Pages

Thursday, March 31, 2011

'To Defy a King' By Elizabeth Chadwick

 From Goodreads: A story of huge emotional power set against the road to Magna Carta and the fight to bring a tyrant king to heel. The privileged daughter of one of the most powerful men in England, Mahelt Marshal's life changes dramatically when her father is suspected by King John. Her brothers become hostages and Mahelt is married to Hugh Bigod, heir to the earldom of Norfolk. Adapting to her new life is hard, but Mahelt comes to love Hugh deeply; however, defying her father-in-law brings disgrace and heartbreak. When King John sets out to subdue the Bigods, Mahelt faces a heartbreaking battle, fearing neither she, nor her marriage, is likely to survive the outcome


My Thoughts:

This is why I read historical fiction! When it's done right it can be some of the best reading I experience. Chadwick took me inside this time period and I connected with Mahelt and Hugh. Even though this is a chunkster I blew through the pages in no time. I walked away wishing King John a much harsher death than what he faced, what a truly evil and twisted man. Mahelt was such a strong female character and I absolutely enjoyed how Chadwich portrayed her marriage to Hugo. I loved these characters and would eagerly read another book with these two again!!


Recommend? Without hesitation!! This is truly historical fiction at its finest. Chadwick is a master in this genre. She's taken what could possibly be dry and boring material and made it come alive within the reader's mind. Treat yourself to Chadwick!!!


Rating: 10/10 (I've decided to go to the 10 point scale as it gives me more room to judge a book rather than 1-5)




Disclaimer:Thank you to Danielle @ Sourcebooks for sending me a review copy. I was not compensated for my review. My thoughts on this book were in no way influenced by the author or publicist.They are my personal reflections based solely on MY experience while reading this novel

Published: March, 2011
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Pages: 520
Genre: Historical Fiction
ISBN: 9781847442369
*Uncorrected Advance Copy
 
© 2011, Staci of Life in the Thumb. All Rights Reserved. If you reading this on a site other than, Life in the Thumb or Staci's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

21 comments:

  1. It sounds like I need to try Chadwick's work!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, 10/10! And I admire your switch to 10. I couldn't do it however because I would be freaked out by too many choices. Like going to The Cheesecake Factory.....

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh, wow! Fantastic review, Staci. It's on my TBR list :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. I was looking at this book today at the library, but because I am leaving soon for vacation I put it back down. Glad to hear it is a great read.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hi Staci, Haven't been online much these past weeks, but it was a treat to come by and visit. Love your newest look.

    The book sounds good!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Every review of yours I read, I totally feel the passion from them....and that is one of the many things I loveeeeee about you!! AWESOME review again! :):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):):)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Everyone raves about Chadwick, but I haven't tried one of her historicals yet. This looks like a great place to start.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I've been hit or miss with historical fiction but this one sounds like one that may not be too bad. Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete
  9. While I only know a little about the history of this time, I know enough to be thankful that King John was such a bastard because the Magna Carte was one of the inspirations of our forefathers when they began looking at over throwing King George and starting a democracy. This sounds like a wonderful novel about a time I think I would love to know more about. Your 10/10 says a lot too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. It was so good! This book is why I love historical fiction

    ReplyDelete
  11. I'll finish Wolf Hall today and was thinking I need a break from historical fiction. Then along comes this great review...

    ReplyDelete
  12. There is no doubt you loved this one. I am so ignorant of English history but this would be a fun way to learn some of it.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've been thinking I need some good historical fiction lately. Sounds like To Defy A King should be at the top of my list. Great review, Staci!

    ReplyDelete
  14. loved your revew--I've got this one on my kindle.

    ReplyDelete
  15. This isn't my cup of tea, but I have a dear friend that loves this genre. I will pass this highly recommended book on to her. :)

    ReplyDelete
  16. I still haven't read Elizabeth Chadwick, Despite many recommendations. This period is one of my favourites, so I really must look out for this one.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I've heard really good things about this author. I love a good historical fiction read now and then and she is an author that I've been meaning to check out. Great review!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Chadwick is one HF author whose work I've been able to get into. I think it's mainly due to the time period she writes about.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Love, love, love Elizabeth Chadwick's writing and this one is high on my list of priorities. Such high praise from you is a timely reminder to get moving on more Chadwick!

    ReplyDelete
  20. You know historical fiction isn't really my thing, but this book does sound interesting. Someday maybe I will read it!

    ReplyDelete
  21. I don't read too much historical fiction, but it is a genre I enjoy. I'll have to keep this one in mind. I also really like the reverse image on the cover. Very intriguing.

    ReplyDelete

Hello Friends!! I want to take this moment to say thank you. Thank you for taking the time to visit my blog and thank you for leaving me a comment.

* Because of the excessive spam I have decided not to allow anonymous users to comment.

Happy Reading!