' A superb book , illuminating a fascinating and turbulent era . It is the figure of Matilda who rightly commanded the stage in all her power and complexity ' Nicola CornickWhen Empress Matilda is eighteen years old, tragedy strikes the royal family, and she becomes the only child of the king of England - the de facto heir to the throne. As her dying father persuades the barons to pledge allegiance to her, Matilda returns to England - but the lords and clergy do not like an independent woman. And Matilda is nothing if not headstrong . . .When the old king dies, the country is plunged into instant chaos. So begins a fierce battle between cousins that will go down in history as a time called 'The Anarchy'. And Matilda must race across England, evading capture until she can demand the crown . . .'The story of Matilda is strikingly brought to life with this beautiful written novel. A must for any fan of medieval history ' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐' An engaging story . . . Matilda is strong, fascinating and keeps you hooked to the very last page ' ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
