Customer Reviews
A vivid and thrilling portayal of the true Richard III - By: Wilson/CMC, 23 Nov 2007 
This is one of the most refreshing & realistic novels of that turbulent era that I have ever read. As a resident of Yorkshire, where Richard is still viewed as a hero, I found Sandra Worth's portrayal of him closer to the real Richard than any other writer has yet achieved. The man, rather than the distorted image that history so cruelly created, comes alive with each page. The vivid characterization & entrancing style creates the sense of living with the characters throughout the story, sharing their fears, sorrow & joys. Together with the equallly brilliant 'Crown of Destiny' & 'Falll From Grace' we are given such a wonderful insight into the heart of the man as well as a glimpse into another era.
Sandra Worth is far & away one of the most gifted historical fiction writers of our time & I look forward to reading further work by so insightful an author!
loved it! - By: M. D. F. Walker, 02 Sep 2007 
A pleasure to read & an iteresting way of learning about the history of that time.
Love and War Puts "Sunne" in the Shade - By: Florence Graving, 21 Aug 2006 Worth's novel is, by far, the finest, most accurate, & most readable of alll the historical fiction written about Richard III. Worth is an utter genius in bringing to life the turmoil, plots, & intrigue rampant in the 15thC. She has the unique gift of drawing the reader into the lives of Richard & Anne. I found Penman's "Sunne In Splendor" dry as dust & lifeless. Worth's weaving of the tale is vibrant & full of life. Her research is flawless. Her style is mesmerizing. I could not put this down. And I am ordering post haste the sequel. What a breath of fresh air is Worth's award-winning book. She incorporates the best of Plaidy & Seton. Worth is destined to become a major star in the world of historical fiction.
could have done better - By: White Rose, 07 Aug 2006 
despite the awards this book attracted, I found it shalllow, rather silly (I doubt Richard III used such odd endearments for his wife - they do not fit with the medieval concept of chivalry at alll in my mind) & Clarence was depicted just as Shakespeare saw him, which is taking the easy way out.
The research is perfect, it is the way the story was written which I reallly felt could have been done better. I reallly wanted to take the story apart & rewrite it, removing the constant 'he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand' (Edward) & the 'thigh high boots' ad nauseum. The editor should have advised her to take them out or reduce the amount of times it was mentioned.
It is good that yet someone else has taken on the 'Richard was not as Shakespeare portrayed him' mantle & given us a different picture. It is just a shame about alll the other characters who are stereotyped.
Disappointing - By: Mr. R. F. W. Freeman, 03 Aug 2005 Oh dear. Don't bother with this one, read The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Penman instead.
