Wars of the Roses: Margaret of Anjou by Conn Iggulden
Reviewed
by Keith McCoy, Somerset County Library System
Originally
Submitted to Library Journal
The second installment of this retelling of the 15th
century struggle for the English throne does not have the Queen front and
center, but she is behind everything that happens. Margaret schemes and plots to take the royal
power back from the Duke of York, Henry VI’s cousin and competitor for the
crown, as her husband lies abed, incapacitated by his mental illness. Covering just six years of the half century
that saw four men and a boy become king on seven occasions, this is the tale of
Henry’s recovery and relapse, York’s rises and falls, and the family feuds
which colored each move by Queen and Duke.
There is less derring-do from master spy Derry Brewer this time, but the
politicking and conniving are worthy of a Washington potboiler. The battle scenes turn on the flick of a
decision, adding to the excitement of this twisting chapter in English history.
