Margaret of Anjou (Wars of the Roses #2) by Conn Iggulden

Final Rating: 4.2/5

An encore of history, imagination and characterization that outshines the previous novel.

   Last year I read this book’s predecessor and sadly closed the pages sorely disappointed; I believe I called Stormbird “A non-stop firework show about the Wars of the Roses”. I honestly didn’t think I would continue reading this series but something that being the premise or the simple fact that Mr. Iggulden has such a brilliant imagination and can write an entertaining tale tempted this reader to try this sequel and I am very happy I did. Simply, Margaret of Anjou (Wars of the Roses #2) is an encore of history, imagination and characterization that outshines the previous novel.

   For those unfamiliar with this series, these books are dramatic and colorful presentations of history that surround the dynastic Wars of the Roses- a maelstrom of battles and skirmishes that ensued from politics and progeny that created severe instability in the kingdoms of England and France during the 15th century. For the sake of modern reader, this series of novels seems to push forward the more popular explanation: two houses battling for the crown of England with an emphasis on: premeditated treachery, murder most foul (inside and outside castle walls), court intrigue, consuming greed and brutal dramatizations of battles and wars. Now that may sound negative to some potential readers but if you give this series a chance you just may learn something, create a mental image to attach to names that can be greatly beneficial if you are currently or plan on reading non-fiction works about this topic or simply turn the final pages of these books with a clearer understanding of 15th century English history (even if, it has been a bit amplified and dates and historic figures have been slightly changed for the sake of creative fiction).

   I will admit that Stormbird didn’t have much characterization; you only had the good and the bad depiction of characters- no gray was presented in those pages. However, in Margaret of Anjou the main players on the stage of the Wars of the Roses rise for the reader and finally come to life especially: King Henry VI, the Duke of York, Queen Margaret and the Earl of March. There were many memorable moments in this book but I thought the passages and chapters describing King Henry’s waning strength and occasions of mental clarity were some of the most brilliantly painted scenes in this book. They were fascinating as they revealed a man battling for his sanity, his throne and the love of his wife. Those types of humanizing and revealing portions of the story really made events even more poignant and I’m happy to share with other readers that the other central characters were painted just as intensely; especially Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York and his son Edward, Earl of March at the very end of this novel. I also noticed that the dialogue was delivered quite differently in Margaret of Anjou versus Stormbird. Gone were the largely jarring modern tones and more-action-less-talk frame of mind of the story to be replaced with stunning and witty banters between characters and some very believable conversations, that play out through these pages completely adding to the joy of revisiting this section of history. Speaking of history, in Stormbird there were some very noticeable anachronisms now I can’t say that those have been completely torn out (they are still sprinkled here and there sadly) but I noticed less of them this time and the end notes explain in detail the creative liberties that were taken with this novel in terms of dates, actions and should not be overlooked once you reach the end (there are some interesting facts to be found).

   Overall, this book was music to my ears and I look forward to the finale of this series. The above mentioned positives really shined in this novel and overbalanced the negatives but there were still a few things that I must note for others. The only negatives I found this time were a few anachronistic terms and a sometimes confusing pace of events. Once or twice I had to stop and reread sections to figure out why a certain character was traveling to a city, town or who was attacking which character. I’m not sure I entirely accepted when the story jumped years and hurriedly moved to another set up for future conflicts; the author does explain why the story did this but I would have liked maybe just one or two sections from those missing years (even if they were views from the common man or woman). The ending was also a little rushed, there is a huge set up and then it is over very quickly versus earlier chapters. That all aside, I still would gladly recommend this novel and I ask those who may have read Stormbird and perhaps didn’t care for it to please give Margaret of Anjou (Wars of the Roses #2) a look- I think you may be pleasantly surprised with this sequel. And finally for those eager new readers just embarking into this realm of intriguing events and strong personalities, I would say get ready for an entertaining performance of history you will not soon forget. Happy reading everyone!
 
* I would like to thank G.P. Putnam's Sons and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and enjoy Margaret of Anjou (Wars of the Roses #2)/ Trinity (Wars of the Roses #2)

Release Date: June 16, 2015 

Also released under (UK title):

 
Also in this Series:

Stormbird (Wars of the Roses #1) 

by Conn Iggulden