Discover millions of ebooks, audiobooks, and so much more with a free trial

Only $11.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

A Triple Knot
A Triple Knot
A Triple Knot
Audiobook14 hours

A Triple Knot

Written by Emma Campion

Narrated by Heather Wilds

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

4/5

()

About this audiobook

Joan of Kent, renowned beauty and cousin to King Edward III, is destined for a politically strategic marriage. As the king begins a long dynastic struggle to claim the crown of France, plunging England into the Hundred Years' War, he negotiates her betrothal to a potential ally and heir of a powerful lordship.

But Joan, haunted by nightmares of her father's execution at the hands of her treacherous royal kin, fears the king's selection and is not resigned to her fate. She secretly pledges herself to one of the king's own knights, one who has become a trusted friend and protector. Now she must defend her vow as the king-furious at Joan's defiance-prepares to marry her off to another man.

In A Triple Knot, Emma Campion brings Joan, the "Fair Maid of Kent," to glorious life, deftly weaving details of King Edward III's extravagant court into a rich and emotionally resonant tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal.
LanguageEnglish
Release dateJul 29, 2014
ISBN9781494570804
A Triple Knot

Related to A Triple Knot

Related audiobooks

Historical Fiction For You

View More

Related articles

Reviews for A Triple Knot

Rating: 3.84666668 out of 5 stars
4/5

75 ratings28 reviews

What did you think?

Tap to rate

Review must be at least 10 words

  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was interested in reading this book as I knew very little about Joan of Kent and I always enjoy a historical novel that takes me to a period in time that is less familiar. Better yet if it tells me the stories of real people of whom I have little knowledge. This book scored on both marks for me. Joan of Kent has come down through history as the "Fair Maid of Kent" and apparently she was quite a beauty even at a very young age. She was a descendant of Edward III but her father ran afoul of Roger Mortimer and the Queen and was executed for treason. Joan, her mother and siblings were taken in as wards of the court and Joan was used as marriage bait.She felt trapped by this treatment and decided to make a decision on her own and marry for what seems to have been love despite needing royal permission to marry anyone. She married a man far below her rank, Thomas Holland but it seems to have truly been a love match. Her family failed to recognize the marriage and forced her to marry someone else. Thomas ultimately sued the Pope to have his marriage to Joan considered valid and won.Ms. Campion fleshes out the bits and pieces left to history into a very intriguing tale. She brings the characters to life with fully realized personalities - no one is all good or all bad. The book held my interest and kept reading and I found myself finished before I knew it. There's an author's note in the back which I truly appreciate so that some of the "did that really happen" questions can be answered. I enjoyed my trip into the middle ages to learn about a woman so remarkable that her story survived over 700 years. Most of us are lost to history - Fair Joan left her mark.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I enjoyed this book. Having heard of Joan o you get to go thrf Kent before, it was refreshing to read more about her. This is a love story...a bittersweet one ...filled with laughter and tears...Rich in color and content it takes your hand and takes you back in time to watch (so to speak) as Joan's story unfolds.....from child to woman Emma Campion paints a picture of growing up at the court of Edward III. I recommend it to all who love Historical Fiction
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    This is a pleasant but not a unique read -- there are many plot points here that are common to other historical fiction novels. The female protagonist is mostly strong, but the ending is abrupt and seems tacked on at the very end. Recommended only for serious fans of historical fiction and/or the era.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    Every so often I get in the mood for one of these historical fictions about England's past royalty--this one is about Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent. Every time I finish one I think that I won't read another because they all have started sounding too much alike: the books, the heroines, the wars, the intrigues, etc. Some are better than others and this one is one of the better ones, not great, but good enough for a diversion. Free review copy from the publisher.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    As a sequel of sorts to Campion's prior historical novel, which focused on the life of Alice Perrers, the mistress of Edward III, this story of Joan of Kent will appeal to fans of the novels of Sharon Kay Penman and authors of other sprawling historical epics. That said, this focuses very heavily on a romantic interpretation of Joan's romantic (mis)adventures in her early life, stopping just as she finally marries the heir to the throne, Edward, Prince of Wales -- which is unfortunate, as in many ways, she was really entering the most interesting part of her life and England's history just then.As I noted, the emphasis here is on romance, although I enjoyed Campion's ability to capture the uncomfortable relationship between the royal family (Edward III, and his wife, Queen Phillippa) and Joan and her mother, in the wake of the execution of Joan's father for treason by Edward's mother. As Joan grows to maturity, and it becomes clear that her young cousin Edward, the heir, is obsessed with her, Philippa becomes equally obsessed with finding a way to be rid of her, to the extent of putting her at risk while isolated from friends and family and attending on the royal family at Ghent. But Joan finds her own way out of her predicament, thanks to her newfound charms and her love for an older soldier, Sir Thomas Holland. But her family has other marital plans for her, and the story of Joan and Thomas's battle to find happiness is the core of this novel.Campion knows her era and the characters; the history is excellent. I do wish that she had decided to continue the plot beyond Joan's second marriage, and allowed us to glimpse the turmoil of those years through her eyes, but perhaps having covered the same ground in her previous novel, she decided it would have been superfluous. I'm not sure. Regardless, while I enjoyed this, I can't rate it as highly as I would the best historical novels; it's about a 3.7 star book for me.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    The Fair Maid of Kent had a storied life. After he father is executed, her family lives at the mercy of Queen Eleanor, who had her father executed. She finds friendship with Ned and Bella, her cousins and the Royal Children. Ned vows to make her his queen, but life separates them. When Joan embark on a secret and ill advised love match and marriage, her life is turned upside down. Chronicling Joan's life, this book is never boring.I loved this book. I had never read much about Joan or Ned. I loved Joan's personality. And though I knew how it ended, it was an amazing journey. Very highly recommended.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Until very recently, royal children were nothing more than political pawns, brood mares and stallions to cement relationships and ensure thrones. Joan, known later as the Fair Maid of Kent, was one such child. Her father was executed for treason when she was only two; even though she was the child of a traitor she was still a royal child and as such worth something in the marriage market. Her marriage would be arranged by the King and his people. For her to marry without royal permission was treason. “Triple Knot” covers Joan’s life from her childhood until the beginning of her third marriage. Joan grew up with the other royal children, including Prince Edward, who would become known as the Black Prince. At twelve, she is sent across the Channel to Antwerp while her future is determined. While there, the father of a prospective husband for her becomes seriously creepy, making blatant overtures to Joan. Sir Thomas Holland, in his late 20s, steps in to protect her. Joan falls in love with Holland and she conceives a scheme to protect her from a marriage she does not want: she and Holland will wed quietly and consummate the marriage. (note: in that time period, any girl who had started menstruating was considered old enough to bed) Holland leaves for war the next morning, but Joan thinks their private marriage will protect her. Wrong; she finds her claims of marriage unheard and she is married to another man. For almost ten years she and Holland strive to get their marriage made official and her second marriage overturned by the Pope. During this time Joan finds herself hidden and imprisoned by her second ‘husband’. Not much of a life for a teenager, but Joan was a very strong woman. She eventually gets her happy ending- for a few years. A young widow, she ties the third knot- with Prince Edward, her suitor from childhood. (none of this is spoilers; it’s pretty much all on the book cover). I could not put this book down. Even knowing what events would occur I read eagerly on to see what happened. Much of the book is from the POV of Joan, so we get to know her best, but there are some parts with other POVs that fill in a lot of events. The author expertly showed Joan maturing from child to woman. There is a lot of historical detail, both of big events (the Hundred Years War, the plague) and the minutia of daily life in the middle ages. I would love to see the author write about Joan’s later life, but I suspect the romance of Joan’s first marriage is what drew her to the story. After all, Joan, who became Princess and mother of a king, could have been buried next to the Black Prince, but chose instead to be interred next to Holland. That’s a lasting love. I only have one complaint about the book: Would it kill the cover artists on historical novels to get the clothing right for the period?!?!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    4.5 starsA TRIPLE KNOT is the factually based fictional account of the life of Joan of Kent from her eleventh year until early in her marriage to Prince Edward. Thanks to THE TRIPLE KNOT I spent an enjoyable weekend experiencing the fourteenth century vicariously through Joan of Kent.It’s an undeniable joy to be caught up and swept away by a story. That’s especially true in historical fiction because it actually is all in the detail. Ms. Campion gets the details right, adding just enough to evoke time and place without devolving into a dusty, dry history lesson, sweetened with a dash of realistic imagining to fill in the blank spaces. Joan of Kent was already an intriguing woman but Ms. Campion’s conceptualization of Joan’s life, built around known historical facts, makes for a fascinatingly compelling read. Pageantry, squalor, love, passion, obsession, treachery, it’s all here and more. A TRIPLE KNOT follows Joan from her early clandestine marriage to Thomas Holland at twelve to her third and final marriage to Prince Edward. Steadfast, strong, courageous, and determined, Joan, as depicted in A TRIPLE KNOT, is worthy of respect and admiration. The ending sent a chill down my spine and left me wanting more.I’d never read Ms. Campion before but with Joan’s story she’s secured a place on my short auto-buy list. Readers who enjoy their historical fiction based on real people and firmly grounded in fact can’t go wrong with A TRIPLE KNOT.Reviewed for Miss Ivy's Book Nook
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I really enjoyed reading The Triple Knot. I have read many historical fiction novels, but none about Joan of Kent. I found this to be a very fascinating time period and have since looked for more books. I liked the twists and turns and feel it was well researched, although I am not an expert of this time period. It was an extremely enjoyable read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    An interesting, well-written and thoroughly researched piece of historical fiction. A Triple Knot takes place during the 14th century court of King Edward III, a time period not very well known among most Americans. I've always found that carefully researched historical fiction is an excellent way to learn about history, because it makes the dry dates and names come a live in a way most history books cannot seem to accomplish. An interesting tale of one woman's struggle to assert herself in a male-centered world.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I absolutely love historical fiction told from a female point of view. A Triple Knot is no exception, telling the story of Joan of Kent, a Plantagenet in the court of King Edward the III. Known as the Fair Maid of Kent, Joan catches the eye of several men at a young age. Being of noble blood and a ward of the queen, she is meant to be a pawn, but Joan has other ideas. Joan is betrothed to Will Montague by her mother's alliances, used as a pawn for power for the Stallion of Gascon, and her cousin, Ned, the prince believes they are meant to be together from childhood. Joan would rather be with Thomas Holland and will wait nine years in order to do so. I did not know a lot about this time in English history when I began A Triple Knot, but through the intense research done by Emma Campion, I feel like I have a much better idea. Joan of Kent's world materializes through details taken from fact and brought to life through fiction. Joan's character begins as a confused but strong willed twelve year-old, I loved watching Joan grow and stick to her will even though everyone around her wants something different for her life. It was refreshing to read a story of a women in the 1300's following her own path and not getting severely punished. I also enjoyed learning more about Edward the Black Prince from Joan's point of view. He is painted as an incredibly charming but manipulative person throughout the story. Covering a large period of time in Joan's life, I was also able to learn about other important events happening around Joan of Kent. This part of the story could feel quite meticulous to some or incredibly informative to others.This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    A fairly well-written and well-researched piece of historical fiction, about a period of time that is becoming the next "Henry VIII", but has not reached such popularity. I do wish there had been maps and a family tree, just because I am not as familiar with the Plantagenet family tree/history as I am with Henry VIII. It is an interesting look into how the history might have happened, with lively, well-drawn characters.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was taken back to the 14th Century, the time of political turmoil and the black plague. King Edward the III will plunge England into the Hundred Years War, vying for the crown of France. Here is where I will be introduced to the beautiful Joan of Kent, known to history as the Fair Maid of Kent.A Triple Knot is based on the true story of Joan of Kent, daughter of Edmund, Earl of Kent, the youngest son of Edward I. When Isabella, Edward II's queen, invaded England with Roger Mortimer, her lover, Edmund took sides against his half brother, Edward II. Realizing his error in judgement, he was led to believe that Edward II was still alive, hidden, and held against his will, despite a public funeral. Edmund's allegiance would prove fatal and he was later beheaded for being a traitor and trying to restore the throne of Edward II. A Triple Knot begins when Joan is a young girl, grieving the loss of her beloved father and plotting revenge on those that betrayed him. Edmund's primary betrayer was Isabella, the Dowager Queen and to the dismay of both Joan and her mother, Margaret, they were living under the same roof. After Edmund's death, Edward the III and Queen Phillippa, perhaps feeling quilty for not stopping the execution, took responsibility for the family and provided well for them in the home of Queen Phillippa. Joan and Ned, (Prince Edward, known as the Black Prince) became very close during childhood and Ned became Joan's adversary and protector. He lavished Joan with affection but was also prone to tantrums and posessiveness. Joan loved him dearly but did not share his affections and as they reached puberty, she began to distrust him. His jealousy was beginning to rear it's ugly head and Joan did not find it flattering. From an early age, Ned had always admired his beautiful cousin, and he declares that one day they will be betrothed. Ned makes Joan promise to marry him and because she did not want to witness a tantrum, she quickly agrees. Of course, the young prince does not keep his love for Joan hidden and his mother, Queen Phillippa soon takes notice and does not approve of the relationship and soon plots a way to send Joan away, taking her mother, Margaret, with her. The Queen has tired of their constant presence and the control young Joan seems to have over her eldest son. Pillippa brings her suggestion to the King and comes away from the conversation quite pleased with herself. She had convinced King Edward that his niece would make a fine match for a powerful Lord and a potential ally. Best of all, it looked as if the proposed idea of marriage was King Edward's alone and the King felt that he had arranged a perfect political union. Joan is quickly placed on a boating excursion so that she may be "placed" in sight of the nobleman. He will see her beauty and all will be well with the world. However, Joan and her mother can't help but feel they are one step closer to being exiled far away and it is on this ship that a twelve-year old Joan meets the much older Thomas Holland. Joan is instantly attracted to the handsome King's Knight. Joan and Thomas fall madly in love and carry on an illicit affair with incredible passion. At this time, Joan is being persued with many marriage proposals, most importantly, she was being carefully groomed for William Montague but her heart belongs to Holland. Thomas Holland may be a knight and a decorated soldier but he is below Joan's station and therefore deemed an unacceptable union. Joan continually defies those that tried to keep the lovers apart and they met in secrecy whenever possible, no matter the risks. It is not long before Joan and Thomas contract a secret marriage without royal consent. The King is enraged at Joan's defiance and when Holland is away fighting the Hundred Years' War, Joan is forced to marry. Fearing for Holland's life, Joan does not disclose her secret marriage. Will they remain happy? And, what of Prince Edward's undying love for Joan? Will he ever make Joan his Queen as he once vowed to do? If you know your history, well, you already know the answer. I hate to spoil the outcome for those that do not know much about the lesser known Joan of Kent but I will say this: A Triple Knot indeed. Joan was quite adept at getting what she wanted. She was smart, beautiful, and had a way of subtle manipulation, to say the least. Did Joan exact her revenge on the Dowager Queen Isabella? I believe she did and I believe she did it with the utmost courage and nobility. Afterall, she was the Fair Maid of Kent.Historical fiction is brilliant because one is able to take the facts and play with them a bit, tweak them here and there. I believe Campion did her homework on the subject and wrote an enthralling tale of betrayal, love, intrigue, and family. Most importantly, Emma Campion has provided me with knowledge of the 14th Century and of a woman, that before a few days ago, I knew very little about. Campion has opened the door for me and now I must seek more historical stories from a fascinating period in time. I will definitely be reading more Emma Campion. Great writing style!!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was interested in reading this book as I knew very little about Joan of Kent and I always enjoy a historical novel that takes me to a period in time that is less familiar. Better yet if it tells me the stories of real people of whom I have little knowledge. This book scored on both marks for me. Joan of Kent has come down through history as the "Fair Maid of Kent" and apparently she was quite a beauty even at a very young age. She was a descendant of Edward III but her father ran afoul of Roger Mortimer and the Queen and was executed for treason. Joan, her mother and siblings were taken in as wards of the court and Joan was used as marriage bait.She felt trapped by this treatment and decided to make a decision on her own and marry for what seems to have been love despite needing royal permission to marry anyone. She married a man far below her rank, Thomas Holland but it seems to have truly been a love match. Her family failed to recognize the marriage and forced her to marry someone else. Thomas ultimately sued the Pope to have his marriage to Joan considered valid and won.Ms. Campion fleshes out the bits and pieces left to history into a very intriguing tale. She brings the characters to life with fully realized personalities - no one is all good or all bad. The book held my interest and kept reading and I found myself finished before I knew it. There's an author's note in the back which I truly appreciate so that some of the "did that really happen" questions can be answered. I enjoyed my trip into the middle ages to learn about a woman so remarkable that her story survived over 700 years. Most of us are lost to history - Fair Joan left her mark.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This novel is about Joan of Kent, a real historical person and one I actually know little about. I loved the style of the author's writing. She set out the events in a lively and engrossing style. She draws you into the period with details that make you feel like you can smell the smells and live the experience of Joan through the writing. A must read for historical fiction lovers.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    Campion brings the intricate royal Plantagenet family intrigues to life. Joan of Kent is the central figure, a cousin to the ruling family, and used as a bargaining pawn to create alliances with other powerhouse families. The writing is excellent; reminds me of the sweeping historical novels of Anya Seton. The description is not overboard, but brings the mid 1300s to life. Highly recommended!
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    This novel focuses on the life of Joan, the "Fair Maid" of Kent, from her late childhood until her marriage to Edward, the Black Prince. I didn't have much background on Joan, so I can't speak to the veracity of the story, but per the author's note, she created the main portions as an explanation for Joan's otherwise difficult to understand actions in marrying at the age of 12, without the requisite royal approvals for a woman of her rank. I enjoyed the portion focused on Joan's love for this first husband, Thomas Holland, and found those believable. I found it harder to relate to Joan's continued love for Prince Edward, given the numerous cruelties to which she was privy. Yet that's the part that's in the historical record! An engaging read, although I found it amusing that I found the fictional portions more credible than the non-fiction. Thanks for the Early Reviewers copy!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    There are few historical novels set during the fifty-year reign of England's Edward III, maybe because his position on the throne was stable. This doesn't mean, however, that the era lacked political turmoil, drama, or strong personalities. This was the time of the Hundred Years' War, a series of international conflicts based on Edward's claim to be France's rightful king through his mother, who was born a French princess.Using this tumultuous period as a backdrop, Emma Campion's welcome new novel A Triple Knot reveals the tangled marital history of the king's beautiful young cousin, Joan of Kent. (Although not explicitly stated, the title may refer to this aspect of her life.) The daughter of a Plantagenet relative beheaded as a traitor, Joan is taken in by her royal relatives. The story follows her as she adjusts to her difficult position, forced to depend on those who caused her father's death and who want to use her to further the king's ambitions. Some of the novel's most vivid scenes take place in the Low Countries, where she and the court travel in an effort to bolster support for the king among local noblemen.It's on the boat to Antwerp where Joan first meets Sir Thomas Holland, the man who will become the love of her life. Although she's only twelve, Joan sets her heart on him. (This is, needless to say, based in history, and those readers who can’t get past Joan’s age here probably shouldn’t be reading novels about real-life medieval women in the first place.) Campion shifts perspectives frequently to give readers a rounded impression of events and of Joan's character. When her own viewpoint is presented, Joan appears to be remarkably mature, but when the story shifts to her mother's view, we understand how young she really is.Because her family has other plans for her, Joan and Thomas are kept apart for a good long while, and in that sense the novel is a touching tribute to their steadfast love. And often – too often – the man waiting in the wings is Joan's cousin Ned, the king's eldest son, a fascinating and complicated man. As Joan grows from a naive adolescent to a strong, confident, yet still naive woman, she sees Ned's ruthlessness firsthand, but his good looks and gallant behavior blind her to his darker qualities. For readers mainly familiar with the “Black Prince” through his heroic military victories, this will be an unexpected interpretation of Ned’s temperament – but it's a convincing one. It's also a risky move to make readers aware of flaws about the main character that she doesn't pick up on herself, but Joan emerges as an admirable woman nonetheless, one who seizes what power she can take and makes the best of her circumstances.Campion's writing style has a poise about it that assures readers that they're in good hands. The detailed historical backdrop, with its knightly tournaments, hawking parties, and glimpses of 14th-century merchant life, feels as rich and sumptuous as the queen's red brocade gown. (And Queen Philippa is another woman given more complex treatment here than history remembers; while she's a loyal wife and mother, her devotion to her children means she's not always a good friend to Joan.)If there's a flaw, it's that the telling is so smooth that some potentially emotional moments feel muted. Many characters die horribly of the Black Death, but the true sense of the plague's devastation doesn't fully penetrate. Likewise, Joan's and Thomas's enduring love story isn't as poignant as it could be, especially early on when they barely know each other. Still, this is a lush, skilled portrait of a courageous woman who unwaveringly pursued a match of her own choosing in an age in which all the odds were against her.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    Who is Joan of Kent? How does her tenuous relationship to Ned-- aka Edward, the Black Prince-- affect her life and relationships?When Joan was a mere child her father was beheaded during the rebellion, now being raised by the same family as a sort of atonement for the unwarranted execution. Fearing young Ned and Joan growing fondness for each other, Joan is sent for an extended stay in the Duchy of Brabant across the channel. Being a renowned beauty, as well as a Plantagenet, draws unwarranted attention except by one man. Sir Thomas Holland, captain of the King’s guard and below her in station has drawn her attention but is it love or childhood infatuation? How will those around her react—especially Ned and his mother the Queen?I enjoyed this book! Even though I knew little of her life, I was drawn in and rooted for her throughout most of the book. A Triple Knot (a title I still do not completely get) is mainly about her early life not so much about her later marriage to Prince Edward as the book seems to imply. My only two complaints would be how the Black Death was handled—or should I say the lack thereof—and that the end seemed to wind-up rather quickly and not as tidy as I would have liked...still it was a book I would recommend to historical fiction fans!
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I was afraid after receiving the book that it would be too much of a romance book for my tastes. While some of the plot twists are predictable the characters are wonderfully written and the story draws you in. This left me sleepy for several mornings. The only complaint I had was the quick coverage of her life at the end. I would have enjoyed more details of her later life. Overall an enjoyable read.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    After I got this book, I wasn't so sure I was going to enjoy good. I love the time period of Edward III. Joan enters into a secret marriage with a man she truly loves. But then has to suffer through an arranged marriage with a jerk. Just when it seems the different plots will never coincide they do and make for a dramatic ending.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    *I received this book through LibraryThing Early Reviewers.*The fourteenth-century Joan of Kent is the heroine of this historical novel set during the drama of the Hundred Years' War. Joan, a childhood friend of Edward, Prince of Wales, begins a checkered matrimonial career when she first weds without her guardians' permission when her hand is intended for another, a mistake that takes years to rectify. Through it all, Prince Edward maintains an intense affection for Joan, an affection that takes on a sinister cast. Having known little about Joan's marriage, this novel made for interesting reading, although I thought Prince Edward's intentions were questionable from the start and was disappointed to see Joan fail to suspect him until the end.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I am historical fiction fan, and i focus on books in this time period. I enjoyed this book from the start., and couldn't put it down. Ms. Campion does a wonderful job describing the politics, intrigues, and challenges during King Edward III's reign and of the time period. Historical fiction fans will enjoy this book since it provides a different perspective of King Edward's court. Very little is written about Joan of Kent, and I look forward to reader more of Ms.Campion.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    I received A Triple Knot by Emma Campion as part of the Library Things Early Reviewer Program. I was initially drawn to this book due to the time period the book takes place in. I have been interested in reading more novels set in this time period and I was drawn to this book because it takes the perspective of King Edward III’s cousin, Joan of Kent. Her father was beheaded as a traitor for treason, under the direction of Isabella, King Edward III’s mother and her lover Roger Mortimer. She becomes a ward of the King and her family is forced to live under the roof of people who are responsible for the death of her father. As she grows up she begins to understand what it really means to be the King’s cousin as she becomes a pawn in the political marriage game. I thought that the book flowed really well and I really enjoyed reading this novel. I found Joan of Kent’s story to be fascinating and I really enjoyed how the author starts the novel in her childhood so we can see the progression of her growing up to become a woman. It is a story of the political intrigue and personal passion and loves of this one woman. The Author’s note at the end explains some of the historical points in the novel and I found all that information at the end very useful. I have not read the King’s Mistress by Emma Campion but I will be getting myself a copy and following this author’s career.
  • Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
    3/5
    There are many things to like about this book: the main character, Joan of Kent, has had little written about her, so it's a fresh story (unless you read the back cover--see my complaint below); all the characters are fully fleshed, complicated people; the historical research is extensive but doesn't "show" in lecture chunks; the writing is clear, descriptive and sometimes beautiful, without distracting literary flourishes. Campion does a good job of maturing Joan from a scared, easily manipulated, twelve-year old; to a confident, easily manipulated, matron. Medieval women, especially relatives of the kings, didn't have a lot of control over their lives. The drama usually comes from their reactions to those restrictions, rather than positive action of their own. Campion capitalizes on the fact that Joan of Kent did take actions to control her own life. But in most cases, outside agents laid the ground work for her to follow her heart for their own gain. I think the author is strongest in writing about the politics of the times, the intertwining and conflicting agendas of the ruling elite of England, France, the Low Countries, and the papacy. She is particularly good at developing the character of Edward, Prince of Wales (later known as "the Black Prince").If there is one place I fault the author's writing, it's in how she handled the plague. The Black Death of 1348-50 devastated Europe's population and resulted in significant social upheaval. No one was immune: the rich and poor, the good and bad, young and old, healthy and debilitated. Neither prayer, nor medicine helped. The plague was inexplicable and struck terror in the hearts of people. That terror led to bizarre actions. None of that is reflected in the actions of Campion's characters. Her characters sorrow over some deaths, but it comes across to the reader as an echo rather than heart breaking, gut wrenching loss. The only change in behavior is a somewhat bolder challenge to authority (more open sex). No one ponders the existential meaning of the plague or joins the migrating hordes of flagellating monks and dancing matrons. I consider this a significant missed opportunity for drama and character development, which is why I rated the book three stars rather than four. Now to some complaints about the publisher. Authors rarely have any control over titles, covers, and publicity. I feel Broadway Books did Campion a disservice in this department. The title: A Triple Knot has no significance; is never explained in the story, front, or back matter; and doesn't give the reader any clue as to what the story is about. I can hazard a guess, but that would be a spoiler. Most HF readers are used to anachronistic gowns and headless women on the covers, so that is not such a sin. They all do it [wrong]. But my biggest beef is with the back cover copy, which is one big spoiler! The second paragraph summarizes the plot of the whole book. If you don't know the story of Joan and want to find out from the book--don't read the back cover. (They also have a fact wrong, saying Joan is the niece of Edward III. She was niece to Edward II and cousin to King Edward III.) The publisher's marketing department blew it big time. Since this is an ARC, I hope this is a placeholder and they do better with the actual book.In summary, I found this book to be an enjoyable read, which could have been a bit better. Please note that I received a free Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, but that did not affect my review.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was excited to receive an advanced reading copy of this book. I was not very familiar with Joan of Kent, like I am with other, much written about royal women, and I believe this is the first book I have come across about her life and struggles. Oh, the struggles of growing up into womanhood and not being free to make your own choices. I would hate to have been royal or more precisely used as a pawn for someone else’s benefit. Not knowing the history of this woman, I was fully ignorant of the events going on around her. This book was certainly interesting and very smartly written. The detail was strong, better than most historical fiction. It's worth the time and effort to read. I loved the characterization of Thomas Holland most of all.
  • Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    4/5
    This book approached a subject I knew very little about. I enjoyed it from the beginning and loved hearing about Edward the Black Prince and his Cousin Joan of Kent. I feel there could have been more subject matter at the end of the book as I felt it left much to be desired.
  • Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    5/5
    I was fortunate to receive an ARC of Ms. Campion's second novel and wow, I really enjoyed it! Having gone into it knowing very little about Joan of Kent and the Edward III Court, I learned a great deal and had fun doing it. What a fascinating story of scheming to further one's ends, when all the time those ends are shifting as quickly as waves in the sea. Although by no means a romance, there are some wonderful stories of what one did in that time to acquire, and keep a spouse and love played a surprisingly larger role in it all than I thought. Surely, there were political arrangements, but underneath it all, there were love relationships that withstood unbelievable storms. I thought Joan of Kent was very well portrayed, as were the royals and periphery characters. Each one was both frustrating and likable, once I understood all the threads involved. It is one of those books that kept me up nights researching the characters' real lives, to see what they looked like, how their lives unfolded after the scope of this novel. Ms. Campion brought 14th Century England and surrounding countries to vibrant life, pestilence, festering wounds as well as the pageantry and opulence of the court(s). My only small complaint (which possibly could be flushed out with the final edition), is it would have been very helpful to have a more comprehensive (flowchart-type?) Dramatis Personae in the beginning as it became a bit confusing how everyone related to each other. Many were cousins, nephews/nieces and such and it was kind of hard to keep that straight. And some of the major players were left out. The first 30 pages or so were a lot of characters, titles and connections and I had to constantly flip to the list of characters at the front, but not everyone was in there. But it was a small complaint and so, highly recommended if you like great historical fiction that sinks you into another place and time.