A detailed and complex historical story. A well crafted, tale about people caught up in politics and war. I was reeled into this dark time of English history.. It is extremely well researched and very readable too.

An incredibly engaging and fascinating read- I was hooked! Highly recommended for lovers of historical fiction and Medieval history (aka me!),to discover their story of Isobel Fenton. The first in a new series and I am extremely keen for the rest.

This book is set during a time period I really enjoy and follows historical figures that I also really enjoy and know a lot about. I was not disappointed!!

Thank you Netgalley and Resolute books for access to this arc.

Yes, the book is beautifully researched and I certainly felt I was seeing a world far, far different from what we have today. These are not twenty first century characters dressed in kirtles or houppelandes. They act as one would expect them to. I just don’t want to read any more about them. I also thought it was bizarre that so many people seem to be obsessed with Isobel. I mean really fixated on this woman who, it has been made clear, is not that important in the overall scheme of a country in the middle of the War of the Roses. She’s not quite a Mary Sue but she’s not far from it. At this point, I was 2/3 of the way through the book. It was also at this point that I realized that I either didn’t like or didn’t care what happened to anyone in the book and that I am not interested in continuing the series. So, I’m calling it quits on this one. DNF

Right from the start the characters are drawn in fine detail and the houses, castles and surroundings are also vividly portrayed.. This book about the War of Roses was not just historical fiction, but allowed the reader to learn about the history of that era. As this is the first book in the series, I look forward to reading more! My thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dunn captures the feeling of living during the War of the Roses. The book started slow for me, though, and I struggled to stay with it. However, in the end, I did not regret the time spent and will probably continue the series. Perhaps because of its history and the depth of characters, this book is not an easy read but is a worthwhile read. Thank you, NetGalley for the read!

This book was really thoughtfully written and I enjoyed the world that was created by the author. You can really get the feel of the time period because the author is so well versed in this time period. Having said that I really wanted to love this book, but it just didn't quite hit the mark for me. I felt that it was disjointed and I never really got to learn the full story. There are things that th Earl kept alluding to that didn't get explored. If this is a first book of a series it definitely ends with you wanting to know more. It is definitely more if a history niche book tailored to an audience that already knows the War of the Roses.

Thanks to netgalley for providing this advanced copy for the purpose of review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and found it both engrossing and thrilling. It's such an interesting period in history and this story bought it to life. I'm looking forward to reading more from the author.

This book is a fascinating new addition to the War of the Roses/Plantagenet English history first brought to us by Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir (to name a few). Yet this book does something truly amazing, it takes a little known woman, Isobel Fenton, a woman treated cruelly by fate and history, yet rises above it all. Her tale is remarkable, and C.F. Dunn does a wonderful job at bringing her story to life. I felt I was there beside her the entire time, and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to see what happened. I hope the author writes a sequel, because this was truly enthralling. Anyone who needs a Philippa Gregory fix, or loves English history will enjoy this, and everyone else will also enjoy this. It's that good. What a life Isobel Fenton lived! Find out for yourself and you won't be sorry. I can't wait until I am able to own a print version, because this is definitely a keeper!

In 1469, England is facing upheaval. For nearly a decade, the captivating Edward IV has governed with the backing of the Earl of Warwick, but now, a rebellion jeopardizes the delicate peace. Isobel Fenton, characterized by her strong will and determination, is steadfast in her commitment to keep her cherished estate, Beaumancote, even if it means marrying Thomas Lacey. However, Isobel is oblivious to the significance she and her land hold, and she remains unaware of the formidable Earl's agenda under whose care she finds herself. As the unrest escalates into war, Isobel becomes entangled in the very core of the conflict. The question arises: Can she break free from the intricate web that ensnares her, and will she ever navigate her way back home?

This book left me with mixed feelings. While the plot and characters were interesting, deep, and engaging, the rhythm of the book was really slow. For the most part of the book, I felt that both the plot and the main character were trapped and not developing. Moreover, the ending of the book felt sudden and left me disoriented, as I hoped that at least some conflicts and character relationships would be more advanced or solved before the book ended.

On the bright side, you can feel that the book world and main conflicts have been thought trough, and the characters are both fascinating and deep. While you read, you feel like the characters are coherent with the actions that they take and do not feel rushed or nonsensical. I would love to point out that my intuition thought that knew where this book was heading and, as the book progressed, it was made clear that the story had other plans. It surprised me a lot, and hooked me even more. I also think that it is a great starting point for a series, since it creates a plot and characters that you care about, are well-thought and a world where anything can happen.

I recently read "Wheel of Fortune: The Tarnished Crown" by C.F. Dunn, a historical fantasy book set in England in the 1400s during the turbulent Wars of the Roses. In some ways, the book lived up to its promise of being intense and engaging, but in other ways, it left me with mixed feelings.

The author's careful study into history is one of the things that makes the book stand out. It is Dunn's skill that makes the political and social scene in England in 1469 come alive. The attention to detail is great; it makes the world seem real and takes readers to a time of love, loyalty, and betrayal.

But my trip through the pages of "Wheel of Fortune" wasn't easy. The pace was the main problem. It took a while for the story to pick up speed, and I didn't really get into it until about a third of the way through. The slow start made me wonder if I should keep going. If I hadn't been committed to writing a review, I might have given up on the book after that thought.

The finish was another thing that stuck out. I like how a series is set up, but I really wanted a conclusion, even if it was just for a side story. A good ending to at least one thread would have given us a feeling of closure and made room for new experiences. Instead, the story felt a little unfinished because there wasn't a clear ending. It was like a big part of the book was setting up the series instead of significantly adding to the plot.

As someone who likes historical literature, especially about the Wars of the Roses, I couldn't help but feel a little let down. There was some of the excitement and mystery that the idea promised, but it was often overwhelmed by what felt like fluff to set the stage for future parts.

In the end, "Wheel of Fortune" is a book that does a great job of staying true to history but falls short when it comes to pace and ending. Fans of the genre and people who are ready to commit to a series might like it, but I wanted a more exciting story that wasn't so dependent on what would happen in the next book. The fact that I gave it 3 stars shows that this historical fiction story has both good and bad points.

I really enjoyed this, I thought it was well written and had obviously been very well researched. The book did start off very slow and I wasn't sure if I would be able to continue but the tension definitely increased as plot tension did

Wheel of Fortune started out a bit slow, but the second half ramped up the action and made it difficult to put down. It was a very interesting take on the War of the Roses, told mostly from the perspective of Isobel, an unmarried woman whose father owned strategically important land until his death, leaving her his only heir. Isobel is left in the care of the cold Earl as tensions are rising surrounding the land she grew up on and who should be king. It was a very interesting introduction to the series, although there are definitely some graphic scenes in the book. Recommended for fans of Alison Weir and Philippa Gregory, and of course anyone interested in learning more about the history of the English Monarchy.

First of all the research and historical work is amazing. Dunn does this very well. However it was too slow of a start for me. I was finally about a third of the way in before I wasn't asking myself if I should shelf this. I may have if I was not reviewing the book. My second issue was the ending. Even with this being a series I would have like to see some resolution to at least a subplot. So it feels finished and a new subplot can take place. I feel maybe 1/3 of the book was exciting and the rest was fluff to make it a series.
I was disappointed because this period historical genre is one of my favorite. And I love a good series.

Sorry, I didn't realize when I requested this that it was part of a series where the first book ends kind of abruptly/on a cliffhanger, but I can't deal with that right now. However, I did enjoy what I read of this so far, so am giving three stars, and will definitely plan to come back and read further when book 2 comes out and hopefully there's at least more resolution (even if not yet a complete series to finish).

The first and potential most important aspect of Wheel of Fortune is CF Dunn's incredible knowledge of the time period. Her meticulous research helps to seamless weave in historical events and bring these vibrant characters to life. Through the life of 17-year old Isobel Fenton, Dunn gives us a glimpse into life at court with the Earl and the day-to-day life of a nursery made. Often these types of historical books are so focused in the larger picture that it was refreshing to have "slice of life" moments with Isobel, her servants, and her charges. While Isobel strives for a life at home in her garden, her future is embroiled in politics, and my heart pulled for her during the ups and downs of her journey. Any historian readers will be impressed with Dunn's ability to weave in the most minute historical details, and lovers of storytelling will be left on the edges of their seat (or more appropriately edges of a knife?!) at the twists in this tale.

Wheel of Fortune
by C.F. Dunn

1469. England is in turmoil. For almost ten years, the attractive and charismatic Edward IV has ruled with the Earl of Warwick's support, but now rebellion threatens the fragile peace.

Young and determined, Isobel Fenton is resolved that nothing will separate her from her beloved manor of Beaumancote, even if it does mean marrying Thomas Lacey. But Isobel is unaware of the importance she and her land represent nor of the agenda of the formidable Earl in whose care she finds herself. As an unseen witness to a summary execution, she is propelled into the world of personal feuds and national politics, and as unrest boils into war, Isobel is drawn into the very heart of the conflict. Can she escape from the web in which she is trapped, and can she find her way home?

This book defied my expectations in the best way. As someone who usually gravitates towards lighthearted books, the depth of the story took me by surprise.
Even though it diverged from my usual books, I found a lot of enjoyment in this book. The author's descriptive prowess brings the world and events to life, immersing the reader in the narrative. Isobel for an example is showcased as a formidable and compelling character.
And the ending really caught me off guard, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating story.

excellently written with dramatic scenes and great characters ranging from the spiteful Joan, Isobel’s fellow nursery maid to the ugly duckling Meg. I even came to feel a small modicum of sympathy for one of the more unlikeable characters, the haughty Countess. There are no long boring history lessons here; the characters live the events. Ricardians will enjoy Isobel’s encounters with the young Richard, Duke of Gloucester, whom she describes as “clever, funny —kind when he had no need to be.”

Isobel is a strong character but the book certainly shows how women were manipulated and repressed at that time. I am looking forward to reading more of The Tarnished Crown series. Very highly recommended! it's a page-turner and fans of historical fiction will love it.

I enjoyed this book, well apart from the too sweet romance. A good read for any historical fiction fan.