Their fears are revealed, sometimes surprising the reader, and the political machinations that ruled their everyday lives are uncovered slowly, rather like peeling the layers from an onion. The reader is not thrown huge chunks of back-story and motivational traits, but slowly includes them as the plot progresses.

Just by reading the first part of the novel it can be clearly seen that this Author has done extensive research into the period, and this comes through in way in which locations are described and characters react to their environment.Ĭharacter development is stunningly done within the pages of this book. Yes it does sound a little like a history lesson, but it is given in such a manner that it skilfully and neatly pulls the reader so far into the novel that they have no choice but to read to the end. The book itself could be broken down into thirds the first brings into the light that confusing history of the Wars of the Roses, and for readers who are not up to speed with the ins and outs of this time it is a great way not only to get to know the key players, but where they fit together in the whole sorry mess. I found none of this when I read this long 936 page book. Being a Yorkshire woman by birth and therefore, a staunch Yorkist, I was slightly apprehensive when I picked this up as most accounts of Richard III and the House of York are based on Tudor propaganda from the times, and are slewed very much in their favour. She recommended it to me on the basis of it being the most accurate account of the times she had read in fiction form. I was first introduced to both the book and the Author by my History Professor whilst taking my Masters in History many years ago. This was the debut novel for this Author. I’ve either mentioned this book or the Author several times during the life of my reviews so I have decided it was about time I actually wrote a review on the book itself.

The sunne in splendour book