The Queen’s Rival Audiobook By Anne O'Brien cover art

The Queen’s Rival

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The Queen’s Rival

By: Anne O'Brien
Narrated by: Elaine Claxton
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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 family united by blood. Torn apart by war....

England, 1459: Cecily, 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 flees and abandons 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 of England.

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.

©2020 Anne O'Brien (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Historical Historical Fiction Medieval Royalty Thriller & Suspense Fiction Middle Ages England War Heartfelt

Critic reviews

"One of the best writers around." (Sun)

"A terrific storyteller." (Daily Telegraph)

"This thrilling historical novel has it all - high politics, drama, emotion, excellent writing.... It's a rollercoaster of a read." (Carol McGrath)
Historical Accuracy • Masterful Craft • Entertaining Narrative • Educational Content
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Very slow at beginning. I'm not too interested in specific battles. Was very interesting as the reign of Edward was more challenged.

How intriguing the war of roses was

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I really love the way it was written. The format in the letters I thought was brilliant. So many details were brought forward that I had never heard anyone who loves medieval history will really enjoy this book

Really Enjoyed the details

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If you know nothing about this time period, DONT BUY THIS BOOK!! TOO MUCH but not enough

You better know your history beforehand!

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I did like the narrator & the story but much of it is correspondence back & forth. I didn't appreciate the numerous letters but this book is good & the narrator is great!

Good

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After reading previous reviews, I was prepared for the format of telling some of the story through personal letters between the characters. I didn't know what to expect, but I loved it! The Queen's Rival spans the lives of Cecille Neville, Duchess of York, and her family during the turbulence of the Wars of The Roses; from the Yorkist disaster at Ludlow to the summer of 1483 before her youngest son, Richard of Gloucester, becomes king, you are there with this remarkable lady as if you're standing beside her.
I honestly got a great perspective on what the characters were not only thinking, but also what various persons were doing at significant moments in their lives.
There is more than letter reading so don't let that turn you aside from a very entertaining novel.

Well done!

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Cecille Neville the Queen that never was wow !
I enjoyed very much as ever there are liberties taking however the base is very plausible. Again a writer have taken time to write and bring to light a life of intelligent power of a true heroine.
The Plantagenet dinasty.

This is medieval istorie of a powerful woman

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I love how the author brings historical figures to life and gives us an understanding of their motivations. A really good listen.

Living history

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This story had the potential to be a good book. I did not enjoy the format. Most of the was letters and prayers, not an actual story

Not a fsvorite

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Loved it. It makes you look at the women of history as a mother, wife sister, grandmother...... very entertaining 👏

excellent job

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I never realized how much I overlooked in regards to what role the war of the roses truly played in Cecile's life. It's odd as I have read and seen so many different takes on that time in history but never fully appreciated the hardships and travesty's she had to bear. I found myself wishing the book hadn't yet ended. Fantastic writing and narration!

Fantastic book!

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