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J.P. Reedman
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Sacred King: Richard III: Sinner, Sufferer, Scapegoat, Sacrifice (WARS OF THE ROSES SHORT STORIES) Kindle Edition

by J.P. Reedman (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 out of 5 stars 171 ratings
SACRED KING, a historical fantasy novella about King Richard III, the battle of Bosworth, and its aftermath. In August, 1485, King Richard III rides on the hunt in Bestwood Park, near Nottingham, and sees a disturbing vision, a man being killed in ritualistic manner, his blood given to the hungry Land. Riding into Leicester with his army several days later, eager to face the invading Henry Tudor and defend his crown, he encounters yet more disturbing omens…the old woman Agnes Black upon Bow Bridge, who prophecies his head will strike the stone upon his return from the field. On the day of battle, the King is betrayed and loses his life in a heroic last charge, his blood falling on the red soil of Redemore Plain…. but that is not the end. A Lady who walks between Heaven and Hell takes Richard Plantagenet to the Middle Kingdom, like the prophet Thomas the Rhymer many centuries before. Will he join her band of unearthly knights, or will he find a way to escape from what he sees as purgatory? Includes a climax featuring the latter day discovery of the body of Richard III in a car park in Leicester, on the actual anniversary of the King's burial at Greyfriars after Bosworth—the event of his 'return to the world' heralded by brooding storm clouds. A tale of sacrifice and redemption, weaving into the story not only the history of Richard III’s final days, but various underlying legends and pieces of folklore connected with the event. SACRED KING is a fantasy, but perhaps most of all it is a story of hope. It tries to ascribe deeper meaning and a greater heroism using powerful archetypes such as The Doomed Hero, prevalent in stories millennia old. Revised Second Edition with NEW FINAL CHAPTER!
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  1. Part of series
    WARS OF THE ROSES SHORT STORIES
  2. Print length
    114 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    4 Aug. 2014
  6. File size
    4.1 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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There are 10 books in this series.
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00MFVN0UO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Herne's Cave Publishing
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 4 Aug. 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 4.1 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 114 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Part of series ‏ : ‎ WARS OF THE ROSES SHORT STORIES
  • Customer reviews:
    4.0 out of 5 stars 171 ratings

About the author

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J.P. Reedman

J.P. Reedman

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J.P. Reedman was born in Canada but has lived in the U.K. for nearly 30 years.

Interests include folklore & anthropology, prehistoric archaeology (neolithic/bronze age Europe; ritual,burial & material culture), as well as The Wars of the Roses and the rest of the medieval era.

Books Include:

WARS OF THE ROSES/RICHARD III

I Richard Plantagenet parts 1 and 2 (also available as an omnibus)

I RICHARD PLANTAGENET the Prequel, Part 1 (new for 2020)

A Man Who Would Be King (Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham)

Sacred King (historical fantasy)

BLOOD OF ROSES (Edward IV and Towton)

SECRET MARRIAGES (Edward IV, Eleanor Talbot and Elizabeth Woodville)

WHITE ROSES, GOLDEN SUNNES--Collection of short stories about Richard III and his family

FEAST OF THE INNOCENTS. Novella about Richard III's son Edward

THE MISTLETOE BRIDE OF MINSTER LOVELL. Novella about Francis Lovell based on local folklore.

THE MEDIEVAL BABES series about little-known medieval women:

MY FAIR LADY- Eleanor of Provence, wife of Henry III.

MISTRESS OF THE MAZE-Fair Rosamund, mistress of Henry II

THE CAPTIVE PRINCESS--Eleanor of Brittany, victim of King John

THE WHITE ROSE RENT- Katherine, illegitimate daughter of Richard III (long novella)

THE PRINCESS NUN-Mary, daughter of Edward I

MY FATHER, MY ENEMY-Juliane, illegitimate daughter of Henry I, who tried to assassinate her father.

THE HOOD GAME (series about a mystical, magical Robin Hood)

RISE OF THE GREENWOOD KING BOOK 1

SHADOW OF THE BRAZEN HEAD BOOK 2

STONEHENGE

THE STONEHENGE SAGA. Omnibus edition containing the two novels Stone Lord and Moon Lord. The Arthurian legends retold in an early Bronze Age setting.

DUE OUT THIS YEAR-- I, RICHARD PLANTAGENET THE SEQUEL PART 2--A VOUS ME LIE

LONGSWORD'S WIFE--Ela of Salisbury

THE HOOD GAME-part 3. BLOOD OF THE DIVINE KING

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
171 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book well-crafted and addictive to read. The fantasy elements receive positive feedback for their descriptive nature and mystical perspective, with one customer noting how myth and real history are skillfully woven together. They appreciate the story's length, with one mentioning it's not overly long.

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27 customers mention ‘Readability’20 positive7 negative

Customers find the book excellently written and a well-crafted pleasure to read, describing it as addictive.

"...they tie in with the story in the book ........... A thoroughly enjoyable read, but don't start it unless you have a few hours free, as you won't..." Read more

"Reedman’s talent at overlaying rich description, fantasy elements and real folklore and facts casts fresh light on Richard III’s oft discussed demise..." Read more

"...This is a well written and heartfelt book about an unfairly maligned man and king, who deserves this writer's compassion and the justice she has..." Read more

"...history and fantasy by Janet Reedman, made a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours of bedtime reading...." Read more

19 customers mention ‘Fantasy elements’16 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the fantasy elements in the book, finding them descriptive and fascinating, with one customer noting how myth and real history are skillfully woven together.

"...The actual historical bits are, as far as I am aware, accurate...." Read more

"Reedman’s talent at overlaying rich description, fantasy elements and real folklore and facts casts fresh light on Richard III’s oft discussed demise..." Read more

"...The mysticism and legends worked well, though I felt the inclusion of Stonehenge didn't quite fit in somehow...." Read more

"...She knows her historical facts, and I found that what happened to King Richard after his 'death' an interesting alternative perspective...." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Shortness of story’3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the shortness of the story.

"I very much enjoyed this book. It was quite short and gave a very mystical perspective to Richard's life (and afterlife)...." Read more

"...would reccomend it to anyone interested in the period as a good,not overly long read." Read more

"A good short story..." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Pilgrim
    5.0 out of 5 stars Addictive and fascinating
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 April 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book is addictive. Once I started reading it I had great difficulty in putting it down. I don't usually go for fantasy, but this is very well done. The actual historical bits are, as far as I am aware, accurate. It is all the more effective, because Ricardians will be aware of the "coincidences" around Richard's finding and reburial: rediscovered on the anniversary of his burial, the sudden thunderstorm, the solar eclipse on the Friday before his reburial (there was one on the day of his wife's death), the sun coming out as his coffin was lowered in to the tomb..... most of these happen after the end of the book, but strangely they tie in with the story in the book ........... A thoroughly enjoyable read, but don't start it unless you have a few hours free, as you won't be able to stop until you've finished it.
    I should think it will appeal to Ricardians, and to many others.
    Just a little quibble - towards the start of the book the proof reading leaves something to be desired. I noticed several typographical errors, but they don't detract from the book's being an excellent read.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Julie C
    3.0 out of 5 stars Intriguing concept, just not for me
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 December 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I read fantasy and historical books (both fact and fiction), so when I heard about this book I was intrigued. Having read it, I feel it is an interesting book/novella but I'm afraid it wasn't quite my cup of tea. I really enjoyed the part up to the Battle of Bosworth, but found the rest of the book hard to swallow. I would have liked to have seen Richard confronting more of those he is claimed to have wronged, more explaination of what he did and why (or at least, the author's take on it). The section coming after the discovery of the King's remains I felt was rushed and just a tad sentimental.
    I am grateful to the author because now I know I should keep my historical reading and fantasy reading separate, especially when it revolves around a man and times that I feel so strongly about. (Yes, I am a Richardian.)
    I would suggest that whether you like this book or not will depend on your views of King Richard III, your beliefs about the afterlife, and your acceptance or not of fantasy and myth. As such this is a very hard book to review as I would hesitate to either encourage or discourage anyone from reading it. I think it is one of those you have to read and make up your own mind.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Emmling
    4.0 out of 5 stars J.P. Reedman tackles Richard III. Includes special guest appearance of Stonehenge.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 22 August 2014
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    Reedman’s talent at overlaying rich description, fantasy elements and real folklore and facts casts fresh light on Richard III’s oft discussed demise. He is an archetype of sacrifice, and must atone for past failings- the princes’ unaccounted for loss-in a purgatorial Middle Kingdom, before his latter day rediscovery and restored reputation sets him at peace.
    Particular highlights for me were the thrilling retelling of Bosworth- Reedman can clearly do straight history extremely well- and Richard’s encounter with the terrifying Black Annis. I also enjoyed his metaphorical ascent to redemption and the way Reedman handled the tricky heaven question. The modern day car park scenes were a bit too sentimental for me but I’m sure will appeal to Ricardians. Certainly there is more to the man than the likes of Shakespeare would have us believe.
    9 people found this helpful
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  • Lynne Francis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Well written, heartfelt and impossible to put down!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 February 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I could not put this down once I started reading. JP Reedman conveys the time, place and Richard's emotions so vividly it is hard not to feel that you are standing there with him. The description and feeling of the Middle Kingdom captured very well my own feelings and images of what Purgatory would be like. The mysticism and legends worked well, though I felt the inclusion of Stonehenge didn't quite fit in somehow. This book finds you willing for Richard to overcome his final battles in accepting himself for who and what he is, in coming to terms with his guilt and sadness, and rejoicing in the faith, courage and peace that he finds.

    This is a well written and heartfelt book about an unfairly maligned man and king, who deserves this writer's compassion and the justice she has done him in her telling of his story.
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  • Karen Lewis
    5.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable amalgamation of history and fantasy!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 September 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I have a decades long interest in both King Richard III, and the Sacred King mythology, and I also enjoy the fantasy genre as well as straight history. This book, an amalgamation of history and fantasy by Janet Reedman, made a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours of bedtime reading. She knows her historical facts, and I found that what happened to King Richard after his 'death' an interesting alternative perspective. My only regret was that it was a novella rather than a full length novel.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • C Perry
    2.0 out of 5 stars I was really amazed at all the good reviews of this book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 December 2015
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    I was really amazed at all the good reviews of this book. It is a very small book and there are no page numbers. The fantasy element is very dramatic but leave King Richard out of it!! I laughed myself silly! The book also has many grammatical errors and typos which is annoying. This author obviously has flair and is very clever at weaving a fantasy but it seems very wrong to me to use it in the name of a dead king. Having put up with the travesty of William Shakespeare we now have Richard as a nut case which is surely just as bad!
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  • Amazon Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars While the historical events leading up to the battle are ...
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 August 2014
    Verified Purchase
    While the historical events leading up to the battle are well-documented and described, I felt that the depiction of Richard himself to be undeveloped. His later experiences in the afterlife tended to be frankly depressing. Meeting with True Thomas's 'Queen of Elfland' and her conversations with his were lifted directly from the poem (in the description of the three paths), and his encounter with the witch... Let's that as an ardent Ricardian I had hoped for more.
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Christine Nichol
    4.0 out of 5 stars I very much enjoyed this book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 1 October 2014
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    I very much enjoyed this book. It was quite short and gave a very mystical perspective to Richard's life (and afterlife). Perhaps not for purists, but a very interesting and spiritual read. I recommend giving it a try to everyone who wishes Richard's story hadn't have ended where it did!
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Isabella
    3.0 out of 5 stars Worth a try
    Reviewed in Italy on 4 August 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I personally do not like novels mixing real historical figures with fantasy scenarios like elves, after life, etc. (which I only enjoy when the characters and their world are completely invented), but this book came highly recommended by a friend of mine who shares my tastes and tried it with a special kindle promotion. I still cannot come to terms with the fantasy part after Richard III's death at Bosworth, but it is well written and heartfelt, even though sometimes the attempts to squeeze too much historical background information for the non Richard III expert make the reading less smooth here and there. Some passages make me think this is a promising author for Ricardian fiction
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  • silentminority
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wow
    Reviewed in the United States on 10 August 2014
    Verified Purchase
    If I mention 'the Golden Bough', many amazon users may know what to expect when they read this. For those who do not, there is an appendix that explains many of the themes in the book, but . . . wow.
    Well-written, obviously well-researched, boldly imagined and put together. It has the added advantage of pointing toward other, more scholarly books people might not otherwise explore. At one point I was even sure it was straying into 'Hamlet's Mill'. And yet the Bible is there too.
    I read this on kindleunlimited, and come Monday I plan to buy it for my own library. Wow.
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  • Christine
    4.0 out of 5 stars Moving
    Reviewed in the United States on 12 October 2022
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    This story really pulled on my heartstrings. I particularly loved the ending and was very emotional for me. I so felt for Richard and was so happy for him. JP Reedman is definitely one of my favorite authors!
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  • Tiffany D
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in the United States on 12 August 2014
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    Loved, loved this book. I've read several other books by this author and she never fails to impress. If you have an interest in Richard III or the War of the Roses, this is a must-read.
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  • J D Karpinski
    2.0 out of 5 stars Two Stars
    Reviewed in the United States on 2 April 2015
    Verified Purchase
    very bizarre mash up of history and supernatural
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