Quick Review: The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

The Red Queen (Cousin's War, Bk 2)

by Philippa Gregory
Publisher: Touchstone

Published: August 3, 2010
Genre: Historical Fiction
Format: Hardcover

Rating: 4 STARS

SUMMARY (from Goodreads)

The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses. The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.

REVIEW

The Red Queen is the story of the Lancastrian heiress Margaret Beaufort, who is King Henry VIII's grandmother. We are taken through her life from when she is married at the age of 12 and produces an heir who she names Henry to when she finally achieves her goal of the title My Lady, the King's Mother, Margaret Regina. From the very beginning Margaret thinks of herself as Joan of Arc and her mission is to place her son on the throne of England. After her first husband dies, she marries twice more. Her last husband Sir William Stanley is her real goal. He has always been a favorite of any King of England and will always support who he thinks will win. 

Gregory has weaved a great story here. I always get wrapped up whenever I read one of her novels. The bulk of the story is told from Margaret's point of view, until the end when it is told by Henry and Richard as they battle it out. I personally do not have a problem with that because the point of the story is that we are seeing and hearing what Margaret experiences. I'm probably a little bias but I enjoy reading just about anything Gregory writes...:)

Book was received as a gift from my husband. 

I received no compensation and my opinions are my own. 

I do receive a small compensation from Amazon if you click on the book link and order through Amazon.com

WATCH THE TRAILER

READ THE FIRST CHAPER (click on Full Screen)