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23rd out of 115 books
—
582 voters
Queen By Right
by
Anne Easter Smith (Goodreads Author)
From the award-winning author of A Rose for the Crown, Daughter of York, and The King’s Grace comes another masterful historical novel—the story of Cecily of York, mother of two kings and the heroine of one of history’s greatest love stories.Anne Easter Smith’s novels are beloved by readers for their ability “to grab you, sweep you along with the story, and make you fall i...more
Paperback, 494 pages
Published
May 10th 2011
by Touchstone
(first published May 3rd 2011)
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I think I may have read a few too many War of the Roses novels because the current crop of books and authors (the notable exception being Susan Higginbotham and her excellent books The Stolen Crown: The Secret Marriage that Forever Changed the Fate of England & The Queen of Last Hopes: The Story of Margaret of Anjou) seem to have a sameness about them and are very formulaic.
Stock ingredients for these novels include:
*Mary-Sue main character. Doesn't matter what the person was like in real li...more
Not bad, interesting story. Best for readers who already know the background and familial genealogies of War of the Roses.
This fictional treatment helped me to understand the War of Roses better than any of the non-fiction books I've tried so far. Easter Smith did a great job of laying out the Duke of York's frustration at watching incompetents lose the French provinces he gave 5 years of his life to manage, in watching the manipulation of the infant king through regency, having his own loyalty rewarded through not being re-imbursed for defending the king and then being unceremoniously sent to Ireland for a 10 year...more
Over the years I have read many books involving someone from the War of the Roses, but never have I read about Cecily Neville (York). Proud Cis always lurked on the periphery, letting her displeasure of her son's marriage to that Woodeville girl or her disdain of Margaret of Anjou be known. Always very proud and protective of her family, it seemed as though I would never really learn about who Proud Cis was and why, until now.
Queen By Right gives us Cecily Neville's story from when she was a li...more
Queen By Right gives us Cecily Neville's story from when she was a li...more
About:
Cecily Neville is duchess of York and is also known as Rose of Raby and Proud Cis. As a child Cecily was betrothed to Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York and married by age thirteen. Although the marriage is arranged, the two actually fall in love.
They become involved in what is known as the War of the Roses, a period where the York family and Lancaster family are fighting for the throne of England. This was also known and the Cousins War, since cousins and in-laws were fighting on opposite...more
Cecily Neville is duchess of York and is also known as Rose of Raby and Proud Cis. As a child Cecily was betrothed to Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York and married by age thirteen. Although the marriage is arranged, the two actually fall in love.
They become involved in what is known as the War of the Roses, a period where the York family and Lancaster family are fighting for the throne of England. This was also known and the Cousins War, since cousins and in-laws were fighting on opposite...more
The Good Stuff
* Reminded me a little of the Jean Plaidy novels I read as a teen - I was a huge fan of historical fiction back then
* A fabulous way of teaching some history without getting too dry and serious.
* Brilliantly researched
* Important for the nerdy anal library worker that I am - Awesome Genealogical chart, nice map, detailed bibliography and glossary -- this stuff really helps when reading historical fiction
* Loved the background of Cecily as a young little spitfire
* The authors...more
* Reminded me a little of the Jean Plaidy novels I read as a teen - I was a huge fan of historical fiction back then
* A fabulous way of teaching some history without getting too dry and serious.
* Brilliantly researched
* Important for the nerdy anal library worker that I am - Awesome Genealogical chart, nice map, detailed bibliography and glossary -- this stuff really helps when reading historical fiction
* Loved the background of Cecily as a young little spitfire
* The authors...more
Cecily Neville was known as the "Rose of Raby" (her birthplace). Her father indulged her and she was known for speaking her mind (and her temper!). When she is eight she meets Richard, duke of York, and a year later they are betrothed. While many other contemporaries of Cecily's did not have love matches, she was lucky enough to love the man her father decided she should marry. As they got older, Richard went on campaigns while Cecily was left behind - which she thought was unfair, much to her m...more
The book covers one of my favorite periods (England in the Middle Ages) and one of the most fascinating people, Cecily Neville, wife of Richard, Duke of York, and mother of Edward IV and Richard III . I was predisposed to like the book, and I did, but it didn't draw me into its depths the way I was hoping and expecting. The book is well-researched and accurate. (I expect historical fiction authors to fill in the gaps of history, as it were, but I don't expect or want them to rewrite it. That's c...more
I love reading about the Plantagenets. From Henry II to Richard III (or even later if we want to include theories about the missing princes), I adore their boldness, ambition, chivalry, and propensity for tragedy. Cecily Neville has always been sort of a background character in everything else that I have read about these last of the Plantagenets, so I found this book interesting from that point of view. There is nowhere near the amount of detail of battles and politics because this story is tol...more
It never ceases to amaze me how fast one can read through any of AES books! Even though they are normally pretty long and cover a large part of the characters lifespan, I find I have a hard time putting them down as I just can’t wait to read what happens next. AES has such a talent for writing and bringing the characters to life that you can’t help but completely immerse yourself in the world she’s taken you back too. Queen By Right is the story of Cecily Neville (Proud Cis) and her marriage to...more
3.5 Stars. My views are conflicting on this book? This is my second Easter Smith book "I loved A Rose for the Crown". In this novel the author tackles Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. I couldn't wait to indulge into Proud Cis' life.....wife of Richard of York and Mother to King's Edward IV and Richard III. AES writes sagas that could very easily be turned into a Sunday Night Movie or mini-series. She is very entertaining. On the negative, she writes very fictitiously and like a Hollywood movie o...more
Over the last year I have become a huge fan of historical fiction involving the Wars of the Roses. This is one of about 6 books I have read involving the pivotal historical figures of the time - each book describing the unfolding of historical events through the eyes of important women of the time. I must admit that through the various accounts I have come to favour the Yorks - and Anne Easter Smith does an amazing job of making history come alive in her novels about significant women of the Yo...more
if you love historical fiction... or even better yet, if you love english history and historical fiction, i would definitely recommend this book to you!
i must admit, i got this book from the library thinking it "sounded" good. but once i got it home, it did sit on the end table in the living room for quite a long time before i got up the courage to tackle such a long book! at first i was definitely intimidated by it's sheer volume & the genealogical trees of england "for reference" on its fi...more
i must admit, i got this book from the library thinking it "sounded" good. but once i got it home, it did sit on the end table in the living room for quite a long time before i got up the courage to tackle such a long book! at first i was definitely intimidated by it's sheer volume & the genealogical trees of england "for reference" on its fi...more
I have long been fascinated with the War of the Roses. So after reading the King’s Grace I leapt head first into reading Queen by Right written by Anne Easter Smith and what a journey it was. We follow the story from the very beginning with Cecily Neville and her husband Richard Duke of York. Arguably the War of the Roses started when Edward the Black Prince of Wales died before taking the crown his Father died but a year after leaving Young Richard II as King with his Uncle John of Gaunt as reg...more
Cecily Neville's story is rarely told in historical fiction, other than as an antagonist for Elizabeth Woodville, her daughter-in-law and Queen of England. I really enjoyed this look at Cecily herself, without Elizabeth's presence (she appears only momentarily in about 2 scenes). Cecily was a formidable woman who raised a large family and 2 kings. Descended from royalty, she married another member of the royal house (Richard of York) and they had 13 children, the king Edward IV among them.
Cecil...more
Cecil...more
Queen by Right is an excellent read for historical fiction readers and even history readers. I received the book though a giveaway on Goodreads. Anne Easter Smith has performed an outstanding piece of research and brings to life historical figures that are often overlooked in the pantheon of historical fiction. This book features an excellent cast of characters that are the start of a complicated and interesting part in British history. Often people begin their journey of British history with He...more
I loved every moment of this epic love story, I could barely put it down. And to think that Anne Easter Smith produced this over only 18 months of writing and research total! If she invested the amount of time writing and researching that Margaret George does, we would have a Gone with the Wind set in medieval England. I've always loved to read of fiery historical women. It was refreshing to read a book not set during the Renaissance or later and to figure out the genealogy of the Yorks and Lanc...more
One of the best things about this book are the geneology trees provided along with a "cast of characters". Even though I'm a John of Gaunt fan - I'm a Yorkist through and through and was thrilled to begin to understand the complexities of the family trees including the 22 children fathered by the Earl of Westmorland. (A little like the Duggers but with two different wives, thank goodness!)
With each book I read, the names begin to become real people, so now as I move from book to book, I increas...more
With each book I read, the names begin to become real people, so now as I move from book to book, I increas...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
When I was growing up, my mom wanted to be a young adult historical novelist but was stymied by history: women were married at a young age or historical costume styles were far racier than we modern folk are comfortable with (her example was something like ancient Egyptian women had their breasts exposed, if I recall correctly). So she never wrote her novel but as a result we both immensely enjoy a historical novelist who wrestles well with historical accuracy and modern reader sentiments.
Anne E...more
Anne E...more
Without a doubt, any novel written by Anne Easter Smith will have the reader taking away with them a greater understanding of the time period in which the novel was set. Focusing on the beginning of the Wars of the Roses, Queen by Right gives us an in depth look into the lives of Ceciley Neville and Richard of York. Like all her novels, Queen by Right unfolds in panoramic detail, allowing the reader to experience a type of virtual history lesson, one that is gripping and completely satisfying. O...more
I really enjoy reading Anne Easter Smith's medieval novels. Her research and description of life in the late Middle Ages, brings it to life. I enjoyed the love story between Cicely and Richard. The story showed what history doesn't tell you. What a woman had to go through in the nobility, wasn't as a princess tale. Having to bear as many children you could push out, your whole way of life depended on the fortunes of your husband and when during separations, not knowing if you will see your love...more
It was nice to read a book set during the War of the Roses, which is an era I'm not well read in. I learned – from the York perspective – much about the events and people surrounding the conflict while reading Queen by Right.
The novel is shown in the point of view of Cecily Neville, the wife of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York and mother of Edward IV and Richard III. We see her as a child and then through the years, all the way up to the crowning of Edward IV. I loved the child Cecily, she...more
The novel is shown in the point of view of Cecily Neville, the wife of Richard Plantagenet, 3rd Duke of York and mother of Edward IV and Richard III. We see her as a child and then through the years, all the way up to the crowning of Edward IV. I loved the child Cecily, she...more
I wish I could give this 3 1/2 stars. At the beginning the main thing I thought was those old aristocrats werent very original with names, too many people with the same name. Then I was trying to remember what I've read about this time period instead of really getting engaged to the story. Then finally I got into it not emotionally but still enjoyed it. This is Cecily Nevilles story. From her childhood engagement to Richard Plantagenent to the crowning of her son king Edward IV. It was pretty in...more
What an excellent read! This is the story of Cecily Neville, wife of Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York. Cecily is the ancestor of every British monarch from the fifteenth century until modern times. As the mother of 13 or 14 children, some of whom died so young that their births were not registered, she lived eight decades and saw two of her sons become kings. Her eldest son, Edward, became king of England, but passed away at age 41. Her youngest son was crowned Richard III in 1483, but died sud...more
This sympathetic portrait of the Rose of Raby, Cecily Neville, was replete with period detail and engendered in me an admiration for the ladies of fifteenth century Britain who managed to have thirteen children, lose half of them in infancy and still survive. While the portrait of Cecily herself is inspiring, along with that of Anne of Bedford and Alice of Salisbury, the men in their lives are far less clearly drawn, although I did develop an affection for Ralph Neville, Cecily's father and for...more
Truth: my love of historical fiction is far out-weighed by my fear of 600+ page books. It is this reason alone that in the past I was scared to pick up a book by Anne Easter Smith. The covers are gorgeous and the plot lines intriguing, but they are all such chunksters! Looking back now, I am so glad I picked Queen by Right[Image] up. It was completely worth it!
Besides being exposed to the wonderful author Anne Easter Smith, I also was able to delve into the War of the Roses, a time period in Eng...more
Besides being exposed to the wonderful author Anne Easter Smith, I also was able to delve into the War of the Roses, a time period in Eng...more
A friend of mine loved this book and loaned it to me so I could read it. I have never read this author before. I was very impressed with this book. Anne Easter Smith is an excellent writer. Her descriptions are vivid, and her characters are very well-drawn. The historical research is very well done, and Ms. Smith blends her fiction with the facts deftly. The love story between Richard, Duke of York, and Cecily Neville is believable and touching. I found myself pulled into the story, and had diff...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I loved this novel. This is Anne Easter Smith's best in my opinion (with 'A Rose for the Crown' being second and 'The King's Grace and 'Daughter of York' both falling short). In Cecily Neville, wife to Richard Duke of York, Ms Smith has created a wonderfully vibrant character; a character that flies off the page and attaches herself to your heartstrings so that you feel every up and down of her roller-coaster story along with her. I get a strong impression that the author spent a lot of time wit...more
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| A History of Royals: Queen By Right | 2 | 18 | Sep 19, 2011 01:15pm | |
| What are your Favourite Lines? | 2 | 16 | Sep 13, 2011 10:41pm |
A native of the UK,
Anne Easter Smith is an award-winning historical novelist who has lived in the US for more than 40 years. Her four novels about the York family during the Wars of the Roses are published by Touchstone at Simon & Schuster. She was the Features Editor at the Press-Republican in Plattsburgh, NY for 10 years, and her writing has been featured in a number of national magazines. S...more
More about Anne Easter Smith...
Anne Easter Smith is an award-winning historical novelist who has lived in the US for more than 40 years. Her four novels about the York family during the Wars of the Roses are published by Touchstone at Simon & Schuster. She was the Features Editor at the Press-Republican in Plattsburgh, NY for 10 years, and her writing has been featured in a number of national magazines. S...more
Oct 20, 2012 04:27am
Oct 20, 2012 06:34am