Books.org participates in affiliate programs including Bookshop.org and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Overview
The Legend of the Greatest Knight Lives On
William Marshal's skill with a sword and loyalty to his word have earned him the company of kings, the lands of a magnate, and the hand of Isabelle de Clare, one of England's wealthiest heiresses. But he is thrust back into the chaos of court when King Richard dies. Vindictive King John clashes with William, claims the family lands for the Crown-and takes two of the Marshal sons hostage. The conflict between obeying his king and rebelling over the royal injustices threatens the very heart of William and Isabelle's family. Fiercely intelligent and courageous, fearing for the man and marriage that light her life, Isabelle plunges with her husband down a precarious path that will lead William to more power than he ever expected.
"Everyone who has raved about Elizabeth Chadwick as an author of historical novels is right." -Devourer of Books on The Greatest Knight
"Elizabeth Chadwick is a gifted novelist and a dedicated researcher; it doesn't get any better than that." -Sharon Kay Penman
Elizabeth Chadwick is the author of 17 historical novels, including The Greatest Knight, Lords of the White Castle, Shadows and Strongholds, A Place Beyond Courage, The Winter Mantle, and The Falcons of Montabard, four of which have been shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Awards. She won a Betty Trask Award for The Wild Hunt, her first novel.
Synopsis
William Marshal's skill with a sword and loyalty to his word have earned him the company of kings, the lands of a magnate, and the hand of Isabelle de Clare, one of England's wealthiest heiresses.
Publishers Weekly
William Marshal returns in this sequel to The Greatest Knight with the older and wiser William well settled with his wife, Isabelle de Clare, and their ever-growing brood. However, he is now in uneasy service to King John, who suspects William for his ties to John’s late brother Richard I, but cannot openly despise the powerful earl’s allegiance. Still, ever spiteful John systematically strips William of titles, power, honors, and even his son, Will, who the king demands as his squire. Then John dies suddenly, and William must take the rebellious kingdom in hand and assume the regency. Chadwick delivers another accomplished historical, albeit without the thrills of its predecessor. Like William, the story is too settled and comfortable to be as exciting as the story of the young knight on the rise, but the in-depth exploration of the intrigues of King John’s court is riveting. Isabelle remains a powerful noblewoman and excellent match for William. This will be best appreciated by fans of Chadwick’s other work or readers curious to learn more about medieval England. (Mar.)
Editorials
A Reader's Respite
Chadwick masterfully brought [William Marshal] to life... a reading experience you won't soon forget— Michele
A Work in Progress
Chadwick is very talented at bringing her characters and the Medieval world alive in the pages of her books.— Danielle
All Things Royal
Chadwick has a marvelous writing style that transports you right into the story— Susie
BookLust
Elizabeth Chadwick has brought William Marshall back into the limelight.— Aarti
Booksie's Blog
Recommended for historical fiction lovers.— Sandie Kirkland
Confessions of a Muse in the Fog
In this sweeping tale of medieval England, Elizabeth Chadwick creates a intriguing and delightful story full of gallantry, tournaments, treachery and a love story for the ages.— Svea Love
Devourer of Books
Elizabeth Chadwick is a consummate author of historical fiction.— Jen
Drey's Library
Very well-written... This one's for the historical fiction fans out there.— Drey
Enchanted by Josephine
the perfect mix of battle, love, rich history and exacting character portrayal... The story progressed and flowed exquisitely- I was hooked till the end.— Lucy
Hist-Fic Chick
Elizabeth Chadwick masterfully strikes the balance of blending historic fact with modern storytelling. Accurate period detail, sweeping scenery descriptions, and deeply developed characters— Allie
Historical Tapestry
The characters are brought to life.— Ana
HistoricalNovels.Info
Graceful... elegantly sexy, realistic.— Margaret Donsbach
Laura's Reviews
Wonderful characters, fascinating history, and detailed beautiful writing.— Laura Gerold
My Two Blessings
Excellent... Elizabeth Chadwick brings William and Isabelle to life on the pages and draws you into the action.— Robin
Passages to the Past
Brilliantly weaving a strong plot line, historical accuracy, depth of character and dialogue filled with intelligence and wit... Elizabeth Chadwick is one of the very best of historical fiction authors.— Amy Bruno
Romance Junkies
Fans of historical fiction will devour this novel, appreciating the depth of research, flowing prose, eye for detail and feeling like you knew William Marshall.— Katharine
S. Krishna's Books
[Chadwick] makes the time period come alive for the reader, utilizing small historical details in order to really set each scene.— Swapna Krishna
She Read a Book
The writing is just so good, the characters and places so real, it's happy and sad and just so well researched — it's exactly what a book of this genre should be.— Virginie Barbeau
The Burton Review
[Chadwick] will make you fall in love with William Marshal with her unforgettable story of his life, as his memory is finally being given its just rewards.— Marie Burton
The Long and Short of It
When Elizabeth Chadwick writes about history, you feel like you are there in the thick of it... A definite must read for any lover of history.The Maiden's Court
One of the strengths of Chadwick's writing is her ability to make you feel for the characters.— Heather
Thoughts From an Evil Overlord
The Scarlet Lion is everything I look for in fiction: adventure, romance, intrigue, told through well developed characters and vivid descriptions of settings.— Elizabeth Bogardus
Yankee Romance Reviewers
From the colors, scents, sounds, emotions of people, places and things you can't help but feel as if you are a bystander watching the entire story unfold right before your very eyes.— Terra Studer