The inspiration for the critically acclaimed Starz miniseries The White Queen, #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings to life Margaret Beaufort, heiress to the red rose of Lancaster, who charts her way through treacherous alliances to take control of the English throne.
Margaret Beaufort never surrenders her belief that her Lancaster house is the true ruler of England, and that she has a great destiny before her. Married to a man twice her age, quickly widowed, and a mother at only fourteen, Margaret is determined to turn her lonely life into a triumph. She sets her heart on putting her son on the throne of England regardless of the cost to herself, to England, and even to the little boy. Disregarding rival heirs and the overwhelming power of the York dynasty, she names him Henry, like the king; sends him into exile; and pledges him in marriage to her enemy Elizabeth of York’s daughter. As the political tides constantly move and shift, Margaret masterminds one of the greatest rebellions of all time—all the while knowing that her son has grown to manhood, recruited an army, and awaits his opportunity to win the greatest prize in all of England.
The Red Queen is a novel of conspiracy, passion, and coldhearted ambition, the story of a proud and determined woman who believes that she alone is destined, by her piety and lineage, to shape the course of history.
Download and start listening now!
"Second time reading this, as first time found it a bit hard going. Still found it a struggle although the last two chapters make up for it. Margaret Beaufort is such a hard character to warm to which is a big part of the problem but still an interesting life story."
— Lizzie (4 out of 5 stars)
“There is more bitching, double-dealing and downright skulduggery than in an entire series of The Thick Of It, and a splendidly bloody climax to boot. Delightful escapism.”
— Times (London)“Gregory is a serious historian who steeps herself in source materials.”
— Daily Telegraph (London)“The Red Queen is a vivid and compelling evocation of a turbulent period.”
— Daily Express“Sexy…scandalous…smart.”
— Redbook" If you ever wondered what life was like wonder no more! This book perfectly depicts what life could have been like. Leaves you full of mixed emotions for real life characters history has forgotten! "
— Michael, 1/29/2017" Not as good as TWQ! 4.5 stars! Margaret was a smart girl, with a very big passion for religion and a quick-mind! Good story with a good storyboard! "
— Elizabeth_woodville, 2/3/2014" Being a Ricardian (supporter of Richard III) I was prepared to read this book with an open mind. However I found myself wanting to slap the younger Margaret. It is good to read a book on the period which doesn't automatically assume that Richard III killed his nephews and even hints that Margaret herself could have done it. I did actually find myself having some sympathy for Margaret - even though she was from a noble house, she wasn't immune to being expected to do what her family wanted regardless of her own feelings. However, I would have liked to have known more about Margaret's life after her husband murders the annointed king on behalf of her son and how her relationship with Elizabeth of York develops. "
— Sheila, 1/27/2014" Enjoyed! Great read. "
— Margie, 1/23/2014" An ok read, but nothing spectacular. "
— Pauline, 1/22/2014" I loved The Other Boleyn Girl & had high hopes for this. Sorry, this was awful. I kept waiting for something interesting to happen, but it was so repetitive...my son must be king at any cost, blah blah blah. There was very little character development and a confusing, boring storyline. Don't waste your time. "
— Kim, 1/11/2014" I have not read the White Queen but thought this was good on it's own. It is very similar to her other Tudor/period books. "
— Mo, 1/10/2014" I think its not really for my age, but I'll read it again when i'm older...lol "
— Designer, 1/8/2014" NOt the best. I guess The Other Boelyn Girl can't be beat. The protagonist in this one was a hypocritical and obnoxious person to have to spend 300+ pages with. I found it boring and tedious for the most part. "
— Susan, 1/8/2014" Phillipa Gregory makes history come to life. Wonderful follow-up to The White Queen. "
— Llinda, 12/20/2013" This was good but not as good as other Gregory books. I enjoy English historical fiction so naturally I was going to like it. Of course it is always amazing what lengths individuals will go through for power and wealth. "
— Meredith, 10/21/2013Phillipa Gregory is an internationally bestselling author of historical novels whose success extends to the United States as well, where she is a #1 New York Times bestselling author. She earned her BA from the University of Sussex and a PhD in eighteenth-century literature from Edinburgh University, where she is a regent. Gregory is the author of the Wideacre trilogy, the Earthly Joys series, and the Plantagenet and Tudor novels, which include the enormously popular Other Boleyn Girl, of which there are over a million US copies in print. She is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff and was awarded the 2016 Harrogate Festival Award for Contribution to Historical Fiction.
Bianca Amato, winner of numerous Earphones Awards and the Audie Award for best narration, is an actress born and raised in South Africa. Trained at the University of Cape Town’s Drama school, she went on to work in theater and television in South Africa before moving to New York in 2002.
Graeme Malcolm was an actor and winning audiobook narrator who earned twelve AudioFile Earphones Awards. He has performed on Broadway as Pharaoh in Aida and as Sir Edward Ramsay in The King and I. His television appearances include Law & Order, Follow the River, and Mr. Halpern and Mr. Johnson (with Laurence Olivier). His film credits include A Further Gesture, The Adventures of Sebastian Cole, and Reunion.