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ROMANTIC NOVELIST'S ASSOCIATION'S HISTORICAL NOVEL OF THE YEAR

"The best writer of medieval fiction currently around."—Historical Novels Review

The fifth book in bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick's William Marshal series, To Defy is King is a riveting historical novel of family, loyalty and betrayal, featuring the daughter of medieval England's Greatest Knight.

The spirited daughter of England's greatest knight, Mahelt Marshal, lives a privileged medieval life. But when her beloved father falls out with the volatile and dangerous King John, her world is shattered. The king takes her brothers hostage and Mahelt's planned marriage to Hugh Bigod, heir to nobility, takes place sooner than she expected.

Mahelt and Hugh come to care for each other deeply, but Hugh's strict father clashes with the rebellious Mahelt. When more harsh demands from the British royalty threaten to tear the couple's lives apart, Mahelt finds herself facing her worst fears alone. Caught between the family she was born in and the family she married into, Mahelt is uncertain if she—or her marriage—will survive.

Written with vivid detail and great historical accuracy, To Defy a King is an immersive novel of medieval England. Fans of Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, Sharon Kay Penman, and Bernard Cornwall will take pleasure in this well-crafted story of a vibrant, noble woman in a tyrant's world.

More Novels of Elizabeth Chadwick's William Marshal:

The Greatest Knight

The Scarlet Lion

For the King's Favor

Templar Silks

To Defy a King

About the Author

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“A star back in Britain, Elizabeth Chadwick is finally getting the attention she deserves here,”—USA Today. Chadwick is the bestselling author of over 20 historical novels, including The Greatest Knight, The Scarlet Lion, A Place Beyond Courage, Lords of the White Castle, Shadows and Strongholds, The Winter Mantle, and The Falcons of Montabard, four of which have been shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Awards.

Praise For…

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"Ms. Chadwick has a way of telling her stories that pulls me from my current surroundings and submerges me in the place of her tale. Her eye for detail AND storytelling is so good that you forget where and almost who you are and just join the characters in the book." — The Broken Teepee

"I highly recommend reading To Defy A King, and for that matter all of Ms. Chadwick's books. They are really a true treat to read. I found I tucked myself into bed quite early at night just so I could read their story for hours and hours." — History Undressed

"Ms. Chadwick's reputation precedes her, but her actual writing exceeds her reputation by a mile. I was really taken by the ease with which Elizabeth writes about history.There wasn't a dull moment in this book." — Reading Extravaganza

"After reading four of Elizabeth Chadwick’s books I don’t think that there is anything she can do wrong in writing this genre. The characters are wonderful – fleshed out, individual, not stereotypical and graceful. The blend of action scenes and emotional scenes are well balanced. You come away from each of these books wanting more!" — The Maiden’s Court

"One of my favourite medieval authors, the super talented Ms. Chadwick, is at it again with her latest offering, To Defy a King. I always marvel at how easily she seems to bring these characters to life all the while helping her 21st century readers understand and appreciate times from long ago." — Book Drunkard

"4/5 Excellent! This vivid and engrossing tale of a noble daughter's life will draw you in, so set aside a few hours for the reading!" — drey’s library

"You know you can't go wrong with Elizabeth Chadwick's writing, as she has gained fans around the world. I doubt anyone bothers reading this review because of the fact that almost everyone has the same opinions of her..Chadwick is an icon for the historical fiction community for her ability to create a believable and passionate story based around major events of the era" — The Burton Review

"With vivid immediacy, To Defy a King tells a story of politics in the vicious era leading to the Magna Carta, which is also a moving and sexy love story and, above all, the story of a woman who refused to tolerate demeaning and abusive treatment - even from her king - in a time when many women simply accepted it as their lot. " — HistoricalNovels.Info

"I have to be honest and say that this was the first book of Elizabeth Chadwicks that I have read and I was very impressed with her writing. The author wrote of these characters and timeframe with as much historical accuracy that can be put in a work of fiction. I can see why To Defy A King is Historical Novel of the Year by the Romantic Novelists’ Association. So congrats to Elizabeth on a great book! " — CelticLady’s Reviews

"Each and every time I read a book by Elizabeth Chadwick I am certain she has written the perfect book that cannot be topped. And each and every time I read her next book, I find I am wrong." — Thoughts from Lady Tess

"She seamlessly weaved historical facts with real life characters and events in to breathtaking historical fiction. She captured my imagination and my heart.

Elizabeth Chadwick to me, in a Queen of historical Fiction." — So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

"A big yes for historical fans. There is love, war, politics, a wicked king and the daily life of a noble family in 13th century England. I could not put it down." — Book Girl of Mur-y-Castell

"If you are like me and love travelling back in time, I think you'll want to devour Elizabeth Chadwick's books. " — He followed me home

"This is a great Middle Ages biographical fiction that enables fans of Elizabeth Chadwick to feel they are "living the history". " — Genre Go Round Reviews

" I recommend this book to anyone who loves strong female characters and/or historical fiction. This is the first book I read by Ms. Chadwick -- I know it won't be my last." — Martha’s Bookshelf

"This is an excellent book for lovers of historical fiction, 13-th century England, and strong women." — Library of Clean Reads

"It is a fantastic book that I highly recommend. Elizabeth Chadwick books seem to get better and better and she is now one of my favourite historical authors." — Queen of Happy Endings

"Chadwick again captures the inherent complexity of medieval alliances and rivalries in this irresistibly readable historical romance featuring a willful and wily heroine ensnared in a particularly thorny political hornet’s nest. Chadwick’s characters step directly off the pages of history into this fresh fictional reimagining of a perilous time and place." — Booklist

"I alternated between biting my nails for them and tearing up. It was nice to be reminded that true love can conquer all." — First for Women

"It is no surprise that Chadwick is one of the most respected authors of medieval historical novels. 4 1/2 Stars, Top Pick of the Month " — RT Book Reviews

"Characters you care about. Or loathe. Atmosphere so pungent you can almost smell it. And juicy chunks of violent medieval history you can enjoy in the climate-controlled safety of your own home. A star back in Britain, Elizabeth Chadwick is finally getting the attention she deserves here." — USA Today