Review ~ Wars of the Roses : Stormbird by Conn Iggulden

Michael Joseph
10 October 2013

Stormbird is the first in a new series of books by author Conn Iggulden, who has used his expertise to bring together the story of the Wars of the Roses. In the early part of the 15th Century, England is inexpertly ruled by King Henry VI, who is a weak and docile king. It is left to the machinations of the political elite who linger in shadows, and who plot and scheme in dark corners of foreign palaces, who must endeavour to keep England strong and secure.

Initially, the story gets off to a promising start, the prologue which begins on the death bed of Edward III promises much in the way of plot and malice, and as the story continues there are moments of sheer brilliance, especially in the depiction of the King’s marriage to Margaret of Anjou, and the political skulduggery which surrounds Richard of York’s quest for power. The writing is as ever impeccable; the author has the ability to recreate the very bones of history and his flawless interpretation of events makes for an thrilling and occasionally graphic depiction of an exciting and often volatile time in English history.

Overall, this is a promising start to a new series. I am sure that Iggulden’s legions of fans will find much to enjoy, and with the recent interest in the Wars of the Roses, I am sure that this series will go from strength to strength.

My thanks to Michael Joseph and Real Readers for my review copies of this book 

About the author

Conn Iggulden is one of the most successful authors of historical fiction writing today. Stormbird is the first book in his brilliant series set during the Wars of the Roses, an extraordinary period of British history.His previous two series, on Julius Caesar and the Mongol Khans of central Asia, describe the founding of the greatest empires of their day and were number one bestsellers. coon Iggulden lives in Hertfordhsire with his wife and children.

For more information please go to the authors website