The Scarlet Lion

   Elizabeth Chadwick's sequel to The Greatest Champion lives up to the reputation of its predecessor. The Scarlet Lion focuses on the later years of William Marshal and Isabelle de Clare's marriage. The couple's happiness is turned upside down by the changes in politics brought on by the succession of John to the throne of England. John sees the Marshals as powerful threats and does his best to bring them down. Throughout the hardships to come Isabelle and William relay on each other and their strength of character to make it through the coming storm.

Courtesy of elizabethchadwick.com

  Chadwick spins a wonderful tale of 12th century England. While nuisances of court life are included in great detail Chadwick doesn't overlook the important details of family life. Personally, I found Isabelle both admirable and relatible. She is a strong, proud woman who wants the best for her family. I admire her courage and her intellect. Her husband, William, the other narrator is a fine example of what a true knight should be. He survives many kings and becomes a veteran of the courts, but despite his enjoyment of the excitement of the court he always returns to his "safe harbor" Isabelle. Their love for each other is extraordinary, but not as extraordinary as the fact that it was real. The Scarlet Lion is a work of historical fiction, based on long hours of research done by the author. This work does an excellent job bringing to life an era that is often forgotten and revives two people who are little known, but made an impact on at least two countries.

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