London, May 1537: When Joanna Stafford, a young novice, learns her cousin is about to be burned at the stake for rebelling against Henry VIII, she makes a decision that will change not only her life but quite possibly, the fate of a nation. Joanna breaks the sacred rule of enclosure and runs away from Dartford Priory. But when Joanna and her father are arrested and sent to the Tower of London, she finds herself a pawn in a deadly power struggle. Those closest to the throne are locked in a fierce fight against those desperate to save England's monasteries from destruction Charged with a mission to find a hidden relic believed to possess a mystical power that has slain three Englishmen of royal blood in the last 300 years, Joanna and a troubled young friar, Brother Edmund, must seek answers across England.
Bilyeau deftly weaves extensive historical detail throughout, but the real draw of this suspenseful novel is its juicy blend of lust, murder, conspiracy and betrayal. O, The Oprah Magazine Strong character development, realistic historical detail, and an atmosphere of pervasive tension coupled to a fast-placed plot make it compulsively readable. Booklist This fast-paced debut delivers Tudor intrigue and mystical thrills in one satisfying package - and leaves room for a sequel. Kirkus ...will appeal to fans of Dan Brown and Philippa Gregory. Library Journal Nancy Bilyeau's polished, inventive debut has all the ingredients of the best historical fiction: a broad cast of characters, well-imagined settings, and vivid story-telling...In Joanna Stafford, Bilyeau has given us a memorable character who us prepared to risk her life to save what she must most values, while Stafford's desperate search for a lost religious relic will satisfy even the most ardent mystery fans. -- Deborah Harkness, Author Of A Discovery Of Witches The events of the period come to life in Nancy Bilyeau's dazzling and heart-wrenching novel. The Crown is is evocative, provocative, and full of intriguing characters - a gorgeously written novel that has mystery and history, pathos and depth. This is a stunning debut about a woman whose spirit shines through and deeply moves the reader. MJ Rose, international bestseller Captivating thriller. All You Magazine
Title: The Crown
Subtitle:
Contributors:
By (author)
Nancy Bilyeau
ISBN 13: 9781409133063
ISBN 10: 1409133060
Publisher: Orion Publishing Co
Imprint: Orion (an Imprint of The Orion Publishing Group Ltd )
Publication Date: 1/02/2012
Place of Publication:
London,
United Kingdom
Edition:
BIC Subjects:
Historical fiction
NBS Classification: Historical & Mythological Fiction
Dewey Classification:
813.6
(DC23)
Format: Hardback
Pages: 416
Height: 241mm
Width: 162mm
Thickness: 36mm
Weight: 672g