Sun Ascendant continues the story of the Tarnished Crown series. Set against the backdrop of the political crisis that, literally, split Edward IV’s reign in two. Edward IV’s falling out with the Kingmaker – Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick – led to him losing the throne and the readeption of Henry VI, though only for a short time. It was one of the most dramatic and violent periods of the Wars of the Roses.

Living in Tickhill Castle, in Yorkshire, Isobel Fenton is far from the fighting, but not the political wranglings and machinations. And Isobel had her own wars to fight. Forced to become the earl’s mistress, she has to navigate the family dynamic and atmosphere instigated by her nemesis, the Countess. Sun Ascendant clearly demonstrates how women are not immune to a form of domestic warfare – nor to the shifting political landscape.

Sun Ascendant by C.F. Dunn is not always comfortable reading. It brings home the truth of how powerless women could be – and how women could so easily be blamed for the violence committed against them. It also demonstrates how women can come to accept that violence and even empathise with their tormentor. It makes you think of the dynamics and complications involved in a controlling relationship – especially where the women can see no way out. She feels – and is – powerless.

The setting is perfect. And C.F. Dunn has certainly done her research of the area in which the story is set, South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. This is my home turf; I grew up in South Yorkshire and now live a stone’s throw from North Lincs. One part of me – the Yorkshire lass – was trying to catch the author out in her portrayal of the landscape, Tickhill Castle and the Isle of Axholme. But I failed. I was impressed with Dunn’s ability to find alternative routes into Doncaster and her use of the abbeys, priories and ferries in the area, to get friend and foe alike to where they needed to go. I was disappointed no one stopped at Conisbrough Castle for refreshments- but maybe in the next book?

In Sun Ascendant, C.F. Dunn has written a masterpiece that puts a fictional earl at the heart of the Wars of the Roses, while being the cause of drama and strife at home.

All in all, Sun Ascendant is a fascinating, captivating novel that will enthrall the reader, taking them through the full range of emotions. You will get angry, worried, nervous for the fate of the characters. And you will cry. And you will spend days – weeks, even – thinking about the book long after you have finished it.

I just hope it is not too long a wait to the next instalment….

Thanks to netgalley for providing this advanced copy for the purpose of review.
I had read and enjoyed the previous book so was looking forward to the continuation of the story. I enjoyed this one even more and it was full of intrigue and drama and held my interest throughout and with a satisfying ending.

“If I am wicked Eve, what does that make you?” She asked him. “Foolish Adam.” He smiled at her surprise. “Or if not Adam, how about Adonis, for he was loved by two women?” “But Adonis was betrayed by envy. Am I Venus or Persephone?”
A story of love, and war, “Sun Ascendant” written by C F Dunn is an excellent read. Set in the 15th century and the second book in the series “Tarnished Crown” this book contains themes of lust, betrayal, loss, loyalty and a list of many more. Dunn clearly put a lot of time to simply just researching the setting in which this book took place which a reader truly appreciates.
This novel provides a larger number of views than the first book in the series, providing us not just Isobels, but Roberts , and the Earls viewpoints. The story follows Isobel on her journey as a mistress (though unwilling), a love triangle, and a fight to gain the power and respect she rightfully deserves. All while following the earl on his journey of loss, betrayal and love as well as war. Not to mention Roberts side in which he also struggles with similar issues as his elder brother The Earl. Besides romance Dunn bestows upon us adventure, powerful and relatable characters, an intriguing plot line, and gorgeous inspiring writing. The author provides many life lessons including that change in necessary: “Nothing can remain the same. All must pass.” This work is definitely one I’d recommend to all historical fiction lovers I know, and I’m excited to read more of C.F Dunns work.
“War brings change, and we must change with it if order is to be restored.”

England 1470

The fight for who will be King of England continues. Isabel, now ensconced in the Earl’s Keep is surrounded by enemies, including the Countess Felice, and has few friends, no one to protect her. The Earl is off fighting with King Edward, arraigned against the Earl of Warwick, the Duke of Clarence, and their allies.
She’s still mistress to the man who took her. Unknown to all, she’s pregnant to the Earl’s brother, Robert Langdon. Her son is her life and she’s desperate to keep him safe.
She learns a terrible secret, flees back to her lands, and fights to death’s door for all she loves.
War is bloody, brutal and unforgiving. To the winner goes the spoils. Women and children are as always caught in the middle, powerless and dependent upon their wits. When that fails?
The War of the Roses story continues despite the pain, deceit and brutality that is unlocked. After all a crown is the prize. I recommend books be read in order for a full picture.

A Literally PR ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

A tale of love and betrayal, power struggles, wars and bloodshed. A mistress is pregnant but for who? The Earl is married to a countess whose jealousy is a boiling cauldron. Isobel being a mistress is a taint that needs to be removed as soon as possible. Ample chances present themselves when the country is torn by war and the Earl has to go and fight for the king. Sun Ascendant Book 2 of the Tarnished Crown Series by C.F Dunn is a historical fiction and a masterpiece by its own right.

The swift development of the story is one of the aspects that made this book enjoyable. The author has the talent of introducing new concepts while gathering momentum. Events developed quickly and characters were developed enough for the story.
Another captivating aspect is that while the book is historical, its major body is a thriller. Each thread of the tale is hooking. The love that is betrayal to another and the futile jealousy.

The depiction of characters was realistic. For instance this quote from the book “War makes beggars of us all”, we can see that the characters have to fight not for the thrill of it but as a need.

One thing I didn't like about the book was the dark cloud hanging on characters. Lovers were parted and marriages fixed based on the king's choice, properties and loyalties.

I rate Sun Ascendant by C.F Dunn 5 out of 5 stars. It is deserving for its smooth flow and hooking qualities. It is also detailed and can stand on its own. I have only read this book of the series yet I fully enjoyed and turned the last page with satisfaction.
I recommend this read to people who enjoy historical fiction.