King for its blend of gripping political intrigue of nobles pitted against kings, cinematic battle scenes, sweet romance, and historical detail of Medieval England.
January 30, 2025
Having not read the previous two novels in this series I was a little bit nervous jumping in at book 3, but during my reading journey I have discovered that the individual books set within the historical fiction genre seem to stand quite well on their own and this is the case with this book. And although I am not familiar with this era of history or the historical people who lived during this era, I was really looking forward to diving into this novel.
The Usurper King is set during a time of immense uncertainly, and follows the journey of Henry Bolingbroke, who would later be known as King Henry IV of England. As I said, I came into this story with no prior knowledge of the era, but I was instantly drawn into the story. I was fascinated by the events that occur during this novel, and I often found myself googling to read up more on the characters and the events depicted. I am now slightly less ignorant of this era thanks to this book!
Mercedes Rochelle is a new author for me, and her writing is exceptional. I throughly enjoyed every minute of this book. I now find myself slightly in a conundrum - do I go back and read book 1 or do I crack on with book 4!
I think for anyone who has a passing interest in this era, or indeed for readers like me who enjoy historical fiction but have not read that many books set in the medieval era, then this book is a great introduction.
The Usurper King is set during a time of immense uncertainly, and follows the journey of Henry Bolingbroke, who would later be known as King Henry IV of England. As I said, I came into this story with no prior knowledge of the era, but I was instantly drawn into the story. I was fascinated by the events that occur during this novel, and I often found myself googling to read up more on the characters and the events depicted. I am now slightly less ignorant of this era thanks to this book!
Mercedes Rochelle is a new author for me, and her writing is exceptional. I throughly enjoyed every minute of this book. I now find myself slightly in a conundrum - do I go back and read book 1 or do I crack on with book 4!
I think for anyone who has a passing interest in this era, or indeed for readers like me who enjoy historical fiction but have not read that many books set in the medieval era, then this book is a great introduction.
May 12, 2022
Just OK for me
Interestingly enough I didn't really care for the first book in the series but really liked the second. This third book started off good but then quickly got boring. Way too much description and not enough dialogue. I found myself skimming through the rest of it. I'm not sure if I will try reading the next book.
Interestingly enough I didn't really care for the first book in the series but really liked the second. This third book started off good but then quickly got boring. Way too much description and not enough dialogue. I found myself skimming through the rest of it. I'm not sure if I will try reading the next book.
September 25, 2022
A very informative follow on in the series.
Having read the former two novels in the series I found book three a great historic read.Plenty of action and knowledge of the times of Henry IV mostly unrest within the country,another corrupt king,earls, lords trying to gather more power against each other,a hard time for the people.😎
Having read the former two novels in the series I found book three a great historic read.Plenty of action and knowledge of the times of Henry IV mostly unrest within the country,another corrupt king,earls, lords trying to gather more power against each other,a hard time for the people.😎
May 21, 2025
This is the third installment of a five novel series covering the reigns of Richard II through Henry V of England. It does reveal an alternate version of a piece of Richard II's history, one I was never aware of and is quite interesting. I look forward to the remaining two novels, as well as others by this author.
November 13, 2021
A good read
Although I enjoyed reading this book I found that a lot of the story was a repeat of the previous book. I found myself skipping quite a few chapters
Although I enjoyed reading this book I found that a lot of the story was a repeat of the previous book. I found myself skipping quite a few chapters
January 17, 2023
3.5 good read now I need to do so much followup to separate fact from fiction.
February 11, 2024
History with dialogue attached . Certainly not in the same league as the likes of Bernard Cornwell, Angus Donald and Toby Clements.
February 9, 2025
The writing style is a turn off. It feels too modern.
June 2, 2021
Very pleasant read !
This is my first book from Mercedes Rochelle and I really enjoyed reading about this episode in English History. She really made a great job providing research and describing the context which made the plot realistic allowing readers to fly over many events.
The author used many characters. Henry IV, the main character, is likable and credible even though described as an "usurper king" by his enemies. He acted heroically for his rights as well as for preserving his kingdom despite the treason of his supporters.
I highly recommend this book particularly for Middle Ages period fans.
Read: April, 2021
Source: NetGalley and the Publisher - BooksGoSocial
This is my first book from Mercedes Rochelle and I really enjoyed reading about this episode in English History. She really made a great job providing research and describing the context which made the plot realistic allowing readers to fly over many events.
The author used many characters. Henry IV, the main character, is likable and credible even though described as an "usurper king" by his enemies. He acted heroically for his rights as well as for preserving his kingdom despite the treason of his supporters.
I highly recommend this book particularly for Middle Ages period fans.
Read: April, 2021
Source: NetGalley and the Publisher - BooksGoSocial
April 7, 2021
Third in the Plantagenet Legacy Series. Interesting insight into the collapse of the reign of Richard II and the making of Henry Bolingbroke, King Henry IV. The culmination of the acts in book one and the fates of those who stood against or for Richard II in the early days of his reign, come to light. An avid reader of historical fiction, I found it informative while adding a human element to these historical figures, creating an engaging read. The treachery of some and love and adoration of others make this a page turner. I read book three before book 2 'The Kings Retribution' and I'm definitely going back to fill in the gaps. If you're up on your English history, this could be considered a standalone, but I feel some of the alliances made in book one 'A King Under Siege' unfold and having a grasp on these alliances is key. I highly recommend this series and others by this author.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews