The Lioness Wakes

Birth of the Plantagenets, Book 4

By: Blanche d'Alpuget

Narrated by: Colin Morgan

Length: 6 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's Summary

The fourth book in the illustrious Birth of the Plantagenets series delves into the feud between the spouses Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, painting the portrait of an empire steeped in conflict, treachery and wild gambling for power.

England, 1171. Thomas Becket is dead, beheaded at the altar of Canterbury Cathedral. As news of his assassination spreads across the country and into Europe, Henry's reputation as a just and mighty king begins to disintegrate. 

Eleanor, no longer loyal, nor in awe of her husband, instigates the revolt she has craved for years - with Henry's three eldest sons as her allies against their father. Yearning to dethrone him and to gain power and liberty for herself, she begins to stir trouble at court. 

But when Henry discovers the plot, will Eleanor be strong enough to withstand his outrage? The punishment for treason is death. And what of the empire they have built together - can it survive when the royal family are at each other's throats?

©2020 Blanche d’Alpuget (P)2021 Bolinda Publishing

Wonderful!

After weathering several delays waiting for the next chapter in this story, I was not disappointed! While I believe not completely accurate historically, the author's interpretation and enhancement of events, gives the story so much depth and interest.

I can't praise Colin Morgan's narration enough! His talent for giving the various characters unique voices is astounding!

Dubbing is jarring

Excellent performance (as always) in this entertaining series. Unsolicited advice to editors & publisher: Bad dubbing over a repeatedly mispronounced foreign word was JARRING and more noticeable because one was missed. Better left alone. Mistakes happen.

Great

A short follow-up on Eleanor's whereabouts, ambitions, plotting, manipulation and court intricacies at its best. Entertaining and engaging.
Colin Morgan does an outstanding job bringing life to the characters and ot is simply a pleasure to listen to.

Great

This series goes from strength to strength. Just don't take it as history - it does follow the essence of Henry's rule, but there is a slightly different emphasis on a spiritual theme that I have found interesting. The whole series is well written and very creative.

This series is perfected by the narrator, Colin Morgan, who employs different voices for all the various characters - and they are produced perfectly.