A King's Ransom

Plantagenets #5

by Sharon Kay Penman

From the New York Times-bestselling author of Lionheart comes the dramatic sequel, telling of the last dangerous years of Richard, Coeur de Lion’s life.
 
This long-anticipated sequel to the national bestseller Lionheart is a vivid and heart-wrenching story of the last event-filled years in the life of Richard, Coeur de Lion. Taken captive by the Holy Roman Emperor while en route home—in violation of the papal decree protecting all crusaders—he was to spend fifteen months chained in a dungeon while Eleanor of Aquitaine moved heaven and earth to raise the exorbitant ransom. But a further humiliation awaited him: he was forced to kneel and swear fealty to his bitter enemy.

For the five years remaining to him, betrayals, intrigues, wars, and illness were ever present. So were his infidelities, perhaps a pattern set by his father’s faithlessness to Eleanor. But the courage, compassion, and intelligence of this warrior king became the stuff of legend, and A King’s Ransom brings the man and his world fully and powerfully alive.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Medieval, British Literature, 12th Century, Plantagenet

685 pages, Hardcover

First published March 4, 2014

About the author

Penman received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she majored in history, and also received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, and later worked as a tax lawyer.

The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following the success of When Christ and His Saints Slept (which dealt with the Anarchy and the early career of King Henry II of England), Penman ventured into the historical whodunnit with four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reign of Richard I. The mysteries did not enjoy the same success as her "straight" historical novels, to which she returned in 2002, with Time and Chance, again covering the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II. In 2008, she published Devil's Brood, which was to be the final book in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She soon realized that there was still more of the Angevins' story to tell and the result was Lionheart , followed by The King's Ransom. Henry and Eleanor's celebrated and controversial son, Richard the Lionheart is the major character in both books, although Eleanor, John, and Richard's favorite sister, Joanna, also get to spend time on center stage. She has just finished The Land Beyond the Sea, set in the Kingdom of Jerusalem in the late 12th century. It will be published in the U.S. by G.P. Putnam's and in the U.K. and Down Under by Macmillan and co; the publication date is early March, 2020.

Reviews

[Misfit · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think it's any secret that I'm a huge Penman fan (or Penmenian as Jerelyn has coined it), and I was thrilled to spot this on the Vine newsletter and get an early shot at it.

This is a difficult book to review, since those who are familiar with Richard's history don't need another rehash, and those fresh to the story don't need me spilling the beans. And trust me, there are plenty of surprises to be had, even for those who think they know about Richard being held hostage and his troubles with the French king and his younger brother John.

That pretty much leaves me to discussing my reading experience, and all I can say is wow. I was gripped on the first pages with the cat and mouse came of getting home from crusade and trying to avoid the snares set to capture him. While I was aware that Richard had spent time in Germany as a hostage, there was much more to the story, and I was fascinated watching how that experience changed him and how he interacted with others in his life, especially his marriage to Berengeria. I loved his sarcastic nature (he gets some of the best dialogue!) when it was directed towards younger brother John and Philippe Capet (the French king). And speaking of Richard's younger brother John, some of my favorite moments were the family Christmas celebrations and watching him trolling the room for gossip and mischief - I so wish I could quote some of it. It doesn't get better than that.

While this book is a follow up to Lionheart, IMHO it can be read as a stand-alone, and another thumbs up to the author for getting the reader up to speed on previous events without the use of tedious info dumps. I also appreciated how Raimond was used to get the reader up to speed with the Cathar religion, and why the Catholic church was so set against it. There is a fairly large cast of characters (my copy had a reference sheet at the front), and I recommend using it. My knowledge of the Holy Roman Empire is pretty poor, and I did need some help trying to keep track of some of the minor players, especially when the names were similar. Once things moved back to Normandy and Richard's efforts to regain the lands he'd lost, I was hooked until the very last pages. These are strictly my opinions I'm expressing, but I didn't see Richard as a glorified, romantic hero. I found this to be a very well-rounded, fair look at a very complicated man and king.

As for the ending? Knowing Richard's history there were things I knew would happen and was prepared for - and I can't say more - but I will say that I have not had to put a book down and have a good cry since I read The Reckoning, the last in her Welsh trilogy.

It may be only early February, but I'm still willing to call this one of the best reads I'll have all year. One final note, if you are torn between purchasing the physical book over a digital version, I'd recommend the latter. The book is a huge doorstopper, and my dodgy elbow took a beating trying to hold it up. Plus the cat was a bit put out - book and cat could not fit on the lap at the same time, and the little darling does love her lap time.

[Nicole~ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Your Pride Will Be Your Undoing, Lionheart

A King's Ransom is the sweeping, adventurous sequel to Lionheart , a masterfully spun novel of the last seven years of Richard I's life: 1192-1199, focusing on the period of his capture, imprisonment, and ransoming by Heinrich Hohenstaufen, the Holy Roman Emperor. It is a homeric epic that retells the life of this legendary hero in "IMAX" detail. The author takes great care to keep historical veracity while weaving well thought-out strategies and motives, clearing a few myths and misconceptions along the way of transporting us on a grand medieval journey.

Sharon Kay Penman is well-known for her detailed, insightful characterizations, and in A King's Ransom, that skill is shown at its peak. Historical figures became flesh and blood, living, breathing 3- dimensional people: I felt the searing pain of burnt flesh, the fear and mania of being in solitary imprisonment; I smelled the musty, moldy dankness of the chilled dungeon; the putrefying odor of the suppurating wound; felt the heartbreak of a neglected wife; tasted the sweetness of love's second chance.

Her characters' personalities are well-conceived and fitting - I saw Richard I as a restless and impulsive adventurer, quick to flare up with that "notorious Angevin temper," more suited to aggressive military life than to contemplating law, governing a kingdom; or to committed marital life.

It couldn't be all swords and crossbows in Ms. Penman's novels, so it was a pleasure to see the women of court take active duty: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Joanna, Berengaria. Their roles and perspectives brought deeply heartfelt, emotional dimensions to that dangerous, often tragic medieval life.

History is never so entertaining as in a fictionalized version, and Ms.Penman pulled it off in imaginative scenes - sieges, battles, betrayals, political drama - the dangerous 12th century game of Monopoly . The amazing sea adventure, Richard's capture and especially his incarceration will stay in my mind for a long time.

I particularly got a thrill by old King Henry's cameo appearance as Richard lay feverish in his dungeon: "There is something else you need to remember whenever this new reality of yours becomes more than you think you can bear. You cannot gain revenge from the grave. Trust me on this; I know."

Ms. Penman brings spirit and passion to the life of the Coeur de Lion, whose legend will carry on in A King's Ransom -the last of the Angevin Trilogy, much like what Homer did for Odysseus... and you know how successful that was.


******
From wikipedia.org:
Richard I (8 September 1157 – 6 April 1199). He was known as Richard Cœur de Lion, or mainly Richard the Lionheart, even before his accession, because of his reputation as a great military leader and warrior.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a ride! Sharon Kay Penman has done it again. She has made a 700+ page book seem short. She has transported me to the 12th century and made me feel like I belong there. She has made me cry over the deaths of people I know to be long dead.

I will admit, Lionheart was my least favorite of Penman's books, though it was still amazing by most standards. With the addition of A King's Ransom, it's getting difficult to rank her books because I want to place them all on top.

I expected this book to be informative, knowing the author's tendency to research the smallest details and make her novels as close to real life as possible. I didn't expect to be so emotionally invested. I didn't expect to cry through the last 100 pages. Let me tell you, knowing the time, place, and cause of a person's death does not prepare you for watching them die. The reader is placed at the bedside along with the mourners, except we have modern medicine in our back pocket and aren't allowed to administer it.

Penman masterfully takes the reader through Richard's highs and lows until you become as devoted to him as his men-at-arms. He is arrogant, witty, reckless, and magnetic . . . unless of course you are the French king. In that case Richard is the prime example of everything you will never be. And you hate him for it.

The animosity between Richard and Philippe that began in Lionheart is back in Ransom with a cruel vengeance. Parts of Richard's story had me wishing that I could pick up a sword and go fight for him myself. Remember, I had to keep telling myself, this happened over 800 years ago. There is nothing you can do to stop it. Still, you may say, "no, no, no" as you read it, just as I did.

Penman once again creates scenes and characters that are varied, rich in detail, and completely believable. Joanna, Richard's sister, is sort of a female version of Richard and is the source of most of the romance in this book. Berengaria, his unfortunate queen, could not be more poorly suited to him, and it is easy to feel pity for her while still adoring him. John, the infamous brother, is always sneaking around the edges of the story, and does his patience ever pay off. Then there is Eleanor. Has anyone had a more remarkable life than Eleanor of Aquitaine? And to think, she spent 16 years doing nothing while in captivity! In Ransom, she is more than a devoted mother, but clearly also the one who taught Richard his skill in statecraft. So many others . . . the cast of characters is huge, but Penman handles them all with such skill that they are easy to keep track of, especially since some of them are friends from past books.

Richard's story from leaving the Holy Land until his death is certainly action packed, but it is also emotional. The what-ifs you will ask yourself while reading this can get daunting. They certainly must have been so to Richard as he lay dying. His story combined with Penman's prose and I could have quoted something noteworthy on almost every page.

I laughed. I cried . . . ok, then I cried some more. I highly recommend this book to, well, everyone.

[Iset · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, brilliant book.

I have just torn through Sharon Penman’s new release in three days flat, the last of which I read the last full two thirds of the book – 393 pages out of 685 total. I feel exhausted. How much greater a mammoth task must it have been to have written a novel as detailed, as thoroughly researched and nuanced as this? The term ‘page-turner’ is often applied to a good book these days, but there are rare occasions when the term is inadequate, insufficient. This is one of those times. I haven’t read like this since the day Harry Potter and the Halfblood Prince was released and I spent a full ten hours reading the book cover to cover, completely forgetting to take meals or bathroom breaks. This goes beyond feeling eager to pick up the book and read ‘just a few more pages’ to feeling downright compelled to keep reading to the very end to find out what happens to characters we love and a plot that has us on the edges of our seats, in the face of actual physical discomfort. That’s a rare thing to find in a book.

I have to admit I only just held back the tears welling up towards the end of the book, even though this time, unlike with Devil’s Brood and Here Be Dragons where I only had a vague idea of historical events, I knew exactly what was coming. I have to marvel at Sharon’s capacity for writing tragic scenes, for whether I’ve foreknowledge or not they never fail to move me. It’s not just that those scenes are written in such a moving way, of course, but also that by the time we get to that point we already deeply care about what happens to these characters. It’s because Sharon takes the time and care over her characters throughout the book that as readers we identify with these admirable, fallible, complex, human beings. I often find it instructive to look to Sharon’s work to discover how to write realistic, authentic characters. Thinking back over the characters of A King’s Ransom, I can’t find fault with any of them. From the main players through to the bit parts, each seems nuanced and, most importantly, real. Of course, if I’m going to admit to having favourites, I couldn’t help but back Richard all the way, he of the shining Lionheart legend, not to mention the shrewd Eleanor, charismatic Joanna, and sympathetic Berenguela; but Sharon also won me round to Raimond of Toulouse, and I can’t help but think she’s right in her Author’s Note when she suggests that more light needs to be shed on Raimond’s life. Undoubtedly I have said this before in my reviews of Sharon’s previous novels, but I truly cannot express enough what a relief it is to read historical fiction where characters are not all either whitewashed or blackened, divided up into ‘good guys’ and ‘bad guys’. There’s too much of it in historical fiction and I’m so tired of it. Simply put, history is far too complex for such simplistic renderings. Human beings are far too complex for such simplistic renderings. Creating subtle, three-dimensional characters is so critical as a writer’s skill. It’s the difference between me as a reader being swept away into the world you create, or refusing to buy into it because the characters just aren’t believable as real people. I would actually go so far as to say it’s the most important skill for an author. Stories hinge on the characters.

Of course, there was much more to the plot of A King’s Ransom than the scenes I found moving. There’s adventure, peril, tension, intrigue, nadirs and zeniths, even romance. How can a book cross so many genres? From a rollicking adventure to a thrilling intrigue to a touching romance? Honestly, I’m not surprised. History encompasses all human experience, and Penman is a good enough author to realise that a good story has elements of many different ‘genres’, moreover a good enough author to weave them together seamlessly. The battles are as tense and brutal as the romance is stirring and poignant. When reading historical fiction I often look for the author’s weakness. What do they avoid? Do they skim over battle scenes? Do they avoid heartfelt character exchanges? Such books can be good, naturally, but I notice the lack, and for me the very best stories are well-rounded, strong in every area. A King’s Ransom is one such.

One thing I have to draw attention to is the construction of the book. It’s obvious that careful planning and forethought went into A King’s Ransom at every stage, and this shows. Not only does it show in the nuanced way the characters are built up, but in the plot and pacing too. Every single scene serves a purpose and advances the story. Nothing is superfluous or extraneous. This really contributes to the book’s ‘page-turn-ability’, for it keeps the pace and excitement going instead of letting the reader get bogged down in unnecessary fluff. It even bleeds over into the descriptions. I took note of some of the book’s particularly well-crafted descriptions because I liked how vividly they set the scene and created an atmosphere and ambience, but I also liked how sparse and to-the-point they were. Penman doesn’t waffle on and on about the environment a character walks into before actually letting dialogue or action commence. It’s short, sweet, and then we’re back in the action. Judicious forethought helps make a great book. It makes the plot and characters much more focused in what they’re doing and where they’re going, keeps the pacing tight, and avoids meandering and boredom setting in for the readers.

Part of careful planning, for a historical novel, is of course research and accuracy. What can I say here? Everyone knows that Sharon Penman is thorough and meticulous about such things. I have to agree with a comment Sharon makes in her Author’s Note: “I feel cheated when I read a historical novel and then discover that the author has not included an Author’s Note.” I like to know more about the characters and events I’ve been reading about, where the author has stuck to the facts and where, and why, an author has changed them. Perhaps I’m in the minority, but I love historical novels where the author sticks as close as possible to the known facts. That might be the trained historian in me though; as a history lover I pick up historical fiction hoping for a fully realised vision of what actually happened, as accurate as possible, for it’s the closest we historians will ever come to the fantasy of time travel. I’m glad too that Sharon has continued to provide a brief bibliography, for those of us wanting to know more.

Other than saying I can’t wait for the next book, The Land Beyond the Sea, I’m going to sign off with a few quotes and my highest possible recommendation for A King’s Ransom. Thoroughly well-written, fantastically enjoyable.

“The stone walls of the chapel had been recently whitewashed and in the soft candlelight, they glowed like polished ivory. During the daylight hours, the sun turned the stained-glass windowpanes into resplendent jewels; now they gave off a muted shimmer, an occasional flicker of emerald or ruby or royal purple. The scent of incense hung in the air; Eleanor found it a comforting aroma, reminding her of the rich spices of Sicily and Poitou.” (p.121)

“By now the sky was darker than midnight, stars glimmering like distant campfires in an alien world. Eleanor gazed up at those pinpoint white lights, hoping that her son was able to look upon them, too, on this tranquil spring evening. When she thought of his time at Trifels, shut away from the sun and sky and untainted air, she felt a tightness in her chest, a heaviness that would be with her until the day he regained his freedom. And if he did not . . . ?” (p. 234)

“the men were telling Will about the latest offer by the French king— that disputes be settled by a contest of champions, five on each side. But after Richard insisted that he and Philippe be two of the champions, the French lost all interest in the idea.” (p. 436)

10 out of 10

[Judith Starkston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penman’s epic novels about the lives of English royalty are much beloved by many—and with good reason. Penman’s most recent novel completes her cycle about Richard the Lionhearted, including both Lionheart and A King’s Ransom. Penman’s novels engage in a kind of alchemy that’s worth analyzing in a review because you won’t be aware of it while you’re in the midst of reading. That’s the point—she’s so good at it you won’t notice what she’s doing—you’ll be caught in the story. She does three things as a writer that ought to make the reader draw back or slow down, and yet, they don’t. In the hands of a less skillful writer these stylistic choices would, but the magic here works. Hence my claim that Penman is a kind of literary alchemist, turning the ordinary or even disastrous in most writers’ hands into something transformed and transforming.

So what are the three things? One is the length of her books. They are big. Don’t try to hold on with one hand while balancing A King’s Ransom over your cup of tea. You will drop the book. I’ll grant there are other historical writers who draw their readers through 650 pages without slowing down, but it is a relatively rare talent.

The second aspect of Penman’s style that should set off warning bells, but does not, is the amount of historical information she includes. You’ll get the complete story of Richard the Lionheart and you’ll enter into precise details of warfare, daily life, international political intrigue, personalities of all relevant persons both famous and less so, clothing, armor—pretty much everything. She even follows thru on historical tangents that are important but not central to the main tale. Writing historical fiction well is usually all about balance—including enough period detail to persuade your reader they are there, but not too much. I’ve never felt while reading Penman’s books that there was too much. But when I step back and break the spell she’s cast, it looks suspiciously like a lot of history. How does she get so much in without weighing down the tale? I wish I knew. It’s her special alchemy.

The third bit of alchemy is the most impressive to me. Her epic arcs of history require contributions from a wide range of narrators. The ordinary writer with many shifting points of view will be told the novel suffers from confusing “head-hopping.” Somehow Penman can glide her reader from one character’s viewpoint to another without any hitches even within one scene. When I read Penman’s first novel The Sunne in Splendour, I remember being forced to put it down in order to cook dinner. I was stirring something when it dawned on me, as my thinking shifted from reader to writer/analytical mode, that I couldn’t identify who was telling the novel. I grabbed the book and scanned the scenes I’d read. When I realized what she’d accomplished, I was awestruck—seamless shifts without any awareness on the reader’s part, with no sense of disorientation. It’s a style perfectly suited to her grand subject matter. We can delve into history through multiple minds and perspectives. Each feels intimate. Each persuades. I never wonder whose head I’m in; I always know. I honestly have no idea how she does it. As the warning in ads says, “Don’t try this at home.” Unless you’re an alchemist.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Sharon Kay Penman book I have read and I am simply astounded by it. I have never read an author who packs so much history into a novel and it is so readable and easy to understand. There is a large cast of characters as Kings often move in large groups of people and yet I was able to keep them straight. I did not have to refer to a cast of characters chart (if it had one-my copy did not) or make notes to keep track of the players. That, in itself, was an amazing feat.

Still it was the story itself that was the star. I now know more about Richard the Lionhearted than I ever conceivably thought I would. He was portrayed as a man with faults and warts and it made him come alive for me. He was an impatient man who liked war more than anything else. He found love and ruling his Kingdom as obstacles to overcome so he could pursue his passion of making war. The story starts with him leaving the Holy Land with Jerusalem unconquered and on his way back to England. Along the way he is captured and ultimately made the prisoner of the Emperor of Germany. Apparently troubles between England and Germany started way before WWI.

Imprisonment was a torture. Accustomed to having his word obeyed instantly, he is now subject to his jailers. At one point he was even shackled, an even unheard of for a King and a Knight on a Holy Crusade. Eventually through ransom and interventions, he is released and sets off to make more war. This time he is fighting the King of France to regain his lands he lost through his imprisonment. He makes a lightening visit to England but is soon back to France to continue fighting. Richard doesn't really waste time trying to rule England. He views it more as an ATM.

The women are very interesting. Richard is surrounded by strong women including his mother, Eleanor, and his sister, Joanna. I have to confess that I saw Katherine Hepburn's face every time I read about Eleanor. I guess I've seen "Lion in the Winter" too many times but it was really comforting. The women, though strong willed, were just chess pieces in the matrimony field so it was great to see some happy marriages. I really enjoyed Joanna and the Count of Toulouse's relationship. It was quite a delight.

I found this a fascinating book. It's long (657 pages) but it is one that I don't think could have been edited for length. There was no filler or padding just great historical information. I plan to read more of her books. I highly recommend this one but I have one caveat. If you have a Kindle buy it on that. My arms just got tired holding that heavy book.

[Nae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I believe Sharon Key Penman could write an exhaustively detailed history of the making of brown paper bags and manage to make it a thrilling roller coaster ride of a story. I have read every single one of her books at least twice and still find myself racing through each one to see "what happens next." That same feeling was with me throughout this entire book. Like most of us I grew up with an idealized view of Richard the Lionheart that was fostered by Robin Hood and Evil King John legends. The prior book, Lionheart, shattered those myths in no uncertain terms for me, but with this book she introduced me to a Richard I had no idea ever existed. For some reason my history lessons always ended with Richard making his miraculous return to England in time to thwart the evil brother John. I had no idea that he went on for an incredible few years of fighting battles in France with such panache, nor that he was so clever at manipulating diplomatically to get what he desired. The section where he defended himself in front of the Holy Roman Emperor gave me goose bumps when I read it. Her recounting of his death from such an unlucky-aimed arrow in the shoulder was a complete shock to me as I read this, even though I vaguely knew that was how he died. Penman's historical research and attention to detail are impeccable, but it is her ability to breath life and believable emotion into her characters that we all "thought" we knew that is the joy of reading her novels for me. While I am sorry to see her wrapping up this Angevin thread of history, I find myself eagerly looking forward to what she tackles next. I was lucky enough to receive a free copy of this book but I would willingly have paid for my copy without thinking twice about it.

[Sud666 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Richard. Listen to me, you will not be forgotten. A hundred years from now, men will be sitting around campfires telling the story of Richard the Lionheart."
"Only One Hundred years?" Richard asked with a smile.

Thus ends the tale of King Richard, First of His Name, King of England, and Duke of Normandy. A legendary battle king and a supreme warrior- Richard's deeds read like an adventure novel. They are all absolutely real (A topic Penman covers in her endnotes).

This book is the second part of Richard's story. The first is covered in "Lionheart". While that covered Richard's time on Crusade, "A King's Ransom" follows his ill-fated return. Captured by Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI (Heinrich von Hohenstaufen) and held for ransom, this is an opportunity for the French King and Richard's brother, John, to cause trouble.

After undergoing the tortuous Imperial politics that end in his release, Richard must fight against the rebellious lords that seek to give victory to France. It is during this campaign that Richard will perish. The final part of the book deals with the transition to King John's rule.

So ends not only Richard's tale, but this wonderful series on the Plantagenet family. Truly excellent historical fiction that is wonderful to read and very informative. Highly recommend this entire series.

[happy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Penman has done an admirable job of telling the story of the last years of Richard I’s life. In this volume the author tells Richard’s story starting with his shipwreck off the Balkan coast as he is returning from the 3rd Crusade and follows Richard and his family thru to his death and ends with the death of his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In between is a masterful telling of the events of the last seven years of his life.

Ralph Peters once wrote that history can tell you that an army marched 22 miles in 95 degree heat and 95 percent humidity and many soldiers fell out, well done historical fiction can make you feel what it was like to make that march. Ms. Penman has succeeded in making the reader feel what it was like to be in Richards orbit. From his languishing in first an Austrian and later a German dungeon and later putting his Kingdom back together, the author brings Richard to life and brings the reader into Richard’s world. Her telling of his captivity and the efforts to free him is the story of the the first half of this novel and is told masterfully. The scene where he defends himself in front of the HRE Heinrich and the German Diet is definately my favorite in this book. Richard is presented in turn as witty, charming, determined and very intelligent.

As with many of her other novels, Ms. Penman has drawn us some exceptional female characters. In this novel they are Richard’s sister Joanna, his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine and finally his Queen, Berengaria. They are all well written and really come to life. There concerns are real as well as their feelings for Richard. Eleanor is worried about Richard and John and the fate of the Kingdom, Joanna, while also worried about her brother, finds love in the person of the Count of Toulouse - the main source of romance in the novel, and Berengaria who wonders why Richard is avoiding her.

Richard’s enemies also come to life. His main enemy, the French King Philippe, is a great villain. His scheming with Prince John is a joy to read. The Holy Roman Emperor Heinrich is presented as an amoral opportunist. When Richard is captured near Vienna, Heinrich sees this as a way to fund his attempt to seize the throne of Sicily, safe conduct for crusaders be damned. John is also written as an opportunist who desperately wants to be king. He is actively conspiring with Philippe to keep Richard in Germany. The scenes of him trying to get back into Richard’s good graces are also a delightful read.

As an aside, I enjoyed the main character of Ms. Penman’s mystery series, Justin de Quincy, making a cameo appearance. As a reader of medieval mysteries, I would like to see that series continued.

In short this novel is extremely well researched, the characters are well drawn and the story is compelling. My rating is 4.25 stars rounded down to 4 for Good reads.

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a given that every time Sharon Kay Penman writes a new novel, I'll preorder it, and get my greedy mitts on it. This one I was looking forward to in particular in that it was the follow up to her previous novel Lionheart, which told the story of Richard the Lionheart's time in the Holy Land during the Third Crusade. But many authors skip over what happened to the king afterwards. But in this one, we get to find out what did, and it's a stunner of a tale. Captured by an enemy, Duke Leopold of Austria, Richard faces imprisionment, humiliation and a struggle that he might not win. Along on the story we get to see his siblings Joanna and John, his mother, the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine, and others. I found it all fascinating, and this book won a spot on my keeper shelves. Five stars overall, and well worth the time. Just keep the hankies nearby for the last part of the book.

For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.bubblews.com/news/2640944-...

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Kay Penman’s Plantagenet series concludes with A King’s Ransom, giving us a meticulous recounting of the final seven years of Richard I of England's life. It highlights his capture in Germany on his way home from the Holy Land crusade, the wars he waged with his brother John and the French king to reclaim the Normandy lands he lost from their duplicity, the castle he built that was not only formidable but was the most expensive fortress at that time, and—for all of his heroism and larger-than-life existence—the tragedy that befell him and led to his rather anticlimactic death in 1199.

This book gives us a vista of Richard who is not impervious to vulnerability and torment. After painting him as a glorious fighter and great military strategist in Lionheart, we see him here coming to terms with his personal ghosts that are primarily brought about by his incarceration. While Miss Penman could not claim credence that King Richard truly suffered from trauma, she has explored the possibilities enough to let her imagination stream along the events leading to his capture and allows him to hark back to that harrowing prison experience from time to time. And as we are shown a glimpse of his fragile side, Miss Penman ensures that he lets his warrior’s instinct take over and confront his internal struggles every time, which I think is a true and defining character of his. I admire his bravado and wit and the way he had turned several checkmate moments into his advantage when everyone thought he was already on the losing side. I specifically enjoyed the incident when he cleverly “lawyered” for himself against several unwarranted allegations thrown at him in Heinrich’s imperial court and won not only the Germans’ admiration but also the allegiance of some of them.

The author has also incorporated a few snippets of some of the relevant events already discussed in her previous books, probably to give a recap of those past events to her zealous readers or serve as a helpful guide to those who haven’t read the series yet. At any rate, the history pep-up gives this particular book an independent/standalone feel that can make the readers follow through with the story easily should they decide to skip the first books in the series (although it is still highly recommended to start with book #1, When Christ and His Saints Slept).

Just like with her other books, Miss Penman deserves all the accolades for the exhaustive research she has made in A King’s Ransom. She has clearly put a lot of time, effort and heart in this book to have it translated into a seamless narration of this particular spot in England’s history. She has also utilized this novel to discredit unfounded facts that have long permeated several bygone and contemporary chronicles, such as King Richard’s gender preference and the intrigues surrounding the life of Count Raymond of Toulouse. For someone who has relied too much on Wikipedia and Google for historical points to ever think them false (i.e. Lady Joanna fleeing from her unhappy marriage with Count Raymond, per Wikipedia), it was a relief to know that Miss Penman's comprehensive research has allowed her readers to have another version of these dubious information and weigh in the merits of her reasoning through her Author’s Note. I always look forward to the author’s postscript whenever I read historical fiction because it is where the author can be candid and personal with his/her opinion as a spectator of history and where s/he can discuss anything significant in a more long-winded approach.

On the whole, A King’s Ransom is a masterful representation of how colorful and extraordinarily impressive Richard the Lionheart’s life had been. I enjoyed the remarkable journey back to his time; Miss Penman had me actually fangirling over Henry II, Richard I and the rest of the Plantagenet folks, that I’m not quite sure I’m ready to let go of them just yet. In the meantime, I comfort myself listening to this ballad, “Ja Nus Hons Pris”, which King Richard had composed during his time in prison and which one lovely interpretation Miss Penman has included in her Author’s Note (http://youtu.be/RVRjmTdM4c8). It is sung in French, and as I'm not familiar with the language, I can only hope that Google has provided me with a reliable English translation of the song. :-)

[Roman Clodia · Rating 4 out of 5]

While reading this I'd been thinking that if Penman's Lionheart was her Iliad, then this sequel is her Odyssey with its template of a troubled journey home from war and a digressive rather than linear momentum - it's amusing, then, to see Penman say exactly the same thing in her afterword.

For me, this is a book of two halves: the first dealing with Richard's return, capture and imprisonment is the better part. The second, after the eponymous ransom has been paid, becomes baggy and rather stolid: there are lots of little sieges as Richard rides around England and France to take back lands overrun by the French or his brother John or rebellious barons and other opponents. His women also come to the fore, also riding around Europe with various escorts.

Penman is always what I think of as a documentary writer: she retells the history based on research, rather than shaping it into a romantic plot. The first half of this book is fascinating in the intricate politics between the Emperor, the church and national rulers. Without much of a guiding narrative in the second half, some of my interest scattered.

It must be said that Penman's Richard is pretty much the ideal chivalrous king: he's noble, the most brilliant of fighters, courageous, eloquent, respects his honourable enemies (like Saladin, in the previous book), is beloved by all his men however lowly - and though we're told he can be brutal, we don't witness it. His only 'flaw' (which I quite liked) is that he's rather immune to romantic love - how nice not to find medieval historical fiction reduced to Mills & Boon in fancy dress!

Bringing her Angevin history to a close, this isn't my favourite Penman but it is intelligent, detailed and perhaps the next best thing to reading non-fiction history on Richard's last years.

5 stars for the first half, 4 for the second, rounded down. And how exciting that Penman's next book returns to the Kingdom of Jerusalem --> The Land Beyond the Sea

ps. Some amusing anachronisms: 'And I must warn you that I am not susceptible to the "my wife doesn't understand me" school of seduction'.

'She was not John's type'.

'So you and Joanna go house-hunting' - my particular favorite 😉

[Rio (Lynne) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Penman. Need I say more? Superbly researched novel! Great writing. Amongst all the characters (and yes, there are many) Penman makes you feel for these people. You get attached to them, flaws an all. On a personal note, I'm the type when I read I like to stop and google. Is this castle still here? Church? When I began reading this, I was planning my October vacation. My plans changed. After Penman's descriptions I knew I had to do a road trip in France. Especially, Castle Guillard...Richard's final castle. This is the final book in the series. I started with Lionheart. Now I'll go back to the beginning.

Castle Guillard

[Linda (Miss Greedybooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love ALL of SKP's books!!!

The continued history of Richard the Lionheart. Wonderfully well written. I love this part of history, and cried as each of them passed. I anxiously await SKP's next book!

[Amy Bruno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Kay Penman is the ultimate writer of Historical Fiction as far as I'm concerned. As soon as one of her novels is announced I immediately pre-order it and then start counting down the days to release. When you read a Penman you know you're reading first-rate historical fiction. She nails every aspect that readers of the genre look for and sets the bar for genre standards. Once again she has worked her magic and created a stunning historical that will be on top of a lot of Best Reads lists this year.

In A King's Ransom she again brings to life Richard the Lionheart, continuing the story begun in 2011's Lionheart. Bold, brilliant, and big (over 700 pages!), this novel packs a historical punch! Richard is a larger than life character...well, being an off-spring of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II how could he not be...and Penman captures him so keenly I dare say that even he would be pleased.

I also enjoyed the parts of the novel with the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine and Joanna of Sicily. If you like to read strong women, look no further than those two!

A King's Ransom is another hit for Sharon Kay Penman and I will be awaiting her next release with much anticipation!

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Penman has excelled with telling the story of the Plantagenets. This was not so much the story of Richard I as his legend is remembered by. It was the story of Richard I being imprisoned by Heinrich VI the Holy Roman Emperor and his subsequent battle to regain his Angevin Empire that had been taken over by King Philip II of France. It was a state of constant warfare for four years and in that time the Richard from Lionheart is a very changed man. The story was vivid in detail as all Penman's books are so meticulously researched. For Richard I was just as flawed as any person and in the end that was his undoing.

A book full of tragedy, with the deaths of so many characters so young. With moments of triumph on the battlefield or alliances made. Loyalty and betrayal were hand in hand as the battle between two men Richard and Philip for control of Normandy and the Angevin Empire. A very worthy conclusion to the story of the Plantagenets.

If you love historical fiction then this series is a wonderful one to start.

[Deborah Pickstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an outstanding book, brilliantly researched and a convincing set of theories about possibly the least English King of England. I highly recommend it and its companion novel (which is the first of the two). My only complaint is an over-reliance on visiting dead characters in dreams and fever states. While I completely support the theory of PTSD I think it could be demonstrated without resort to 'experiences' that many would hold in doubt and don't match my knowledge of PTSD. The dreams, sure - the voices of the dead - no.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book as part of the First Reads program. King's Ransom describes the last 7 years of Richard the Lion-Hearted's life, as a sequel to Lionheart and as a part of Sharon Kay Penman's Plantagenet series. While I enjoyed them, the two Richard books are my least favourite of the Plantagenet series - perhaps because I do not enjoy the military history as much as the diplomatic. The first half of King's Ransom was enthralling, however, describing Richard's return to Europe, capture and eventual ransom. But the second half was very slow-paced - describing battles without much insight into the historical figures, apparently because not much is known else is known about their actions in those few years. Fans of Penman should read this one, but if you are new to her I would begin with the other Plantagenet books.

[Andrew Gillsmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sharon Kay Penman can do no wrong.

She is not only a meticulous researcher, she has a singular gift for small details that bring these historical characters to life. Her Plantagenets series is my favorite historical fiction of all time.

A King's Ransom picks up where Lionheart left off. Richard is on his way back from a (mostly) successful Crusade in the Holy Land. The ever-scheming King of France and his allies in the Holy Roman Empire plot his downfall.

It is up to his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, to secure his release from captivity. Meanwhile, his ne'er do well younger brother, John, conspires with the French king and German emperor in order to advance his own claim on the throne of England.

[Orsolya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although Richard the Lionheart evokes descriptions of courage, valiance, fierceness, and pure strength; even the most commanding individual can hit rock bottom. In Richard’s case, this was the worst of the worst: capture and captivity. Sharon Kay Penman continues the Plantagenet series and the follow-up to “Lionheart” with, “A King’s Ransom”.

“A King’s Ransom” is an epic piece: immediately diving into the thick of a fast-paced and heavy-beat story picking up where “Lionheart” left off with Richard leaving Acre. In this manner, “A King’s Ransom” may cause some confusion to those who haven’t read the prequel and is therefore not a standalone novel. For everyone else, Penman creates a masterful, illusionary, raw, and vivid story that brings Richard alive and makes the reader feel as though he/she stepped out of a time machine and landed by Richard’s side. Penman’s writing is smooth and has an easy flow in “A King’s Ransom” making the novel truly stand out.

In usual Penman style, “A King’s Ransom” is heavy on the history-front presenting an abundance of information saturated with facts but crafting this into a narrative form with fictional literary language to keep reader attention. “A King’s Ransom” is the crème de la crème and precisely how historical fiction novels should be.

Penman does have a habit of occasionally over-explaining events and histories through character dialogue while also interspersing the text with repetition but this is noticeably less than in the other Plantagenet novels thus not depreciating the value of “A King’s Ransom” too exponentially.

Beginning at chapter 8, Penman alternates the narrative voices in “A King’s Ransom” from Richard to his mother Eleanor of Aquitaine, his wife Berengaria, his sister Joanna, brother John, etc. This gives fresh perspectives to the story while also moving the plot and keeping it from tiring out. Yes, there are a lot of characters and key figures mentioned which are often difficult to keep track of (Penman provides a character list); but this solidifies the history and gives credibility to the information within “A King’s Ransom”.

The emotional value of the novel is quite high and noticeably results in a page-turner. “A King’s Ransom” is highly visual and again: best described as ‘epic’ making for illuminating reading.

Slightly past the halfway mark, “A King’s Ransom” does slows considerably in comparison to the build-up of the preceding chapters. However, perhaps this is a stylistic tool and maneuver on Penman’s part as she infuses the pages with action at the opportune times in order to keep the story moving and the reader from straying and therefore “A King’s Ransom” continues to enthrall.

The portrayal of Richard’s death is emotional and impactful. The term ‘epic’ keeps being applied and has to be for a third time as this part of “A King’s Ransom” is truly an emotive explosion and will leave the reader with many thoughts to ponder.

After the death of Richard, Penman’s writing dwindles in strength as “A King’s Ransom” seems to wean while focusing on the plight and aftermath of other characters making the story feel stretched out. On the other hand, these pages shine on Eleanor of Aquitaine putting her character and person on a pedestal manifesting her legacy. This wraps up the Plantagenet saga well (beginning with Eleanor and ending with Eleanor). The conclusion of “A King’s Ransom” is solid and again: well-rounded with an epitaph of Eleanor. Penman close up the story on a strong note leaving the reader sated.

Penman follows this finality with an ‘Afterword’ elaborating on the historical repercussions of each figure involved and she also includes an ‘Author’s Note’ focusing on explaining any historical liberties in the novel, the research process, and a list of some sources for further reading. These supplemental pages in “A King’s Ransom” are meaty, informative, and entertaining to the reader and are not to be skipped.

“A King’s Ransom” is a masterful piece of historical fiction and everything that this genre of novels should be: historically accurate, rich, and emotionally moving. “A King’s Ransom” is Penman’s strongest in the Plantagenet series and is definitely recommended for Penman readers and those having previously read “Lionheart”.

[Shannon · Rating 2 out of 5]

A disappointing listen. The narrator lost me and did too many voices in a monotone fashion.

OVERALL GRADE: C minus.

[Diana Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th and final novel in the Plantagenet series written by author Penman. I can't recommend works by this author enough. It's apparently clear from beginning to end that a great deal of time was spent on researching and creating a cohesive story.

The Medieval era was not for the faint hearted and throughout the books not only does the family go to war with other nations but also fights amongst themselves. Add a crusade, imprisonments and some pretty nasty ways to be tortured, if you made it past forty you would be lucky.

Henry II with Eleanor of Aquitaine made a powerful couple. Having been married to the King of France first, Eleanor would have two daughters and because the King wanted a son divorced her and before he could designate another husband for her she joined with Henry and would have eight more children which included sons. For the most part just history can be rather dry, but with the addition of all the drama of fiction the books can not be far from the truth and certainly more entertaining.

[Joey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A pretty unsatisfactory ending to an otherwise great series of novels! This book is a bit dull. For literally the first half of the book we have to endure an eternity listening as Richard deals with imprisonment in Germany; there are some moments that are interesting and exciting, but overall the captivity is a boring one. Upon his return he is mired in a number of conflicts with the French king Philippe which developed because of Johnny's betrayal, but the last half of the book is just boring repetitions about sieges, small victories, and minor losses on the Norman front.

I didn't actually read to the end, as I knew what was coming and I could already tell it wouldn't completely satisfy me, so I skipped out on reading the narrative about Richard's death. Perhaps that was compelling and heartfelt and meaningful, but I wouldn't know.

Overall the book series itself is highly, highly recommended but this particular book (which was supposed to be part of the last one but got hefted up and made separate because of looming deadlines) should not have been the bookend. Just my opinion!

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

For some reason, though I love the author's writing and have read most of her books, I could not keep focused on this telling about the last years of Richard I (Lionheart). I think it's because of my frame of mind right now, no fault given to the author.

Richard was a fascinating character and Penman relates the story so well. Her historical research is impeccable. As is often the case with her novels, I stop reading frequently to google the various characters and locations, and I'm never disappointed. She is always exactly correct in her renditions of the people and places that populate her books.

While reading this novel, it's so easy to get lost in the medieval world and feel a part of it. I learned a lot reading this highly entertaining book, to the point that I added many new locations to my travel bucket list. However, I am extremely grateful to be able to visit medieval sites as a modern woman.

This is a long read, but worth it. Recommended!

[Patricia Bracewell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I had grave doubts about it because it seemed to me that Richard's months in captivity would have to be the central element of the book and I couldn't imagine how even the gifted Penman could make imprisonment interesting. But she did it! I am so impressed. I was rivetted, and it was the best part of the book for my money. I also defy anyone who has sons to not break down during Penman's description of Eleanor and Richard when he is near death. It was very moving.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just got this book autographed by Penman!! Meeting her was so amazing!

[Jennifer Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so depressed that I've finished all of the books in this series. Now I have to go back to living in the real world, and who wants to do that? Not me, at least.

[Libby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing causes me more happy excitement than a fat historical novel by Sharon K.Penman. She has the gift of narrative. She feeds her readers a ton of background, deftly mixed with the action of her story. The unsuspecting reader learns all this Medieval History without noticing, because they are so enthralled by the pace of her tale's events. Sneaky, sneaky writer!

This particular book tells us of the original "return of the King", the homeward journey, capture, captivity and ransom of Richard the Lionheart following the sad and barren end of his Crusade. It is a sequel to her previous novel Lionheart, which tells the tale of Richard's adventures on Crusade. Perhaps it would be better to call it a companion book, as it has the strength to stand on its own even if you have not read the first book. It is a hefty 600+ pages and is not a book you can gulp in one bite. That is alright with me, as Penman's prose is best taken in bites small enough to savor.
We are treated to Richard's perilous sea journey, brought to a change of plan by the news that shifting European alliances have blocked his intended ports to him. Storms force his ship ashore in territory claimed by Leopold of Austria, a prince who fancies his honor has been slighted by Richard in the Holy Land. A series of mishaps land Richard and his men in captivity, transferred from the relatively straight forward and benign kidnap by Leopold into the clutches of Heinrich, the Holy Roman Emperor. Heinrich is here portrayed as a ruthless and cold blooded prince, obsessed with his own dynastic goals and desperate for money to pursue them. He is no friend to the Angevin King and is actually allied with Philippe of France, Richard's worst enemy. Richard's greatest fear is that Heinrich will sell him to Philippe.

Our viewpoint is then turned to Richard's mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, as she struggles to keep his son on his throne and to raise the insanely large ransom demanded for the king's release. We also learn of Richard's sister Joanna, the widowed Queen of Sicily, his wife Berengaria of Navarre and a host of others whose lives are interwoven into Richard's tale. Here we have the clash of religions, the lust for power, the love of a mother, the desires of lovers and loyalty and betrayal; all of these mixed into a tasty treat for the lucky reader.

If you are fond of adventure, this has it in the large economy size. If you love suspense, this tale has a boatload. If you are a history lover, this is your meat and drink. Don't dawdle. Get this book and read it!

[Lisa (Harmonybites) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sequel to "Lionhearted." In her author's note, Penman writes the first novel is about Richard the legend, this one about Richard the man Maybe that's why I enjoyed this sequel much more than "Lionheart" my least favorite among the almost dozen of hers I've read. Richard is at his most sympathetic as a prisoner of the Germans and dealing with his trauma in the aftermath. And after reading 9 of Penman's books dealing with the Angevins, I felt rather sad leaving them--especially her Eleanor of Aquitaine--I'm sure Penman does too.

In many of her books, there is a tension between two adversaries and Penman leaves you suspended in your sympathy towards both--whether it's Matilda versus Stephen or Henry versus his sons or even Richard versus Saladin. This wasn't this sort of book. Heinrich of Germany and Philippe of France are both thoroughly loathsome. Her Prince John though unscrupulous is fun to read and you do feel for him at times. I think though of all the more secondary characters my favorite was Raimond de St Gilles, the Count of Toulouse. Like Joanna, I fell in love with him and wished I could spend more time with him, although considering the tragic fate of Toulouse in the Albigensian Crusade, it's perhaps best we leave him where we did. He was a man sadly out of step of his time in his irreverence and tolerance. Penman is her best at recapturing medieval times from the foods to the deeply held beliefs and a mindset alien to us. It's to be transported to a world as alien as Mars.

[Annika Hipple · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another stunning historical novel from one of my favorite authors. Sharon Kay Penman has always stood head and shoulders above her peers, and this book is no exception. It picks up where her previous novel, Lionheart, left off, with Richard I on his way home from the Holy Land. As those with a knowledge of medieval history are aware, the journey does not go as planned, and Richard is forced to endure shipwreck (twice!), capture, and a long imprisonment before he is able to return home. In the meantime, the treacherous French King Philippe and Richard's disloyal younger brother John do their best to steal his lands and his crown. Even after his release, Richard spends the rest of his life at war, trying to regain the territories lost during his captivity and deal with rebellious barons. It's a dramatic story, and as always, Penman infuses her characters with life and her plot with realism and historical accuracy. A King's Ransom is a page turner - even for those who, like me, already know how the (hi)story will end. Like all of Penman's books, it's a joy to read.