For the King's Favor (William Marshal, #4)

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For the King's Favor (William Marshal #4)

by Elizabeth Chadwick (Goodreads Author)

4.04 of 5 stars 4.04 · rating details · 1,025 ratings · 139 reviews

A Bittersweet Tale of Love, Loss, and the Power of Royalty

When Roger Bigod arrives at King Henry II's court to settle a bitter inheritance dispute, he becomes enchanted with Ida de Tosney, young mistress to the powerful king. A victim of Henry's seduction and the mother of his son, Ida sees in Roger a chance to begin a new life. But Ida pays an agonizing price when she le

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ebook, 544 pages

Published September 1st 2010 by Sourcebooks Landmark (first published 2008)

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Sep 04, 2010 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: forreview, historicalfiction, forpleasure

I really, really enjoyed this story. The one drawback was that the review copy I received had translation issues between formats because there were numerous obvious typos in it that were distracting. The story was a bit too long as well. Regardless, I found it to be a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it to people who enjoy a good medieval romance. This author certainly knows how to deliver on that account.

Ms. Chadwick's writing style was thoroughly engrossing and I found myself living...more I really, really enjoyed this story. The one drawback was that the review copy I received had translation issues between formats because there were numerous obvious typos in it that were distracting. The story was a bit too long as well. Regardless, I found it to be a very enjoyable read and I would recommend it to people who enjoy a good medieval romance. This author certainly knows how to deliver on that account.

Ms. Chadwick's writing style was thoroughly engrossing and I found myself living in the 1100s along with the characters. The deflowering of Ida by the king at such a young age and her subsequent service to him was realistically portrayed. I really grieved her situation. She was truly trapped and was such a sweet girl with a good heart. So when Roger Bigod came along and there was an obvious attraction between them, I was hoping and praying that she would be allowed to marry him.

Their relationship with exciting and I enjoyed experiencing their budding relationship along with them. Their marriage was intense and sweet at the same time. Their love for each other was powerful and real. I think the author's greatest strength was in her ability to develop powerful love relationships between characters. She also did an outstanding job with the setting and with showing inter-familial rivalries and the desire to possess land and power.

I agonized with Ida when she had to leave her oldest son behind and I grieved for her every time she reflected on the loss. I also rejoiced in her other children who were a comfort to her. I understood Roger's pain when he felt like he was in competition with the king even though he knew deep inside that he was not, and that she truly loved him, not Henry. It did make for some awesome chemistry and set up the sexual tension between them as husband and wife very well. This story was hot, but done in good taste. The romantic elements were strong but not overarching because the story was chock full of history and historical subplots that made for a well-rounded novel.

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Aug 13, 2011 Rosemary rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really, really, reeeeaaaallly wanted to like this book. It is set in a period I love, and talks about historical figures I don't know very well (the Bigods, Longspee), with ones I have read a lot about playing supporting roles (Henry II, Richard I, Eleanor of Aquitaine, John Lackland, William Marshall, among others).

But Chadwick takes too many liberties, and gets too much wrong (really--she's a member of Regia Anglorum, and yet she writes of the heroine "pinning her wimple under her chin with...more

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Oct 31, 2010 Blodeuedd Finland rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

Like with all fiction she does have some artistic freedom, because we don't know everything, like how old Ida really was. But Chadwick always stays close to the truth and does her best to make it as historically accurate as possible, and that is what I love about her books. They are true to facts, but at the same time she makes history come alive as she write about people that have lived, like Roger and Ida, or when she creates something new.

Plot:

Ida de Tosney is a royal ward, and mistress of Ki...more Like with all fiction she does have some artistic freedom, because we don't know everything, like how old Ida really was. But Chadwick always stays close to the truth and does her best to make it as historically accurate as possible, and that is what I love about her books. They are true to facts, but at the same time she makes history come alive as she write about people that have lived, like Roger and Ida, or when she creates something new.

Plot:

Ida de Tosney is a royal ward, and mistress of King Henry II, she gives him a son, but she wants freedom and finds it in Roger Bigod who is fighting over his inheritance with his half brothers. This is the story of their love, children in a turbulent time.

My thoughts:

I can really see myself there, Chadwick breaths life in times gone by and history feels like yesterday. If it's court procedure, clothes or how they act. In this book the characters have lived for real and from that she pieces together a wonderful story. Ida does what she must, what could a ward do when the king wants her in his bed. In Roger she sees a chance to get away. He is here a very calm and sensible man, not at all like his father. Together they make a good pair. William Marshall also makes appearances, Henry II and his family, and Ida's son with Henry. It sure it's a more interesting way to learn about history than in a textbook.

The story never gets boring, they go on with their lives, and because of the time there is always something going on. Henry's son fighting against him, Richard the Lionheart going on crusade, and of course when Roger tries to get his lands back and his father's title. The quiet moments are just as good, and I end the book with a smile.

Recommendation and final thoughts:

To every HF fan yes, of course, and to the rest of you too. This is a lovely piece of historical fiction. The book makes me want to go there, just to breath that same air for a moment or two. The book made me remembered why I loved her books in the first place.

Cover: Truly lovely. I have to say something about the UK one too because that one I love too, there is this pre-raphaelite painting just like it. And she is stitching the Norfolk banner here so perfect.(less)

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Sep 10, 2010 Angelc rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: already-own-read, keepers

4.5 Stars

Ida de Tosney arrived at King Henry II's court at age 15 to be his ward. But the King favored her immediately and she became his mistress. Ida really had no choice and was his mistress for years and they even had a son together. When a handsome, shy young lord, Roger Bigod, comes to the court for the King to settle his inheritance, Ida is smitten. She flirts with Roger at every chance, but Roget is very cautious of not offending the King. Will Ida be able to convince the King to give he...more 4.5 Stars

Ida de Tosney arrived at King Henry II's court at age 15 to be his ward. But the King favored her immediately and she became his mistress. Ida really had no choice and was his mistress for years and they even had a son together. When a handsome, shy young lord, Roger Bigod, comes to the court for the King to settle his inheritance, Ida is smitten. She flirts with Roger at every chance, but Roget is very cautious of not offending the King. Will Ida be able to convince the King to give her up and let her marry, and what will become of her son?

This was my first book by Elizabeth Chadwick, but it won't be my last! I am not used to fiction based on historical fact being so romantic! Sigh, Roger was absolutely swoon-worthy. I loved that he was so shy and honorable. Ida was pretty feisty and very forward about how much she liked Roger and she took control of what she wanted and eventually convinced the King to let her marry Roger.

I loved Ida and Roger's flirtation at Henry's court, but I loved even more how the story told about their actual marriage. Ida feels things for Roger that she had never felt for Henry. Ida and Roger have lots of ups and downs in their loving relationship, and Roger's service to King Henry makes everything more difficult for them and their family.

Roger's love of hats was an ongoing joke and never failed to make me smile. Little things like this made the characters really come to life.

I liked how the author wasn't afraid to use jealousy as a plot line. Of course Roger would be jealous if his wife had been the King's mistress! Who wouldn't be?

The only reason this book didn't get all five stars from me was because the last 100 pages or so seemed to deal more with Ida's two oldest sons instead of Ida and Roger. I liked the ending and it was good to see everything come full circle, but I felt like the focus on the sons moved too far away from the main story.

Overall, this is fantastic historical fiction with a lot of romance!

ARC sent by publisher in exchange for honest review

reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com

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Oct 10, 2008 Jennifer (JC-S) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: owned

‘You are stronger than you think’

Ms Chadwick’s latest novel draws additional historical figures from the shadows of the 12th century and imbues them with vibrant life. Roger Bigod, is the disputed heir to the earldom of Norfolk from approximately 1177. This dispute, which involved Roger’s stepmother and stepbrothers, commenced during the reign of Henry II and extended for over a decade before being resolved by Richard I. The dispute brings Roger to court, where he meets Ida de Tosney who is Henr...more

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Mar 11, 2012 Jemidar rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: buddy-reads-with-anna, historical-fiction, mt-tbr-challenge-2012, culled

Buddy read with Anna :-).

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Jul 21, 2011 Rio (Lynne) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction

This book should be read prior to Defy a King, but due to the way this book was released in the US, unlike the UK, we received them out of order. The UK version is (The Time of Singing.) Both are stand alone books, but it would have been nice to have read this one first. In this novel we learn about Roger Bigod during the turbulent years of King Henry II, King Richard and King John as he fights for his lands that his traitor father lost. We also experience his marriage to Ida de Tosney (King Hen...more

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Jul 09, 2011 April rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I accidentally bought this —it was free for a while and ended up bouncing around on the Free Kindle bestseller list, and somehow when I downloaded it, I failed to notice it wasn't free any more. I paid a full $9.99 for it and was pretty upset about it because I'd never even heard of the author before, let alone read anything by her. But I kept the book anyway, hoping I'd like it and yet prepared to read it already prejudiced against it because of the circumstances in which I acquired it.

I was pl...more I accidentally bought this — it was free for a while and ended up bouncing around on the Free Kindle bestseller list, and somehow when I downloaded it, I failed to notice it wasn't free any more. I paid a full $9.99 for it and was pretty upset about it because I'd never even heard of the author before, let alone read anything by her. But I kept the book anyway, hoping I'd like it and yet prepared to read it already prejudiced against it because of the circumstances in which I acquired it.

I was pleasantly surprised.

For the King's Favor is historical fiction, a novel based on real people in history, in this case the Bigods in the medieval times. I've read only a few other books in this genre, and I can only imagine how difficult it must be doing the research for something like this, gathering as many details as you can and then extrapolating and imagining for whatever gaps there are in the small collection of facts. As an amateur genealogist, I respect anyone who can do this well, and I have to say, Elizabeth Chadwick does this very well.

I really felt I got to know the Bigods intimately while reading this book, and while it's hard to give books in this genre the same sort of feel as a conventional fictional novel, where the story arc seems straightforward and leads to a happy ending (most real people don't have a clear happy ending), I felt at times as if I were reading a proper story and not a fictionalized biography. In fact, there was even a point in the book where it was almost like reading a Julie Garwood novel — there was a boat race, and several of the men in the book that you don't think are getting along that great up until that point are on the same team; they go through some male bonding and win the competition to boot. It reminded me of a scene in a Garwood book where the hero and the heroine's brother do really well in a tournament and swagger after soundly trouncing everyone else.

But the truly best part for me was just really getting to know these people — before reading this book, they were just meaningless names on a family tree in the annals of history, in a time period I care very little about, and now, I find myself wanting to learn more about the people, the places, and the events of the time and reading more in this genre. I'd always been rather indifferent to history — it was NOT my favorite subject in school, what with all those names and dates — but reading about the people of the time as though they were characters in a novel really, really helps spark my interest.(less)

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Aug 17, 2010 Terra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I can't tell you how much I really loved this book with gushing over our author and her writing style til she blushes. Another fantastic story told during the same period as that of William Marshall and his books, The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion but this time dealing with Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk.

This time our hero and heroine are on pretty even footing with their stories inter tangling close to the beginning of the book. The fact that our characters are put toget...more I can't tell you how much I really loved this book with gushing over our author and her writing style til she blushes. Another fantastic story told during the same period as that of William Marshall and his books, The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion but this time dealing with Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk.

This time our hero and heroine are on pretty even footing with their stories inter tangling close to the beginning of the book. The fact that our characters are put together at a younger age and you get to see more of their personal life and strife's makes one thankful for the progress in culture down through the centuries. I also love the in depth little touches the author gave each character to make them seem more venerable and real in a highly personal way.

Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod, Earl of Norfolk is not the bright and shinning star his bastard of a father wants him to be. Considered nothing better than the scrapings on the bottom of ones boot and the abuse that he takes not only from his father but also from his half brothers and step mother leave Roger no choice but to join ranks with King Henry II and try to prove to the King his worth. The sins of the father don't always pass down to become the sins of the son and one should be given a chance to prove oneself before being judged. So Roger's journey is about to begin and the choices he makes will prove him either a sinner or a saint so to speak.

Ida de Tosney is a ward of the King and a very beautiful one at that. We all know how King Henry II was and for a young girl of fifteen years to escape the notice of the King when she is so innocent and beautiful is very highly unlikely. Ida does not accept her lot in life as easily as some of the King's other concubines but she comes to terms as with her situation in due time. Giving the King another bastard child and then having the child ripped from her life is enough to test even the most patient and agreeable of us.

With the marriage of Roger and Ida brings about a fresh start for both of them but with baggage from their past rearing it's ugly head around far to many corners. Can they overcome the obstacles placed before them without letting the pain of the past swallow them up? Their story will show a resilience and courage that will prevail through history. (less)

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Sep 14, 2010 Christy B rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: arcs-and-galleys, fiction, historical-fiction, medieval

For the King's Favor is only my second Chadwick read after The Greatest Knight. Now, I liked The Greatest Knight well enough, but I loved For the King's Favor. I'm not big on medievals, but this may start changing soon.

For the King's Favor (also known as The Time of Singing) tells the story of Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk and Ida de Tosney, ward and mistress to Henry II and mother to one of his sons.

Ida, in order to take control of her own life by choosing the man she wants to marry, instead...more

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Oct 04, 2008 Misfit rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, read-and-keep-for-a-reread

The Time of Singing retells the story of Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk, who joined the younger Henry in his revolt against his father Henry II. When the revolt fails Hugh loses the Earldom and lands and when he dies there is a bitter dispute over the right to inherit the Earldom between Roger and his step-mother and her two sons. While Roger serves Henry and bides his time to claim his Earldom young Ida de Tosney arrives in court as the King's ward. Henry is smitten and has othe...more The Time of Singing retells the story of Roger Bigod, son of Hugh Bigod Earl of Norfolk, who joined the younger Henry in his revolt against his father Henry II. When the revolt fails Hugh loses the Earldom and lands and when he dies there is a bitter dispute over the right to inherit the Earldom between Roger and his step-mother and her two sons. While Roger serves Henry and bides his time to claim his Earldom young Ida de Tosney arrives in court as the King's ward. Henry is smitten and has other plans for Ida and he makes her his mistress and she eventually bears him a son, William. Unhappy with her position as mistress to the king, Ida casts her hopes on Roger and Henry allows them to marry -- although she must leave her son behind.

Henry still withholds the Earldom, but he does restore some of their lands and Ida and Roger build a life and family together and begin rebuild Framlingham Castle to greater heights than it was before. Once Richard I takes the crown at the death of Henry the Earldom is restored to Roger, and the rest of the book recounts their lives as they struggle to keep everything they hold dear as the battle lines are drawn during Richard's absence on crusade and subsequent kidnapping threatens to bankrupt England.

A very enjoyable surprise for me was the appearance of my personal favorite hero, William Marshal – I did not expect him at all, or to feature so prominently – but it appears Bigod and Marshal were contemporaries and friends. Another big surprise was Ida’s son William – who readers of fiction set during the reigns of John and Henry III will recognize as William Longespée, and I have to admit many of my favorite moments in the book were of William and his attempts at a relationship with his mother, Roger and their children.

While I enjoyed this book very much, this is not an action packed, page turning, sit on the edge of your type of book, but one to sit back and savor like a fine red wine or a box of chocolates (or both!!). As always with Chadwick's books, the way she brings the medieval period to life in such a graceful and effortless way, be it the sights, sounds, smells, food, clothes and battles is just awesome. As quoted on some of her book jackets, the next best thing to time travel. 4.5/5 stars.(less)

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Jun 21, 2010 Lori rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: medieval-fict

Another great read for medieval history enthusiasts. I really enjoyed Ida and Roger's story. Most of the stories I have read set during this period have focused on the royal court or the life of the great William Marshal and much of his story centered around the courts of Henry II, Eleanor, the Young King, and Richard I. This story, on the other hand, dealt more with the effects these rulers had on Barons and landowners of the period. The story doesn't have the intensity of Chadwick's The Greate...more

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Jan 09, 2013 Jennifer rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is my favourite novel so far in the Marshal series. Although not the primary focus, William Marshal is portrayed through the eyes of Roger Bigod, the male protagonist of this novel. It was great to see Marshal from this viewpoint, and it solidified everything the reader was shown about him in the first two novels (The Greatest Knight and The Scarlet Lion). It was interesting to see him from an outsider's perspective.
One of the main reasons I enjoyed this novel so much was due to the female...more

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May 19, 2012 Steven Peterson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Chadwick has authored two historical novels that I really enjoyed, two tales of the heroic knight, William Marshall. These novels traced the arc of his career from when he was younger to his twilight--"The Greatest Knight" and "The Scarlet Lion." When I saw that Chadwick had penned yet another novel from that era, "For the King's Favor," I felt impelled to purchase this volume. And I made a good choice.

Here, we have a novel at the same period of time as the William Marshall works--King...more

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Jan 25, 2013 Lucinda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Wonderfully written, immensely moving and immaculately researched this is a shining novel of the medieval age

Elizabeth Chadwick’s historical grasp is so secure, bringing an age of ambition and greed, passion and intensity vividly to life. Her extensive series spanning over more than fifteen novels is exceptional, with ‘The time of singing’ being one of the most memorable and noteworthy works. Capturing quintessentially the medieval world that is a vibrant place where historical figures live and...more Wonderfully written, immensely moving and immaculately researched this is a shining novel of the medieval age

Elizabeth Chadwick’s historical grasp is so secure, bringing an age of ambition and greed, passion and intensity vividly to life. Her extensive series spanning over more than fifteen novels is exceptional, with ‘The time of singing’ being one of the most memorable and noteworthy works. Capturing quintessentially the medieval world that is a vibrant place where historical figures live and breathe, together with those events that shaped the modern world. Based on a true story, (that has up until now never been told) this impeccably researched tale is so compelling that you will be blown away by it. Amidst an absorbing narrative which canters along at a fast pace, is an intriguing and most enjoyable story equally as dazzling as it is fascinating.

If you adore historical fiction at its very best and are fond of works by authors such as Philippa Gregory, Emily Purdy and ‘the Tudors’ then you will love Elizabeth Chadwick’s books – for she is my favorite author within this genre!

Based on a true story…

When Roger Bigod, heir to the powerful earldom of Norfolk, arrives at court in 1177 to settle a bitter inheritance dispute with his half-brothers, he encounters Ida de Tosney, young mistress to King Henry II. A victim of Henry’s seduction and the mother of his son, Ida is attracted to Roger and sees in him a chance of lasting security beyond the fickle dazzle of her current life. But her decision to marry Roger carries an astonishing price. Roger’s importance as a mainstay of the Angevin government puts an increasing strain on their marriage. Ida is deeply unhappy with the life she must live in his absence and grieves for her losses. Against a volatile political background, the gulf between Roger and Ida threatens to widen beyond crossing, especially when so many bridges have already been burned.

This exquisite historical masterpiece is just stunning, as too is the eye-catching covers of Chadwick’s book which also bring the medieval age to ‘life’. Deeply ingrained within the pages is the background historical detail, which is so acutely accurate hence Ida and Roger’s saga is brought to life within the cleverly crafted plot. Realistic, memorable and sublime I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys lavish elements within great literature and inspired storytelling.
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Jun 19, 2012 Nisareen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Nisareen by: deborah o'regan

The Time of Singing (also known as For the King's Favor) tells the story of Roger Bigod, 2nd Earl of Norfolk and Ida de Tosney, ward and mistress to Henry II and mother to one of his sons, William Longespée. It's set against the political background of the 12th century, fraught as it was with intrigue and danger.

While I enjoyed this book very much, I felt that it lacked the punch of it's first three predecessors. However, it did bring home to me how difficult it must have been for women whose ve...more

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Oct 13, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: female-authors, historical-fiction, united-kingdom

I hadn't realized that Ms. Chadwick was doing an entire series of books set during the time of William Marshal! Kindle had it for 1.99 the other day so I snapped it right up. How could I not? These are historical figures who overlap some with William Marshal - Ida de Tosnay and Roger Bigod. I didn't know a darned thing about them, but I trust Ms. Chadwick's historical judgement. I was not wrong.

The thing I really like about Chadwick is her heroines. They are always strong women, working within...more

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Sep 17, 2009 Cathie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

From the back cover: Based on a true story.

When Roger Bigod, heir to the powerful earldom of Norfolk, arrives at court in 1177 to settle a bitter inheritance dispute with his half-brothers, he encounters Ida de Tosney, young mistress to King Henry II. A victim of Henry's seduction and the mother of his son, Ida is attracted to Roger and sees in him a chance of lasting security beyond the fickle dazzle of her current life. But her decision to marry Roger carries an agonizing price.

My Opinion:

This...more

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Jan 18, 2010 Toni Osborne rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Blending an array of authentic period details into a modern tale, Ms Chadwick has given life to two remarkable individuals. The book spans between 1173 and 1199 during the years of Henry 11's reign, this historical fiction is centered on Roger Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk and his wife Ida de Tosney.

With a steady pace and emotional tension, the story tells how Henry 11 was drawn by Ida's naivety and innocence and quickly made her his unwilling mistress, a son named William came from tha...more

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Sep 05, 2010 Rebecca Huston rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: keepers, 12th-century, 13th-century, england, historical-fiction, royals

A simply wonderful novel set in the late reign of Henry II, King of England, and the young woman who became his mistress, Ida de Tosney. As with all of Elizabeth Chadwick's writing, the historical setting and details are spot on, but best of all, she can tell a terrific story. Ida is very young when she becomes Henry's mistress and bears him a child, but she has to make an impossible choice when she has the opportunity to marry...

I don't want to reveal anything more here, as I don't want to rui...more

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

As always I do with Elizabeth Chadwick's books I completly loved this one. It was a captivating, tangible and compelling read and the more so as the others that i have read so far that it was about my own ancestor's. (I am making my way through those she has writen about those I have found in my ancestry and then I will read the rest because I have really fallen in love with this author's writing). The only downside of this one was the sad strain in this tale which is particularly poigniant in m...more

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Jan 24, 2012 Lisa - (Aussie Girl) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-historical

Elizabeth Chadwick does a good job of incorporating medieval history with a heartwarming romance. This story outlines the relationship between Ida, formerley Henry II's mistress and mother of his son and Roger Bigod trying to be restored to the Earldom of Norfolk. There is a good mix of historical events and people with the romance between Ida and Roger.

Any readers who enjoy Jean Plaidy or Phillipa Gregory would also like Elizabeth Chadwick's novels, usually set in the Norman and Plantagenet re...more

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Jul 24, 2012 Cynthia Haggard rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What a wonderful book Elizabeth Chadwick’s THE TIME OF SINGING is. The heartbreaking story of an orphaned girl forced into a being the King’s concubine, she is also forced into making a heartrending choice when she is finally married off.

As wonderful as this novel is for the way in which it brings England of the 1100s to life with its details about the clothes, food and weapons, strong plot-line and beguiling characters, nevertheless there were a couple of choices the author made that didn’t qui...more

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Mar 23, 2012 Tish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I wanted to re-read this one after having recently finished The Scarlet Lion. Roger Bigod and Ida were contemporaries of William Marshall and I like seeing events through different eyes. I've enjoyed EC's books since I first encountered them in the late 90's, but I think she's getting better and better. Her descriptions are quite good and really give a sense of place and time. She pays attention to detail of dress and her characters are well developed. I especially liked Henry II in this one. Ve...more

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Jun 05, 2012 Elaine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Once again, Chadwick has delighted her audience. I do maintain, however, that this novel would be best viewed as a standalone, as opposed to a coninuation of the Marshal story. Nonetheless, this des not detract from it's readablity. As we have come to expect, a well rounded and exciting plot, is backed up with good research and information about the releveant era. The characters, as always, are appealing, follow traumatic lives and show a good mix of political awareness and family concern.

In thi...more

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Jul 11, 2011 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Elizabeth Chadwick is know as a master of medieval fiction and an excellent storyteller who can bring history to life. And it shows in every book she writes. I recently read For the King's Favor, my second Chadwick novel after The Greatest Knight. While I know Greatest Knight is probably one of her best-known novels, I really enjoy For the King's Favor, even more than Greatest Knight. Perhaps it was the female lead, perhaps it was the switch in themes...regardless, I enjoyed the novel more overa...more

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Apr 17, 2011 Cheryl rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kindle-edition

The great thing about Elizabeth Chadwick's books is the adept way in which she weaves history and romance together to create smart, literate, romantic and engaging historical fiction. Here Ida de Tosney is Henry II's ward and then reluctant mistress. She bears a son (William Longespee) and then through politics, hard work and a little bit of luck is able to escape Henry and marry her choice, Roger Bigod.

While this is a great family story, it's not "light reading." There is a lot of history here....more

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Jul 15, 2011 Meagan rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, plantagenet-house, read-in-2011, medieval, royal-mistresses

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Mar 31, 2011 Liz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: history lovers of henry VIII era

Recommended to Liz by: self

Shelves: historical-fiction, nook-book

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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May 07, 2011 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-on-kindle

This book wasn't terrible, and in fact, there were a few moments that I REALLY liked (a conversation between Ida and Juliana comes to mind), but it could have been so much better. The problem was that it was lacking in any real tension. Usually a book will have some major source of drama that is resolved in the climax of the book. But every time I thought maybe I'd found what that would be, it got resolved. There were two early on that I thought would give the book its direction, but both of the...more

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Goodreads Librari...: ISBN 9780751539004	2	13	May 08, 2013 02:00pm
For a Kings Favor, and it UK name	2	6	Dec 16, 2012 10:29am

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Historical Fiction

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About Elizabeth Chadwick

Best selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one...more

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Books by Elizabeth Chadwick

The Greatest Knight (William Marshal, #2)

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For the King's Favor (William Marshal #4)

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