Rating: 
Summary: Why hasn't this been filmed?
Review: They've filmed just about everything else so why not the Wars of the Roses? Maybe it would be more suited to a mini-series than a movie but if they could make Braveheart and Titanic why not this? I mean they've done the Shakespearean version but it's never accurate. For a start the actors are usually too old and practically everyone in this book was dead before they were 40. I'd like to see a movie of this that is really spot-on accurate regarding age, costumes, events etc.Only who could they possibly get to play Richard III? I can't think of any young actor who could do it - they're pretty big shoes to fill. Anyone have any idea who could portray him or any of the other characters?
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Summary: What a pleasure this book is.
Review: I came to Penman through her new Justin DeQuincy mystery series and now have all her historical novels lined up and ready to read on my bedside table. I've always been captivated by this time in England's history. Penman transports me to a ringside seat and I watch history unfold in a moving, human play.
Rating:
Summary: Superb
Review: This was my first adventure with this author -- and I am hooked. It was difficult to put this book down. The characterization was incredible. She presented a credible and sympathetic view of one of the most maligned historical personages (in this book's view). My only experience with King Richard is through Shakespeare's Richard the Third. Frankly, I'll take Ms. Penman's view. I have already begun another novel by this author. Cannot wait to read more!
Rating: 
Summary: A much maligned king.
Review: If you subscribe to Shakespeare's version of events, and it must be remembered that he wrote during Elizabeth 1 reign many years after Richard's death and based on manuscripts from Henry the Eight's time, then you will be disappointed. It is a facinating story, and gives a wonderful insight to a period that is overshadowed by the image of 'evil Richard 111'. It makes me wonder what might have been if Richard's father and brother Edmund had not died, could they have restrained George, and tempered the influence of 'The King Maker' we will never know. This is only one of the questions raised. Many people do not realise the things that Richard did achieve. I found this an easy book to read as have many of my friends. If you want to try a similar story, read Nigel Tranters 'MacBeth the King', this gives a balanced view of a Scottish king much maligned.
Rating: 
Summary: Good, but unbelievable
Review: Yes, Shakespeare's Richard is hard to belive, but equally so is Penman's, who is too much a victim of circumstance and overzealous followers. I can't believe that one of the King's followers would kill the Prince's without his desire or knowledge, unless he was very weak or very stupid. All of the other murders are protrayed as accidents which Richard laments as well. On the other hand, most of the writing was good and you can really get into the story.
Rating:
Summary: One of the greatest books I've ever read!
Review: I read this book several years ago in the hardback form. It's huge size and heavy weight belied what an easy read it was. Ms. Penman's greatest gift is her ability to breathe life into her characters to the point where you feel you know them personally and become emotionally involved with them. It was hard to reach the end of this book for two reasons: (1) I didn't want it to end the way I knew it had to, and (2) it was such wonderful reading I just wanted it to go on and on. Ms. Penman is truly gifted. I always recommend her books to anyone who loves reading history.
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Summary: Fantastic and moving novel!
Review: I have been fascinated by the Wars of the Roses for several years now and I found that this novel was among the best I have read. I agree with Penman's view on Richard III; no man could possibly be as cruel and heartless as the character that William Shakespeare created. I saw Richard the same way Sharon Penman wrote of him in this novel even before reading it and I was overjoyed to find that I was not the only one! However, I did agree with one of the other comments that the battle of Bosworth Field should have been narrated through Richard's point of view. In all, a marvelous story!
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Summary: How great is this book?
Review: As an avid reader and historian, I have to say that this book is a masterpiece. Not only is it historically (almost!) flawless, it is also a great read. You don't even have to be that interested in history. The brilliant way in which Ms Penman is able to develop, and empathise with, historical figures, in a way which I think is unparalleled, is captivating. The plot itself will always be controvertial as Shakespeare, amongst others, has helped to make Richard III such a controvertial character. Many people therefore see him as the traditional humpbacked evil uncle, here again I find Penman's justification in her footnotes compelling. An excellent book.
Rating:
Summary: Good novel of a debateable man.
Review: I still believe that Richard murdered his nephews after usurping his elder nephew's throne. Since they were brought up by his enemies - the queen and her relations - it was either kill or be killed for Richard after brother Edward IV's death. Yet Ms. Penman's novel is the best interpretation yet of the "Good King Richard" story. Extremely colourful and rich in period details. Read Desmond Seward's book for the "bad king" theory and Paul Murray Kendall's book for the "good king" theory.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant novel
Review: I loved this book. I also think Penman's focus on minor characters such as Veronique and Francis, Hugh and Caitlin (from the Reckoning)and Ranulf and Rhiannon humanise her writing. These characters are not great kings or warriors but just observers and as we see history unfold through their eyes it becomes more real to us.
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