Rebellions break out Henry’s reign is shaky if not nearing collapse, and often the young Margaret must step in to make crucial decisions.įilling his novel with the violence of the times, Iggulden does not make an effort to “pretty up” the Middle Ages. Richard, Duke of York, and his followers see Henry’s decision as an opportunity to oust the ineffectual king.

To avoid another war with France, Henry’s advisors (here, read, primarily Derihew Brewer, an entirely fictional character and a tour de force), upon whom he is entirely dependent, strongly urge the king to enter into a secret truce with France, trading English holdings in France for a royal bride, Margaret of Anjou. Completely unlike his father, Henry V, he is meek, mild, pious, sickly, often disoriented and weak-willed.

Lancastrian Henry VI ascends the throne when he enters adulthood. In this first of an anticipated trilogy, Iggulden turns his attention to the two powerful noble houses with potential claims to the English throne.

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