To the Tower Born

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Maxwell changes style but stays in the zone - Rated
I've read all of Robin Maxwell's books (except for The Wild Irish) and I'm happy to say that her writing style, which can sometimes be a bit sticky, has improved much in this book. The story is much more readable then in her past books, and the plot is fantastic. Her characters (all real historical figures) have clear motivations for what they do in this book.

But anyway, to the plot. This is a novel about the tower princes, Edward IV's two sons who disappeared after their uncle Richard III steals the crown. Although popular history has Richard murdering his two nephews, Maxwell has a different and very credible theory. The story is told as a narrative to young Henry VIII, by his mother Queen Elizabeth and his godmother Nell Caxton, daughter of the first man to print books in English.

The amount of freedom that Nell and Bessie have may seem odd to some, but its in accord with their status (which was privelaged) and education backround. England at the time before Edward IV's death was fairly peaceful, and this book is really about the change from that peace into the harsh danger of war time and roayl takeovers.

Readable and entertaining, this book is perfect for the Tudor maniac or just plain historical fiction fans out there.

AN INTERESTING TWIST ON A HISTORICAL MYSTERY... - Rated
When King Edward IV of England died, he left behind a widow, Elizabeth Woodville, an unpopular commoner by whom he had two sons, Edward and Richard, as well a number of daughters, the eldest of which was named Elizabeth after her mother. Richard of Gloucester, brother to Edward IV, was named Protector of England and was to rule as regent on behalf of young King Edward V. Richard then usurped the throne of his young nephew, claiming that the children of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville were illegitimate, due to King Edward IV's prior binding betrothal to a Lady Eleanor Butler, and had himself crowned as King Richard III. With Elizabeth Woodville and her children in sanctuary, the two boys were eventually released to their Uncle Richard and sent to the Tower of London. From there they would disappear, never again to be seen. For centuries, the general consensus has been that King Richard III murdered them. The author offers a new and intriguing theory as to what may have happened.

It is against this backdrop that this story takes place. The events that transpire and set the stage for what was to happen to the two young princes are seen through the eyes of Nell Caxton, daughter of William Caxton, who was the first English printer, as well as her best friend, Elizabeth, oldest daughter of King Edward IV. While her theory as to what really happened to Edward and Richard is an intriguing one, it fails somewhat in its execution. There are simply too many modern sensibilities interjected throughout the story that are often jarring to the reader. Moreover, the characters tend to be somewhat two dimensional and not fully fleshed, making for a less than satisfying book. This author has written a number of fine books of historical fiction, but this is simply not one of her best. Those who are aficionados of English history and historical fiction, however, may still derive some enjoyment from this book.

an all time intriguing story - Rated
This is now the 4th book by Robin Maxwell that I had the pleasure reading - yes it was a great pleasure.

"To the Tower born" is the all time fascinating story of the two princes who disappeared in the war of the two roses.

Mrs. Maxwell tells the story from the perspective of the princess Elisabeth, sister of the two princes and wife of Henry VII., the first Tudor king, and her best friend and confident Nell Caxton. She changes the perspectives between the two ladies. The story flows and the reader is drawn into it very quickly. It was very difficult to put the book down and I finished it in only two days.

The novel on the subject is difficult to write as much is known; to give it a new and plausible perspective is even more difficult. Mrs. Maxwell does manage that by concentrating on Lady Margaret Beaufort, the all powerful mother of Henry VII...
I will not give too much away here as it might spoil other readers' fun.

All in all a book enjoyed immensely. It can only be recommended! Thanks Mrs. Maxwell!!! 5 stars !!!!!