Smith is one of my fav historical authors. This is the story of Margaret of York, sister of Edward IV and Richard III, amongst others. She was wed to Charles of Burgundy, a madman and a fool. She was barren and this caused her much sorrow. Not much is known historically about Margaret, but that she was a shrewd negotiator for her day and age. She was permitted liberties because her brother was the King of England. 594 pages ( )

I enjoyed the book as I didn't really know much about Margaret but this truly is historical fiction because I don't believe there was ever anything, at least in what I've read, that ever connected these two together in any fashion. It was an enjoyable and easy read but I only gave it 4 stars because I feel that the ending was rather abrupt. I understood why the author ended it that way (she explains at the end of the book), but I would have rather it had continued and you will see what I mean if you choose to read it. I would recommend the book as I do like Anne Easter Smith. ( )

Edward IV's sister Margaret is not a historical figure one reads about very often. She's one of those characters always on the fringe of the main story. It's a shame as she had quite an interesting life! I loved this book. It is well written and certainly not repetitive in subject matter. ( )

I wanted to read this book because it was the continuation of the Duke of York's family. It didn't disappoint. I really enjoy reading what happened back in the 1400's and thank God women aren't betrothed to someone when they are 6 and sometimes married off to someone they don't know when they are 16 just to win favors for their kingdom. Anne Easter Smith knows how to bring these characters/people to life and follows history really close. I'm looking forward to continue reading about this family. ( )

3.5 Stars

Margaret of York is one of those historical figures that just makes history interesting by her sheer force of personality, even if the work that portrays her doesn’t quite live up to her. This one excels at making her strong will and political acumen shine through; yet some of the storytelling and writing choices made by the author keep this from being one of the greats about this fascinating historical figure.

Smith is known for her attention to details and historical realism. This work is no different. Colorful medieval jousts, court scenes, and weddings make their appearances as expected. Everything is lovingly described and portrayed.

Margaret is someone most people nowadays haven’t heard of; only someone really interested in the Middle Ages would have heard of this dragon lady. I’ve only heard of her as I adore strong female figures from that time period, and she’s one of the strongest. She basically held together one of the strongest and richest kingdoms of the late Middle Ages after her husband died through sheer force of will and determination. Her smarts and connections preserved the duchy for her step-daughter for at least a few more decades after Charles’ death.

I love what Smith did in portraying her. Margaret’s never been more forceful and resilient against incredible odds and prejudices. A brutally abusive marriage and a society that didn’t appreciate her genius illustrate her strength of character when facing such. I love an intelligent medieval woman who knows how to work the system and earns the respect of those around her due to more than just her pretty face. Margaret is one of those women that made things happen.

Yet for all this strong frontal character and a great medieval background for her, the author made some story flow and telling options that kept this from reaching a great level. The ending left something to be desired. The author chose to leave off telling Margaret’s story at an odd place, knowing all the drama in her life coming that the author chose to leave out. While I can understand the want to leave the story ending on a positive note, the author choosing where they did made this story feel incomplete and with a sudden drop of an ending with no resolution. Maybe someone completely unfamiliar with Margaret’s story wouldn’t notice this odd ending, but I definitely did.

Also, a trait I found annoying was the author’s habit of inserting side paragraphs/speeches describing what was happening or an outsider’s impressions of people and places. You’d be immersed into a vivid scene, flowing along with the story, when suddenly we’d get a completely different POV describing how beautiful or wise Margaret was or something along those lines. Usually, it was to further describe and praise Margaret. I found these side speeches annoying; they pushed me out of the narrative more than they added anything to the flow.

A great story and primary lead make this an enjoyable read, but I’ve come across better in the genre. I loved the historical details and Margaret; she alone makes for a great tale. This one is a great escape for lovers of medieval historical fiction. The items that irked me may not bother another. ( )