Much better than book one

I liked this book far better than the first book. I feel much more connected to the characters as the author seemed to take a deeper dive into their feelings and perspective as to what was happening around them. The story is told toggling between Isabella and her son Edward III. I will read other books by this author. ( )

I'm going to refer back to Gemini's terrific guest post (http://thetruebookaddict.blogspot.com/2012/06/book-tour-king-must-die-by-n-gemini.html) in this review. I too was struck by the film, Braveheart. It is my favorite film and probably always will be. And, as Gemini also felt, it was this film that led to my obsession and further investigation into the personages portrayed in the movie. I immediately did a lot of non-fiction reading on William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. In addition, I was very curious about Edward I (Longshanks), Edward II, and Isabella and so, did more reading on them as well. Since then, I have been intrigued to read historical fiction that features these people who held such interest for me. The King Must Die is one of those books.

I've said this before and I'll say it again. Good historical fiction, whether completely accurate or not, will (should) invoke such passion in the reader that he/she can't help but go off on a quest for more information on the subject matter and/or the historical figures depicted there. Whether this quest comes in the form of reading more historical fiction portrayals of the subject, as to get different points of view, or taking it a step (or two) further and devouring every non-fiction source a person can get their hands on, for it to occur at all is a bow to the genre. Gemini has made her characters so real and interesting, I certainly can't help but want to read more about them. Especially in the case of Edward III. I found him so interesting as he grew from a 14 year old boy into a king, husband, and father. I also like that she explored a different avenue than the portrayal of Isabelle as an evil witch who wanted her husband dead. Another great aspect of historical fiction novels is to read the differing points of view of the authors who write them.

I recommend The King Must Die to all lovers of historical fiction. It is written by an author who is clearly passionate about her subject matter and it shines through in every word on the page. I look forward to reading her future (and past) works.

Note: Be sure to read the excellent author's note at the end of the book which sheds some light on the historical facts behind the story.

( )

This is the sequel to the author's novel Isabeau and covers the period from Young Edward (III)'s accession to the throne until, on the verge of attaining adulthood, he overthrows the regency of his mother and Sir Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, in late 1330. Despite the dramatic conclusion, I found some of this novel a little dull and it lacked some of the sparkle of its prequel, though perhaps that is because there is less dramatic incident for much of this four year period, punctuated by periodic fighting against the Scots and Isabella and Roger Mortimer having a lot of earth-moving sex. Isabella is again depicted here as the innocent dupe of men, including her son and increasingly with Roger himself, whom she grows to mistrust, while still being madly in love with him. The author has adopted the revisionist storyline of the fate of Edward II, in which no red hot pokers make their appearance, but the former King lives out his life peacefully in obscurity as a monk in Italy. This theory has been expounded by Alison Weir in her biography of Isabella and by Ian Mortimer in his biography of Sir Roger, though I remain largely unconvinced. The author again shows she is a good evoker of place in her descriptive writing. 3.5/5 ( )

The She-Wolf, Isabella of France is the height of her power. Her husband, Edward II, has given up the throne in favor of his young son, Edward III. England's sovereignty is shaky due to Edward II's incapable rule, but Isabella is determined that her son will one day rule both England and France. Isabella relies on her lover, Roger Mortimer to guide her son and ensure her will is followed. After Edward II is found dead in his cell, Isabella and Mortimer are the prime suspects. Isabella faces a looming civil war, a distrustful son, an isolated lover and ghosts of her past transgressions.

N Gemini Sasson returns to the rule of Edward II, focusing this time on the English viewpoint. Isabella, known as the vicious She-Wolf, springs off the pages and to life. She rules England in all but name and is a survivor. Risen from the ashes to rule, she knows what is is like to have no power, and she knows what it is like to have all the power. She is an excellent judge of character, and even has the ability to see the flaws in those that she loves. However, she chooses to ignore these flaws, which endangers her. I loved the ability to see into her mind and understand the reasoning behind her actions.
I loved how Sasson lets the reader see the politics as well. The story features both politics with France and Scotland. James Douglas (!!!) even makes an appearance.
I loved this book. Whether or not you like Isabella, you have to admire her courage and resilience. ( )