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

great book!

interesting story with lots of political maneuvering and great battle. really good if you are a fan of the period.

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.

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.

Master piece continuation!

Conn is my new favorite author. His historical works are fascinating and he has hooked me on English history of this period. It led me to begin reading the actual historical reports of the period. I especially like how well he describes action and intertwines it in the story. The timing of the vivid descriptions, exposition, motivations, explanation and action is done so well that there is never a dull moment.

I like historical fiction and unlike some critics, slight variations from facts is more than ok when it keeps the story to the point the author is striving to achieve. Here Conn makes the movement of the story with all of its arcs graceful and entertaining.

I am also a fan of history and read it often. Usually this has been American history but Conn has broadened my interest. The fictionalization of history, especially in an audio book, makes for engrossing relaxation when done this superbly. It is not meant to supplant history it’s self.

I have the audible versions of many of his other works and highly regard them. Somehow, even having different narrators with different talents, does not detract from Conn’s masterpieces. The narrator here is especially talented.

I am looking forward to Conn’s continued works in the future. His latest: An Abbot’s Tale, is just as fantastic as his other works. His history fiction, like the War of the Roses series, brings to vivid life an episode of fascinating history that was, to me, an otherwise obscure dull episode of English history. I would like to see him try his hand at some portion of the rich field of American history. Perhaps the early days of the revolution, the civil war in the West, or WW II focusing on the interplay of top British leaders, political and military, with their counterparts.

He has my thanks for a great work.

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.

loved it!

narrator and story are both superb! looked forward to my long commutes every day with it! My loyalties have always been with York, but I found myself wavering back and forth! such a rich tapestry of history woven with personal stories.

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.

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.

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.

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.