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She-Wolves Trilogy #3
The Stone Rose
'A real tour de force of gripping writing, rich historical detail and complex, fascinating characters. Superb!' NICOLA CORNICK on The Stone Rose_________________EARLY READERS ARE GRIPPED BY THE STONE ROSE!* 'Springs to vivid life for the reader . . . A compulsive read' ANNE O'BRIEN* 'An enticing and intriguing tale of a woman who is driven to desperate and ruthless lengths to protect those she loves' ALEXANDRA WALSH* 'Carol McGrath really got into Isabella's head . . . Enlightening' SHARON BENNETT CONNOLLY* 'Bold and compelling' JENNY BARDEN* 'A novel that's a definite page-turner' LIZ HARRIS_________________London, 1350. Agnes, daughter of a stonemason, is struggling to keep her father's trade in a city decimated by plague. And then she receives a mysterious message from the disgraced Queen mother of King Edward III, and widow of Edward II. Isabella has a task that only Agnes can fulfil. She wants her truth to be told.Much has been whispered of the conflicts in Isabella and Edward's marriage. Her greed and warmongering. His unspoken love for male favourites. But as Agnes listens to Isabella, she learns that she can be of help to the queen - but can either woman choose independence, follow her own desires, and survive? The sweeping third instalment of Carol McGrath's acclaimed Rose Trilogy: the gripping series exploring the tumultous lives and loves of three queens of England - and of three women who lived in their shadow.Based on the extraordinary true story of the female stonemason who carved a queen's tomb!
477 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 21, 2022
143 people are currently reading
279 people want to read
About the author
Carol McGrath
20 books255 followersMy first degree is in History and English from Queens University Belfast. I have a postgraduate MA in writing from Queens University and an Mphil in writing from The Royal Holloway ,University of London. My debut novel The Handfasted Wife is the first in a Trilogy The Daughters of Hastings. The first is the story of 1066 and its aftermath from the perspective of the noble women. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister have followed. All have been best sellers. My new novel The Woman in the Shadows tells the tale of Thomas and Elizabeth Cromwell and is the story of an early Tudor marriage. I am now working on a medieval trilogy about 'she wolf' queens.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 24, 2022
Having read the previous instalments in the She-Wolves Trilogy I couldn't wait to read the final book.
The Stone Rose centres on Isabella, Queen of England, wife of Edward II and the turbulent events occurring in England in the Fourteenth Century.
McGrath tells the story from two points of view, Agnes, the daughter of a stonemason who has inherited her fathers workshop and Isabella herself. Agnes finds herself requested to visit the now Dowager Queen for the commission of her tomb. On her journey she hears Isabella's story from Master Gregory who was once a page in the queen's household.
Isabella begins her reign blissfully unaware of her husbands favouritism towards specific courtiers but soon begins to notice the influence of Piers Gaveston. As a young queen she cannot understand why barons wish to curb their spending and the influence of others but as she matures Isabella begins to understand, especially when Hugh Despenser the younger becomes the only voice her husband will hear.
McGrath brings Isabella to life as a strong, independent queen striving to protect her children, crown and those she loves.
Much happened during Isabella's time as queen and McGrath's depiction weaves fact with fiction to create a intriguing, beautiful story filled with detailed descriptives of the court and country.
Lanes and meadows lay out before them like a tapestry as they nosed their mounts south towards the town of Northampton. Colourful wild flowers decorated the hedgregrows. This year, fields were filled with barley waving in the breeze, waiting for the reapers' blades and every day the sun shone from a sky the shade of cornflowers. She breathed in the scent on mown hay, enjoying the sound of sheep in the meadows, bleating to be shorn, and the crash of water turning the wheels of the mills.
This book will transport you back to the Fourteenth Century, where famine, banquets and war all featured. McGrath writes beautifully and manages to give the reader the experience of travelling back in time to the Royal Court to meet characters such as Hugh Despenser, Roger Mortimer and of course Isabella and her ladies. This is certainly a book that absorbs you, one you will not want to out down and will be sad when you reach the end.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy and although you don't have to read the previous two to enjoy The Stone Rose I highly recommend you read all three.
McGrath includes family trees, a cast list and an author's note which are extremely helpful to those unfamiliar with the era.
The Stone Rose centres on Isabella, Queen of England, wife of Edward II and the turbulent events occurring in England in the Fourteenth Century.
McGrath tells the story from two points of view, Agnes, the daughter of a stonemason who has inherited her fathers workshop and Isabella herself. Agnes finds herself requested to visit the now Dowager Queen for the commission of her tomb. On her journey she hears Isabella's story from Master Gregory who was once a page in the queen's household.
Isabella begins her reign blissfully unaware of her husbands favouritism towards specific courtiers but soon begins to notice the influence of Piers Gaveston. As a young queen she cannot understand why barons wish to curb their spending and the influence of others but as she matures Isabella begins to understand, especially when Hugh Despenser the younger becomes the only voice her husband will hear.
McGrath brings Isabella to life as a strong, independent queen striving to protect her children, crown and those she loves.
Much happened during Isabella's time as queen and McGrath's depiction weaves fact with fiction to create a intriguing, beautiful story filled with detailed descriptives of the court and country.
Lanes and meadows lay out before them like a tapestry as they nosed their mounts south towards the town of Northampton. Colourful wild flowers decorated the hedgregrows. This year, fields were filled with barley waving in the breeze, waiting for the reapers' blades and every day the sun shone from a sky the shade of cornflowers. She breathed in the scent on mown hay, enjoying the sound of sheep in the meadows, bleating to be shorn, and the crash of water turning the wheels of the mills.
This book will transport you back to the Fourteenth Century, where famine, banquets and war all featured. McGrath writes beautifully and manages to give the reader the experience of travelling back in time to the Royal Court to meet characters such as Hugh Despenser, Roger Mortimer and of course Isabella and her ladies. This is certainly a book that absorbs you, one you will not want to out down and will be sad when you reach the end.
I've thoroughly enjoyed the trilogy and although you don't have to read the previous two to enjoy The Stone Rose I highly recommend you read all three.
McGrath includes family trees, a cast list and an author's note which are extremely helpful to those unfamiliar with the era.
March 16, 2024
Isabella of France is betrothed to the English heir to the throne – the later Edward II. As queen, she soon notices that Edward is under the influence of his favourite Piers Gaveston. It’s even whispered that the two are intimate. Isabella doesn’t believe any of this and also finds it exaggerated when her uncle Thomas Van Lancaster wants to banish Piers from England. But years later, when Hugh Despenser becomes Edward’s new favourite and tries to undermine Isabella, she begins to doubt her husband.
The stone rose is the third book about a she wolf queen by Carol McGrath (after The silken rose and The damask rose). Isabella of France was seen as a she wolf even more than her predecessors because with the help of her brother, the King of France, and Roger Mortimer, she starts a rebellion against her husband to get her son – also Edward – on the English throne.
In this story, we get to know a young naive Isabella and it takes her a very long time to realise that Edward’s favourites could be dangerous. There’s a big focus on all the political power games at court and as a result I found the book a bit muddling along at times.
At the same time, we also follow Agnes, a female stonemason whose father died of the plague. She is thrown out of her bed by Gregory who serves Isabella. Isabella – now at the end of her life – would like that Agnes makes her headstone. This story is only very sparsely developed and not directly proportional to the Queen’s perspectieve as in the previous two books. For me Agnes wasn’t very relevant to read about as Isabella’s story is just told to her. I don’t really understand Mcgrath’s choice to include her like this.
Once Isabella starts her rebellion the story picks up more and you get sympathy for her and Mortimer. We’ll never know what really happened to Edward II, but McGrath proposes here what some other historians might subscribe, so it’s a fine suggestion.
I just didn’t like this book as much as the previous two. Maybe also because I already knew a lot about Isabella and the day-to-day politics didn’t interest me as much? This book lacked a really fleshed-out second perspective that could add something. And Agnes did not provide that. I think my favourite book in the series is ‘The silken rose‘.
Dutch review:
Isabella van Frankrijk is verloofd met de Engelse troonopvolger Edward II. Wanneer ze trouwen en tot koningin wordt gekroond merkt ze al snel dat Edward onder invloed staat van zijn favoriet Piers Gaveston. Er wordt zelfs gefluisterd dat die twee intiem zijn. Isabella gelooft er niets van en vindt het ook overdreven wanneer haar nonkel Thomas Van Lancaster Piers buitenspel wil zetten. Maar wanneer jaren later Hugh Despenser Edward's nieuwe favoriet wordt en die Isabella probeert te ondermijnen, begint Isabella aan haar man te twijfelen.
The stone rose is het derde boek over een she wolf koningin van Carol McGrath. Isabella van Frankrijk werd nog meer dan haar voorgangsters als een she wolf gezien omdat ze op een gegeven met hulp van haar broer, de koning van Frankrijk, en Roger Mortimer een rebellie start tegen haar man om haar zoon - ook Edward - op de troon te krijgen.
In dit boek leren we een jonge naïeve Isabella kennen en het duurt heel lang voor ze doorkrijgt dat de favorieten van Edward wel eens gevaarlijk kunnen zijn. Er is een grote focus op alle politieke machtsspelletjes aan het hof en ik vond het boek daardoor soms wel wat aanmodderen.
Tegelijk volgen we ook Agnes, wiens vader aan de pest is gestorven waardoor zij nu als vrouwelijke steenhouwer een team leidt. Zij wordt uit haar bed gezet door Gregory die Isabella dient. Isabelle wil graag dat Agnes haar grafsteen maakt. Dit verhaal is maar heel summier uitgewerkt en niet zoals in de vorige twee boeken recht evenredig met dat van de koningin. Ik vond Agnes geen enkele meerwaarde hebben - haar wordt ook maar verteld wat er vroeger is gebeurd en ze heeft geen actieve rol.
Eens Isabella haar rebellie is gestart komt het verhaal meer op gang en je krijgt sympathie voor haar en Mortimer. Wat er echt met Edward II is gebeurd zullen we nooit weten, maar McGrath stelt hier een piste voor die meerdere mensen onderschrijven dus het zou zeker kunnen.
Ik voelde het gewoon niet zo bij dit boek zoals bij de vorige twee. Misschien ook omdat ik al veel wist over Isabella en de day-to-day politics mij niet zo veel boeiden? Dit boek miste een echt uitgewerkt tweede perspectief dat wat meer vaart kon brengen. En daar zorgde Agnes niet voor.
The stone rose is the third book about a she wolf queen by Carol McGrath (after The silken rose and The damask rose). Isabella of France was seen as a she wolf even more than her predecessors because with the help of her brother, the King of France, and Roger Mortimer, she starts a rebellion against her husband to get her son – also Edward – on the English throne.
In this story, we get to know a young naive Isabella and it takes her a very long time to realise that Edward’s favourites could be dangerous. There’s a big focus on all the political power games at court and as a result I found the book a bit muddling along at times.
At the same time, we also follow Agnes, a female stonemason whose father died of the plague. She is thrown out of her bed by Gregory who serves Isabella. Isabella – now at the end of her life – would like that Agnes makes her headstone. This story is only very sparsely developed and not directly proportional to the Queen’s perspectieve as in the previous two books. For me Agnes wasn’t very relevant to read about as Isabella’s story is just told to her. I don’t really understand Mcgrath’s choice to include her like this.
Once Isabella starts her rebellion the story picks up more and you get sympathy for her and Mortimer. We’ll never know what really happened to Edward II, but McGrath proposes here what some other historians might subscribe, so it’s a fine suggestion.
I just didn’t like this book as much as the previous two. Maybe also because I already knew a lot about Isabella and the day-to-day politics didn’t interest me as much? This book lacked a really fleshed-out second perspective that could add something. And Agnes did not provide that. I think my favourite book in the series is ‘The silken rose‘.
Dutch review:
Isabella van Frankrijk is verloofd met de Engelse troonopvolger Edward II. Wanneer ze trouwen en tot koningin wordt gekroond merkt ze al snel dat Edward onder invloed staat van zijn favoriet Piers Gaveston. Er wordt zelfs gefluisterd dat die twee intiem zijn. Isabella gelooft er niets van en vindt het ook overdreven wanneer haar nonkel Thomas Van Lancaster Piers buitenspel wil zetten. Maar wanneer jaren later Hugh Despenser Edward's nieuwe favoriet wordt en die Isabella probeert te ondermijnen, begint Isabella aan haar man te twijfelen.
The stone rose is het derde boek over een she wolf koningin van Carol McGrath. Isabella van Frankrijk werd nog meer dan haar voorgangsters als een she wolf gezien omdat ze op een gegeven met hulp van haar broer, de koning van Frankrijk, en Roger Mortimer een rebellie start tegen haar man om haar zoon - ook Edward - op de troon te krijgen.
In dit boek leren we een jonge naïeve Isabella kennen en het duurt heel lang voor ze doorkrijgt dat de favorieten van Edward wel eens gevaarlijk kunnen zijn. Er is een grote focus op alle politieke machtsspelletjes aan het hof en ik vond het boek daardoor soms wel wat aanmodderen.
Tegelijk volgen we ook Agnes, wiens vader aan de pest is gestorven waardoor zij nu als vrouwelijke steenhouwer een team leidt. Zij wordt uit haar bed gezet door Gregory die Isabella dient. Isabelle wil graag dat Agnes haar grafsteen maakt. Dit verhaal is maar heel summier uitgewerkt en niet zoals in de vorige twee boeken recht evenredig met dat van de koningin. Ik vond Agnes geen enkele meerwaarde hebben - haar wordt ook maar verteld wat er vroeger is gebeurd en ze heeft geen actieve rol.
Eens Isabella haar rebellie is gestart komt het verhaal meer op gang en je krijgt sympathie voor haar en Mortimer. Wat er echt met Edward II is gebeurd zullen we nooit weten, maar McGrath stelt hier een piste voor die meerdere mensen onderschrijven dus het zou zeker kunnen.
Ik voelde het gewoon niet zo bij dit boek zoals bij de vorige twee. Misschien ook omdat ik al veel wist over Isabella en de day-to-day politics mij niet zo veel boeiden? Dit boek miste een echt uitgewerkt tweede perspectief dat wat meer vaart kon brengen. En daar zorgde Agnes niet voor.
November 2, 2024
Carol McGrath saved the best for last; the Stone Rose was an excellent book.
The final of her “she-wolf’ trilogy focused on Edward II’s wife Isabella, daughter of the king of France and mother to Edward III.
I was aware that Queen Isabella was referred to as a she-wolf and admittedly I’d probably been swayed that she was, but the Stone Rose turned that opinion around and allowed me to see her as a loving, loyal, intelligent, strong and independent woman who did all she could for England while she was Queen.
Isabella was very young when she was married to Edward II and was delighted to give him heirs, not just because it was her duty and she loved her king, her dread lord, but also as she hoped it would prove more of a distraction than his current favourite, Piers Gaveston.
Beset by the influence of her husband’s many favourites, Isabella did not dislike Piers - to the contrary she loved the friendship between Piers, his wife, Edward and herself - but she realised that their close friendship was not for the best of the country and began to understand why Piers was exiled and disliked by the lords. Most of all, she wanted more time with her husband and wanted to have the most influential relationship with him, as his Queen.
Piers met a nasty death but Edward went on to have more favourites and eventually Hugh Despenser became his most-influential favourite. Hugh had been a part of court life for years and Edward had never particularly liked him previously but Hugh knew exactly what he was doing and, in my opinion, would say his ambition to influence the king knew no limits.
Isabella was able to see the kingdom was in danger and for the first time, her own position as Queen too, and she was able to get away with her eldest son and heir to France, where they were able to gather support from the many exiled lords, including Roger Mortimer, and others who also saw the distinct change in Edward’s decisions whilst so heavily advised by Despenser.
A rebellion ensued in which the heir was successful but he also saw the ambition in Mortimer and his relationship and influence over his mother.
Isabella had, for the first time, a man who was strong, attentive and capable though married with many children, and was attracted to him despite her absolute intention to remain loyal as Queen of England.
I believe this is the main weakness we see in her throughout the book. She ruled with the assistance of Mortimer whilst Edward III was in his minority, during which time King Edward II was made prisoner and died at Berkeley Castle, but Isabella did see Mortimer’s ambition for herself and the way he was revelling in his power.
Despite hating that her son ordered for Mortimer to be seized, put on trial for the murder of his father and duly hanged, she was never truly sure of the truth regarding her husband’s death. Despite there being a chance her King was alive, she still kept the heart given to her following the King’s interment and it was eventually buried with her.
I believe that she never stopped loving Edward II and had he remained true only to herself and their children, they would have been very happy together. Also, if the Despensers hadn’t gained the complete malign grip they had on her husband, she would have remained with him, despite his having favourites. She recognised the danger that came with Despensers tyrannical influence, yet wore the colours of mourning to show her upset at her marriage being over after she took safety in France.
Isabella was moralistic and took her royal duty seriously. She wasn’t perfect but Mortimer’s effect on her did eventually affect her relationship with her son though was resolved in time.
As with the other books in the trilogy, there was an additional character. We have had an embroideress, a herbalist and now a female stonemason. However, Agnes was not a fictional character. She did exist, had inherited her father’s mason’s business following the pestilence and was a very skilled stonemason. She was asked to make the stone tomb for and by the Dowager Queen Isabella who knew exactly what she wanted carved on it. Agnes is another example of an independent, strong woman during the medieval times.
Her function within the book was clever, filling in the story from a couple of decades on, from conversations she had with one of Queen Isabella’s pages (who was a fictional character).
It allowed the novel to address the rumours of what happened at Berkeley Castle as well as the notion of King Edward II living his life in exile abroad with Mortimer having used his proclaimed death as a cover to do so with a potential poor substitute taking the place as the body of the king, already embalmed and wrapped in waxed cloth.
I hadn’t fully thought this one through before. The mystery of the Princes in the Tower just over a century later is the one most people focus on but I believe the death of Edward II by unnatural causes in Berkeley Castle has been duly accepted and not generally questioned by the general population. I like a historical mystery to ponder on and McGrath has certainly provided that, and in her author notes, the resources available to perhaps suggest this was a feasible possibility and Edward III may have even met with his secretly-alive and exiled father, Edward II, later into his rule.
The historical research that went into creating a book that pretty much kept to the timelines and events recorded must have been immense and as a result, Carol McGrath has produced a very believable fiction of Isabella’s life. Medieval history is my favourite period and so I am always thrilled to find a new author who writes accurately to the best of their knowledge and researches so thoroughly.
The narrative seemed to flow much better in this third book of the trilogy and I have no hesitation in giving a five star rating for the Stone Rose or recommending McGrath to all those who enjoy their Middle Ages history.
The final of her “she-wolf’ trilogy focused on Edward II’s wife Isabella, daughter of the king of France and mother to Edward III.
I was aware that Queen Isabella was referred to as a she-wolf and admittedly I’d probably been swayed that she was, but the Stone Rose turned that opinion around and allowed me to see her as a loving, loyal, intelligent, strong and independent woman who did all she could for England while she was Queen.
Isabella was very young when she was married to Edward II and was delighted to give him heirs, not just because it was her duty and she loved her king, her dread lord, but also as she hoped it would prove more of a distraction than his current favourite, Piers Gaveston.
Beset by the influence of her husband’s many favourites, Isabella did not dislike Piers - to the contrary she loved the friendship between Piers, his wife, Edward and herself - but she realised that their close friendship was not for the best of the country and began to understand why Piers was exiled and disliked by the lords. Most of all, she wanted more time with her husband and wanted to have the most influential relationship with him, as his Queen.
Piers met a nasty death but Edward went on to have more favourites and eventually Hugh Despenser became his most-influential favourite. Hugh had been a part of court life for years and Edward had never particularly liked him previously but Hugh knew exactly what he was doing and, in my opinion, would say his ambition to influence the king knew no limits.
Isabella was able to see the kingdom was in danger and for the first time, her own position as Queen too, and she was able to get away with her eldest son and heir to France, where they were able to gather support from the many exiled lords, including Roger Mortimer, and others who also saw the distinct change in Edward’s decisions whilst so heavily advised by Despenser.
A rebellion ensued in which the heir was successful but he also saw the ambition in Mortimer and his relationship and influence over his mother.
Isabella had, for the first time, a man who was strong, attentive and capable though married with many children, and was attracted to him despite her absolute intention to remain loyal as Queen of England.
I believe this is the main weakness we see in her throughout the book. She ruled with the assistance of Mortimer whilst Edward III was in his minority, during which time King Edward II was made prisoner and died at Berkeley Castle, but Isabella did see Mortimer’s ambition for herself and the way he was revelling in his power.
Despite hating that her son ordered for Mortimer to be seized, put on trial for the murder of his father and duly hanged, she was never truly sure of the truth regarding her husband’s death. Despite there being a chance her King was alive, she still kept the heart given to her following the King’s interment and it was eventually buried with her.
I believe that she never stopped loving Edward II and had he remained true only to herself and their children, they would have been very happy together. Also, if the Despensers hadn’t gained the complete malign grip they had on her husband, she would have remained with him, despite his having favourites. She recognised the danger that came with Despensers tyrannical influence, yet wore the colours of mourning to show her upset at her marriage being over after she took safety in France.
Isabella was moralistic and took her royal duty seriously. She wasn’t perfect but Mortimer’s effect on her did eventually affect her relationship with her son though was resolved in time.
As with the other books in the trilogy, there was an additional character. We have had an embroideress, a herbalist and now a female stonemason. However, Agnes was not a fictional character. She did exist, had inherited her father’s mason’s business following the pestilence and was a very skilled stonemason. She was asked to make the stone tomb for and by the Dowager Queen Isabella who knew exactly what she wanted carved on it. Agnes is another example of an independent, strong woman during the medieval times.
Her function within the book was clever, filling in the story from a couple of decades on, from conversations she had with one of Queen Isabella’s pages (who was a fictional character).
It allowed the novel to address the rumours of what happened at Berkeley Castle as well as the notion of King Edward II living his life in exile abroad with Mortimer having used his proclaimed death as a cover to do so with a potential poor substitute taking the place as the body of the king, already embalmed and wrapped in waxed cloth.
I hadn’t fully thought this one through before. The mystery of the Princes in the Tower just over a century later is the one most people focus on but I believe the death of Edward II by unnatural causes in Berkeley Castle has been duly accepted and not generally questioned by the general population. I like a historical mystery to ponder on and McGrath has certainly provided that, and in her author notes, the resources available to perhaps suggest this was a feasible possibility and Edward III may have even met with his secretly-alive and exiled father, Edward II, later into his rule.
The historical research that went into creating a book that pretty much kept to the timelines and events recorded must have been immense and as a result, Carol McGrath has produced a very believable fiction of Isabella’s life. Medieval history is my favourite period and so I am always thrilled to find a new author who writes accurately to the best of their knowledge and researches so thoroughly.
The narrative seemed to flow much better in this third book of the trilogy and I have no hesitation in giving a five star rating for the Stone Rose or recommending McGrath to all those who enjoy their Middle Ages history.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2022
The life of Queen Isabella is wonderfully described in The Stone Rose, the third and final book of the She-Wolves series. It is an excellent novel featuring the role of this influential queen bookended with the story of Agnes, a stonemason who is commissioned to create her tomb. The author does an excellent job in capturing the period with rich and sensory details. I particularly enjoyed reading about the conflict with the Scots during my holiday in Edinburgh.
April 13, 2022
What an amazing woman and Queen Isabella was. I have always been fascinated by her story and Carol McGrath really brings her to life. She captures all her elements -the good, bad, her strengths and weaknesses. There is also a parallel character, Agnes, but unlike the previous books, she was a real person who makes the story even more interesting. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 7, 2022
I really enjoyed this piece of historical fiction that had obviously been very well researched. It was well written with a good storyline, well developed characters and vivid descriptions and rich imagery that made me feel like I was in the pages with the characters. It was an intriguing, compelling read that i couldnt put down.
May 1, 2022
The third book of the trilogy, and what an excellent read, just as the first two novels are!
I was completely absorbed in Queen Isabella's reign and life over fifty years! What I Ioved about it, is that the author gave a realistic and convincing voice to the enigmatic Isabella, keeping close to details known about her life as well as her strengths and weaknesses. What a turbulent life she had with joy, ambition, determination but clouded by so much insecurity, ill -judgement (?) and disappointment as well. I loved it! Highly recommended read!
Thank you, NetGalley for letting me read this novel for free in exchange for an honest review.
I was completely absorbed in Queen Isabella's reign and life over fifty years! What I Ioved about it, is that the author gave a realistic and convincing voice to the enigmatic Isabella, keeping close to details known about her life as well as her strengths and weaknesses. What a turbulent life she had with joy, ambition, determination but clouded by so much insecurity, ill -judgement (?) and disappointment as well. I loved it! Highly recommended read!
Thank you, NetGalley for letting me read this novel for free in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2023
This was a relatively easy read and the historical fiction story told about an era and Queen and Kings relatively interesting, making me want to learn more about this era. However whilst it was well written enough, for me the book never set my pulse racing or grabbed my attention. The writing whilst fine felt a bit stodgy and lacking of excitement.
Given all this, for me this was an average book.
Given all this, for me this was an average book.
April 4, 2022
NOTE: I was given early access to this manuscript through netgalley in exchange for writing an impartial review. Thank you Headline Accent. Publication: April 21, 2022.
THE STONE ROSE is book three in the SHE-WOLVES Trilogy by Carol McGrath (about Queens of England) and I admit upfront I have not read the previous two books:
1. THE SILKEN ROSE about English Queen Allenore of Provence, wife to King Henry III (which I admit I've already purchased)
2. THE DAMASK ROSE about Eleanor of Castile, wife to Edward I. (I'll probably read this one too.)
This third volume in the series is about Isabella of France, wife to Edward II. And judging by this one, it appears each book stands on its own.
Those of you familiar with British history may already know a bit about both Isabella and Edward. He is famous for the gruesome way in which he may have died. She for being the powerful shrew who supposedly coveted her husband's power. But author Carol McGrath's historical novel is much more sympathetic toward Isabella than many other accounts.
The novel has two storylines, taking place about 30 years apart. Most of the story is focused on Edward and Isabella. The other thread concerns Agnes, a young stone mason in the 1350s, who is asked to work on Isabella's tomb. She too is an historical figure.
Let's begin with Edward II, who strikes me as a prince to be pitied. He is one of 15 children. He also no doubt grew up in the shadow of his much-respected, warrior father, Edward I, aka Edward Longshanks and Hammer of the Scots. It also seems Edward II was either gay or bisexual, which, at a time, was a sin according to the teachings of the very influential church. So it's not so surprising that Edward II fell under the "spell" of a number of attractive, male favorites over the years. Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser being the two most famous.
Now Isabella, as daughter of French King Philip IV and Joan I of Navarre, winds up married to Edward II at the age of 12. She has been raised with the expectations that she is to make this political alliance prosper. But while her husband has lots of interests in learning about the work of peasants, he does not show much interest in or inclination for the work of governing. Instead, he spends excessively on both his lifestyle and on disastrous battles with the Scots. He listens exclusively to the voices of his ambitious favorites, rewarding them with lands, manors, and power. Consequently, he alienates all the other nobles in the realm.
So, what is Isabella to do? Her friends are suffering and getting increasingly discontented. Is it her duty to remain steadfastly loyal to her husband? What about her rightful duty as Queen in her adopted country? And how about her responsibility to maintain peace between France and England?
Carol McGrath has clearly done extensive research and is skilled at adding rich detail so the reader feels immersed in the time period. If anything, I found that detail a bit excessive at times, making parts of the story slow-moving. THAT is a minor complaint however. It's always fascinating for me to read historical fiction focused on prominent women -- since they are so often given short shrift by traditional historians. I do recommend this book and I plan to read the other novels in the series.
THE STONE ROSE is book three in the SHE-WOLVES Trilogy by Carol McGrath (about Queens of England) and I admit upfront I have not read the previous two books:
1. THE SILKEN ROSE about English Queen Allenore of Provence, wife to King Henry III (which I admit I've already purchased)
2. THE DAMASK ROSE about Eleanor of Castile, wife to Edward I. (I'll probably read this one too.)
This third volume in the series is about Isabella of France, wife to Edward II. And judging by this one, it appears each book stands on its own.
Those of you familiar with British history may already know a bit about both Isabella and Edward. He is famous for the gruesome way in which he may have died. She for being the powerful shrew who supposedly coveted her husband's power. But author Carol McGrath's historical novel is much more sympathetic toward Isabella than many other accounts.
The novel has two storylines, taking place about 30 years apart. Most of the story is focused on Edward and Isabella. The other thread concerns Agnes, a young stone mason in the 1350s, who is asked to work on Isabella's tomb. She too is an historical figure.
Let's begin with Edward II, who strikes me as a prince to be pitied. He is one of 15 children. He also no doubt grew up in the shadow of his much-respected, warrior father, Edward I, aka Edward Longshanks and Hammer of the Scots. It also seems Edward II was either gay or bisexual, which, at a time, was a sin according to the teachings of the very influential church. So it's not so surprising that Edward II fell under the "spell" of a number of attractive, male favorites over the years. Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser being the two most famous.
Now Isabella, as daughter of French King Philip IV and Joan I of Navarre, winds up married to Edward II at the age of 12. She has been raised with the expectations that she is to make this political alliance prosper. But while her husband has lots of interests in learning about the work of peasants, he does not show much interest in or inclination for the work of governing. Instead, he spends excessively on both his lifestyle and on disastrous battles with the Scots. He listens exclusively to the voices of his ambitious favorites, rewarding them with lands, manors, and power. Consequently, he alienates all the other nobles in the realm.
So, what is Isabella to do? Her friends are suffering and getting increasingly discontented. Is it her duty to remain steadfastly loyal to her husband? What about her rightful duty as Queen in her adopted country? And how about her responsibility to maintain peace between France and England?
Carol McGrath has clearly done extensive research and is skilled at adding rich detail so the reader feels immersed in the time period. If anything, I found that detail a bit excessive at times, making parts of the story slow-moving. THAT is a minor complaint however. It's always fascinating for me to read historical fiction focused on prominent women -- since they are so often given short shrift by traditional historians. I do recommend this book and I plan to read the other novels in the series.
April 18, 2022
The Stone Rose is the third and last book in Carol McGrath’s She-Wolf trilogy. This series has been going from strength to strength, and this final instalment is the crown jewel.
The central character is Isabella, wife of Edward II. She is of royal blood, the daughter of the king of France and she is well aware of how she is meant to play the role of queen consort to Edward. Her marriage is not an easy or conventional one. Edward enjoys the company, and favours, of men as much as women. His intimate “friendship” with Piers has tragic consequences not only for Piers but also for the crown. Hostile barons, Warwick, Lancaster and a few others, flex their muscles and exert their powers in parliament. The threat of Barons Rebellion is never too far. At the same time the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce and his Scottish nobles are constantly raiding the borders, plundering and pillaging. The battle of Bannockburn ends in Edward’s humiliating defeat. Then there is the famine, and a whole sequence of challenges the king and his queen have to deal with.
McGrath’s sense of history, her research and her knowledge are second to none. She paints the wide canvas of the historical background with an assured hand. But being a great historian isn’t her only quality. She is also a fantastic story teller and character builder. She is able to create characters that are alive, vibrant, believable and relatable even though they are removed from our reality by several centuries. It is her attention to detail and her ability to get into her characters’ heads that allows her to convert history into an intimate and visceral work of fiction. She deploys a very successful tool to achieve that: a fictional character of a common woman to complement her historical royal heroine. In this book, it is the character of stonemason, Agnes, whom Isabella engages to help her tell her true story for the posterity.
As always with Carol McGrath’s books, this is a fascinating tale of a medieval queen brought to live for a modern reader. You will feel close-up and personal with Isabella – you will feel as if you know and understand her on an intimate level.
The central character is Isabella, wife of Edward II. She is of royal blood, the daughter of the king of France and she is well aware of how she is meant to play the role of queen consort to Edward. Her marriage is not an easy or conventional one. Edward enjoys the company, and favours, of men as much as women. His intimate “friendship” with Piers has tragic consequences not only for Piers but also for the crown. Hostile barons, Warwick, Lancaster and a few others, flex their muscles and exert their powers in parliament. The threat of Barons Rebellion is never too far. At the same time the Scottish king, Robert the Bruce and his Scottish nobles are constantly raiding the borders, plundering and pillaging. The battle of Bannockburn ends in Edward’s humiliating defeat. Then there is the famine, and a whole sequence of challenges the king and his queen have to deal with.
McGrath’s sense of history, her research and her knowledge are second to none. She paints the wide canvas of the historical background with an assured hand. But being a great historian isn’t her only quality. She is also a fantastic story teller and character builder. She is able to create characters that are alive, vibrant, believable and relatable even though they are removed from our reality by several centuries. It is her attention to detail and her ability to get into her characters’ heads that allows her to convert history into an intimate and visceral work of fiction. She deploys a very successful tool to achieve that: a fictional character of a common woman to complement her historical royal heroine. In this book, it is the character of stonemason, Agnes, whom Isabella engages to help her tell her true story for the posterity.
As always with Carol McGrath’s books, this is a fascinating tale of a medieval queen brought to live for a modern reader. You will feel close-up and personal with Isabella – you will feel as if you know and understand her on an intimate level.
June 10, 2022
The Stone Rose is the final book in the “She Wolf” trilogy and starts by introducing us to Agnes, the daughter of a stone mason. Agnes is unusual because she is also a stone mason in her own right and when, in 1350 she receives a very special request from Queen Isabella, she sets off to meet the dowager queen accompanied by Gregory who has been sent to escort her.
We then move to Isabella’s story which starts several decades earlier. Isabella, a princess of France is also Queen of England, married to Edward II. Theirs’s is not a conventional marriage because not only does Edward love her, he also enjoys a special relationship with some of his advisors which leads him to making bad decisions which endanger the country.
After many years of watching what goes on at the English court, Isabella takes matters into her own hands and plots to overthrow her husband, saying that he is not a fit king and with the help of those that agree with her, Edward II is deposed and replaced by his eldest son Ned who becomes Edward III.
I have to admit that prior to reading this book I knew next to nothing about either Edward II or III and didn’t know that Isabella existed so the experience felt like a history lesson. The characters almost pop off the page, full of life and emotion. The writing is informative while still being engaging and you can’t help to feel a connection with the characters.
Both timelines are treated the same with neither outshining the other but Isabella’s story is longer. In fairness though, that is the primary one being told.
For me, a special treat came when reading the authors notes. I discovered that Agnes really existed. Sometimes with fiction based on history, a character is made up to add colour and definition to a story but the fact that Agnes was an actual person made me happy. Sometimes it’s the little things.
I thoroughly enjoyed the whole series and would recommend this and the other books to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read an ARC in exchange fir an honest review.
August 15, 2022
The Stone Rose by Carol McGrath is the final installment of a trilogy depicting the lives of three fierce queens labeled as "she-wolves" by their contemporaries.
The queen at the center of The Stone Rose is Isabella of France, a queen of infamous for her partnership with Roger Mortimer as they successfully invaded England, removing Edward II from the throne in favor of his heir, Edward III.
I have read about Isabella before, but thoroughly enjoyed this take on her life. Isabella is brilliant and insightful, and shows grace where she is more one-dimensionally "bad" in other retellings. I also appreciated how Edward II is characterized -- his flaws are of course in focus, but there are still slivers of humanity that show him as human. The same can be said for Piers and Eleanor de Clare - who are more often than not portrayed as complete villains with no shades of humanity. The only character I wish this depth had been explored more with is Hugh Despencer. He is so thoroughly villainous -- which fits the narrative -- but, we know he was also human and I would have loved McGrath to tackle his motivations in a more deeply dimensional way.
Unlike the prior two novels in the trilogy, the second narrator is not a women personally connected to the queen. In this retelling, the second narrator is Agnes, a stonemason of a different generation. This distant connection allows for reflection via story-telling and with hindsight. It is very successful and makes the novel all the more compelling.
I really enjoyed reading The Stone Rose and found it a refreshing take on story many will recognize. I wish there were another installment -- McGrath is a great story teller and her addition of voices of common women in her novels about the great ones really makes the overall history more tangible.
The queen at the center of The Stone Rose is Isabella of France, a queen of infamous for her partnership with Roger Mortimer as they successfully invaded England, removing Edward II from the throne in favor of his heir, Edward III.
I have read about Isabella before, but thoroughly enjoyed this take on her life. Isabella is brilliant and insightful, and shows grace where she is more one-dimensionally "bad" in other retellings. I also appreciated how Edward II is characterized -- his flaws are of course in focus, but there are still slivers of humanity that show him as human. The same can be said for Piers and Eleanor de Clare - who are more often than not portrayed as complete villains with no shades of humanity. The only character I wish this depth had been explored more with is Hugh Despencer. He is so thoroughly villainous -- which fits the narrative -- but, we know he was also human and I would have loved McGrath to tackle his motivations in a more deeply dimensional way.
Unlike the prior two novels in the trilogy, the second narrator is not a women personally connected to the queen. In this retelling, the second narrator is Agnes, a stonemason of a different generation. This distant connection allows for reflection via story-telling and with hindsight. It is very successful and makes the novel all the more compelling.
I really enjoyed reading The Stone Rose and found it a refreshing take on story many will recognize. I wish there were another installment -- McGrath is a great story teller and her addition of voices of common women in her novels about the great ones really makes the overall history more tangible.
April 22, 2022
I knew I would enjoy The Stone Rose for Ms McGrath’s impeccable biographical fiction skills…I was even more delighted to be so enthralled with her creative narrative that brings this complex period of history to life. The depth and detail of Ms McGrath’s research gives us enlightening insights to draw our own opinions of Edward and Isabella, their ambitions, weaknesses and terrible mistakes. The Stone Rose brings us into the centre of medieval politics and machinations, and bursting with a massive cast of characters, Isabella’s story is one that takes time and concentration to fully appreciate. Ms McGrath’s impressive scholarly skills guide us on the queen’s journey capably and with authority, and I learned a great deal about this time.
That being said, my true joy in this novel was the story of Agnes, who starts with her own precipitous journey through plague-ruined England. In contrast to the ebullience and restlessness of the court, Agnes takes us into a world as spare and unyielding as the stones she carves, and I would have enjoyed even more of her world. Both stories intertwine to illustrate the enduring power of women – both Isabella and Agnes find a way to survive and thrive in what is essentially an unforgiving and challenging world.
Ms McGrath has written a fascinating and memorable novel, with beautiful narrative, enthralling characters and immersive detail. These women’s stories will stay with me for a long time, as I think about the full spectrum of medieval world. The Stone Rose is a window into that world that I highly recommend.
I have given this fair and honest review in exchange for an advance copy of this novel.
That being said, my true joy in this novel was the story of Agnes, who starts with her own precipitous journey through plague-ruined England. In contrast to the ebullience and restlessness of the court, Agnes takes us into a world as spare and unyielding as the stones she carves, and I would have enjoyed even more of her world. Both stories intertwine to illustrate the enduring power of women – both Isabella and Agnes find a way to survive and thrive in what is essentially an unforgiving and challenging world.
Ms McGrath has written a fascinating and memorable novel, with beautiful narrative, enthralling characters and immersive detail. These women’s stories will stay with me for a long time, as I think about the full spectrum of medieval world. The Stone Rose is a window into that world that I highly recommend.
I have given this fair and honest review in exchange for an advance copy of this novel.
July 18, 2022
I knew I would enjoy The Stone Rose for Ms McGrath’s impeccable biographical fiction skills…I was even more delighted to be so enthralled with her creative narrative that brings this complex period of history to life. The depth and detail of Ms McGrath’s research gives us enlightening insights to draw our own opinions of Edward and Isabella, their ambitions, weaknesses and terrible mistakes.
The Stone Rose brings us into the centre of medieval politics and machinations, and bursting with a massive cast of characters, Isabella’s story is one that takes time and concentration to fully appreciate. Ms McGrath’s impressive skills guide us on the queen’s journey capably and with authority, and I learned a great deal about this time.
That being said, my true joy in this novel was the story of Agnes, who starts with her own precipitous journey through plague-ruined England. In contrast to the ebullience and restlessness of the court, Agnes takes us into a world as spare and unyielding as the stones she carves, and I would have enjoyed even more of her world. Both stories intertwine to illustrate the enduring power of women – both Isabella and Agnes find a way to survive and thrive in what is essentially an unforgiving and challenging world.
Ms McGrath has written a fascinating and memorable novel, with beautiful narrative, enthralling characters and immersive detail. These women’s stories will stay with me for a long time, as I think about the full spectrum of medieval world.
The Stone Rose is a window into that world that I highly recommend.
originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
The Stone Rose brings us into the centre of medieval politics and machinations, and bursting with a massive cast of characters, Isabella’s story is one that takes time and concentration to fully appreciate. Ms McGrath’s impressive skills guide us on the queen’s journey capably and with authority, and I learned a great deal about this time.
That being said, my true joy in this novel was the story of Agnes, who starts with her own precipitous journey through plague-ruined England. In contrast to the ebullience and restlessness of the court, Agnes takes us into a world as spare and unyielding as the stones she carves, and I would have enjoyed even more of her world. Both stories intertwine to illustrate the enduring power of women – both Isabella and Agnes find a way to survive and thrive in what is essentially an unforgiving and challenging world.
Ms McGrath has written a fascinating and memorable novel, with beautiful narrative, enthralling characters and immersive detail. These women’s stories will stay with me for a long time, as I think about the full spectrum of medieval world.
The Stone Rose is a window into that world that I highly recommend.
originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
May 25, 2022
The Stone Rose is the third (and final) book in the She-Wolves trilogy. Based on the life of Queen Isabella, married to Edward the II (the one who was notorious for his male favorites and constant conflicts with his barons), it starts with Isabella's marriage to Edwards and follows her attempts (some successful, some not) to influence her husband and the course of the country. Edward is not the best of husbands or rulers, and Isabella is far more strategic in her outlook.
I would have liked to have seen more of Agnes the stone cutter. Maybe I have just read too many books on Isabella that some of the book was rehashing what I already knew. I love historical fiction because its an exciting, interesting way to learn about history and the amazing woman who have had an impact (with the caveats that there is some Fiction in historical fiction!) and I would have appreciated more from someone else's point of view who wasn't royalty. As with all of Carol McGrath's books, The Stone Rose is well written and well researched and a fitting conclusion for the trilogy. It's a wonderful book for someone who's interested in the time period (which is anything but boring) and a panoply or characters (mostly real, some imagined) that are frustrating, annoying, endearing and anything but boring.
I would have liked to have seen more of Agnes the stone cutter. Maybe I have just read too many books on Isabella that some of the book was rehashing what I already knew. I love historical fiction because its an exciting, interesting way to learn about history and the amazing woman who have had an impact (with the caveats that there is some Fiction in historical fiction!) and I would have appreciated more from someone else's point of view who wasn't royalty. As with all of Carol McGrath's books, The Stone Rose is well written and well researched and a fitting conclusion for the trilogy. It's a wonderful book for someone who's interested in the time period (which is anything but boring) and a panoply or characters (mostly real, some imagined) that are frustrating, annoying, endearing and anything but boring.
May 8, 2022
1350 and the country is slowly recovering from the Death. Agnes is trying to keep her stonemason's yard going after the death of her father. She receives a summons from Dowager Queen Isabella who wants her tomb carved. Isabella is living in semi-seclusion and has done since the King reached majority but her reputation is of a fierce and proud woman. Isabella's story needs to be told properly and the only opportunity may be after death.
McGrath is a solid writer of romanticised historical fiction but her 'She-Wolves' trilogy has shown a bit more bite, none more so than here. Isabella was the wife of Edward II but seemed to play second fiddle to series of male favourites. Most of these are depicted as extravagant and superficial but not really threatening to the marriage or to the Queen. Hugh Despenser is different and McGrath pulls no punches in her portrait of a grasping and manipulative man. The facts are the facts but the story woven around them is both believable and enjoyable.
McGrath is a solid writer of romanticised historical fiction but her 'She-Wolves' trilogy has shown a bit more bite, none more so than here. Isabella was the wife of Edward II but seemed to play second fiddle to series of male favourites. Most of these are depicted as extravagant and superficial but not really threatening to the marriage or to the Queen. Hugh Despenser is different and McGrath pulls no punches in her portrait of a grasping and manipulative man. The facts are the facts but the story woven around them is both believable and enjoyable.
July 8, 2024
As well researched as the two previous books in the series. I found the writing to be much smoother in this book, and easier to read. However, the method chosen for telling the story--to have it in real time, then to jump to a later character relating the story to a traveling companion, took away much suspense, especially near the end when Mortimer and Isabelle were ruling. Prior to that, Isabelle was finely drawn, and her struggles with her feeling for her husband, King Edward, were believable, and made her an extremely empathetic character. But once she goes to France and becomes attached to Mortimer, we're told how besotted she is, but not shown. I would have loved to have been shown her struggles with her feelings for Mortimer and her dismissal of his bullying her son, along with her growing greed. Her feelings were shown so well when she learned about Edward's infatuation with Piers, and her subsequent emotional struggles, that it was a huge disappointment when her emotions were glided over in the last part of the book.
April 19, 2022
This, the third instalment in the She-Wolves trilogy from Carol McGrath, is in my opinion, the best. Isabella is a wonderful queen- strong and intelligent she holds her own whether in her own court and even with the King. She is a fierce and protective mother and will look after her own at any cost. The politics and intrigue are as always brilliantly written and the many characters are given such depth and colour. I enjoyed the dual timeline and would have liked more of Agnes’ story and her involvement in the story of Isabella. The historical research is fantastically detailed and has definitely brought London in 1350 to life for me.
March 27, 2022
I enjoyed The Stone Rose although I found it hard to get into at the very beginning. This novel tells the story of King Edward II and his wife, Queen Isabella of France, beginning in 1311. Edward is self absorbed and reckless while Isabella atempts to run damage control with her husband's poor choices as King and his favoring of certain companions, both of which lead to his downfall. It is a fascinating story and all the more interesting since the story behind it is actual history. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this novel.
May 17, 2022
Thanks to Headline Accent for the opportunity to read The Stone Rose, which is the third in Carol McGrath’s historical She-Wolves Trilogy. And my oh my, the queen in this novel certainly deserved that accolade as she is cunning, clever and bold, in an age when the wrong political move could have cost her her freedom and maybe also her life. The story is thick with intrigue and fear, but also love as McGrath explores Isabella’s marriage to the easily influenced Edward. If you like eavesdropping behind the arras as much as I do, you’ll love it!
July 9, 2022
History brought to life , captivating
The author's books are amazing, she brings every detail into the stories in such a way you feel as though you are there. The Daughters of Hastings trilogy grabbed my attention with the mention of Castle Rising and I realised I've been there- Kings Lynn! I loved the ruins and here are 6 books/2 trilogies( She -Wolf Trilogy) about the people and the time period, could not stop reading them back to back and plan on re-reading them. Love them.
The author's books are amazing, she brings every detail into the stories in such a way you feel as though you are there. The Daughters of Hastings trilogy grabbed my attention with the mention of Castle Rising and I realised I've been there- Kings Lynn! I loved the ruins and here are 6 books/2 trilogies( She -Wolf Trilogy) about the people and the time period, could not stop reading them back to back and plan on re-reading them. Love them.
March 15, 2022
#TheStoneRose #NetGalley. 5 Stars!
Huge thanks to Carol McGrath, Headline Accent and NetGalley for this very engrossing historical novel. Somehow I missed Book 2 of the She-Wolves Trilogy and I'll go back and get that one now!
I really read this one straight through, first time I've done that since 2020!
My main review will be on my Blog, Reading the Ages in April for the Blog Tour.
Huge thanks to Carol McGrath, Headline Accent and NetGalley for this very engrossing historical novel. Somehow I missed Book 2 of the She-Wolves Trilogy and I'll go back and get that one now!
I really read this one straight through, first time I've done that since 2020!
My main review will be on my Blog, Reading the Ages in April for the Blog Tour.
April 9, 2022
Very good, though it’s hard to imagine a female stonemason, not just because of how male oriented the age was, but because without modern tools I wonder if a woman could have had the strength to use the tools and lift the stone for working.
September 4, 2022
This final part of the Rose Trilogy focuses on Isabella, queen to Edward II. Like the previous novels, the detail is finely wrought and I was swept up in the life and times of this medieval queen.
September 15, 2022
This is the last of the She-wolves trilogy and I enjoyed it, but it was a bit confusing as it kept jumping from Isabella's timeline to a future Agnes. Still a good read though
January 23, 2023
Enjoyed this take about Queen Isabella, wife of Edward ll. Using the stone mason was a good plot device.
Having read the previous 2 books in this series I was looking forward to reading this.
Having read the previous 2 books in this series I was looking forward to reading this.
February 15, 2023
Great well written
August 22, 2025
The Stone Rose recounts the story of Isabella, queen of Edward II of England, who is mostly remembered for leading a rebellion against her husband.
It was overall a solid historical novel, but not very memorable. It was a little too long for my tastes, and the secondary storyline, following Agnes, a young stonemason who gets chosen by Isabella to make her headstone, seemed entirely irrelevant to me. It didn't add anything to the story, and towards the end I found myself skipping her parts.
As for Isabella, I felt towards her the same I felt towards the general story: she wasn't bad, but she didn't make a huge impression on me. Her growth through the story was quite slow, even if understandable, especially at the beginning when she was very young, but I was expecting her to be more active in some key moments of the story. She did have some moments where she was truly badass, but I wanted more of them.
All in all, this book wasn't bad but it didn't blow me away either. Still, I would like to check out the two previous books in the series, which are about English queens whom I don't know much about.
It was overall a solid historical novel, but not very memorable. It was a little too long for my tastes, and the secondary storyline, following Agnes, a young stonemason who gets chosen by Isabella to make her headstone, seemed entirely irrelevant to me. It didn't add anything to the story, and towards the end I found myself skipping her parts.
As for Isabella, I felt towards her the same I felt towards the general story: she wasn't bad, but she didn't make a huge impression on me. Her growth through the story was quite slow, even if understandable, especially at the beginning when she was very young, but I was expecting her to be more active in some key moments of the story. She did have some moments where she was truly badass, but I wanted more of them.
All in all, this book wasn't bad but it didn't blow me away either. Still, I would like to check out the two previous books in the series, which are about English queens whom I don't know much about.
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