Ravenspur

Vivid story-telling from a master of historical fiction. Iggulden's thrilling conclusion to the Wars of the Roses series does not disappoint. The epic battles are brought to life in a stunningly created world. This is one not to miss.

As an avid lover of the Tudor Era and the War of the Roses, I thought that surely I had read most every book from this intriguing time period. I was delighted (and ridiculously curious) when I discovered Ravenspur by Conn Iggulden. Not only is the book hefty, but is also part of a series, which I cannot wait to get my hands on. But, I digress.

Ravenspur is absolutely wonderful. The author's writing is brilliant, his research and attention to detail, superb. He is careful to make sure that the reader understands the many myriad characters and circumstances surrounding them, while at the same time so engrossing his reader, that life around them ceases to exist while in the pages of Ravenspur. What a fantastic book.

The Henry VIII and Six Wives saga is my particular passion as far as Tudor history, but I was drawn farther back recently when I happened upon "The White Queen" series on Starz. I was quite captivated by this depiction of the finale to the Wars of the Roses saga that put Henry Tudor (or Henry VII) on the throne of England. I was about to start reading the corresponding Phillipa Gregory books that informed "The White Queen" when I spotted "Ravenspur: Rise of the Tudors (The Wars of the Roses, #4)". Author Conn Iggulden has finished off his Wars of the Roses series with this book, the other three in the series being "Stormbird", "Margaret of Anjou" and "Bloodline". The whole 4-book series can be purchased as one large kindle book called "The Complete Collection". In fact, even though I was provided the kindle file of "Ravenspur" from the publisher via NetGalley to review, I opted to purchase "The Complete Collection" to enjoy the whole book series on my own. The fact that I did that is a testament to the quality of this book.

This is historical fiction that the author took great care in researching and setting a careful pen to certain facts up for debate. For instance, did Richard III really have his two nephews killed in the Tower? There is also much mention of Richard III's painful scoliotic spine as well as his fortitude and strength in overcoming that weakness. Author Iggulden is skillful at cultivating the historical characters in the book to connect their personalities with the reader. This can be found in his characterization of King Edward of York who drank and cavorted with other women to excess; yet, when exiled from England and in anticipation of reclaiming his throne, he was resolute in abstaining from this destructive behavior and harnessing his physical and mental strength. Edward of York's skill on the battlefield was legendary and the author translated this very well.

His recounting of some of the most historic battles between the rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster and the House of York, such as the Battles of Barnet, Tewkesbury and Bosworth Field are riveting. I would recommend this fine book to those wanting to experience this major chapter in British Royal history.