I am moderately obsessed with English history, it being one of the main things I read, so seeing a book dedicated to one of my favorite kings was a treat. I really liked the information presented (he is a controversial figure with a lot of myths surrounding him, seeing them explored and analysed was enjoyable) however the writing style of the book was painful. It read like one giant run-on sentence. I remarked to my husband who wanted to know if he should read the book (being newly interested in this particular period of English history thanks to my rants on it) and I had to say no, I know who the players are and even I had a hard time telling what was going on with the way the book was written. I really wanted to love this book, but all I could do at the end was be glad it was over.

I enjoyed this book it was well written and a joy to read. The authors gives insight to the subject matter that I felt was compelling and would recommend this book to a friend.

Long Live the King, The Mysterious Fate of Edward II by Kathryn Warner was received direct from the publisher.  Why a book about English monarchy?  Personally the reason is my bloodline runs back to the Plantagenets, of which Edward  II, the only failure of Edward I, was part of.  The book details how Edward II, who is believed to have died in 1327, may actually have lived another 50 years.  The book, of course, details the kings life history up to the possible last fifty years of his life.  If you, like me, are interested in the Plantagenets for any reason or the controversy surrounding this king, grab this book up and read it or gift it.   I need a hard copy so I can update my family tree as this mentions members I do not have listed.

4 Stars

Book: Long Live the King: The Mysterious Fate of Edward II
Author: Kathryn Warner
Rating: 3 Out of 5 Stars

I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher, The History Press for providing me with this free ARC.

As many of you know or may not know, I am writing a high fantasy book series set in the Middle Ages. I am trying to make my series as political and real as possible, so I am reading everything Middle Ages that I can get my hands on. The story of Edward II’s death has become something of an interest to me. The story has been in the back of my mind and I knew I was going to have to read it and see if it could add anything to my world building.

Kathryn has provided us with a very detailed and very well formulated argument about Edward II’s possible survival. Though I’m not convinced that he did survive, I must say that there is plenty of evidence here and it could sway some people who are on the fence about Edward II. I love how she used material from the time period to write her book and I think it only strengthens her argument. I loved how everything flowed so wonderfully and just seemed to fit.

I loved the first half of the book, but the second half just seemed to be based so much on theory and not fact. I don’t know what it was about the second half, but it seemed kind of on the boring side to me. There was a lot of references to letters, which are included in the appendices, but I think should have been included in where they were being referred to. I think it would have added so much more to the book and would have filled in any holes that readers may have had. I’m thinking of those who may not be familiar with the letters or Edward II.

While I did love Kathryn’s writing, the long paragraphs at times were hard to take. There were paragraphs that went on for what seemed like pages. I really do think they should have been broken up a little better or edited. The long paragraphs just didn’t feel right. It was almost like there was too much going on in a paragraph. I guess what I’m trying to get at was it made the book seem a lot bulkier than it was-the book is actually an easy read.

I just have a love-hate relationship with this book. I do think that anyone interested in Edward II should pick this book up. However, I would recommend getting from the library instead of buying it.
This book will be released on November 1, 2017.