The early twelfth century is a time for ambitious men to prosper - and royal servant John FitzGilbert is one of them. But when the old king dies and his successor is appointed, John's position at court is weakened and his wife, the pious, pliant Aline, is hopelessly unequipped to deal with a life lived on the edge.

John knows the only way to protect his lands and his children is to divorce Aline. He meets his match in new wife Sybilla, daughter of his enemy Patrick of Salisbury, as she possesses a strength and courage that equals his own. But when Sybilla's son, William, is seized by the king, John is forced to make a terrible sacrifice. Sometimes keeping your honour means breaking your word . . .

The story of William Marshal's father is captured in this first novel in a spellbinding standalone trilogy, by award-winning novelist Elizabeth Chadwick.

About the Author
New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick lives in a cottage in the Vale of Belvoir in Nottinghamshire with her husband and their three dogs. Her first novel, The Wild Hunt, won a Betty Trask Award, To Defy a King won the Romantic Novelist Association's Historical Novel Prize and The Scarlet Lion was nominated by Richard Lee - founder of the Historical Novel Society - as one of the top ten historical novels of the last decade. She often lectures at conferences and historical venues, has been consulted for television documentaries and is a member of the Royal Historical Society. Keep in touch with Elizabeth via her website, her blogs or on social media. www.elizabethchadwick.com twitter: @chadwickauthor facebook: ElizabethChadwick

Reviews
Chadwick's historical grasp is secure and vivid in this punchy prequel to her last two FitzGilbert epics...an absorbing narrative that canters along * FINANCIAL TIMES *
Another wonderfully written, immensely moving and immaculately researched novel from an author who grows in stature with every book she writes * LANCASHIRE EVENING Post *
Spellbinding . . . Based on real characters and extensive research, Chadwick's imaginative tale will keep readers captive till the final page * Publishers Weekly *
Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride. Beautifully strong characters and real feel for time and place * Daily Telegraph *
An extraordinary, wonderful, true story . . . I really felt that I had walked with William Marshal, and that my own life was enriched * Richard Lee, Founder and Publisher of The Historical Novel Society *



Book Information
ISBN 9780751539011
Author Elizabeth Chadwick
Format Paperback
Page Count 560
Imprint Sphere
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 390g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 126mm * 35mm