4.25 Stars
A brilliantly researched historical fiction that depicts King Richard III in a more balanced and believable light, this novel is a quick read considering its length. There were some scenes or subplots I would've liked to see developed a little more, but overall the work is a great choice for historical fiction fans. The author incorporates some original ideas here and, for the most part, if it's not convincing, it's plausible. The plot and characters would make a great tv miniseries. I look forward to reading her earlier novels now.

GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway ( )

Tells the story of Richard III and humanizes him during the telling. Written sympathetically this tells of his childhood, teen years, as well as his adult years. He is no saint but he comes across as a good man. He is hardened by what happens to him and what he must do to remain loyal to God, King, and Country as taught to him by his father. His brothers are no role models but he finds good men in his life to teach him and train him.

I liked that we got a glimpse into his childhood. His brother George was a jerk. Edward should not have been in charge of young boys. Fortunately Richard is religious and moral and does not live as so many nobles during that time did. He tried to do right by those under his care whether in his house or kingdom. He tried to bring justice to the commoners. He was a faithful husband. History portrays him as cruel but he is only trying to follow what his father taught him. England first. I liked his friends from his teen years who become his advisors. He should have listened to them instead of some that he did. There was a lot of betrayal in his life from childhood on. The women in his life were more steadfast than most of the men.

He is also a thinker. He questions and ponders and comes to a conclusion, most of which are right. Now I'm interested in reading more books about this family. ( )

Most people know Richard III from Shakespeare’s depiction – a misshapen, power grabbing, power grabbing man who sought the crown. This story was written after Richard’s defeat by Henry Tudor and as we all know history is written by the victors. Henry never felt fully secure on his throne so he did all that he could to destroy the reputation of any and all Plantagenets, living or dead.

This Son of York tells an alternate tale of Richard starting with his early years as his witnesses the the horror of war when the forces of Henry VI overrun Ludlow and force his father and older brothers to flee. He and his brother George along with his mother are then “guests” of the Crown until his father and older brothers returned many years later. He grew up hearing tales of his family’s right to the throne. How their line was stronger than that of Henry VI’s. Henry was also not the best king with his bouts of madness.

Soon, as history tells us his father and brothers come back and his father provactively forces Henry to accept the York line as his heir, disinheriting his own son. This does not prove the perfect solution and it leads to more war with York dead on the battlefied and his son claiming the throne as Edward IV.

But this is Richard III’s story and Ms. Easter Smith uses the big historical moments to show how they molded this 4th son of York to become the last Plantagenet king. At the start of each section she shares a paragraph or two from the modern day discovery of Richard’s bones. It was interesting and discordant – I had read many articles when the discovery was made as these types of archeological stories are very compelling.

I fell quickly into the world of the Nevilles, Yorks, Warwicks, et al and found myself lost in time and place. The War of the Roses was a violent time in England’s history as cousins fought each other over who should rule. It all ended when Henry Tudor killed Richard III. I’m not giving anything away as history is history. Ms. Easter Smith brings Richard to life in all ways; not perfect but not a monster either. I can’t say that I read this straight through or in one sitting – it’s so intense a story, but it’s a very compelling book and one that helps to reset the record on this king. ( )