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)

Philippa Gregory tells a great story

The story is told from the perspective of the daughter. She makes assumptions without knowing all the facts which gives her impressions of those around her. Her eyes are then opened as the story unfolds and she learns the truth. So many emotions in this story makes this book quite a roller coaster of feelings to read/listen to. Rarely was there a dull moment.

Another great one by Philippa Gregory

I love anything by this author! She really brings the characters to life. Great narration by Bianca Amato as well.

Really Slow

The book was slow to listen to, and it ended on a dry note as well. The overall wasn't bad though, an interesting point of view.

Great Listen

I enjoyed the narrator's voice, as the story unfolded, she really captured the characters emotion

LOVE IT!

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

I'm still listening. Nearly finished. I listen only when I'm walking and this story and the narrator are so riveting that I find myself standing still, in place, with my hand over my mouth. At some points I have been afraid to go on fearing what may have befallen Anne. Just sooo good!

Which character – as performed by Bianca Amato – was your favorite?

all of them. She does such masterful job of distinguishing characters. I know who is speaking immediately and it's so subtle. Such a joy to listen t, storytelling is fabulous with her as the reader.

Any additional comments?

I don't want ti to end. There are too many plauisible, probable and some quite sad endings that could be. Suspense!!!!!

One of Philippa Gregoy's best!

Complimentary tale to The White Queen and The Red Queen by adding another perspective to the events leading up to the Tudor era. Lots of intrigue, betrayal and romance. Loved it!

My favorite so far in this series

The series shares a different perspective in each book and I enjoyed this one more perhaps because I already had an understanding from
Listening to these in the order suggested on the authors website.
Narration was fantastic! I visualized every character and setting without distraction and was able to fully enjoy getting ‘lost’ in the book.

One of Philippa Gregory's Best!

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

What a great listen. I'm a Philipa Gregory fan and absolutely loved this audiobook!!!!

Enjoyable!!!

Good story and pervormance. I've enjoyed all of the books in this series so far.

Fascinating to Hear from the Other Side

I read this after reading Lady of the Rivers, the White Queen, and the Red Queen, so I've been firmly Team Woodville this whole time. Anne Neville's perspective kept me gripped the whole time. Not because of her. I pitied her and didn't particularly like her character, with her neverending envy and suspicion of Elizabeth. But it was understandable and realistic. Phillipa Gregory does a marvelous job of captivating her audience, whether her main character is likeable or not. It's so interesting to me how she addresses the princes in the tower, still a great mystery. The book is wonderfully done and serves to fill in any gaps that might be left after White Princess and Red Queen. I am also relieved to be going back to the Woodville perspective and usher in the Tudor Era in White Princess! oh, and the narration is fantastic. her voice is so soothing. I definitely recommend these books!