HFVBT Review: Isabella: Braveheart of France
Isabella is just twelve years old when she marries Edward II of England. For the young princess it is love at first sight – but Edward has a terrible secret that threatens to tear their marriage – and England apart.
Who is Piers Gaveston – and why is his presence in the king’s court about to plunge England into civil war?
The young queen believes in the love songs of the troubadours and her own exalted destiny – but she finds reality very different. As she grows to a woman in the deadly maelstrom of Edward’s court, she must decide between her husband, her children, even her life – and one breath-taking gamble that will change the course of history.
Does she submit to a lifetime of solitude and a spiritual death – or seize her destiny and take the throne of England for herself?
This is the story of Isabella, the only woman ever to invade England – and win.
I’m always intrigued by powerful historical women of the Middle Ages and that is why I decided to read about Isabella. Before I even started this book, I did a little research because I knew very little of her. Her portrayal in history has not been kind. She has been called a “She-Wolf” and a murderer. This definitely piqued by interest. I decided LONG ago that history very rarely portrays a powerful woman in a good light. And that is way I really enjoy Colin Falconer’s portrayal of Isabella. She is strong, loyal, and good. Not the “she-wolf” history has portrayed her.
Mr. Falconer has written a lovely historical novel about a woman who wants to be loved and be a good Queen and wife. She tries everything in her power to achieve that. She proves to England and English Barons that she is intellect, savvy, and understands what it is to be royal. Her husband and king never understand that and it frustrated her throughout her life as Queen. Mr. Falconer was able to show the despair she felt at being put aside for another. That rejection was a constant source of pain for her. The pain is what led her to make some serious decisions that changed England.
Edward II is adeptly portrayed as a self-absorbed pitiful king. His constant rejection of Isabella is so painful. No wonder she overthrows him to be her son on the throne. Edward had so concept of his role of King. He was a constant thorn to the people of England.
I truly enjoyed Isabella: Braveheart of France. I felt she was portrayed in a very honest light. She was a very strong and intelligent woman of the Middle Ages and I thought Mr. Falconer gave her a real and honest life.
Born in London, Colin first trialed as a professional football player in England, and was eventually brought to Australia. He went to Sydney and worked in TV and radio and freelanced for many of Australia’s leading newspapers and magazines. He has published over twenty novels and his work has so far been translated into 23 languages.
He travels regularly to research his novels and his quest for authenticity has led him to run with the bulls in Pamplona, pursue tornadoes across Oklahoma and black witches across Mexico, go cage shark diving in South Africa and get tear gassed in a riot in La Paz.
His most recent novels are Silk Road, set in the 13th century, and Stigmata, set against the backdrop of the Albigensian Crusade in Southern France in 1209. He currently lives in Barcelona.
For more information please visit Colin Falconer’s blog. You can also find him on Facebook or follow on Twitter.
HFVBT Tour Dates:
Monday, January 6 Review at Seaside Book Corner
Tuesday, January 7 Review & Giveaway at Luxury Reading
Wednesday, January 8 Review at Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews
Thursday, January 9 Review at Kinx’s Book Nook
Friday, January 10 Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages
Monday, January 13 Review at A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, January 14 Review at Griperang’s Bookmarks Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary
Wednesday, January 15 Review at Ageless Pages Review
Thursday, January 16 Review at Dee’s Reads
Friday, January 17 Review at Just One More Chapter
Monday, January 20 Review & Giveaway at Unabridged Chick Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Tuesday, January 21 Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Wednesday, January 22 Review at The Bookworm
Thursday, January 23 Review & Giveaway at Words & Peace
Friday, January 24 Review at The Most Happy Reader
Monday, January 27 Review at Carpe Librum Review & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books
Tuesday, January 28 Review at Reading the Ages
Wednesday, January 29 Review at Book Drunkard Review at WTF Are You Reading?
Friday, January 31 Review at Turning the Pages
Monday, February 3 Review at Book Lovers Paradise
Tuesday, February 4 Review at Historical Fiction Notebook
Wednesday, February 5 Review at Book of Secrets
Thursday, February 6 Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Friday, February 7 Review at Found Between the Covers
The post HFVBT Review: Isabella: Braveheart of France appeared first on Kinx's Book Nook.
