The untimely death of Richard the Lionheart left his nephew Arthur and his younger brother John in contest for the throne of England. Reluctantly the barons chose John, and so began years of rule by a ruthless and greedy tyrant.

Yet despite his reputation, John, still manages to seduce the young and beautiful Isabella of Angoulême.

Multi-million copy and international bestselling author Jean Plaidy paints an incredibly vivid portrait of one of history's most controversial - and terrifying - monarchs... Readers of Philippa Gregory will not be disappointed.

'Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama' -- New York Times
'Full-blooded, dramatic, exciting.' - Observer
'Outstanding' - Vanity Fair
'Compulsive reading' -- ***** Reader review
'I was gripped and want more!' -- ***** Reader review
'Found this book hard to put down and didn't want it to finish' -- ***** Reader review
'Brilliant stuff!!!' -- ***** Reader review
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The untimely death of Richard the Lionheart left his nephew Arthur and his younger brother John in contest for the throne of England. Reluctantly the barons chose John, and so began years of rule by a ruthless and greedy tyrant.

Yet despite his reputation, John, still manages to seduce the young and beautiful Isabella of Angoulême. But in taking her as his bride he makes an enemy for life.

And in the tempestuous years that follow many men come to believe that the House of Anjou was tainted by the Devil's blood, the loathsome monarch was himself Evil Incarnate, the very Prince of Darkness...