With the coronation of King Charles III, interest in the British monarchy is on the front page. Here’s a chance to look into the origins. “The Boy King’s Tale; as Told by Geoffrey Chaucer” by Michael January is an entertaining and engaging historical fiction novel that takes the reader on a journey through medieval England. The story follows the young life of King Edward III as he is anointed as the “boy king” and must navigate the treacherous political landscape of the time. The novel is written from the perspective of Geoffrey Chaucer as the storyteller, adding a sense of authenticity. The reader will follow Edward as he fights to maintain his crown against the evil intent of Roger Mortimer, one of history’s great villains, and the acquiescence of his mother, Queen Isabella, all while striving for the French crown and trying to make a love match with Philippa of Hainaut.
Young Edward is kept separated from his father by his mother Queen Isabella, daughter of the King of France, who now hates her husband because he has abandoned her bed for a series of male “favorites”. Mortimer, a charismatic Lord of England who has declared himself to be the Earl of March, guarding the border with Wales, is being held in the Tower of London and scheduled to lose his head. Isabella, secretly in love with him, helps him escape to France where they raise an army, cross the channel and defeat her husband, having him murdered in his prison cell, and putting her teenage son on the throne so they can jointly rule by a council they control.
When the boy king leads an army to war, he meets teenage Philippa of Hainaut, who will be the love of his life against the forces fighting against him, and he must outwit his enemies to make it so, but his temper and will lead him deeper into the traps set for him, when his uncle’s execution is engineered. In jealousy and blame, he believes his mother’s lies that Philippa has been unfaithful, leading to one fateful night, on the eve of his turning 18, when Parliament is on the verge of granting him full rights. Mortimer plans to murder him, the same as his father, and his young wife as well to put their infant son on the throne and rule as dictator. Edward discovers the plot, but can he save his bride Philippa and himself locked without friends at Nottingham Castle, facing a knife’s edge moment that will change England forever? A celebration of young love and a boy seeking a father, who takes one as a friend who would betray his trust, and must realize the truth before his fate is sealed
It can be reported, the author fell in love with this story in a library when he was thirteen, the same age as Edward at the beginning of the story, reading only the brief historical detail while sitting on the floor. A life of research, travels to the castles and locations of the story, and a career fashioning engaging stories for the screen have bought about this book.
The author’s two favorite review quotes: “This story was unlike anything I’ve ever read before! …the storyline and the twists and turns, it was just great. I loved the writing style…it made the reading experience amazing!” from an 18-year-old girl in the UK, and “They are some books you enjoy and forget, then, there are some books you devour, inhale and BREATHE. The Boy King’s Tale is one of those books.”
Some Other Review Quotes
“A story redolent with intrigues, battles, and psychological warfare, beautifully written. For anyone that loves tales of knights, derring-do, and chivalry, a fantastic read but also for anyone who just enjoys a rollicking good story!” Reader’s Favorite 5 Star Review
“Intermingles the historical fiction details and tantalizing character portraits, steeped with fast-paced betrayal and intrigue. The storyline portrays intense conflict within an authentic setting, and the novel stays grounded while balancing evocative details with accurate period vernacular.” Publisher’s Weekly Booklife Prize
“The Boy King’s Tale: as Told by Geoffrey Chaucer” by Michael January receives five stars and our “Highly Recommended” Award of Excellence. The author does a remarkable job of showing the entwining story of two vastly different loves… all enmeshed in the story of Edward II’s fall and the resulting political turmoil. The characters come alive, emoting real human emotions: abandonment, pain, fear, and ultimately, love, courage, and strength. An unputdownable must-read for anyone interested in this medieval world…a remarkable historical novel.” Historical Fiction Company
“An entertaining, well-written account of a time so long ago.” Kirkus Reviews
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