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kirstym25's review against another edition
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Child death, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Rape, Infertility, and Violence
Minor: Sexual assault and Mental illness
tmickey's review
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Rape, War, and Infertility
Minor: Murder, Sexual assault, Mental illness, and Toxic relationship
bookedbymadeline's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Loving all the history tidbits! I’ve seen many comparisons to Wolf Hall and I agree (in a way) but for me it was more entertaining 😅 Wolf half was too much detail and too dry for my taste so this was a much more concise but nevertheless in depth story.
It was a bit of a slow start but once I got into it I simply couldn’t put it down! I enjoyed getting to know more about this part of history and Cecily herself. The characters were all well developed and strong! I really hope the author writes a sequel since the book only looks at the first half of Cecily’s life. This will be a favorite for the month and I’m ready to make the war of the roses my hyperfixation once again 😂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Child death, Death, and War
Moderate: Mental illness, Infertility, Violence, and Grief
Minor: Rape
emily_bg's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
A feminist retelling of the beginning of the war of the roses told through the eyes of Cecily Neville, who was married to Richard Duke of York and was the mother of Edward IV and Richard III
This is an excellent historical novel with many important and bloody events, all with Cecily and her family at the heart of
The story begins with the burning of Joan of Arc during the hundred year war with France and ends with the crowning of Edward IV.
The book only chronicles the first half of Cecilys life do I really hope there is a sequel that retells the rest as she lived long enough to witness the crowning of Henry VII and the start of the Tudor dynasty
This is an excellent historical novel with many important and bloody events, all with Cecily and her family at the heart of
The story begins with the burning of Joan of Arc during the hundred year war with France and ends with the crowning of Edward IV.
The book only chronicles the first half of Cecilys life do I really hope there is a sequel that retells the rest as she lived long enough to witness the crowning of Henry VII and the start of the Tudor dynasty
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Child death, and War
Moderate: Infertility, Mental illness, Rape, and Death
heather_freshparchment's review
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Infertility, Miscarriage, and Child death
jamieleepilk's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you so much to Penguin for sending me a Proof copy!
UK Release - 29.07.2021
'The word is a spark. They can start a fire with it, or smother it in their fingertips. She chooses to start a fire.'
Cecily Neville, Duchess of York was witness to some of the most defining moments in British History but is often overshadowed by the men in her life. The lives of her two sons Edward and Richard (who both become Kings of England) are well documented but Cecily is often overlooked in retellings and even modern adaptations. Annie puts Cecily front and centre with her own determination, will and strength. Cecily is a fierce protagonist that will have you turning the pages and absorbing her story.
I found once I picked this book up it was hard to put down, the writing is smooth and easy to follow considering all the different characters and politics involved. Brilliant Debut.
UK Release - 29.07.2021
'The word is a spark. They can start a fire with it, or smother it in their fingertips. She chooses to start a fire.'
Cecily Neville, Duchess of York was witness to some of the most defining moments in British History but is often overshadowed by the men in her life. The lives of her two sons Edward and Richard (who both become Kings of England) are well documented but Cecily is often overlooked in retellings and even modern adaptations. Annie puts Cecily front and centre with her own determination, will and strength. Cecily is a fierce protagonist that will have you turning the pages and absorbing her story.
I found once I picked this book up it was hard to put down, the writing is smooth and easy to follow considering all the different characters and politics involved. Brilliant Debut.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Miscarriage
Minor: Sexual content, Violence, and Infertility
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