A generally good read, but the biggest problem for me was that it wasn't always clear if it was a historical novel, or a piece of historical non-fiction, mostly brought on by the language and style, which was a little inconsistent in parts. It contains a wealth of information, but was hard to engage with as a novel, as the language was too formalised and matter-of-fact at times.
That said, there is a clear story included as the narrative charts the blood line of the Plantagenet kings from Henry II to Richard I to John I of England. The wealth of historical detail is interesting and ensures the reader learns a great deal about these men, more bad than good for the most part, but interesting nonetheless. This is a fascinating time in British history and the astonishing stories contained within the book are filled with intrigues and horrors, stories of a family in turmoil who will stop at nothing to plot against each other, as each in turn wears the Devil's crown and sips from the poisoned chalice, which brings happiness ultimately to none of them.

Compelling and historically accurate, this is an unusual look at the Plantagenets and their turbulent time as the ruling family in Britain.