Contemporary YA discussion

The White Princess is the sequel to the White Queen, however it's book 5 in the Cousin's War Series by Philippa Gregory. While the White Queen is book 1. The books in between follow different family members. The White Princess follows the daughter of the White Queen...so it does make sense.

“The White Princess” concludes the story of England’s War of the Roses and charts the rise of the House of Tudor through the tempestuous marriage between Princess Elizabeth of York and King Henry VII. The year is 1485 and Princess Elizabeth, daughter of “The White Queen,” has been pledged in marriage to the newly anointed King Henry VII in hopes that it will bring peace to a war-torn country. England is united, but their marriage is soon divided, as rumors circulate that Elizabeth’s long-lost brother Prince Richard is alive and planning to take the throne. Now she must choose between Tudor wife and York princess, between her new husband and the boy who claims to be her own blood and the true heir to the crown. “The White Princess” tells the story of one of the most fascinating periods of British history uniquely from the women’s point of view.

Jodie Comer stars as Princess Elizabeth of York. Michelle Fairly is Margaret Beaufort, Henry Tudor’s mother.

Jacob Collins-Levy has been cast as Henry VII. Joanne Whalley joins as the widowed Duchess of Burgundy, Elizabeth of York’s aunt, and sister to dead kings Richard III and Edward IV of England. Essie Davis plays Princess Elizabeth’s mother Dowager Queen Elizabeth “The White Queen.” Suki Waterhouse has been cast as Cecily of York, younger sister to Princess Elizabeth. Vincent Regan joins as Jasper Tudor.

The White Princess is shooting on location in Bristol and around the UK. It will air in the US on Starz in 2017. It will air 8 episodes.

Premiers on Sunday, April 16, 2017

I can't wait for this one! I absolutely loved The White Queen series and have been watching and waiting for The White Princess.

The series must not have done well in the ratings in the UK as the BBC didn't want to go forward with the sequel, while Starz did. The White Queen aired in the US on Starz in 2013. Thankfully Starz didn't give up.

This one probably covers the final books in the Cousin's War series. I've read the first book, The White Queen and LOVED IT. I'm planning to read The Red Queen this year, and maybe the other ones as well. I have yet to watch the series, but I've heard it's really really good and very faithful to the book!

Natália wrote: "This one probably covers the final books in the Cousin's War series. I've read the first book, The White Queen and LOVED IT. I'm planning to read The Red Queen this year, and maybe the other ones a..."

Yes, it does cover the last book in the Cousin's War. You have to watch the series The White Queen it is so good! Maybe it's on Netflix?

I've listened to the Red Queen. Lady Margaret Beaufort, was determined to put her son on throne no matter what. She truly believed it was God's will and if I remember correctly - "God spoke to her." She prayed all the time and was obsessed with God and the church. Of course it's historical fiction. it was a good book, but I didn't like her at all.

Andrea wrote: "Natália wrote: "This one probably covers the final books in the Cousin's War series. I've read the first book, The White Queen and LOVED IT. I'm planning to read The Red Queen this year, and maybe ..."
I didn't liked her at all in book 1, but maybe The Red Queen will give me better insight on her character and her thoughts. I don't think my opinion of her will change, but I hope to at least understand her motives and actions a little bit.

Natália wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natália wrote: "This one probably covers the final books in the Cousin's War series. I've read the first book, The White Queen and LOVED IT. I'm planning to read The Red Queen this y..."

That is exactly what the book will do. You will understand her and her motives very well. It is important to the whole story of the Cousins War. The history of everyone is fascinating. They were all so different, but they loved God and their country (and they didn't want to beheaded-lol.)

Andrea wrote: "Natália wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natália wrote: "This one probably covers the final books in the Cousin's War series. I've read the first book, The White Queen and LOVED IT. I'm planning to read The ..."

Not be beheaded is a very strong motive indeed hahaha
What I love the most about this series is that this historic event that was the Roses War is recounted through the POV of the women who were in the middle of it all.

Natália wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natália wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natália wrote: "This one probably covers the final books in the Cousin's War series. I've read the first book, The White Queen and LOVED IT. I'm planni..."

You're right. We learned how cunning woman not only were, but had to be. Woman were running things and plotting just as much as men. It just didn't always seem that way.

I remember one of the fist scenes, so clearly, in the White Queen TV series. She's standing on the side of the road ready to do anything to meet and marry the future king.

Have you read The Lady of the River? That one is about her mother and her secret he gift of sight. She also believe her daughter would be queen. It was really good too. It's been awhile since I read that one. I think maybe 6 years or s, but I remember she meet Joan of Arc and it just really seemed like a small world...I wondered if she really had met her or if that part was fiction. Maybe I should read an actual history book and find out?? My mother would be so proud. When I was reading the series she would recommend "real" history books. She was a history major so I understand, but Philippa Gregory's books and the TV shows and movies based from them are all sooo good.

Andrea wrote: "Natália wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natália wrote: "Andrea wrote: "Natália wrote: "This one probably covers the final books in the Cousin's War series. I've read the first book, The White Queen and LOVE..."

I have yet to read the rest of the series, but The Lady of the River and The White Princess are the ones I'm waiting for the most. The White Queen's mother was one of the most interesting characters in the book and I really want to know more of her backstory and the 'gift'. I like how Philippa Gregory mix real history with some fiction in her books, it makes me want to read the real story behind the characters and the events. I really like european history, especially England and Scotland's history, since high school, so these books had me from the synopsis.

I didn't know there was a book or an entire series! I want to read the books, but there seems to be some confusion as to which book to read first. What do you recommend?

The first one is The White Queen, then The Red Queen, The Lady of the River, The Kingmaker's Daughter, The White Princess and The King's Curse. I think except for The Lady of the River and The King's Curse, they all account for the same period of time, and some a little bit more, but from POV of different important women of the time.

Jodie Comer (Princess Elizabeth) and Jacob Collins-Levy (Henry VII) filming The White Princess.

I love the costumes. They look so plush and luxurious. I wonder what the budget was for fabric?

I also wonder how much they weigh? They look really heavy.

I don't know who this is. The photo wasn't tagged. Is it possibly Michelle Fairley as Margaret Beaufort?

I LOVE the costumes! They are so beautiful and resemble the book covers so much! The last one is definitely Michelle Farley, can't wait to see her on the show!

I bet the costume designer had a ball designing these. The clothing for noble's in this era were exquisite. And yes Andrea, fabrics were luxurious and rich. Silks, satins and velvets were staples. They wore many layers and some dresses weighed 50 pounds or more! Can you imagine wearing a 50 pound dress with a corset and layers of linen under garments all day? Additional, they had to follow Sumptuary Laws. The laws state which ranks could wear which fabrics, colors and furs with specific items of clothing.


I love period pieces. I wish the series was airing this summer.

Molly wrote: "I bet the costume designer had a ball designing these. ..."

Great info Molly. Thanks for sharing! I would even want to wear a 10 pound dress.

I read earlier this year. It's a YA historical fiction book based on Catherine the Great. I did a little research on her while listening to the series and I learned that her wedding dress weighed 70 pounds.

The series was wonderful I highly recommend it for anyone who likes historical fiction, or a soap opera like book.

Andrea wrote: "Molly wrote: "I bet the costume designer had a ball designing these. ..."

Great info Molly. Thanks for sharing! I would even want to wear a 10 pound dress.

I read [bookcover:Queen of Someday|2236..."

I have the trilogy on my TBR list! I didn't know it was based on Catherine the Great! I love historical fiction and I love books based on great characters!

I know you will enjoy it and possibly even love it...so move it up on your priority list...that's an order- lol.

It's not as dramatic as the TV show Reign or the Luxe series , but it does have similar elements. The first ebook is free on Amazon.

Speaking of Reign, I learned that there are books to cover between season and the other day I found books for the Originals too! I have only watched a few episodes of the Originals so far. Maybe I'll binge watch this weekend.

Andrea wrote: "I know you will enjoy it and possibly even love it...so move it up on your priority list...that's an order- lol.

It's not as dramatic as the TV show Reign or the Luxe series [bookcover:The Luxe|12..."

I can't resist a free book hahaha
I'll start it as soon as I finish We Were Liars!

New cast members from left to right in photo:

Patrick Gibson will play "The Boy" who is actually a young man and claims to be Prince Richard of York, rightful heir to the throne and Elizabeth’s (The White Princess) long lost brother.

Amy Manson (Queen Merida Once Upon A Time) will play Lady Catherine Gordon, cousin to King James IV of Scotland. Her politically motivated love interest is "The Boy."

Andrew Whipp will play Richard Pole, supporter and former soldier of Henry VII, whose marriage to Elizabeth’s cousin Margaret Plantagenet (Rebecca Benson) reinforces the alliance between the Houses of York and Lancaster under Tudor rule.

YAY, love the cast additions! Can't wait for the series!

I'm going to re-watch The White Queen before it airs. I loaned the White Princess CD to a friend and she lost it, but I have so many other books that I want to get to ASAP it doesn't matter.

I hope Starz will adapt the entire book series.

All the books you've mentioned sound good. I love historical fiction. I must admit I tried to read a Phillipa Gregory book once. I don't remember which one it was from the cousins. My mom reads them. I couldn't finish it. It was so boring. Then I watched the White Queen at a friends house because she made me. I just saw it last weekend. It's one of my fave all time shows now. I can't wait for the next one and my friend has Starz. I'm sure the tv show is better than the book.

The White Princess
Premiers on Sunday, April 16, 2017 on Starz.

I'll wait for all 8 episodes to air then binge watch.

You can watch the trailer here

If anyone wants to do a buddy read let me know and I'll set it up.

Already? OMG, I have to binge watch The White Queen first! I'm still behind on the books, I've to read The Lady of the Rivers and The Kingmaker's Daughter before I can pick up The White Princess.

Natália wrote: "Already? OMG, I have to binge watch The White Queen first! I'm still behind on the books, I've to read The Lady of the Rivers and The Kingmaker's Daughter before I can pick up The White Princess."

Happy reading and watching.