The Beggar's Throne

by David Falconieri

The intricate tale of honor, treachery, power, and intrigue recounts the dynastic battle between the Lancastrians and the Yorkists during the fifteenth-century War of the Roses. A master storyteller, David Falconieri plunges readers into the early years of Edward IV’s reign as the bitter struggle for the crown of England unfolds. We see nobility and commoners, families and lovers, all swept up in the hand-to-hand battles, political tumult, and emotional trials that the conflict inspires.

Genres: Historical Fiction

504 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2000

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

"The Beggar’s Throne" by David Falconieri was originally published in 2004, and I suspect that its reissuing has much to do with the recent discovery in a Leicester car park of the remains of Richard III. While this book does not focus on Richard, he does show up as a minor character.

The story follows multiple viewpoints of an assortment of fictional and historical characters, and through them tells of the rise to the throne of Edward, Earl of March, (later King Edward IV), as well as how the civil wars known historically as The Wars of the Roses impacts the members of the fictional Miller family. The book ends with Edward regaining the throne after the Warwick rebellion forced him into exile, so if you’re looking for any answers surrounding the great Richard III debate, you won’t find them here.

While the research dealing with the historical aspects of the story is good, I found the book to be more what I would consider “historical fiction lite.” Perhaps it was the bouncing back and forth between viewpoints, but I never found myself feeling terribly connected with any of the characters. It wasn’t that the multiple POVs was confusing, because it wasn’t. The author did a good job in this respect, keeping the reader informed as to whose story we are following at any particular time. However, with so many different views presented, it was hard for this reader to stay emotionally invested in any one of them.

"The Beggar’s Throne" certainly is not a bad book, but if you’re looking for something to sink your historical teeth into, this might not be what you’re looking for. However, if you’re taking a trip or going to the beach and want something historical yet not too heavy, this is just the book for you.

[David Pierce · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me a final great insight to The War of The Roses, and the fate of my family history in Northern England. The Percy family was highlighted throughout this novel as a very powerful force in history, kingmaking as well as lovemaking, was fabulous. I recommend to anyone interested in this period of English history, knights, castles, and family loyalties always tested.

[Delores Alger · Rating 1 out of 5]

didn't finish

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The War of the Roses told through different perspectives.