The Queen’s Rival

The forgotten story of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. A strong woman who claimed the throne for her family in a time of war…

‘A compelling story of divided loyalties and family betrayals. Dramatic and highly evocative’ Woman & Home

England, 1459. One family united by blood. Torn apart by war…

The Wars of the Roses storm through the country, and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, plots to topple the weak-minded King Henry VI from the throne.

But when the Yorkists are defeated at the battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecily’s family flee and abandon her to face a marauding Lancastrian army on her own.

Stripped of her lands and imprisoned in Tonbridge Castle, the Duchess begins to spin a web of deceit. One that will eventually lead to treason, to the fall of King Henry VI, and to her eldest son being crowned King Edward IV.

‘O’Brien manages to reinvent historical fiction’ My Weekly

‘This thrilling historical novel has it all – high politics, drama, emotion, excellent writing … It's a rollercoaster of a read’ Carol McGrath

‘Dramatic and highly evocative’ Woman’s Weekly

• Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir

• Sunday Times bestselling author

• ‘She outdoes even Philippa Gregory' Sun

• The forgotten story of Cecily Neville, one of history’s greatest heroines

• Publication will be supported by author PR which will include media interviews, events and appearances at literary festivals throughout the year.

• Sold over 450,000 copies across formats

Competition: Last Tudor;Tidelands;Last Protector;Six Queens;Mirror and the Light;Execution;Wolf Hall;Betrayals;Foundling;Dark Tides;Irish Princess;Daughters of Night. by;Phillippa Gregory;Andrew Taylor;S J Paris;Hilary Mantel;Alison Weir;Elizabeth Chadwick;Laura Shephard;Stacey Halls;Bridget Collins