SummerSky

Eye Opening - Actual History not Historical Fiction

Revisado: 02-16-25

Fascinating journey through changing times and ideas over the centuries with real life portraits of women drawn from historical documentation showcasing changing views of society with records of these women’s daily lives. This is actual history not historical fiction. It covers hundreds of years starting before the Norman invasion to provide insights into how this changed the British landscape and trajectory. So glad Phillipa Gregory pulled this historical tapestry together. It provides an eye opening look into the changing roles and dynamics over the years. Seems that women enjoyed a tremendous amount of freedoms, respect and opportunities pre-Norman conquest and again after the bubonic plague. Shocking how reduced the opportunities and views became over time. Seems the restrictions are more modern, worsening post Elizabethan eras. Had no idea women were in the trades even working as master blacksmiths and owning their own businesses with autonomy and equanimity during periods of time. Eye opening read (or mind broadening listen on Audible). Highly recommend this to everyone - changed my perspective.

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Factually incorrect

Revisado: 12-26-23

Author took a lot of poetic license, history indicates that Joan chose to marry Thomas Holland a much older man without permission of the crown which was forbidden due to her rank and they did it in secret, they fought to be together even after she was promised to another man and married to Salisbury for 9 years before it was annulled so she could be with Holland, author also did not include Thomas Holland and Joan of Kent’s fourth child their daughter Maud or their 3rd son Edmund who died young and was named after her brother. The author also called their 3rd child Isabella named after the old Queen and the Princess, Bella for short, when her name instead was Joan, named after her own mother. And many more made up facts about Prince Edward and the battles. Also titles are off “Fair Maid of Kent” was used to describe Joan long after her death the same as “Black Prince” was used later in history to describe Edward and it’s debated as to whether it is was in relation to his armor or his dark moods. Princess Royale was not a title used until 1600’s which the author ascribes to Isabella. Purely fictional, enjoy historic fiction books much more. The author also infuses the characters with modern ideas and constructs. a fantasy romance book, very very loosely based on historical characters. On a high point the narration is very well done even though the storyline is not historically accurate and one dimensional. Good for a long flight or a cold night.

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Just Keeps Getting Better!

Revisado: 12-02-23

This is some fine writing. Storytelling at its best. Each book is better than the last one. Can’t wait for the next one in February. Written by an amazing author who knows how to spin a yarn. Each character is so fully flushed out. Couldn’t be more amazing. LOVE… LOVE… L-O-V-E this series!!!!! So glad I found it :)

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Best Series Ever

Revisado: 11-25-23

Keeps you at the edge of your seat. Fully flushed out autonomous characters. No standard tropes, this book is engaging and realistic. No a paper doll version rehashing same old style. Highly recommend. Never listened to a series like this before.

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Some of the Finest Literature Ever

Revisado: 11-18-23

Haven’t read anything this good in years. It’s just beyond words… you can do no diner service for yourself than to join this fabulous ride of masterful storytelling. In 100 years this will be one of the classics covered in literature courses around the world.

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Update - 7 Books in Series

Revisado: 09-04-23

This box set isn’t the end, if you want more Blackstone there are a total of 7 books in the series :) the box set just has the first 3.

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Groundbreaking Book Creating its own Genre

Revisado: 08-21-23

This was an unexpected gem, it had a supernatural element to it but is also a poignant coming of age story. The imagery of the book is astounding. I have never ready anything like this before, it’s incomparable. Highly suggest you suspend all belief and go on this colorful journey. It’s a good read.

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Needs a Serious Editor

Revisado: 07-28-23

Book isn’t sure if it wants to be a history narrative, historical fiction or explanation of ancient world in modern terms. This book is all over the place. Couldn’t make it through. Would love for a good historical fiction writer to write about these 2 characters. There is potential here, this execution is just horrendous.

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Phenomenal!

Revisado: 07-27-23

Highly recommend, became immersed in another world from long ago courtesy of this author. The characters come to life off the page. All four books in the series were captivating. The audio storyteller also does the novel justice. It was definitely a good read! Hope the author writes more in this world.

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Boring

Revisado: 07-07-23

As other reviewers have said this narrator is terrible. Not sure if the story is awful too because I can’t pay attention to it. Just drones on and on like she’s taking to kindergarteners. Not even good to put you to sleep, it’s just annoying and bleats on and on. Monotonous drone. Too bad the return function isn’t available for this title. Only returned 3 books in all years I’ve had Audible. This is one I would love to return.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas