A Place Beyond Courage

by Elizabeth Chadwick Book 1 in the William Marshal series.

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John FitzGilbert, royal marshal to Henry I, builds his position through service, calculation and a willingness to take risks. When the king’s death produces a disputed succession, John’s first marriage collapses under the pressures of ambition and he marries Sybilla of Salisbury, daughter of a former enemy.

The conflict between King Stephen and Empress Matilda turns castles, marriages and children into political assets. John repeatedly changes tactics to protect his lands, but the war reaches its most personal point when his young son William is taken hostage and John must choose between paternal feeling and the survival of his cause.

Historical Periods

The Anarchy1135–1154 CE

Genres

Biographical Fiction Court & Political Fiction Historical Sagas Romance Social & Domestic Fiction War Fiction

Historical people

Empress Matilda1102–1167 Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester1090–1147 Geoffrey de Mandeville, 1st Earl of Essex1092–1144 John Marshal1105–1165 Henry I of England1068–1135