The Rose of York: Fall from Grace
Sandra WorthHistorical romance
Available from End Table Books
ISBN: 978-097151264-9-0
May 2007
| At the end of the fourteenth century in England, the king was murdered and overthrown by a usurper, whose family line ruled for the next half-century. Then, in the mid-fifteenth century, the Wars of the Roses began, so-called because the two sides each claimed a certain colored rose as their symbol: the usurping Lancasters claimed the red rose, and the York line claimed the white rose. Young Richard Plantagenet, orphaned at only nine years of age, was sent to live with his older kin, the "Kingmaker," Earl of Warwick, and there fell in love with Warwick's daughter Anne Neville with whom Richard grew up.
By 1483, Richard's older brother King Edward IV is deceased and his will appointing Richard Protector of the Realm is under attack by his Queen, Bess Woodville, whom he wed in a bigamous marriage. Thus Richard is revealed as the true heir and reluctantly ascends to the throne as Richard III. Richard's rule will introduce some of the most important foundations of Western civilization. The presumption that justice is blind and the accused are innocent until proven guilty, bail, protections against tainted verdicts and bribery in the court systems. Richard instituted the proclamation of the laws of the land in English so that even the illiterate poor could know their rights. Yet this same king became famous through Shakespeare's portrayal of him as the craven murderer of his nephews, the princes, imprisoned in the Tower of London. Ever since has debate raged as to the true character of King Richard III. The Rose of York: Fall from Grace is the concluding volume in the extensively-researched and historically accurate series by author Sandra Worth, The Rose of York. A fascinating novel for historical aficionados and general readers as well, Fall from Grace reads like an entertaining novel with its characters rich in depth and its fast-paced and convoluted plots. Vivid and descriptive settings bring the background to life and the reader feels as if she is watching rather than merely reading the scenes. If all history lessons could be brought as vividly to life as the story of Richard III has been in Fall from Grace, students would flock to learn.
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Reviewer: Annie |
