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The Medieval Saga #4
The Lion of Anjou: Can King Henry II bring peace to a troubled land?
When one war ends, another begins…
England, 1154
With King Henry II taking the throne, the long civil war that has ravaged England has finally come to an end.
But conflict is now coming from overseas. Henry has inherited territories over the English Channel that are being contested by King Louis VII of France.
And the new king’s marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine is strained – and becomes even more so when he threatens the Church of England and Thomas Beckett.
The people of England once more find their loyalties divided as they struggle over whether to defend church or state.
Will the conflict in the royal household influence Henry’s reign? Will Louis wage war on England?
Will England ever find peace…?
England, 1154
With King Henry II taking the throne, the long civil war that has ravaged England has finally come to an end.
But conflict is now coming from overseas. Henry has inherited territories over the English Channel that are being contested by King Louis VII of France.
And the new king’s marriage to Eleanor of Aquitaine is strained – and becomes even more so when he threatens the Church of England and Thomas Beckett.
The people of England once more find their loyalties divided as they struggle over whether to defend church or state.
Will the conflict in the royal household influence Henry’s reign? Will Louis wage war on England?
Will England ever find peace…?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2022
179 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
About the author
David Field
59 books98 followersDavid was born in post-war Nottingham, and educated at Nottingham High School. After obtaining a Law degree he became a career-long criminal law practitioner and academic, emigrating in 1989 to Australia, where he still lives.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
Combining his two great loves of History and the English language he began writing historical novels as an escape from the realities of life in the criminal law, but did not begin to publish them until close to fulltime retirement, when digital publishing offered a viable alternative to literary agencies, print publishers and rejection slips.
Now blessed with all the time in the world, his former hobby has become a fulltime occupation as he enjoys life in rural New South Wales with his wife, sons and grandchildren to keep him firmly grounded in the reality of the contemporary world.
David Field is published by Sapere Books.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
February 16, 2023
David Field keeps developing his series exploring the English 12th century of royal drama. He provides the sense of first-hand accounts through his strong storylines and vibrant characters, sure to educate and entertain the reader In equal measure. While I have followed Field through many of his past series, this is a collection far different than I have seen from him before, mixing historical references with a dialogue that keeps the reader enthralled.
It’s 1154 and King Henry II’s ascension to the throne has quelled the Civil War that threatens to tear England apart. But the fear of bloodshed is not yet muted, as Henry’s new lands across the Channel have begun to stir up discontentment. Louis VII of France has his eye on them and will draw a sword to take them back.
Henry must also look to his new marriage as another strain for him. Having married Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry must try to keep her happy without giving up the reins of power that have put him on the throne. A threat towards the Church in England could see Henry lose a key ally and push his power base a little too far.
All the while, the common Englishman looks to the two things that keep him balanced: the Church and the State. Where will he look to for solace and how will one become more important than the other? It is a struggle that no one wants and is sure to cause new upheavals at a time when any weakness is sure to tear things open for Louis in France.
As Louis plans his strike, he knows that he must time it just right to ensure victory. Henry must not push too far or risk losing everything and push England into another war. As David Field builds this story to its climax, the question of whether England is ever going to find peace must be front and centre, though the action of instability makes readers want more discontent.
I know little about this time period, but David Field has made sure to educate me with every passing page. He shines a light both on English history and the inner workings of the century’s royal drama, keeping the reader in the middle of everything. Field tackles massive topics and is able to boil them down to something much more palatable, while keeping his series fans from feeling as though things are overly repetitive. The narrative flow is decent and the recurring characters allow the reader to have some connection between books, but the emergence of new faces keep things exciting for those who like fresh storylines. Plots emerge and reappear throughout the story, keeping the readers on their toes as they explore the depths of the 12th century with ease. Those who have enjoyed the series to date are in for another winner here, as many readers tend to be when David Field is directing things with his pen.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for keeping things at such a high calibre.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
It’s 1154 and King Henry II’s ascension to the throne has quelled the Civil War that threatens to tear England apart. But the fear of bloodshed is not yet muted, as Henry’s new lands across the Channel have begun to stir up discontentment. Louis VII of France has his eye on them and will draw a sword to take them back.
Henry must also look to his new marriage as another strain for him. Having married Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry must try to keep her happy without giving up the reins of power that have put him on the throne. A threat towards the Church in England could see Henry lose a key ally and push his power base a little too far.
All the while, the common Englishman looks to the two things that keep him balanced: the Church and the State. Where will he look to for solace and how will one become more important than the other? It is a struggle that no one wants and is sure to cause new upheavals at a time when any weakness is sure to tear things open for Louis in France.
As Louis plans his strike, he knows that he must time it just right to ensure victory. Henry must not push too far or risk losing everything and push England into another war. As David Field builds this story to its climax, the question of whether England is ever going to find peace must be front and centre, though the action of instability makes readers want more discontent.
I know little about this time period, but David Field has made sure to educate me with every passing page. He shines a light both on English history and the inner workings of the century’s royal drama, keeping the reader in the middle of everything. Field tackles massive topics and is able to boil them down to something much more palatable, while keeping his series fans from feeling as though things are overly repetitive. The narrative flow is decent and the recurring characters allow the reader to have some connection between books, but the emergence of new faces keep things exciting for those who like fresh storylines. Plots emerge and reappear throughout the story, keeping the readers on their toes as they explore the depths of the 12th century with ease. Those who have enjoyed the series to date are in for another winner here, as many readers tend to be when David Field is directing things with his pen.
Kudos, Mr. Field, for keeping things at such a high calibre.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
January 7, 2023
Book 2 in the Marwood series, and it still continues to delight.
Thomasin is now embedded in Queen Catherine’s court as a lady in waiting. Her duties include reading religious tracts to the Queen and her fellow ladies, sewing clothes for the deserving poor and her nightly duties include being a bedside companion to the Queen, sleeping on a truckle bed to offer nighttime assistance.
This book deals with The King’s Secret Matter, which is his love for Anne Boleyn. Thomasin was captivated by the lady in the first book, but a family humiliation means her loyalties are now firmly with the Queen.
We deal with religion and politics in this book, Queen Catherine is Catholic, but has been unsuccessful in producing a living male heir. King Henry wants the marriage annulled, so he can marry Anne Boleyn. Queen Catherine believes her marriage is lawful and refuses to step aside for a younger rival.
Anne is of the new faith that is gathering converts, Tyndale has translated the Bible into English, and Martin Luther has popularised the ideas of freewill and self determinism that are becoming the new watch words.
Politics take the form of Spanish and Venetian envoys, they visit to pledge loyalty to Catherine, but they are revealed as spies for a powerful family at court.
The sweating sickness is also spreading across the land, many fall ill in the morning and are dead by nightfall, this is a clever device to move the court from one luxurious palace to the next.
This book succeeds in confining the story to a central core of characters, at a time when all men seem to be named Henry, Edward or Thomas., and the most popular female names are Elizabeth, Mary or Catherine, core characters help to avoid confusion that is present in most Tudor novels.
As always the descriptions of life at court are wonderful. The complexity of dress styles and heavy, ornate headdresses, such expensive jewellery , intricate dances and the rules of courtly etiquette are so well described, the food at banquets seem so exotic and rich to the palate , it compliments the story so well.
Family loyalty is everything and a young female must be aware of ever opportunistic men with an eye on seduction.
A perfect book for teens and young adults in my opinion. I am really enjoying this refreshing approach to Tudor history and I am still discovering new facts in this very readable and well researched novel. So looking forward to the next in this series , where will Thomasin’s journey and her loyalties take her to?
My thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for my advance digital copy, given in exchange for my unbiased and honest opinion. A five star read, I will post to Goodreads and Amazon.
Thomasin is now embedded in Queen Catherine’s court as a lady in waiting. Her duties include reading religious tracts to the Queen and her fellow ladies, sewing clothes for the deserving poor and her nightly duties include being a bedside companion to the Queen, sleeping on a truckle bed to offer nighttime assistance.
This book deals with The King’s Secret Matter, which is his love for Anne Boleyn. Thomasin was captivated by the lady in the first book, but a family humiliation means her loyalties are now firmly with the Queen.
We deal with religion and politics in this book, Queen Catherine is Catholic, but has been unsuccessful in producing a living male heir. King Henry wants the marriage annulled, so he can marry Anne Boleyn. Queen Catherine believes her marriage is lawful and refuses to step aside for a younger rival.
Anne is of the new faith that is gathering converts, Tyndale has translated the Bible into English, and Martin Luther has popularised the ideas of freewill and self determinism that are becoming the new watch words.
Politics take the form of Spanish and Venetian envoys, they visit to pledge loyalty to Catherine, but they are revealed as spies for a powerful family at court.
The sweating sickness is also spreading across the land, many fall ill in the morning and are dead by nightfall, this is a clever device to move the court from one luxurious palace to the next.
This book succeeds in confining the story to a central core of characters, at a time when all men seem to be named Henry, Edward or Thomas., and the most popular female names are Elizabeth, Mary or Catherine, core characters help to avoid confusion that is present in most Tudor novels.
As always the descriptions of life at court are wonderful. The complexity of dress styles and heavy, ornate headdresses, such expensive jewellery , intricate dances and the rules of courtly etiquette are so well described, the food at banquets seem so exotic and rich to the palate , it compliments the story so well.
Family loyalty is everything and a young female must be aware of ever opportunistic men with an eye on seduction.
A perfect book for teens and young adults in my opinion. I am really enjoying this refreshing approach to Tudor history and I am still discovering new facts in this very readable and well researched novel. So looking forward to the next in this series , where will Thomasin’s journey and her loyalties take her to?
My thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for my advance digital copy, given in exchange for my unbiased and honest opinion. A five star read, I will post to Goodreads and Amazon.
September 11, 2022
This is book four in the Medieval Saga Series and this one is about the reign of Henry II. I received it from Sapere Books via Netgalley and it has been published on the 26th of August.
It's 1154 and Henry II just became king. The country was still in disarray because of the civil war. But, unfortunately for Henry II, his perils didn't stop after becoming King. Others laid claim on the throne and on the different territories in France. His wife and even most his own sons turned against him.
This book tells us the story of Henry II and how he tried to remain in control. Other important characters from those days, such as Thomas Beckett, also make an appearance, putting it all into an interesting read because of the timeframe. The book itself reads more like a historic account of Henry II and the novel part, the story including the dialogue, is of secondary importance. It is quite the interesting read but sometimes too much happens on just one page (years go by, people apparently died within a page). This is also to be blamed to the only 209 pages the book is long. It could have been a bit more elaborately written as to prevent years going by in a page or two.
If you're into history and all things concerning the Royals in the 12th and 13th century, read this!
3/5⭐
It's 1154 and Henry II just became king. The country was still in disarray because of the civil war. But, unfortunately for Henry II, his perils didn't stop after becoming King. Others laid claim on the throne and on the different territories in France. His wife and even most his own sons turned against him.
This book tells us the story of Henry II and how he tried to remain in control. Other important characters from those days, such as Thomas Beckett, also make an appearance, putting it all into an interesting read because of the timeframe. The book itself reads more like a historic account of Henry II and the novel part, the story including the dialogue, is of secondary importance. It is quite the interesting read but sometimes too much happens on just one page (years go by, people apparently died within a page). This is also to be blamed to the only 209 pages the book is long. It could have been a bit more elaborately written as to prevent years going by in a page or two.
If you're into history and all things concerning the Royals in the 12th and 13th century, read this!
3/5⭐
January 16, 2023
A well written historical saga, but not a romance.
When I started reading this book I did not realize it was second in a series that is following one main character, Thomasin. If I had known that I might have approached it differently and enjoyed it more. However, since it was categorized as romance, I spent quite a bit of this book confused. This affected my reading of a really great book- so much so that I might check out the first book in the series and then reread this one. To be clear, this is not a light hearted book with a traditional HEA.
The writing in this book was excellent. Amy License is well versed in this history of the time period about which she writes. Seeing some well known historical characters come to life in this way is really a joy. Thomasin falls a bit flat sometimes in comparison to these historical rock stars, but she is young and it seems this series is going to follow the Tudor court for a long time.
So in summary, I recommend this book as historical fiction, but not as a romance.
Star Rating: 3/5
CW: Death, medical content, infidelity
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When I started reading this book I did not realize it was second in a series that is following one main character, Thomasin. If I had known that I might have approached it differently and enjoyed it more. However, since it was categorized as romance, I spent quite a bit of this book confused. This affected my reading of a really great book- so much so that I might check out the first book in the series and then reread this one. To be clear, this is not a light hearted book with a traditional HEA.
The writing in this book was excellent. Amy License is well versed in this history of the time period about which she writes. Seeing some well known historical characters come to life in this way is really a joy. Thomasin falls a bit flat sometimes in comparison to these historical rock stars, but she is young and it seems this series is going to follow the Tudor court for a long time.
So in summary, I recommend this book as historical fiction, but not as a romance.
Star Rating: 3/5
CW: Death, medical content, infidelity
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 7, 2023
I really like historical fiction, and I thought the cover design looked very striking, which is why I was interested in this.
I thought it was beautifully written - tasteful and elegant. It actually reminded me a little bit of a Philippa Gregory book.
One of my favourite things about historical fiction is that it can often feel like an escape for the reader, and this felt like an escape while I was reading, with the characters and setting vividly brought to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
I thought it was beautifully written - tasteful and elegant. It actually reminded me a little bit of a Philippa Gregory book.
One of my favourite things about historical fiction is that it can often feel like an escape for the reader, and this felt like an escape while I was reading, with the characters and setting vividly brought to life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
December 24, 2022
2.5/5 stars. It's clear that the author is knowledgeable regarding the history of the times. That is a wonderful concept but I'm not sure it was utilized successfully here. I felt like the interactions, while well-researched, were not believable and I struggled to get invested in the storyline.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
May 17, 2024
Good Historical Fiction
I like historical fiction as it makes history easier to comprehend and enjoy. This book is good historical fiction. It tells the story at a good pace. It is filled with the correct amount of detail so one does not get lost amongst (or bored) by too much. But most important, David Field is a good writer. His prose is pleasing to read.
I like historical fiction as it makes history easier to comprehend and enjoy. This book is good historical fiction. It tells the story at a good pace. It is filled with the correct amount of detail so one does not get lost amongst (or bored) by too much. But most important, David Field is a good writer. His prose is pleasing to read.
September 7, 2022
I vacillate, 3 or 4 stars? The author does a good job technically, but I don’t like the characters because they’re either arrogant or wussies in the extreme.
Still, I like the period, and the author tells it like reading a history book. Some like that approach, just not my cup of tea.
Still, I like the period, and the author tells it like reading a history book. Some like that approach, just not my cup of tea.
August 14, 2024
Like it's predecessors in the series the lineage of the historical Riveracre family is well intertwined with the nobility, providing a potential inside view of motivations that shaped England. Well written and engaging.
December 9, 2022
Move along for the most part.
October 4, 2023
Thanks to netgalley for providing an advanced copy for the purpose of review
This is book 2 in the series and I enjoyed it very much. Full of intrigue and compelling storytelling.
This is book 2 in the series and I enjoyed it very much. Full of intrigue and compelling storytelling.
July 18, 2025
really enjoying this series of books,a great insight into history
September 10, 2022
What a family!
I love reading about Henry II and Queen Eleanor and their so dysfunctional family. Never a dull moment in this household. This book started off a bit slow for me but that didn't last too long and I trusted the author who I really enjoy. The stories are historically accurate and told without a lot of fluff just to add pages. Great series! Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
I love reading about Henry II and Queen Eleanor and their so dysfunctional family. Never a dull moment in this household. This book started off a bit slow for me but that didn't last too long and I trusted the author who I really enjoy. The stories are historically accurate and told without a lot of fluff just to add pages. Great series! Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews