A Marriage of Lions

An amazing degree of historical research has gone into this novel and I really enjoyed it. Thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me an advance copy to read.

A Marriage of Lions by Elizabeth Chadwick is an excellent historical fiction novel that brings us straight into the heart of the 13th century during the reign of Henry III. It has it all: history, intrigue, action, romance, passion, loss, mystery, suspense, and an excellent narrative that was gripping from beginning to end.

I have read several books by Ms. Chadwick and have loved every one of them, so I knew when I saw this newest book that I had to read it. I am yet again very impressed. The author has a stunning ability to take true historic characters and be able to weave a relatable, honest, and fascinating narrative that fills in areas of uncertainty and really takes the historic notes and creates a story with a flourish that is truly addictive.

The story of the power/ruling struggles between Henry III, his family, the nobleman, and the push/pull relationships that took place was enthralling. I have read about Simon de Montfort, however not as much about William de Valence- King Henry III's half-brother that was challenging in his own right (that I can remember), nor of his wife Joanna at all. Chadwick was great in weaving a story that fit within the historical timeframe, events, and interweaved the fictional tale into the nonfictional line. If she was anything in real life as she was so carefully and creatively depicted here in this story, she was an impressive woman that was born well before her time.

I loved taking a trip into the past into the medieval times of England and immerse myself into the royals, court intrigues, and all of the struggles and battles for control and power that were associated. A great journey.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Sphere/Little, Brown Book Group UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to NG only at this time and will post it to my GR, Bookbub, Instagram, Amazon, and B&N accounts upon publication per publisher request.

Another wonderful pacy novel by Elizabeth Chadwick. It covers the struggle for power behind the throne of Henry III between his half brothers and Simon de Montfort’s camp. Love these books. Despite an early read from NetGalley, I shall still be buying my own copy.

A Marriage of Lions, An auspicious match. An invitation to war., Elizabeth Chadwick

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance.

Tastes change as you age, but Elizabeth Chadwick's novels have been favourites of mine for a very long time, a good 25 years or so.
I don't read historical novels often, but love ones like these, set on a personal level, taking real events and people and weaving what could have happened from the research available. I love that I feel taken back in time, that I'm living events with the characters.
True to history there are hard times, casual violence, starvation and the ever present battles and loss of life. As always women are chattels to be disposed of in political alliances, and do as bidden by their male relatives....Tough times indeed.

I loved Joanna and her feelings and staunch loyalty to William. That was sorely tested at times. We can see when they first marry how William loves her, but is still very much a boy, where Joanna has always been ahead of her age and is the far more responsible of them. William and his brothers are at times careless, heedless of their position, and it brings him into some dangerous areas. Joanna has deep waters to smooth.
Still, life then was very turbulent, things could change day to day, those at the top brought down by a carefully worded whisper to the King. He has strong feelings for his half brothers – but their being French means there is a lot of jealousy from the English, even though William is very careful to be even handed and treat everyone equally.

As usual this story covers several years, and we see the main characters grow, see rivalries and dislikes become out and out hatreds, leading to some dangerous times. Its a fantastic read, one to treasure and reread.

Stars: five, another dip into history for me, losing myself for hours in times and ways long gone.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

"A Marriage of Lions" is an epic Elizabeth Chadwick tale set in the mid 13th century. Henry III is on the throne but he is proving to be a weaker ruler than is required in these turbulent times. Simon de Montfort sets out to take advantage. As usual Elizabeth Chadwick has carried out meticulous research to include true historical characters and events in her narrative. A great novel of its type.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

A sumptuous Medieval
tapestry taking place over
several decades during the tumultuous reign of
Henry III and his queen
Alienor of Provence, this
rollicking and truculent fictional feat embodies
all the best that English
historical fiction has to offer today.
Murderous grudges, family jealousies and boundless political ambitions collide at breathtaking speed and erupt in uncontrollable
violence admist the razzle-dazzle of the world of chivalry and its complex knightly system.
An unforgettable and fiery maelstrom of personal squabbles and political shenanigans that always threaten to topple down a teetering throne upon which seats a rather weak monarch. Historically accurate and cleverly plotted this magnificent novel should definitely please anyone interested in 13th century England and some its darkest and most violent aspects. Blessed with a cast of very colorful and unforgettable characters, this bold and entertaining historical romp deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever👍👍

Many thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown for this terrific ARC