A review by daemonad
The Royal Succession by Maurice Druon

4.0

As a child, I remember seeing three books by M. Druon in my mom's bookshelf. Finally this summer I picked up one and read it. Unfortunately my mom only had the last 3 in the series but as each book covers a stand alone time in history of the Capet Kings (during 13century -14th century) it didn't matter. I will definitely pick up the Iron King and read all the books in the series. I loved the political details, the way M. Druon describes the historical figures, making them alive as well as the place they occupy. Almost everyone in Druon's book is flawed and shows more bad qualities than good, but Mahaut, Countess of Artois easily wins the title "arch-villainess". I can see how she may be an inspiration for G. Martin's Cersei.
Towards the end, the story was rushed and given in summaries. That's the only negative I have on this book.