Wars of the Roses
4 primary works
Book 1
The first book in #1 New York Times bestselling author Conn Iggulden’s brilliant new historical series about two families that plunged England into a devastating, decades-long civil war.
In 1437, the Lancaster king Henry VI ascends the throne of England after years of semi-peaceful regency. Named “The Lamb,” Henry is famed more for his gentle and pious nature than his father’s famous battlefield exploits; already, his dependence on his closest men has stirred whispers of weakness at court.
A secret truce negotiated with France to trade British territories for a royal bride—Margaret of Anjou—sparks revolts across English territory. The rival royal line, the House of York, sees the chaos brought on by Henry’s weakness and with it the opportunity to oust an ineffectual king.
As storm clouds gather over England, King Henry and his supporters find themselves besieged abroad and at home. Who or what can save the kingdom before it is too late?
“It’s been said that Game of Thrones is the Wars of the Roses written as fantasy: this is the real thing, more glorious [and] more passionate.”—M. C. Scott, author of Rome: The Emperor’s Spy
“Capturing the…violence and romance of medieval life, Iggulden makes real those grand characters who live in the collective memory.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Great pacing, fascinating people, and vibrant descriptions make this a must read!”—Historical Novel Review
Book 2
1454: King Henry VI has remained all but exiled in Windsor Castle, struck down by his illness for over a year, his eyes vacant, his mind a blank.
His fiercely loyal wife and Queen, Margaret of Anjou, safeguards her husband's interests, hoping that her son Edward will one day know the love of his father.
Richard Duke of York, Protector of the Realm, extends his influence throughout the kingdom with each month that Henry slumbers. The Earls of Salisbury and Warwick make up a formidable trinity with Richard, and together they seek to break the support of those who would raise their colours in the name of Henry and his Queen.
But when the King unexpectedly recovers his senses and returns to London to reclaim his throne, the balance of power is once again thrown into turmoil.
The clash of the Houses of Lancaster and York will surely mean a war to tear England apart . . .
Following on from Stormbird, Trinity is the second epic instalment in master storyteller Conn Iggulden's new Wars of the Roses series. Fans of Game of Thrones and The Tudors will be gripped from the word go.
Praise for Stormbird:
'Pacey and juicy, and packed with action' Sunday Times
'Energetic, competent stuff; Iggulden knows his material and his audience' Independent
'A novel that seamlessly combines narrative, historical credence and great knowledge of the period' Daily Express
'A page-turning thriller' Mail on Sunday
'Superbly plotted and paced' The Times
Conn Iggulden is one of the most successful authors of historical fiction writing today. Following on from Stormbird, the Sunday Times best-seller, Trinity is the second book in his superb new series set during the Wars of the Roses, a remarkable period of British history. His previous two series, on Julius Caesar and on the Mongol Khans of Central Asia, describe the founding of the greatest empires of their day and were number one bestsellers. Conn Iggulden lives in Hertfordshire with his wife and children.
Book 3
THE EPIC HISTORICAL NOVEL FROM BESTSELLING AUTHOR CONN IGGULDEN - FANS OF GAME OF THRONES AND WOLF HALL WILL BE HOOKED
'Superbly plotted and paced' THE TIMES
________
Winter 1461. Richard Duke of York is dead, his ambitions in ruins, his head spiked on the walls of the city.
King Henry VI is still held prisoner. His Lancastrian Queen rides south with an army of victorious northerners, accompanied by painted warriors from the Scottish Highlands.
With the death of York, Margaret and her army seem unstoppable.
Yet in killing the father, Margaret has unleashed the sons.
Edward of March, now Duke of York, proclaims himself England's rightful king.
Through blood and treason, through broken men and vengeful women, brother shall confront brother, king shall face king.
Two men can always claim a crown. But only one can keep it . . .
________
Praise for the Wars of the Roses series:
'Pacey and juicy, and packed with action' Sunday Times
'Energetic, competent stuff; Iggulden knows his material and his audience' Independent
'A novel that seamlessly combines narrative, historical credence and great knowledge of the period' Daily Express
'A page-turning thriller' Mail on Sunday
Book 4
A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.
The Yorkist king Edward IV is driven out of England, his wife and children forced to seek sanctuary from the House of Lancaster. Yet rage and humiliation prick Edward back to greatness. He lands at Ravenspur, with a half-drowned army and his brother Richard at his side. Though every hand is against them, though every city gate is shut, they have come home. The brothers York will not go quietly into banishment.
Instead, they choose to attack.
Yet neither Edward nor Richard realize that the true enemy of York has yet to reveal himself. Far away, Henry Tudor has become a man. He is the Red Dragon - 'the man of destiny' who seeks to end the Wars of the Roses. His claim will carry him to Bosworth Field.
There will be silence and the mourning of queens. There will be self-sacrifice and terrible betrayals. Two royal princes will be put to death. There will be an ending -- and a new royal house will stand over them all.
Praise for Conn Iggulden's Wars of the Roses series:
'A tough, pacy chronicle of bloody encounters, betrayals and cruelties. Superb' Daily Mail
'Iggulden is a master storyteller and makes our blood flow faster' Sunday Express
'Iggulden breathes new life into the darkest and most dramatic of times, with a flair for both the huge scale and human interest of it all' Star
'Pacey and juicy, and packed with action' Sunday Times
'Iggulden is in a class of his own when it comes to epic, historical fiction' Daily Mirror
'Absorbing and bloody' The Times
'One of our finest historical novelists' Daily Express