The King's Mistress

Sep 13, 2025 3:06 AM

Author:Emma Campion

The King's Mistress

From childhood Alice Salisbury has learnt obedience in all things and at fourteen dutifully marries the man her father has chosen for her - at the cost of losing for ever the love of her mother and the family she holds dear. But merchant Janyn Perrers is a good and loving husband and Alice soon learns to enjoy her marriage. Until a messenger brings news of his disappearance and she discovers that her husband had many secrets - secrets which have now put a price on her own head and that of her beloved daughter.

Brought under the protection of King Edward III and Queen Philippa she must obediently embrace her fate once more - as a virtual prisoner at Court. And when the king singles her out for more than just royal patronage she knows she has little choice but to accept his advances. But obeying the king brings with it many burdens as well as pleasures, as she forfeits her good name to keep her daughter free from hurt.

Still a young woman and guided by her intellect and good business sense, she learns to use her gifts as wisely as she can. But as one of the king's favourites she brings jealousy and hatred in her wake and some will stop at nothing to see her fall from grace...

Reviews

A sumptuous debut novel. . . the spirit and atmosphere of the time is captured in this brilliantly readable story

—— Lancashire Evening Post

[A] touching and beautiful story

—— Catholic Herald

One of the most potent and unusual works of literary fiction I've read in years... Mercurio's Yefgenii is as real as anyone you've ever cared about. And care you will

—— Michael Faber , Guardian

A seat-of-the-pants ride through the life of top Soviet fighter ace with his sights set on the Moon, from an author whose sights are set just as high

—— Esquire

A Russian version of The Right Stuff... Riveting

—— Daily Telegraph

In moments of intense action, we're with this protagonist every inch of the way, through every thought, dive, ache, smell, itch, tast and gastric movement... vertiginously thrilling

—— Observer

Ascent is a page turning story of a man's ambition to be the very best. Based on real events and using real people, it places this fictitious character in a period when space itself was there for the taking. Beautifully written, it's a book that deserves to be read

—— Angela Cooke , Daily Express

A cross between adventure story and literary fiction, this is an unusual novel

—— Financial Times

Streaks by at full throttle... truly exciting

—— Sunday Telegraph

Speaks volumes about heroism and the human condition... A taut, page-turning narrative

—— The Times

Ingenious

—— Time Out

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