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The King's Curse

Cousins' War Book 6

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The King's Curse

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: Bianca Amato
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About this listen

FROM THE BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE FAIRMILE SERIES, PHILIPPA GREGORY, COMES THIS RIVETING NOVEL ABOUT THE TUMULTUOUS LIFE OF MARGARET POLE

'Margaret's story is shocking, deeply moving… the depiction of Henry VIII's transformation from indulged golden boy to sinister tyrant is perfect pitched' Sunday Express

They trust her to watch the House of Tudor rise Only she knows it will fall.

Heir to the Plantagenets, Margaret Pole, is a rival claimant to the Tudor throne. Buried in marriage to a loyal Tudor supporter, she becomes guardian to Arthur, the young Prince of Wales, and his beautiful bride, Katherine of Aragon.

But her destiny is not for a life in the shadows. Tragedy throws Margaret into poverty, yet the king's death restores her to a place at young Henry VIII's court, as a lady in waiting to Queen Katherine.

As the Tudor court sours, Margaret has to choose between her allegiance to the increasingly tyrannical King Henry, or to her friend, his abandoned queen. And Margaret is hiding a deadly secret… that a curse was cast on the Tudor line, and she is watching it come to pass.


‘Meticulously researched and deeply entertaining, this story of betrayal and divided loyalties is Gregory on top form’ Good Housekeeping

‘Gregory has popularised Tudor history perhaps more than any other living fiction writer… all of her books feature strong, complex women, doing their best to improve their lives in worlds dominated by men’ Sunday Times

‘Engrossing’ Sunday Express

‘Popular historical fiction at its finest, immaculately researched and superbly told’ The Times

©2014 Philippa Gregory (P)2014 Simon & Schuster UK
Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Movie, TV & Video Game Tie-Ins Renaissance Romance Women's Fiction War Tudor Royalty
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This is a beautiful book, wonderfully narrated. Like bathing in history. The experience brings history to life.

Exceptional story for history lovers

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have always enjoyed Phillipa Gregory's books and this was so much more enjoyable with the voice of the reader keeping me transfixed and eager to listen while going about my daily tasks.

Beautifully spoken

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Fantastic! I bought this book to fall asleep to, but it kept me awake! I just loved it! Can't wait to buy more in the series!

New favourite book!

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Beautifully told from a woman's perspective.
Margaret Pole's story respectfully told with dignity.
i loved every word.

Excellent

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Great narrator, magnificent story of a lady who played such a big part of the Tudor's lives but tried to be who she was not born to be. By the end of the book it was like watching the Titanic, you don't want the ending to happen but you know it does. Great read!

brilliant story, would thoroughly recommend

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My first introduction to historical fiction was Gore Vidal's Julian, a book which I have re-read three times. And as a bloke I initially stuck to historical fiction written by blokes. Ken Follett and Conn Iggulden among others.

Then I found Hilary Mantel. I started with A Place of Greater Safety and have now read most of her works.

I had never contemplated Philippa Gregory. I think there is a little scuttlebutt about her work which I fell prey to. The titles and some of the covers of her books look more Mills and Boon than serious historical fiction.

The King's Curse is my first Philippa Gregory novel and I am mightily impressed. The narrator, Margaret Pole, is such a calm observer of one of the most unique periods of English history. From the perspective of a Plantagenet, the early years of the Tudor reign can be seen from one who rides the wild vicissitudes.

The character of Catherine of Aragon is finely crafted. The tragic first marriage with the gentle Prince Arthur is truly heartbreaking. The strength of Catherine shines through and her legacy is well represented.

King Henry VIII is also well covered, from his spoilt childhood to his infamous reign, we gain a human perspective from two extraordinary women, Margaret and Catherine.

Finally, as an audiobook I must commend Bianca Amato's narration. This is a vast task, covering over 24 hours. She is memorable in her depiction of the characters and the consistency of the narrator's voice.

This will be the first of many Philippa Gregory novels for me.

Great Historical Fiction, Chick Style

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The King’s Curse is my absolute favourite book so far in Philippa Gregory’s Plantagenet and Tudor series. Gripping, moving and thoroughly entertaining! This is a book that leaves you mourning it’s end. Highly recommended!

Best in the series so far!

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