Customer Reviews

The Rose of York: Love & War

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

THE ROSE OF YORK: `Love and War' is the debut novel of Sandra Worth that reads a lot like a historical text or master's thesis on the life and times of the very much-maligned King Richard III (1452-1485). Richard III was King for only two years, and in this first novel of a planned trilogy, Ms. Worth chronicles brilliantly his all too brief childhood and the events and the people that molded him into the thoughtful and insightful young man he became. It is powerful; it is heartbreaking; and it is a beautifully told love story that depicts an often frightened man constantly torn by love and honor for family, friends and especially the one woman who was his hearts desire. The historical aspects will give you insights that the casual historical fiction reader has probably never thought of, as I can surely attest to. Whereas I can normally devour a book in a day, this one took me a longer as I had to keep referencing other sources on the lineage of royals. But, oh for the lovers of history, and for those looking forward to a most passionate story of love, this for you is a marvelous treat!

The author shows us Richard as a lonely young fellow who idolized his cousin John of Montagu, who looked to the Earl of Warwick as a surrogate father and fell in love with the Earl's daughter, Anne Neville. It was a horrible age where brother went against brother as politics, greed, and marriages entered into the mix. Richard would have to make the heart wrenching decision to choose sides and it appeared that his love for Anne would fall victim to politics, and family loyalty.

Richard is painted as a truly good, honorable and kind youth who became a pawn, used and abused by his brother, the King, Edward IV. The choices he made for honor and love of kin, at a cost to his own heartache will leave you shaking your head and wiping tears of sympathy for the injustices of that period - not only for him but also for Anne.

Whether intentional or not, I found that the secondary romance between John Neville, Lord Montagu and his wife Isobel to be pure poetry. The love depicted between John and his wife, who was also such a special friend to Richard, was depicted so beautifully that it simply took my breath away.

I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this planned trilogy and if the tone and finesse imbued in this, her debut novel is any indication of what to expect we are all in for a marvelous treat. ---- Submitted by Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com

I have had the chance to live in England and for me it was a wonderful experience being around so much living history. As a history major in college I threw myself into my studies enjoying British history the most. A good friend recommend that I pick up this read saying I would never look at Richard the same again. With a great deal of misgivings I purchased this book. After all you really can't rewrite history. This is without a doubt one of the most moving historical fiction reads I've picked up in a very long while.

Richard has been maligned over the centuries. Never would you think that a man capable of such horror's could find such a strong and long lasting love. I knew that he had married his Anne but I was not privy to what their romance could have been like. This was a small window into a very murky past that sheds just a little light on "what could have been." Without a doubt the times were turbulent and war was constantly being waged. This was a fine read that will take the reader back to England during the reign of Edward IV.

This is an incredibly rich read with descriptions that were amazing. You can truly tell that Ms. Worth did her research. I truly look forward to continuing on with this series. This was an all encompassing read so be ready to be transported back to a time that no longer exists to see the childhood of a King that has perhaps been a bit misunderstood.

Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

Sandra Worth has written a truly sparkling novel of Richard III a man so misunderstood and misued by history; how wonderful to read such devotion, to see so many wrongs, righted and all with the stroke and ebb of pen that tells the tale with out-right beauty, poetry, tears and laughter.

The first book in a planned trilogy (O, how hurtful to have to wait!) - Ms. Worth's has discovered a Richard, full of pride of family, devotion to his wife, a heart-felt hero-worship for his unlce John Neville - his life so short, yet so full of difficult choices. All during a time when it was brother against brother, bloody fields and glorious triumphs and the love of his fair, Anne Neville - one time wife to the greatest enemy of the House of York, daughter of his mentor, Warwick. My emotions were as tangled as the real players in this drama as conflict begets conflict.
Richard, in perphaps one of the most moving parts of this lovely book, shares a special devotion to and with John Neville. I found this 'Neville's' story (within Richard and Anne's story) to be gently ebbing and comforting....and soulfully heartbreaking.

Love & War is passion and drama and bittersweet and amazingly beautiful to read.

I hadn't known what to expect when I picked up Sandra Worth's The Rose of York: Love and War. All I knew is that it was a historical novel, namely a Medieval one, which I am loving all the more at the moment. This novel blew me away! I couldn't put it down. Every time I tried putting this book down, I longed to grab the book and devour it till it finished. And devour it I did! The Rose of York is the first part of a trilogy centered on King Richard III. King Richard was maligned and that has been carried out through centuries. However, this novel shows a more sympathetic view into the life of this historical figure. You get a historical textbook disguised as a novel that also happens to have a compelling story that starts with Richard's childhood and then centers on his family, his rise to the throne and other intimacies such as his romance with Anne, making the aforementioned storyline surprisingly romantic and poignant. All of this is told in the richest, most compelling manner in which the author humanizes this notorious of figures.

I do not want to rob the reader from the enjoyment of discovering this gem by giving details about the plot, characters and storyline. The Rose of York: Love and War is as much biographical as it is historical. The fact that this is a somewhat fictional account of King Richard III shouldn't matter much, for the author succeeds in showing a different side to the aforementioned character. The language is beautiful, the historical references are quite precise, and the characters are so vivid you feel as though you are a lurking figure in the shadows, watching the scenes unfold as you read them. This novel is perfect. This was a great companion to a Medieval romance I read at the same time as this one. I should point out, however, that Ms. Worth misspells Leicester throughout the novel. That bit of inaccuracy bothered me. Other than that, I cannot recommend this gem enough. I cannot wait to read the other parts of this very promising trilogy. I shall devour everything written by Sandra Worth from now on.

This brilliant book is simply outstanding. It is far and away the best book on the enigma of Richard III. I read Penman's "Sunne in Splendour" years ago (too wordy, disorganized and boring for my taste). I definitely prefer Worth's "Rose of York". Worth's writing is tighter and readily comprehensible. I felt that Penman's artificial use of verbs, as in "Where be you?" etc., trite and unnecessary. Worth is a great writer and her book is a pleasure to read and totally mesmerizing. Her characters just spring to life. I definitely give this book the highest possible marks, and I can't wait for the next one in the trilogy!    

I loved this book! Sandra Worth has written a most beautiful love story. Her style is vibrant and she does a fabulous job of setting the reader right in the midst of the fifteenth century. It's like taking a a time machine back into the medieval world and you have the feeling that you're right there, and that everything that's happening is happening around you. All the people in the book are real, and you understand them and can't help but feel for them, as they are faced with terrible choices. I didn't know much about the Wars of the Roses, Richard III, Warwick the Kingmaker, and Anne Neville, but I understand it all now. This book is leagues above the usual stuff being written today and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys historicals, or a wonderful romance, or just a darn good read. I can't wait for the sequels!

Richard III - for years, historical fiction writers have been drawn to his story like moths to a flame. And is this surprising? His story is such a powerful one, mythical almost, encompassing the whole spectrum of human existence.

The Rose of York: Love and War is the debut novel of Sandra Worth. And what an outstanding debut! Sandra Worth's novel opens the door to Richard and his world, powerfully and unforgettably. It is not surprising her work gained awards even before publication.

Through the prose of this gifted author, we watch Richard grow from boyhood, ripped from what remains of his shreds of security, to manhood in a time of great unrest and bloodshed.

Worth's Richard is a good man, living in bad times. Indeed, Richard's lodestar is honour during a time when dishonour contaminated so many. Exhibiting one of the strengths of historical fiction, the novel's parallels with our modern world are unavoidable.

From an often frightened and apprehensive boy, Richard develops into a deep-thinking man capable of great love, falling in love early in his life with his cousin Anne Neville - a woman proving to be his soul-mate. Worth skilfully etches their love story to touch our hearts, a love-story also aflame with hope in a time often so dark and despairing.

All Richard wished for was to remain faithful. But he soon discovered that his faithfulness meant heartbreaking choices, coming at a hard cost to himself. He can do nothing to prevent those he loves from being destroyed by ambition and pride, of themselves and others. Nor can he prevent his kin from battling it out for England's crown. He discovers he can only remain true to himself, and hold his loyalty to his heart like a shield allowing his true self to survive, but he is still tossed by the wheel of fortune into life he has no desire for.

Sandra Worth's novel brings Richard alive. We feel for him and the dilemmas he faces as he strives to live a good life, a life of honour. All Worth's characters are powerfully depicted, as too is their medieval world, made real and believable by a writer with an ability to weave a tapestry threaded with both colour and harshness.

This beautifully written novel touched my heart and made me weep.

I had not one expectation when I started this book. I didn't know anything about Richard III or Anne or any of this saga. I didn't know very much about English history. But from the first moment I started reading Ms. Worth's book, I was captivated, entranced, swept back in time. I had a very difficult time pulling myself away from her magically worded prose. It was quiet obvious as I read this that she loves her subject matter. That she spent countless hours on research. This is one of those books that will hopefully find a producer and director to bring this version to the silver screen. It would be an Oscar-worthy contender if they honored Ms. Worth's saavy style.

Every now and then along comes a new author with a debut novel that just reminds us all why we love to read. I could not put this book down and was left at the end with WHERE'S THE NEXT INSTALLMENT? Without being redundant, I agree with all of the other reviews posted here. This Author pulls you into the lives of the characters. You FEEL their emotions, you become part of the story, rooting for good over evil, love over greed, etc. Pick up a copy of this terrific book and see for yourself. Great job Ms. Worth you have me hooked as one of your new loyal fans!

I enoyed this book enormously. I found it both passionate and thrilling. Ms. Worth brought all the characters to life for me, and I especially enjoyed her portrayal of Richard. Through out history, he has been much maligned. It was such a treat to see him portrayed from another and more sympathetic perspective. Ms. Worth has a unique ability to not only bring all participants to life, but also, a notorious time in history, filled with intrigue, betrayal and cruelty beyond imagination. I cannot wait until the sequel is published. Thank you Ms. Worth for an unforgettable read!