Under the Approaching Dark
(The
King's Greatest Enemy #3)
By Anna Belfrage
By Anna Belfrage
Adam de Guirande has
cause to believe the turbulent times are behind him: Hugh Despenser is dead and
Edward II is forced to abdicate in favour of his young son. It is time to look
forward, to a bright new world in which the young king, guided by his council,
heals his kingdom and restores its greatness. But the turmoil is far from over.
After years of strife, England in the early months of 1327 is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope towards the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule, so instead it is his mother, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who do the actual governing, much to the dislike of barons such as Henry of Lancaster.
In the north, the Scots take advantage of the weakened state of the realm and raid with impunity. Closer to court, it is Mortimer’s increasing powers that cause concerns – both among his enemies, but also for men like Adam, who loves Mortimer dearly, but loves the young king just as much.
When it is announced that Edward II has died in September of 1327, what has so far been a grumble grows into voluble protests against Mortimer. Yet again, the spectre of rebellion haunts the land, and things are further complicated by the reappearance of one of Adam’s personal enemies. Soon enough, he and his beloved wife Kit are fighting for their survival – even more so when Adam is given a task that puts them both in the gravest of dangers.
After years of strife, England in the early months of 1327 is a country in need of stability, and many turn with hope towards the new young king, Edward III. But Edward is too young to rule, so instead it is his mother, Queen Isabella, and her lover, Roger Mortimer, who do the actual governing, much to the dislike of barons such as Henry of Lancaster.
In the north, the Scots take advantage of the weakened state of the realm and raid with impunity. Closer to court, it is Mortimer’s increasing powers that cause concerns – both among his enemies, but also for men like Adam, who loves Mortimer dearly, but loves the young king just as much.
When it is announced that Edward II has died in September of 1327, what has so far been a grumble grows into voluble protests against Mortimer. Yet again, the spectre of rebellion haunts the land, and things are further complicated by the reappearance of one of Adam’s personal enemies. Soon enough, he and his beloved wife Kit are fighting for their survival – even more so when Adam is given a task that puts them both in the gravest of dangers.
Two kings
in one land make for an uncomfortable fit…
The
hated and feared, Hugh Despenser is dead, and the feeble King Edward II has
finally been usurped. As the crown is placed on Edward III’s head, Adam de
Guirande hopes, like many others, that finally the country will know not only
stability but peace. However, nothing is assured, especially when the king they
have crowned is only fourteen years old. What does he know about running a
country? As the nobles pay homage to King Edward, they also look to the Regent
to lead them. Sir Roger Mortimer is now the de
facto ruler of England. But with great power comes great responsibility.
Many fear, and quite rightly too, that Mortimer will use his position to
increase his wealth, as well as his influence.
Adam
is torn between his king and the man who gave him everything. Mortimer was his
liege lord, but not anymore, for Adam has sworn his allegiance to King Edward.
Adam, like others in court, watch nervously as Mortimer favours
his friends and shuns everyone else. Adam
cannot help but fear for Mortimer’s future, for the Wheel of Fortune is
forever turning. Past events should surely hint at a warning of what is to
come. Despenser had it all and look where he is now. But there seems to be no
stopping Mortimer’s ambition. Adam is but a spectator as the young King becomes
increasingly resentful towards his Regent. Adam knows that Edward will one day snatch the lead
rope from Mortimer’s hand and take control of the bridle. It is not a
case of if, but when. And when that happens, God help any man who sides with
Mortimer. Adam knows that one day soon he will have to choose between them. The question is, will he stand with Edward? Or, will he side with the Kingmaker?
Kit
de Guirande has already lost a son to this medieval game of thrones. Will she
lose her husband as well? If only Edward would allow Adam to be relieved of
his duties at court, then all would be well. But Edward relies on Adam too much.
So Kit must grin and bear it, for now at least...
From
the terror of the Scottish raid on the newly crowned king’s camp at the Battle
of Stanhope Park to the attempted rebellion of Henry of Lancaster, Under The
Approaching Dark by Anna Belfrage is a medieval triumph.
This
book is filled with memorable characters, non-stop action, a narrative that is
as elegant as it is appealing and a story that is so riveting that time ceased
to matter. This book, this series, is absolutely irresistible.
Belfrage
writes with authority, but also incredible sensitivity. There is a great
depth to the writing as well as a beautifully balanced perspective of what this
time in history was like. The court of Edward III has been brought gloriously
back to life in this remarkable retelling.
Told
through the experiences of Adam and his wife Kit, Under The Approaching Dark,
has much to recommend it. The struggles that our two brave protagonists faces
are enough in itself to keep a reader turning those pages, let alone the
intrigue, danger, and the ever-present threat of a rebellion at Edward's court. The cruel
Despenser may be dead, but his associates are still very much alive, and while
they breathe both Kit and Adam’s lives are in peril.
Aside
from the constant threat of death, or worse, the gentle and passionate love
story of Adam and Kit continues throughout this book. Their romance makes this
series a must-read for anyone who loves historical romance fiction. I cannot
help but compare it to Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series. Adam’s and Kits
relationship is as intense and as tantalising as Jamie’s and Claire’s. But this
is more than just a romance book, Under the Darkening Sky is a comprehensive
interpretation of the early days of King Edward III’s reign. It is a story not
to be missed for it is a gripping account of war, ambition, betrayal and love.
It is utterly engrossing from start to finish.
I
thought the interpretation of the usurped Edward II was fabulous, and
surprisingly he has his own moment of true heroism, which made him almost
endearing.
Belfrage
has written a compelling book about an extraordinary time in English history.
This book and this series continue to hold my fascination, and I cannot wait to
read book 4!
I
Highly Recommend.
Review
by Mary Anne Yarde.
The
Coffee Pot Book Club.
Anna Belfrage
Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England. She has recently released the first in a new series, The Wanderer. This time, she steps out of her normal historical context and A Torch in His Heart is with a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense with paranormal and time-slip ingredients.
Find out more about Anna by visiting her website, or herAmazon page.
I am running out of words with which to express my gratitude for your lovely reviews. They leave me with an achy feeling in my chest, as if I'm about to burst into tears - of joy.
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