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A review by canada_matt
The Royal Succession by Maurice Druon
4.0
Druon sets out a great continuation in the Accursed Kings series. With Louis X dead (and known to be poisoned by some), all eyes turn to the extremely pregnant Queen Clémence to determine who shall assume the throne. With no clear male heir, a Regent must assume the role of running France in the meantime. All eyes turn to the late king's brother Philippe, whose desire for control inebriates him and those in his inner circle. Passing legislation surrounding the succession of French monarchs, Philippe ensures no woman may ever ascend, including the presumed bastard child of the late king's first wife. As the plot thickens inside the court, Philippe flexes his muscle elsewhere, in hopes of garnering more land for France under his control. His cutthroat actions do nothing but sour him amongst his county neighbours and leaves the door open for more conflict. Philippe turns to influencing the stalemated Conclave, in hopes of ensuring the new pope eats from the hand of the French monarchy. In time, the plan falls together flawlessly. Back in court, Queen Clémence gives birth to a son, though his birth is complicated by breech placement. King Jean I is sent to be crowned, though Philippe is assured his regency powers shall remain in tact for at least another fifteen years. King Jean will require a wet-nurse, to uphold the dignity of the queen. Royal courtiers attend a convent to find a new mother who could play the role perfectly, having just given birth herself. The new mother is none other than Marie, our less than fortunate maid from stories past. Bringing her baby with her, young Marie becomes the royal wet-nurse and takes things into her own hands, noting the similarity between her son and the newborn king, all the while holding royal aspirations close to her heart. Druon could not keep disaster from flooding the story and by the end, all the reader presumed was in place has been turned on its head, with many a thread left dangling and demanding attention. A page-turner and one that pushes some great plot lines forward, sure to share the final few books in the series.
Druon uses this book to turn the tides on the larger series, with a few pitfalls that create branch-off story lines and pushes minor characters to the forefront. The avid series reader will see that all those who have taken their place on the throne have turned inward, searching to better things for themselves in the name of greater France. I am left to wonder what changes could be forthcoming as a faux King sits on the throne and the rumours of poisoning of the previous two monarchs reach a boil. Druon has much ground to cover and little time, making the upcoming fifth book a sure success in its storyline for all readers prepared to take the leap.
Kudos, M. Druon for ramping up the excitement and yet keeping the character pool from becoming too concentrated.
Druon uses this book to turn the tides on the larger series, with a few pitfalls that create branch-off story lines and pushes minor characters to the forefront. The avid series reader will see that all those who have taken their place on the throne have turned inward, searching to better things for themselves in the name of greater France. I am left to wonder what changes could be forthcoming as a faux King sits on the throne and the rumours of poisoning of the previous two monarchs reach a boil. Druon has much ground to cover and little time, making the upcoming fifth book a sure success in its storyline for all readers prepared to take the leap.
Kudos, M. Druon for ramping up the excitement and yet keeping the character pool from becoming too concentrated.