Tony Riches

A vivid and human portrait of the man history calls "The Kingmaker"

Tony Riches' vast historical tale begins with a moment of unexpected tenderness: the birth of a child. Not just any youngster, but the boy who would become one of England's most powerful and controversial noblemen, Richard Neville, also known as the Kingmaker. Tony Riches sets the tone for the rest of the book with this scene, telling a story of intimate moments, personal choices, and the man behind the legend, as well as show more conflict and ambition.

From the first tense wait outside the birthing room, Tony Riches immerses us in the lives and thoughts of Richard Neville, 5th Earl of Salisbury. His literary style is cinematic and emotionally strong, but restrained, emphasizing rich inwardness above exaggeration. The early chapters are particularly strong, focusing less on battles or politics and more on the quiet, intensely human experiences that shaped Richard's world: love after marriage, fear in his gut as he waited for news of a child, and the quiet ache of faith questioned but not abandoned.

This emphasis on emotional realism keeps the plot grounded, even as it develops into an epic of power, treachery, and shifting loyalties. Riches portrays Richard Neville as a clever strategist as well as a damaged man, using measured prose and a close third-person perspective. The reader senses the weight of inherited lands, the pressure on daughters to marry well, the desire for a son, and the deep, perilous pull of political relevance in a world where kings are crowned (and uncrowned) by men like Warwick.

I loved the weaving of historical facts into the tale without slowing the pace. The Montacute inheritance, the Percy rivalry, and the dangers of court life under a boy king and his conniving queen are all introduced effortlessly, using memory and mental reflection rather than explanation. We learn alongside Richard as his objectives expand and the risks increase. The narrative avoids reducing Warwick to a generic figure of aspiration. While others view him as a manipulative puppet master, we see a complicated, changing character: loyal, troubled but never static. The famous shift of allegiance is handled with finesse and dramatic weight, not as an unexpected twist, but as the product of long-simmering tension and conviction.

Finally, "Warwick: The Man Behind the Wars of the Roses" is more than just a story of political cunning or battlefield victory. It is an investigation into legacy: how it is shaped, inherited and occasionally destroyed. Tony Riches is successful in exposing not only the what of Warwick's life, but also the why: why a man rises, rebels, changes his mind, and, in the end, still counts.

This is a book for anyone unfamiliar with the Wars of the Roses, this book provides a vivid and simple introduction. For those who are already aware with the story, it is a refreshing, extremely human perspective on a towering character. Tony Riches provides clarity, compassion, and subtle insight into a guy who has long been mythologized. Highly recommended. show less

So very boring. How did the author make such interesting people and such exciting times so dull? I dislike present tense narration in general and it didn't serve the narrative here. The transitions from scene to scene weren't clear and smooth, either.

I was disgusted by the descriptions of Margaret Beaufort. She was not a courageous woman at the time described. She was a 12 year old girl who had been sold into marriage for the profit of her family and her new husband. The marriage was show more consummated and she impregnated at far too young an age, even by the standard of the time, so her husband could access her wealth. The author seemed to be trying to make this ok for his readers by writing about a courageous womanly look in her eye. Total BS.

Owen seemed to forget about his namesake son for most of the book. And he was oddly cool about his other two. All children of the woman he loved so passionately.

Two stars for giving me a framework of Owen's life and kindling an interest in seeking out further books on him. show less

After the Welsh revolt of Owain Glyndŵr, Owen Tudor is taken into the English Court as a servant. He soon finds himself appointed as Keeper of the Wardrobe to the newly widowed Queen Catherine of Valois. In his position, Owen finds himself close to the lonely Queen as he runs the ins and outs of her daily life. He is also very close with the infant King, Henry. Owen is soon asked to spy on the Queen for the appointed Protector of the Realm, Duke Humphrey of Gloucester. With loyalty to the show more Queen first and foremost, Owen lets Catherine know of the duplicity and becomes one of her most trusted men. As the infant King grows, Queen Catherine's position becomes less stable and Owen stays beside her. Through a secret marriage, children, a sorrowful death and an English uprising, Owen Tudor's lineage will become essential to England's future.

As someone who loves all things Tudor, I did not know much about Owen Tudor except for his parentage of Edmund and Jaspar. Not much historical fact is known about Owen Tudor's life; however, Tony Riches has done a wonderful job filling in. Rich detail of the time period and everyday life in Queen Catherine's household gives background for their romance to take place and for the Tudor lineage to begin. One of the themes throughout the book is Fortune's Wheel. Fortune's Wheel turns many times for Owen throughout his life. I was continuously surprised at his ability to get back on his feet after tragedy or bad luck fell upon him: Owen marries Queen Catherine, but in secret, they are in hiding for many years, have several healthy children, but one birth will take Catherine's life, Owen receive the pardon of the King, but is still imprisoned. Through Owen's eyes I had an honest look at Queen Catherine, a young woman who showed strength and resilience throughout her life but fell to the same illness as her father, Charles VI of France. I was also very interested in Owen and Catherine's third son, Owen, who may or may not have lived. Overall, an exciting and engrossing foundation to the Tudor trilogy.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review. show less

This fascinating story has forever changed my view of what constitutes the Tudor era.

I always “kind of” knew the origins story of this dynasty – I knew that Owen Tudor had married Catherine de Valois, but I have to admit I never really quite “got” how that placed Henry Tudor into the English line of succession as it did…Now I understand. And I appreciate.

But enough about me, let me talk about the book. It was amazing. Riches’ first-person narrative and rich characterizations show more drew me in immediately; his crisp, wonderful writing kept me there until the very end. Riches is originally from Wales; this background not only shows in his vivid descriptions, it manifests in an underlying sensibility and perspective that keeps the reader feeling grounded throughout.

As a Tudor blogger, I received a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. It was an excellent investment on the author's part...I have now purchased Jasper (the sequel) and I intend to devour the rest of his catalogue! show less