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The King's Son
A life changing secret propels Richard of Eastwell into the centre of a bitter power struggle between the houses of York and Tudor at the climax of the War of the Roses. King Richard's only legitimate son and heir is dead but, known only to a few loyal friends and family, his firstborn son is alive and cared for by a priest in a village in Kent.
On the eve of the Battle of Bosworth, Richard is brought to meet his father, Richard III, who promises to acknowledge his son publicly once the conflict is won. However, treachery plays its part in King Richard's fatal downfall, resulting in Henry Tudor being crowned King Henry VII.
From the slaughter of the battlefield many vanquished Yorkists escape, but from the ashes of defeat a new Yorkist army will rise to challenge King Henry. Richard of Eastwell, with an army at his back, is intent on one thing; revenge upon those who betrayed his father.
A crown so easily won, can be lost in a heartbeat.
On the eve of the Battle of Bosworth, Richard is brought to meet his father, Richard III, who promises to acknowledge his son publicly once the conflict is won. However, treachery plays its part in King Richard's fatal downfall, resulting in Henry Tudor being crowned King Henry VII.
From the slaughter of the battlefield many vanquished Yorkists escape, but from the ashes of defeat a new Yorkist army will rise to challenge King Henry. Richard of Eastwell, with an army at his back, is intent on one thing; revenge upon those who betrayed his father.
A crown so easily won, can be lost in a heartbeat.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
338 pages, Paperback
First published November 22, 2021
About the author
Darren Harris
1 book7 followersDarren Harris grew up in Leicestershire, England, where he still lives with his family. He left school and set up business as a calligrapher before attending both Leicester universities to pursue a career in teaching. After obtaining a BA(Hons) in History & Media and a PGCE in History, he has gone on to work at several city and county mainstream and special needs schools as a teacher and Head of History. He has a lifelong interest in history, particularly the medieval and Tudor periods. He has researched many friends’ family trees and also traced his own family tree back to the fifteenth century. He is a founding member of his local heritage society and gives talks on matters of historical interests to local heritage and historical societies, including the Richard III Society.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
December 18, 2021
This new author uses the legend of Richard of Eastwell, supposed illegitimate son of King Richard III, to create a rousing adventure story that takes the hero from the battlefields of Bosworth to Stoke.
We are introduced to the young Richard in August 1485 as he is trying to protect a young boy from some bullies. The bullies turn their wrath on Richard who is only saved by the timely arrival of Lord Francis Lovell. Lovell has come to take Richard to meet the king who is preparing to battle Henry Tudor for the throne.
Richard had believed that he was the bastard son of the village priest, but the king informs Richard that he is his son, the product of a love affair that he had had with a servant girl in the household of the Earl of Warwick when he was 16 years old. The girl had died in childbirth and the king explained that the Earl and his own mother thought it was best that he be told the child had died as well so he would not be burdened at such a young age with caring for a servant’s child. The king had only recently learned that Richard lived and had been given into the care of the priest at Eastwell. If the king survives the battle, he plans to recognize Richard as his son and give him land and titles. If he does not, he seeks to ensure his son’s safety by entrusting him to the care of an older knight, Thomas Montgomery. He also gives his son money and, most importantly, a gold and ruby ring. It is a Hopper ring which is the sign of a brotherhood sworn to support one another, the king explaining “[i]f you meet a fellow ring wearer they cannot kill, injure or do anything to your detriment. They must offer you whatever support is within their means, no matter matter how rich or poor they are.” Lovell, Catesby , and Ratcliffe are members of fellowship, but the king explains there are others. If he loses the battle and his life, the king instructs his son in no uncertain terms that he must flee to London and seek out the goldsmith Herricke, the great grandson of the man who made the original rings.
Richard witnesses the battle which ends in the defeat and death of his father. In the aftermath of Bosworth, Richard’s adventures are the focus of the action as he first journeys to find Herricke and then when he joins Lord Lovell as they are pursued by Jasper Tudor across Yorkshire into Cumbria. But there are other Yorkists who are fomenting rebellion in an attempt to overthrow the new king. Thus, the novel also follows the Stafford brothers who achieve early success in the west, only to be hunted down and captured in the end. We also see Henry Tudor as he makes his progress accompanied by the Earl of Lincoln, the nephew of the Yorkist kings, who seems to making his own plans for rebellion. Although we are given some access to Lincoln’s thoughts, his ultimate objective remains enigmatic.
Richard and Lovell make their way first to Richard’s aunt, Elizabeth Duchess of Suffolk to the court of of his other aunt, Margaret of Burgundy. Richard is intent on revenge against those that betrayed his father so when they meet up with Lincoln, he enthusiastically becomes a part of the plot to invade England with the ostensible purpose of putting Edward of Warwick on the throne. That plot ends in disaster at the battle of Stoke, but Richard’s life is saved by a Hopper knight, a knight who is a member of Tudor’s inner circle. With this acquaintance, Richard realizes that he can eventually reach a position near the heart of the Tudor regime and get the vengeance he so desires.
There are a few careless mistakes: the Earl of Warwick is described as the uncle of Edward IV and Richard of Gloucester, and the Earl of Lincoln as being married to their sister Elizabeth of York. The author knows better as a few pages after the latter statement, Elizabeth is correctly described as married to the Duke of Suffolk and the mother of Lincoln. These are very minor faults in a thoroughly engaging tale. The lively plot is the novel’s strongpoint, but the accounts of both battles are also well done. The detailed descriptions of the various maneuvers and the reasons the commanders took them seem realistic, although I am far from an expert in such matters. Another strength is the portrayal of historical figures, Henry Tudor in particular. Tudor is timid and nervous, lacking physical courage in battle and self-confidence in asserting his authority. Gradually, he becomes more assured—and ruthless—in his actions. When sitting on a specially prepared throne in York, it “dawned on Henry that he was no longer the young man, lacking in confidence, who had wrested the throne from King Richard. He had found a new vigour, a new confidence, a new strength. He was now the sole, unquestionable king of England, chosen by, and accountable only to Almighty God.” He remains dependent, however, on his astrologer to advise him on political matters, but also feels a need to ask the latter to foretell whether his wife will ever truly love him.
The ending offers the prospect of further adventures for Richard, and that is worth looking forward to.
We are introduced to the young Richard in August 1485 as he is trying to protect a young boy from some bullies. The bullies turn their wrath on Richard who is only saved by the timely arrival of Lord Francis Lovell. Lovell has come to take Richard to meet the king who is preparing to battle Henry Tudor for the throne.
Richard had believed that he was the bastard son of the village priest, but the king informs Richard that he is his son, the product of a love affair that he had had with a servant girl in the household of the Earl of Warwick when he was 16 years old. The girl had died in childbirth and the king explained that the Earl and his own mother thought it was best that he be told the child had died as well so he would not be burdened at such a young age with caring for a servant’s child. The king had only recently learned that Richard lived and had been given into the care of the priest at Eastwell. If the king survives the battle, he plans to recognize Richard as his son and give him land and titles. If he does not, he seeks to ensure his son’s safety by entrusting him to the care of an older knight, Thomas Montgomery. He also gives his son money and, most importantly, a gold and ruby ring. It is a Hopper ring which is the sign of a brotherhood sworn to support one another, the king explaining “[i]f you meet a fellow ring wearer they cannot kill, injure or do anything to your detriment. They must offer you whatever support is within their means, no matter matter how rich or poor they are.” Lovell, Catesby , and Ratcliffe are members of fellowship, but the king explains there are others. If he loses the battle and his life, the king instructs his son in no uncertain terms that he must flee to London and seek out the goldsmith Herricke, the great grandson of the man who made the original rings.
Richard witnesses the battle which ends in the defeat and death of his father. In the aftermath of Bosworth, Richard’s adventures are the focus of the action as he first journeys to find Herricke and then when he joins Lord Lovell as they are pursued by Jasper Tudor across Yorkshire into Cumbria. But there are other Yorkists who are fomenting rebellion in an attempt to overthrow the new king. Thus, the novel also follows the Stafford brothers who achieve early success in the west, only to be hunted down and captured in the end. We also see Henry Tudor as he makes his progress accompanied by the Earl of Lincoln, the nephew of the Yorkist kings, who seems to making his own plans for rebellion. Although we are given some access to Lincoln’s thoughts, his ultimate objective remains enigmatic.
Richard and Lovell make their way first to Richard’s aunt, Elizabeth Duchess of Suffolk to the court of of his other aunt, Margaret of Burgundy. Richard is intent on revenge against those that betrayed his father so when they meet up with Lincoln, he enthusiastically becomes a part of the plot to invade England with the ostensible purpose of putting Edward of Warwick on the throne. That plot ends in disaster at the battle of Stoke, but Richard’s life is saved by a Hopper knight, a knight who is a member of Tudor’s inner circle. With this acquaintance, Richard realizes that he can eventually reach a position near the heart of the Tudor regime and get the vengeance he so desires.
There are a few careless mistakes: the Earl of Warwick is described as the uncle of Edward IV and Richard of Gloucester, and the Earl of Lincoln as being married to their sister Elizabeth of York. The author knows better as a few pages after the latter statement, Elizabeth is correctly described as married to the Duke of Suffolk and the mother of Lincoln. These are very minor faults in a thoroughly engaging tale. The lively plot is the novel’s strongpoint, but the accounts of both battles are also well done. The detailed descriptions of the various maneuvers and the reasons the commanders took them seem realistic, although I am far from an expert in such matters. Another strength is the portrayal of historical figures, Henry Tudor in particular. Tudor is timid and nervous, lacking physical courage in battle and self-confidence in asserting his authority. Gradually, he becomes more assured—and ruthless—in his actions. When sitting on a specially prepared throne in York, it “dawned on Henry that he was no longer the young man, lacking in confidence, who had wrested the throne from King Richard. He had found a new vigour, a new confidence, a new strength. He was now the sole, unquestionable king of England, chosen by, and accountable only to Almighty God.” He remains dependent, however, on his astrologer to advise him on political matters, but also feels a need to ask the latter to foretell whether his wife will ever truly love him.
The ending offers the prospect of further adventures for Richard, and that is worth looking forward to.
April 27, 2022
I downloaded The King’s Son one morning as I was getting ready for work, and after reading only the first two pages, I considered taking the day off to stay home and read. I have read multiple novels featuring Henry VIII and his many wives, but not once have I read about his father, Henry Tudor. The reality is that without the War of the Roses and his father’s battle against Richard III, there would likely never have been a Henry VIII since Henry Tudor would have been killed in battle or executed as a traitor.
The beauty and challenge of writing historical fiction is that these authors are tasked with telling a story to which readers often know the ending because we stand on this side of history. This is especially true for The King’s Son and readers familiar with this period. As Harris discusses in the “Historical Notes” section at the end of the book, a few lines from a parish registry inspired this story of Richard of Eastwell, a man that many have likely never heard of even though he may have been from the royal bloodline of the Plantagenets. I was enthralled with his story even though I knew King Richard was destined to lose the throne to Henry Tudor, thus starting a long line of Tudor kings and queens. The magic of Harris’ writing and storytelling is that this known outcome does not detract from the book.
Harris is a strong writer in providing readers with vivid descriptions of everything from landscapes to clothing and even food. This level of detail can only be the result of a significant amount of research, and it helps to provide readers with a sense of what this period was like for royalty and the common man and woman. Harris also included myths or folklore surrounding these events. My favorite revolves around a prophecy supposedly given by an old woman or witch, although some sources reference a blind man. She made a prophecy directly to King Richard prior to riding out to battle that proved true.
The King’s Son is a captivating story in which the reader cannot help but root for the underdog, Richard. While he was not raised with the privilege of a king’s son, he naturally thinks and acts as a capable young man with a heart of gold. Harris’ love of history is almost infectious as he entertains with relevant documented historical information as well as the myths and folklore associated with these events. The King’s Son is filled with rich descriptions and dialogue that help to immerse the reader into this period of history. This offers a unique backdrop for the story of Richard of Eastwell to unfold and for the reader to better understand how crowns and countries were once won and lost. I look forward to following Harris’ writing career and believe more stories of this caliber are just waiting inside of him to be shared with the world.
Read the full review at The Redhead Notes!
The beauty and challenge of writing historical fiction is that these authors are tasked with telling a story to which readers often know the ending because we stand on this side of history. This is especially true for The King’s Son and readers familiar with this period. As Harris discusses in the “Historical Notes” section at the end of the book, a few lines from a parish registry inspired this story of Richard of Eastwell, a man that many have likely never heard of even though he may have been from the royal bloodline of the Plantagenets. I was enthralled with his story even though I knew King Richard was destined to lose the throne to Henry Tudor, thus starting a long line of Tudor kings and queens. The magic of Harris’ writing and storytelling is that this known outcome does not detract from the book.
Harris is a strong writer in providing readers with vivid descriptions of everything from landscapes to clothing and even food. This level of detail can only be the result of a significant amount of research, and it helps to provide readers with a sense of what this period was like for royalty and the common man and woman. Harris also included myths or folklore surrounding these events. My favorite revolves around a prophecy supposedly given by an old woman or witch, although some sources reference a blind man. She made a prophecy directly to King Richard prior to riding out to battle that proved true.
The King’s Son is a captivating story in which the reader cannot help but root for the underdog, Richard. While he was not raised with the privilege of a king’s son, he naturally thinks and acts as a capable young man with a heart of gold. Harris’ love of history is almost infectious as he entertains with relevant documented historical information as well as the myths and folklore associated with these events. The King’s Son is filled with rich descriptions and dialogue that help to immerse the reader into this period of history. This offers a unique backdrop for the story of Richard of Eastwell to unfold and for the reader to better understand how crowns and countries were once won and lost. I look forward to following Harris’ writing career and believe more stories of this caliber are just waiting inside of him to be shared with the world.
Read the full review at The Redhead Notes!
February 10, 2023
This entertaining piece of historical fiction centres upon Richard of Eastwell, who claimed to be an illegitimate son of King Richard III. Author Darren Harris imagines what might have happened to him
both immediately before and after the Battle of Bosworth. Well researched and gripping from the very first page, this in an enjoyable read that is recommended to anyone with an interest in Richard III or in medieval/Tudor history in general.
both immediately before and after the Battle of Bosworth. Well researched and gripping from the very first page, this in an enjoyable read that is recommended to anyone with an interest in Richard III or in medieval/Tudor history in general.
December 21, 2021
The King’s Son
By Darren Harris
Reviewed December 21, 2021
Sixteen year old Richard has grown up in Eastwell believing himself to be the illegitimate son of the village priest, Father Martin, and as such has spent much of his life dealing with local bullies like the Kempe brothers, sons of a local lord. Then, in one day, all that changes.
It is August 1485. The Kempes have been terrorizing a young boy and not wanting to see the lad injured, Richard intervenes. Angered at their fun being interrupted by the priest’s bastard, the Kempes turn on the interloper. One against three are not good odds, and soon Richard finds himself in a precarious situation when a group of knights rides into town.
Rescued from the bullies, Richard learns that the head of this group is Lord Lovell, who has been sent to Eastwell to take Richard to see the king. The boy is puzzled. For what possible reason could the king want to see him? But the chance to change his present circumstances is enticing, and once he’s presented to the king, he learns that his is not Father Martin’s son, but King Richard’s, who explains that only recently has he learned of the boy’s existence.
Young Richard forms a strong bond with his natural father even though they know each other for only a brief period, and the boy dreams of how much better life will be, being told he will be rewarded with titles and riches.
On the eve of the Battle of Bosworth, the king gives Richard a gold ring. He tells his son that if the battle is lost, he is to seek out a goldsmith in London and show him the ring, known as the Hopper ring. That man is at the center of a fellowship of knights and nobles that was created many years ago, a fellowship whose members are sworn to help each other regardless of politics or royal factions.
When King Richard is slain, all of boy’s dreams come crashing down, and instead of a life of wealth and prestige, he finds himself forced to flee for his life. He witnesses the execution of William Catesby, one of the few men taken into the king’s confidence about the boy’s identity as well as a member of the fellowship, who before he dies urges Richard to go to London as his father instructed him.
Before the battle, the king entrusted Richard into the care of an older knight, Sir Thomas Montgomery. Sir Thomas aids the boy in escaping the victorious Tudor forces as they seek out anyone associated with the slain monarch, sacrificing his own safety for that of the boy. Later, Richard meets a friar as the two of them try to find safety.
For a time, Richard toys with the idea of returning to Eastwell to see Father Martin but he knows deep down that place holds nothing for him now unless it be a life of toil in the fields while constantly on the watch, whether in fear of reprisal by the Kempe brothers, or being discovered by the new king’s men.
Learning that Lord Lovell has survived the battle, Richard feels that whatever his future holds, it lies with the king’s friend. Eventually making his way to London (but not without danger), Richard meets up with Master Herricke, the goldsmith, and the two of them set out for York where they hope to join up with Lovell.
Meanwhile, Henry Tudor learns about Richard but mistakenly believes him to be the natural son of Francis Lovell, and orders the boy to be tracked down and brought to him, believing the boy will prove valuable leverage in bringing Lovell to heel.
Following near misses and narrow escapes, Richard Eastwell is reunited with Lord Lovell. Both share a hatred for the man who is responsible for King Richard’s death – Henry Tudor – and will do anything to exact their revenge. Lovell, though, is concerned that such a path is too dangerous for the boy, but Richard is not to be denied.
‘Am I not the son of a king, as Master Herricke just reminded me?’
‘Yes, you are, Richard Plantagenet,’ Francis said, looking at him with pride.
‘So, I will fight like a king’s son; like my father’s son; like a true Plantagenet! Francis, we are comrades together,’ Richard said, holding out his Hopper ring on its leather cord. ‘It works both ways. We help each other.’
And so they set off, to raise an army that will defeat the Usurper, Henry Tudor, and put a York – Edward of Warwick – back on the throne. Along the way, Richard meets several of his Plantagenet relations, including his aunts Elizabeth de la Pole and Margaret of Burgundy.
The book ends with the Battle of Stoke, but this is not the end of Richard Eastwell’s story. Though he finds himself on the losing side, the Fellowship of the Hopper Ring will help determine his fate.
This is a rousing adventure yarn, well written and well plotted, head and shoulders above some of the Ricardian-inspired books that are being churned out these days. The author has done his research and deftly weaves historical facts with his fictional version of Richard of Eastwell to create a story that is both plausible and entertaining.
It is obvious that this is only the first in what will be a series, and if the rest of Richard’s story is as good as this opening volume, then I can’t wait for the next one to come out and hope that among other things, we will learn more about this mysterious fellowship and just who this Hopper person is that the rings are named for. Congratulations to Darren Harris for an excellent debut novel.
By Darren Harris
Reviewed December 21, 2021
Sixteen year old Richard has grown up in Eastwell believing himself to be the illegitimate son of the village priest, Father Martin, and as such has spent much of his life dealing with local bullies like the Kempe brothers, sons of a local lord. Then, in one day, all that changes.
It is August 1485. The Kempes have been terrorizing a young boy and not wanting to see the lad injured, Richard intervenes. Angered at their fun being interrupted by the priest’s bastard, the Kempes turn on the interloper. One against three are not good odds, and soon Richard finds himself in a precarious situation when a group of knights rides into town.
Rescued from the bullies, Richard learns that the head of this group is Lord Lovell, who has been sent to Eastwell to take Richard to see the king. The boy is puzzled. For what possible reason could the king want to see him? But the chance to change his present circumstances is enticing, and once he’s presented to the king, he learns that his is not Father Martin’s son, but King Richard’s, who explains that only recently has he learned of the boy’s existence.
Young Richard forms a strong bond with his natural father even though they know each other for only a brief period, and the boy dreams of how much better life will be, being told he will be rewarded with titles and riches.
On the eve of the Battle of Bosworth, the king gives Richard a gold ring. He tells his son that if the battle is lost, he is to seek out a goldsmith in London and show him the ring, known as the Hopper ring. That man is at the center of a fellowship of knights and nobles that was created many years ago, a fellowship whose members are sworn to help each other regardless of politics or royal factions.
When King Richard is slain, all of boy’s dreams come crashing down, and instead of a life of wealth and prestige, he finds himself forced to flee for his life. He witnesses the execution of William Catesby, one of the few men taken into the king’s confidence about the boy’s identity as well as a member of the fellowship, who before he dies urges Richard to go to London as his father instructed him.
Before the battle, the king entrusted Richard into the care of an older knight, Sir Thomas Montgomery. Sir Thomas aids the boy in escaping the victorious Tudor forces as they seek out anyone associated with the slain monarch, sacrificing his own safety for that of the boy. Later, Richard meets a friar as the two of them try to find safety.
For a time, Richard toys with the idea of returning to Eastwell to see Father Martin but he knows deep down that place holds nothing for him now unless it be a life of toil in the fields while constantly on the watch, whether in fear of reprisal by the Kempe brothers, or being discovered by the new king’s men.
Learning that Lord Lovell has survived the battle, Richard feels that whatever his future holds, it lies with the king’s friend. Eventually making his way to London (but not without danger), Richard meets up with Master Herricke, the goldsmith, and the two of them set out for York where they hope to join up with Lovell.
Meanwhile, Henry Tudor learns about Richard but mistakenly believes him to be the natural son of Francis Lovell, and orders the boy to be tracked down and brought to him, believing the boy will prove valuable leverage in bringing Lovell to heel.
Following near misses and narrow escapes, Richard Eastwell is reunited with Lord Lovell. Both share a hatred for the man who is responsible for King Richard’s death – Henry Tudor – and will do anything to exact their revenge. Lovell, though, is concerned that such a path is too dangerous for the boy, but Richard is not to be denied.
‘Am I not the son of a king, as Master Herricke just reminded me?’
‘Yes, you are, Richard Plantagenet,’ Francis said, looking at him with pride.
‘So, I will fight like a king’s son; like my father’s son; like a true Plantagenet! Francis, we are comrades together,’ Richard said, holding out his Hopper ring on its leather cord. ‘It works both ways. We help each other.’
And so they set off, to raise an army that will defeat the Usurper, Henry Tudor, and put a York – Edward of Warwick – back on the throne. Along the way, Richard meets several of his Plantagenet relations, including his aunts Elizabeth de la Pole and Margaret of Burgundy.
The book ends with the Battle of Stoke, but this is not the end of Richard Eastwell’s story. Though he finds himself on the losing side, the Fellowship of the Hopper Ring will help determine his fate.
This is a rousing adventure yarn, well written and well plotted, head and shoulders above some of the Ricardian-inspired books that are being churned out these days. The author has done his research and deftly weaves historical facts with his fictional version of Richard of Eastwell to create a story that is both plausible and entertaining.
It is obvious that this is only the first in what will be a series, and if the rest of Richard’s story is as good as this opening volume, then I can’t wait for the next one to come out and hope that among other things, we will learn more about this mysterious fellowship and just who this Hopper person is that the rings are named for. Congratulations to Darren Harris for an excellent debut novel.
March 11, 2022
A very enjoyable read which kept me gripped throughout
January 1, 2022
Firstly huge congratulations to the author on an extremely well written debut novel .
Follow the trials and tribulations of young Richard, who was wrenched from his “normal “ life , living with the local village priest , who he believed to be his illegitimate father , after a run in with the local bullies .
Richard is rescued by a group of knights headed by Lord Lovell, who had been sent to deliver Richard to the king. What could the king possibly want with a simple priest’s son ?
If you are from Leicester ( as I am ) you will enjoy the reference to all the local places , and may even try and picture them as they are now ! But if not no fear, the author has a brilliant descriptive language throughout the book, bringing the people , places and events to life - so much so you could be a fly on the wall , observing all the events as they unfold .
The book is a fine balance, combining both historically based fiction and non-fiction to keep the plot moving at a face pace , keeping the reader engaged and making for a real page turner !
Lots of twists and turns along the way , which had me captivated till the very end , but most intriguing of all is the Hopper ring . A gold ring given to Richard by his father , on the evening before he went to battle , with instructions that would guide Richard to the secret fellowship, should the battle be lost .
I want more and I’m excited about what the tale of the Hopper ring may (hopefully) bring in the future .
Throughly enjoyable read from start to finish .
Follow the trials and tribulations of young Richard, who was wrenched from his “normal “ life , living with the local village priest , who he believed to be his illegitimate father , after a run in with the local bullies .
Richard is rescued by a group of knights headed by Lord Lovell, who had been sent to deliver Richard to the king. What could the king possibly want with a simple priest’s son ?
If you are from Leicester ( as I am ) you will enjoy the reference to all the local places , and may even try and picture them as they are now ! But if not no fear, the author has a brilliant descriptive language throughout the book, bringing the people , places and events to life - so much so you could be a fly on the wall , observing all the events as they unfold .
The book is a fine balance, combining both historically based fiction and non-fiction to keep the plot moving at a face pace , keeping the reader engaged and making for a real page turner !
Lots of twists and turns along the way , which had me captivated till the very end , but most intriguing of all is the Hopper ring . A gold ring given to Richard by his father , on the evening before he went to battle , with instructions that would guide Richard to the secret fellowship, should the battle be lost .
I want more and I’m excited about what the tale of the Hopper ring may (hopefully) bring in the future .
Throughly enjoyable read from start to finish .
April 7, 2024
Darren Harris (or should I say Mr Harris...?) was my history teacher at school. To my suprise I was recommended his book by a friend who writes alternative history. It wasn't while I inspected the blurb I realised who the author was! I am not normally into historical fiction but Darren's style is extremely accessible, easy to follow but makes you think 'What if'.
December 8, 2021
I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Even knowing the history behind the story, I was drawn along by the characters and their personal stories, and never knew what to expect next. The plot is excellent and stayed true to real events while portraying the late medieval/early Tudor period in so much depth and color. The King's Son is definitely a recommended read.
Read
October 14, 2022Terrible Book. The reviews on here are so obviously fake. Bought it for my Son as part of a birthday present as he is a young aspiring historian. Complete waste of money, would have to be paid to read this again. Struggled at the start as it was insanely slow but convinced myself that no book could be that bad all the way through... Guess I was wrong! 0/10 Definitely don't buy
October 12, 2023
Excellent research and well written. The story of Richard Plantagenet, son of Richard III was fascinating to discover and highly believable. I look forward to the next book. If you love history of this period, this book is worth a read.
May 27, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, I cannot wait for the next installment!
December 10, 2021
I loved this book set after Battle of Bosworth Field and the death of King Richard III lots of action and great characters
Highly recommend it
Highly recommend it
September 13, 2022
News to me
I thought I knew alot about Richard III but another son? Not John either but another Richard! I relished the idea of learning about this illegitimate son, who it turns out has some potential truth to it. Imagine finding out who you truly are the night before your father perished. I love reading about people I knew nothing about. A solid good read and I would have rated it five stars but it had more descriptive text than narrative which is just a personal preference of mine. Looks to be the start of a series and I will definitely be continuing to read on.
I thought I knew alot about Richard III but another son? Not John either but another Richard! I relished the idea of learning about this illegitimate son, who it turns out has some potential truth to it. Imagine finding out who you truly are the night before your father perished. I love reading about people I knew nothing about. A solid good read and I would have rated it five stars but it had more descriptive text than narrative which is just a personal preference of mine. Looks to be the start of a series and I will definitely be continuing to read on.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews