The Queen’s Rival

By: Anne O'Brien

Narrated by: Elaine Claxton

The forgotten story of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. A strong woman who claimed the throne for her family in a time of war…

‘A compelling story of divided loyalties and family betrayals. Dramatic and highly evocative’ Woman & Home

England, 1459. One family united by blood. Torn apart by war…

The Wars of the Roses storm through the country, and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, plots to topple the weak-minded King Henry VI from the throne.

But when the Yorkists are defeated at the battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecily’s family flee and abandon her to face a marauding Lancastrian army on her own.

Stripped of her lands and imprisoned in Tonbridge Castle, the Duchess begins to spin a web of deceit. One that will eventually lead to treason, to the fall of King Henry VI, and to her eldest son being crowned King Edward IV.

‘O’Brien manages to reinvent historical fiction’ My Weekly

‘This thrilling historical novel has it all – high politics, drama, emotion, excellent writing … It's a rollercoaster of a read’ Carol McGrath

‘Dramatic and highly evocative’ Woman’s Weekly

©2020 Anne O'Brien (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

Critic reviews

"One of the best writers around." (Sun)

"A terrific storyteller." (Daily Telegraph)

"This thrilling historical novel has it all - high politics, drama, emotion, excellent writing.... It's a rollercoaster of a read." (Carol McGrath)

How intriguing the war of roses was

Very slow at beginning. I'm not too interested in specific battles. Was very interesting as the reign of Edward was more challenged.

Really Enjoyed the details

I really love the way it was written. The format in the letters I thought was brilliant. So many details were brought forward that I had never heard anyone who loves medieval history will really enjoy this book

You better know your history beforehand!

If you know nothing about this time period, DONT BUY THIS BOOK!! TOO MUCH but not enough

Well done!

After reading previous reviews, I was prepared for the format of telling some of the story through personal letters between the characters. I didn't know what to expect, but I loved it! The Queen's Rival spans the lives of Cecille Neville, Duchess of York, and her family during the turbulence of the Wars of The Roses; from the Yorkist disaster at Ludlow to the summer of 1483 before her youngest son, Richard of Gloucester, becomes king, you are there with this remarkable lady as if you're standing beside her.
I honestly got a great perspective on what the characters were not only thinking, but also what various persons were doing at significant moments in their lives.
There is more than letter reading so don't let that turn you aside from a very entertaining novel.

This is medieval istorie of a powerful woman

Cecille Neville the Queen that never was wow !
I enjoyed very much as ever there are liberties taking however the base is very plausible. Again a writer have taken time to write and bring to light a life of intelligent power of a true heroine.
The Plantagenet dinasty.