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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