THE RED QUEEN by Philippa Gregory

The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses. The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in The second book in Philippa's stunning new trilogy, The Cousins War, brings to life the story of Margaret Beaufort, a shadowy and mysterious character in the first book of the series - The White Queen - but who now takes centre stage in the bitter struggle of The War of the Roses. The Red Queen tells the story of the child-bride of Edmund Tudor, who, although widowed in her early teens, uses her determination of character and wily plotting to infiltrate the house of York under the guise of loyal friend and servant, undermine the support for Richard III and ultimately ensure that her only son, Henry Tudor, triumphs as King of England. Through collaboration with the dowager Queen Elizabeth Woodville, Margaret agrees a betrothal between Henry and Elizabeth's daughter, thereby uniting the families and resolving the Cousins War once and for all by founding of the Tudor dynasty.

The writing was really good.
I just couldn't connect with the main character.
Or the story.
I'm so glad I didn't live as a royal in those days portrayed in this book! Treachery, deceit, self serving men, connyving women and relationships are used for gain.


PG 17:
V: Fighting
L: No
S: Refernces to
Page 69 test:

'...so trustworthy about the steady darkness of his gaze that I step forward and hold outmy hand. the big head comes down, the wide mostrils sniff at my glove, then fently, he lips at my fingers.

"I shall walk beside you, and Arthur wll go quietly," Jasper promises me. "Come here and will life you up into the saddle."

I go to him and he lifts me p and helps me to sit astride. When I am safely in the saddle, he pulls down the hemof my gown so it falls evenly on either side of the horse and covers my botts. "There," he says. "Now keep your legs still, but gently pressed against him. That way he knows you are there, and you hold yourself steady. Take up the reins."

I life them, and Arthur's big head comes up, alerted by my touch.

"He won't go off, will he," ask nervously.

"Only when you givve him a gentle kick, to tell him you are ready. And when you want him to stop, you make a gentle pull on the reins." Jasper reaches up and moves my hands so the reins are threaded through my fingers. "Just let him walk two steps forwards so you know that you can make him start and stop."

Tentatively, I give a little kick with both heels, and I am startled by the first big rolling stride forards, and I oull on the reins. Obediently, he stops at once. "I did it!" I say breathlessly. "He stopped for me! Did he? Did he stop because I told him?"

Jasper smiles up at me. "He will do anything for you. You just have to give him a clear signal so he knows what it is that yu want him to do. He served my father loyally. Edmund and I learned joust on him, and now he will be your tutor. Perhaps he will live long enough and baby Henry will learn to ride on him. Now walk him out of the stable yard andinto the courtyard before the cdastle."

More confidently, I give Arthur the signal to start, and this time I let him go on. His huge shouldes move forwards, but his back is so braod that I can sit firmly and steadily. Jasper walks at his head, but he does not touch the rein. It is me, and me alone, who makes the..."