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To Defy a King Audiobook
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(4.00) - 1,305 listener ratings
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The fifth book in bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick’s William Marshal series, To Defy is King is a riveting historical novel of family, loyalty and betrayal, featuring the daughter of medieval England’s Greatest Knight.
The spirited daughter of England’s greatest knight, Mahelt Marshal, lives a privileged medieval life. But when her beloved father falls out with the volatile and dangerous King John, her world is shattered. The king takes her brothers hostage and Mahelt’s planned marriage to Hugh Bigod, heir to nobility, takes place sooner than she expected.
Mahelt and Hugh come to care for each other deeply, but Hugh’s strict father clashes with the rebellious Mahelt. When more harsh demands from the British royalty threaten to tear the couple’s lives apart, Mahelt finds herself facing her worst fears alone. Caught between the family she was born in and the family she married into, Mahelt is uncertain if she—or her marriage—will survive.
Written with vivid detail and great historical accuracy, To Defy a King is an immersive novel of medieval England. Fans of Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, Sharon Kay Penman, and Bernard Cornwall will take pleasure in this well-crafted story of a vibrant, noble woman in a tyrant’s world.
“The best writer of medieval fiction currently around."—Historical Novels Review
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"Traveling the English and French countrysides with King John is perilous at best yet somehow Mahelt's brothers and father, her husband, Hugh, and the king manage to coexist in this dangerous world. When Mahelt went to the Bigood household to become Hugh's wife, she found she was no longer the cherished firstborn whose every wish seemed to be her father's command. Spirited, lovely, and determined she eventually establishes peace between her husband's father and herself, growing to love her husband deeply. Meanwhile, the king murders those who oppose him, takes hostages from families he distrusts including Mahelt's brothers, and covets the wives of his subjects. Public support gradually erodes until one nobleman after another become disenchanted with his broken promises and philandering. What will happen to Mahelt and her loved ones in this tempestuous era? Upon finishing this read, I found the author's comments entertaining and I believe that Chadwick will continue with another novel with Mahelt as the heroine. A fine novel written by a most talented and creative author. Read it and see for yourself."
— Rusty (4 out of 5 stars)
To Defy a King Listener Reviews
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" Buddy read with Anna :-). "
— Jemidar, 2/20/2014 -
" Outstanding book. The two main characters, Hugh and Mahelt, are so well written you do not realize how young they are. She tells their story beautifully as you watch them grow into adulthood and raise a family of their own. Chadwick so subtlly writes about King Johns evil deeds you do not realize how awful he was as a king. Highly recommend this book. "
— Alice, 2/11/2014 -
" This was a really good historical read. It was great to see a strong woman despite the fact that she was living in a time that women's opinions were not heard by men. At some points it does drag and can be a bit predictable, but I enjoyed it overall. "
— Annaleemb, 2/1/2014 -
" Loved it! Must look into more of EC's work. "
— Izzy, 1/31/2014 -
" The same era told from a different view point. King John is still a thoroughly despicable character. "
— Janet, 1/29/2014 -
" Chadwick does an excellent job with a follow up for the Greatest Knight. This book was fabulous - felt like you were stepping back in time. I loved how Chadwick continued the story of the Marshall that served the 1st King Henry and his sons. The Marshall was a key component to the success of this line of kings. Hence, his daughter was an image of him - moreso then his sons it seems. The story is longer, there are some parts of the politics that were a little over done, but overall the story is fantasic. "
— Mary, 1/15/2014 -
" This was an awesome book. I would highly recommend. I love the characters. "
— Crystal, 1/14/2014 -
" very good historical fiction. i enjoyed the writing and the time period. and it wasn't overdone with facts and descriptions. "
— Cindy, 10/24/2013 -
" Not Chadwick's best book, but still a fantastic read. I felt I was able to associate with Mahelt much more than some of the other female protagonists as she seemed to act much as I would have in the various situations she found herself in. "
— Jacquelynn, 10/20/2013 -
" The story of William Marshal and Isabelle de Clare's oldest daughter Mahelt. Excellent as always. "
— TheFountainPenDiva, 9/5/2013 -
" A good old fashioned return to my roots in romantical-historical fiction. This was a bit too repetitive in some of the descriptions for me (how many times to you need to tell me her hair was thick and luxurious and like a waterfall?), but a nice summer read. "
— Maureen, 7/30/2013 -
" Very good book, loved the characters, slow in some parts. "
— This, 12/18/2012 -
" Thank you, free kindle books. Really enjoyed this. "
— Chantelle, 12/16/2012 -
" Not as addictive as the earlier William marshal books were hence it took me a wee bit longer to finish it. I preferred William's point of view while his daughter Mahelt was interesting some of the 'womanly' scenes were just plain boring! "
— Farzana, 10/2/2012 -
" Another saga in Chadwick's William Marshal chronicles. Although this one centers on the less-interesting younger generation, it is still full of the kind of details about life in the Middle Ages that make this author's books so much fun to read. "
— Jennifer, 8/31/2012 -
" I was so pleased with this novel about Mahelt Marshall and Hugh Bigod. Elizabeth Chadwick is one of my favorite authors and a must buy anytime one of her books is published. "
— Cathie, 8/23/2012 -
" My friends all loved this book, but I didn't, it was O.K. definitely not in the same class as Elizabeth Chadwick's pevious books on William Marshall. Mahelt was so busy being "defiant" she never found time to be happy. I felt like shaking her at times. "
— Lin, 1/27/2012 -
" What an amazing and riveting book! I was so sorry to say goodbye to Mahelt and Hugh. This is definitely a keeper to read again in the future. "
— Terry, 12/20/2011 -
" I can't deny it - I'm still not tired of the British royalty historical novel (as long as it doens't concern Henry VIII or Anne Boleyn). "
— Tracy, 12/19/2011 -
" Another incredible novel by Chadwick!!! Love, love, love her... she is one of the BEST historian fiction writers ever!!! "
— Lori, 12/8/2011 -
" I think I would have enjoyed this book a lot more had I not just finished EC's Marshall trilogy and For the King's Favor. They all cover about the same time period so there was a lot of repetition. Very well written though! "
— Brenna, 11/21/2011 -
" Another great book by Elizabeth Chadwick. I'm beginning to feel as though I've known these people all my life! "
— Kathy, 10/4/2011 -
" This is another great book from Ms Chadwick. What can I say she has a way of bringing her characters for life and keeps you reading until you run out of book. "
— Diane, 5/15/2011 -
" Great book! It was very detailed and the plot was amazing. The details about Hugh's and Mahelt's relationship was exceptional. "
— Robia, 4/26/2011 -
" Ok. A bit slow, but I found myself looking up various historical bits and pieces I had forgotten about. Worth reading. "
— Keziah, 4/22/2011 -
" Very well done historical novel! Enjoyed it! "
— Karina, 4/10/2011 -
" I may be getting tired of the Chadwick oeuvre; not as exciting as the Marshall books. "
— Deb, 4/6/2011 -
" This was a solid four star historical fiction for me. I plan on reading more of Chadwick's books. "
— Meagan, 4/4/2011 -
" Thank you, free kindle books. Really enjoyed this. "
— Chantelle, 4/1/2011