Title: Devil’s Brood
Author: Sharon Kay Penman
First published October 7, 2008
736 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780399155260 (ISBN10: 0399155260)
Rating: 4.39
Overview
A.D. 1183. The powerful Plantagenet family is at a crossroads as King Henry II’s three sons vie for the throne and their mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, struggles to maintain control.
But when a shocking betrayal occurs, the family is torn apart and alliances are shattered. Devil’s Brood, a gripping tale of love, loyalty, and treachery, delves into the lives of these legendary figures and the impact their decisions have on the fate of England and the rest of Europe.
Sharon Kay Penman weaves a masterful tale of a family on the brink of destruction, and the consequences that echo through history.
About the Author
Sharon Kay Penman has an impressive academic background, having earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Texas at Austin and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law. After completing her studies, she worked as a tax lawyer.
Penman’s historical novel, The Sunne in Splendour, is a beloved book on the Historical Novel Society’s list of best historical novels. In 1996, she tried her hand at a historical whodunnit with four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reign of Richard I, following the success of When Christ and His Saints Slept.
However, these mysteries didn’t achieve the same level of success as her “straight” historical novels. Penman went back to writing historical novels with Time and Chance in 2002, which explored the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II.
Devil’s Brood, published in 2008, was supposed to be the final book in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. But she later realized that there was still more of the Angevins’ story to tell.
This led to the publication of Lionheart and The King’s Ransom, where Henry and Eleanor’s son Richard the Lionheart is the main character in both books. Eleanor, John, and Richard’s favorite sister, Joanna, also have their time in the limelight.
Penman recently finished The Land Beyond the Sea, which is set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century. The book is set to be published in the U.S. by G.P. Putnam’s and in the U.K. and Down Under by Macmillan and co.
It is scheduled for an early March 2020 release.
Editoral Review
Sharon Kay Penman’s Devil’s Brood is a historical fiction novel that transports readers back to the 12th century to explore the tumultuous reign of King Henry II and his family. Published on October 7, 2008, the novel falls under the category of historical fiction and is written in a compelling style that keeps readers engaged from beginning to end.
The novel follows the story of King Henry II, his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their three sons- Henry, Richard, and John- as they navigate the complexities of power, politics, and family dynamics during a time of great upheaval in England. The plot is set against the backdrop of the conflict between Henry II and his former friend, Thomas Becket, who becomes the Archbishop of Canterbury and challenges the King’s authority.
Penman’s characterization of the historical figures is noteworthy, as she brings to life each character with depth and complexity. The relationship between Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, in particular, is portrayed with nuance and sensitivity, highlighting the love, betrayal, and political maneuvering that characterized their marriage.
The author also does an excellent job of portraying the different personalities and motivations of the three sons, each of whom would go on to become King of England.
One of the strengths of the novel is the vivid portrayal of the setting and the historical context. Penman’s descriptions of the castles, landscapes, and costumes of the era are rich with detail and add to the immersive experience of reading the book.
Additionally, the author provides a nuanced understanding of the political and social tensions of the time, especially regarding the role of women in medieval society.
The pacing of the novel is another notable strength. Despite the complexity of the plot and the large cast of characters, the author manages to keep the story moving forward, with well-timed plot twists and dramatic moments that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
However, the novel is not without its limitations. Some readers might find the frequent shifts in point of view and the large cast of characters confusing or overwhelming.
Additionally, the historical accuracy of some of the events and characters has been called into question by some historians, which may detract from the credibility of the novel for some readers.
Overall, Devil’s Brood is a compelling work of historical fiction that is well worth reading for fans of the genre. The book is well-written and engaging, with strong characterization, vivid descriptions, and a well-paced plot.
While it may not be entirely historically accurate, the novel provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex political and social landscape of 12th-century England.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction or is interested in medieval history. However, readers who prefer a more straightforward narrative or who are looking for a completely accurate historical account might want to approach this novel with caution.
On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate this book a 9, based on its strong writing, engaging plot, and well-developed characters.
