I'm sorry I was not able to read and review this book before it was archived due to serious health issues.

I’m a big fan of Colin falconer’s previous books, I love his writing style and attention to detail. This one did not disappoint, especially as it was about a historical figure I didn’t know much about previously. I have to say some parts did drag on and read more like a historical piece rather than historical fiction, but I didn’t mind at all as I am a fan of the genre.

This was a quick, light read covering the life of Isabella of France from the time of her marriage to Edward II of England to his death. The controversial path of her life once her son was crowned as Edward III is not covered. With the exception of the sex scenes, much of this book felt like a YA approach to her story.

Interesting subject and I'm a big fan of historical fiction that tells a story to give the reader more structure for the facts of the history setting. The writing style was not my favorite narration - I would have preferred to be more immersed in the events.

(I received a free copy of this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.)

With these words, King Philippe of France sent Princess Isabella to marry the dashing King Edward of England. She’s determined to fulfill her father’s injunction, but once wed, the young queen quickly abandons her romantic illusions: her husband has a secret, one that will stand between them and threatens to plunge England into civil war. As lonely Isabella grows into womanhood amid the deadly maelstrom of Edward’s court, she rises above her despair and uses her clever mind and political acumen to unite the country. But when tensions with France rise, the young queen faces an impossible choice.

As this was an ARC, I won't be too critical of the editing etc, but it did make it very hard to read.

On the whole, the story of Isabella is very interesting. Used as a 12-year-old bride to patch up relations between England and France, she quickly finds that the man she is marrying is very different from the one she grew up thinking she would marry...

The historical aspect of this novel was rich and satisfying. The characters, unfortunately, weren't. Apart from Isabella herself, the rest of the characters felt tacked on, like the story needed extras thrown in.

And then there was the editing...

I am giving three stars on the theory that all the errors will be removed by the time it goes to print and the story will be a lot easier to read.


Paul
ARH