England, 1459. The Wars of the Roses storm through the country, and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, plots to topple the weak-minded King Henry VI from the throne.
But when the Yorkists are defeated at the battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecily’s family flee and abandon her to face a marauding Lancastrian army on her own.
Stripped of her lands and imprisoned in Tonbridge Castle, the Duchess begins to spin a web of deceit. One that will eventually lead to treason, to the fall of King Henry VI, and to her eldest son being crowned King Edward IV.
The Queen’s Rival by Anne O’Brien is published in paperback on 15 April, 2021.
Anne has written several features for Historia, including To have and to hold: pawns in the medieval marriage game and Discovering Elizabeth Mortimer.
