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jefffrane's review against another edition
4.0
Another tremendous effort by Conn Iggulden, largely focused on historical characters of little renown, and some intriguing fictional characters. Although labeled as Wars of the Roses, this first novel precedes the wars by setting the stage and providing the historical background for the Wars.
holies's review against another edition
2.0
This is actually a rather engrossing book. I just couldn't relate to any of the characters. I think I wasn't in the right frame of mind.
didactylos's review against another edition
5.0
Superb, a great read and well populated with characters. I feel a much greater understanding of the lead up to the Wars of the Roses, and was transported back to the time with the narrative.
markalkman's review against another edition
3.0
Rating: 3.5 stars
Read for the NEWT's - book 4/4
This was a very interesting book and I enjoyed the writing of Conn Iggulden. However, the storyline itself was a bit boring at times. I somehow expected there to be more battles, but almost every time there was a conflict, a raid or a battle, the author skipped the event itself and only mentioned the aftermath instead. About halfway through, the pace picked up and I stared enjoying it a bit more.
I liked the fact that he wrote this story from both perspectives. So you understand Derry and Suffolk and Margaret, trying to protect their king and to keep him on the throne. At the same time, you can definitely see why York and his allies wanted to get rid of such a weak man. Especially considering the time they lived in. It's hard to pick a side.
I have a feeling the actual wars of the roses are starting in book two, now that king Henry has been on his sickbed for a while and the Duke of York took over his duties as protector and defender of the realm. I'll probably read book two, but I don't know if it'll be in the near future... It took me more than a week to finish this, so I'm definitely not going to binge read this.
Read for the NEWT's - book 4/4
This was a very interesting book and I enjoyed the writing of Conn Iggulden. However, the storyline itself was a bit boring at times. I somehow expected there to be more battles, but almost every time there was a conflict, a raid or a battle, the author skipped the event itself and only mentioned the aftermath instead. About halfway through, the pace picked up and I stared enjoying it a bit more.
I liked the fact that he wrote this story from both perspectives. So you understand Derry and Suffolk and Margaret, trying to protect their king and to keep him on the throne. At the same time, you can definitely see why York and his allies wanted to get rid of such a weak man. Especially considering the time they lived in. It's hard to pick a side.
I have a feeling the actual wars of the roses are starting in book two, now that king Henry has been on his sickbed for a while and the Duke of York took over his duties as protector and defender of the realm. I'll probably read book two, but I don't know if it'll be in the near future... It took me more than a week to finish this, so I'm definitely not going to binge read this.
loxleyhall's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
kongart's review against another edition
2.0
well, i tried.
i listened to 23%, and i was bored out of my mind. and this is after listening to a nonfiction book about the wars of the roses... so that's awkward.
i might try another book by conn iggulden, but this one is a no from me. maybe it gets better later on, but i was ~3.5hrs in, and i wanted to weep and then die.
i listened to 23%, and i was bored out of my mind. and this is after listening to a nonfiction book about the wars of the roses... so that's awkward.
i might try another book by conn iggulden, but this one is a no from me. maybe it gets better later on, but i was ~3.5hrs in, and i wanted to weep and then die.
helenephoebe's review against another edition
4.0
Review - I loved Jack Cade, and how we see his development throughout, including his doubts, which often aren't seen. I also loved seeing a very different side to Margaret of Anjou, compared to those used by Philippa Gregory and Jean Plaidy. The reason I gave this book 4 stars instead of five was that it started off a little slowly for me, and it took a while to get into. Once, however, I did get into it, it was quite an easy read and very enjoyable.
Genre? - Historical Fiction / Action
Characters? - Jack Cade / Henry VI / Richard 'Kingmaker' Neville / Cecily Neville / Richard Duke of York / William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk / Margaret of Anjou / Derry Brewer / Thomas Woodchurch / Rowan Woodchurch
Setting? - London & Kent (England), Anjou, Maine, Normandy & Calais (France)
Series? - Wars of the Roses #1
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
Genre? - Historical Fiction / Action
Characters? - Jack Cade / Henry VI / Richard 'Kingmaker' Neville / Cecily Neville / Richard Duke of York / William de la Pole Duke of Suffolk / Margaret of Anjou / Derry Brewer / Thomas Woodchurch / Rowan Woodchurch
Setting? - London & Kent (England), Anjou, Maine, Normandy & Calais (France)
Series? - Wars of the Roses #1
Recommend? - Yes
Rating - 18/20
chuckri's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
cathiestrover's review against another edition
2.0
I want to like this as I enjoy both Iggulden's writing and anything on the Wars of the Roses; sadly too much warfare in this to retain my interest, although his characters are well drawn