For the King's Favor (William Marshal Book 0)

King Henry II had the power to take any young woman as his mistress that he wanted. Even easier if she is his ward. So, Henry claims 15-year-old Ida de Tosney, forever changing her life. As a royal concubine, she is treated well, though some call her “the king’s whore”. After she gives birth to Henry’s son, Ida wants out. She would have an honorable man and a family of her own. But the king forces her to give up her new son if she is to go.Roger Bigod arrives at King Henry’s court to settle a bitter inheritance dispute for the title Earl of Norfolk with his half-brothers. Already an acclaimed warrior, Roger is smitten by Ida. She sees in Roger a chance to begin a new life with an honorable man. But their love will be tested in the difficult times in which they are living.Chadwick brings the era to life and provides us with a great “prequel” to the William Marshall series. This intriguing story tells of the court intrigue, battles and treachery that surrounds the Plantagenet court as Henry dies and his son, Richard, takes the throne. A great read!The William Marshal series:For the King’s FavorThe Greatest KnightThe Scarlet LionFor the King's FavorTemplar SilksTo Defy a King

Elizabeth Chadwick has authored two historical novels that I really enjoyed, two tales of the heroic knight, William Marshall. These novels traced the arc of his career from when he was younger to his twilight--"The Greatest Knight" and "The Scarlet Lion." When I saw that Chadwick had penned yet another novel from that era, "For the King's Favor," I felt impelled to purchase this volume. And I made a good choice.Here, we have a novel at the same period of time as the William Marshall works--King Henry II and his sons--"The Young King," Richard, and John (as well as Henry's spirited wife Elinor of Aquitaine). We begin with Henry taking a young woman, Ida de Tosney, as his mistress. He treated her pretty well; she bore him a son (whom she loved--but because of whom Henry created great pain for Ida); she felt the tension between being the King's mistress, with all the benefits that came with that, and having a reputation as a debauched woman.Then, there is the tale of Roger Bigod, whose father had played fast and loose with various factions. He ended up on the losing end of the effort to keep Henry II from the Kingship. Roger, against his father, allied with Henry--but the questions about his ultimate loyalty remained. There were internal family disputes--with his stepmother warring with him over control of his father's estate upon his father's death.The stories of Ida and Roger come together, and--after having to work through the intricacies--they wed. The story then focuses on the challenges that they face--with Henry II always in the picture, and his support of Roger was always ambiguous. Over time, the tale plays out, in a pretty satisfying manner.The novel gives a sense of the historical characters--Elinor, Henry, Richard, and John of the "royals." Roger and Ida. William Marshall even shows yup in this volume! Characters are well drawn; the plot moves nicely.I found this a very nicely done piece of historical fiction.

After reading this book almost straight through, I find myself completely unable to shake off its spell. The fact that these are real people and real events give this story authenticity and undeniable appeal.How would it feel to be a young girl whose innocent hopes and dreams are dashed when she is forced to become the mistress of the king? To bear him a son and then forced to leave her babe behind upon her marriage to the worthy young man she loves?How would it feel to be a young man rejected by his cruel father but determined to win his place in the world in an honorable manner? To be chosen to become the husband of the king's mistress and to love and cherish her forever, ignoring his jealousy of the king who took her virginity?How would it feel to be a motherless king's son who must find his way back to her in order to understand his heritage?And all of these characters must live their lives in a turbulent time of strife among brothers and kings, dangerous alliances, crusades and coronations. One false move, and everything could be lost.The lot of women in medieval times has never been so deeply impressed on me. Despite her wealth and family connections, Ida has no choice but to submit to the king's demands. Although she could have remained with the king and their son, eventually she would have lost his favor and been married off to someone of his choice, and would have lost her son in the end anyway. So she chose to propose a marriage with Roger Bigod, even though that, too, could have been easily nixed by the king if she had shown too much interest in leaving him.Roger's mother, Julianna, was abused by his father before their marriage was annulled. She was quickly married off to another, but her second husband was merely tolerable, and after his death, she had to pay a large sum of money to the king for the right to remain unmarried. Roger's stepmother was likewise mistreated, although she was not a sympathetic character.And frankly, even being a queen was no guarantee of happiness, if one considers the plight of Eleanor, Henry's wife, who was imprisoned for 15 years. Perhaps she deserved it for plotting against him and alienating his sons from him, but I have to give her credit for at least trying to do something to fight against the tyranny and injustice of the era.Finding love and happiness in marriage is unusual even in our times, but that Roger and Ida found it despite all odds in the 12th century gives me hope for the future.

Well researched and Well written an enjoyable read

informativo e rilassante a leggere

If you enjoy medieval history combined with a really good story, then you shouldn't miss this book. Set in the last 1/4 of the 1100's in Norfolkshire, England it provides good insight into life of a knight, his family and his fight against a tyrannical king for what is his by right of birth. Even if you are not into history the story in itself is a good read. The main characters are based on real people who lived in this time period. So if they happen to be your ancestors it adds extra dimension to the story. Elizabeth Chadwick pulls out all the stops on this one.

Loved the stories of Ida and Roger Bigod, really intrigue to find out how the lives of their eldest son Hugh and Mahelt Marshal develop in the next book. I'm a fan of a happy ending and though in real life the strifes this people had to overcome were many, this story has a happy ending! really happy about that. Love Elizabeth Chadwick's books, her writing is so fluid and amenable. Also Elizabeth is so reachable, I'm delighted to have found her books and her in the virtual universe. She's a teacher, so dedicated to her fans and to her tasks, is evident she loves all of it and I love her for it. Thank you Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Chadwick has a very special way of writing as if you were there and 'seeing it all take place.' My daughter ( a college Professor) and I have read all her books and enjoyed each and every one.