History from a Woman's Perspective- A Book Blog

Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power Author: Leah Redmond Chang Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography  Publisher: Farrar, Strays, and Giroux Release Date: 2023 Pages: 490 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: The boldly original, dramatic intertwined story of Catherine de’ Medici, Elisabeth de Valois, and Mary, Queen of Scots—three queens exercising power in a world dominated by men.        Orphaned from infancy, Catherine de’ Medici endured a tumultuous childhood. Married to the French king, she was widowed by forty, only to become the power behind the French throne during a period of intense civil strife. In 1546, Catherine gave birth to a daughter, Elisabeth de Valois, who would become Queen of Spain. Two years later, Catherine welcomed to her nursery the beguiling young Mary Queen of Scots, who would later become her daughter-in-law.       Together, Cather...

Queen of the Hollow Hills (Eagles and Crows #3) Author: Melanie Karsak Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Clockpunk Press Release Date: October 29, 2024 Pages: 364 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.  Synopsis: In the shadows of the hollow hills, a queen's destiny unfolds.      Britain, AD 38. Having defeated her enemies, Queen Cartimandua works swiftly to stabilize the north. But not all foes yield quietly. Forces move in the shadows to destabilize the Brigantes. Working to root out resistance, Queen Cartimandua finds an unlikely ally in deposed Prince Venutiux—much to his wife’s dismay. Even with King Eddin’s support, facing an unnamed enemy proves difficult. Darkness, in the shape of an eagle, looms for them all.      Yet even amongst the chaos, a glimmer of hope persists. As Queen Cartimandua and King Consort Cormag chart their new life together, a bright future seems wi...

The Memoirs of Mary Queen of Scots Author: Carolly Erickson Genre: Historical Fiction Publisher: St. Martin’s Press Release Date: 2009 Pages: 351 Source: Personal Collection  Synopsis: In this dramatic, compelling fictional memoir Carolly Erickson lets the courageous, spirited Mary Queen of Scots tell her own story—and the result is a novel readers will long remember.     Born Queen of Scotland, married as a young girl to the invalid young King of France, Mary took the reins of the unruly kingdom of Scotland as a young widow and fought to keep her throne. A second marriage to her handsome but dissolute cousin Lord Darnley ended in murder and scandal, while a third marriage to the dashing, commanding Lord Bothwell, the love of her life, gave her joy but widened the scandal and surrounded her with enduring ill repute.     Unable to rise above the violence and disorder that swirled around her, Mary plucked up her courage and escaped to England—...

The Crow Queen (Eagles and Crows #2) Author: Melanie Karsak Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Clockwork Press Release Date: December 5, 2023 Pages: 267 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: A queen at war.       A love woven by the gods.      The looming shadow of darkness to come.      Britain, AD 38, When destiny crowns Cartimandua queen of the Brigantes, she inherits not just the rule of her ancient tribe but an imminent war. Seeking to take advantage of the upheaval amongst the Brigantes, the Parisii tribe strikes.      Cartimandua’s enemies soon discover the new Brigantes queen wears a crown of thorns and talons. Carti has no time to waste on petty squabbles. The Cailleach whispers of a looming threat from the south. Wielding ruthless strategy and strength, Cartimandua acts quickly to secure her hold on the north ...

Blackthorn Queen (Eagles and Crows #1) Author: Melanie Karsak Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Clockpunk Press Release Date: July 25, 2023 Pages: 338 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis : From ancient henges to windswept mountains, dive into a world where pagan gods rule, powerful priestesses weave magic, and fierce Celtic tribes battle for dominance.      Britain, AD 38, Princess Cartimandua—Carti—of the Brigantes tribe faces an uncertain future when her father’s sudden death ignites turmoil. Suspicion falls on the Crow People of the Votadini tribe, straining the fragile peace between the factions.      But they’re not the only ones bearing a grudge.      A tangled web of political games soon unfolds. When enigmatic Prince Cormag of the Votadini shows the princess unwanted attention, the Brigantes’ alliance with the Carvetti is shaken. Cartiman...

Queen of Ash and Iron (The Celtic Rebel Series #3) Author: Melanie Karsak Genre: Historical Fiction, Fantasy Publisher: Clockpunk Press Release Date: May 25, 2023 Pages: 770 Source: This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review Synopsis: Fated to lead a rebellion against Rome. Destined to become a legend. Britain, A.D. 47 All at once, everything changes. The rebellion of the Northern Iceni under King Caturix results in dire consequences for Boudica. Without Aulus Plautius’s protection, Boudica must face the new, more severe Roman Governor Scapula. Struggling to make their way in a war-torn landscape, Boudica and Prasutagus persevere, but fate has a way of undoing our best intentions. Catastrophic events take place undermining everything Boudica worked so hard to achieve. As the eagle betrays, the queen of ash and iron rises to protect all that she loves. Continue the epic tale of the famous warrior queen in Queen of Ash and Iron: A Nov...

The Moon Sister (The Seven Sisters #5) Author: Lucinda Riley Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance Publisher: Atria Release Date: 2019 Pages: 544 Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review. Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Lucinda Riley, this sweeping and majestic tale transports you to the grandeur of the remote Scottish Highlands and Madrid torn apart by civil war as two women bound across time and distance search for the truth of their place in the world.      Tiggy D’Aplièse spends her days reveling in the raw beauty of the Scottish Highlands, where she works at a deer sanctuary. But when the sanctuary is forced to close, she must take a job as a wildlife consultant on the vast and isolated estate of the elusive and troubled Charlie Kinnaird. She has no idea that the move will not only irrevocably alter her future, but also bring her face-to-face with her past.      At the estate, she meets Chilly, an ...