“…do you imagine being someone’s mother makes you blind to their faults?…”

The Kings Mother by Annie Garthwaite tells the story of the reign of King Edward IV, the fall of The House of York and the bloody beginnings of The Tudor Dynasty. A game of treachery, betrayal and family drama, Cecily, the Yorkist matriarch is a character now firmly embedded in my hippocampus alongside Mantels Cromwell. Yes, I’m going to go there and say it, I think this is the next Wolf Hall! Superior historical fiction, modern sentiment, medieval backdrop.

For full disclosure, I already loved this period in history, the War of The Roses lives rent free in my head, and still, the powerful storytelling of The Kings Mother had me on the edge of my seat. Sometimes historical fiction from this period can be daunting, many characters having the same names, titles switching so quickly it can be difficult to follow the narrative, but the author is clever in her use of epithets as a literary device establishing characters in your minds eye before building her plot around them.

Cecily is an unforgettable protagonist, stalwart and tenacious, single minded in her love for her Yorkist family. There are many reasons to hate her for her drive and ambition, the pace of the narrative so fast it leaves few moments to observe any of her tenderness, and still, the quite moments, when they come, will break your heart a little.

A must read for true lovers of historical fiction.

Thank you to the author, @netgalley and @vikingbooksuk for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

Well, that was a wild ride.

This is the sequel to Cecily, and continues the story of Cecily Neville's life and the Wars of the Roses. Cecily is an amazing character, I loved how she was portrayed in the first book and she is just as strong here as she supports her sons and wields power from behind the throne.

Even though I'm familiar with the history and outcome, I was on the edge of my seat. The characters all come to such vivid life and I really felt like I was there with Cecily. The focus is always on her and on the other women rather than on the actual battles, but I also enjoyed what the author did with Richard III and her take on what happened to Edward IV's sons. This was a brilliant book and I'm only sorry that there is no more to say about Cecily and her family. Highly recommended.

I'd like to thank the publishers and Netgalley for kindly providing me with an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

"The King's Mother" was great conclusion to Cecily's story.

I really liked reading about this part of history from her perspective and how the author portrayed her role during her sons' reigns.

The ending dragged a little, in my opinion, but overall I definitely enjoyed this book.

Since reading Annie Garthwaite’s first novel, Cecily, about the life of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, I have been looking out for a sequel. As the first book ended in 1461 and Cecily lived until 1495, I knew there was more than enough material for a second novel – and here it is, after a three year wait!

Cecily was set during the reign of Henry VI and the early stages of the Wars of the Roses, describing how Cecily’s husband, the Duke of York, led an army against the king and was killed at the Battle of Wakefield. A few months later, Cecily and York’s son, Edward, was more successful, defeating the king’s forces at the Battle of Towton and being crowned Edward IV. The King’s Mother picks up the story as Edward begins his reign and Cecily enters a new phase of her life as mother to the king and therefore one of the most powerful women in England.

This is a complex period of history and I would find it difficult to give a summary of the plot. You may already be familiar with the key points anyway – Edward IV’s unpopular marriage to Elizabeth Woodville; the various threats to his reign and the battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury; his death, leading to the accession of his younger brother, Richard III; and finally, Richard’s defeat by the future Henry VII at the Battle of Bosworth, marking the start of the Tudor dynasty. This entire turbulent period is seen only from the perspective of Cecily, which is slightly limiting as Cecily is rarely at the heart of the action herself and often has to learn about major developments from letters or messengers. However, the story is never boring and moves along at a steady pace, holding my interest until the end even though I’ve read about this period many times before.

Cecily is shown as a controlling force behind Edward’s throne in the early days of his reign, advising him on what to say and do, but her influence over him gradually fades. She concentrates instead on building alliances, arranging marriages and doing whatever else she can to keep the kingdom and her family secure, taking her title of King’s Mother very seriously. The cover of the novel states ‘There can only be one’ and it’s true that Cecily is not the only candidate for this position. She forms an uneasy friendship with Margaret Beaufort, mother of the young Henry Tudor, deciding to trust her even while knowing that Margaret will do whatever it takes to further her own son’s claim to the throne. Then there’s Elizabeth Woodville, Edward’s wife, who also expects her eldest son to inherit the throne. Cecily makes it clear that she disapproves of the marriage and dislikes Elizabeth, but she accepts that Elizabeth is queen whether she likes it or not and does what is necessary to protect the Woodvilles – at least while Edward is still alive!

Elizabeth herself is not shown in a sympathetic light at all and comes across as immature, whiny and spiteful, which is disappointing as other characters are given more nuance. I thought Cecily’s relationship with her middle son, George, Duke of Clarence, was particularly well done, capturing Cecily’s mixed feelings about him – the love of a mother for her son mingled with anger and frustration as George, along with his cousin Warwick, betrays Edward over and over again.

One of the interesting things about reading a lot of books about the same period of history is wondering how the author will tackle some of the controversies and mysteries of the period. One of these is Edward’s alleged pre-contract of marriage to Eleanor Talbot, signed before he married Elizabeth. Some historians believe this was fabricated by Richard III in order to invalidate Edward and Elizabeth’s marriage and declare their children illegitimate; in this book, Annie Garthwaite assumes that the pre-contract did exist and was known to Cecily, who tried to cover it up. Another controversy, of course, is the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. I won’t tell you how Garthwaite approaches this, but authors do usually have to choose one side or the other and this is definitely more of a pro-Ricardian novel.

Richard’s entire reign is covered in the final 20% of the book, which does feel a bit rushed considering how eventful that period was. I think there would have been enough material for a third novel, which would have allowed for more depth. I felt that we never really got to know Richard’s wife, Anne Neville, for example, which took away some of the emotional impact from the later stages of the book. Still, I really enjoyed The King’s Mother. Start with Cecily if you can, but they are both excellent novels and reminded me yet again of what a fascinating period of history this is!

Being a fan of War of the Roses era fiction, Annie Garthwaite's newest novel sounded like the next perfect read and I was on point. Garthwaite transports the reader back in time to an era of political unrest, never-ending games of power and manipulation and wars that may bring down houses or worse, nations. She writes with a matter-of-fact style and yet if you read between the lines, there are still hints of secrecy and ulterior motives with each conversation Garthwaite makes.

But I think the thing I love the most about The King's Mother is the way Garthwaite wrote her characters. All of them feel natural, with their own personalities and motives for power or survival. I especially love how Grthwaite doesn't shy away from showing their ugly sides too, the ones where they are selfish, manipulative, some even murderous; she breathes life into characters that fit perfectly into a world of political warfare and bloody battlefields.

I think if I read Cecily before The King's Mother I may have had a broader picture to look at regarding Cecily's early life. However, that doesn't take away that The King's Mother is a brilliant read that any historical fiction fan has to read this year.

Thank you, NetGalley and Penguin General UK for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The King's Mother takes us into the turbulent world of the War of the Roses when cousins were fighting against each other. Cecily Neville has grieved the loss of her husband and eldest son but has never lost sight of the crown. When her son Edward takes the throne from the beleaguered Henry VI, Cecily, at last, takes her place at the new King's side and proudly stands with him as the King's Mother.

However, fate is fickle and the crown of England never sits easily especially when Edward's controversial marriage to Elizabeth Woodville only makes more divisions within the House of York. The York brothers are a fascinating bunch. Edward IV by the Grace of God, and the skill of his sword, is King of England, whilst it is his brother, George, Duke of Clarence who is the proverbial thorn in his side. Younger brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is depicted in a more sympathetic light which I rather enjoyed and with a new slant on a old story it gave me much to ponder over.

In this dangerous Game of Kings we soon become immersed in Cecily's life as she fights for the security of her son and once Edward is recognised as King she does all she can to ensure the stability of her family, often remorseless in her regard for those she considers her enemies. That Cecily was a strong matriarch is never doubted but it is her absolute strength of spirit and stoic determination which keeps this tentative house of York from floundering but even the King's Mother is no match against deadly conspiracy and political unrest which seems to thwart all her attempts to keep the peace. The author captures the unease of the time perfectly and jumping at shadows we become privy to a world of deadly conspiracies and hidden secrets which, if discovered, will blow the House of York wide open.

The King's Mother follows on from this author's first book Cecily which explained much about Cecily's determined personality and her earlier life as a young wife and mother. This continuation is just as expertly written, beautifully researched and historically accurate it can be read as a standalone however, Cecily Neville is such a fascinating woman that her life, and that of her family, deserves to be discovered from the very beginning of the York story.

‘The King’s Mother’ follows Annie Garthwaite’s debut novel ‘Cecily’, and is about the later life of Cecily Neville, the mother of Edward IV and Richard III. It begins in 1461, with the coronation of Edward IV, and ends in 1485, after Bosworth and the end of Plantagenet rule.

I loved ‘Cecily’ and hoped for a sequel, so I was delighted to read this. I absolutely tore through it. Cecily wasn’t a cuddly mum, but she was fiercely loyal to her family, and would do anything for them. Cecily is the chief focus of the book, but there is one other character who I found enthralling. That is Margaret Beaufort, who at the end of the book becomes the King’s mother, when Henry VII is crowned. She really is a match for Cecily, and in another life they could have been friends.

This is a different slant on a well-known story, about the woman who was the power behind the throne (a cliché, I know, but accurate I think).
Definitely a book to add to your Ricardian fiction list!

Thanks to Netgalley or the proof.

This was an intoxicating story of strong females, power balances and medieval history.

This book has reminded me just why the medieval period is one of my absolute favourites. From the politics, to the characters, to the 15th century world, Garthwaite captures everything in this stunning read.

This novel is rich with historical detail, charting the lives of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York and her sons, friends and enemies.

Having not heard much about Cecily Neville, this novel gives her a voice and has rebirthed her legacy centuries later. Garthwaite paints a vivid picture of this powerhouse of a medieval woman, bringing her back into a well-deserved spotlight. Not only is Cecily presented as intelligent, strong and fearsome, she is also shown to be a tender mother and friend. This book is an admirable tribute to the self - titled “The King’s Mother”.

The lives of other women are also introduced in this novel, such as Margaret Beaufort, mother to Henry Tudor, with whom she shares a complex but respectful relationship. There is also Elizabeth Woodville, wife to her son King Edward, and Marguerite of Anjou, once Queen of England.

Not only are the characters beautifully brought to life, but the way in which Garthwaite tells the story is also admirable. The writing style is punchy, fast-paced and to the point. This style helps chart the turbulence of Cecily’s life, and also lends itself to Cecily’s indomitable nature. The overall effect was a rich reading experience.

This was an in-depth, fascinating and splendid story that brings the incredible Cecily Neville to life.

Let me state from the outset, I am a history nerd and this book sent me down rabbit hole after rabbit hole. My favourite type of book to read and I could not ask for anything more! I first read Annie’s book, Cecily, three years ago and gave it five stars. It was epic! There is historical fiction and then there was Cecily. WOW! This was purist historical fiction at its best - one of those rare and memorable tales that gives voice to someone I had barely heard of but would now forever remember. Set at the conclusion of the Hundred Years War between England and France, and moving to the beginning of the Wars of the Roses, the first book focused on the life of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, mother of King Edward IV and Richard III and a force within her own right.

‘Cecily the King’s Mother, a title no woman in England has assumed before.’

The King’s Mother is her follow up covering the period of ‘the Wars of the Roses to the dawn of the Tudor age, this is a story of mothers and sons; of maternal ferocity and female ambition - of all they can build and all they can destroy.’ Yup! That about sums it up. I do recommend you read Cecily first as this book picks up right where that one ended with her son Edward on the throne (Cecily is still the main narrator).

‘And so, though she kneels at His altar, Cecily doesn’t so much pray to God as stare him down. Don’t you dare, she says in her heart … say nothing.’

Annie effortlessly regales a complicated time in English history, however, by telling the story through the perspective of Cecily as the ‘King’s Mother’, makes it vivid and compelling. To witness her interactions through her sons and other characters such as Margaret Beaufort is mind blowing. Despite of course knowing how history ends, the magic of Annie’s writing keeps readers on the edge of their seats in anticipation for the conclusion. Think on how history presents certain events and people …. and then think again. Think of the negative light in which Richard III is portrayed and then think again. Think of the legend of the Princes in the Tower and then think again. Outstanding historical fiction.

‘Tomorrow she might be King’s Mother again. Or just another broken woman, with her children dead at her feet.’

One cannot help but be impressed with the depth and breadth of her research and then the very fitting interpretations. To craft a story that reads so well for today’s audience is impressive. I thank Penguin Publishers UK for reaching out once more and offering this follow up book. If epic historical fiction is your thing, be sure not to miss Annie Garthwaite's incredible series.








This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book; never a dull moment. Much is written about the Tudors, focussed on Henry VIII, and little on who and what came before. The King’s Mother does a very good job of opening that door.

Totally amazing that there was so much manipulation going on of people and situations considering the lack of anything other than backdoor "diplomacy", the sword and having the right son or daughter as a bargaining chip.

If you think that cliques and who/what is in and who/what is out is a new phenomenon invented in the early part of the 21th Century, treat yourself and read The King’s Mother and discovery how unsubtle we really are and discover real history in the making.

👑 THE KING’S MOTHER 👑 by @anniegarthwaite

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I fell in love with Cecily last year and as soon as I saw this pop up on @netgalley I knew I had to click on this straightaway. Often when a book is so built up it very rarely deserves the hype that surrounds it. Nope, not this one. It deserves every praise it receives. I’m very read numerous books based on this period of history and none have hit like this. Cecily is an all rounder, a game player, king maker, political mastermind, bad ass, loving mother, grandmother and sympathetic friend. The action was fast paced, it’s probably one of the most factious periods of history ever, constant skirmishes, battles and petty arguments resulting in betrayal and devastating consequences. There’s nothing not to love about this book. I can’t wait to read more from Annie 🙏🏻

This is not a critique, analysis or essay but quick, overview intended to give you some idea whether or not you might enjoy an author’s work.

NO SPOILERS:
(Although it’s not really possible to have no spoilers when the story is true, is it?)

The King’s Mother is the continuation of the true story of Cecily Neville as recounted in the book Cecily, which I loved and have previouslyt reviewed.

Now, Annie Garthwaite cannot take credit for the plot and story (which is excellent) but she deserves all the credit out there for the wonderful, skillful way this is written. Her style since Cecily has evolved and become even more immersive. I was there with Cecily, standing beside her, sharing her anguish and joy, feeling the cold rain, the calm, warming sun. We are treated to Cecily’s inner thoughts, albeit imagined but so thoroughly researched they are perfectly plausible.

Cecily was a big win for me; The King’s Mother is a triumph, expertly researched and beautifully written.

Also, Annie Garthwaite is just lovely, approachable and generous.

I read this recently and, as with Cecily, became rabidly indignant on Richard's behalf. It convinced me that I must visit his tomb, so did the visitor centre and Bosworth. I told most of the people I met about The King's Mother and what a fabulous book it is.
Annie Garthwaite is an extraordinary writer.

A very enjoyable book even though I had not read Cecily. Despite reading the list of characters, I did find it difficult at first to get them all straight in my head. The author manages to make history come to life and corrects some of Shakespeare's inaccuracies.

I was hyped to read The King's Mother, and follow Cecily through to her son's reign. I liked how female-focused it was, with the relationships between Cecily and Jacquetta and Elizabeth, although I did miss Cecily's husband Richard and their bond. Annie Garthwaite is really good at the tense scenes where something has gone wrong and they're waiting to see what happens; you really feel the sense of futility as strong and clever and astute women have to wait for the men to sort things. But I enjoyed it less overall – even though they obviously lived in a chaotic period and that has to be represented, the hurried scenes felt even more pronounced and like each scene was rushing into the next. I wanted more chill moments of everyday life, because those were so good, and then there would have been more breathing space after each rebellion/battle/betrayal.

But I also think I liked this book less because Cecily was less likeable; she can be really bitchy, and I liked her when she was warmer but still as practical and resolute. Same goes with Elizabeth Woodville; her characterisation felt quite different to a lot that I've read about her, and I wasn't keen on it. I guess the characterisation thing is unavoidable when you've read as much about the Wars of the Roses as I have – I've very much formed an opinion about all the people by now, and it's annoying when I disagree with a fictional portrayal. Although, saying that, I did enjoy Richard III's character much more than I was expecting.

Anyway: still a reading highlight of the year and one I'd like to revisit – but I definitely think this should have been three books rather than two!

Cecily Neville's son Edward has crowned himself king of England. But old King Henry VI, his French queen Margaret of Anjou and their son Edward are still fugitives. Meanwhile, Cecily's cousin Warwick also wants his share of power. And then there are her younger sons George and Richard who must each find their way as heirs to the throne in this new York dynasty.

I really enjoyed reading Cecily, Garthwaite's debut novel about this fierce York woman, mother to the dynasty. And my review ended with me hoping Garthwaite would write a sequel. Two years later, The King's mother picks up where Cecily ended. At the start of the reign of her son Edward IV. Now Cecily is the king's mother and The Wars Of The Roses are far from over. The pace of the novel is fast, a lot happens and there are many characters. Cecily is involved in a lot of intrigue and tries to make the right decisions to keep her family in power, even when her sons marry the wrong woman or rebel against their brother.

The pace and the short time that can be given to any event as a consequen, leaves little time for emotions and depth. And that's the only fault I can find to Garthwaite's writing. It's quite straightforward, a little dry at times and not very emotional.

At the same time, the various characters are well developed and there is a clear focus on the women: Margaret of Anjou, Margaret Beaufort, Elizabeth Woodville, Jacquetta Of Luxembourg…

This is obviously a pro York book and Cecily has been a main character before but in this book there are a few interesting things that Garthwaite highlights (there might be some small spoilers involved here, but as it is history, I believe I can mention certain outcomes already):

Margaret Beaufort is three-fourths of the book also pro York, very likeable and a friend of both Elizabeth Woodville and Cecily. This Margaret was likeable. And this is literally the very first time in a pro York book that she is portrayed like that. The turnaround to the Tudor house also feels like a normal switch. Margaret learned a lot and at the end uses York's tricks for her own son.

George, Duke of Clarence is a complete vain idiot from the beginning of the story and Cecily thinks so too. Whereas history seems to suggest that George was her favourite son and Cecily was against his execution, here it's Edward for whom she fights and she stands behind him rather than behind George. For this book, this choice was ok, but I still think George's death must have hit much harder for Cecily.

Cecily's relationship with Edward's wife Elizabeth Woodville was interestingly portrayed. Cecily will never have been pro the match but she did had to defend the Woodvilles. Until Edward dies that is.

I find Cecily's switch to Richard the most difficult part of the plot, because suddenly she goes along with erasing everything Edward - her favourite son - would have wanted. So also goes along with Richards suddens executions of for ex. Hastings and Anthony Woodville, while Hastings was portrayed as a friend of Cecily... It's strange that Cecily doesn't question her youngest son's actions. But well, if you want to portrat Richard III positive, it's not an easy road for any writer.

No blame is placed on the disappearance/death of the princess in the Tower at Tudor or Margaret Beaufort. Which is usually the case in pro York books. No blame is placed on Richard either :), because Richard is again a saint in this book. I personally don't believe any of the later pretenders was one of the princes, so I didn't follow that part of the story either. But it is possible, so it may be written this way.

These two books about Cecily Neville are a very good duology about the Wars of the Roses from the point of view of a woman who experienced everything herself and drove certain decisions. I wonder who Garthwaite will write about next.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in return for my honest opinion.

Annie has made a complicated period of history that bit more compelling by telling it through the eyes of the mothers involved. It’s a great follow on from Cecily and it was nice to hear more about the powerhouse of a woman she was. Whilst this book is obviously fiction, it really does bring life to this period of history.

Having loved Cecily, I was very eager to get my hands on this and was not disappointed - despite me being busy and so reading it very slowly, it was compelling throughout, beautifully written and had the mark of good historical fiction for me: being hooked, even though I know what’s going to happen.

The King's Mother is the sequel to Cecily, the outstanding historical novel that centred on Cecily Neville and the rise to power of her son Edward IV.

In the previous book, the Duchess of York was controlled and measured, dominating every scene and pulling the strings behind the scenes. As Edward takes the throne, Cecily now also ascends to the powerful position of the King's Mother. However, we see a different Cecily in this book. Here, she seems more vulnerable, more out of control, more manipulative and vindictive.

Naturally, Garthwaite's story is dictated by history, but from a likeable and readable character point of view, I found this ruthless era of Cecily's life harder to stomach. Whereas before I was inspired by placing a strong female character at the centre, here I often found Cecily's actions difficult. She's often isolated, caught adrift, trying to cling on to the power through any means possible. In many ways, this is the story as her family, her country and, indeed, herself, spiral more and more out of control.

Still, it is a privilege to read a historical novel set in an era I have had little interaction with before. Furthermore, Garthwaite is an accomplished and thorough author and the story is engaging again throughout. I enjoyed the first novel more, but I would definitely recommend this one as well.

‘Cecily, the King’s Mother.’

In Ms Garthwaite’s first novel, ‘Cecily’ we met Lady Cecily Neville on 30 May 1431. Then aged sixteen, Cecily was watching the execution of Joan of Arc. ‘Cecily’ covered the period from 1431 to 1461, when ‘The King’s Mother’ opens. Edward IV, aged eighteen, has taken England’s throne from Henry VI. Cecily, titled the King’s Mother, stands ready to advise him. Edward’s position is precarious. Not everyone sees him as the rightful king. Henry VI’s wife Marguerite of Anjou fights for both Henry and her son Edouard; and Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry Tudor also has an interest.

War is never far away, and Edward cannot always rely on his own family. His cousin Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, known to history as the Kingmaker, because of his role as the arbiter of royal power during this period. Edward’s marriage to Elizabeth Woodville alienated Warwick as he had hoped to marry Edward to a French noblewoman. Cecily trod carefully: aware of Warwick’s power, conscious of Edward’s failings, and of her second surviving son George’s ambition. The House of York may be ascendant, but for how long? The Lancastrians have not given up hope of regaining the throne.

I enjoyed Ms Garthwaite’s novel. Her portrayal of the period is from the perspective of four of the strong women involved: Cecily Neville, Margaret of Anjou, Margaret Beaufort and Elizabeth Woodville. And, while I understand each of their motivations, the character who makes the most impact on me is Richard, Duke of Gloucester (briefly Richard III).

Ms Garthwaite presents the convoluted history of this period in a way which brings the historical players to life. Cecily is an astute realist, perfectly placed as the main character in this well written work of historical fiction.

Highly recommended.

Note: My thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book for review purposes.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith