The Iron King ~ Maurice Druon

How does one start a war of succession that will last over 100 years? Set a trap that will reveal unforgivable indiscretions committed by your three sisters-in-law of course. You might also consider fanning the flame by setting a couple Crusader Knights alight and imprisoning cart loads more. Oh, and pick your own pope, move him to your country and hope he doesn't die at inconvenient moment.



This is the first instalment in a series of seven books translated from the much beloved French versions...finally. This particular book is the set up for the Hundred Years War. The key characters are introduced and the foundation set for the devastation the lack of a butt in a throne caused an entire continent and the land beyond the English Channel. Add the fact that it begins with the Philip the Fair's decimation of the Knights Templar - thus doing away with the Code of Chivalry, and his insistence in controlling the papacy and there you have it; jealousies all 'round.

One would never know this book is nearly half a century old. The writing is fresh and void of that mid-century stylised verbiage. It's a relatively easy read, chock-a-block with intrigue, murder, mayhem and the kind of plotting that requires a heady constitution. This will certainly make one wonder if it's really worth living in the lap of luxury.

The novel has certainly captured my attention and I'm looking forward to the arrival of the follow up in the autumn.

Review originally appeared on the now defunct Paternoster Row Legacy blog.