A different viewpoint from the War of the Roses, usually the stories focus on the strong women that made and shaped the Cousins’ War. This time, the focus is more in Edward the IV and everything internally and externally driving him as the King of England.

The York King by Amy Licence is an interesting book with strong female characters. I really enjoyed that all the women in the book are depicted as individuals, with different ambitions, hopes and fears and all doing their best to protect themselves and their children in that male-dominated world.
I found it difficult to read sometimes as the book came in one long text without many paragraphs (but I suspect this was just because it was an ARC, and this will be fixed before publication). I also feel that this period of history has been covered many times by other authors by Philippa Gregory and others so I didn't feel that I learned anything new. However Amy Licence is a great writer so I look forward to seeing if she explores any other historical periods in future books.

The York King, House of York Book 2, Amy Licence

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Mystery & Thrillers

I love historical fiction, I'm more familiar with the Tudors but recently I've been delving into the earlier days of this period, the York/Lancaster troubles.
I enjoyed this book but it didn't hook me in as I expected. I found I kept putting it aside as I was bogged down in details of who, and why and how, and the politics. I want to read all that of course, but I like it to be a little more on the personal level. At times I felt I was back in school history lessons being berated by Miss Whitworth for getting names or dates wrong....I kept coming back though and it proved an interesting read though I skipped many of the heavier bits ( blush).
That's my personal issue of course, this book is perfect for those that prefer a different approach. Authors can't please everybody.

Stars: Three, a thought provoking read, especially on the subject of inherited kings, and rights to rule, but a little heavy for me personally.

Arc via Netgally and publishers

I was very excited to read this but I’m afraid I didn’t love it. The author creates believable characters but the personal interactions fell into the realms of cliche and soap opera for me.
The non personal political scenes are great but sadly they are overtaken by romantic and personal drama which just doesn’t work. This one wasn’t for me sorry.

If you’re a fan of Philippa Gregory, then you’ll love this. Looking at the wonderful history of the War of the Roses, this book focuses more on Edward IV and his reign. Really well written with great characterisation and dialogue, I felt completely absorbed within this historical fiction.

The York King by Licence is a good 15th century period piece about King Edward. I enjoyed the political thought processes but felt there was a bit much intimate details. Overall it was a nice read.

I obtained this eBook as an ARC from NetGalley. I am a huge fan of writings of the War of the Roses and this second volume of the York trilogy hit the spot! For fans of Philippa Gregory's "The White Queen", you will be familiar with many of the characters and although the perspective of women is used, more often it is the men and their battles written about. If you thought you liked Edward of York in the first volume, this will cement your admiration for him. Considering all the hardships and betrayals he had to endure to bring stability to England especially after the loss of his father and close brother Edmund.
Even if you are not familiar with this time in English history this book will keep your interest. It will also convince you that "heir to the throne" is never as simple as it seems.
Definitely check this out when it is published, and if you havent' yet, read the first volume "Son of York". I can't wait for the third volume!

I’m married to a voracious reader…when I used to lose him in the multi-story used bookstore in our town, I could always find him in either military history or historical fiction. He reads EVERYTHING he can find about medieval history, both fiction and non. And I have TRIED to appreciate the genre, but haven’t gotten there. But I was happy to get a copy of The York King by Amy License from Lume Books and NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

TBH, I was lost righIt away, but after realizing that this is Book 2 in her House of York series, I HAD to buy Son of York, which is book 1. That helped a lot!

The story takes place in the early years of the reign of Edward IV of York, as he tries to stave off the efforts of Henry Beaufort, Duke of Somerset, to return (Lancastrian) King Henry VI to the throne. Edward meets and secretly marries Elizabeth Woodville, a squire’s daughter…and the story continues with Edward facing a raft of new enemies. Looking forward to Book 3 in the series. I’m not hooked on the genre, but I have an open mind! Four stars.

I wanted to love this book more than anything, as English history is my absolute favorite period of time. I found the writing unnecessarily complex for what is a fictional read (seemed better suited to a historical catalogue then a novel).

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. Highly interesting and easy to read. Hard to put down

An enjoyable book mainly about King Edward IV and his life shortly before he meets his wife Elizabeth and ends with the battle at Barnet. This book is part of a series but stands very well on its own. If you're a hardcore Plantagenet fan like me there's nothing new here but I like the way the author tells the story. I also like that it's mainly from Edwards pov. Thank you to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to NetGalley for the eARC. I love a good history book. Though I already know the outcome, I was still captivated by the story. I was happy this book focused mainly on the relationship between husband and wife and king and his brother . Many other books on the subject delved into the rumors of witchcraft in this scenario and I was glad this book did not do that. I didnt want it to end even though I know what comes next. A must read for any history lover.

Very high historical fiction, definitely pulls you deep into the 15th century. Licence did a great job of portraying King Edward as both king and human. However, the intimate scenes were a tad bit too much like a soap-opera and not exactly original. The political intrigue was what carried the book. Still a great read for historical fictions fans in general.

The York King by Amy Licence is a great historical fiction that is the second book in the House of York series. This takes us yet again into heart of Edward IV’s reign and the War of the Roses.

This book starts off where the last leaves off…1464 and Edward IV has been king of England for about four years. This book covers 1464-1471. It covers the aspects of Edward attempting to solidify his claim and position. It also includes his meeting and marriage of Elizabeth Woodville, further ups and downs as many attempt to deceive and grasp for power, and ends with the downfall of the Earl of Warwick.

One does not need to read the previous book to easily follow along.

This would be a good book for those that have not delved into the fascinating War of the Roses ie dueling House of Lancaster and House of York time period. For those that have, such as myself, this is entertaining but nothing new to add.

4/5 stars

Thank you NG and Lume Books for this arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 12/15/21 no Bb listing has been created and link will be updated when it is available) and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication on 3/3/22.