The Royal Game: A gripping Medieval historical romance from the Sunday Times bestselling author, perfect for autumn 2023 reading!: A gripping new historical … from the Sunday…

8 Reviews For This Product

1. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   08

   by Jo September 6, 2023

   Unless it’s a trilogy or a series I like a book to have a beginning a middle and an end. This has a beginning and a middle but no end. Characters and storyline are well written as usual, but I felt conned by its ending.

2. 

   Rated 2 out of 5

   08

   by Donna Duck September 11, 2023

   I usually read an Anne O’Brien book in little more than a week but this tedious novel has already taken a month & I haven’t finished it yet – I’m beginning to doubt that I ever will!. The main fault is the utterly unbelievable behaviour of the characters & recurring events but the style with chapters being written from the point of view of different characters doesn’t help. I shall not be buying the sequel.

3. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   08

   by girl September 12, 2023

   I was enjoying the story when it suddenly stopped. A serial posing as a complete novel. Authors who do this should warn readers on the cover so that they know what they are getting and how many volumes they will need to get a satisfactory ending. I hate books that do this.

4. 

   Rated 4 out of 5

   08

   by Anne Mammy October 2, 2023

   One can always rely on Anne O’Brien to write sound, well researched, interesting historical novels. her latest work is no exception. She chose to write it with different characters speaking in the first person as the chapters change. On the whole it works well and is not confusing, except perhaps for the early introduction of Anne Haute as a 14 year old. At first and for many subsequent pages, she appears to have no connection with the rest of the story. The pace is a bit relentless without perhaps enough development of the main characters, particularly Margaret and her husband John. I would have liked to read more about their relationship, which is only alluded to. The constant need to defend this or that manor becomes a bit repetitive even if historically accurate.
   In the end, there are many lose ends which it seems will be dealt with in another volume. Slightly unsatisfactory.
   Still, it is a very interesting account of everyday life at the period of the war of the roses and I think I shall read the follow up when it is published.

5. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   08

   by BenmaricKindle Customer October 2, 2023

   I knew nothing about the Paston family before reading Miss. O’Brien’s book. Now, thankfully, I know an awful lot more – thankfully.
   John Paston, after his father’s death became obsessed with making the Paston name a name to be reckoned with as legal experts and land owners. He worked so hard, even spending time in the notorious Fleet Prison, that he literally worked himself to death. His whole world revolved around the Paston holdings. His marriage to Margaret Mautby, although not a love match, was incredibly strong. She turned out to be a true matriarch and even after his death was incredibly dedicated to him and fought like a lioness protecting her Cubs. There was so much tragedy and sadness attached to this family. Elizabeth, John’s sister after escaping terrible brutality from her own mother, found some happiness in her marriage,only for it to be snatched away by war. All she ever seemed to do was struggle to, firstly to find happiness and then, after Robert’s death, maintain her son’s inheritance. I hope she finds some joy in her life. All the Paston women fight for their family and for keeping their land. The joy they find in their lives always seems to be short lived.
   This book was a total joy to read. Another fantastic book from Anne O’Brien’s pen. Thank you Anne. Roll on next September for the next eagerly awaited Book two!!!

6. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   08

   by L. Harris October 17, 2023

   This is the first book of Anne O’Brien’s I have read. How have I not discovered her before? I enjoy different genres but always go back to historical fiction, with Plantagenet and Tudor being my favourites. I’ve read everything Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory have written.

   I am so glad I read this marvellous book and discovered Anne. Brilliant story about a family I had not heard of. We have family in Norwich and it’s lovely to read about the history of the area (can’t wait to visit ruins of Caister Castle).

   Story is riveting and I look forward to reading sequel in January. I’ve now bought several more of Anne’s books to get engrossed in.

7. 

   Rated 3 out of 5

   08

   by DH October 24, 2023

   There is no doubt that Anne O’Brien knows her stuff. This novel was rich with historical detail, but unfortunately the characters were bland and I felt no emotional connection.

   The history was fascinating, but a good history book would cover the same educational ground. In this book, I had hoped for a story with characters tugging at my heartstrings. I wanted them compelling me to turn the pages, following their ups and downs as they attempted to defend their land and climb the social ladder, with the Wars of the Roses raging in the background. Instead, the tale felt rather wooden, and at times a bit of a slog.

   I finished the book, but not by devouring it as eagerly as I had hoped. My biggest disappointment came after the last page when I discovered I had read only half a tale – the remainder would follow in a second Paston novel. On this occasion, I’ll pass.

   Worth reading if you are interested in the history of the Pastons, but do remember the story continues in a second book.

8. 

   Rated 5 out of 5

   08

   by Jean Snell October 27, 2023

   Anne obrien has a way of drawing in the reader. I felt part of the story . Moved along at a great pace & held my interest until the end