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To Defy a King
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Read To Defy a King
William Marshal: Book 5

To Defy a King (2011) (edit title/settings)

by Elizabeth Chadwick (Author) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

A story of huge emotional power set against the road to Magna Carta and the fight to bring a tyrant king to heel. The privileged daughter of one of the most powerful men in England, Mahelt Marshal's life changes dramatically when her father is suspected by King John. Her brothers become... read more

Characters edit see section history

  • Hugh Bigod: The future Earl of Norfolk. Married to Mahelt
  • John Marshal: Mahelt's Uncle, William's older brother.
  • King John: King of England. He is a cruel and untrustworthy man.
  • Mahelt: Main character. Daughter of the powerful William Marshal. Her parents arrange a marriage between her and Hugh Bigod. This way the families are allied and Mahelt is protected in the troubles times to come.Mahelt is rather wild, which her father-in-law does not approve of, but endears her to her husband.
  • Roger Bigod: Hugh's father.
  • Ralph: One of Hugh's brothers. Works for their half-brother Longespée.
  • Rhodri: Young Welsh boy.
  • William Longespée: Married to Ela, Countess of Salisbury. He is Hugh's half-brother and Ida's bastard son.
  • William Marshal: Mahelt's father and one of the most powerful men in England.
  • Ranulf: Add a description of this character.
  • Richard: the younger of Mahelt's two older brothers.
  • Ida: Hugh's mother and Roger Bigod's wife. She is a rather frail woman who seems to be very much afraid of conflict.
  • Hugo: Hugh and Mahelt's second child.
  • Isabelle: Mahelt's mother and William Marshalls wife. She is a strong woman who knows how to use her power to get what she wants
  • Hebon: Hugh's horse.
  • Marie: Hugh's sister. She is married and occasionally visits her blood family.
  • Philip Marc
  • Maude De Braose
  • Mama
  • Brunet
  • William Lenveise: Knight in the Bigods' service. He is left in charge of their home when the men of the house are away.
  • Stephen Langton: The new archbishop of England as proposed by the pope
  • Jean D’earley
  • Matthew: Traveling salesman who keeps his eyes and ears open for the Bigod family and tells them whatever rumours or important information he gathers.
  • Henry
  • Matty: Mahelt's nickname
  • Lady Bigod: Official title used for the Bigod wives.
  • Vesci
  • Walter: One of Mahelt's younger brothers.
  • Hesdin
  • De Vesci
  • Lacey
  • Ancel: One of Mahelt's younger brothers
  • Michael
  • Dada: What the Mahelt and Hugh's infant children call their father
  • Llewelyn
  • Tripes: Mahelt's dog
  • Papa
  • Mary
  • Little Roger: Mahelt and Hugh's eldest child and firstborn son.
  • Ela: Longespée's young wife. Although he seems cold at times, he loves her dearly.
  • Will Marshall: Mahelt's eldest brother. He is taken as a hostage by the king.
Show all 42 characters
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Quotes edit see section history

  • “"... she is so different from day to day. You never know whether there will be clouds or sunshine. You bask in the sunshine and run for cover when there's a thunderstorm... but you are never bored, and sometimes you are overwhelmed that such a beauty could even exist."”
    Hugh Bigod
  • “"You have to know when to seize the advantage and when to yield. I do not make the mistake of pushing at doors that will never unlock."”
    Roger Bigod
  • “"What mercy would my own sons receive in the wake of my death? Hang them, each and every one, and let it be an example."”
    King John

First Sentence edit see section history

''It's not fair!''

Series & Lists edit see section history

This is book 5 of 5 in William Marshal. (standard series)

Preceded by For the King's Favor.

This book is in Medieval Historical Fiction. (community list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Elizabeth Chadwick (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Country: USA
Publication Date: March 1, 2011
ISBN: 978-1402250897
Page Count: 544 pages

Classification edit see section history

More Books Like This edit see section history

   
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