Solomon's Crown
A Novel
-
- £5.49
Publisher Description
“This sumptuous romance explores the relationship between Philip II of France and Richard the Lionheart. . . . Betrayal and tragedy lurk around every corner, yet there are moments of breathtaking loveliness.”—The New York Times Book Review (Editors’ Choice)
“Absolutely captivating and wonderfully romantic . . . I didn’t want to put this book down, even when it had ended.”—Rainbow Rowell, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Simon Snow Trilogy
Two rival kings fall desperately in love—but the fate of medieval Europe hangs in the balance.
Twelfth-century Europe. Newly crowned King Philip of France is determined to restore his nation to its former empire and bring glory to his name. But when his greatest enemy, King Henry of England, threatens to end his reign before it can even begin, Philip is forced to make a precarious alliance with Henry’s volatile son—risking both his throne, and his heart.
Richard, Duke of Aquitaine, never thought he would be king. But when an unexpected tragedy makes him heir to England’s royal seat, he finally has an opportunity to overthrow the father he despises. At first, Philip is a useful tool in his quest for vengeance . . . until passion and politics collide, and Richard begins to question whether the crown is worth the cost.
When Philip and Richard find themselves staring down an impending war, they must choose between their desire for each other and their grand ambitions. Will their love prevail if it calls to them from across the battlefield? Teeming with royal intrigue and betrayal, this epic romance reimagines two real-life kings ensnared by an impossible choice: Follow their hearts, or earn their place in history.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Siegel reimagines the lives of real medieval European kings in her captivating queer debut. Philip, only son of ailing, addled King Louis of France, vows to regain the lands his father lost to King Henry of England and his sons. After his father dies and he is crowned, Philip is married to Isabella and—though they do not consummate the marriage—they find a fast friendship. When Richard the Lionheart, King Henry's son and Duke of Aquitaine, meets Philip, both men feel an immediate attraction but their budding romance is complicated by politics: both Richard and his brother Geoffrey attempt to convince Philip to ally with them against the other in exchange for land while Henry attempts to force Richard to give up Aquitaine. As battle lines shift over the next several years, a tender relationship blooms between Richard and Philip despite both risks and rumors—but with all-out war on the horizon, will the men be able to make it work? Siegel's smooth, gorgeous writing deliciously evokes the era and establishes her well-drawn characters. This will be catnip for readers who like their historical romance to come with a deep political slant.
