What do you think?
Rate this book
The Plantagenet Legacy #4
The Accursed King
What happens when a king loses his prowess? The day Henry IV could finally declare he had vanquished his enemies, he threw it all away with an infamous deed. No English king had executed an archbishop before. And divine judgment was quick to follow. Many thought he was struck with leprosy—God's greatest punishment for sinners. From that point on, Henry's health was cursed and he fought doggedly on as his body continued to betray him—reducing this once great warrior to an invalid. Fortunately for England, his heir was ready and eager to take over. But Henry wasn't willing to relinquish what he had worked so hard to preserve. No one was going to take away his royal prerogative—not even Prince Hal. But Henry didn't count on Hal's dauntless personality, which threatened to tear the royal family apart.
301 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 25, 2022
13 people are currently reading
34 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 25, 2022
(Some possible spoilers below)
This is an excellent read. I know a fair bit about this era, and I am a picky pedant when it comes to historical detail, but I could not find any errors at all. Not even the tiny flaws that sometimes jerk a picky pedant out of the moment but are relatively insubstantial.
It's no secret that King Henry IV is not my favourite Plantagenet. Indeed, if you drew up a league table, he would probably be hovering just above the relegation zone. His enigmatic personality makes him hard to write about and many authors have ducked it. Made him, for example, a supporting character in the story of his son.
Nevertheless, his life was a tragedy in the original sense, a gradual decline from being one of the most admired young knights of Europe to his final days as a very sick, very unpopular usurper king. From famous warrior and jouster to a wreck of a man who could not even sit a horse.
In this book - the rest of the series are recommended too - we see his final years. The beginning is set just after his victory at Shrewsbury, a few months before he became seriously ill. His suffering and frustration must evoke sympathy from the hardest heart. (No one knows what exactly was wrong with him but whatever it was it was extremely debilitating.)
On the other hand, the author does not attempt to whitewash the man. Henry was capable of ordering a traitor to be hanged repeatedly, but not fatally, in various towns before his ultimate execution. Then there was the famous case of Archbishop Scrope - the Scrope rebellion. by the way, being as well set out in this novel as in any work I have read, fact or fiction. Henry was not always political astute. His execution of Scrope was perhaps his biggest misstep. People of the time saw it as an explanation for the illness that made his life a misery.
The supporting characters are well-drawn too, Though you may find yourself wondering what on earth Northumberland was playing at. However, the earl's actions are in line with known facts. Queen Joan, who clearly loves her husband very much, is a quiet, loving presence in the background.
This is a book that I shall certainly re-read, along with the others inthe series.
This is an excellent read. I know a fair bit about this era, and I am a picky pedant when it comes to historical detail, but I could not find any errors at all. Not even the tiny flaws that sometimes jerk a picky pedant out of the moment but are relatively insubstantial.
It's no secret that King Henry IV is not my favourite Plantagenet. Indeed, if you drew up a league table, he would probably be hovering just above the relegation zone. His enigmatic personality makes him hard to write about and many authors have ducked it. Made him, for example, a supporting character in the story of his son.
Nevertheless, his life was a tragedy in the original sense, a gradual decline from being one of the most admired young knights of Europe to his final days as a very sick, very unpopular usurper king. From famous warrior and jouster to a wreck of a man who could not even sit a horse.
In this book - the rest of the series are recommended too - we see his final years. The beginning is set just after his victory at Shrewsbury, a few months before he became seriously ill. His suffering and frustration must evoke sympathy from the hardest heart. (No one knows what exactly was wrong with him but whatever it was it was extremely debilitating.)
On the other hand, the author does not attempt to whitewash the man. Henry was capable of ordering a traitor to be hanged repeatedly, but not fatally, in various towns before his ultimate execution. Then there was the famous case of Archbishop Scrope - the Scrope rebellion. by the way, being as well set out in this novel as in any work I have read, fact or fiction. Henry was not always political astute. His execution of Scrope was perhaps his biggest misstep. People of the time saw it as an explanation for the illness that made his life a misery.
The supporting characters are well-drawn too, Though you may find yourself wondering what on earth Northumberland was playing at. However, the earl's actions are in line with known facts. Queen Joan, who clearly loves her husband very much, is a quiet, loving presence in the background.
This is a book that I shall certainly re-read, along with the others inthe series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2022
What happens when a king loses his prowess? The day Henry IV could finally declare he had vanquished his enemies, he threw it all away with an infamous deed. No English king had executed an archbishop before. And divine judgment was quick to follow. Many thought he was struck with leprosy—God's greatest punishment for sinners. From that point on, Henry's health was cursed and he fought doggedly on as his body continued to betray him—reducing this once great warrior to an invalid. Fortunately for England, his heir was ready and eager to take over. But Henry wasn't willing to relinquish what he had worked so hard to preserve. No one was going to take away his royal prerogative—not even Prince Hal. But Henry didn't count on Hal's dauntless nature, which threatened to tear the royal family apart.
My first impression of this book was that the author had devoted a lot of time and effort to her research of the period. She brilliantly brings to life the smells, sights and sounds of 15th-century England. My second thought was that I should have read the earlier books in the series first in order to acquaint myself with the cast of characters, which is long and complex. This is made more so by the fact that many of the characters are sometimes referred to by their titles and at other times by their names. However a comprehensive glossary is there to help the reader.
Having said this, once you get into the story it is the gripping tale of the English king, Henry IV, who is driven by his lust for power into making unlikely alliances with his French enemies, who executes one-time friends and does not stop short of beheading the Archbishop of York. Yet at the same time, the author makes it clear than Henry doesn't take these actions lightly. His conscience tortures him, but he convinces himself that what he does is for the stability of England and the House of Lancaster.
Despite suffering from a serious of strange ailments, which he starts to believe are a punishment from God for executing an archbishop, he clings to the throne and refuses to relinquish power to his son and heir Prince Hal.
The author has chosen to write about a turbulent, but significant period in English history when Henry's kingdom is beset with internal rebellions from covetous nobles, attacks from the Welsh, constant raids from the Scots, and problems with the French who want the English out of their country. She has managed to write a story of the flawed Henry IV which reveals him as a man, father and husband, as well as the dauntless king he was.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
My first impression of this book was that the author had devoted a lot of time and effort to her research of the period. She brilliantly brings to life the smells, sights and sounds of 15th-century England. My second thought was that I should have read the earlier books in the series first in order to acquaint myself with the cast of characters, which is long and complex. This is made more so by the fact that many of the characters are sometimes referred to by their titles and at other times by their names. However a comprehensive glossary is there to help the reader.
Having said this, once you get into the story it is the gripping tale of the English king, Henry IV, who is driven by his lust for power into making unlikely alliances with his French enemies, who executes one-time friends and does not stop short of beheading the Archbishop of York. Yet at the same time, the author makes it clear than Henry doesn't take these actions lightly. His conscience tortures him, but he convinces himself that what he does is for the stability of England and the House of Lancaster.
Despite suffering from a serious of strange ailments, which he starts to believe are a punishment from God for executing an archbishop, he clings to the throne and refuses to relinquish power to his son and heir Prince Hal.
The author has chosen to write about a turbulent, but significant period in English history when Henry's kingdom is beset with internal rebellions from covetous nobles, attacks from the Welsh, constant raids from the Scots, and problems with the French who want the English out of their country. She has managed to write a story of the flawed Henry IV which reveals him as a man, father and husband, as well as the dauntless king he was.
Originally Reviewed for Discovering Diamonds
January 30, 2025
Mercedes Rochelle’s The Accursed King presents an intricately detailed examination of the concluding, turbulent years of Henry IV’s reign. Despite having secured the throne and subdued numerous revolts, Henry’s victory is marred by physical deterioration and the demands of kingship. His debilitating illness—commonly believed to be leprosy and interpreted by many as divine retribution for his usurpation and the unprecedented execution of Archbishop Scrope—forms a central theme in this richly layered narrative. Rochelle illustrates Henry’s unyielding efforts to maintain control over a kingdom rife with rebellion and an ambitious heir, Prince Hal, whose increasing impatience threatens to destabilize the fragile peace.
Rochelle's expertise in historical detail is evident in her portrayal of the political and personal challenges that confronted Henry. She vividly reconstructs the complexities of late medieval power struggles, from the Percy rebellion to the ecclesiastical defiance of Archbishop Scrope. More than a mere recounting of events, the novel delves into the moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices that characterized Henry’s reign, offering a profoundly human portrait of a ruler grappling with his ambition and mortality.
Prince Hal emerges as a compelling figure within Rochelle’s narrative, his audacity and defiance standing in stark contrast to his father’s diminishing strength. The expertly developed tension between father and son provides a nuanced study of succession and the inevitable generational conflict inherent in dynastic transition.
With The Accursed King, Rochelle establishes herself as a very capable historian-novelist. Her ability to seamlessly blend historical authenticity with interesting storytelling provides an engaging and well-informed reading experience.
Rochelle's expertise in historical detail is evident in her portrayal of the political and personal challenges that confronted Henry. She vividly reconstructs the complexities of late medieval power struggles, from the Percy rebellion to the ecclesiastical defiance of Archbishop Scrope. More than a mere recounting of events, the novel delves into the moral dilemmas and personal sacrifices that characterized Henry’s reign, offering a profoundly human portrait of a ruler grappling with his ambition and mortality.
Prince Hal emerges as a compelling figure within Rochelle’s narrative, his audacity and defiance standing in stark contrast to his father’s diminishing strength. The expertly developed tension between father and son provides a nuanced study of succession and the inevitable generational conflict inherent in dynastic transition.
With The Accursed King, Rochelle establishes herself as a very capable historian-novelist. Her ability to seamlessly blend historical authenticity with interesting storytelling provides an engaging and well-informed reading experience.
May 19, 2022
Another exciting, intriguing and well-researched book in the Plantagenet Legacy
Henry has taken the crown of England after killing the previous incumbent… or so he assumes but we readers discover that Richard is not dead but living a reasonably comfortable life in Scotland. Richard makes no attempt to re-claim his throne, despite at least one attempt by disaffected nobles to persuade him to.
And who would want to be king! We watch the twists, turns and machinations of Henry IV, ever short of funds which are desperately needed to quell constant rebellions against him. Each means of raising money, from taxation to ‘acquiring’ estates, to forced loans, to diverting funds from the church, makes him even more unpopular and more at risk. Yet each cunning plot against him is uncovered and foiled because no one can trust any one else … treachery abounds.
One day exasperated beyond believe by his perfidious entourage, he has the Archbishop of York beheaded for treason and Henry himself suffers ‘divine punishment’ in return. From then Henry is indeed cursed by sickness. His followers suspect leprosy but, to this day, we cannot be certain. His illness was certainly most cruel, be it of divine causation or otherwise.
Highly recommend this book; Rochelle’s touches of detail are brilliant. Loved the description of the mouldy, verminous Palace of Westminster in constant danger of flooding and Henry V’s knights, all fifty of them, bathing; each to his own bath in one vast hall.
Henry has taken the crown of England after killing the previous incumbent… or so he assumes but we readers discover that Richard is not dead but living a reasonably comfortable life in Scotland. Richard makes no attempt to re-claim his throne, despite at least one attempt by disaffected nobles to persuade him to.
And who would want to be king! We watch the twists, turns and machinations of Henry IV, ever short of funds which are desperately needed to quell constant rebellions against him. Each means of raising money, from taxation to ‘acquiring’ estates, to forced loans, to diverting funds from the church, makes him even more unpopular and more at risk. Yet each cunning plot against him is uncovered and foiled because no one can trust any one else … treachery abounds.
One day exasperated beyond believe by his perfidious entourage, he has the Archbishop of York beheaded for treason and Henry himself suffers ‘divine punishment’ in return. From then Henry is indeed cursed by sickness. His followers suspect leprosy but, to this day, we cannot be certain. His illness was certainly most cruel, be it of divine causation or otherwise.
Highly recommend this book; Rochelle’s touches of detail are brilliant. Loved the description of the mouldy, verminous Palace of Westminster in constant danger of flooding and Henry V’s knights, all fifty of them, bathing; each to his own bath in one vast hall.
April 17, 2022
A wonderful read! The book is the fourth in the series but also reads perfectly well as a stand alone for those who haven’t read the previous volumes.
The research and historical fact is all there in detail but does not detract from the very well written tale within, as it immerses you in the turbulence of the early 15th century and the house of Lancaster.
The characters jump from the pages be they Kings, Princes, Lords or wily Churchmen.
You can feel King Henry’s pain both physically and mentally as he struggles with his debilitating illnesses and trying to settle a kingdom at war with itself.
Prince Hal (of Agincourt fame) is in ascendancy which leaves me hoping for another book on his life and reign as he steps up to rule.
The book is beautifully written, fast paced and very hard to put down. It will leave you seeking more from the author, Mercedes Rochelle. I can only recommend highly to lovers of history and an engrossing tale.
Garrett Pearson April 2022
The research and historical fact is all there in detail but does not detract from the very well written tale within, as it immerses you in the turbulence of the early 15th century and the house of Lancaster.
The characters jump from the pages be they Kings, Princes, Lords or wily Churchmen.
You can feel King Henry’s pain both physically and mentally as he struggles with his debilitating illnesses and trying to settle a kingdom at war with itself.
Prince Hal (of Agincourt fame) is in ascendancy which leaves me hoping for another book on his life and reign as he steps up to rule.
The book is beautifully written, fast paced and very hard to put down. It will leave you seeking more from the author, Mercedes Rochelle. I can only recommend highly to lovers of history and an engrossing tale.
Garrett Pearson April 2022
June 18, 2022
I am a big fan of the author. Her books about all of these kings are so good! I confess that I zipped through this stuff in history class and was so happy when it was over. Mercedes has turned that all around for me.
She takes the old and withered bones of history and brings them to life in a compelling and dramatic way! Her descriptions of traveling through towns on the way to battle or negotiation are first-rate. She accounts for weather, geography and other impediments to human activities whether benign or nefarious.
Some of the historical characters are well known, others not nearly as much. She gives them all their proper due and allows them to be real humans, flaws and all.
Whether you like history or a political thriller this book is for you!
She takes the old and withered bones of history and brings them to life in a compelling and dramatic way! Her descriptions of traveling through towns on the way to battle or negotiation are first-rate. She accounts for weather, geography and other impediments to human activities whether benign or nefarious.
Some of the historical characters are well known, others not nearly as much. She gives them all their proper due and allows them to be real humans, flaws and all.
Whether you like history or a political thriller this book is for you!
May 7, 2022
Entertaining and true (enough) to history
The author takes great care to do justice to historical events, while adding details and taking small liberties in order to have a more cohesive, entertaining story to follow.
The author takes great care to do justice to historical events, while adding details and taking small liberties in order to have a more cohesive, entertaining story to follow.
October 13, 2022
Excellent follow up from book 3.
Well worth five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟for this novel and the preceding three.A well written series, knowledge fact and fiction brought to life in an easy well put together read..😎😎
Well worth five 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟for this novel and the preceding three.A well written series, knowledge fact and fiction brought to life in an easy well put together read..😎😎
July 31, 2023
We are proud to announce that THE ACCURSED 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.
August 1, 2022
A very interesting account of the times of Henry IV
August 25, 2023
3.5 rounded down.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews