Time and Chance

Time and Chance
by Sharon Kay Penman
Series: Plantagenets #2
Publication Date: 2002
Pages: 472
Genre: Historical Fiction

In When Christ and His Saints Slept, acclaimed historical novelist Sharon Kay Penman portrayed all the deceit, danger, and drama of Henry II’s ascension to the throne. Now, in Time and Chance, she continues the ever-more-captivating tale.

It was medieval England’s immortal marriage–Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, bound by passion and ambition, certain to leave a legacy of greatness. But while lust would divide them, it was friendship–and ultimately faith–that brought bloodshed into their midst. It began with Thomas Becket, Henry’s closest confidant, and his elevation to be Archbishop of Canterbury. It ended with a perceived betrayal that made a royal murder seem inevitable. Along the way were enough scheming, seductions, and scandals to topple any kingdom but their own. . . .

Only Sharon Kay Penman can re-create this truly tumultuous time–and capture the couple who loved power as much as each other . . . and a man who loved God most of all.

Well, what can I say…? This was another rollercoaster of a story. Every time I finish a book in this series (I include The Sunne in Splendour as it is a Plantagenet book even if it is removed in timeline somewhat), I ask myself how my latest read compares with other books in the series. There is not much point in comparing SKP’s books to other authors, she is in a league of her own. The thing is, while I didn’t love When Christ and His Saints Slept because of some of the issues with its length, I am not sure I want to look at the books individually anymore, because they are all linked and seem to feed off each other. This is just one phenomenal series.

Now for some comments on reading Time and Chance – but behind the page break because there are SPOILERS ahead…

Pages: 12