The Autumn Throne

By: Elizabeth Chadwick

Narrated by: Katie Scarfe

Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's Summary

England, 1176. Imprisoned by her husband, King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England, refuses to let her powerful husband bully her into submission, even as he forces her away from her children and her birthright.

Freed only by Henry's death, Eleanor becomes dowager Queen of England. But the competition for land and power that Henry stirred up among his sons has intensified to a dangerous rivalry. Eleanor will need every ounce of courage and fortitude as she crosses the Alps in winter to bring Richard his bride and travels medieval Europe to ransom her beloved son. But even her indomitable spirit will be tested to its limits as she attempts to keep the peace between her warring sons and find a place in the centres of power for her daughters.

Eleanor of Aquitaine's powerful story is brought to a triumphant and beautiful close by much-loved author Elizabeth Chadwick.

©2016 Elizabeth Chadwick (P)2016 Little Brown Book Group

Beautiful story in the vein of Braveheart

Eleanor of Aquitaine is one of my favorite historical figures. Sometimes greatness is aligned with destiny. Not often but it happens and when it does it's magnificent. Such is the case with Eleanor and Elizabeth Chadwick has done her research. Fortunately, because Eleanor is so interesting there's not too much fiction needed. She's colored the black-and-white photos but the bones of the facts are there. Add William Marshall to the mix and you I have characters that are so inspiring it's hard to believe they lived. I highly recommend Chadwick's Marshall series also, and The Scarlet Lion (the story of Richard the Lion Heart). these three major players lives are so intertwined you can't tell the story of one without mentioning the others. What a great way to get a feeling for history.
I love these books as much as I did Braveheart. What magnificent people.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Romance novel, at best.

Unfortunately this book feels more like a romance novel than good historical fiction. Eleanor of Aquitaine was a strong, heroic woman of the middle ages. She was twice queen consort. She was the mother of multiple kings. She was prisoner, thinker, leader. She suffered many devastating losses. She was superbly intriguing and is a perfect example of what it means to be a feminist. But in this series she often comes off as whiny and simpering. She is dependent rather than leader. I am surprised by all the five star reviews. I have read many better historical fiction novels, and several about Eleanor. Average.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Another awesome story by Chadwick!

Very much enjoyed Katie Scafe's performance of the story. Chadwick's writing always keeps me enticed and her symbolism is very direct and to the point which I love!

Awesome series of books.

Loved. the book in this series. Couldn't wait to Finnish want to listen to more

Great author grate narrative beautiful story

Very beautiful book contains everything which will make you enjoy a book. Love happiness reality war madness and finely life.

I recommend it to every one with no age limit

Lovely

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this story and it was read beautifully by the narrator. Each character came alive and I felt totally enthralled chapter after chapter. I wholeheartedly recommend this story.

Worth the wait!

If, like me, you've read the other two amazing volumes of Eleanor of Aquitaine's life, this final chapter will satisfy you no end. Elizabeth Chadwick's richly researched and powerfully well written books make history alive in a way that few other writers have done before her. Be sure to have Kleenex available for the last chapter!

Loved this and learned a lot

I had no idea how interesting this would be. Eleanor of Aquitaine was such a powerful female character and leader for her times. Great story and narration was easy to listen to.
Thanks Audible.

Fantastic read!

First, let me say I got impatient waiting for this final installment! This has been one of my favorite series. One of the few I would listen to again. I love the subject. Eleanor of Aquitaine was a truly strong woman and a great queen, who would go on to provide Europe with many more kings and queens. Katie Scarfe is so easy to listen to. A narrator can make or break a book for the listener. Her voice compliments the writing. Elizabeth Chadwick has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I look forward to more of her books.
If you enjoy Philippa Gregory, you will love Elizabeth Chadwick.

Great Read

This is one of the best books I have read this year. You can always tell Elizabeth Chadwick has thoroughly done her research into the life and time period of her characters. This book was so well written that you simply believe that the characters are going to step off the pages and their lives are lived right in front or you. This is one series that I hate to see end. Well written, entertaining and simply wonderful. I don't give 5-stars very often, but this book deserved that and more.

what a woman!

what a stunning book and fitting end to this trilogy. beautifully written and performed. Loved it and moved to tears at the end. what a woman ! x

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

gripping trio

I could not stop listening. This, the last book in this series, was a magnificent read. Filling in the gaps of history and recounting the life of Eleanor, queen of England and France was a breathtaking journey of intrigue, cruelty, love, happiness and heartache. A long and well lived life. I very much enjoyed this audio book and recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical novel's.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

So good

An fab book. It has tied up the ends and the third chapter brilliantly. An amazing trilogy.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Griping historical story

Loved every minute of hearing the life story of Elenor of Aquitaine. I feel like losing a close relative at the end of the book.

fascinating historical era and people

really enjoyed the whole series
will look at more by the same author
as long as they are not 'romancy', don't like that

I was hoping she'd die sooner.

I know this trilogy is pure fiction, but I found the books irritating and padded out. Definitely more bodice ripper than anything else. I got to the end, but only just. Glad I got them in the two for one!

Trilogy

I absolutely love these books. They are read beautifully and create drama and suspense. Brilliant and informative.

A fitting conclusion to the trilogy

Quite long but fascinating. She outlived 8 of her 10 children but her grandchildren went on to create the royal dynasties of Europe. History from a womans perspective!

Great sequel

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

Anyone who loves historical fiction will love this book.

What other book might you compare The Autumn Throne to, and why?

I wouldn't compare it to any, except the author's other works, and it more than measures up.

What about Katie Scarfe’s performance did you like?

She brings across the characters' emotions really well.

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

I was brought to tears more than once.

Any additional comments?

This was the second book in a trilogy, which had already had the bar set high by the first book, and it was more than equal to the challenge. This is the best story of Elinor of Acquitane you'll ever read.

What a woman!

I feel privileged to have shared the story of such an amazing, resilient and inspiring woman. I loved it.