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 Wonderful Story from Philippa Gregory!!

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

There were so many, but when Anne was assisting with her sisters first labor...When Anne fell in love with Richard and he came to her rescue...

Any additional comments?

I love the style that Philippa Gregory writes her books. The first person really makes you feel what the characters could have felt. It is such a different culture than what we have today, she makes it easy to escape into the story of Anne. All the multiple struggles she feels seem so real. Love Bianca's narration also. She identifies the different characters so well you think its really a man speaking. Even if you are not interested in History I think listeners would still enjoy. Even with many factual situations going on it easy to follow. Highly recommended to anyone who likes a good story! (even though this is based on Anne's real life)

Good

Overall good but some things seem to be repeated too often as if to make the book long enough. Perhaps not enough was known of her life.

Great book

Philippa Gregory never disappoints. I love how she creates a narrative to bring history alive. The Kingmaker's Daughter was the first of her books that I listened to rather than read for myself and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Another Great Story from Philippa Gregory

What made the experience of listening to The Kingmaker's Daughter the most enjoyable?

I had read The White Queen which was set in the same time but from the opposite perspective so it was intriguing and not repetitive. Great narrator as usual.

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

Any other by Philippa Gregory.

What does Bianca Amato bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Great with changing the voices - fantastic narrator.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not really because I wanted it to last.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to Philippa Gregory's next book already!

Such an incredible story

It's my first time reading about this period of British history and I had to remind myself these were people that lived and that this was their story. Amazing book, the performance of the reading is incredible. Highly recommended!

Fascinating Perspective

So fascinating to hear the story from the Neville daughter’s’ perspective. I really wanted to hear more of what happened at the end. But maybe that will be in the next book. Brilliant series.

Outstanding

I recommend reading this book along with the others and watch the show itself. It is a exquisite experience and lovely tale. I have watch d the white Queen, and read the book. This novel, the Kingmaker's Daughter, is awesome because I get to experience the story from the point of view of little Anne Neville. Great book, story, and narration. It sounded just like the actress portrayed as Anne.

You can't go wrong with Philipa Gregory

I've listened to several of Philipa Gregory's books and they are all great. I enjoy Bianca Amato's narration as much as any I've heard.

great

the story is from view of a woman that never had an opportunity to have her own life. She is tossed from one situation to another. it's really sad

Loved it but downloaded incorrectly

Great story. Rounds out the point of views in the series. However it downloaded wrong. So it started me half way through the story and I didnt realize it until I was at the end and had 7 more hours to go. oh well.