Lionheart

Written by Sharon Kay Penman

Narrated by Emily Gray

From New York Times best-selling novelist Sharon Kay Penman comes the stunning story of a great medieval warrior-king, the accomplished and controversial son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine-Richard the Lionheart. A powerful tale of intrigue, war, and diplomacy, Lionheart plays out against the roiling conflicts of love and loyalty, passion and treachery, all set against the rich textures of the Holy Land.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Dec 9, 2011
• ISBN: 9781461847021

Sharon Kay Penman

For many years while she was a student and then a tax lawyer, Sharon Kay Penman (1945-2021) worked on a novel about the life of Richard III and The War of the Roses. After the original manuscript was stolen from her car, Penman rewrote the entire novel that would become The Sunne in Splendour. Penman is the author of ten critically acclaimed and New York Times best selling historical novels and four medieval mysteries featuring Justin de Quincy. The first book in the series, The Queen's Man, was a finalist for an Edgar Award for Best First Mystery from the Mystery Writers of America.

Reviews for Lionheart

[brokenteepee · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So much is known about Richard the Lionheart. Even people who don't know much about history have at least heard about him. He is a true legend. Yet in this magnificent novel Ms. Penman manages to make him both bigger than life and ordinary man. Richard ascends to the throne of England upon the death of his father, Henry II. His mother is Eleanor of Aquitaine and he had spent most of his life in her domain thinking he would be ruling there. He never expected to be King of England. He had "taken the cross" and found himself on the third crusade right after he was crowned King. He was unmarried and his heir was his youngest brother John whom he really did not trust. Smart man.Richard was a soldier through and through. He was a brilliant battle commander and strategist. He and Phillipe Capet of France were joining forces to go on the crusade together but neither man liked nor trusted one another.The book is a history lover's dream, full of detail and life created from the records left by peoples long dead. Fortunately with Richard there are records from both sides - those that hated him and those that revered him so a somewhat true picture of the man can be formulated. So often with historical records only one side is left to tell the tale.This is not a book for someone looking for a fast, light read. This is a book for someone who wants to truly immerse themselves in time and place. There are a lot of characters from a number of countries to keep straight - this is sometimes a challenge but they are important to the telling. I have never been disappointed in a book from Ms. Penman, in fact I look forward to each one with a passion.Lionheart tells only half of Richard's story; the rest will be told in the sequel - A King's Ransom. So my waiting begins. I first discovered Ms. Penman's books in the '80ies with The Sunne in Splendour and drove my husband crazy for every time we went to a book store I had to look for the next book and when it wasn't there I was crushed. This was, of course, before the internet became so ever present.So if you love history and you want a deep, involving book pick up Lionheart. You will not be disappointed.

[bookluver42 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you are looking for a quick light read you might want to bypass this one. If you enjoy early British history with excellent facts this is most definitely the book for you. If you are a fan of this author and haven’t read this book it’s a must. Ms Penman is excellent and never fails to excite and put you right in the period.Since Lionheart is only half of Richards’s story I eagerly await the sequel, A King's Ransom.By the way, if you are new to Ms Penman’s books you might want to read The Sunne in Splendour. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading.

[cattriona · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is another great tale from SKP -- well-drawn characters, a believable story and skillful combining of historical fact with credible fictional details join forces for a very engaging trip through Richard the Lionheart and his battles in the Crusades. The only negative is that some parts seemed to drag on a bit, but that reinforced the feeling of sheer boredom that the soldiers must have felt while killing time in the desert awaiting combat. Highly recommended for all fans of historical fiction.

[joririchardson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book opens in 1189, and Richard the Lionheart, son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine, has recently taken the throne. Immediately, he sets out on the Third Crusade, with the aspiration of conquering Jerusalem. This was the first of Sharon Kay Penman's books that I have read, but I certainly will not be the last. If there is one word to describe my reaction to this book, it would be: impressed. Very, truly impressed. Penman is obviously a seasoned, masterful writer. If her other books are even half as good (which I am willing to bet that they are), I'll be happy to read them all.The scope of the world that she covers in this book is expansive - and the world that comes across to the reader is fascinating. It is some of the most realistic historical fiction that I have ever read.She uses a large number of characters to tell the story, allowing us to see the complex, controversial time of the Crusades from differing perspectives. The story is illustrated with plenty of points of view - both the Saracen's and the Templar's. While the story is never strictly told from an Arab's view, Penman subtly highlights the injustices of war.With all of these eyes to look through, the book feels so much more filled out than others I have read on the topic. Other authors would not find keeping such an enormous cast under control, but Penman does so effortlessly.She has a way of immersing her story - and her readers - in a vividly real historical world. I felt that I learned as much from this book as I would a non-fiction volume.Another thing that made me appreciate this book was that, well, I found myself appreciating it. Let me explain. I usually cannot stand military / war stories. True, the further back in time, the more likely I am to be able to bear it, but war stories and soldiers simply do not interest me. Perhaps I have read too many. Who knows. However, this book pulled me in, including the battle scenes. And I can't remember a book doing that for a very long time.I found myself actually looking forward to the historical note at the end, knowing that it would be just as riveting as the fiction. This is real historical fiction, Outlander.

[fionaanne · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Another solid historical novel from Penman; it's a very pleasant way to learn history but found some of it (mostly love scenes) too inventive for my taste. Bonus points for the thoroughness of the author's note though; she's wonderfully transparent about what's completely made up.

[ellenekstrom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bad son, bad king, bad husband, but hey, he was a medieval rockstar! Richard I of England was the epitomy of the crusader and medieval superman. Penman once again brings us a sympathetic (and annoying) hero in her story of Richard, the first of two books. This story begins in the Kingdom of Sicily and ends with Richard leaving the Holy Land after the Third Crusade. I would have given this book five stars, but it got repetitious - unusual for one of Peman's books. I still recommend it.

[mjwebb-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It took me a long while to get into this book. I think it was mainly because the research is so thorough, that the author threw in too many names, places, explanations, etc. for me. In the early stages I felt the story did not move on fast enough (it is a very large novel and the font is so small). I really was struggling and had to force myself to keep going.
And then, something changed. More action. More intrigue. More politics, disputes, rivalries, love interest.....
Basically, more of everything. The story took off and I began really enjoying the novel to the extent where I wanted my next fix.
I think, because it was penned by a lady, the characters are explored in more depth. It's not all action through a man's eyes, in a man's world. You see things from the female perspective, and mightily frightening it is too!
If you like accurate yet thought provoking historical fiction, and if you have patience, this book is for you. Well written, engaging, exciting, you can't help but admire, like, hate, despise and empathise with the characters, whilst always keeping in the back of your mind the thought that, 'Holy Cow! This actually happened!'
I gave it 4 stars, but only because in my opinion it took too long to ignite.

[dinadansfriend · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Richard I was a towering figure who certainly seized the attention of his subjects and rivals when living. He had a very big footprint in the 1800's, when the idea of European and especially British achievements was paramount in historical writing, fictional and academic. Richard got a good boost from, of course, Walter Scott, for whom the image of a British king sailing across the world, and deposing evil usurpers, and throwing himself into the struggle to reclaim the Holy places was audience gold. Sharon Penman has a firm grip on a discriminating audience, as well, and has produced a book worthy of several days' attention. Some of her mechanisms are familiar to me now, but how else are you going to write for her particular customers? When not dealt with by her favourite resource, the family gathering where the girls can describe what is going on with their men, the action scenes are bit flat, given the material the sources provide us. Nonetheless, those who like this sort of thing will find not much of a fall off of quality.

[a1stitcher · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What can I say? It's an SKP novel. Wonderfully written and full of historical fact, this is the story of Richard The Lionheart's unbelievable Outremer sojourn. The Third Crusade. Nearly to the walls of Jerusalem, but not quite far enough to win the city from Saladin. There is another novel in the works and I will wait patiently for it.

[kuglar · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Very interesting novel - it changed my view of Richard, who I'd always thought was a swaggering, rather brainless war monger. As the author notes, there must have been some reason that he was Eleanor's favorite child. I understand that better now.

[elysianfield_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have to admit I’ve never tried to read a book about Richard whilst he was on crusade. I feared it would be boring but it certainly wasn’t. I confess I had a crush on him in Devil’s Brood so I was so excited that this book came out.Have to feel sorry for Berengaria though, even if the marriage started well. They were so ill-matched that I’m surprised it started that well at all. Sometimes opposites attract and all that but sometimes it’s just too different.I really liked Joanna and how she could knock some sense into her brother’s head at times. It seems like it’s been too long since I read Devil’s Brood and I tried to remember if we met Joanna in that book also? I can’t remember.It’s not a fast read but I didn’t find it boring. There’s a huge cast of characters and POV changes that might be annoying to some readers.

[andrew1theqm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book had quiet a slow start for me and took a while getting going, which was a surprise as I usually love Sharon Penman books from the very word go. It did however pick up pace and enjoyment from about the time they got to Cyprus. From this point on it was very enjoyable and difficult to put down. Richard comes across as quite a complex character and slightly different to the way he has been portrayed by many., Sharon Penman does comment on this at the end of the book. How he lived into his forties with the risks he took I will never know! Overall a very enjoyable read but a strange first few chapters with a character who hardly figured in the rest of the book. Overall I would give this 4 stars, although the second half of the book is worthy of 5!

[altheaann · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

A quote from Carlos Ruiz Zafón: "I think you have to be careful with research in fiction. I believe the best way to use it is to learn a lot yourself about what you're going to write, and then don't really use more than 1% of all the research you've done, at least visibly. ... the effective way to use research in fiction is to internalize it and embed its essence in the narrative fabric of the tale. Information only works in fiction when it plays a dramatic role. Often you read novels in which the author includes much of the research he's done... It could work in a journalistic context or in a nonfiction book, but in literature you need to find a way to incorporate it in the texture, the aesthetics, and the fabric of the world you're building for the reader from a purely narrative point, never as window dressing or as a display of erudition."

Sharon Kay Penman (and her fans) would doubtless disagree with everything Zafón says.
By her own admission, she loves adding "random details straight from the pages of [historical] chronicles" and she says "I tend to be obsessive-compulsive about research!"

The book is indeed excellently researched - but it feels more like reading a history text about Richard the Lionheart than a novel. It relates historic events in detail, even quoting from historical sources within the text. It frequently lists names of people who were present at certain occasions, for no dramatic reason, just because it's known, and one might find it interesting. It IS interesting. It's just not exciting.
I read all near-600 pages of this book, and didn't want to stop part-way through - but neither did I have any trouble putting the book down and doing something else for a while, at any point. I read a bunch of other books before getting around to finishing it.
It will definitely educate you on the circumstances surrounding the Third Crusade, and details of twelfth-century history. But the narrative lacks dramatic tension, even when the events being described are chock-full of drama! The characters didn't really come to life for me, as people. I feel that this is because Penman makes a conscious decision not to 'make up' too much stuff. But it also means that this isn't the sort of book I really prefer.

I got the book as part of the First Reads giveaway. I entered because I'd heard a lot of good things about Penman's books, and even actually own two of them that I'd been 'getting-around-to' reading. I'm sure there are many people out there who love her style of writing, but it's just not the style I most prefer.

[cyderry · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Eleanor of Aquitaine, a "barren queen" for Louis of France bore 4 sons for Henry II. The most notable and her favorite was Richard known as the Lionheart. After his older brother Hal's and his father's deaths, Richard became the King of the England and ruled Normandy, Aquitaine, and all the other little duchies that Henry had amassed as well but Richard was a warrior and had pledged to take the Cross and liberate Jerusalem. Shortly after he was crowned, Richard, along with Phillipe of France, headed toward the Holy Land. He stopped in Sicily, liberated his widowed sister, married his bride from Navarre, captured Cyprus, and freed Acre once in the Holy Land. Single-minded in his quest, this skilled battle commander recklessly endangered himself to protect his own forces throughout numerous battles. However, Richard was no diplomat and quickly alienated not only his ally, Phillipe of France, but also Conrad of Montferrat (new King of Jerusalem) and Hugh Duke of Burgundy.Unfortunately, without the complete support of the other Christian commanders, Richard was unable to fully liberate Jerusalem from he Muslim control and was forced to a peace where the Holy Land was open to Christians but still occupied by Muslims.This was a fascinating story filing in the portion of Richard's life that was engrossed by his quest to free the Holy Land. Very few books that I have read deal with this time in his life and I was completely engrossed.

[helenliz_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I admit to being mildly disappointed in this. I was a massive fan of Sharon Penman's Welsh trilogy, but the last few have been a bit patchy. I know it is impossible to write historical fiction and not know what the ending will be - we all do. But this seemed to be written from a more obvious posiiton of foreknowledge than usual. Too often a chapter would end with a short section "and chroniclers wrote..." Occasionally it works as a tool, to reinforce that this is a momumentous evemt, but it felt like this was happening too often. I also found the continual battles to be a bit wearing. OK, so Richard and the third Cruade is going to be a bit battle heavy, but it go a bit repetitive and, if I'm honest, a little stereotypically cardboard cut out. To sumarise, French bad; Saladin honourable but going to hell anyway; Richard - well the sun may as well shine out of his arse from this account. He's not maybe as bad a king as reputation may have made him, but this felt a bit too much like trying to repaint his reputation in a single volume - and it therefore felt unbalanced and biased. As usual, I like the interplay of charcters and the addition of a few minor characters close to the main protagonists to advance the story and provide some colour. But the whole was somewhat unsatisfactory.

[john257hopper · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Another beautifully written novel by this author. Covering the first three years of Richard the Lionheart's reign, this is in effect the fourth book in a series starting with her trilogy on Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. The sights, sounds and smells of the Crusade and of the Holy Land itself are vividly described. Richard comes across as almost an action superhero though the author's historical note makes clear that if anything she has downplayed the sources in this respect (both Christian and Islamic sources). Some character traits are repeated rather tediously, though, such as the famed Angevin temper and Richard's recklessness for his own safety, while being concerned nevertheless for the safety of his men. It's refreshing to see his wife Berengaria of Navarre portrayed as a character in her own right as she is generally outshone by the King's sister Joanna and indeed is probably the most obscure medieval Queen, often relegated to being merely the answer to the quiz question of who was only Queen of England who didn't set foot in the country during her husband's reign. Saladin and his brother Adil (Saphadin) are also well depicted as the honourable opponents they seem to have been. Richard is the great strategist as which he was almost universally depicted in the sources on all sides, the massacre of the Acre garrison being depicted in the light of contemporary concerns, horrific though it was. The leading French crusaders come across very poorly here, as obstructive cowards constantly trying to outwit Richard and this does seem a little simplistic.Overall, this is a brilliant read, well up to Penman's high standards. 5/5

[elekstrom-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bad Son, Bad King, Bad Husband, but Medieval Rockstar...

Sharon Kay Penman continues her saga of the most dysfunctional family of the twelfth century, the Plantagenets, with this first of two books about Richard, Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine’s third son, who later became known by his nickname, Lionheart. In fact, he’s the only English monarch not known by his reignal number. If you said “Lionheart” to someone today, they would probably know you were talking about King Richard the First of England, the epitomy of the Crusader and medieval superman.

The story starts out slowly and with a fictional character that sort of, kind of, disappears into the background midway through the first quarter of the very long book, never to be seen or heard again. While I understand the author’s use of the character to introduce us to the kingdom of Sicily and Richard’s youngest sister, Queen Joanna of Sicily, I thought it was unnecessary. Joanna’s story gives a back story to the conflict brewing among the nobility of southern Europe and we see Richard as a loving brother and diplomat – someone you don’t mess with.

I didn’t like the Richard in Penman’s trilogy that preceded “Lionheart.” He was a spoiled, nasty boy and adolescent with nothing but vengeance on his mind. He doesn’t like his brothers and sees them as the competition. Granted, his father Henry didn’t have the best parenting skills, but Richard was as brutal and mean with his brothers as he was with Henry, going to war with them whenever his precious Aquitaine was threatened. He was considered Eleanor’s favorite and that comes out in the story. I was glad to find Richard a more sympathetic character in “Lionheart,” more mature, but just as reckless and daring, courageous on the battlefield leading his army into bloodbath after bloodbath, getting out of one impossible tight spot after another and surviving. Richard takes the cross, the oath to fight for the restoration of Jerusalem after the battle of Hattin and the fall of Jerusalem in 1187. Here, Penman gets repetitious. The massacre known as the Horns of Hattin and the fall of Jerusalem to Salah al-Din is mentioned in almost every chapter, as a lesson to be learned. No one wants to repeat this horrible mistake. Also, the description of Richard’s royal ship, The Sea Cleaver, comes up more than once, as do the affinities of the men closest to Richard.

Tthe political battles between the Kings of England and France were telling and well portrayed – the less than Christian behavior and attitude of the Kings of England and France toward one another made taking Jerusalem even more difficult than the superior forces of Salah al-Din. If anything, the infighting between the monarchs made the Third Crusade a failure, in my opinion. They were too busy fighting each other to concentrate on defeating Salah al-Din.

We see the “Lionheart” in action from battle to battle, whether on the desert sand or in a castle hall. Richard’s prowess as a battle commander and a warrior was legendary in his own day and he was mobbed like today’s rockstar by his admirers. Penman shows us Richard the egomaniac: his entry into the port at Acre is an event to be witnessed. In fact he makes a spectacular entrance everywhere he goes. His men loved him because he walked among them, toiled and fought alongside them, and put his own safety aside to protect them. Above average in height and looks, he was a dashing prince and one to be obeyed. Penman does a fine job showing this.

I appreciated that Penman didn’t fall back on the Victorian supposition that Richard was gay. Few if any chronicles of his time make this claim. He was promiscuous and had one known illegitimate child, a boy, and he was taken to task bishops for neglecting his wife. Penman shows a man who goes about the motions of being married, trying to be a husband. If Berenguela of Navarre had been a trebuchet or arbalest, Richard would have paid more attention. Still, he’s no monster – just a man with a mission – to reclaim the Holy Land from the infidels, and the mission is his mistress. War is what Richard knows and it’s what he does best. He was also well-read, a poet and a musician, but it was the warrior everyone loved and feared.

This is another Penman book that gives you history and entertains while offering a lesson.

I’m looking forward to “The King’s Ransom” – I’m dying to find out what went wrong between Richard and his queen, and how Penman will deal with the Blondel legend.

A good reading experience and a great introduction for those who have never read about Richard I.

[pmaurer_11 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Story of Richard the Lionhearted and his crusade to reclaim Jerusalem. Additional historic figures we his sister Joanna, his wife Berengina, Saladin and the French king Phillip. Many, many battles and war scenes described. Different from the other Henry and Eleanor books. Not much discussion about what was happening in England or France,just battles.

[michellech_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This was my first take with the Crusades. There were some amazing threads throughout the book, such as Miriam and Morgan. The passion and danger they experienced was very well done. I have never been a battle and military strategy type of girl but Penman has an amazing ability to not only help you understand the tactics and players but also explains it so well in her writing that you not only get it, but also really care. Unfortunately I didnt connect as strongly with Richard and his bride, Berengaria. It might be that this was because there really wasn't a period where the two of them spent any significant time together. Perhaps if I knew more about Richard's earlier life I could have attached myself to him more. Eleanor of Aquitaine will always be my hero, stunning and strong, she was a woman way ahead of her time. How she managed to have such beautiful but destructive children is endlessly fascinating to me.

I want to know more about Phillipe, Henri and Isabella. Penman gives a fantastic introduction to each and really brings them to life. My time will be spent looking for a deeper insight into these major players. I also found the role of the Templars another area I want to know more about. Lots to absorb in an amazing narrative. Looking forward to the sequel.

[victoriajz · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I have the usual image of Richard I in my mind's eye, but it was great to have Penman put flesh on those old bones! I did end up liking this Richard more than other depictions of him. Enjoyed the book quite a bit and looking forward to the next.

[kraaivrouw · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I've been reading Sharon Kaye Penman from the beginning with her very first book, The Sunne in Splendour. My copy of this book has been re-read so many times it's close to needing replacing. She is one of my favorite authors, although she does spoil you for historical fiction. Once you're hooked on Penman, most other historical fiction falls far short of the mark she sets. She's smart, she writes well, she does an enormous amount of study of primary sources before she writes, and the stories she tells are so fascinating you'll go back to them again and again.Lionheart is the penultimate in Ms. Penman's books on Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and their Devil's Brood. I have a fondness for Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and no one's written better about them. Given the name it's not hard to figure out that this one is about Richard the Lionheart - considered to be one of England's great kings and one of the greatest war commanders ever.I've always been less fond of Richard than of the youngest of the brood, John. Richard is always presented as so big and bold - brash, daring, bigger than life, self-righteous, reckless. He's an amazing character, but something about John has also appealed to me (yes, I know, he's generally thought of as a villain). I think I like John because he was a survivor and because he was a pragmatist. He was always more concerned with the administration of his kingdom and of justice. He inherited a rudimentary justice system and spent a great deal of time expanding and formalizing it. He was also selfish, arrogant, sort of spineless, and left his father (who loved him greatly) to die alone.In any event, Richard is very heroic and Ms. Penman has not forgotten that. This is a novel of the Third Crusade, with all its betrayals and internecine warfare between the various European factions attempting to work together to take Jerusalem. As we all know, this region has never been kind to invaders - has always been a hotbed of religious warfare. Seeing this through 12th century eyes is an interesting experience, particularly since the broad brush strokes of it all seem so very modern in their own way. It is as if the Crusades have never really ended and no one has learned anything from them.Richard proves himself an almost invincible battle commander, charismatic, and pragmatic - opening discussions between himself and Saladin trying for a long-term peace over the ignominy of capturing Jerusalem only to see it lost again when he and the rest of the Crusaders returned home.This is a wonderful and entertaining read, illuminating a time in history most of us know little about. As always Ms. Penman's writing and storytelling skills carry the day and will carry you through to end - leaving you craving more.

[ellenlekstrom · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Bad son, bad king, bad husband, but hey, he was a medieval rockstar! Richard I of England was the epitomy of the crusader and medieval superman. Penman once again brings us a sympathetic (and annoying) hero in her story of Richard, the first of two books. This story begins in the Kingdom of Sicily and ends with Richard leaving the Holy Land after the Third Crusade. I would have given this book five stars, but it got repetitious - unusual for one of Peman's books. I still recommend it.

[4fish_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I waited eagerly for Lionheart to arrive, because Sharon Kay Penman is one of my favorite authors, and she doesn't disappoint. I loved all 600 pages. It only took me so long to finish because I had to finish a book club book and then take a break while I cooked and cleaned for Thanksgiving.Penman's take on the infighting and convoluted politics of Richard's Crusade is fascinating. He fought some horrific battles with the Saracens, but had even more vicious, if less bloody, fights with his reluctant allies, the French. Richard is generally dismissed as a bad king of England, largely because he rarely spent time there, but Penman makes it clear that in his day, he was considered a hero, and England was only a small part of his empire.But as usual, it's the secondary characters that really flesh out the story. Richard's sister Joanna, rescued from her husband's successor as King of Sicily and taken along to the Holy Land as a companion to Richard's new wife, Berengaria, a princess of Navarre. Henri of Champagne, son of another sister, and Morgan ap Ranulf, a fictional Welsh cousin, both follow Richard in battle. Their perspectives provide background and narrative to the story of a crusade that was considered unsuccessful because it fell short of recapturing Jerusalem, despite the fact that it enlarged the western sphere of influence in the Holy Land considerably, largely through Richard's mastery of the art of war.

[klaidlaw_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I couldn't believe my good fortune when I was notified that I had "won" this book in the Early Reviewers program. I have been awaiting it since I first heard it was in the writing process. The place to start reading this book is at the end--in the author's notes. Ms. Penman (who I have to admit early on is one of my favorite historical fiction authors) shows why this book is not only interesting as a read, but is important from a historical research perspective. The author had always been dismissive of Richard until she began researching for Lionheart. What she discovered, helped her peel back the myth of Richard and provide a look at the historical figure based on solid research in primary resources. That is one of the things that sets Ms. Penman above so many historical fiction writers. She is true to history and does not rely merely on secondary sources for her facts. To say that I like this book is a serious understatement, and I look forward to the second half. For a person she dismissed as uninteresting, weak, and vain, she has painted a magnificent portrait of a man of his age. There is a reason he earned the name Lionheart, and this book shares his exploits in the Holy Land to show why. He was a consummate military leader, a great negotiator, and a lousy husband. What more could you want for an interesting story. Sharon saved the best for last in her series of novels about the Angevin rulers.

[thelostentwife · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

When I got my copy of Lionheart in the mail, I screamed with excitement. I knew immediately the package held this book, due to the size of the package (and the notice that it was coming, of course), and I could barely open the package because my hands were shaking so much.When I settled down to lose myself in the story of King Richard, I was immediately reminded of just why I love Sharon Kay Penman’s writing. Intricately detailed, filled with rich characters, human characters – people that make you feel as if you are being introduced to them and they are friends that you can take away with you after you say goodbye. And on top of all of that, I knew that the education I was receiving would be information that was well-researched and presented fairly. One of my favorite parts of this book, actually, was the Authors Note at the end, in which Sharon describes how she felt toward Richard while writing Here be Dragons and how her opinion has been altered in writing this book.This book is history made fun. While my favorite of her books is, and will always be, Here be Dragons, Lionheart satisfied me and reminded me of just why I love historical fiction. Don’t give me flimsy, romantic stories – give me stories like this, filled with rich meat and potatoes of information and characters that are so alive they leap off the page.This is a story to read. If you purchase one book for your historical fiction loving friends and family (or yourself!) this holiday season, make this one it. You won’t regret it.

[romonko · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love Sharon Kay Penman's historical novels. They are so thoroughly researched and so well-written. The historical characters seem to come right off the page into your own life as you read. I have always loved the legend of Richard I (Richard the Lionheart), and was thrilled when i saw this book come out. Ms. Penman does her usual masterful job of depicting this larger-than-life warrior king. This is the first book of his remarkable attempts at the infamous Third Crusade. Ms. Penman is going to do another novel of the rest of his life after he leaves the holy land after the third crusade. This book has a lot medieval warfare in it, and it is depicted so realistically with all its gore and bloodshed. It was a book that I just couldn't put down. It swept me right into the latter years of the 12 century, and it was always difficult to leave that world and come back to this one when I did put the book down. I can't wait now for "The King's Ransom" where we will get to see the later years of Richard's life.

[devourerofbooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In her latest work of epic historical fiction, Lionheart, Sharon Kay Penman explores the reign of Richard I, Richard Coeur de Lion. In particular, Penman focuses on Richard as Crusader-King.Penman is a true master of historical fiction. There is a lot of repetition in the story of the Third Crusade, falling back, advancing, gaining cities and losing them again, Richard riding out with seeming disregard for his personal safety. And yet, Lionheart is a book I didn’t want to stop reading, despite its being 600 pages long. Penman’s strength is in bringing her historical characters vividly to life, without changing their stories or personalities for dramatic effect.Part of what makes Lionheart so compelling is Penman’s narrator, using the third personal intimate voice, switching not only between Richard and some of his men, but also between his sister Joanna and his wife Berengaria. The women and their retinue – unconventionally following the men on the Crusade, as did Joanna and Richard’s mother Eleanor when she was married to the French king – lent some relief what might have otherwise been a bleak and seemingly endless campaign, bringing humanity to the proceedings in Richard’s camp.Lionheart is another extremely strong showing from Sharon Kay Penman, and a fascinating look at Richard the Lionheart, Crusader King. The only real negative to reading something by Penman is that it reminds you that she has so many other fabulous (but long!) books that you haven’t read it, thereby stalling your entire TBR list. Highly recommended.

[bookscookslooks · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

So much is known about Richard the Lionheart. Even people who don't know much about history have at least heard about him. He is a true legend. Yet in this magnificent novel Ms. Penman manages to make him both bigger than life and ordinary man. Richard ascends to the throne of England upon the death of his father, Henry II. His mother is Eleanor of Aquitaine and he had spent most of his life in her domain thinking he would be ruling there. He never expected to be King of England. He had "taken the cross" and found himself on the third crusade right after he was crowned King. He was unmarried and his heir was his youngest brother John whom he really did not trust. Smart man.Richard was a soldier through and through. He was a brilliant battle commander and strategist. He and Phillipe Capet of France were joining forces to go on the crusade together but neither man liked nor trusted one another.The book is a history lover's dream, full of detail and life created from the records left by peoples long dead. Fortunately with Richard there are records from both sides - those that hated him and those that revered him so a somewhat true picture of the man can be formulated. So often with historical records only one side is left to tell the tale.This is not a book for someone looking for a fast, light read. This is a book for someone who wants to truly immerse themselves in time and place. There are a lot of characters from a number of countries to keep straight - this is sometimes a challenge but they are important to the telling. I have never been disappointed in a book from Ms. Penman, in fact I look forward to each one with a passion.Lionheart tells only half of Richard's story; the rest will be told in the sequel - A King's Ransom. So my waiting begins. I first discovered Ms. Penman's books in the '80ies with The Sunne in Splendour and drove my husband crazy for every time we went to a book store I had to look for the next book and when it wasn't there I was crushed. This was, of course, before the internet became so ever present.So if you love history and you want a deep, involving book pick up Lionheart. You will not be disappointed.

[ddelmoni_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm a fan of Penman's having enjoyed Sunne In Splendor and her Justin d'Quicy mysteries, with 2 others in my TBR pile. I was obvoiusly delighted to recieve Lionheart through LT early reviewer program.Richard is one of my favorite characters in English history and Penman does a good job in telling his story. I particularly liked the way Penman begins the story by centering it around his sister Joanna. Penman created a powerful segway for Richard's introduction into the story. I was impressed with Penman's ability to handle military action and still keep the reader engaged -- for once I wasn't skipping over the gorey/boring scenes. She's also adapt at setting the atmosphere of the 12th century holy land. TBContinued

[christiana5 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Lionheart tells the story of the Third Crusade, featuring much sniping between the French and English kings, Phillippe and Richard, both of whom have taken the cross, and their lords. A solid story by Penman, with good pacing, although it does take about 2/3 of the book before the characters arrive in the Holy Land, and the real battles begin. We get a female perspective from Joanna, Richard's widowed sister, who accompanies his new bride, Berenguela, and their ladies, on crusade. Many amazing battles based in fact, but most amazing of all is Richard's and Saladin's mutual respect for each other in a time when most of Richard's contemporaries would never deign to make treaties with their Muslim enemies. Not my very favorite of Penman's works, but I learned new things about the crusades and Richard, it kept my attention, and left me wanting to read the sequel. A solid 4 stars.