William Marshal

Sometimes Keeping Your Honor Means Breaking Your Word In England, the Middle Ages are a time for ambitious men to prosper. Before he becomes the father of William Marshal, John FitzGilbert is a man of honor and loyalty, sworn to royal service. When the old king dies, his successor rewards the handsome and ambitious John with castles and lands. But King Stephen has a tenuous hold on his reign over medieval England. In these unstable times, John's loyalty to the British king comes at great cost. So, when jealous rivals at court seek to destroy John, he takes matters into his own hands. He backs a woman's claim to the crown, sacrifices his marriage, and eventually makes a final gamble that is perhaps one step too far. Rich with detail, masterful in its storytelling, “A Place Beyond Courage” is historical fiction full of impossible choices and the real meaning of honor, perfect for fans of “The Red Queen” by Philippa Gregory and “Wolf Hall” by Hilary Mantel.

Royal protector. Loyal servant. Forgotten hero. 12th century, England: A penniless young knight with few prospects, William Marshal is plucked from obscurity when he saves the life of Henry II's formidable queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In gratitude, she appoints him tutor to the heir to the throne, the volatile and fickle Prince Henry. But being a royal favorite brings its share of danger and jealousy as well as fame and reward. A writer of uncommon historical integrity and accuracy, Elizabeth Chadwick resurrects the true story of one of England's greatest forgotten heroes in a captivating blend of fact and fiction. The Greatest Knight restores William Marshal to his rightful place at the pinnacle of the British Middle Ages, reflecting through him the triumphs, scandals, and power struggles that haven't changed in eight hundred years. Fans of Phillipa Gregory, Susanna Kearsley, or Diana Gabaldon are sure to recognize “The Greatest Knight” as exceptional historical fiction, bringing medieval Britain to brilliant life.

In another remarkable work of medieval fiction, Elizabeth Chadwick continues the tale of The Greatest Knight, and shares a story of power, chaos, and the price of loyalty. William Marshal's skill with a sword and loyalty to his word have earned him the favor of kings, the lands of a magnate, and the hand of Isabelle de Clare, one of England's wealthiest heiresses. But he is thrust back into the chaos of court when King Richard dies. The vindictive new king clashes with William, claims the Marshal lands for the Crown-and takes two of William's sons hostage. The price of his loyalty to the Crown suddenly seems too high and the very heart of William and Isabelle's family is at stake. Fiercely intelligent and fearing for the man and marriage that light her life, Isabelle plunges with her husband down a rebellious path that will lead William to more power than he ever expected. Brilliantly researched and deeply compelling, Elizabeth Chadwick delivers another masterpiece of medieval historical fiction, with favor, drama, and damaged loyalty that will keep you rapt until the very end.

To save his soul, young knight William Marshall takes the perilous road to Jerusalem, but the greatest danger he faces there is losing his heart. William Marshal, England's greatest knight, begins a pilgrimage to the Holy Land with his brother, Ancel, a perilous journey that will have lasting impact for the rest of his life. William and Ancel become embroiled in the deadly politics of Jerusalem, devious scheming and lusts of the powerful men and women who rule the kingdom. Becoming entangled with the dangerous, mercurial Pascia de Riveri, the concubine of the highest churchman in the land, William treads a path so dangerous that there seems no way back for him, or Ancel. Both will pay a terrible price, and their only chance to see home again will depend upon the Templars and two silk shrouds.