The Medieval Queens Book Tag

Hi there! I was tagged a few days ago for The Medieval Queens Book Tag. Thank you so much to A Couple of Bees for tagging me! If you haven’t been over to A Couple of Bees blog, you should go check it out. They always have such great reviews and bookish posts! This tag was created by  Jess from Jessticulates, so thanks to Jess as well for making such an interesting and unique tag!

This sounds like a lot of fun, and I’m excited to get started!

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1. EMPRESS MATILDA (1102-1167)

After her father, Henry I, died naming her his heir, Matilda’s cousin, Stephen, subsequently took the throne for himself. Matilda never stopped fighting for what was rightfully hers. Though she would never be named Queen of England in her own right, she was able to convince Stephen to name her son, the future Henry II, his successor over his own children.

Choose a book with a protagonist who stands their ground.

In A Scot to Wed, Katie goes to Scotland to claim MacDuff castle as her own, but doesn’t expect to meet a Highlander who also claims ownership. Both feel they have a legitimate claim, and Katie stands her ground even when pushed to return home. I love her fighting spirit!

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2. ELEANOR OF AQUITAINE (1122-1204)

Before she married Henry II and became Queen of England in 1152, Eleanor was Queen of France as the wife of Louis VII. She sought an annulment from her marriage to Louis, and he eventually agreed because 15 years of marriage had produced no sons, only for Eleanor to go on to have eight children with Henry—five of whom were sons. Ouch!

Choose a book or series in which the heroine has more than one romantic relationship.

Celaena has several romances, though it’s not the main focus of the Throne of Glass series. Rowan, Chaol, Sam, Dorian are all love interests at different points in the series.

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3. ELEANOR OF CASTILE (1241-1290)

A keen patron of literature and a successful businesswoman in her own right, Eleanor was Edward I’s first wife. He was so heartbroken when she died that he erected the Eleanor Crosses, twelve stone crosses marking the places where her body rested overnight on its journey from Lincolnshire, where she died, to her burial place in London. Three of the crosses still survive today.

Choose a bittersweet book.

There is one death in Crooked Kingdom that totally destroyed me. It was so sad and so unexpected, and I was completely shocked when it happened.

I loved the story and the way it ended, but it was definitely a bittersweet ending because of that death.

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4. ISABELLA OF FRANCE (1295-1358)

Often known as the ‘She-Wolf of France’, Isabella was Edward II’s wife. Unfortunately for Edward, he wasn’t particularly good at being king, and Isabella soon grew tired of his (possibly homosexual) relationship with his favorite, Hugh Despenser. After she began an affair with English nobleman Roger Mortimer while on a diplomatic mission to France, the pair returned to England with an army and she deposed Edward and acted as regent until their son, the future Edward III, came of age.

Choose a book where the romance overtook the plot.

I love romances and read them regularly, so this one is tough. Romance is often the focus in the books I read.

I remember reading The Selection years ago, and though I enjoyed it, the romance totally took over the plot. I was so curious about the world and other dynamics of the story, but all I really remember was The Bachelor-esque romance.

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5. PHILIPPA OF HAINAULT (1310/15-1369)

Queen of England as the wife of Edward III, Philippa was beloved by the English people for her compassion and kindness. The Queen’s College, Oxford, founded in 1341, is named in her honor.

Choose a book set at a university.

This story takes place primarily at Spindlewick College, a university for people with special powers.

Students take classes specific to their powers and include Magical Gardening, Non-Traditional Flying Methods, Spell Creation, and Shapeshifting: Theory and Ethics. So cool!!  

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6. JOAN OF NAVARRE (1368-1437)

Joan was Henry IV’s second wife. Six years after his death, Joan was accused of attempting to poison her stepson, Henry V, through witchcraft and was imprisoned for four years until he ordered her release, just six weeks before he suddenly died.

Choose a book about witches.

I’m so excited to read Circe! In Greek mythology, Circe is a witch who has the ability to transform people into different creatures.

I read The Song of Achilles several months ago and fell in love with it. The writing, the characters, the love story – everything was just exceptional. I’m hoping I’ll enjoy Circe just as much!

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I’m not tagging anyone today, but if you think this sounds fun, I’d love to see your answers!! Hope you have a great day!