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A review by cate_ninetails
Rise of the Tudors by Conn Iggulden
5.0
As a history lover I always appreciate a well researched account such as the one I found in Ravenspur. This was my first from this particular author, and even though I was disappointed to begin at the end of the series since my copy came from the publisher in advance of publication, I couldn't be more pleased to have found a new voice in historical fiction to follow.
The War of the Roses is well documented, and it takes skill to undertake a retelling that offers up anything new. Most fictionalized accounts today insert unnecessary romantic themes or other such fluff and for me this can really undermine the work. Ravenspur is a masterstroke, being both informative but also deeply compelling. The characters are vividly realised, from the unstoppable Edward IV, a veteran war hero who seemingly could only be undone by his own excesses, to Margaret Beaufort, who dedicated her entire life, and several marriages, to seeing her son crowned the future King Henry VII. Even the descriptions of now legendary battles practically leap from the page, both from a technical standpoint as we learn more about how tactical victories were won but also in rich, detailed prose.
I've immensely enjoyed such a critical look at the motivations of these men and women who shaped the course of the monarchy that still stands today. I can't wait to explore more of Conn Iggulden's work, including what I missed in this very series, and I recommend this book absolutely as I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. Many thanks to both Penguin Books and NetGalley for my ARC.
The War of the Roses is well documented, and it takes skill to undertake a retelling that offers up anything new. Most fictionalized accounts today insert unnecessary romantic themes or other such fluff and for me this can really undermine the work. Ravenspur is a masterstroke, being both informative but also deeply compelling. The characters are vividly realised, from the unstoppable Edward IV, a veteran war hero who seemingly could only be undone by his own excesses, to Margaret Beaufort, who dedicated her entire life, and several marriages, to seeing her son crowned the future King Henry VII. Even the descriptions of now legendary battles practically leap from the page, both from a technical standpoint as we learn more about how tactical victories were won but also in rich, detailed prose.
I've immensely enjoyed such a critical look at the motivations of these men and women who shaped the course of the monarchy that still stands today. I can't wait to explore more of Conn Iggulden's work, including what I missed in this very series, and I recommend this book absolutely as I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. Many thanks to both Penguin Books and NetGalley for my ARC.