The Ravenscar Dynasty (2006)

Bradford updates the complex family dynamics involved in the War of the Roses. Using the appearances, personalities, and life events of King Edward V and his Richard Neville (Earl of Warwick, the Kingmaker), Bradford creates a struggle for the Deravenel financial empire between Edward Deravenel, with the support of his cousin Neville Watkins, and Henry Grant set between 1904 and 1916.

This volume begins slightly before the death of Edward's father, younger brother, Uncle, and cousin during a trip to oversee mining operations in Italy. Edward and Neville triumph, only to be estranged by events surrounding Edward's marriage to Elizabeth Wyland. Edward's brother George discusses a rebellion with Neville, but the plans end quickly. Then, Neville dies, shortly before World War I breaks out. Edward, and Deravenels, survive World War I and are poised to grow even further in the post-war economy. ( )

When Edward Deravend's father dies he is only 19 years old but he becomes the head of the family. He enters the world of cemmerece and finance in his father's place. He seek to find the truth of his father's and brother's death and to revenge them. ( )

As with all of BTB's Books--I give it 5 stars. It has suspense, drama, intrigue--everything to capture and hole the attention--can't wait for the Heir to come --soon I hope ( )

didnt like this book at all ( )

I really wanted to love this book. It seemed to have all the elements that I love in a good story: History, romance, intrigue, revenge and mystery. Unfortunatly, it didn't come through for me. I was bored to tears. It would have been a great story if Bradford would have stopped repeating herself. She was constantly reminding us of the characters backgrounds and histories and their physical apperances. (ok, ned was handsome, got it!) Also the characters names continually changed from nicknames to full names. (pick one and stick with it!)

I guess I won't be picking up the next installment when its released.