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Morland Dynasty #2
The Dark Rose
1501: Henry VIII
Paul, great-grandson of Elanor Morland, has inherited the Morland estates, and his own Amyas is set to be his heir. But Paul fathers a beloved illigitimate son, and bitter jealousy causes a destructive rift between the two half-brothers which will lead to death. Paul's niece, Nanette, becomes a maid-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, and at the court of Henry VIII she becomes embroiled in the King's bitter feud with Rome.
Through birth and death, love and hatred, triumph and heartbreak, the Morlands continue proudly to claim their place amongst England's aristocracy.
Paul, great-grandson of Elanor Morland, has inherited the Morland estates, and his own Amyas is set to be his heir. But Paul fathers a beloved illigitimate son, and bitter jealousy causes a destructive rift between the two half-brothers which will lead to death. Paul's niece, Nanette, becomes a maid-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, and at the court of Henry VIII she becomes embroiled in the King's bitter feud with Rome.
Through birth and death, love and hatred, triumph and heartbreak, the Morlands continue proudly to claim their place amongst England's aristocracy.
572 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1981
140 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
169 books497 followersCynthia Harrod-Eagles (aka Emma Woodhouse, Elizabeth Bennett)
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles was born on 13 August 1948 in Shepherd's Bush, London, England, where was educated at Burlington School, a girls' charity school founded in 1699, and at the University of Edinburgh and University College London, where she studied English, history and philosophy.
She had a variety of jobs in the commercial world, starting as a junior cashier at Woolworth's and working her way down to Pensions Officer at the BBC.
She wrote her first novel while at university and in 1972 won the Young Writers' Award with The Waiting Game. The birth of the MORLAND DYNASTY series enabled Cynthia Harrod-Eagles to become a full-time writer in 1979. The series was originally intended to comprise twelve volumes, but it has proved so popular that it has now been extended to thirty-four.
In 1993 she won the Romantic Novelists' Association Romantic Novel of the Year Award with Emily, the third volume of her Kirov Saga, a trilogy set in nineteenth century Russia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 8, 2011
Its 1501,and Paul great-grandson of Eleanor Morland who began this Dynasty,has inherited the estate.
He has a son to follow him,but he also fathers a illegitimate boy by his beloved mistress Ursula.Bitter jealousy between them cause a destructive rift that may destroy them all.
Nanette Paul's niece also has passions of her own.She becomes maid-in-waiting to Anne Bolyen and she witnesses first hand the events from Rome to her mistress's plights and finally to her execution.
Meanwhile Paul(Amyas) Paul's natural son and Adrian his son by Ursula,follow in the footsteps of their father and half brother uncle Jack, and they too become bitter rivals both longing for love and approval from a father who dosent know how to love and will cause heartache for all with the secrets he has of his own. While there were a few times I found this book to drag about 1/3 into the story the author throws you for a loop. A "OMG" and "no way!" moment which gets the story back on its feet again.In The Dark Rose the turbulence of Henry VIII regin brings passion and pain to the Morlands as they achieve greater wealth and prestige. The authors historical base for this book is so brilliantly done,her characters are fascinating and once again the history and "persons" of the time period is cleverly woven into the lives and fortunes of the Morland family. Throughout all the turmoil of Henry VIII's regin,from drought to floods,from religious reform to court intrigue, betrayals,passions,loves lost as well as found the Morlands find new ways to come together and survive in a world that seems to be tearing them apart. Looking forward to the next book The Princeling
He has a son to follow him,but he also fathers a illegitimate boy by his beloved mistress Ursula.Bitter jealousy between them cause a destructive rift that may destroy them all.
Nanette Paul's niece also has passions of her own.She becomes maid-in-waiting to Anne Bolyen and she witnesses first hand the events from Rome to her mistress's plights and finally to her execution.
Meanwhile Paul(Amyas) Paul's natural son and Adrian his son by Ursula,follow in the footsteps of their father and half brother uncle Jack, and they too become bitter rivals both longing for love and approval from a father who dosent know how to love and will cause heartache for all with the secrets he has of his own. While there were a few times I found this book to drag about 1/3 into the story the author throws you for a loop. A "OMG" and "no way!" moment which gets the story back on its feet again.In The Dark Rose the turbulence of Henry VIII regin brings passion and pain to the Morlands as they achieve greater wealth and prestige. The authors historical base for this book is so brilliantly done,her characters are fascinating and once again the history and "persons" of the time period is cleverly woven into the lives and fortunes of the Morland family. Throughout all the turmoil of Henry VIII's regin,from drought to floods,from religious reform to court intrigue, betrayals,passions,loves lost as well as found the Morlands find new ways to come together and survive in a world that seems to be tearing them apart. Looking forward to the next book The Princeling
June 29, 2010
As much as I enjoyed book one, I gotta say that book two was rather disappointing. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, The Dark Rose takes us on a journey through the lives of the Morlands, in particular Paul (the matriarch Eleanor’s great-grandson) and his niece Nanette during this tumultuous time in England’s history. And you would think that being set in Tudor times that the book would be exciting, riveting but I found it just plain boring and sometimes a bit unbelievable. It wasn’t a bad read necessarily, just not a great one.
The Morlands have their share of heartbreak in this novel and Paul is entwined in a battle between his heir and his bastard son which comes to a head at the end. Nanette is our eyes and ears to the Tudor Court as she serves as lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn and later Katherine Parr and willingly puts her own life (and love) on hold to remain loyal to them, almost to her detriment.
Eagles’ does throw the reader a big OMG moment about about ¼ of the way into the novel, but what it is you’re going to have to find out for yourself…you won’t find any spoilers here! Suffice it to say that you’re eyebrows will be raised and you may just say to yourself as I did, WTH? After my first initial shock, the storyline didn’t bother me so much, but I most definitely did not see that coming!
Although The Dark Rose didn’t do much for me and was not a page turner by any form of imagination, I am not letting it stop me from continuing the series. Book Three: The Princeling comes out later this year and I am crossing my fingers that the series is redeemed.
The Morlands have their share of heartbreak in this novel and Paul is entwined in a battle between his heir and his bastard son which comes to a head at the end. Nanette is our eyes and ears to the Tudor Court as she serves as lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn and later Katherine Parr and willingly puts her own life (and love) on hold to remain loyal to them, almost to her detriment.
Eagles’ does throw the reader a big OMG moment about about ¼ of the way into the novel, but what it is you’re going to have to find out for yourself…you won’t find any spoilers here! Suffice it to say that you’re eyebrows will be raised and you may just say to yourself as I did, WTH? After my first initial shock, the storyline didn’t bother me so much, but I most definitely did not see that coming!
Although The Dark Rose didn’t do much for me and was not a page turner by any form of imagination, I am not letting it stop me from continuing the series. Book Three: The Princeling comes out later this year and I am crossing my fingers that the series is redeemed.
August 12, 2016
This is the second book of the The Morland Dynasty and I loved it more than the first book of this huge family saga made of 35 books.
Nanette is another strong character as Eleanor in The Founding. Through this unforgettable personage, we know all Anne Boleyn life's from another point of view; the birth of her child Elizabeth; and the Catherine Parr's life. A great overview of Henry VIII's reign is provided by the author in this magnificent book.
The sequel of this book and the third book of this series is The Princeling.
Page 52:
When at last the weather softened and the roads became passable again, the King’s former almoner and present chief advisor, Thomas Wolsey, came north to be invested as the new Archbishop of York.
Page 69:
In the autumn of 1515 Archbishop Wolsey, Chancellor of England, was made a cardinal.
Page 103:
That summer was hot, and wet, and the Sweat – that dreaded disease brought to England by the mercenary soldiers of Henry VII and never since eradicated – struck London and spread outwards to the provinces.
Page 126:
In the winter of the year 1521 England was once more at war with France – and this only a year after the enormously ostentatious meeting of friendship between Henry of England and Francis of France,…
Page 156:
The arrangement had been suggested by Sir Thomas Boleyn, for he was preparing to return his daughter Anne to Court – she now having been forgiven for her misconduct in the Percy affair – and he thought Nanette would make a suitable companion for her.
Page 159:
‘Yes, the Cardinal, the most powerful man in England, that great swollen spider! Powerful he may be, but I have one thing he has not – I have blood in my veins!
Page 172:
And my governess always used to say that Kings are like wild tigers – you must never let them see you are afraid of them.’
Page 175:
Whichever way he turned, the King never took his eyes from Anne’s face, and she, laughing happily and tilting her lovely face back on her slender neck did not avoid his gaze. They danced as if they were the only two people in the room.
Page 196:
In the spring of 1527, just after Nanette’s nineteenth birthday, the King arranged with the Cardinal to be called before an ecclesiastical court and tried on a charge of fornication with Queen Katherine on the grounds that she was his brother’s wife and therefore not his.
Page 221:
Cardinal Wolsey, the great prince of the Catholic Church, was dead.
page 256:
The difference had been made by one Master Thomas Cromwell, who had been secretary to Cardinal Wolsey who had changed to the King’s service just before the Cardinal’s death…
Page 257:
The King should be the supreme head of the Church, and anyone who thereafter acknowledged allegiance to the Pope would therefore be guilty of treason, and could be dealt with by the law.
Page 298:
‘Because a girl-child cannot inherit the kingdom,’ Amyas said.
Page 343:
‘I have come, with the other members of the Privy Council, on the King’s warrant, to arrest you, Madam, for high treason,’ Norfolk said harshly.
Page 346:
‘You know that a person accused of treason cannot come into the King’s presence until cleared of the charge. You must come with us now to the Tower, where you will await your trial.’
Page 358:
‘He will let me go. He has no wish for my blood. A Queen of England has never been executed before. It would be too shocking. The people already complain in the streets that I am unjustly condemned. No, they will let me go.’
Page 359:
I failed to give the King a son, that was my crime. He had his duty, and I mine.
4* The Founding
5* The Dark Rose
TBR The Princeling
Nanette is another strong character as Eleanor in The Founding. Through this unforgettable personage, we know all Anne Boleyn life's from another point of view; the birth of her child Elizabeth; and the Catherine Parr's life. A great overview of Henry VIII's reign is provided by the author in this magnificent book.
The sequel of this book and the third book of this series is The Princeling.
Page 52:
When at last the weather softened and the roads became passable again, the King’s former almoner and present chief advisor, Thomas Wolsey, came north to be invested as the new Archbishop of York.
Page 69:
In the autumn of 1515 Archbishop Wolsey, Chancellor of England, was made a cardinal.
Page 103:
That summer was hot, and wet, and the Sweat – that dreaded disease brought to England by the mercenary soldiers of Henry VII and never since eradicated – struck London and spread outwards to the provinces.
Page 126:
In the winter of the year 1521 England was once more at war with France – and this only a year after the enormously ostentatious meeting of friendship between Henry of England and Francis of France,…
Page 156:
The arrangement had been suggested by Sir Thomas Boleyn, for he was preparing to return his daughter Anne to Court – she now having been forgiven for her misconduct in the Percy affair – and he thought Nanette would make a suitable companion for her.
Page 159:
‘Yes, the Cardinal, the most powerful man in England, that great swollen spider! Powerful he may be, but I have one thing he has not – I have blood in my veins!
Page 172:
And my governess always used to say that Kings are like wild tigers – you must never let them see you are afraid of them.’
Page 175:
Whichever way he turned, the King never took his eyes from Anne’s face, and she, laughing happily and tilting her lovely face back on her slender neck did not avoid his gaze. They danced as if they were the only two people in the room.
Page 196:
In the spring of 1527, just after Nanette’s nineteenth birthday, the King arranged with the Cardinal to be called before an ecclesiastical court and tried on a charge of fornication with Queen Katherine on the grounds that she was his brother’s wife and therefore not his.
Page 221:
Cardinal Wolsey, the great prince of the Catholic Church, was dead.
page 256:
The difference had been made by one Master Thomas Cromwell, who had been secretary to Cardinal Wolsey who had changed to the King’s service just before the Cardinal’s death…
Page 257:
The King should be the supreme head of the Church, and anyone who thereafter acknowledged allegiance to the Pope would therefore be guilty of treason, and could be dealt with by the law.
Page 298:
‘Because a girl-child cannot inherit the kingdom,’ Amyas said.
Page 343:
‘I have come, with the other members of the Privy Council, on the King’s warrant, to arrest you, Madam, for high treason,’ Norfolk said harshly.
Page 346:
‘You know that a person accused of treason cannot come into the King’s presence until cleared of the charge. You must come with us now to the Tower, where you will await your trial.’
Page 358:
‘He will let me go. He has no wish for my blood. A Queen of England has never been executed before. It would be too shocking. The people already complain in the streets that I am unjustly condemned. No, they will let me go.’
Page 359:
I failed to give the King a son, that was my crime. He had his duty, and I mine.
4* The Founding
5* The Dark Rose
TBR The Princeling
March 9, 2016
This is a beautiful piece of literature. My only issue with it is how the author tends to play a little fast and loose with historical fact versus historical rumors. That, however, fails to take away from this story. Being that the focus on the book is the Morland family and how the goings on at court effect their daily lives, I can tolerate a few extra royal miscarriages and pregnancies. The only other thing this book needs is a family tree. At some point I gave up trying to remember which person was a cousin and/or which people were married and who their children were. I might have been better off if I had read this book on the heels of the previous book instead of waiting a few years between books.
January 28, 2018
I enjoyed this second instalment in the Morland Dynasty more than the first, with larger sections of the book devoted to letting us getting closer to some of the key characters (though not necessarily understanding them or even feeling empathy for them).
I was a little saddened that the stories of a number of the side characters from the first book were not tied off, though given the overwhelming number of characters, it is perhaps understandable ... it is already easy to 'get lost' in the characters and their various connections (I can see why a friend told me she always has a copy of the family tree at her side while she reads this series).
I was a little saddened that the stories of a number of the side characters from the first book were not tied off, though given the overwhelming number of characters, it is perhaps understandable ... it is already easy to 'get lost' in the characters and their various connections (I can see why a friend told me she always has a copy of the family tree at her side while she reads this series).
January 30, 2026
Another great book in this series. I'm so glad I found these hidden gems. I'm looking forward to continuing the series soon. I love how real all the characters feel and how, though they aren't real, they fit perfectly into all the important moments of history.
November 16, 2015
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles ‘Dynasty’ series was first published in 1980, and book number 35 is now available. Sourcebooks has gone back to the beginning and reprinted the first books and being a CHE fan, I jumped at the chance to re-read an old favourite.
The Dark Rose is the story of French Paul, Eleanor Morland’s great grandson and the founders of the dynasty. Paul runs the Morland properties, but struggles with jealousy of his half-siblings and dislike of his wife. King Henry VIII has finally become tired of his wife, Catherine of Aragon and has fallen in love with Anne Boleyn.
Paul’s niece, Nanette Moreland, becomes lady in waiting to the King’s favourite, and is beside her as a beloved intimate when she becomes his ill-fated queen.
Nanette is also struggling with the fact she is in love with her uncle Paul and feels to be at court will diminish her feelings for a relationship frowned on by the church.
However the church is changing, and the country’s sense of right and wrong divides families, among them Paul’s. His son, Amyas, a harder taskmaster than Paul, clings to the ‘Old Religion’ and is prepared to make his feelings known in a rebellion against the dissolution of the monasteries that threatens to bring the King’s wrath down on Moreland Place.
Nanette’s fate, so closely tied in with Anne Boleyn’s, is destined to change when her mistress is executed. She returns to Moreland Place and marries Paul, a union Amyas abhors. Nanette is safe under Paul’s protection, but then his long lost son returns. Adrian is the son of the beautiful Ursula who died of the sweating sickness that took Paul’s own wife and Nanette’s parents and brothers. Although he loved Adrian Paul rejected him out of duty for his legitimate son, an act Adrian can never forgive.
Adrian begs his father to let him come home, but when he is rejected again, he kills Paul, leaving Nanette at the mercy of Amyas, the new master of Moreland Place.
CHE’s portrayal of Anne Boleyn is masterful, and one I always compare with other interpretations. She is coquette, child, lover and schemer all in one, and goes to her death as an innocent victim, mourned by few but her beloved Nanette.
Nanette herself is a little too perfect, and although exposed to the betrayal, lies and murders at the Tudor Court, she comes away as innocent as the day she arrived and with apparently no ill feelings towards the King, who murdered her friend. The only person she appears to resent is the ‘honey scorpion’ Jane Seymour.
Again, the style of writing is different to historical fiction being published today, and in some ways less gritty and true to life, but the author’s characterisation and the fast moving story keeps you reading to the end.
As long as the reader keeps in mind this is not a history book, but historical fiction, this novel will not disappoint.
The Dark Rose is the story of French Paul, Eleanor Morland’s great grandson and the founders of the dynasty. Paul runs the Morland properties, but struggles with jealousy of his half-siblings and dislike of his wife. King Henry VIII has finally become tired of his wife, Catherine of Aragon and has fallen in love with Anne Boleyn.
Paul’s niece, Nanette Moreland, becomes lady in waiting to the King’s favourite, and is beside her as a beloved intimate when she becomes his ill-fated queen.
Nanette is also struggling with the fact she is in love with her uncle Paul and feels to be at court will diminish her feelings for a relationship frowned on by the church.
However the church is changing, and the country’s sense of right and wrong divides families, among them Paul’s. His son, Amyas, a harder taskmaster than Paul, clings to the ‘Old Religion’ and is prepared to make his feelings known in a rebellion against the dissolution of the monasteries that threatens to bring the King’s wrath down on Moreland Place.
Nanette’s fate, so closely tied in with Anne Boleyn’s, is destined to change when her mistress is executed. She returns to Moreland Place and marries Paul, a union Amyas abhors. Nanette is safe under Paul’s protection, but then his long lost son returns. Adrian is the son of the beautiful Ursula who died of the sweating sickness that took Paul’s own wife and Nanette’s parents and brothers. Although he loved Adrian Paul rejected him out of duty for his legitimate son, an act Adrian can never forgive.
Adrian begs his father to let him come home, but when he is rejected again, he kills Paul, leaving Nanette at the mercy of Amyas, the new master of Moreland Place.
CHE’s portrayal of Anne Boleyn is masterful, and one I always compare with other interpretations. She is coquette, child, lover and schemer all in one, and goes to her death as an innocent victim, mourned by few but her beloved Nanette.
Nanette herself is a little too perfect, and although exposed to the betrayal, lies and murders at the Tudor Court, she comes away as innocent as the day she arrived and with apparently no ill feelings towards the King, who murdered her friend. The only person she appears to resent is the ‘honey scorpion’ Jane Seymour.
Again, the style of writing is different to historical fiction being published today, and in some ways less gritty and true to life, but the author’s characterisation and the fast moving story keeps you reading to the end.
As long as the reader keeps in mind this is not a history book, but historical fiction, this novel will not disappoint.
February 11, 2013
It took me awhile to grow to appreciate Cynthia Harrod-Eagles style, but now I'm hooked, and really enjoying the series. Although it moves through the wide ranging generations of the Morland family, each book has a primary character one can feel empathy with, while weaving the complex history of the times, the day to day social aspects of food, clothing, and living conditions, and interesting personal as well as historical plots.
June 16, 2022
I will also do a video review here at my channel: http://www.youtube.com/magicofbooks
"The Dark Rose" is book 2 in the "Morland Dynasty" series by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, following the Morland family through the turbulent years of the reign of King Henry VIII, his six wives, and the conflicts between the Catholics and the Protestants.
Just as book 1 did, book 2 covers a massive chunk of time on the historical timeline. This time, we follow the Morland family through the reign of King Henry VIII, going through all six of his wives, and delving into the issues between the Catholics and Protestants, eventually leading to the death of the King and his young son Edward becoming king. We don't reach Edward's death, but I'm assuming book 3 will cover some of that, if not possibly some of Mary Tudor's reign, but mostly following the reign of Elizabeth Tudor. With this installment we are mostly focused on the lives of Paul Morland who is the great-grandson of our heroine from the previous book, Eleanor Morland, and Nanette, Paul's niece. There are many other Morland's that populate this book, but they never really get focused on in much depth. Paul and Nanette are the primary focus. The majority of Paul's story occupies in the north of England where the Morland estate resides. He faces many of the issues going on during that time period involving the northern rebellions and the nobles and common people who were getting upset with how Henry VIII was handling things politically and religiously. Paul's story also revolves around his relationship with his legitimate son and his illegitimate son. His son by marriage he doesn't really love, but his son will be heir of the estate and Paul is constantly obsessed with family honor and duty in that regards. Paul really loves his bastard son more, but because of the conventions of the time period, Paul has to shun him, which causes massive implications later on down the road. Nanette in the meantime, the niece of Paul, spends her time in the court of Henry VIII. She sees the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn. She sees wife after wife enter the picture. She is even a childhood friend of Henry's last wife, Katherine Parr. Nan has to navigate the world of politics and courtly romance, enduring the tantrums of the king, and making sure she survives this ruthless world. What ties Paul and Nan together is the fact that, despite their relation has uncle and niece, they love each other. The novel certainly has a will-they-won't-they plot going on if they will actually give in to their feelings and what their future holds. I adored both Paul and Nan as characters, but I was left a bit iffy about their inappropriate relationship. Cynthia Harrod-Eagles certainly wanted me to love them together, but I often found myself feelings odd about it as a modern reader.
I loved the time and research Cynthia Harrod-Eagles took with book 1, and she does the same in this second book. Everything during this tumultuous time period is covered. You got King Henry and his desire to claim France. You got the six wives. You got the religious struggles and northern rebellions. There's a lot to cover and much of it is covered in rapid succession. A lot of time is spent with Anne Boleyn and what Nan takes away from being a lady in waiting to Anne. Nan sacrifices much during her service with Anne Boleyn. Once the story of Anne Boleyn is over, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles goes through a rapid-fire, page-turning, speed of covering the next wives before slowing down a bit when it gets to Katherine Parr. I think that's the one unfortunate thing about this book that the timeline is so rapid. In any given chapter, you could be going through several months, if not a whole year, or even multiple years. The pacing can be overwhelming on occasion, if not frustrating. Characters rapidly, randomly, and shockingly die off. That's another frustration that you never get to properly know some characters before they are killed off. I'm only two books into this series, but I gather that Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is more interested in placing these characters into historical events, more so than actually developing them into multi-dimensional people. Once again, Paul and Nan are your central characters, and they are the only ones who even get growth and development. Don't expect the same for the dozens of others inhabitants of this novel.
Overall, another great installment to the series. Yes, it has it's moments of frustration in regards to how quick the pacing is and that you don't get to spend an abundance of time with certain characters. But what's great is seeing how this one particular family grows and adapts to the changing of history---who rises and who falls. It's also fun to see them interacting with major historical people of the time. I'm greatly looking forward to the next generation of the Morland family in book 3 during the Elizabethan era. Should be fun!
"The Dark Rose" is book 2 in the "Morland Dynasty" series by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles, following the Morland family through the turbulent years of the reign of King Henry VIII, his six wives, and the conflicts between the Catholics and the Protestants.
Just as book 1 did, book 2 covers a massive chunk of time on the historical timeline. This time, we follow the Morland family through the reign of King Henry VIII, going through all six of his wives, and delving into the issues between the Catholics and Protestants, eventually leading to the death of the King and his young son Edward becoming king. We don't reach Edward's death, but I'm assuming book 3 will cover some of that, if not possibly some of Mary Tudor's reign, but mostly following the reign of Elizabeth Tudor. With this installment we are mostly focused on the lives of Paul Morland who is the great-grandson of our heroine from the previous book, Eleanor Morland, and Nanette, Paul's niece. There are many other Morland's that populate this book, but they never really get focused on in much depth. Paul and Nanette are the primary focus. The majority of Paul's story occupies in the north of England where the Morland estate resides. He faces many of the issues going on during that time period involving the northern rebellions and the nobles and common people who were getting upset with how Henry VIII was handling things politically and religiously. Paul's story also revolves around his relationship with his legitimate son and his illegitimate son. His son by marriage he doesn't really love, but his son will be heir of the estate and Paul is constantly obsessed with family honor and duty in that regards. Paul really loves his bastard son more, but because of the conventions of the time period, Paul has to shun him, which causes massive implications later on down the road. Nanette in the meantime, the niece of Paul, spends her time in the court of Henry VIII. She sees the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn. She sees wife after wife enter the picture. She is even a childhood friend of Henry's last wife, Katherine Parr. Nan has to navigate the world of politics and courtly romance, enduring the tantrums of the king, and making sure she survives this ruthless world. What ties Paul and Nan together is the fact that, despite their relation has uncle and niece, they love each other. The novel certainly has a will-they-won't-they plot going on if they will actually give in to their feelings and what their future holds. I adored both Paul and Nan as characters, but I was left a bit iffy about their inappropriate relationship. Cynthia Harrod-Eagles certainly wanted me to love them together, but I often found myself feelings odd about it as a modern reader.
I loved the time and research Cynthia Harrod-Eagles took with book 1, and she does the same in this second book. Everything during this tumultuous time period is covered. You got King Henry and his desire to claim France. You got the six wives. You got the religious struggles and northern rebellions. There's a lot to cover and much of it is covered in rapid succession. A lot of time is spent with Anne Boleyn and what Nan takes away from being a lady in waiting to Anne. Nan sacrifices much during her service with Anne Boleyn. Once the story of Anne Boleyn is over, Cynthia Harrod-Eagles goes through a rapid-fire, page-turning, speed of covering the next wives before slowing down a bit when it gets to Katherine Parr. I think that's the one unfortunate thing about this book that the timeline is so rapid. In any given chapter, you could be going through several months, if not a whole year, or even multiple years. The pacing can be overwhelming on occasion, if not frustrating. Characters rapidly, randomly, and shockingly die off. That's another frustration that you never get to properly know some characters before they are killed off. I'm only two books into this series, but I gather that Cynthia Harrod-Eagles is more interested in placing these characters into historical events, more so than actually developing them into multi-dimensional people. Once again, Paul and Nan are your central characters, and they are the only ones who even get growth and development. Don't expect the same for the dozens of others inhabitants of this novel.
Overall, another great installment to the series. Yes, it has it's moments of frustration in regards to how quick the pacing is and that you don't get to spend an abundance of time with certain characters. But what's great is seeing how this one particular family grows and adapts to the changing of history---who rises and who falls. It's also fun to see them interacting with major historical people of the time. I'm greatly looking forward to the next generation of the Morland family in book 3 during the Elizabethan era. Should be fun!
November 7, 2021
4,5✨/5✨
Druhý díl Dynastie Morlandů nás zavede do poněkud atraktivnějších témat než první díl, konkrétně ke dvoru Jindřicha VIII., sledujeme pravnuka Eleanor- Paula, který nyní vládne nad panstvím Morlandů, a její pravnučku Nanette, která je dvorní dáma, a nejlepší přítelkyně Anny Boleynové, po její smrti se vdá za Paula, který následně zemře, a nad hrabstvím přebírá zprávu jeho syn Amyas, s extremistickými a nacistickými sklony. Když se mu jeho chování vymstí, a je zabit; ke konci knihy přebírá žezlo jeho syn opět pojmenován Paul.
Musím říct že mě Dvorní dáma bavila mnohem víc než Zakladatelka rodu, už z toho důvodu že jsme se podívali do trochu vyšší politiky, poznali jsme prakticky všechny manželky Jindřicha, a co se mi hlavně líbilo, nezaujatým pohledem. Co se mi naopak moc nelíbilo, ale hvězdičku za to neuberu je romantika Paula a Nanette... Jakože, ať si říká co chce kdo chce, ale je to divné... A čekala jsem že poprava a smrt Anny bude trochu víc popsána, když jsme se s ní zaobírali skoro celpu knihu, a pak během pár stran je konec, a o Anně nepadne ani zmínka.
Nicméně mě pokračování hodně bavilo, něco mi dalo, a vím že bude Dynastie Morlandů moje srdcovka. Na třetí díl se těším.
A obrovské plusové body za vyobrazení Anny jako normální ženy, která byla ke sňatku donucena
Druhý díl Dynastie Morlandů nás zavede do poněkud atraktivnějších témat než první díl, konkrétně ke dvoru Jindřicha VIII., sledujeme pravnuka Eleanor- Paula, který nyní vládne nad panstvím Morlandů, a její pravnučku Nanette, která je dvorní dáma, a nejlepší přítelkyně Anny Boleynové, po její smrti se vdá za Paula, který následně zemře, a nad hrabstvím přebírá zprávu jeho syn Amyas, s extremistickými a nacistickými sklony. Když se mu jeho chování vymstí, a je zabit; ke konci knihy přebírá žezlo jeho syn opět pojmenován Paul.
Musím říct že mě Dvorní dáma bavila mnohem víc než Zakladatelka rodu, už z toho důvodu že jsme se podívali do trochu vyšší politiky, poznali jsme prakticky všechny manželky Jindřicha, a co se mi hlavně líbilo, nezaujatým pohledem. Co se mi naopak moc nelíbilo, ale hvězdičku za to neuberu je romantika Paula a Nanette... Jakože, ať si říká co chce kdo chce, ale je to divné... A čekala jsem že poprava a smrt Anny bude trochu víc popsána, když jsme se s ní zaobírali skoro celpu knihu, a pak během pár stran je konec, a o Anně nepadne ani zmínka.
Nicméně mě pokračování hodně bavilo, něco mi dalo, a vím že bude Dynastie Morlandů moje srdcovka. Na třetí díl se těším.
A obrovské plusové body za vyobrazení Anny jako normální ženy, která byla ke sňatku donucena
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2017
At the age of seven Nanette Morland is sent to live with the Parr family, where she has lessons with young Katherine and two other girls. This begins a relationship that extends to the very end of Kate's life, but in between Nanette finds herself involved in some of the most momentous events in the turbulent reign of Henry VIII of England. As a young woman she becomes a lady-in-waiting to Catherine of Aragon, and a friend of Anne Boleyn and her circle. When Catherine leaves court, Nanette stays on with Anne, and experiences her rise and fall. Finally freed to return home and marry the man she loves, Nanette is distressed by the changes there in Yorkshire. After her husband dies, Katherine Parr invites Nanette to return to her as companion, so once again she returns to court life — a very changed court life, as Henry has grown older and more remote. The familiar story plays out, and when it ends Nanette returns home, where she discovers a surprising new life for herself. Exciting, well-paced writing, and a story that will keep the reader entranced, despite knowing how it will end for the historical characters involved. The author does a good job incorporating her fictional family into the fabric of history. Highly recommended.
September 9, 2023
It is a long time since I read one of Cynthia Harrod-Eagles' books, but I had her name on my want-to-read list, so I knew this would be good, Set in the time of Henry VIII, it is the story of Nanette Morland, who is sent to the court of Catherine of Aragon as a teenager, later becomes a good friend and lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn, and many years later, returns to court as a good friend of Catherine Parr. As well as following the story of what happens to all Henry's wives, there is also the Morland family story developing. The Morland family estate is just outside York, so far from court, and Nanette seldom gets home, even though the person she loves lives there. For so many years, she delays marriage, because of her duty to the various queens. Meanwhile, the family is coping with many problems of its own - jealousy between siblings, illegitimate offspring, droughts, floods, the "sweat", Catholic versus Protestant factions, all of which contribute to many untimely deaths of family members. It is a novel which holds your interest throughout, as drama after drama fill its pages.
March 2, 2024
My kind of historical fiction! A fictional family set against the backdrop of real people & events. This book is set during the time of Henry VIII, and it is marvelous. It also takes a more sympathetic view of Anne Boleyn's life & short reign than other authors I have read. Extremely well-researched and written. Just a note: This is Book Two of the series. It could be a stand alone, but I think the reader's enjoyment will be enhanced if the first book is read first.
Also, just as a postscript, the author's website is wonderful and gives great background and additional information about the Morland family. https://www.cynthiaharrodeagles.com/b...
Also, just as a postscript, the author's website is wonderful and gives great background and additional information about the Morland family. https://www.cynthiaharrodeagles.com/b...
November 10, 2025
Mám moc ráda vícedílné svazky, nemusím se tak zcela a hned loučit se svými hrdiny. U této rozsáhlé série mám vyhlídky výborné, dokonce prý v Anglii vyšel další díl!
Nicméně, v druhém dílu Morlandů jsem byla z kraje příběhu mírně zaskočena časovým posunem. 16. století, 3 - 4 dynastie rodu. Naštěstí opět silná ženská postava, Nanette Morlandová, slibovala od samotného začátku zajímavé čtení.
Dobu vlády Jindřicha VIII v oblibě moc nemám. Řadím se spíše ke čtenářům, kteří by rádi opustili jeho dvůr, plný intrik, a četli o obyčejných i neobyčejných lidech nižších tříd. A toho bylo v této knize poskrovnu, proto jednu hvězdičku ubírám.
Třetí díl už mám doma, jízda pokračuje :)
Nicméně, v druhém dílu Morlandů jsem byla z kraje příběhu mírně zaskočena časovým posunem. 16. století, 3 - 4 dynastie rodu. Naštěstí opět silná ženská postava, Nanette Morlandová, slibovala od samotného začátku zajímavé čtení.
Dobu vlády Jindřicha VIII v oblibě moc nemám. Řadím se spíše ke čtenářům, kteří by rádi opustili jeho dvůr, plný intrik, a četli o obyčejných i neobyčejných lidech nižších tříd. A toho bylo v této knize poskrovnu, proto jednu hvězdičku ubírám.
Třetí díl už mám doma, jízda pokračuje :)
December 13, 2023
This was one of the best historical fiction novels, set in the Tudor era, that I have ever read. The level of historical detail and accuracy of political, social, and religious content was phenomenal. I very much want to read the other volumes in this series! The author's use of language, even the spellings to reflect accents, etc., and archaic vocabulary all added authenticity to the story. The family tree also helped a great deal to figure out who-was-who, since some names were repeated in multiple generations of the Morland clan, as was often the case and still is in old families.
March 1, 2025
The Dark Rose is book two in a long-running series that I'm only just at the beginning of but which I am absolutely loving. This one focuses on the descendants of Robert and Eleanor Morland from the first book, The Founding, and it's their great-grandson, Paul, who is the main character, along with his niece, Nanette.
As the book is set during the reign of Henry VIII there is a great deal of turbulence in England. Nanette spends much of her time at court as one of Anne Boleyn's ladies and her closest confidante (and we all know what happened there!). Paul meanwhile is back in Yorkshire at the family seat of Morland Place dealing with his son's rash behaviour and his own unhappy marriage and love for another woman.
There is so much vivid and rich detail in this book and I never wanted to put it down. Cynthia Harrod-Eagles expertly merges life in the north where they are somewhat sheltered from the treachery in the south, with life in the royal court which provides the perfect contrast for the reader, taking in the major historical events of the era in a most accessible way.
This book is utter perfection in my opinion and I am hungry for more Morlands. Next up, book three - The Princeling.
As the book is set during the reign of Henry VIII there is a great deal of turbulence in England. Nanette spends much of her time at court as one of Anne Boleyn's ladies and her closest confidante (and we all know what happened there!). Paul meanwhile is back in Yorkshire at the family seat of Morland Place dealing with his son's rash behaviour and his own unhappy marriage and love for another woman.
There is so much vivid and rich detail in this book and I never wanted to put it down. Cynthia Harrod-Eagles expertly merges life in the north where they are somewhat sheltered from the treachery in the south, with life in the royal court which provides the perfect contrast for the reader, taking in the major historical events of the era in a most accessible way.
This book is utter perfection in my opinion and I am hungry for more Morlands. Next up, book three - The Princeling.
December 11, 2020
This, for me, was a far better read than the first book. Although I still found the seemingly endless amount of Morlands and their relatives a little overwhelming, it felt as though the author was feeling more confident in her story telling. I must also say, I felt a bit uncomfortable with the romantic attachment between Nanette and Paul - both the age difference and being uncle and niece counted against the relationship for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2024
I enjoyed this book with all the behind the scenes stories of Henry VIII Reign. There were many Court characters which made it a little hard to follow. Thank Goodness I know a bit of that history. I was also thankful for the Morland Family Tree at the front that I had to keep referring to with everyone marrying their cousins and neices! A little confusing at times. I am certainly looking forward to book 3 to see how this family thrives.
February 17, 2022
The Morland family divides along the Henry VIIi Tudor line and the Protestants. Morland Hall cautiously continues their Catholic faith. The heroine of this book is sent off to court to be a lady-in-waiting to Anne Boleyn. There is much history in this book and it is helpful to refer to the family tree often. The same names are passed down from generation to generation. However, the ties of love carry on. Another 500 page book
August 13, 2024
Not as good or gripping as Volume 1.
Good overview of the reign of Henry VIII & some of his wives.
There is a shocking plot point that made me wonder why the author put it in—for conflict?
Some dips in interest—I had to plow past some bits in order to find out what happened next.
Read August 2024
Good overview of the reign of Henry VIII & some of his wives.
There is a shocking plot point that made me wonder why the author put it in—for conflict?
Some dips in interest—I had to plow past some bits in order to find out what happened next.
Read August 2024
December 8, 2025
Who doesn't love hearing about good old Henry VIII? Although he's a real figure from history, I absolutely love how Cynthia Harrod-Eagles weaves true historical people into her Morland Dynasty books. Intertwining the ongoing tale of the Morland family with what is happening in the royal court, is very well done, and believable, even if it is fiction. Awesome!
December 11, 2025
I’ve read a lot of rave reviews about this historical series which follows one English family through the centuries, so I was curious to check it out. I read the first two volumes and am stopping there for now. It’s a tough act to fit in all the details of the historical period with all the shenanigans of a large family, and the characterizations tended to be broad
September 3, 2018
Perhaps this is more my fault, but the novel could just not hold my interest. I mostly skimmed the entire book. With the exception of Jack and Richards family, I really did not like any of the major characters.
September 1, 2023
Went on a binge with this one. Continuing saga about a fictional family and their interactions within King Henry VIII court. Good pace. Keeps you interested enough to get through the almost 600 pages.
July 3, 2024
Brilliant series
There's so much detail and description in Cynthia's writing. The era is brought to life and much research must have been done. The characters are brought to life in this excellent story telling; it's a page turner.
There's so much detail and description in Cynthia's writing. The era is brought to life and much research must have been done. The characters are brought to life in this excellent story telling; it's a page turner.
February 28, 2019
Very reliable author and an interesting period
June 1, 2019
This is a great story. Hard to stop. Learning lots about English history as well.
June 9, 2019
long story short: the morland women are tough af and i hope this is a reoccurring theme in the series.
November 30, 2019
The 5 stars isn't justifiable, but I don't care. I loved this read.
February 25, 2021
AWESOME series READ it.
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