The Iron King (The Accursed Kings, Book 1)

Maurice Druon

Mar 2013 · The Accursed Kings Book 1 · Sold by HarperCollins UK

About this ebook

‘This is the original game of thrones’ George R.R. Martin

From the publishers that brought you A Game of Thrones comes the series that inspired George R.R. Martin’s epic work.

France became a great nation under Philip the Fair – but it was a greatness achieved at the expense of her people, for his was a reign characterised by violence, the scandalous adulteries of his daughters-in-law, and the triumph of royal authority.

Ratings and reviews

Really enjoyed the intrigue and drama that surrounded this royal family and could see where George R.R. Martin got some of his inspiration. The events in the book are close to real events of history but you can tell where the author took liberties to provide a bit more drama. I'm getting the second book now.

Overall, I liked the storyline. It is only a 3 star rating because I thought the author's thought process a little chaotic. The story does not flow easily.

I bought this book on accident, and I'm unable to get a refund. The purchase was made on October 30th 2021.

About the author

Maurice Druon was a French resistance hero, a Knight of the British Empire and a holder of the Grand Croix de la Légion d'Honneur. He was also a member of the Académie française and a celebrated novelist, best known for his series of seven historical novels under the title of The Accursed Kings, which were twice adapted for television. A passionate Anglophile, he was a great expert on all things English, including its medieval history, which provides great inspiration for the series. His many and diverse fans include George RR Martin, Nicolas Sarkozy and Vladimir Putin.