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The Gilded Cage (Thwarted Queen #3)

by Cynthia Sally Haggard (Goodreads Author)

3.86 of 5 stars 3.86 · rating details · 14 ratings · 3 reviews

THE GILDED CAGE is the third in a series of four books about Cecylee Neville (1415-1495), mother of Richard III and Edward IV, Queen by Right and Abbess. The tale of Richard of York’s political career, and its tragic impact upon his wife Cecylee, will intrigue readers who enjoy political novels.

It is 1445, and Cecylee is turning thirty. She and Richard are waiting for the...more

Paperback, 164 pages

Published November 28th 2011 by Spun Stories Press (first published October 23rd 2011)

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Apr 21, 2012 NayNay rated it 4 of 5 stars

Thwarted Queen divides into four books: book one THE BRIDE PRICE, book two ONE SEED SOWN, book three THE GILDED CAGE, book four TWO MURDERS REAPED.

THE GILDED CAGE is the story of Richard of Yorks political career, and the impact it has on his wife, Cecylee. Everyone seems to think Cecylee and Richard has a successful marriage, but it is not what is seems. Richard is still hurt from Cecylee's affair with Blaybourne, and keeps her close by his side to keep an eye on her. In a way he takes revenge...more

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Mar 16, 2012 Kirsty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-for-review, read-2012, kindle, best-of-2012

The Gilded Cage by Cynthia Haggard is the third book in the Thwarted Queen series. The novel opens with the character of William de la Pole, the Fourth Earl of Suffolk, and Marguerite d’Anjou in the spring of 1444. Those around them believe that the marriage between Marguerite and King Henry of England could ‘form the centrepiece of the peace negotiations laboured on for the last two years’. It is William’s job to ascertain if she is the right choice of woman to become an English Queen. The seco...more The Gilded Cage by Cynthia Haggard is the third book in the Thwarted Queen series. The novel opens with the character of William de la Pole, the Fourth Earl of Suffolk, and Marguerite d’Anjou in the spring of 1444. Those around them believe that the marriage between Marguerite and King Henry of England could ‘form the centrepiece of the peace negotiations laboured on for the last two years’. It is William’s job to ascertain if she is the right choice of woman to become an English Queen. The second chapter begins in Pontoise in English France in March 1445, with the character of Cecylee, a Duchess and mother of six. She is married to Richard, Duke of York. Cecylee has travelled with her husband and daughter Nan to see the barge that is carrying England’s new queen from Paris to England.

The novel focuses upon each of these characters in turn, showing their turbulent relationships with one another and the decisions made which serve only to upset those around them.

Often with novels which include characters who have lived in the past, it is difficult to establish which events really occurred, but Haggard has struck a good balance. The storyline itself and those who feature within it are well-developed and do not seem far from their original counterparts. The characters themselves come to life throughout the novel. Haggard has made them wonderfully vivid from the outset.

The book itself contains several nice touches, which include family trees representing the Nevilles and Plantagenets and a map of England and France circa 1422. These elements really help to set the scene of the novel. Links are provided on the Kindle version to a character glossary at the end of the book which gives the reader the ability to find out more about each person who features in the novel.

The dialogue between characters works well and conversations flow naturally. Haggard has made good use of vocabulary which fits with the period which she has written about. The third person perspective which Haggard has adopted works very well. The thoughts of separate characters are shown in italics which gives the reader more information about their feelings and what drives them as individuals.

The author sets the scene immediately and the descriptions used throughout are often lovely. The Gilded Cage is clearly very well researched. A wonderful use has been made of period details which are included throughout. Battles, class tensions and frictions are outlined, along with the social conditions of the period, which include references to witchcraft, the founding of universities, book printing, banqueting customs and palace rituals. Haggard has included an extensive list of sources at the end of the novel.

There is no need to have read the preceding two novels in the series, as The Gilded Cage stands alone extremely well. Haggard has covered enough background information within the story and the reader is able to pick up on the characters and storyline almost immediately as a consequence. The Gilded Cage is not a long novel, particularly in comparison to other historical novels which focus on the same period, but its length worked very well. The book was not overloaded with information and the characters and storylines were easy to keep track of. The chapters themselves are of a nice length and the novel comes across as being a very well written piece.
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May 31, 2012 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

In this third segment the story escalates as it has a lot of political content. It gives more of an insight to Richard and his role in the governing of England. It stills touches delicately on Cecylee's mind and emotions as well her role as wife and mother. Many major characters are explored a little more in depth here that gives a base for the last book in the series which is next and I can't wait to read it! 4.5 stars as thus far this is my favorite.

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Mar 20, 2013 Laura LeMoine rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle

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About Cynthia Sally Haggard

Born and raised in Surrey, England, CYNTHIA SALLY HAGGARD has lived in the United States for twenty-nine years. She has had four careers: violinist, cognitive scientist, medical writer and novelist. Why does she write historical novels? Because she has been reading them with great enjoyment since she was a child. Because she has a great imagination and a love of history that won't go away. And bec...more

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The Gilded Cage (Thwarted Queen #3)

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