30 May Tony Riches Essex – Tudor Rebel Coffe Pot Book Club Blog Tour #Elizabethan #Tudors #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub @tonyriches @maryanneyarde

FEATURED AUTHOR: TONY RICHES

It is my pleasure to feature Tony Riches as part of The Coffee Pot Book Club Blog Tour being held from May 24th – June 4th, 2021. Tony Riches is the author of the historical fiction novel, Essex – Tudor Rebel (Elizabethan Series, Book 2), which was released by Preseli Press on 9^th April 2021 (352 Pages). 

It was a privilege for me to interview Tony last year about his work after I read his amazing book about Owen Tudor, the founder of the Tudor Dynasty. Thus, I was excited to read and review his latest book about Robert Devereux (Earl of Essex). To read his interview, CLICK:  Tony Riches Interview

Below are highlights and a book trailer of Essex – Tudor Rebel, author bio of Tony Riches, and my review of his book.

HIGHLIGHTS: ESSEX—TUDOR REBEL

ESSEX – Tudor Rebel

(Book Two of the Elizabethan Series)

by Tony Riches

Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex, is one of the most intriguing men of the Elizabethan period. Tall and handsome, he soon becomes a ‘favourite’ at court, so close to the queen many wonder if they are lovers.

The truth is far more complex, as each has what the other yearns for. Robert Devereux longs for recognition, wealth and influence. His flamboyant naïveté amuses the ageing Queen Elizabeth, like the son she never had, and his vitality makes her feel young.

Robert Devereux’s remarkable true story continues the epic tale of the rise of the Tudors, which began with the best-selling Tudor trilogy and concludes with the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

Buy Links:

This novel is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

Universal Link  ♠  Amazon UK  ♠  Amazon US  ♠  Amazon CA  ♠  Amazon AU

BOOK TRAILER: ESSEX—TUDOR REBEL

AUTHOR BIO: TONY RICHES

Tony Riches is a full-time UK author of best-selling Tudor historical fiction. He lives in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is a specialist in the history of the Wars of the Roses and the lives of the early Tudors. Tony’s other published historical fiction novels include: Owen – Book One Of The Tudor Trilogy, Jasper – Book Two Of The Tudor Trilogy, Henry – Book Three Of The Tudor Trilogy, Mary – Tudor Princess, Brandon – Tudor Knight and The Secret Diary Of Eleanor Cobham.

Social Media Links:

Website  ♠  Twitter  ♠  Facebook  ♠  LinkedIn   ♠  Instagram   ♠  Amazon Author Page  ♠  Goodreads

BOOK REVIEW ESSEX —TUDOR REVEL

5 of 5 stars

The legacy of King Henry VIII has always fascinated me, but I’m not as familiar with Queen Elizabeth I in the Tudor Dynasty. Previously, I enjoyed reading Tony Riches’ novel, Owen (Book One of the Tudor Trilogy), and learning more about Owen Tudor, the founder of the Tudor Dynasty. Thus, I was excited to read his newest released book, Essex —Tudor Rebel (Book Two of the Elizabethan Series). This historical fiction novel is about the life story of Robert Devereux, the 2nd Earl of Essex and a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I. The Queen, 33 years his senior, is drawn to the tall and handsome nobleman and plays cards and dances with him in a show of courtly love.

The story begins in 1576 when the eleven-year-old Robert learns his father has mysteriously died at her Majesty’s service in Ireland, leaving the family in debt. Previously, Robert overheard his parents arguing about their debt and distinctly recalls his father’s terse reply: The queen has ruined me, and no man will give me credit for any money. This memory will continue to haunt Robert as he struggles to regain his family legacy at the royal court throughout his remaining life. Unfortunately, Robert inherits the Devereux curse: A talent for my expenditure exceeds my income. The subsequent marriage of Robert’s mother to Sir Robert Dudley, without the Queen’s permission, further complicates his situation at court. The novel abounds with political machinations, military expeditions, betrayal, courtly love, and scandalous liaisons. In many ways, Robert Devereux’s life journey mimics his father’s. Robert dies in disgrace as a rebel due to his hubris and unsound judgment.

Author Tony Riches has masterfully written a tragic Elizabethan tale that provides insight into Robert Devereux as he transforms from the Queen’s favorite courtier to a rebel. The narrative is rich with vivid descriptions and crisp dialogue typical of the era. By telling the story from Robert’s perspective, the reader more readily engages with him and understands his motivations and character flaws. He often finds excuses and blames others for his military failures and swelling debts. Though the Queen gives him lucrative offices and a profitable monopoly on imported sweet wine, Robert often displays an appalling breach of conduct whenever he is insulted by the rule of an older woman. He underestimates the Queen’s tolerance for his misbehavior and his enemies’ political ambitions behind the scenes. However, noblemen such as Robert Devereux often paid their own expenses on military expeditions in service of the Majesty and were never compensated. The resulting debt often placed enormous pressure on them to provide for their families. With these circumstances, it is understandable why Robert finally acted out in a rebellion. Embittered, he believes the Queen does not adequately acknowledge or pay him for his sacrifice to her, as she also did with his father.

The tale also provides insight into the interactions of the elderly Queen Elizabeth I with younger men in a show of courtly love. Though it is unlikely she had sexual affairs with Robert and other courtiers, she is extremely jealous of them, as if they were actually her lovers. She is often vindictive to her courtiers and their wives after they marry without her permission. An example is when she banishes Robert’s mother from court because she secretly married Sir Robert Dudley, one of the Queen’s former courtiers. The story also takes the reader on Robert’s military adventures, including with Francis Drake’s English Armada into France and Ireland and Walter Raleigh’s expedition to the Azores.

I highly recommend Essex – Tudor Rebel for those interested in the Tudor Dynasty. It is a tragic Elizabethan tale steeped in political intrigue, dangerous liaisons, and military adventures.

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