The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper, and royal servant John FitzGilbert Marshal is one of them. Raised high, as the kin of the deceased King Henry battle each other for England’s throne, John reaps rich rewards but pays a terrible price for the choices he makes - as do his family.
His wife, fragile, naïve Aline is hopelessly unequipped to cope with the demands of a life lived on the edge and, when John is seriously injured in battle, her worst nightmare is realised. Sybilla, bright, forthright sister to the Earl of Salisbury, finds herself used as a bargaining counter when her brother seeks to seal a truce with his troublesome neighbour, John FitzGilbert. And then there is Sybilla’s small son, William, seized hostage by the King for John’s word of honour. But sometimes keeping your honour means breaking your word…
- 'Chadwick's historical grasp is secure and vivid in this punchy prequel to her last two FitzGilbert epics . . . an absorbing narrative that canters along' Financial Times
- ‘Another wonderfully written, immensely moving and immaculately researched novel from an author who grows in stature with every book she writes’ Lancashire Evening Post
- `The best writer of medieval fiction currently around' Historical Novels Review
Hardback:
£18.99
Published 04/10/2007
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