The Shadow Queen

From the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Queen's ChoiceThe untold story of Joan of Kent, the mastermind behind the reign of child-King Richard II.

The untold story of Joan of Kent, the mastermind behind the reign of King Richard II.

From her first clandestine marriage, Joan of Kent's reputation is one of beauty, scandal and rumour. Her royal blood makes her a desirable bride. Her ambition and passion make her a threat. Joan knows what she has to do to survive. The games to play, the men to marry – even if one man will always have her heart. A remarkable story of love and loyalty and of the cost of personal ambition. The story of the woman who would ultimately wield power as the mother to ten–year–old King Richard II, from the shadows of the throne.

'What would enhance the pattern of my life further? One word slid into my mind. A seductive word. A dangerous word, perhaps, for a woman. Power.'