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)

Loved it!

An entertaining and thought-provoking imagining of the events related to the Cousin's Wars. The characters come alive, and seem to be speaking in the same room as you, thanks to the talented Ms. Amato!

Another great book

This is another great book in the series on the War of the Roses - the Plantagenets and the Tudors. I plan on listening to them all. This is my fourth. Now on to “The White Princess.” I also watched the series on STARZ. Also very good.

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.

“lines between truth & fiction are blurred into a delicious tail”

Philippa Gregory never disappoints. On the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Intrigue, deception, and danger on nearly every page. Gregory’s gift is in creating such empathy for the protagonist, even when history, or even her previous books, suggest we should have none. The lines between truth and fiction are blurred into a delicious tail that one can never be sure if it all really happened that way, or not.

Wonderful voice actor too. Excellent portrayal of the many characters. Wonderful pacing and clarity.

History

This series has taught me history of the Royals in an enjoyable way. Although I certainly would not want to be a Royal after reading this, it’s a sure way to end your life early.

Excellent

One of the best in the series that I’ve heard so far. Moving story, as riveting as The Other Boleyn Girl. Beautifully depicted characters, and skillful storytelling with less drag than some of Gregory’s other books. First time writing a review after loving this book.

Great story but...

Love the story but the narrator was so nasal and hoity toity it was hard to actually hear the story.

Love this historical fiction

Love this author and all she writes. Also love the narrator. Highly recommemd for those with a love of historical fiction.