Title: The White Queen and The Red Queen
Author: Philippa Gregory
Summary: Move over Tudors, here come the Plantagenets. Before Henry VIII and his six wives, England endured the War of the Roses, also known as the Cousin’s War, where two royal houses battled each other for supremacy. These books tell the stories of two women whose lives were intertwined: Elizabeth Woodville of the House of York and Margaret Beaufort of the House of Lancaster. Both women would see their family members on the throne but the crown comes at great personal cost to each of them.
Elizabeth Woodville’s story is told in The White Queen. Of humble birth, she snared the future king of England with her beauty (or by witchcraft, as her enemies would later charge.) She would have a happy marriage and many children but she and her royal sons would be in constant danger from rivals and allies alike. Margaret Beaufort’s life is described in The Red Queen. Married at 12 and a pregnant widow at 13, Margaret would plot, scheme, and shift alliances to see her House regain power – because her only child, Henry Tudor, would become heir to the throne. Fast-paced, full of twists and turns, and featuring characters as fascinating as any women in history, you won’t be able to put these books down – even though you think you know how the story will end.
Who will like these books?: Fans of royal historical fiction, especially Ms. Gregory’s many loyal readers. If you are into the Tudors, give these books a try.
If you like this, read this: The other books in this series, The Kingmaker’s Daughter and The White Princess. For younger readers, try Patience, Princess Catherine by Carolyn Meyer. Nine Days a Queen by Ann Rinaldi.
Recommended by: Nicole, Teen Librarian