Julie L. (ktleyed) reviewed on 3/2/2008 + 72 more book reviews

What happens in the 12th century, when the heir to the throne of England dies in the sinking of the fabled White Ship in the English Channel, leaving the throne with no legitimate male heir?

Civil War ensues between Maude, the only legitimate heir to King Henry I and King Henry's nephew, Stephen, who steals the crown away from Maude. This is the true story of what seems an endless amount of battles and sieges throughout England between the Maude and Stephen factions fighting for the rightful crown of England. This book wasn't bad, but I didn't enjoy it as much as Penman's previous books. It just seemed like one battle after another, with no side seeming to gain the advantage. Hence the title, for this Civil War endured for roughly 15 years when the countryside and towns of England were ravaged by war, with no end in sight. Finally by the end, we see get into the marriage of Henry and Eleanor of Aquitaine, which I thought was the best part of the book.

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