Step into the blood-soaked, heart-pounding world of the Kingmaker series by Toby Clements, where the Wars of the Roses come alive through the eyes of ordinary folk caught in a brutal clash of kings! This historical fiction saga whisks readers to 15th-century England, blending gritty adventure with intimate human drama. With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Kingmaker offers a fresh lens on a chaotic era, making history feel as thrilling as any fantasy epic.
How Kingmaker Began
Toby Clements, a former journalist and literary editor, found his muse in the Wars of the Roses after a childhood visit to Tewkesbury Abbey, where the Lancastrian claim to the throne met a grisly end in 1471. Obsessed with the period, Clements dove into reenactment fairs, mastering longbow archery and medieval leather tanning (yes, it’s as gross as it sounds!). His passion for the common people’s resilience, rather than noble intrigue, inspired Kingmaker, a series that grounds epic history in relatable, human stories.
The Heart of Kingmaker
The series spans four gripping novels, each following Thomas and Katherine Everingham, two unlikely heroes navigating a war-torn England. Winter Pilgrims (2014) kicks off in 1460, as the pair flees a priory, thrust into a savage civil war. Broken Faith (2015) deepens their saga, with secrets threatening their survival. Divided Souls (2016) sees them grappling with loyalty amidst Yorkist discord, while Kingdom Come (2017) delivers a thrilling finale at the Battle of Tewkesbury. Each book pulses with action, from bloody battles to quiet moments of love and loss.
Clements’ style is raw and immersive, painting the Wars of the Roses with unflinching detail—think mud, gore, and the stench of medieval life. Themes of loyalty, survival, and the cost of war resonate, as Thomas and Katherine, neither knights nor nobles, embody the era’s unsung heroes. The series’ strength lies in its balance: historical accuracy meets page-turning drama, making complex politics accessible through personal stakes.
Why Kingmaker Resonates
Kingmaker has carved a niche among historical fiction fans, earning praise from luminaries like Hilary Mantel for its vivid prose and emotional depth. By focusing on ordinary lives, it demystifies the Wars of the Roses, inviting readers to feel the era’s chaos rather than just study it. Its blend of heart-wrenching character arcs and meticulous research has sparked renewed interest in this turbulent period, proving that history’s forgotten voices can captivate modern audiences.
- Publication Years: 2014–2017
- Number of Books: 4
- Notable Praise: Endorsed by Hilary Mantel and Manda Scott
- Setting: Wars of the Roses, 1460–1471
Grab Winter Pilgrims and dive into Kingmaker’s gritty, glorious world—where history’s heartbeat echoes in every page!