The true adventure of young King Edward III, “The Boy King’s Tale: as Told by Geoffrey Chaucer”
Just in the nick of time for the coronation of King Charles III, interest in the British monarchy is on the front page with constant stories about the spare, Prince Harry and all the royal family drama comes a new historical novel of the original royal family drama that stood at the crux of absolute monarchy and the parliamentary democracy of modern life, “whether we live by rule-of-law or whim of capricious overlord”. One night in 1330, a young king and his wife were targeted for murder to put an infant prince on the thrown, so others could control the destiny of one of the world’s powers.
“The Boy King’s Tale: as Told by Geoffrey Chaucer” a new historical fictionalized biographical novel by the author of “Secret Memoirs of Mary Shelley” and “Aces: a novel of Pilots in WWII”, Michael January, is an entertaining and engaging visionary through medieval England. The story follows the young life of King Edward III as he is anointed as the “boy king” when his mother and her lover plot to take the crown from his father, Edward II, and must navigate the treacherous political landscape of the time. The novel is told by the great storyteller Geoffrey Chaucer as one of his “tales”.
Young Edward is kept separated from his father by his mother Queen Isabella, daughter of the King of France, who now hates her husband because he has abandoned her bed for a series of male “favorites”. Mortimer, a charismatic Lord of England who has declared himself to be the Earl of March, guarding the border with Wales, is being held in the Tower of London and scheduled to lose his head. Isabella, secretly in love with him, helps him escape to France where they raise an army, cross the channel and defeat her husband, having him murdered in his prison cell, and putting her teenage son on the throne so they can jointly rule by a council they control.
When the young King Edward leads an army to war, he meets teenage Philippa of Hainaut, who will be the love of his life against the forces fighting against him, and he must outwit his enemies to make it so, but his temper and will lead him deeper into the traps set for him, when his uncle’s execution is engineered. In jealousy and blame, he believes his mother’s lies that Philippa has been unfaithful, leading to one fateful night, on the eve of his turning 18, when Parliament is on the verge of granting him full rights. Mortimer plans to murder him, the same as his father, and his young wife as well to put their infant son on the throne and rule as a dictator. Edward discovers the plot, but can he save his bride Philippa and himself locked without friends at Nottingham Castle, facing a knife’s edge moment that will change England forever? A celebration of young love and a boy seeking a father, who takes one as a friend who would betray his trust, and must realize the truth before his fate is sealed.
The author’s two favorite review quotes: “This story was unlike anything I’ve ever read before! …the storyline and the twists and turns, it was just great. I loved the writing style…it made the reading experience amazing!” from an 18-year-old girl in the UK, and “They are some books you enjoy and forget, then, there are some books you devour, inhale and BREATHE. The Boy King’s Tale is one of those books.”
Some Other Review Quotes
“A story redolent with intrigues, battles, and psychological warfare, beautifully written. For anyone that loves tales of knights, derring-do, and chivalry, a fantastic read but also for anyone who just enjoys a rollicking good story!” Reader’s Favorite 5-Star Review
“Intermingles the historical fiction details and tantalizing character portraits, steeped with fast-paced betrayal and intrigue. The storyline portrays intense conflict within an authentic setting, and the novel stays grounded while balancing evocative details with accurate period vernacular.” Publisher’s Weekly Booklife Prize
“The Boy King’s Tale: as Told by Geoffrey Chaucer” by Michael January receives five stars and our “Highly Recommended” Award of Excellence. The author does a remarkable job of showing the entwining story of two vastly different loves… all enmeshed in the story of Edward II’s fall and the resulting political turmoil. The characters come alive, emoting real human emotions: abandonment, pain, fear, and ultimately, love, courage, and strength. An unputdownable must-read for anyone interested in this medieval world…a remarkable historical novel.” Historical Fiction Company
“An entertaining, well-written account of a time so long ago.” Kirkus Reviews
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