The Royal Succession

This the fourth book in the author's Accursed Kings series of novels set in early 14th century France during a developing crisis for the ruling Capetian dynasty. King Louis X has died young suddenly, leaving a pregnant widow Clemence, and the realm must wait in abeyance to see if she gives birth to a son. By the machinations of Louis's younger brother Philippe and other relatives acting either for or against him, chaos and civil war threaten to break out. Clemence gives birth to a son, who becomes King Jean I, but dies after only a few days, though there is a twist in the tail. Featuring the usual mix of plotting, betrayal, murder and mayhem, this is another colourful slice of Medieval historical fiction. These re-releases trumpet show more George R R Martin's statement that this series is the original Games of Thrones, but I think this is true only superficially, and I disagree strongly with his view in the foreword that he has "always regarded historical fiction and fantasy as sisters under the skin, two genres separated at birth". Great stuff. show less

Another great book in this series. I've liked this series as it's very historical and accurate. This is the first book in which there has been a "doubtful" event, but even then it is in French literature and other conspiracy theories. This book began with the death of Louis X and ended with the crowning of Phillip V, the brother of the late king. Louis X was married to Clementia of Hungary, who was pregnant when Louis died. (rumors that he was poisoned, but not proven). She did give birth to a son, John I, but he lived only 5 days. Also rumors that he was poisoned or spirited away and raised by his wet-nurse. This particular episode in French history gave rise to the Salic Law, which was that females could not inherit the throne of show more France. 354 pages show less

The 4th book in Maurice Druon's Iron King series, and the most disturbing by a margin of two horrific crimes. Another layer of tragedies are lain on the story's heroes, while the villains see mostly success. This books lays out the boldest schemes of the most ambitious nobles, promising that some will be punished appropriately, but that promise isn't fulfilled before the end of the book. I do intend to pick up the next book in the series, but I'm a little disappointed that the story hasn't included a single happy ending for any significant character yet.

George R R Martin was right when he called these books the original Game of Thrones - so many characters and all of them plotting to become King (or even Queen) of France. At one point I was struggling to remember who was who, and had to keep looking back to the list of characters at the front. Boy were some of these people evil! I really did enjoy this book and look forward to marching on with book 5 soon.

This book puts into balance one of the weakness of polish monarchy: It has to be a boy. England accepted woman to come into power and they maintain their strength, but the anachronistic laws of France just show us one more time how this regulations far from make their nation stronger it make it weaker, and history will confirm this one more time years after these events took place.

The best person to be the King, might just happen to be the Queen

Ah ! Que les rivalités de pouvoir ont la part belle dans ce quatrième épisode des rois maudits. L'affaire de la Tour de Nesles n'en finit plus de semer ses poisons délétères et cela pose des problèmes dynastiques car personne n'est sûr de la légitimité de la fille de Louis X, la petite Jeanne de Bourgogne. Dans un pays féodal où le lien d'hommage entre seigneurs est très fort, cette illégitimité fait désordre. En fin stratège politique mais aussi avec un sens aigu de la prise de pouvoir, Philippe va se saisir de la régence et s'en servir comme marchepied pour le trône. Le décès du fils de la reine Clémence de Hongrie viendra confirmer son accession au trône, et les soupçons de meurtre politique. Philippe, avec show more son sens de l'Etat, veut éviter l'éclatement de l'héritage de Philippe le Bel. L'invention de la loi salique réservant la couronne de France aux seuls héritiers mâles sera faite pour préserver l'unité du pays, et entrera dans la coutume de la monarchie française.

Tout cela est conté avec beaucoup de clarté dans un style alerte et vif et c'est un véritable plaisir que de plonger dans cette histoire de France aux recoins parfois peu reluisants. Toujours d'actualité, en fait ! show less