Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer [Kindle Edition]

N. Gemini Sasson (Author)

Book Description

The story of Queen Isabella, who sought revenge on her husband Edward II, and her lover Sir Roger Mortimer, who masterminded the invasion that accomplished it.

The marriage of Isabella of France and Edward II of England in 1308 is a union meant to secure lasting peace. For years, Isabella is a loyal wife, who repeatedly salvages her husband's kingship, even as she endures his neglect. When she finally speaks out against Edward's favorite, Lord Hugh Despenser, her income, lands and children are taken from her. In an age when women are not supposed to openly defy their husbands, Isabella vows to get her children back and have her revenge on Despenser -- no matter what the cost.

Imprisoned in the Tower of London for leading a rebellion against King Edward, Mortimer escapes with Isabella's help and finds refuge in the French court. But when Isabella arrives in Paris to negotiate a peace treaty, it is a temptation the ambitious Mortimer cannot resist.
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Other books by N. Gemini Sasson:
Uneasy Lies the Crown, A Novel of Owain Glyndwr
The King Must Die (the sequel to Isabeau)
The Crown in the Heather (The Bruce Trilogy: Book I)
Worth Dying For (The Bruce Trilogy: Book II)
The Honor Due a King (The Bruce Trilogy: Book III)

Editorial Reviews

Review

*Silver Medalist in Historical Fiction for the 2011 (IPPY) Independent Publisher Book Awards*

About the Author

N. Gemini Sasson is the author of six historical novels set in 14th and 15th century Scotland, England and Wales. Her latest release is Uneasy Lies the Crown, A Novel of Owain Glyndwr. Long after writing about Robert the Bruce and Queen Isabella, Sasson learned she is a descendant of both.

Product Details

• File Size: 612 KB
• Print Length: 422 pages
• Publisher: Cader Idris Press (August 17, 2010)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B003ZYFBMU
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,984 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
  • #33 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Biographical
  • #46 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Biographical

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

99 of 102 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A brilliant biographical novel October 15, 2010

By Great Historicals

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The fascinating life of Queen Isabella of France and her marriage to England's King Edward II is spectacularly portrayed in N. Gemini Sasson's newest novel, Isabeau. This riveting story sweeps the reader into the turbulence of 14th century England, Scotland, and France with passion and detailed historical fact.

From the earliest days of her marriage to Edward, Isabeau learns she must compete for her husband's attentions. Piers Gaveston is her husband's favourite, his lover; a peacock of a man whom Edward showers with gifts of vast wealth. Edward's incompetence on the throne of England is evident to everyone. His apparent attentions to Piers angers politicians and leaders. As the misguided Edwards errs in his political judgements, Isabeau attempts to guide her husband. Not only beautiful, but highly intelligent with sharp diplomatic skills, Isabeau attempts to influence Edward's decisions to keep tensions both within and outside of England to a minimum, but it proves to be a daunting task.

Edward, however, is not so easily influenced and as time passes, matters worsen for him. His unpopularity reaches new heights. The attentions he lavishes upon Piers Gaveston ires his countrymen and soon Piers is executed. Isabeau is hopeful that perhaps now, her husband will turn his attentions back to her. It was not to be. Before long, she learns her husband has taken a new lover - Hugh Despenser, a dangerous, ambitious man who will stop at nothing to wield his influence and destroy Isabeau whom he sees as his enemy.

Isabeau's plight increases as Hugh Despenser manipulates Edward's every action. Isabeau finds herself separated by her children and sent to France to negotiate on her husband's behalf. It is in France that she reunites with Sir Roger Mortimer, a man she saved from the Tower several years earlier. Unable to deny their love for each other, the two enter into a dangerous liaison that will take them back to the shores of England where Isabelle leads an army to recapture the country on behalf of her son, Edward III.

From start to finish, the novel, Isabeau, kept me turning its pages. Lulled by the beautiful prose and stunning descriptions, N. Gemini Sasson breathed life into the woman known as the She-Wolf and portrayed her with sensitivity and great humanity. As I made my way through the story, I was impressed by Sasson's descriptions of people and places. Every detail of every scene was written with clarity, activating all the reader's senses. The novel spans nearly twenty years of her life and includes numerous characters of the era. The fact that the author has spent years researching English and Scottish history during this time is evident. For anyone who loves European history or biographical novels about influential women of days of yore, you must read this novel. It will bring you hours of reading pleasure. I guarantee it.

42 of 45 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars An Engrossing Read December 6, 2010

By Margaret Lake

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

I'm very familiar with the story of Edward II, Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer. Because of that, it takes a lot to keep me interested, and this novel definitely kept me interested. Ms. Sasson did her research and it shows.

My only disappointment was that the story was not taken to it's tragic ending. I can understand why the author chose to end it where she did. It leaves the possibility open of a happy ending, even though I and most likely many others know what happened a few short years later.

If you're a fan of historical fiction like I am, this book is well worth reading.

28 of 32 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Author & Good Read March 17, 2011

By Charlotte Watkins

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Unfortunately, for me, it would have been good to read the Bruce Trilogy first. Isabeau is more of a follow-up to it... or possibly after reading the first two. (Just finished I & II of that & can't wait for III to be ready!)

I've been on a 10-12th century reading kick and this helped round out the characters I've been reading about. Nice to read this time period from different authors' perspective and from the different 'players in history's' perspective.

A very interesting book to read. Love scenes but not so detailed that it makes you blush!

I look forward to other books from this author and recommend reading it.

More About the Author

N. Gemini Sasson is the author of six historical novels set in 14th and 15th century Scotland, England and Wales, including The Bruce Trilogy and Isabeau, A Novel of Queen Isabella and Sir Roger Mortimer (2011 IPPY Silver Medalist in Historical Fiction). Her latest release is Uneasy Lies the Crown, A Novel of Owain Glyndwr. Long after writing about Robert the Bruce and Queen Isabella, Sasson learned she is a descendant of both.

If you'd like to learn more about N. Gemini Sasson's books or how to stalk her on Facebook, Twitter or via her blog, just go to www.ngeminisasson.com.

Amazon Author Rankbeta 

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#82 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Historical

#82 in Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Historical