by Elizabeth Chadwick
(London): Sphere, (2006).
First edition.
Fine in a fine wraparound illustrated dust jacket.
Cover art by Larry Rostant.
The third book in the William Marshal series.
"Following early beginnings as a knight in the English royal household
and a champion of the tourneys, William Marshal's prowess and loyalty
have been rewarded by the hand in marriage of Isabelle de Clare, heiress
to great estates in England, Normandy and Ireland. Now a powerful
magnate, William has weathered the difficult years of King Richard's
absence on crusade and is currently serving him on campaign in Normandy
while Isabelle governs their estates. All the stability William and
Isabelle have enjoyed with their young and growing family comes crashing
down as Richard dies and his brother John becomes King. Rebellion is
stirring throughout the Angevin domains and although John has created
William Earl of Pembroke, the friction between the two men leads William
and Isabelle to distance themselves in Ireland. The situation
escalates, with John holding their sons as hostages and seizing their
English lands. The conflict between remaining loyal and rebelling over
injustices committed, threatens to tear apart William and Isabelle's
marriage and their family..."--Fantastic Fiction.