I enjoyed this historical fiction book (set before the Third Crusade) about the sons of Henry II and King Phillip Augustus of France. Although the politics were very involved,(and normally that would bore me), the writing made it personal and interesting. It was all about the personal connections between people that led them into war and politics. The writing can be dry sometimes, but there's enough detail and drama in there to keep the story moving at a good pace.

It was incredible to see Richard the Lionheart and evil Prince John in the context of their other two brothers, Young Henry and Geoffrey. They are all so young and desperate to establish themselves in the world of the French or English empires. The machinations and plans they come up with to keep Phillip Augustus on the throne of France kept me on the edge of my seat!

Each person in this history is deeply described and their motivations and feelings are brought out, so that they become real people within time, not just names in a list of kings. I was glad to see the many women holding a large part in history given their due, and carefully included in this story with all their influence and wisdom, their wants and betrayals, and self-realization.

Later....
I started looking up the actual history behind this, and the book definitely takes liberties. Most of the people portrayed as "good guys" in the book were actually horrible people. Most of the major events are true, but mashed into the story out of order.