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John Plantagenet Trilogy #2
The Stain of Treason
The Angevin Empire has been claimed by a new king. Richard, the elder surviving legitimate son of King Henry II of England, is universally accepted as his father's successor. However, Richard is not as interested in remaining in Europe to rule his inherited lands as in acquiring the money and means to travel to the middle east, where he intends to prosecute a war against those who threaten the Christians there.
His younger brother John, still distressed at the death of the old king, wants desperately to find the opportunity to pay the new king back for the bitter conflict Richard had waged against their father. Helpless without a sound base of power, John is forced to accept some sort of reconciliation with his elder brother, but the temptation and scope for rebellion rises as Richard's absence continues. Just how much trouble can John cause, and what will be its ultimate cost to him?
This historical fiction novel is set in the medieval period, and it tells the story of Prince John during the reign of King Richard I. It is the second in the trilogy 'John Plantagenet'
His younger brother John, still distressed at the death of the old king, wants desperately to find the opportunity to pay the new king back for the bitter conflict Richard had waged against their father. Helpless without a sound base of power, John is forced to accept some sort of reconciliation with his elder brother, but the temptation and scope for rebellion rises as Richard's absence continues. Just how much trouble can John cause, and what will be its ultimate cost to him?
This historical fiction novel is set in the medieval period, and it tells the story of Prince John during the reign of King Richard I. It is the second in the trilogy 'John Plantagenet'
- GenresHistorical Fiction
381 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 25, 2015
3.5 stars
I've noticed , with historic trilogies, the middle book often drags the material out to fill the book. Book 2 of the Plantagenet Trilogy sees Richard the Lionheart ascend to the English throne and then leave for the crusades, leaving his younger brother, John, in a limbo situation. John wreaks havoc and attempts to undermine Richards position as King. Even though the book is a little slow in parts it was still an engaging, enjoyable read. Throughout my reading I stopped to check the accuracy of the historic details and found that the account given was absolutely accurate. My only previous impressions of this period of English history came from my viewing the 1950s British TV series Robin hood. The series presented a very pro- Richard point of view, showing John to be evil and dishonest. This book dramatically changed my understanding of the people and the events.
I've noticed , with historic trilogies, the middle book often drags the material out to fill the book. Book 2 of the Plantagenet Trilogy sees Richard the Lionheart ascend to the English throne and then leave for the crusades, leaving his younger brother, John, in a limbo situation. John wreaks havoc and attempts to undermine Richards position as King. Even though the book is a little slow in parts it was still an engaging, enjoyable read. Throughout my reading I stopped to check the accuracy of the historic details and found that the account given was absolutely accurate. My only previous impressions of this period of English history came from my viewing the 1950s British TV series Robin hood. The series presented a very pro- Richard point of view, showing John to be evil and dishonest. This book dramatically changed my understanding of the people and the events.
December 11, 2019
Enjoyed this book so much more than the first one. Didn't jump around like the first and you really got to know the people so much more deeply. I'm still not convinced with the theory that John did everything in revenge for the death of his father and his behavior was based on that but its historical fiction after all and I do like to read different takes. An good story and look forward to reading the final book in the trilogy.
December 19, 2015
$3.70
1189-1199
When King Henry II dies, his oldest surviving son, Richard, naturally assumes the throne much to John's dismay. John felt it should go to him since he was his father's favorite, but all he knows how to do is be envious, angry, and still spoiled. He is a coward and blames everyone for his problems except looking to himself. Queen Eleanor, his mother, will come to the side as long as it isn't against her favorite, Richard. John wrecks havoc with the kingdom when Richard is on Crusade, and even goes as far as to claim that he is dead when Richard has been taken captive by the holy Roman Emperor, Heinrich. He has much to account for when Richard comes home but still seems to be filled with envy and hatred because Richard is everything that he isn't.
I don't know that anyone ever truly liked John. I don't believe he ever liked himself, and he never did learn how to trust anyone, much to his own detriment. He judged everyone to be like himself, and he knew he couldn't be trusted. I don't feel that the author is particularly favorable to Richard or Eleanor, but I can look past that because this book is about John. It also gives me more of an insight into him although I still can't stand him at all, and while he was a favorite of King Henry I will never know.
1189-1199
When King Henry II dies, his oldest surviving son, Richard, naturally assumes the throne much to John's dismay. John felt it should go to him since he was his father's favorite, but all he knows how to do is be envious, angry, and still spoiled. He is a coward and blames everyone for his problems except looking to himself. Queen Eleanor, his mother, will come to the side as long as it isn't against her favorite, Richard. John wrecks havoc with the kingdom when Richard is on Crusade, and even goes as far as to claim that he is dead when Richard has been taken captive by the holy Roman Emperor, Heinrich. He has much to account for when Richard comes home but still seems to be filled with envy and hatred because Richard is everything that he isn't.
I don't know that anyone ever truly liked John. I don't believe he ever liked himself, and he never did learn how to trust anyone, much to his own detriment. He judged everyone to be like himself, and he knew he couldn't be trusted. I don't feel that the author is particularly favorable to Richard or Eleanor, but I can look past that because this book is about John. It also gives me more of an insight into him although I still can't stand him at all, and while he was a favorite of King Henry I will never know.
May 1, 2015
Jan Foxall's King John series has been excellent so far and I very much enjoyed this book.A different slant on John's life as being the youngest child of a turbulent family. The author likes John and I did also, despite some huge lapses on his part.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews