‘I was completely captivated’ Barbara Erskine
The spellbinding new historical novel from the Sunday Times bestseller Anne O’Brien.
England, 1444. Three women challenge the course of history…
King Henry VI’s grip on the crown hangs by a thread as the Wars of the Roses starts to tear England apart. And from the ashes of war, the House of Paston begins its rise to power.
Led by three visionary women, the Pastons are a family from humble peasant beginnings who rely upon cunning, raw ambition, and good fortune in order to survive.
Their ability to plot and scheme sees them overcome imprisonment, violence and betrayal, to eventually secure for their family a castle and a place at the heart of the Yorkist Court. But success breeds jealousy and brings them dangerous enemies…
An inspirational story of courage and resilience, The Royal Game, charts the rise of three remarkable women from obscurity to the very heart of Court politics and intrigue.
‘A wonderfully immersive and intriguing read, meticulously researched. I was completely captivated’ Barbara Erskine
The forgotten story of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. A strong woman who claimed the throne for her family in a time of war…
‘One of the best writers around’ The Sun
‘A terrific storyteller’ Daily Telegraph
One family united by blood. Torn apart by war…
England, 1459: Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, is embroiled in a plot to topple the weak-minded King Henry VI from the throne. But when the Yorkists are defeated at the Battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecily’s family flee and abandon her to face a marauding Lancastrian army on her own.
Cecily can only watch as her lands are torn apart and divided up by the ruthless Queen Marguerite. From the towers of her prison in Tonbridge Castle, the Duchess begins to spin a web of deceit – one that will eventually lead to treason, to the fall of King Henry VI, and to her eldest son being crowned King Edward IV.
This is a story of heartbreak, ambition and treachery, of one woman’s quest to claim the throne during the violence and tragedy of the Wars of the Roses.
Praise for Anne O’Brien:
‘One of the best writers around … she outdoes even Philippa Gregory’ The Sun
‘O’Brien is a terrific story teller’ Daily Telegraph
‘O’Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale’ The Times
‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue’ Woman & Home
‘The characters are larger than life … and the author a compulsive storyteller’ Sunday Express
‘[A] fast-paced historical novel’ Good Housekeeping
‘This book has everything – royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics’ Cosmopolitan
‘O’Brien’s page-turner vividly brings to life the restriction of women, and the compassion and strength of this real-life figure from medieval times’ Woman
‘A gripping historical drama’ Bella
‘Historical fiction at its best’ Candis
'Gripping' The Times
'Fans of Philippa Gregory and other historical fiction writers will love Anne O'Brien's A Tapestry of Treason' Yours
Her actions could make history - but at what price?
1399: Constance of York, Lady Despenser, proves herself more than a mere observer in the devious intrigues of her magnificently dysfunctional family, The House of York.
Surrounded by power-hungry men, including her aggressively self-centred husband Thomas and ruthless siblings Edward and Richard, Constance places herself at the heart of two treasonous plots against King Henry IV. Will it be possible for this Plantagenet family to safeguard its own political power by restoring either King Richard II to the throne, or the precarious Mortimer claimant?
Although the execution of these conspiracies will place them all in jeopardy, Constance is not deterred, even when the cost of her ambition threatens to overwhelm her. Even when it endangers her new-found happiness.
With treason, tragedy, heartbreak and betrayal, this is the story of a woman ahead of her time, fighting for herself and what she believes to be right in a world of men.
Giving voice to the forgotten women of history, this is the next brilliant historical novel from Sunday Times bestselling author Anne O'Brien.
Praise for A Tapestry of Treason
'A wonderful novel . . . a rich, gripping, enchanting read. Anne's vivid writing took me straight to the year 1400 and kept me wonderfully lost there throughout' Joanna Courtney
Praise for Anne O'Brien
'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale' The Times
'O'Brien is a terrific storyteller' Daily Telegraph
'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue' Woman & Home
'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history ... the perfect reading choice for the long winter nights' The Press Association
'A gripping historical drama' Bella
A Sunday Times Bestseller
'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.'
-The Times
Her path to the throne is paved with treason... 1330.
Philippa of Hainault may be married to King Edward III but she's penniless and powerless. England quivers in the clutches of the Dowager Queen Isabella and her darkly ambitious lover Lord Mortimer while her husband rots in jail, a prisoner at Mortimer's hand. It will take a courageous young man to emerge from the shadows and rise up against this formidable pair.
Philippa won't sit back and see Edward puppeteered. She is determined to see justice done. It's her words whispered into the young King Edward's ear that will see the battle for England's throne commence.
Praise for Anne O'Brien
'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.'
- The Times
'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller'
- Daily Telegraph
'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.'
-Good Housekeeping
'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.'
-Woman & Home
'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.'
-Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association
'Better than Philippa Gregory' - The Bookseller
'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - Sunday Express
'A gripping historical drama.'
-Bella
'This book has everything - royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics and ultimately, the shaping of the woman who founded the Tudors.' - Cosmopolitan
www.anneobrien.co.uk
@anne_obrien
England's crown is under threat. King Richard II holds onto his power by an ever-weakening thread, with exiled Henry of Lancaster back to reclaim his place on the throne.For Elizabeth Mortimer, there is only one rightful King - her eight-year-old nephew, Edmund. Only he can guarantee her fortunes, and protect her family's rule over the precious Northern lands bordering Scotland.But many, including Elizabeth's husband, do not want another child-King. Elizabeth must hide her true ambitions in Court, and go against her husband's wishes to help build a rebel army.
To question her loyalty to the King places Elizabeth in the shadow of the axe.To concede would curdle her Plantagenet blood.
'A dangerous word, perhaps, for a woman. .'From her first clandestine marriage, Joan of Kent's reputation is one of beauty, rumour and .Her royal blood makes her a desirable bride. Her ambition and passion make her a .Joan knows what she must do to protect her reputation...the games to play, the men to marry. She will do anything to get what she wants: .A tale of ambition, treachery and desire, tells of a woman's ascent through the court to command royal power alongside her young son, King Richard II.
Anne O'Brien's new novel, Queen of the North, is available to pre-order now
England's Forgotten Queens
'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - Sunday Express
ENGLAND'S MOST RUTHLESS QUEEN.
July, 1137. In the baking sunshine of Bordeaux, Eleanor, Duchess of Aquitaine, eagerly awaits her first meeting with the prince who will become her husband.
But Louis Capet is no fit match for educated, independent Eleanor. When he inherits the throne of France, it becomes clear that his monastic ways and indecisive rule could cost him his country - and his marriage.
Determined to rule her own lands, Eleanor leads the men of Aquitaine on Crusade. The march to Outremer will make her the most scandalous woman in all of Christendom.
And one chance meeting between Eleanor and Henry Plantagenet will change the fate of England - forever...
Hers is a story of power, political intrigue, passion and love.
Praise for Anne O'Brien:
'One of the best writers around...she outdoes even Philippa Gregory' The Sun
'Her writing is highly evocative of the time period... O'Brien has produced an epic tale' Historical Novel Society
'Anne O'Brien's novels give a voice to the "silent" women of history' Yorkshire Post
'Once again O'Brien proves herself a medieval history magician, conjuring up a sizzling, sweeping story' Lancashire Evening Post
'An exciting and intriguing story of love and historical politics. If you enjoy Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir you will love Anne O'Brien' We Love This Book
'A brilliantly researched and well-told story; you won't be able to put this book down' Candis
'A fast paced historical drama that is full of suspense.' Essentials
A Sunday Times Bestseller
England's Forgotten Queens
'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.'
-The Times
'I was a penniless, landless petitioner, my Neville blood a curse, my future dependent on the charity of those who despised me...'
Anne Neville is the heiress and daughter of the greatest powerbroker in the land, Warwick the Kingmaker. Trapped in a deadly tangle of political intrigue, she is a pawn in an uncertain game, used by the houses of Neville, York and Lancaster alike.
In England's glittering, treacherous court, not all wish to see the Nevilles raised high. The Earl of Warwick's ambition and pride lead him into an attempt to depose the Yorkist King; his treason forces his family into exile.
Humiliated and powerless in a foreign land, Anne must find the courage and the wit to survive in such a dangerous man's world.
Compulsively readable, Anne O'Brien vividly evokes the story of Richard III's queen with a passion and vibrancy reminiscent of Phillipa Gregory and Alison Weir.
Praise for Anne O'Brien
'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.'
- The Times
'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller'
- Daily Telegraph
'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.'
-Good Housekeeping
'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.'
-Woman & Home
'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.'
-Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association
'Better than Philippa Gregory' - The Bookseller
'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - Sunday Express
'A gripping historical drama.'
-Bella
'This book has everything - royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics and ultimately, the shaping of the woman who founded the Tudors.' - Cosmopolitan
www.anneobrien.co.uk
@anne_obrien
Philippa of Hainault selects a young orphan from a convent. Alice Perrers, a girl born with nothing but ambition. The Queen has a role waiting for her at court.
Led down the corridors of the royal palace, the young virgin is secretly delivered to King Edward III - to perform the wifely duties of which ailing Philippa is no longer capable. Power has a price, and Alice Perrers will pay it.
Her fate is double edged; loved by the majesties, ostracised by her peers. Alice must balance her future with care as her star begins to rise - the despised concubine is not untouchable. Politics and pillow talk are dangerous bedfellows.
The fading great King wants her in his bed. Her enemies want her banished. One mistake and Alice will face a threat worse than any malicious whispers of the past.
'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.'- The Times
'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller'- Daily Telegraph
'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.'-Good Housekeeping
'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.'-Woman & Home
'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.'-Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association
'Better than Philippa Gregory' - 'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - 'A gripping historical drama.'-Bellawww.anneobrien.co.uk@anne_obrien
The jewel in the French crown, Katherine de Valois, is waiting under lock and key for King Henry V. While he's been slaughtering her kinsmen in Agincourt, Katherine has been praying for marriage to save her from her misery. But the brutal King wants her crown, not her innocent love.
For Katherine, England is a lion's den of greed, avarice and mistrust. And when Katherine is widowed at twenty-one she is a prize ripe for the taking. Her young son the future monarch, her hand in marriage worth a kingdom.This is a deadly political game; one the Dowager Queen must learn fast.
The players - Duke of Gloucester, Edmund Beaufort and Owen Tudor -are circling.Who will have her? Who will ruin her?This is the story of Katherine de Valois. The forbidden queen who launched the most famous dynasty of all time...
'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.'- The Times
'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller'- Daily Telegraph
'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.'-Good Housekeeping
'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.'-Woman & Home
'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.'-Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association
'Better than Philippa Gregory' - 'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - 'A gripping historical drama.'-Bella
'This book has everything - royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics and ultimately, the shaping of the woman who founded the Tudors.' - Cosmopolitanwww.anneobrien.co.uk@anne_obrien
England's Forgotten Queens
'The gripping tale of Elizabeth of Lancaster, sibling of Henry IV. Packed with love, loss and intrigue' - Sunday Express S Magazine
One betrayal is all it takes to change history
1382. Daughter of John of Gaunt, sister to the future King Henry IV, Elizabeth of Lancaster has learned the shrewd tricks of the court from England's most powerful men.
In a time of political turmoil, allegiance to family is everything. A Plantagenet princess should never defy her father's wishes. Yet headstrong Elizabeth refuses to bow to the fate of a strategic marriage. Rejecting her duty, Elizabeth weds the charming and ruthlessly ambitious Sir John Holland: Duke of Exeter, half-brother to King Richard II and the one man she has always wanted.
But defiance can come at a price.
1399. Elizabeth's brother Henry has seized the throne. Her husband, confidant to the usurped Richard, masterminds a secret plot against the new King. Trapped in a dangerous web, Elizabeth must make a choice.
Defy the King and betray her family. Or condemn her husband and send him to his death.
Sister. Wife. Traitor.
She holds the fate of England in her hands.
Praise for Anne O'Brien:
'One of the best writers around...she outdoes even Philippa Gregory' The Sun
'Her writing is highly evocative of the time period... O'Brien has produced an epic tale' Historical Novel Society
'Anne O'Brien's novels give a voice to the "silent" women of history' Yorkshire Post
'Once again O'Brien proves herself a medieval history magician, conjuring up a sizzling, sweeping story' Lancashire Evening Post
'An exciting and intriguing story of love and historical politics. If you enjoy Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir you will love Anne O'Brien' We Love This Book
'This book is flawlessly written and well researched, and will appeal to her fans and those who like Philippa Gregory's novels' - Birmingham Post
'A brilliantly researched and well-told story; you won't be able to put this book down' Candis
'A fast paced historical drama that is full of suspense.' Essentials
Widow Lady Katherine Swynford presents herself for a role in the household of merciless royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, hoping to end her destitution. But the Duke's scandalous proposition leaves her life of pious integrity reeling...
Seduced by the glare of royal adoration, Katherine becomes John's mistress. She will leave behind everything she has stood for to play second fiddle to his young wife and ruthless ambition. She will live in the shadows of the most powerful man in England in the hope of a love greater than propriety.But soon the court whispers - - reach the ears of not just John's bride but his most dangerous political enemies.
As the Plantagenet prince is accused of bringing England to its knees, who better to blame than shameless she-devil Katherine Swynford?
'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.'- The Times
'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller'- Daily Telegraph
'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.'-Good Housekeeping
'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.'-Woman & Home
'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.'-Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association
'Better than Philippa Gregory' - 'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - 'A gripping historical drama.'-Bella
'This book has everything - royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics and ultimately, the shaping of the woman who founded the Tudors.' - Cosmopolitanwww.anneobrien.co.uk@anne_obrien
