Regan Walker's Reviews > The Scarlet Lion

The love story of William Marshall and his wife Isabelle de Clare continues in this sequel to The Greatest Knight. When King Richard dies, his younger brother, John, takes the throne and brings his evil leadership to England. It is not long before William falls out of favor trying to save his lands in Normandy governed by Philip II.

Along the way, we meet the children of the Marshalls including the charming Mahelt (Matilda) who Chadwick fits perfectly into a loving family as her father’s favorite daughter and the eldest girl. As a young teenager, she is wed to Hugh Bigod, 3rd Earl of Norfolk, just as her parents leave for Isabelle’s lands in Ireland. (Mahelt will be the heroine in To Defy a King.)

The history of the 12th century comes alive in this well-told story with vivid images, treachery and shifting alliances. William and Isabelle attempt to steer a noble course through a sea of King John’s muck. Like the others in the series, this one is definitely worth reading!

The Marshal Novels:

A Place Beyond Courage
The Greatest Knight
The Scarlet Lion
The Time of Singing (The King’s Favor in the US)
To Defy a King