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The Rose of York: Crown of Destiny

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Sandra Worth's Crown of Destiny takes up the story of the future Richard III of England in the years just before his brother, Edward IV, dies. Though it is a sequel to Love and War, it can easily be read on its own.

Worth's Richard is an honest, moralistic man who wants what is best for his family and his realm. In following his elder brother's orders, he watches as Edward's wife's family drags him down to a shadow of the man he once was. Richard would gladly spend his life in the north, away from court intrigues and family arguments, but duty calls and he finds himself drawn into the fray when Edward dies suddenly, leaving Richard as Lord Protector of the Realm and his young son, Edward V.

Worth's storytelling is always well-done and she brings Richard to life by showing that although he was not infallible, he did strive to do justice for all concerned. We feel Richard's anguish upon learning of his betrayal by close friends, and we are led to understand why Richard felt his only choice was to set aside his young nephew and take over the throne himself. Far from Shakespeare's despicable turn, this Richard is human and compassionate, though still capable of angry tirades and subterfuge at times. My biggest complaint is the relative shortness of this novel; I'm left hanging, wanting to know how Worth will bring this sad tragedy to its ultimate end, knowing it won't be pretty but that Worth will do justice to the man. This one is highly recommended!

Sandra Worth's "Crown of Destiny", her second novel in a trilogy about Richard III, picks up shortly after the first book's conclusion, with Richard finally wed and attempting to safeguard his new family from the machinations of his brother Edward IV's court. This is a fast read, but one that never lags. Richard grows in this unusual portrayal of a humane man in an inhumane time, one who must confront challenging choices that threaten to rend his world apart, and contend with the own darkness in his own nature. It also paves the way for the third and final book in the trilogy. Once again, Ms Worth succeeds in bringing to life the tumultuous era of the last of the Plantagenets, as well as offering a different interpretation of a much-maligned historical figure, one that compliments the canon rather than detracts from it. In particular, Richard's love for Anne and his hopes for England are poignantly rendered, while the obvious meticulous research never intrudes on the narrative. A moving reading experience for all lovers of historical fiction, this book deserves its place on the shelf beside the other illustrious authors who have undertaken the difficult task of elevating Richard from the myths surrounding him.

The many mysteries of the reign of King Richard III of England have occupied both popular fiction and academic writing for many years. Worth's fluid style makes the Rose of York series a pleasure to read, and those with a special interest in the period will especially appreciate her deft handling of the historical sources, to which she is absolutely faithful. It is especially gratifying to find that for once Richard's wife, Anne Neville, is not portrayed as a weak and ineffectual semi-invalid, but is instead shown holding court and dispensing patronage in her husband's absence in the grand tradition of the medieval noblewoman.
Worth skillfully develops secondary characters like John Neville, George of Clarence, Anthony Woodville and Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. For example, Buckingham appears for the first time in Crown of Destiny at the wedding of the Edward IV's son Richard to Anne de Mowbray, one of the few times that the historical sources record that Richard and Buckingham met before Richard became Lord Protector upon his brother's death. Buckingham gained enormous influence with Richard in a very short time, a peculiar circumstance which Worth attributes to Richard's loneliness after the death of his beloved brother. One suspects that this influence will be a factor in the author's solution to the central mystery of Richard's reign, the question of whether he murdered his nephews in order to usurp the throne. But for that, readers will have to wait for the third book in the series, Fall From Grace. I, for one, am looking forward to it enormously!

In discussing Sir Thomas Malory's account of King Arthur's knights, Richard of Gloucester says to Anthony Woodville that his favorite part is when Arthur slays Mordred. While this initial comment might lead a reader to think that Richard is again displaying his brutal character, as he is depicted in history, it would be wise to hear his amplification of that comment, "Justice is done." Woodville responds, "But justice comes at high cost. To get at Mordred, the King must sacrifice himself." Richard replies, "You miss the point. The cost of treachery is what's high. Justice is all that's left."

This lengthy interchange is worthy of significant notice as it parallels the main characteristic of Richard III as portrayed by Sandra Worth in this second novel of The Rose of York series about the King so often maligned in the accepted historical record. Yes, Sandra Worth and other Ricardian scholars and writers have come to a different conclusion - King Richard III always acted from a just and thoughtful analysis of the political facts and opinions available at the time in question.

For it is the audacious and despicable behavior of the Woodvilles against King Edward IV, Richard of Gloucester's brother, and the rest of the Plantaganet clan that almost undoes England's respectable relationships with Europe and almost destroys England itself with civil and political war. Richard watches his brother evolve from an idealistic, strong ruler to a deluded, drunk, blind, and irresponsible weakling totally unaware that his few murderous acts were leading to a disastrous end. As could be expected under such conditions, former loyal advisors and servants become as decadent as their leader because of their own lust for ambition and power. What an education for a future king - and how brilliantly this author portrays the individual as well as the political climate under which this all occurs.

So it is no small wonder that Richard becomes a man totally focused on justice - after watching his brothers and so many more murdered for base and mistaken reasons. His faithful and perceptive wife, Anne, can only comfort him so much but does help him preserve his sanity in the midst of even more horrific events. Indeed, he eventually even learns that his own family harbors momentous secrets that will affect the future of England and which he will not learn about until a most critical moment after his brother, Edward's, death - one for which his brother George was condemned to death by Edward.

Sandra Worth knows how to write superb historical fiction! The reader comes to appreciate the depth of Richard's character in taut suspense through the spare yet plot-driven tale quickly emerging under Worth's deft, depictive skills. With meticulous research, this author proceeds to engage the reader in truly understanding where the term "blind justice" originated and what it truly means in the life of a respectable and memorable political leader of amazing stature!

Congratulations, Sandra Worth! You have done it again with realistic and creative skill - and so much more! I can't wait to read the final novel in this noteworthy series, The Rose of York:Fall From Grace.

Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on September 4, 2006

The second novel of Worth's Rose of York trilogy, Crown of Destiny covers a critical period of the life of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Brother of Edward IV, Richard has remained in the background by choice as his brother sinks into increasing dissolution, the king's wife, Elizabeth Woodville, tainting the court with the venality of her actions on behalf of the Woodville family interests. To avoid the entrenched hostilities of Edward's realm, Richard removes his family to their estate at Middleham. It is there that Richard begins experimenting with a judicial system that treats all parties as equal before the law, laying the groundwork for a reign that will be defined by its reform of the judiciary and establishment of trial by jury before one's peers. Removed from the contentiousness of the court, Richard throws himself into his work with great enthusiasm, enjoying a peace he will not know again.

Edward argues violently with his brother, George, Duke of Clarence, thanks to the constant machinations of the queen, who never ceases to plot the downfall of her enemies. Although not of royal lineage, Bess harbors grand ambitions, not the least of which is to see her son succeed his father on the throne of England, the Dower Queen at his side. But first, George must be removed, both of Edward's brothers a threat. Richard stands by, helpless, the king deaf to his pleading, as George is accused of treason. Soon after George's death, the king falls ill and succumbs as well, even though he is in the prime of life. Even though Edward appointed Richard Lord Protector of the prince from his deathbed, the court teems with the schemes of those who would wrest the power from Richard. Assuming Edward's dying wishes will be honored, Richard accepts his task, but once more his naiveté blinds Richard to the intentions of those around him. Viewing the world in black and white, Richard is oblivious to the subtle nuances of human behavior, often escaping catastrophic results through the intervention of those around him who dare to speak the truth.

Nearly outwitted by the crafty Bess, Richard takes charge of Edward's young son, planning the boy's coronation. Then another shock: a document exists that may thrust Richard on the throne, saving England from more years of civil war. Caught in a moral conundrum not of his own making, Richard makes the most difficult decision of his life, showing a marked maturity and sense of history when dealing with the treasonous offenses plotted against him. He acts decisively, but once more Richard's natural inclination for fairness interferes with his judgment in dealing with traitors. Believing kindness will be repaid by loyalty, Richard pardons all but one of the offenders, assuming the best from those who are his sworn enemies. The die is cast and the reluctant king assumes the mantle, his brothers silent in their graves, as well as many of the loyal Neville's. Much maligned by the Tudor version of history, Worth's Richard III has not the coldhearted duplicity required to perform the heinous acts of which he has been accused over the years, an uncommonly just man who only wants peace and prosperity for his country. Richard will be tested during his reign, betrayed by the ambitions of those who call themselves friends. Luan Gaines/2007.

King Edward IV secretly marries Bess making her his queen. When he dies in 1483, Bess makes a bid to stay in power willing to kill Edward's siblings to do so. One such brother Richard was loyal to his liege and weary of the civil war that engulfed England. He just wants to stay home with his beloved wife Anne and their son Ned.

However, the machinations of Bess allied with another royal brother, avaricious George, leads to the murder of Anne's father, the "Kingmaker" Warwick. Richard concludes he must protect his spouse and their offspring while also keeping the heir to the throne his nephew safe. Fate takes a new spin when Richard learns he is next in line to the throne. If he accepts his destiny, he might prevent civil war, but at the cost of his happiness; if he declines as he so much prefers to do, a new war will ravage the country as two adversaries lay claim to the crown. History will prove whether he chose correctly rather than quickly.

CROWN OF DESTINY, the sequel to Love and War, paints a radically different picture of Richard III from that of a despicable villain to a reluctant ruler trying to be the heroic savior and who is a firm believer in blind justice. This historical biographical fiction is well written as readers see a caring person struggling with responsibility and revolts. Most interesting is to the victors goes the history books. Since the Tudors won the battle (Shakespeare wrote under the rule of Queen Elizabeth, a Tudor), they become heroic and the last Plantagenet king becomes a vile villain; yet Richard's blind justice becomes a key ingredient in modern day democracy.

Harriet Klausner

With "The Rose Of York: Crown Of Destiny", Canadian author Sandra Worth has penned the sequel to her outstanding historical novel "The Rose Of York: Love & War". The second title in a planned trilogy, "Crown Of Destiny" is a dramatic retelling of Richard II and the murder of his royal nephews in the Tower of London. Court intrigue abounds as the late Edward IV's detested queen plots to usurp power, compelling Richard of Gloucester into decisions that alter British history and would give rise to rumor, slander, betrayal, revenge, and a fight against injustice. Like "Love & War", this second novel in "The Rose Of York" trilogy showcases author Sandra Worth's painstaking historical research, dedication to authenticity, and superbly crafted characters and plotting that are the hallmark of her work. Very highly recommended and entertaining reading, "Crown Of Destiny" will leave its reader looking eagerly toward the third and final volume of "The Rose Of York" series.

CROWN OF DESTINY is book two in THE ROSE OF YORK trilogy and deals with the downward spiral of Edward IV's reign. Richard, a strong advocate of justice and loyalty, is sucked into the turbulent and dangerous vortex of life in Edward's court where, at a single word from the detested queen, a man's land, family, and life can be erased. Readers learn of Richard's agony as he tries to reason with Edward, and how he miserably fails. Glowing throughout the book is Richard's obvious love for his wife and concern for his frail son.

Ms. Worth's in-depth research is apparent from the first page with her details of everyday life and the intimate facts of Richard's life that have been well documented. No where is there a hint of Shakespeare's politically motivated description of an evil, misshapen prince. In fact, historical information on this interesting man usually refutes what the Tudors wanted people to believe about him. CROWN OF DESTINY depicts a man torn by family loyalty and, what today would be considered patriotism and justice for all. There are no fictional characters, and while a little poetic license must be taken due to the distance in time since his life, Ms. Worth makes every effort to stick to what is, in fact, known about this incredibly forward-thinking man.

I most highly recommend this wonderful depiction of Richard III and look forward, albeit with a mixture of sadness and enthusiasm, to book three, FALL FROM GRACE.

Jani Brooks
Romance Reviews Today

Pardon the pun, author's last name and well, you get it. This is the second in a trilogy by Sandra Worth detailing the life of Richard III. I found it to be much better reading than the first! The pace was much faster and I found myself with a REAL page turner in my hands!

In this novel Richard III is a conscientious, principled man and the author's story really brings this across. How difficult it must have been to become something you never wanted, King of England. Anne Neville, wife to Richard is also a courageous, strong willed person whose health was anything but. She also never desired to be a monarch, Queen, no less of England. Hers and Richard's lives were destined to be anything but what they truly desired. Their cherished but short lived privacy was shattered, especially when Richard accepted the crown. Their son's health was also a source of great joy but greater sorrow.

I vastly enjoyed this second novel in the trilogy and am very much looking forward to the third!

The Rose of York: Crown of Destiny

I have read the entire series and if you are interested in this period of English history, this author is definitely here for you. Richard III is never credited with the value he added to his country, the justice system, and the good he did for the people of York, where he is still revered. He was done in, for certain. Who knows what he may have accomplished if his nephews had not disappeared. Even Henry VII, his successor feared them showing up to claim rights to throne he nabbed from Richard III.