Wars of the Roses

Margaret of Anjou

By: Conn Iggulden

Narrated by: John Curless

Length: 14 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

It is 1454, and for over a year King Henry VI has remained all but exiled in Windsor Castle, struck down by his illness, his eyes vacant, his mind a blank. His fiercely loyal wife and queen, Margaret of Anjou, safeguards her husband's interests, hoping that her son, Edward, will one day come to know his father. With each month that Henry is all but absent as king, Richard, the duke of York, protector of the realm, extends his influence throughout the kingdom.

The Trinity - Richard and the earls of Salisbury and Warwick - are a formidable trio, and together they seek to break the support of those who would raise their colors and their armies in the name of Henry and his queen. But when the king unexpectedly recovers his senses and returns to London to reclaim his throne, the balance of power is once again plunged into turmoil. The clash of the Houses of Lancaster and York may be the beginning of a war that can tear England apart....

©2015 Conn Iggulden (P)2015 Recorded Books

Richard III Wasn't a Cripple

A blatant fallacy was being perpetuated in this novel. When Richards body was discovered he did indeed have scoliosis but to claim the boy was a deformed cripple from birth is lunacy. He was a noted fighter a would have had to fight on horseback and in plate armor. Historical Fiction needs to get the big facts right.

Conn Iggulden is marvel!

Any additional comments?

This is the second in the War of the Roses series, which is even better than the first book. As with all of Iggulden's books, they just get better and better!

Impressive

This is truly one of the best stories I've ever read, such details and an amazing narrator. Can't wait to start the next book of this series.

Great Series!

I just finished the third book in the series of the war of the roses. All three books were absolutely phenomenal. I was especially impressed with the narrator and the way he presented each character. He hast to be the best narrator I’ve listened to.
This was a first for me for the author. I’m looking forward to seeking out more of his books. I am a fan of European history, both fiction and non. I would highly recommend listening to all three books.

Loved it - though better still with the Kindle to keep track of the families and alliances.

Truly engrossing, well-researched, well-told and well-performed. It was a challenge at times to keep track of the many Edwards, Richards, Dukes and Earls, despite being very familiar with the history. Nevertheless I can’t wait to begin the next book in the series.

Not my favorite historical fiction

This entire story is told from both sides, no bad guys, it’s an interesting concept but missing some passion for me. It’s hard to feel good for a battle’s winner or bad about the dead when the story is trying to make you feel the same about everyone.

Great Story, Great Narration

Conn Iggulden is a literary and storytelling genius and does a fantastic job recreating this epic tale of the War of the Roses in a way that is easy to follow and entertaining. John Curless is now one of my favorite narrators. His repertoire of accents for England and France are fantastically fun to listen to.

Good Second Volume

I missed the Commoner characters present in 1st volume. I suspect, based on historical notes, that the author was trying to keep the number of characters and storyline threads to a manageable number. It is a complex enough topic with regard to number of players and motivations, already. Still, to me, that additional lower society class layer added color and a welcomed break from the Noble attitudes.

I’ve listened to this so many times

War of the Roses,author does a wonderful job of different POVs of the major players, Henry VI, Margaret of Anjou, Duke of York, and retells this complex crazy period in detail. He really developed the characters more so than anything else I’ve read. This is a great book (series) and if you give this a chance you’ll be well rewarded.

very good second book

I really enjoy the author's description of the personalities and his ability to show you their different perspectives. it almost seems like a conflict that should've never taken place. the author also does a good job of describing the battles. I do sometimes get confused by all the personalities and listening to the book probably increase the confusion bc you can't go back and check who is who.