Continuing the story of Jeanne. Following the death of Philippe The Fair, Jeanne now goes from being a relunctant manipulator to a full-on schemer. She does horrible things to work to get the throne.
I mean... horrible...
Now several points presented here are conjectures and accusations that were leveled against her. Still, they are presented here in the most natural of ways. Namely the fate of Charles IV's son (the only legitimate grandson of Philippe Le Bel).
This book also presents the situation of the Salic Law, wherein the French Crown may only be passed through the male line, skipping females. With several strong cadet branches of the royal family, many of whom had decent claims to the throne - Valois, Artois, Bourgogne. The situation is primed for conflict.
In the 1314-25 period, Philippe had 3 sons, who would each succeed to him on the throne, none of them having a legitimate son to succeed him. They died in strange circumstances - leading to a famous French series of books "Les Rois Maudits" by Maurice Druon (The Cursed Kings).
That period would see the end of the Capetian Dynasty (which ruled for ~340 years) and see the rise of the Valois Dynasty (which would rule for another ~270). Even though the Comte de Valois was Philippe Le Bel's brother, this was a massive shift in the power dynamics of the kingdom.
Orchestrated by... Yup. Jeanne.
Wherein tome 1, she may come across as someone forced by circumstances, this is not longer the case. We find a woman in full control of herself, who makes all the men around her dance to her tune.
I really like France Richemond's treatment of history (which brought me to this series). Making this tale interesting and exciting. Jeanne is a plotter, but so are the many great matrons of the era, and they play for and against each other with a finesse that is delightful.
For those who thought women were useless dainty little flowers... They can be... Jeanne.
The Art and the storytelling... 5/5!
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