I very nearly gave up on the book within the first couple of chapters but I'm glad that I"m so stubborn to keep going.

I love historical fiction and I love it even more when it's about something or someone who is not particularly well known.

This is the story of the early days of King Edward III and the narrator is Geoffrey Chaucer.

When the King is lying in Westminster, the crowd ask Geoffrey Chaucer to tell the story of his life. Of course, Chaucer is not going to need a lot of persuading and this is where the book begins.

I could kick myself with how I very nearly gave up and would have missed out on this gem of a book.

I spent years of my life completely obsessed with medieval England, although my favorite time was during Henry VIII. Since then I expanded my reading to incorporate other times of England's history.

The Boy King's Tale takes readers to the early days of Edward III's reign with flashbacks to his youth. The story is told by the famous English court poet, Geoffrey Chaucer, at the end of Edward III's reign. The author does include the often rumored predilection of Edward II's sexual preference for men (nothing graphic, just referenced as being his inclination and reason for his wife taking up with another to overthrow him.)

Overall, it was a good read that had me digging more into the history of the time.

This book was fantastic! I'm a huge fan of Chaucer, and I loved this take on his stories. It also doesn't hurt that I'm a sucker for a historical fiction tale as well, especially when it's midlevel British history. This was told so well. This story was super engrossing. Once I started and really got into it, I just couldn't put it down. I found myself cheering aloud when things went well for Edward, and groaning when things went poorly for him. I also may have yelled out loud at the villain a few times. I was just absolutely invested in book until I was finished. The blend of action from the battles combined with political intrigue, always kept the story moving. I also loved the romance elements between Edward and his Queen. This was a quick read for me because I was so invested in it, I'd love to see more tales from British history told this way. I also am going to check out the author's other books because I loved this one so much! If you enjoy history, mediaeval times, court intrigue, and engrossing stories, this is a must-read!

King Edward III lies dead at Westminster. The bells toll to announce his death and crowds gather mourning the late king. Among them is Geoffrey Chaucer a poet at the English Court. He is prevailed on by the mourners to narrate the story of the Kings life. He needs very little persuasion and Edward III’s story unfolds. Thus opens January’s captivating novel.

The Boy Kings Tale mostly tells the story of King Edward III’s childhood. I have read a fair few books on Isabel Capet and watched various series about the She wolf of France. Surprisingly there are few books on Edward III early life. I’ve always been curious about his childhood. Imagine being merely 13 years old and learning that your mother and her lover had deposed your father the king, murdered him and crowned you as king in his stead. I felt it must have affected one so young all his life unless, he was party to their deception and intrigue. There are no records to show that the young Edward was willingly complicit in their crime. That being so, the Prince would likely have suffered Class A trauma. lmagine my delight on discovering the Boy Kings Tale by Michael January, explores his early life.

The book did not disappoint chronicling Edward III’s early life and the lead up to becoming the King. Despite being crowned at 13 yrs. England was ruled by a council till he achieved majority. However, his mother the queen Isabelle and her lover Roger Mortimer held sway over them. What was the prince’s opinion about their treacherous politics? Was he ever consulted or his opinion considered? How safe was the prince amidst Medieval politics and treachery? These and many other points are raised by January throwing much light on the prince’s life, his feelings, thoughts. Despite the lurid details his beguiling narrative drew me in and kept me engrossed. The choice of Chaucer the Medieval poet as narrator of this interesting story is a brilliant idea and in keeping with the period.

As a young boy Edward was very close to his mother Isabelle. However, he longed for a father figure. January explores why Edward was denied the childhood that he could have had. He is adept at describing the situation between his parents, their feelings and emotions, the exploitation and rejection. Was the Prince deceived as a child or did he wittingly agree to be a party to his mother and her lover Mortimer’s plots? This question has been posed often by historians. How indeed could the boy prince be deceived? January cunningly explores these issues. His portrayal of the young prince’s life gave me a vivid glimpse of Medieval life with its chivalry.

Isabelle and Mortimer are not the main protagonists here. However, they had a lot of say in Prince Edwards life till he came of age. January boldly exposes them and their cohorts. The novel is also an expose on the corruption and lack of integrity in the Princes household. Its climax is the final confrontation between the Boy King and his detractors.

I loved every moment of this book. It was very different from other novels that speak of this particular period. Like its title the novel focused on the Boy king Edward III. It provoked strong sentiments within me. January has created an enticing tale that gripped me throughout. Read the Boy kings tale and get immersed in Medieval history and lore. You won’t be disappointed.

This one grabbed me early on and I was retraced. Great ideas snd well written characters. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

I really do not want to leave a negative review but I really feel that I need to leave a negative one for this one. The author tries to write the story as told by Chaucer. Language register is not done right here in the direct speeches.

This book was spellbinding! I have read many books about Isabella and Mortimer and also King Henry, but this book focuses on Henry's life and it was terrific. Geoffrey Chaucer is the storyteller and you will feel like you are right there with the rest of his audience clinging on to his every word. Rich details and wonderful dialogue makes this a must read for any monarchy fan! Thanks to the author, Netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

There are some books you read and enjoy but do not remember them and then there are some books you inhale, devour and BREATHE. The Boy King's Tale is one of these books.