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The Boy King's Tale: As Told By Geoffrey Chaucer
In The Boy King's Tale, two entwined love stories, young and old, lead to betrayal, murder and the near overthrow of a kingdom in this extraordinary untold true story adventure of the early days of England's Edward III. Crowned at thirteen when his father was deposed and murdered by his mother and her lover, the young king must come of age in the dark and twisted labyrinth of medieval politics, with the future in the balance on one fateful night when rescue or death was held on the turn of a confession to a faceless monk. Told by English court poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, as one of his tales, on the day death bells toll from the steeples of Westminster.
Young Edward is kept separated from his father by his mother Queen Isabella, daughter of the King of France, who now hates her husband because he has abandoned her bed for a series of male "favorites". Roger Mortimer, a charismatic Lord of England who has declared himself to be the Earl of March, guarding the border with Wales, is being held in the Tower of London and scheduled to lose his head. Isabella, secretly in love with him, helps him escape to France where they raise an army, cross the channel and defeat her husband, having him murdered in his prison cell, and putting her teenage son on the throne so they can jointly rule by a council they control. When the boy king leads an army to war, he meets teenage Philippa of Hainaut, who will be the love of his life against the forces fighting against him, and he must outwit his enemies to make it so, but his temper and will lead him deeper into the traps set for him when his uncle's execution is engineered. In jealousy and blame, he believes his mother's lies that Philippa has been unfaithful, leading to one fateful night, on the eve of his turning 18, when Parliament is on the verge of granting him full rights. Mortimer plans to murder him, the same as his father, and his young wife as well to put their infant son on the throne and rule as a dictator. Edward discovers the plot, but can he save his bride Philippa and himself locked without friends in Nottingham Castle, facing a knife's edge moment that will change England forever? A celebration of young love and a boy seeking a father, who takes one as a friend who would betray his trust, and must realize the truth before his fate is sealed.
*Contains some mild sexual situations, Medieval punishment descriptions, and warfare violence.
Young Edward is kept separated from his father by his mother Queen Isabella, daughter of the King of France, who now hates her husband because he has abandoned her bed for a series of male "favorites". Roger Mortimer, a charismatic Lord of England who has declared himself to be the Earl of March, guarding the border with Wales, is being held in the Tower of London and scheduled to lose his head. Isabella, secretly in love with him, helps him escape to France where they raise an army, cross the channel and defeat her husband, having him murdered in his prison cell, and putting her teenage son on the throne so they can jointly rule by a council they control. When the boy king leads an army to war, he meets teenage Philippa of Hainaut, who will be the love of his life against the forces fighting against him, and he must outwit his enemies to make it so, but his temper and will lead him deeper into the traps set for him when his uncle's execution is engineered. In jealousy and blame, he believes his mother's lies that Philippa has been unfaithful, leading to one fateful night, on the eve of his turning 18, when Parliament is on the verge of granting him full rights. Mortimer plans to murder him, the same as his father, and his young wife as well to put their infant son on the throne and rule as a dictator. Edward discovers the plot, but can he save his bride Philippa and himself locked without friends in Nottingham Castle, facing a knife's edge moment that will change England forever? A celebration of young love and a boy seeking a father, who takes one as a friend who would betray his trust, and must realize the truth before his fate is sealed.
*Contains some mild sexual situations, Medieval punishment descriptions, and warfare violence.
286 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 7, 2023
A tale of betrayal, honor and love. Told in a chronicle style, it is the story of the young king Edward that is manipulate fom his mother and her lover and need to overcome their lies to be an just king.
April 3, 2023
This book was spellbinding! I have read many books about Isabella and Mortimer and also King Henry, but this book focuses on Henry's life and it was terrific. Geoffrey Chaucer is the storyteller and you will feel like you are right there with the rest of his audience clinging on to his every word. Rich details and wonderful dialogue makes this a must read for any monarchy fan! Thanks to the author, Netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 20, 2023
I enjoyed “The Boy King’s Tale” a lot ! I picked it up on a whim, because an ARC was available on NetGalley and it looked right up my alley. I mean, a tale of love, treason and politics narrated by Chaucer himself ? Sign me up!
What I liked most about this book is how immersive it is. I think it has kickstarted a whole new fascination in me for 14th century England (which is not surprising, given my tendency to find every historical period and geographical area fascinating, but still). And I really appreciate that the characters feel fully rooted in their own time period. They don’t outwardly question certain cultural elements which nowadays feel strange, and overall behave in ways that make sense to them. Also, the writing was beautiful. I did this one via audio, and everything flowed really well. It was well paced and never felt boring.
Having said that, I do want to mention that in parts, the narration tends to rather tell than show what is happening. While that didn’t bother me to the point of disliking the book, it did pull me out of the story. It felt like the author was delivering the message himself, rather than letting the reader interpret things on their own. Now this could be purposefully done as a way to show Chaucer’s hand in the telling of the story, but if this is what was intended, I’m not sure it was successful. I would have loved to have more of a “signature” style of narration that imitates what we find in the “Canterbury Tales”, but unfortunately, we didn’t get that. Also, as a side note, Edward does push-ups at some point in the story… and that really threw me off ? Because from what I would guess (and have gathered from a quick google search), push-ups are not a thing in medieval times. I’m not sure if I’m missing something here, because besides that, I did not find other anachronistic elements in the text at all.
Overall, I had a great time listening to this. Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
What I liked most about this book is how immersive it is. I think it has kickstarted a whole new fascination in me for 14th century England (which is not surprising, given my tendency to find every historical period and geographical area fascinating, but still). And I really appreciate that the characters feel fully rooted in their own time period. They don’t outwardly question certain cultural elements which nowadays feel strange, and overall behave in ways that make sense to them. Also, the writing was beautiful. I did this one via audio, and everything flowed really well. It was well paced and never felt boring.
Having said that, I do want to mention that in parts, the narration tends to rather tell than show what is happening. While that didn’t bother me to the point of disliking the book, it did pull me out of the story. It felt like the author was delivering the message himself, rather than letting the reader interpret things on their own. Now this could be purposefully done as a way to show Chaucer’s hand in the telling of the story, but if this is what was intended, I’m not sure it was successful. I would have loved to have more of a “signature” style of narration that imitates what we find in the “Canterbury Tales”, but unfortunately, we didn’t get that. Also, as a side note, Edward does push-ups at some point in the story… and that really threw me off ? Because from what I would guess (and have gathered from a quick google search), push-ups are not a thing in medieval times. I’m not sure if I’m missing something here, because besides that, I did not find other anachronistic elements in the text at all.
Overall, I had a great time listening to this. Thank you NetGalley for providing me this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
June 15, 2023
King Edward III lies dead at Westminster. The bells toll to announce his death and crowds gather mourning the late king. Among them is Geoffrey Chaucer a poet at the English Court. He is prevailed on by the mourners to narrate the story of the Kings life. He needs very little persuasion and Edward III’s story unfolds. Thus opens January’s captivating novel.
The Boy Kings Tale mostly tells the story of King Edward III’s childhood. I have read a fair few books on Isabel Capet and watched various series about the She wolf of France. Surprisingly there are few books on Edward III early life. I’ve always been curious about his childhood. Imagine being merely 13 years old and learning that your mother and her lover had deposed your father the king, murdered him and crowned you as king in his stead. I felt it must have affected one so young all his life unless, he was party to their deception and intrigue. There are no records to show that the young Edward was willingly complicit in their crime. That being so, the Prince would likely have suffered Class A trauma. lmagine my delight on discovering the Boy Kings Tale by Michael January, explores his early life.
The book did not disappoint chronicling Edward III’s early life and the lead up to becoming the King. Despite being crowned at 13 yrs. England was ruled by a council till he achieved majority. However, his mother the queen Isabelle and her lover Roger Mortimer held sway over them. What was the prince’s opinion about their treacherous politics? Was he ever consulted or his opinion considered? How safe was the prince amidst Medieval politics and treachery? These and many other points are raised by January throwing much light on the prince’s life, his feelings, thoughts. Despite the lurid details his beguiling narrative drew me in and kept me engrossed. The choice of Chaucer the Medieval poet as narrator of this interesting story is a brilliant idea and in keeping with the period.
As a young boy Edward was very close to his mother Isabelle. However, he longed for a father figure. January explores why Edward was denied the childhood that he could have had. He is adept at describing the situation between his parents, their feelings and emotions, the exploitation and rejection. Was the Prince deceived as a child or did he wittingly agree to be a party to his mother and her lover Mortimer’s plots? This question has been posed often by historians. How indeed could the boy prince be deceived? January cunningly explores these issues. His portrayal of the young prince’s life gave me a vivid glimpse of Medieval life with its chivalry.
Isabelle and Mortimer are not the main protagonists here. However, they had a lot of say in Prince Edwards life till he came of age. January boldly exposes them and their cohorts. The novel is also an expose on the corruption and lack of integrity in the Princes household. Its climax is the final confrontation between the Boy King and his detractors.
I loved every moment of this book. It was very different from other novels that speak of this particular period. Like its title the novel focused on the Boy king Edward III. It provoked strong sentiments within me. January has created an enticing tale that gripped me throughout. Read the Boy kings tale and get immersed in Medieval history and lore. You won’t be disappointed.
The Boy Kings Tale mostly tells the story of King Edward III’s childhood. I have read a fair few books on Isabel Capet and watched various series about the She wolf of France. Surprisingly there are few books on Edward III early life. I’ve always been curious about his childhood. Imagine being merely 13 years old and learning that your mother and her lover had deposed your father the king, murdered him and crowned you as king in his stead. I felt it must have affected one so young all his life unless, he was party to their deception and intrigue. There are no records to show that the young Edward was willingly complicit in their crime. That being so, the Prince would likely have suffered Class A trauma. lmagine my delight on discovering the Boy Kings Tale by Michael January, explores his early life.
The book did not disappoint chronicling Edward III’s early life and the lead up to becoming the King. Despite being crowned at 13 yrs. England was ruled by a council till he achieved majority. However, his mother the queen Isabelle and her lover Roger Mortimer held sway over them. What was the prince’s opinion about their treacherous politics? Was he ever consulted or his opinion considered? How safe was the prince amidst Medieval politics and treachery? These and many other points are raised by January throwing much light on the prince’s life, his feelings, thoughts. Despite the lurid details his beguiling narrative drew me in and kept me engrossed. The choice of Chaucer the Medieval poet as narrator of this interesting story is a brilliant idea and in keeping with the period.
As a young boy Edward was very close to his mother Isabelle. However, he longed for a father figure. January explores why Edward was denied the childhood that he could have had. He is adept at describing the situation between his parents, their feelings and emotions, the exploitation and rejection. Was the Prince deceived as a child or did he wittingly agree to be a party to his mother and her lover Mortimer’s plots? This question has been posed often by historians. How indeed could the boy prince be deceived? January cunningly explores these issues. His portrayal of the young prince’s life gave me a vivid glimpse of Medieval life with its chivalry.
Isabelle and Mortimer are not the main protagonists here. However, they had a lot of say in Prince Edwards life till he came of age. January boldly exposes them and their cohorts. The novel is also an expose on the corruption and lack of integrity in the Princes household. Its climax is the final confrontation between the Boy King and his detractors.
I loved every moment of this book. It was very different from other novels that speak of this particular period. Like its title the novel focused on the Boy king Edward III. It provoked strong sentiments within me. January has created an enticing tale that gripped me throughout. Read the Boy kings tale and get immersed in Medieval history and lore. You won’t be disappointed.
June 19, 2023
The lives of the medieval kings were full of drama and intrigue, and Edward III is no exception. This book tells the story of his first years as king, with more battles and betrayals than an episode of Game of Thrones.
The title tells us that the story is told to us by Geoffrey Chaucer, and it definitely felt like you were sat around a fireplace, hearing stories from a wise old bard! While some scenes felt a little clumsy at times, the Chaucer framing device made it work within the context of the book.
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There is excellent narration from David Pickering, who has a Stephen Fry-esque gravitas about his storytelling. Although the story included many adult themes, there was a sense of nostalgia to the listening experience as we heard tales of old!
Ultimately, this book achieved what every good historical fiction should do: it got me excited about the characters and the period, and eager to learn more. I did not know, for example, the pivotal role Edward III played in Welsh history, and that’s something I’m looking forward to learning more about.
This is a great roller-coaster of a historical fiction, taking you on all the twists turns of medieval kingship with a nostalgic lens.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
The title tells us that the story is told to us by Geoffrey Chaucer, and it definitely felt like you were sat around a fireplace, hearing stories from a wise old bard! While some scenes felt a little clumsy at times, the Chaucer framing device made it work within the context of the book.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
There is excellent narration from David Pickering, who has a Stephen Fry-esque gravitas about his storytelling. Although the story included many adult themes, there was a sense of nostalgia to the listening experience as we heard tales of old!
Ultimately, this book achieved what every good historical fiction should do: it got me excited about the characters and the period, and eager to learn more. I did not know, for example, the pivotal role Edward III played in Welsh history, and that’s something I’m looking forward to learning more about.
This is a great roller-coaster of a historical fiction, taking you on all the twists turns of medieval kingship with a nostalgic lens.
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
July 5, 2023
When king Edward III was just a prince his mother did everything in her power to keep him from his father. She didn’t like the preening peacocks his father surrounded himself with. although parliament had already sent one to his death he was quickly replaced by another. The first time the prince met his mothers lover he was a prisoner of his fathers Mortimer was a French lord and a lover of queen Isabel who helped him escape. She would soon follow with prince Edward In tow. Despite hearing nothing but negative sentiments towards King Edward the young prince still wanted to know his father. As they prepared for prince Edward to take the crown, mortimer hit something else up his sleeve and it would eventually bring him in the new young king toe to toe in battle. This was an excellent, excellent book! From the beginning to the end on the battlefield I was mesmerized and couldn’t tear myself away from the narrative. I love books like this already but thought this one was so brilliantly done. I wish I could give it more than five stars and do believe this is my absolute favorite historical fiction book of the year. A definite must read for fans of swords in battle royalty and good against evil… So freaking good! Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 19, 2023
I received a review audiobook through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. It has not affected my opinions.
DNF at 15%
This is a book I really wanted to like - it's a retelling of Edward III's early life, which is turbulent to say the least (short version: his mother Queen Isabella gets so fed up of her husband Edward II giving all her lands and money to his male lovers that she and her lover incite a war to depose him in favour of Edward III, and then dislike it when Edward III asserts his own power.) I'm a big fan of historicals, particularly ones that cover the high medieval political shenanigans.
However, the structure of this book really lost my interest. It begins with Chaucer being asked for a story, the framing device of the entire book, which is fine. Chaucer starts his tale when Edward III is king and about to have his show down with his mother's lover. Then we're back to Chaucer. Then we jump all the way back to Edward III's birth and get a massive info dump of his family for several generations that just feels like a textbook reciting facts and losing sight of the fact it's a story not non-fiction. My attention just wandered from there.
DNF at 15%
This is a book I really wanted to like - it's a retelling of Edward III's early life, which is turbulent to say the least (short version: his mother Queen Isabella gets so fed up of her husband Edward II giving all her lands and money to his male lovers that she and her lover incite a war to depose him in favour of Edward III, and then dislike it when Edward III asserts his own power.) I'm a big fan of historicals, particularly ones that cover the high medieval political shenanigans.
However, the structure of this book really lost my interest. It begins with Chaucer being asked for a story, the framing device of the entire book, which is fine. Chaucer starts his tale when Edward III is king and about to have his show down with his mother's lover. Then we're back to Chaucer. Then we jump all the way back to Edward III's birth and get a massive info dump of his family for several generations that just feels like a textbook reciting facts and losing sight of the fact it's a story not non-fiction. My attention just wandered from there.
June 16, 2023
This book was fantastic! I'm a huge fan of Chaucer, and I loved this take on his stories. It also doesn't hurt that I'm a sucker for a historical fiction tale as well, especially when it's midlevel British history. This was told so well. This story was super engrossing. Once I started and really got into it, I just couldn't put it down. I found myself cheering aloud when things went well for Edward, and groaning when things went poorly for him. I also may have yelled out loud at the villain a few times. I was just absolutely invested in book until I was finished. The blend of action from the battles combined with political intrigue, always kept the story moving. I also loved the romance elements between Edward and his Queen. This was a quick read for me because I was so invested in it, I'd love to see more tales from British history told this way. I also am going to check out the author's other books because I loved this one so much! If you enjoy history, mediaeval times, court intrigue, and engrossing stories, this is a must-read!
May 27, 2023
What an interesting concept, using Geoffrey Chaucer as a narrator.
The boy King in the story, Edward III, came to the throne aged 14. He was not the youngest king to ascend to the throne of England, but his emancipation from his mother & her charismatic lover was a huge struggle for him, especially after the barbaric murder of his father. It really could have been a storyline straight out of a modern day soap opera.
The use of Geoffrey Chaucer as narrator worked well, bringing what was a very turbulent time in England's history alive. Real life can be stranger than fiction, and this tale is a good example of corruption, intrigue, passion, obsession and cruelty.
My only small criticism is that Geoffrey Chaucer, yes I know that he wrote in Middle English, should, to my mind, have had certain words spelt in English not American English , it grated terribly to me.
The boy King in the story, Edward III, came to the throne aged 14. He was not the youngest king to ascend to the throne of England, but his emancipation from his mother & her charismatic lover was a huge struggle for him, especially after the barbaric murder of his father. It really could have been a storyline straight out of a modern day soap opera.
The use of Geoffrey Chaucer as narrator worked well, bringing what was a very turbulent time in England's history alive. Real life can be stranger than fiction, and this tale is a good example of corruption, intrigue, passion, obsession and cruelty.
My only small criticism is that Geoffrey Chaucer, yes I know that he wrote in Middle English, should, to my mind, have had certain words spelt in English not American English , it grated terribly to me.
June 7, 2023
I thought this was excellent. The first couple of chapters were filled with facts and not much story but by chapter 3 I was engrossed. I read it in 2 days. It’s set in a period of history where there aren’t many stories around. It follows the young King Edward in the first years of his reign, having to work through threats to his throne and kingdom at the ages of 14-18. I know it was fantasy mixed in with facts but I found myself looking the facts up and being in awe if this boy.
This would be perfectly suitable for older teenagers. There were fights etc but no over the top gore or swearing.
Superb book. Already looking for more by this author
I received this book for free from the Niche Reader. My opinion is my own
This would be perfectly suitable for older teenagers. There were fights etc but no over the top gore or swearing.
Superb book. Already looking for more by this author
I received this book for free from the Niche Reader. My opinion is my own
July 1, 2023
I spent years of my life completely obsessed with medieval England, although my favorite time was during Henry VIII. Since then I expanded my reading to incorporate other times of England's history.
The Boy King's Tale takes readers to the early days of Edward III's reign with flashbacks to his youth. The story is told by the famous English court poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, at the end of Edward III's reign. The author does include the often rumored predilection of Edward II's sexual preference for men (nothing graphic, just referenced as being his inclination and reason for his wife taking up with another to overthrow him.)
Overall, it was a good read that had me digging more into the history of the time.
The Boy King's Tale takes readers to the early days of Edward III's reign with flashbacks to his youth. The story is told by the famous English court poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, at the end of Edward III's reign. The author does include the often rumored predilection of Edward II's sexual preference for men (nothing graphic, just referenced as being his inclination and reason for his wife taking up with another to overthrow him.)
Overall, it was a good read that had me digging more into the history of the time.
August 2, 2023
Using Chaucer as the narrator of this story was pure genius! This device allowed January to tell a rich and exciting story without the pressure to get every tiny detail absolutely historically correct. That being said, the author did a smashing job of staying true to the accepted historical record and an even finer job in creating the “feeling” of the era.
This telling of the rise of Edward III and the creation of some deep rooted English traditions (Order of the Garter, Prince of Wales) is absolutely riveting in its intrigue, adventure, and humanization of the principals.
Of all the books I have read lately, this one is definitively one of my favorites. Thank you Michael January for your work!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This telling of the rise of Edward III and the creation of some deep rooted English traditions (Order of the Garter, Prince of Wales) is absolutely riveting in its intrigue, adventure, and humanization of the principals.
Of all the books I have read lately, this one is definitively one of my favorites. Thank you Michael January for your work!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2023
Geoffrey Chaucer tells “The Boy-King’s Tale” of the life and times Edward III of England. (it would seem this tale is not in Chaucer's oeuvre.) The tale is filled with innumerable facts, lengthy and detailed genealogy, history, and politics, details from the life and reign of this young king. Battles, conspiracies, and secrets fill this cleverly constructed royal tale of fourteenth century England told in Chaucer’s style. Readers of all ages will be challenged to remain attentive as they are subject to minute details of royal intrigue.
I thought this one was dreadfully boring and can't tell if it's the story or the narrator. For more on the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
I thought this one was dreadfully boring and can't tell if it's the story or the narrator. For more on the performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
May 17, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book but then I loved the Canterbury Tales when studying english literature. I feel Michael January remained true to Chaucer while still modernizing the language to allow more people to enjoy and understand the story. Michael January also inspired me to do some minor research on the background of the story. I was after all, only studying Chaucer in English, not history. It was very interesting to learn the historical background that would have inspired the story as written. Really, really good read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 26, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the audio version of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.
Like other readers, I was a little confused by the past to present to past shifts at the beginning of the novel. However, I am glad that I continued to listen.
What follows is the tale of the boy king, Edward III. There is court intrigue, plots to assassinate and depose the king, family dysfunction, love and loss, and battles and military strategy. All of this makes for an interesting take on the life of Edward III.
Like other readers, I was a little confused by the past to present to past shifts at the beginning of the novel. However, I am glad that I continued to listen.
What follows is the tale of the boy king, Edward III. There is court intrigue, plots to assassinate and depose the king, family dysfunction, love and loss, and battles and military strategy. All of this makes for an interesting take on the life of Edward III.
June 29, 2023
audio
I enjoyed this one. The author created an atmosphere that felt authentic. I enjoyed the character development and blending of history with fiction.
The opening set the scene with a fictional Chaucer launching into a story.
When I selected this audiobook I thought it was a retelling or modern adaptation of a Chaucer work. I am still not sure if parts of it are. I have not read Chaucer and thought this might be a modernized, entertaining way to sample his work.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this one. The author created an atmosphere that felt authentic. I enjoyed the character development and blending of history with fiction.
The opening set the scene with a fictional Chaucer launching into a story.
When I selected this audiobook I thought it was a retelling or modern adaptation of a Chaucer work. I am still not sure if parts of it are. I have not read Chaucer and thought this might be a modernized, entertaining way to sample his work.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
Parts of this were really fast-paced and interesting, and other parts felt like facts rattled out of a history book. The "as told by Chaucer bit" didn't really work for me, as only once in the middle of the story did they break out to remind you it was a "tale within a tale." There was a lot of telling, rather than showing, but the ending scene managed to make it worth listening to the entire book. I appreciate the free ARC from NetGalley and the publishers. I would be interested in another story about Edward III, as he is one English King I am not very familiar with.
June 8, 2023
What a unique historical tale as told by a fictional Chaucer as narrator! It is a story of love, power, and betrayal in Edward III’s court. Crowned at a young age, he has to navigate medieval court intrigues with his mother and her lover’s attempts to control his rule. I thoroughly enjoyed this book!
The narrator is easy to follow for young/new adult audiences.
*Thanks to Winged Lion’s Publications and NetGalley for this audiobook copy for review.
The narrator is easy to follow for young/new adult audiences.
*Thanks to Winged Lion’s Publications and NetGalley for this audiobook copy for review.
July 3, 2023
A very interesting twist on the Story of King Edward III and his life as a young King. His mother and Mortimer plotted and betrayed King Edward the III. It was a very intense, thought-provoking book that did justice to Chaucer’s work. One really has to be a medieval history fan to appreciate the skill and dedication to authenticity (with explorative license) of Michael January.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 4, 2023
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader. I enjoyed reading about the characters and their different goals, and thought each one was well written. The plot itself was interesting because it was based on historical events, and I enjoyed being able to learn about the time period and the relationships between different characters.
June 28, 2023
Many thanks to Net Galley and Winged Lion Publications for an audio copy of The Boy King's Tale.
This narrator is Geoffrey Chaucer. This is totally my kind of historical fiction. I love the Medieval backdrop of the story.
This narrator is Geoffrey Chaucer. This is totally my kind of historical fiction. I love the Medieval backdrop of the story.
June 29, 2023
I'm working on writing my review now. I will have it posted here after I have completed it and it has gone live on my blog.
March 24, 2024
Don’t be put off by the cover of this, this is actually a good historical fictional account of a real part of English history. Enjoyable.
June 21, 2023
Excellent story - lots of interesting detail and I loved the use of Chaucer as a framing device. It brought back vivid memories of watching a French TV drama when I was a child (The Accursed Kings - Maurice Druon). I wonder if the author is planning a sequel?
I enjoyed reading this story very much although in places the phrasing seemed a bit awkward and didn’t flow easily. However, I appreciated the fact the author didn’t include anachronistic phrases.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
I enjoyed reading this story very much although in places the phrasing seemed a bit awkward and didn’t flow easily. However, I appreciated the fact the author didn’t include anachronistic phrases.
I received a free copy of this book via The Niche Reader.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews