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A review by felinity
Devil's Brood by Sharon Kay Penman
4.0
Eleanor's dedication to Aquitaine and her sons leads to rebellion (this isn't a spoiler, it's history!), which becomes an unforgiveable betrayal to Henry. The damage done can never be repaired, and he subsequently holds tightly to the reins of power, causing further damage as his sons hold titles in name only, with no power or money to call their own. Betrayal follows betrayal, rebellion follows rebellion, until there is no trust between anyone in the family and places from Brittany to Aquitaine to England all suffer the consequences.
Penman teases through the strands of history to provide feasible reasons for each incursion, battle, documented argument and rebellion, tracing the roots of bitterness and jealousy to their inevitable but lonely end. As history dares, but writers do not, Henry's death echoes that of his son Hal, and we're left wondering how different it might have been had Geoffrey taken the throne instead of Richard.
Penman teases through the strands of history to provide feasible reasons for each incursion, battle, documented argument and rebellion, tracing the roots of bitterness and jealousy to their inevitable but lonely end. As history dares, but writers do not, Henry's death echoes that of his son Hal, and we're left wondering how different it might have been had Geoffrey taken the throne instead of Richard.