Captive Queen - (Random House Reader's Circle) by Alison Weir (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

"Stunning . . . Weir renders the bona fide plot twists of her heroine's life with all the mastery of a thriller author, marrying historical fact with licentious fiction."--The Star Tribune

Nearing her thirtieth birthday, Eleanor of Aquitaine has spent the past dozen frustrating years as wife to the pious King Louis VII of France. But when Henry of Anjou, the young and dynamic future king of England, arrives at the French court, he and the seductive Eleanor experience a mutual passion powerful enough to ignite the world. Indeed, after the annulment of Eleanor's marriage to Louis and her remarriage to Henry, the union of this royal couple creates a vast empire that stretches from the Scottish border to the Pyrenees--and marks the beginning of the celebrated Plantagenet dynasty.

But Henry and Eleanor's marriage, charged with physical heat, begins a fiery downward spiral marred by power struggles and bitter betrayals. Amid the rivalries and infidelities, the couple's rebellious sons grow impatient for power, and the scene is set for a vicious and tragic conflict that will threaten to engulf them all.

Vivid in detail, epic in scope, Captive Queen is a sensuous and tempestuous tale that encompasses the building of an empire and the monumental story of a royal marriage.

Review Quotes

"Stunning . . . As always, [Alison] Weir renders the bona fide plot twists of her heroine's life with all the mastery of a thriller author, marrying historical fact with licentious fiction."--The Star Tribune

"Engaging and dramatic . . . [Weir] laudably sticks to the historic facts while simultaneously using her imaginative gifts."--The Star-Ledger

"The history itself is inherently dramatic, augmented here by Weir's usual lush detail, which stimulates."--Booklist

"A vibrant historical novel."--Marie Claire

"[An] epic novel . . . with its drama and rich, authentic historical detail."--Historical Novels Review

"Exceedingly well written and researched, this will more than satisfy and enchant historical novel fanatics. Weir's attention to detail, engaging dialog and engrossing depiction of Eleanor's life make the novel an invaluable addition to the genre."--Library Journal

"[Weir's] weaving of personal and political narratives with minor details, social trends, and history-defining events creates a surprisingly modern-feeling romance."--Publishers Weekly

"As always, Weir's writing is captivating and vivid."--January Magazine

About the Author