In this heart-stopping sequel to Wheel of Fortune, Sun Ascendant is the gripping and immersive second book in a major new historical fiction series The Tarnished Crown. Set during the fifteenth-century Wars of the Roses, award-winning novelist CF Dunn continues the story of strong-willed and resolute Isobel Fenton who, pitched into a turbulent world of love, loyalty and treachery, finds herself at the heart of power.
In Wheel of Fortune, single-minded and determined Isobel Fenton was resolved that nothing would separate her from her beloved manor of Beaumancote; but as unseen witness to a summary execution, she was propelled into a world of personal feud and national politics as the houses of York and Lancaster threaten to tear the country apart.
In Sun Ascendant, now unwilling mistress of the formidable Earl, Isobel despairs of ever being free to follow her own heart. But events take a sinister turn, and as the Earl of Warwick and King Edward IV vie for power, Isobel must face her own battle for survival as the King, Richard of Gloucester, Robert Langton and the Earl must fight for theirs. Trapped and alone, Isobel is at the mercy of malign forces. What is the bitter Countess prepared to do to be rid of her rival, and - divided by love and loyalty - how will Isobel contend with the decaying relationship of the two brothers who seek her love?
What did I think?
Having been completely blown away by Wheel of Fortune, I couldn't wait to continue Isobel's story in Sun Ascendant, the next book in The Tarnished Crown series. C.F. Dunn has created a fusion of romance and historical fiction to bring the story to life in this most unsettled period of English history.
I felt so sorry for Isobel Fenton whose life changed the moment her father died as although she is heiress to her father's lands she doesn't inherit them until she is married. Now under the protection of the Earl, marriage looks a long way off as the Earl takes Isobel as his mistress. I was fuming! It's so distressing to see the way that women were treated in the past. Isobel should have been able to secure a good marriage but now she is tainted, although there is one man who loves Isobel but cannot act on his feelings.
Running alongside the love/hate story is the tempestuous Wars of the Roses with friends becoming enemies and brother turning on brother. I know a little bit of the history but it really felt as if C.F. Dunn brought the historical characters to life in front of my eyes. The battles are bloody and treachery is rife...who will be left standing?
Vivid, engaging and so incredibly captivating, Sun Ascendant is a wonderful piece of historical fiction that entertained and delighted me from start to finish. This really is an unmissable novel and I can't recommend it highly enough.
I received an ARC to read and review for the blog tour and this is my honest and unbiased opinion.
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