Review | The Queen’s Pawn by Christy English

A page-turner of medieval mischief at its peak, The Queen’s Pawn is a delightful read taking place at the court of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, those legendary royals who were the “power couple” of their time. Told in first person in alternating point of views, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Alais, Princess of France and Countess of the Vexin narrate their story of love, intrigue, passion, and betrayal.

Alais Capet, daughter of King Louis VII of France was raised believing the worst of her father’s ex-wife and her future mother-in-law; for all had heard of Eleanor’s infamy and the humiliation she had brought down on Alais’ father when she cuckolded him while on Crusade in the Holy Land, later leaving him altogether for the Duke of Normandy, soon to become Henry II of England. While theirs was initially a love match, Henry had set Eleanor aside years before, taking up with his mistress Rosamund Clifford and leaving Eleanor to focus her attentions on her sons. In a calculated move against the king, Eleanor intends her favorite son Richard to inherit her duchy of Aquitaine, which when combined in marriage with Alais’ own holding of the Vexin will enable Eleanor to hold power in both territories.

Sent to marry into the family of her father’s enemies, Alais enters the lion’s den and is caught off guard when she takes an instant liking to Eleanor and finds much in common with the so-called she-devil. Eleanor, twice a Queen consort, and a Duchess in her own right, has a thing or two to teach the young princess about politics and the ways of the court, taking her under her wing and raising her as if she were her own daughter. But while touchingly maternal towards her ward, Eleanor—always the politician—is no fool. Her ample spy-network rivals the king’s own, and she uses it to keep a close eye on all the doings at the court, including those of her beloved adopted daughter. When Alais learns the extent of Eleanor’s reach through a series of minor events she views as “betrayals,” Alais decides to strike back, ironically utilizing the skills and grace taught to her by her mentor to her own advantage, and setting her sights on Eleanor’s husband and even on her crown.

Power was a major theme in this book, and I really enjoyed the descriptions of how Eleanor and Henry’s courtly games of tug-of-war played out, especially during the scenes in the dining hall. I also enjoyed getting inside these characters’ heads and getting to read their thoughts and emotions. Though much of the story covers scandals some debate to be hearsay historically (all of which is addressed in the Afterword at the end), the author spins a very believable story. There were a lot of repeated phrases and sentiments in this book that kept popping up, which I attribute to less-than-stellar editing. For example, Eleanor referring to Alais as her “daughter” an overwhelming number of times, or references to how alike the two are, especially in their “strength.” And the whole chess metaphor could have been a bit subtler, but I was totally absorbed by this book and think it a fantastic debut. I anxiously await the author’s next novel! Check back later this week to win your very own copy of The Queen’s Pawn.