The Kingmaker's Daughter

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

Length: 15 hrs and 7 mins

Publisher's summary

In The Kingmaker's Daughter, number-one New York Times best-selling author Philippa Gregory presents the riveting story of Anne Neville, her sister Isabel, and their ever-changing fortunes.

The Kingmaker's Daughter is the gripping and ultimately tragic story of the daughters of the man known as the "Kingmaker", the most powerful magnate in England through the Cousins' Wars. In the absence of a son and heir, he uses the two girls as pawns in his political games, but they grow up to be influential players in their own right. In this novel, her first sister story since The Other Boleyn Girl, Gregory explores the lives of two fascinating young women.

At the court of Edward IV and his beautiful queen, Elizabeth Woodville, Anne grows from a delightful child brought up in intimacy and friendship with the family of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, to become ever more fearful and desperate when her father makes war on his former friends. Her will is tested when she is left widowed and fatherless, with her mother in sanctuary and her sister married to the enemy. Fortune's wheel turns again when Richard rescues Anne from her sister's house, with danger still following Anne, even as she eventually ascends to the throne as queen. Having lost those closest to her, she must protect herself and her precious only child, Prince Edward, from a court full of royal rivals.

©2012 Philippa Gregory (P)2012 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"The bonds of sisterhood infuse Gregory’s latest. . . . The stakes are high as Anne and Isabel Neville, daughters of the earl of Warwick ("The Kingmaker"), vie for their father's favor and a chance at the throne.... In addition to Gregory handling a complicated history, she convincingly details women's lives in the 1400s and the competitive love between sisters." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Gregory delivers another vivid and satisfying novel of court intrigue, revenge, and superstition. Gregory's many fans as well as readers who enjoy lush, evocative writing, vividly drawn characters, and fascinating history told from a woman's point of view will love her latest work." ( Library Journal

"Conspiracy and a fight to the death for love and power." ( Los Angeles Times)

Couldn’t stop reading

Enthralling! Best one so far in this series. The narrator was excellent and the story line intriguing. I’m sorry it ended!

I loved it!

I am in love with this series and the pictures that the writer paints. I look forward to the next one.

fabulous as always

The whole series is wonderful. I can't wait to hear the next one. Good pace.

Tears, tears and more tears

If you could sum up The Kingmaker's Daughter in three words, what would they be?

melodrama of history.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Kingmaker's Daughter?

There were no particularly memorable moments in this book for me though it was a solid read.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found the continual mourning of the main characters almost tiresome, though this book is no doubt at least partially based on true fact.

Any additional comments?

I enjoy Ms. Gregory's books and will continue to "listen" to them! Bring on the White Princess.

Amazing

Loved it and finished it in just 2 days. love Phillipa's books and now audiobooks.

Excellent Narration

I think the narrator really nailed the character of Anne, right down to even the voice.

Same war another viewpoint

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Ms. Gregory tells a fascinating story about an important moment in history using the voices of several amazing women.

What did you like best about this story?

That it tells the story of Richard the thirds wife in which she is presented as a whole woman, not the dishrag presented by history.

What about Bianca Amato’s performance did you like?

She gives life to many of her characters. She helps keep you engaged in the story

If you could rename The Kingmaker's Daughter, what would you call it?

Anne Neville, the forgotten Queen

Any additional comments?

Can't wait for Princess Elizabeth of York to weigh in!

I highly recommend this series

Listen to this series in order. Each book is better than the last (and all are excellent) and each build upon the others to explain the history of the War of the Roses from the perspectives of the key historical figures. Excellent writing and narration. I thoroughly enjoyed this and will continue listening to these wonderful audiobooks.

Must Read

This span of history is made alive once again through Gregory's talent. She penns as though she is a vessel of these long gone voices.

What A Story!

Phillipa day does it again! I’m loving this series and the characters. Well told by the narrator and couldn’t wait to download the next book.