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)

Another winner!

What about Bianca Amato’s performance did you like?

Bianco did a lovely job.

Any additional comments?

I have been a fan of Philippa Gregory's since The Other Boleyn. I was not disappointed with this one. Her writing is superb and the storytelling well-paced and engaging.

The Kingmaker's inheritage: ambition, power, death

Would you consider the audio edition of The Kingmaker's Daughter to be better than the print version?

I think in this case the áudio version is more attractive than the print version because sometimes the story is monotonous, focusing on Richard Neville's ambitions. I believe the audio version allows the reader to go through these parts of the story without losing interest in the events. In the print version, the reader can be tempted to leave it.

Would you be willing to try another book from Philippa Gregory? Why or why not?

Of course I will. I love Philippa Gregory's books. She is an amazing author, using historical facts to tell a story and focusing on female characters, at a time where (and when) power was centered in the hands of men.

What about Bianca Amato’s performance did you like?

Bianca Amarto was able to present in his account the changes occurred with the Neville girls, especially Anne. It can be seen during the narrative that Anne is no longer an insecure girl to become a woman who wants to fulfill her father's ambitions - to become Queen of England.

Any additional comments?

I loved this book, because when comparing it with "The White Queen" and "The Red Queen", it is clear that a story always has two sides. Not that the Cousins' War has more than one version, but the role of each of those involved in the events varies depending on who is telling the story. Isabel and Anne Neville, appear as subserviente women and unable, in this book were describe as women who secretly desire the throne of England.

great to listen another person's pov

After watching the white queen and then listening to the audiobook I had to hear this story from another pov. can't wait to hear the Lady Rivers

The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels

I've just finished The Kingmaker's Daughter, one of 15 books in Phillippa Gregory's series revolving the Wars of he Roses and the Houses of York and Lancaster. Her books flow one into the other, offering the same events from different points of view. This is a wonderful series of books and I intend to download and listen to them all. I highly recommend them.

The same story from different perspectives.

I am enjoying Phillipa's perspectives on the same story and the shared experiences of enemies.

Of course, Bianca continues to do a great job narrating.

The kingmaker's daughter - amazing story

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

I would recommend it to my friends and family and I have done it already. I love Philippa Gregory books and although she has been criticised by historians I love her way of storytelling and the orientation for detail.

What other book might you compare The Kingmaker's Daughter to and why?

As I listened to The other Boleyn girl before this audiobook, I can compare it to it. But the story of Anne Boley is more known than the one of Anne Neville

What about Bianca Amato’s performance did you like?

I love Bianca Amato. She is amazing narrator. I love her english accent a the modulation of her voice.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

It was not only a moment, it was the realization, that being a queen is not as romantic as it seems...it is very stressful, it requires responsibility, courage, and it comes with loneliness, distrust and fear....

a different view

I have been reading this series in order.. so many plot twists and turns it is unbelievable Ms. Gregory can keep them all straight.. I am still dying to know what happened to the Rivers boys in the tower !! And did Richard actually love Princess Elizabeth??

lovely

love how the story plays out. beautifully written well read and acted out.a joy to listen to.

Great

Another great book by Gregory. I have enjoyed so many and although some mirror others, they all add more details on this time in history.

Women's History

Beautifully narrated engaging story. The author does an amazing amount of research making the fast moving story an amazing look into history, from the women