Sons of Violence (The Heirs of Anarchy #4) by G. Lawrence: A Book Review

Sons of Violence (The Heirs of Anarchy #4)

Author: G. Lawrence 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: G. Lawrence 

Book Release Date: 2022

Pages: 344

Source: Borrowed 

Synopsis: Winter 1143

     The civil war between royal cousins Stephen and Matilda has raged for many years, but whilst neither can fully win, neither will surrender. Through years of loss, as trusted friends fall to death, the Empress Matilda fights on, striving to claim the throne no more in her own name, but that of her son. 

     As the tale of the Anarchy draws to a close, other voices join that of the Empress, telling of how the war came to an end, and which heir, which son of violence, would be crowned as King of England. 

     Sons of Violence is Book Four of The Heirs of Anarchy by G. Lawrence.

 

       My Review: Sons of Violence is the fourth installment in The Heirs of Anarchy series. In this novel, Empress Matilda has continued her war against King Stephen of England. However, she still cannot manage to win England’s throne. As she refuses to surrender, her staunchest supporters have died. Empress Matilda learns the true cost of waging war.

      In this novel, Empress Matilda is tired from fighting. She realizes that England can never be hers. They do not accept her because she is a woman. Instead, she decides to return to Normandy and let her son, Henry, continue the war. I like how Empress Matilda has grown into maturity. She realizes that war demands a cost. She also learns to appreciate what she has and to be surrounded by her loved ones. Therefore, Empress Matilda is a tragic heroine. She is weary from fighting and just wants peace.

       Overall, this novel is about war, consequences, and family. I thought that all of the characters were very complex. Even though this book is mostly told from Matilda’s perspective, there are a few male narrators that tell the events in the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Matilda. I thought that a couple of the male narrators seemed unnecessary. I also wished that parts of the story were told from King Stephen’s perspective. There were also parts of the novel that seemed to drag. Nevertheless, I thought that Sons of Violence was a fitting conclusion to Empress Matilda’s story! I look forward to reading Daughter of the Sun, which is about Eleanor of Aquitaine! This series is perfect for those that love reading about warrior queens! I recommend this novel for fans of Matilda Empress, The Forgotten Queen, and The Girl Empress!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars