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Shipwreck (The Heirs of Anarchy #3) by G. Lawrence: A Book Review

Shipwreck (The Heirs of Anarchy #3)

Author: G. Lawrence 

Genre: Historical Fiction 

Publisher: G. Lawrence

Publication Date: 2021

Pages: 315

Source: Borrowed

Synopsis: Autumn, 1139, Normandy


       On a beach in Normandy stands Matilda, once Empress, Queen and Countess, named heir to England and Normandy, daughter of Henry I. Her throne stolen from her by the hands of her cousin Stephen of Blois, Matilda has waited to gather her supporters, waited to sail to England that she might wage war to claim the throne she was promised by her father.


       With loyal men and women at her side, the Empress will begin her campaign for the throne of England and Normandy, to reclaim her birthright from the man who stole it from her. The period known to history as the Anarchy is about to begin, and chaos to unfold upon England, Normandy and the people of those kingdoms as one cousin struggles against another for the crown, and the right to decide their own destiny...


       Shipwreck is the third book in the series The Heirs of Anarchy, by G. Lawrence.


      My Review: Shipwreck is the third book in The Heirs of Anarchy series. King Henry I has died. However, Empress Matilda cannot immediately go to England because she is pregnant. During her pregnancy, her cousin, King Stephen stole her crown. When Empress Matilda learns that her inheritance has been stolen from her, she wages a civil war against King Stephen. Empress Matilda learns that only one of them is destined to wear the crown.


        I find that Empress Matilda has matured throughout the series. Empress Matilda is not only intelligent, but she is also very determined. She has a love of England and wants to be a great queen. She is also very vulnerable. She knows that she is in a very dangerous position. Empress Matilda cares for those she loves and is willing to make sacrifices for them. I also like that she acknowledges her mistakes and her flaws. Therefore, Empress Matilda is a very compelling figure, and I am very invested in her story!


       Overall, this book is about ambition, war, and choices. I liked the characters in the story and thought that they were fleshed out! I also liked the historical details in the novel. I also thought that Mrs. Lawrence did an excellent job in describing the Civil War between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. There were some parts of the novel I thought were repetitive. Nevertheless, the novel moved at a faster pace than the previous novels! It was very action-packed! I can’t wait to read the conclusion to Empress Matilda’s story! I recommend this book for fans of Alison Weir, Philippa Gregory, and Anne O’Brien!


Rating: 4 out of 5 stars


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