D. Leah L. (DLeahL) - , reviewed on 12/9/2009 + 48 more book reviews

After many years of delving into Tudor history, I've recently been exploring the years during the Wars of the Roses. I find the advent to the Throne of the House of York quite fascinating. These were tumultous years, when indeed a "nobody" whose only claim to the throne came from a tenuous, illegitimate Plantagenet connection, could found a dynasty and become grandsire to one of Britain's greatest monarchs.

Unfortunately, we are all aware that it has recently become the fashion to use this fascinating history as mere backdrop for blazing bodice-rippers which have a closer connection to "Sweet Savage Love" than to anything written by Alison Weir. Without the psychological verisimilitude of SSL, that is.

I found the "love" scenes debasing and repugnant - even the "transformational" one, which made absolutely no sense in terms of where the characters and plot were going. The historical authenticity of the book is somewhat on a par with the writings of PhiIippa Gregory; which basically only enough historical accuracy is provided so as to allow some of the most outrageous character motivations and societal situations ever put on paper. If you wish to read an exciting, titillating book in which a young woman finds love at first sight and discovers a secret which gives her the power to challenge kings as their equal, you may enjoy this book.

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