The Importance of Sons

Last year I read another book by Keira Morgan, The Importance of Pawns, and loved it. I resolved to read every other book she has written and The Importance of Sons became my newest novel of hers. It is the author's second book in the Chronicles of Valois series. Sons is about Duchess Anne, the young ruler of Brittany who was forced by her family into a bitter choice: marry the French king or lose her duchy. Anne is surrounded by enemies but she eventually learns how to navigate the treacherous French court and secure her place as queen. When her first child is born, Charles-Orland, Countess Louise d’Angoulême resents both Anne and the baby. Louise, with ambitions for her own son, challenges the queen's position and manipulates the king's decisions. They frequently clash as they compete for power and control. This story is based on the life of Duchess Anne of Brittany. The author brings us a riveting tale about the dangerous rivalry between these two strong women.

The story began slowly because many characters were introduced all at once. I had a hard time keeping them straight. I felt the Louise was the more likable character at first. Anne was painted as a frivolous girl but as the book delved further into her life story, she became a compelling character. While she enjoyed spending money, Anne had a difficult life. She was forced to leave her first husband, before receiving an annulment from the Pope, and marry someone she did not know, the king of France, when she was just fifteen-years-old. She was definitely manipulated by everyone at the French court but she learned how to make a life of her own. I then began to view Louise as a villain. Certainly, their sons were competing to be the king of France, but Louise harbored a lot of hate in her heart. Anne never did so I felt she was the most likable. By the time she was 20 Anne had given birth 5 times. Can you imagine that? History tells us which son captured the throne but I will not be a spoiler. Even if you already know, reading about the maneuvering between these two ladies will be enjoyable for you to read about.

3 out of 5 stars.