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The Narrowness of Death: Book Four of the Story of Eleanor of Aquitaine (The Heirs of Anarchy #8) by G. Lawrence: A Book Review

The Narrowness of Death: Book Four of the Story of Eleanor of Aquitaine (The Heirs of Anarchy #8)

Author: G. Lawrence 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Publisher: G. Lawrence 

Book Release Date: 2025

Pages: 363

Source: Borrowed 

Synopsis: 1189, England. 


       Imprisoned for many years by her husband Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine has been freed by her son, King Richard I. Diminished not at all by her years as a captive, Eleanor must take on new roles for her son as he leaves his empire behind and embarks upon crusade. Yet Eleanor will face not only trouble from other countries and kings but from within her own family, as she tries to defend and preserve Richard's empire, whilst her youngest son John plots to place himself upon his brother's throne. 


     The Narrowness of Death is Book Four of the Story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, part of The Heirs of Anarchy Series by G. Lawrence. 


       My Review: The Narrowness of Death is the eighth installment in The Heirs of Anarchy series. It tells of the final years of Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life. Eleanor has been set free from captivity at the hands of her son, Richard the Lionheart. She also becomes the Regent of England as he sets off for his Crusade.

As regent, Eleanor must contend with France, who has now become a major rival against England. Eleanor not only must deal with foreign powers but from the conflicts stirring up within her own family.


        Eleanor of Aquitaine is still a very strong woman. She was very intelligent and capable of running state affairs. She was also very loyal to her children. Eleanor was also a very tragic figure. She had to deal with losing most of her children before she died. I liked it when Eleanor used diplomacy to get out of tough situations. Eleanor was King John’s right hand woman. Without her, he could not rule effectively. Therefore, it was sad that Eleanor had to witness everything she had fought so hard for just for it to fall to pieces in King John’s hands. Therefore, I really felt sorry for Eleanor.


       Overall, this novel is about family conflicts, loss, and guilt. I thought that the characters were very compelling and resembled their historical counterparts. I thought that this novel was meticulously researched. I also thought that it depicted the reigns of King Richard I and King John accurately. The main drawback was that it was very drawn out. The novel could definitely be much shorter. I also thought that this book was very repetitive. Nevertheless, I thought that The Narrowness of Death was a fitting conclusion to Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine’s life! I recommend this novel for fans of The Captive Queen, Queen Defiant, and The Summer Queen!


Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
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