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Devil's Brood |
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List Price: $28.95
Our Price: $19.11
Your Save: $ 9.84 ( 34% )
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
Average Customer Rating: 
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PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Binding: Hardcover
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.54
EAN: 9780399155260
ISBN: 0399155260
Label: Putnam Adult
Manufacturer: Putnam Adult
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 752
Publication Date: 2008-10-07
Publisher: Putnam Adult
Reading Level: Young Adult
Studio: Putnam Adult
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Editorial Reviews:
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The long-awaited and highly anticipated final volume in Penman’s trilogy of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine—a tumultuous conclusion to this timeless story of love, power, ambition, and betrayal.
Where the second novel in the trilogy, Time And Chance, dealt with the extraordinary politics of the twelfth century, climaxing with the murder of Thomas Becket and Henry’s confrontation with the Church and self-imposed exile to Ireland, Devil’s Brood centers on the implosion of a family. And because it is a royal family whose domains span the English Channel and whose alliances encompass the Christian world, that collapse will have dire consequences. This is a story of betrayal as Henry’s three eldest sons and his wife enter into a rebellion against him, aligning themselves with his bitterest enemy, King Louis of France. But it is also the story of a great king whose brilliance forged an empire but whose personal blind spots led him into the most serious mistake of his life.
Sharon Kay Penman has created a novel of tremendous power, as two strong-willed, passionate people clash, a family divides, and a marriage ends in all but name. Curiously, it is a novel without villains—only flawed human beings caught up in misperceptions and bad judgment calls. Most devastating to Henry was not his sons’ rebellion but his wife’s betrayal in joining them. How could it happen that two people whose love for each other was all consuming end up as bitter adversaries? That is the heart of Penman’s tale in Devil’s Brood.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: SENSATIONAL!!!!!!
Comment: Sensational is the only word for this book. Ms Penman is by far the most talented historical author of her generation - this book is meticulously detailed (the depth of historical research is astounding) and she still manages to imbue the characters with a depth of humanity that eludes most authors. Considering that the times of Henry and Eleanor are well documented from a major event persepctive, but so little is known of the players of the time, this is an achievement that it is simply difficult to put into words.
Please, please Sharon, tell us you are writing about Richard and John! Eleanor is my favourite historical figure, and you know that there is lots more to tell about her. You've touched on her with your wonderful mysteries, but I want more!
This is an astonishing book, to be savoured. Do yourself a favour and get a copy!
Customer Rating:
Summary: excellent extremely complex medieval saga
Comment: 1172 King Henry Fitz Empress names his oldest surviving son Hal as his coregent. However with the title comes nothing else as the second Henry since the Conqueror refuses to give his offspring any meaningful authority.
Hal is irate as he feels his sire has insulted him with a name that is a title only and has no power behind it.. The monarch's wife Eleanor of Aquitaine rallies their male offspring to back their oldest brother in a bid for power. Over several years, however, Richard, Geoffrey and John not only join Hal in an open revolt against their sire, they war with one another over land, which each knows denotes power in late twelfth century England. Eleanor cannot believe how convoluted her encouraging her children to rebel against their martinet father has spun, but remains steadfast in support of Hal.
The third Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine historical thriller (see WHEN CHRIST AND HIS SAINTS SLEPT and TIME AND CHANCE) is an excellent extremely complex medieval saga. The story line digs deep into two obstinate but powerful monarchs who battle in bed and on the throne for the top position. Their adult children also come somewhat into focus especially the frustrated males, which in turn amplifies the intricacy of the story line. Fans of a well written vivid medieval tale will want to read Sharon Kay Penman's powerful twelfth century chronicle.
Harriet Klausner
Customer Rating:
Summary: Once again Penman has far exceeded my expectations!
Comment: I finished the book last night. It really cleared up a lot of questions and misconceptions I had. I appreciate her staying so close to actual events and piecing together as authentically as possible events that remain clouded. It brought tears to my eyes as I was reading some parts because you feel as if you are part of the drama (like you are there with them) and experiencing their pain. I will not say anymore since this is a must read. She mentions that she will be writing the next book continuing with Eleanor, Richard and John and I can't wait. Hers are books I am proud to include in my library and recommend.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Another unforgettable book by SKP
Comment: Another wonderful book by SKP, where the struggle for the power between Richard's sons prevails over most of his kingdom. The strong character of Eleanor shows already her fight for women rights on state decisions even in a medieval era. The dialogues between the main characters are very well written within an historical context based on a very careful historical research performed by SKP.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Penman never disappoints
Comment: Sharon K. Penman is my favorite author. We had to wait a long time for this final volume of the Henry and Eleanor saga, but it was so worth it. I found myself staying up late at night, so anxious to see what would happen next. She has a way of making medieval times just spring to real, technocolor life. How a family so blessed with sons could end up such a fractured mess, how Richard, "The Lionhearted", earned his nickname, how King John of such infamy was shaped by his early life. How one of the great love stories of all time devolved into a bitter struggle for power, how one of the most brilliant rulers of all time lacked the ability to guide and direct his own family, you can't make this stuff up!
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