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The King's Curse

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: Bianca Amato
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Publisher's summary

Regarded as yet another threat to the volatile King Henry VII's claim to the throne, Margaret Pole, cousin to Elizabeth of York (known as the White Princess) and daughter of George, Duke of Clarence, is married off to a steady and kind Lancaster supporter - Sir Richard Pole. For his loyalty, Sir Richard is entrusted with the governorship of Wales, but Margaret's contented daily life is changed forever with the arrival of Arthur, the young Prince of Wales, and his beautiful bride, Katherine of Aragon. Margaret soon becomes a trusted advisor and friend to the honeymooning couple, hiding her own royal connections in service to the Tudors.

After the sudden death of Prince Arthur, Katherine leaves for London a widow, and fulfills her deathbed promise to her husband by marrying his brother, Henry VIII. Margaret's world is turned upside down by the surprising summons to court, where she becomes the chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine. But this charmed life of the wealthiest and "holiest" woman in England lasts only until the rise of Anne Boleyn, and the dramatic deterioration of the Tudor court. Margaret has to choose whether her allegiance is to the increasingly tyrannical king, or to her beloved queen; to the religion she loves or the theology which serves the new masters. Caught between the old world and the new, Margaret Pole has to find her own way as she carries the knowledge of an old curse on all the Tudors.

©2014 Philippa Gregory International, LTD (P)2014 Simon & Schuster, Inc

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What listeners say about The King's Curse

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Women other than his wives suggested

So informative and relieving strong women powerless against the regal system. Learn to speak up today because we can and because we must.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Another great addition

I thoroughly enjoyed this addition to the series. The story of the life of the warrick descendants was interesting and inspiring. I could not put this book down. Well worth the credit.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

The Story from an Outsider's Perspective

This isn't the story of someone who wanted the throne for themselves or their children, so I thought this might not be that interesting to me. But I got sucked into Lady Pole's world, when Henry went from charming new King to crazy dictator; where it was demanded you believe one thing one day and you could be persecuted for believing it the next. My only gripe (SPOILER ALERT) was I was going Margaret would be able to reveal the curse to Henry right before she died, just so she could get a little bit of vengeance. But this story isn't about vengeance or justice, and I was captivated just the same.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very well written historical fiction

Kept me riveted to my phone. Excellent story. If you love historical fiction you should listen to this.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Wonderful historical fiction

Overlaps then continues past The Constant Princess. Very interesting to learn about this area of King Henry VIII life. Reader does a very good job and it does not make me sleepy like some readers. Really enjoyed

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Philippa Gregory's Best One Yet!

I have read and heard quite a few of Philippa Gregory's Novels and find this book the best yet! It covers so much history and I can't get enough so will be reading many more of hers!

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excellent book

loed it, easy to read and the end comes way too soon. great to read

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Margaret Pole, elitist, victim or saint?

What can I say as I listen to the story of Margaret Pole on May 28, her actual Saint's Day,.While the story is certainly not about Henry VIII, he looms large for her family. Strange that we must also endure a bloated, narcissistic, tyrannical man child. Phillippa Gregory's portrayal of Margaret is not as sympathetic as others, but it seems to illustrate a particular view of the Tudor court. Bianca Amato's narration was a bit tired, but acceptable.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Bianca Amato is wonderful!!! Can't beat Philippa!

Love all of the books in this series and Bianca is absolutely engaging. Thank you to both ladies for many hours of awesome stories.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great read!!

Loved it and looked forward to listening to it everyday! Such an interesting and rivetting story.

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