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Review: The Conqueror’s Queen by Joanna Courtney

Review of The Conqueror’s Queen, historical fiction by Joanna Courtney based on the life of Mathilda of Flanders, Duchess of Normandy and wife of William the Conqueror.

The Conqueror's Queen by Joanna Courtney cover
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Synopsis

Mathilda of Flanders reluctantly accepts her father’s choice of husband for her: William, Duke of Normandy. When she goes to Normandy for her wedding, Mathilda finds a court full of men with very little appreciation of great culture.

Keen to win Mathilda’s heart along with her hand, William vows that one day he will earn England’s throne for her. In 1051, King Edward invites the couple to his court at Westminster for Christmas and promises his throne to them upon his death.

William and Mathilda spend the following years strengthening Normandy together and raising their always increasing family. Then 1066 comes around and King Edward dies. The English seem to have forgotten their promises and crown Harold Godwinson, but William has not forgotten and plans an invasion.

Review

In The Conqueror’s Queen, Joanna Courtney beautifully rounds out her Queens of the Conquest trilogy with a book that’s descriptive and engaging right up to the end. She excels in writing a variety of unique characters each with their own personalities and motives.

It was interesting to see William the Conqueror before he became the Conqueror. I also enjoyed seeing a kinder, more just side of him. History tends to remember William as conniving and merciless. While that part of him isn’t absent, it is tempered by care, devotion, and a desire for loyalty. Overall, the book shows him as a well-rounded personality and makes him easier to empathise with.

I loved the relationship between William and Mathilda; they were such a great couple. While they have some rough patches, their relationship is solid. They obviously respect and trust each other. Mathilda is the perfect partner to help William rule his lands.

There was a bit where William tells Mathilda that he slept with some prostitutes before marrying her so that he would know how to please her. My immediate thought was “Aww, that’s so sweet,” but then I stopped and thought: “is that really aww worthy?” Is it? I can’t decide.

I’m not sure about the inclusion of Judith’s story. In The Constant Queen, the author included Tora’s story. This made sense as Harold had a history with Tora, and the two women’s stories eventually came together. That doesn’t happen with Mathilda and Judith in The Conqueror’s Queen.

Mathilda is a fantastic woman. She’s intelligent, down to earth, and thinks things through before dealing with the situation. While her character starts out young and flighty, she develops realistically and becomes the perfect Duchess of Normandy. I would love to read a book on her life as Queen of England.

Conclusion

Have you read The Conqueror’s Queen? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.

If you haven’t, you can buy it at Book Depository (they have free international shipping!) or Waterstones (free delivery on UK orders over £25, will ship internationally).

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Review: The Constant Queen by Joanna Courtney

Review of The Constant Queen by Joanna Courtney, an historical fiction novel set in 11th century Europe.

The Constant Queen by Joanna Courtney cover
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This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

Synopsis

Based on the life of Elizaveta, Princess of Kiev and wife of Harald Hardrada, king of Norway. When an exiled Norse nobleman (Harald) arrives at her father’s court, Elizaveta agrees to keep his treasure safe while he goes out and makes his fortune. He returns several times, but always heads back out for more.

Over time, Elizaveta grows tired of waiting for Harald to marry her. She gives him the keys to his treasure and tells him to leave. On his way home, Harald grows increasingly morose and eventually returns to Kiev to win Elizaveta back.

Together, they return to Norway to claim the crown and build a stronger kingdom. Harald’s relationship with Elizaveta is passionate and tumultuous, and he occasionally turns to a childhood sweetheart for peace.

Review

The Constant Queen is my least favourite book in the Queens of the Conquest trilogy. The book skipped through time a bit quickly for me. I had trouble keeping up with what year we were in and how what was happening fitted in with what else was going on in the world.

There was too much focus on the romantic side of the story for my liking. I would have preferred more history and politics. However, it seems that Joanna Courtney decided to use romance and a love triangle to create intrigue. Also, as the story progresses the phrases used in the romantic bits become repetitive.

Of the three men who claimed the English throne in 1066, Harald Hardrada is probably the least known and the most forgotten. Afterall, unlike Harold Godwinson and William the Conqueror, he never actually got to be King of England. I enjoyed reading a book that looked at this lesser known man and the background to his involvement in the events of 1066.

I liked the contrast between Harald’s two wives. Elizaveta is fiery, rebellious, and independent whereas Tora is sweet, understanding, and steadfast. I appreciated how the relationship between the two women wasn’t used to create drama or move the plot forward. Sure, there is some initial subtle nastiness and power struggles between Elizaveta and Tora, but by the end they become friends and learn how to work together.

“Er, Lady Tora Arnasson, this is Queen Elizaveta.”

“Of Kiev?” Tora asked, taking a single step forward.

“Of Norway,” the dark girl said stonily, taking a mirrored step.

Elizaveta did not hold out her hand and for that, at least, Tora was grateful for she could no more have kissed it than she could a weed-strung toad. Instead, they both bowed their heads in a curt greeting, more for the eagerly watching Norwegians than each other.

“And how,” Tora asked, “do you find your new country?”

“Very agreeable,” came the swift reply, laced with an exotic southerly inflection, but Tora saw the edge of Elizaveta’s full lips twitch and knew she’d hit a nerve. Good.

Unfortunately, some of the characters are distractingly modern. Elizaveta’s strength has a distinctly feminist feel to it that doesn’t fit in with the historical setting. Also, the men generally seem unbothered by Elizaveta (and later her daughter) acting rebellious; I had thought 11th century men would try to supress such actions.

Conclusion

Have you read The Constant Queen? What did you think? Do you agree with what I’ve said about it? Let me know in the comments.

If you haven’t, you can buy it at Book Depository (they have free international shipping!) or Waterstones (free delivery on UK orders over £25, will ship internationally).

Want to get more from your reading? Get my free book review template here.

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