Move over, Philippa Gregory- you have competition from Tony Riches! I love to read books about the Tudors, so when Rosie Amber offered a historical novel about the founding of the Tudor dynasty, about which I knew nothing, I couldn’t resist.
The story begins in England in 1422. Owen Tudor, who comes from a line of Welsh nobleman but of humble beginnings, has risen by virtue of hard work and not a little luck, from being a soldier in the King’s army to keeper of the Queen’s household. His mistress, Catherine of Valois, is both beautiful and lonely – her husband Henry V, is a warrior and often away, leaving her with their infant son. Hers is a dangerous life, with civil war simmering at home as various noble families jockey to influence and rule Prince Henry, crowned King of England and France when his father dies. Owen begins an affair with Juliette, one of Catherine’s Ladies-in-Waiting, but it becomes clear that his real love is for the Queen. He becomes her protector, and against all odds, she falls in love with him. Eventually they risk all to marry and then have a large family together, in the process founding the dynasty that becomes an epicenter of British history.
The book is impeccably researched and written, quite an accomplishment given that there is not a lot of extant information on Owen Tudor’s life. I sensed a difference between the story up to the time of Catherine and Owen’s marriage and what happened afterward – a little stiff, as Owen’s relationships in the household were until his marriage, then more flowing and easy, as if marriage empowered and relaxed Owen. One thing that left me still wondering to the end is the unlikelihood of Owen and Catherine’s love and marriage, but history can’t be wrong! His other long term love interest, Juliette, also seems improbable, but there is a historical indication that such a woman existed. The author’s notes on the historical aspects and what he had to create were helpful and underscored his talent at putting together a great story based on limited facts.
The characters that populate Owen are distinct and colorful and the history is detailed and richly described. I know a little of the various noble families of the time, but to the initiate the names and warring factions might be a little confusing. Nevertheless, this does not distract from a grand pageant of a story.
Owen is written in the present tense, which I find tiresome in all but short stories, but Riches does such a good job that I actually didn’t even think about it until I was already hooked by the story. He managed to give the story an immediacy that maintained the tension but did not become wearing on the reader.
All in all, this is a great read. I recommend it and look forward to the next book in this series.
About the author:
Tony Riches was born in Pembrokeshire, West Wales, and spent part of his childhood in Kenya. He gained a BA degree in Psychology and an MBA from Cardiff University and worked as a Management Consultant, followed by senior roles in the Welsh NHS and Local Government.
After writing several successful non-fiction books, Tony decided to turn to novel writing. His real interest is in the history of the fifteenth century, and now his focus is on writing historical fiction about the lives of key figures of the period. His novels Warwick, The Man Behind the Wars of the Roses and The Secret Diary of Eleanor Cobham have both become Amazon best sellers.
Today Tony has returned to Pembrokeshire, an area full of inspiration for his writing, where he lives with his wife. In his spare time he enjoys sailing and sea kayaking.
Visit Tony online at www.tonyriches.co.uk, Tony Riches Author on Facebook and follow him on Twitter @tonyriches.
Based on your review, I have just ordered this book. Sounds like something I will enjoy – I know quite a bit about the Tudors. I am currently reading LONDON by Edward Ruthrtford – I enjoy historical fiction.
I love Rutherford’s books – like Michener on steroids. Read London a while back but sometimes I read his books more than once!
I am quickly plowing through LONDON. I may have to move NEW YORK up in my queue to read. I have been describing Rutherford as like Michener… but I love your ‘steroids’ descriptor! 😀
New York is great, too. I always nab his book (real books!) when they come out. They are not for a Kindle! Do you have special authors where you buy their books rather than e-read?
I am reading LONDON on the Kindle. I am devouring it – 80% through it. I love being able to delve into Wikipedia and the dictionary quickly when a term or name strikes my fancy – I love rabbit trails! 😄
I am definitely reading NEW YORK next.
I read exclusively on the Kindle – have done so since the first Kindle came out. Never looked back to paper – I don’t care as much about ‘the medium’ as I do ‘the message.’ The only exceptions for me are books about art – for obvious reasons, books are better visually . 🙂
This is the next book on my TBR list – am a bit wary about the present tense thing but really looking forward to it. Great review 🙂
Thanks, Alison. I think he does a great job with the present tense – unlike most books which use it, where I tire of it quickly, I didn’t mind it here.
This is a book I’d love to read! I’m always interested, too in the process of historical writers when facts are limited. I find that comparing timelines often sparks my imagination when I see connections or gaps. Interesting comment, too about tense. I think if a writer “owns” the tense he or she commits to it will flow. Great review!
Thanks, Charli!
Looks really interesting, Noelle! Thanks for introducing me to this author 🙂
I thought you might like this. If I were British, I’d be really interested, but then I’m not and I still love this history!
Hi Noelle. Thanks for this mindful review. You told me what I needed to know. Wishing you a wonderful week. Hugs!
Thanks, Teagan. You, too!
I have this book in my Kindle, Noelle. After reading your review I must definitely push it up the list!
Let me know if you enjoy it, Olga!