National Bestseller“A well-researched and well-told epic history. The Dark Queens brings these courageous, flawed, and ruthless rulers and their distant times back to life.”--Margot Lee Shetterly, New York Times-bestselling author of Hidden FiguresThe remarkable, little-known story of two trailblazing women in the Early Middle Ages who wielded immense power, only to be vilified for daring to rule.Brunhild was a foreign princess, raised to be married off for the sake of alliance-building. Her sister-in-law Fredegund started out as a lowly palace slave. And yet―in sixth-century Merovingian France, where women were excluded from noble succession and royal politics was a blood sport―these two iron-willed strategists reigned over vast realms, changing the face of Europe.The two queens commanded armies and negotiated with kings and popes. They formed coalitions and broke them, mothered children and lost them. They fought a decades-long civil war―against each other. With ingenuity and skill, they battled to stay alive in the game of statecraft, and in the process laid the foundations of what would one day be Charlemagne’s empire. Yet after the queens’ deaths―one gentle, the other horrific―their stories were rewritten, their names consigned to slander and legend.In The Dark Queens, award-winning writer Shelley Puhak sets the record straight. She resurrects two very real women in all their complexity, painting a richly detailed portrait of an unfamiliar time and striking at the roots of some of our culture’s stubbornest myths about female power. The Dark Queens offers proof that the relationships between women can transform the world.
✔ Author(s): Shelley Puhak
✔ Title: The Dark Queens: The Bloody Rivalry That Forged the Medieval World
✔ Rating : 4.4 out of 5 base on (494 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1639730753
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about The Dark Queens by Shelley Puhak
Jazlynn Daniels
Travel back in time with a historical epic that vividly recreates a bygone era. The author's meticulous research and engaging prose transport you to another world. Complex characters and intricate plots keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Each chapter reveals new insights into the period's culture and society. It's a captivating blend of history and fiction. Ideal for history buffs and lovers of epic sagas.
Sara Poole
Explore the complexities of human relationships in this beautifully crafted novel. The author's nuanced writing and rich character development make for an engaging read. Each storyline intertwines seamlessly, creating a tapestry of interconnected lives. The emotional depth and realistic portrayal of life's challenges resonate deeply. It's a book that stays with you long after you've finished reading. Perfect for fans of literary fiction.
Jayleen Vargas
Discover the hidden stories behind famous works of art in this fascinating book. The author's detailed research and engaging writing bring each piece to life. Each chapter uncovers new insights into the artists' lives and creative processes. The narrative is both informative and captivating, offering a new perspective on familiar artworks. It's a must-read for art lovers and history buffs alike. Perfect for those who appreciate the stories behind the art.
